How I found happiness in Germany

[@simplegermany]

🚨 Trigger warning: This video includes discussions about loss and violence (from minute 08:11), specifically about my brother's passing. If these topics are difficult or triggering for you, please take care of yourself and feel free to pause or skip this video.

[@ernestobegotjr.423]

After losing my son last 2020… 😢 I’m here in Germany, and Deutschland give me a new home to start things up. Now 16 months in Germany and still struggling, but I was motivated like a bamboo tree…😊

[@simplegermany]

So sorry to read about your loss! Keep strong! 🎋

[@WaterFor3st]

❤

[@maylinde986]

💕

[@maylinde986]

💚

[@lovepower1440]

Sorry on your loss

[@ivanaandric8375]

This is one of the most honest videos I have ever seen online. Thank you so much for sharing it. You are so strong! Keep on the good work.

[@nidhigera8861]

Hello fellow Düsseldorfian !! I usually don’t comment on videos but this one came on my feed just when I needed it. I came to Germany on a JSV, finally found a job after months of rejections and interviews but got terminated within 3 months and now my struggling with visa extensions and the endless ordeal of applying again. Everyday since the day I got fired I have been thinking of going back home because nothing makes sense anymore. But this video gave me hope. Hope to keep fighting till I can. I never thought about why I came to Germany in the first place in the last few weeks. So thank you again for sharing your story. And lots of hugs to you❤ I have a brother too and everyday I pray for this safety and health. I am so sorry for your loss. No words can fill in the void you must have and still must be going through. But stay strong. You are an incredibly strong woman ❤️

[@simplegermany]

Thank you so much for taking the time to comment and sharing your story. I'm so sorry to read that you got terminated after 3 months. You got this! It's not over, until it's over, so keep on applying everyday. Big hug back!

[@nikhilpaliwal8533]

Times could be hard but best thing about it, it changes. Keep going and hope you find a job soon.

[@suzananeves2412]

I am so sorry about your brother! Thank you for sharing such an encouraging message for all who are struggling now. ❤

[@bahaaworld]

That was so emotional, my eyes teared up. Thank you for being so vulnerable and sharing such a personal story. I am glad for you that you found happiness and the love of your life !!

[@mustafa_alfaisal]

As someone who spent his entire life surviving war, I can truly understand your feelings and I would like to thank you very much for your commitment to helping others, I'm glad that I found your channel as it answers all my questions every time I have one, you just post a video to answer it and keep me motivated, I can finally say that now I'm in Dusseldorf and pursuing my dream. Thank you

[@simplegermany]

So happy to read that! :)

[@samibzzi]

Please, go back to Iraq. You dont belong to the western world. Islam is Cancer. Go back to your place.

[@pixans2199]

​​@@samibzziYou do realize this person is expressing gratefulness to a lesbian woman married to a woman right? Not all Iraqis are muslims and not all muslims are fundamentalists, and I say this as a person who was oppressed by fundamentalist Islam. Get some help and stop assuming people are bad. It's not nice to lump people into a group of extremists just because they happened to be born in a certain place.

[@samibzzi]

@@pixans2199 It doesn't matters. They play to be "Good Muslims". Theres is not such thing as "Good Muslim". Please go and read the Coran. Muslims does not accept Gay People. By sake of God. The country is getting full of muslims, and they wanna impose and a caliphate. This is just ridiculous. They kill gay people, they practice child marriage, they dont respect basic individual rights. Please, stop the Islamization of Europe. This people doesnt belong here.

[@rodolfocacacho7330]

De un Guatemalteco en Alemania, te entiendo 100%, me imagino lo difícil que fue ese momento para ti y lo que pasaste. Mi mas sentido pésame. Esa frustración de injusticia e inseguridad y de no poder hacer nada para cambiarlo. Pero eres un gran ejemplo a seguir, este canal ha sido una gran guía para poder conocer y adaptarme mas fácil a Alemania! Muchas gracias y sigue adelante!

[@kevincejiang8277]

Love it when every time you talk about your story moving to Germany. Deeply moved! Best wishes for you and Yvonne for your future life.

[@alishahrudi7466]

It was a moving experience, and I am wholeheartedly happy for both of you to find each other. ❤

[@legrovar]

a story that teaches to never give up and that happiness is just around the corner 💜 thank you so much jen

[@sougat818]

Thank you for sharing your story, Jen. Hearing about life in Germany really puts things into perspective. Moving countries is never easy, but the challenges are small compared to what many leave behind. I’m so sorry about your brother-that must have been incredibly hard. I know he’d be so proud of everything you’re doing now. Your courage and openness are truly inspiring. Thank you for letting us in on such a personal journey.

[@gladyskigozi339]

Ohhh Jen!! Thank you for sharing your story and I am sorry about your loss 😢. Sending you strength!!

[@paulinetayag9758]

Thank you for sharing this, Jen. I'm moving to Berlin in 4 months, and I'm honestly a bit scared because of the mixed messages about Germany's political future. This was very encouraging, because I do feel that something in calling me and I need to be in Germany

[@nickgrebneff7137]

What an emotional journey Jen... Thank you for sharing. I'm sure your brother would be very proud to see what you have achieved in response to his departure.

[@lokeshmhjn]

Thanks for sharing this so openly, Jen! Sorry for your loss, and so glad you've been able to build a new life for yourself. I love the work that you both are doing. Wish you more success and happiness!

[@Canam1701]

Great Message to ponder. So very Sorry for your loss Jen. My heart breaks for you, cherish those memories of you dear brother..🙏🏽🤗

[@MohammedUzairnewsfortheland]

It isn't easy sharing such an experience. Thanks for sharing it. For me, it wasn't just words but feelings that were conveyed.

[@SilentAssassin1414]

Beautiful video that makes one think deeply about the reasons they are living in Germany or moving to it. I do not want to undermine your experiences as it is valuable and for sure is going to be helpful to someone that maybe is going through a tough time, but it also seems that your experience was elevated and became good once you had two things happen to you. One is a deep romantic relationship and I think this is important for anyone anywhere and not specifically Germany, as a supportive compassionate partner can make ALOT of things in life significantly easier. The second is that this romantic partner was German and ingrained in the German culture that they can help navigate through it, and sometimes eradicates things that you as an international would have faced one way or another. For example many internationals feel discriminated against in the housing market, making the housing crisis for them even harder. Nonetheless, thank you for making the video as it does make one think

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for your insight, 100% agreed :)

[@monakulasic5669]

Also i found applying for jobs i have faced discrimination and on the job to. Once again i have been applying for job 30 to 40 a month. I have no job. I feel so isolated. It is depressing. Hard finically, hard emotionally. No family or friends. I am seriously considering return home. After many years of being here. Germany will never intergrat. Not being negative,you see it Thank you for your channell. I can relate to your brotherscstory. I son cane up missing he was found shot in the head. 2 years i waited for a police report. The police told me there wasn't Why i came here was not good. To go back i have to start all over at 62.

[@not-a-doctor]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@shakirkhalaf9778]

Thanks for sharing Jen! Such a powerful and inspiring journey! Happy for you and Ivan ❤

[@turjo119]

Didn't know I'd come across an SG video this week that I could personally resonate with so strongly... thank you for willing to be vulnerable about this such a sensitive issue ❤

[@turjo119]

I'm glad we got to know this part of your life Jen. I've been feeling a bit blue lately so perhaps this will help me remember my why ❤️

[@ZoltanFogarasi]

Well done, girl. Congratulations.

[@rosalindash1]

Thank you for sharing. This really inspires me.

[@ishanchopra590]

Than you for sharing your story, it was moving and I can’t imagine what was in the past. But I am super happy to listen that you have found you why! Keep on creating content from heart. Love it.

[@manjulafernando2257]

Extremely sorry about your brother.and congratulations on your success story in germany.I failed after five years life in germany.not even my german girl friend helped me,while I was in a depression.tks for your motivation video.all the best !

[@DomenicoSchettini]

I am living in germany since 2022. I work as a software engineer. It was awesome listen your experience. Thanks for share. It is inspiring and so real that motivates me to continue working for my dreams. Congrats and be happy.

[@aratrikroy984]

I don't know if this video is a sign, but I have been feeling pretty low lately. It's been a month for me here in Germany, and things often get very overwhelming. The feeling of isolation, not fitting in, academic and financial stress, everything attacks you all at once. But I do have a reason to come here, and I'll try to hold onto that and keep moving forward :)

[@ca4270]

Hang in there! I've been here for 5 weeks..and i feel exactly the same. 😢 It's true...maybe this video popped up at exactly the right time, for a reason All the best...❤

[@aratrikroy984]

@ca4270 Thank you! And all the best to you too :)

[@LockieScott]

Try to set your sights on what life will be like for you in 18 months to 2 years, but you'll also need to find the strength to go through many more challenges before then. Take some time to master the language and keep a strong resolve. You will, unfortunately, need it for at least the next 18 months.❤

[@Sat-Man-Alpha]

Become a member of a local sports club and you will have friends forever….😂

[@ca4270]

@Sat-Man-Alpha that has always worked for me in every city I have ever lived in. Sadly, very small town now... with no sports club 😭

[@eda5086]

The way you talk about Yvonne 🥺🥺🥺🥺

[@Ginliebhaberjman]

What an incredible story of perseverance, Jen! Kudos for building up the courage to create and share such an incredible video. It’s amazing where the universe takes us in life, even in times of hardship and uncertainty! ❤

[@phn5]

Waww very inspiring. Thanks for sharing. All the best 🙏

[@iuliachehova5607]

Jen, you are strong and with the best support!!! Thanks for being YOU! My eyes were tearing! All the best to both of you !!!😊

[@fercruz88]

Thank you for sharing your journey!! I really appreciate that, and it is great to hear about the struggles as well as the nice part of moving and adapting to another country.I'm so sorry about your brother, I can't even imagine what you've been through. I'm super happy you found each other :) that's inspiring and shows the importance of finding people that will be your safety net, being friends, partner, new family. I think as a latino one often question the reality that is so normalized, and I know this depends on the situation for each individual and country. In my case, I moved from Argentina to São Paulo (Brazil) a year ago, and I was super afraid of the violence here, but I have to say I'm lucky and I haven't been exposed to violent situations so far.

[@chinmaynarang]

Thank you for sharing your story. It is really powerful and speaks volumes about your unspoken struggles too. As someone who is moving for work in Germany from a third world country for a better life, it is definitely very reassuring. And I want to thank you for all the advices you and Yvonne has ever given on this channel. I feel prepared for what is to come and all thanks to you both. Simple Germany will always be a part of my story. Keep spreading love and kindness as you do😊

[@Dunpil3]

Thanks for sharing. That was touching and I needed it since this is exactly the point in my German journey.

[@ritchie76]

You don’t know how much I needed to hear your words right now. Moving here to Germany is really challenging and oftentimes heartbreaking. People like you are so inspiring and make me think that maybe after all, it is all worth it. ❤ Thank you.

[@kaushiknarayanan.c1678]

I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve never realised that a person like Jen who always smiles has a tragic story behind. More power to you and thanks for posting this wonderful video ❤❤

[@paleciop]

Sos muy fuerte Jen. Gracias por compartir tu historia. Un abrazote ❤❤

[@katerinashepulova9952]

Thank you for sharing ❤ It's very touching

[@ryan20044]

this's so beautifull. im so sorry for your brother thank you jen for sharint this

[@annaburton3970]

Jen, what an honor it it is to hear your story. Thank you for sharing, it brought me to tears. It is lovely to get to know you more. Love from Hamburg.

[@saraS-e8m]

First, I am truly sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine going through that. This video resonated with me the most as it hit home with the message you were trying to send that happyness is possible and it takes the willingness to work hard for it. It is hard to get and stay motivated and trust me I know, but if you remember why you are working so hard, it becomes easier to sacrifice what you want to do at that moment and do what you have to now, to do what you want to in the end. It’s hard to stay motivated with coding. Which coding language did you ultimately learn. Thanks to you both.

[@simplegermany]

I learned PHP, but then specialized in JavaScript ☺️

[@ca4270]

Thanks for sharing your personal story and very sorry for your loss..😢 Im missing my family and friends and feel like I will never learn German. But I will keep my WHY front and centre. Thank you 💙

[@vidushimalhan7874]

Thanks for sharing this. Good things somehow comes when you are just ready to leave. More power to you!

[@edilaineoliveira5191]

Thank you Jenny for this strong emotional sharing.❤

[@ericmunro7169]

I moved to Germany from South Africa 7 months ago. I feel so much safer and happier here! Although, the only thing that I'm really struggling with is the language barrier... Going from being able to have complex conversations in South Africa to struggling to have the most basic conversations in German is very demotivating. Trying to learn a new language is definitely the hardest thing I've ever had to do and even with consistent practice and lessons it always seems like I'm making almost no progress. I miss being able to communicate properly with people around me...

[@simplegermany]

Yeah, I can relate! but keep at it...like the bamboo -- one day you'll see how much German you can speak and be surprised :)

[@gladyskigozi339]

Also moved here from Cape Town. I miss talking easily and the banter with other. Sending you strength 🎉

[@AquilaCat]

My heart goes out to you for everything you've gone through, and thank you so much for sharing this with us. It's inspiring

[@Abdelali-h2n]

thank your for the sharing and for the encouragement... really touching and inspiring story.

[@bellilly]

thank you, jen, thank you so much for sharing this story. i'm crying (no, you're crying). i also want you to know that you and yvonne and all the content you two provide is helping me oodles as i am planning a trip to germany after over 30yrs away (i have dreamt of this for a long time; hopefully it will feel as familiar as visiting guatamala city felt to you). bless you both!

[@Thepixiestardust]

I'm so so sorry about your brother! This is one of the most inspirational video I've ever seen! Thank you so much for sharing it with us! Sending you so much love from India ❤

[@ayyvee7]

Thank you so much for sharing these personal stories and tragedies with us, Jen. You are truly a strong & a wonderful person. Yvonne and you are blessed to have each other. We hope that your brother & your family gets justice. Hugs!! Take care

[@tamunaberidze8048]

Thank You dear! This came so much on time

[@vikrantlokhande3062]

More power to you Jen! Great to see how you have been fighting personal challenges and have transformed into such an inspirational source to others. Loved this video...

[@armandeocadiz2967]

Thanks for sharing your life. Very encouraging. Sorry for your loss.

[@b_dub8414]

Last year I came to work in Stuttgart under a 1 year contract. About 6 months in, I found out my position was being cut. I was trying to stay, yes, but I kind of missed home. I was applying for other positions with no sight of me landing anything. In the midst of that, I met this wonderful woman. I got my extension for another year. In trying super hard to learn the language to get a certificate so I'll be eligible for employment whenever my contract now may end. (Could be next September - 2028...idk). I'm also in a cross road because I miss my large family centered life back home in the US, but I love things here just as much.

[@sunnyboynfs]

Safety isn't one of the reason I want to come to Germany, but yes quality of life and better opportunities are. I feel sorry for your loss, and relieved that you found someone who is truly yours in Germany.

[@BikeEatRepeat]

Thank you for sharing your story!

[@WaterFor3st]

USA here. I traveled once across half the country and since then I’ve been in different states every year or so. I decided to stay where I am right now to hopefully have stability but I’ve been learning German again. Here, people wonder why I leave “home” and think that somethings up and feel iffy about me (yet traveling IS a thing). I figured going to Germany would be great in so many ways. Maybe I won’t get looked down on because many people from other countries go there. I will have a decent way of life, hopefully. A change of scenery and culture. I think I’ll love putting my German learning hobby to use. And well, finding love would definitely be ideal. I want to move there. Imm saving money and improving my German. That’s my plan so far. I don’t know how much I need or when I’ll plan to go. I do want a job offer before I move if possible.

[@jan_vozar]

Wow, thanks for sharing Jen.

[@simonewarber9156]

This was a powerful video Jen. Thank you for sharing.

[@ilugonatasha5631]

😢😢😢 how you moved past breaking down I have no idea. Reflecting on what I went through a year ago now and how I decided I’ll never return home no matter what Germany throws at me. Everything good takes time. Sorry for your loss and congrats on finding your person

[@sirdiddimus]

Thank you so much for sharing your story. I am so happy for you!

[@DrugBase]

Thank you for sharing. It's motivating

[@soniadume4419]

What a wonderful video. I am so happy that you found your "Yoda". I have seen your videos for several years and have learned alot about Germany from them. Thank You for sharing your story and thank you for giving me the inspiration to find my "Why". Best Wishes to you both.

[@forfeitsarim]

Thanks for sharing your story and I'm happy to hear you pushed through it all and reached where you are today. We (foreigners) have our own reasons and back story for moving to Germany and I have absolutely no regrets of making one of the best decisions of my life. I will be honest when I say I do sometimes roll my eyes when I hear some of the locals complain about the simplest of the problems like it's the end of the world, but it's ok, such problems are nice to have. No place is perfect but I am happy to call Germany my home. Cheers to you and Yvonne from Munich

[@parisssss.e]

Thank you for sharing Jen & Yoda ❤

[@RaseemAhmed]

Thank you Jen for sharing your story, more strength to you. ❤

[@franciscosusana2292]

Wao! 😢 tu historia es sumamente conmovedora! Ustedes son todo un ejemplo a seguir y el trabajo que están haciendo es único ❤. Como latino que también vive en este país hace un par de años, admiro que ustedes puedan hacer un contenido tan: puro, creativo y fácil de entender. Les deseo lo mejor 😊

[@Vladislaffable]

Very sweet and uplifting video. We've all been there... many still are in that grey, uncertain place. Big thanks for sharing your story. I am very sorry about your brother.. Thank you ❤

[@avimehenwal]

wow! so inspirational video. Have completed 3 years in germany and I am still to find my why.

[@simplegermany]

It's a journey! :)

[@nitapanther8833]

Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable story❤

[@mgd4622]

Thanks for sharing your story

[@MaraGomes-z6f]

Uau!!! Thank you for the video. Gobsmacked ❤

[@anthis4297]

So inspiring ✨️ thank u for sharing ❤

[@ForceOrange]

Tremendous video. Danke schön / Gracias !

[@dayanag.1176]

Thank you Jen for this video. You really inspired me and reminded me of my “Whys” for being in Germany. ✨

[@n1vca]

Wow, that got me very emotional ... it almost brought tears into my eyes and I am an old German guy ... I am so happy you met Yvonne and I can see the magic between you in almost every single video , which is one of the reasons I watch you religiously. I am so utterly sorry for your loss but so happy for your perfect match🥰. You and Yvonne are one of the truly richest people I know, because you have something money can't buy - true love and happiness. I am glad Germany has attracted someone who actually contributes to and values what we have and is thankful and not just on a permanent rant how things deteriorate in this country, like some Germans do a little to often, because they are spoiled and have no other reference to put things into perspective. Smoothly yours

[@simplegermany]

Thank you for your warm words. It almost brought tears to our eyes! And yes, we truly believe there is power in appreciating what one has or changing it actively. Ranting and complaining doesn't foster change.

[@kaninatulam1299]

this is so personal. thank you for sharing

[@J_Barry_S]

Jen, te escribo en nuestro idioma madre. Te deseo a ti y a Yvonne muchas bendiciones, éxitos, prosperidad, vida y salud. Gracias por relatar y compartir tus sentimientos y experiencia con cada uno de nosotros. Has sido un rayo de esperanza y motivación Gracias Te escribo desde Venezuela

[@Gayal.R]

Jen, I just want to say you are awesome and thank you for making this video

[@sajedrezaei]

Sorry for your lose. You are a very strong person

[@rubenvasquez2590]

Jen te mando un abrazote gigante :( . Su alegria siempre es muy contagiosa, muchas gracias por sus videos, su ayuda y su consejo, de verdad que ayudan demasiado.

[@ebbyc1817]

Thank you for talking to us in the video the way I would need a friend to talk to me right now. I have no family to go back to (I am cut off from my family, for personal reasons) and no friends here. It has been incredibly hard to hold on to my why. When I came here after Brexit it was to try to build a life that was less lonely, but it got lonelier, and with rising costs, another reason for coming here - the ability to be stable financially - has also gone away. I basically have the same problems I had but in a much colder, lonelier place. And now I have the sunk cost of having been here and learned the language but feeling like, so what. I will try to re-find my why. I have been thinking about this a lot, for a long time. Your video is pretty timely. I'm watching it early in the morning. I woke up at 5.30, I wake up very early these days, even though it's so dark, because I am thinking so much. I actually searched to find videos that will help me to decide which city to move to, so that I don't make the same mistake again, and to increase the chances of finding what I need. I already watched your other videos, then I stumbled on this one. Thanks Jen.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your struggle. Sorry to read it’s been a hard journey for you too. In such hard times what has helped me is to list the things I’m most grateful for - even though everything feels like crap. From that gratefulness then I evaluate what changes can I make within me and in my environment and start planning. Stay strong and positive🎋

[@ebbyc1817]

@@simplegermany Thank you 💚

[@MetalBere]

Wow, thanks for sharing this, sorry for the loss of your brother. This gave me hope to keep fighting for my dreams. I'm Chilean, recently moved to Spain, and I'm studying a master in digital marketing here. I'm 42 trying to reinvent myself once again. My dream is to move to Germany. I'm learning German, so I'll hopefully can move there one day, with my own business or as an employee.

[@pourdamghani]

Such a story...😢 thanks for sharing it with us, and hope for happiness and peace across the world.

[@nohaylamujer]

Oh Jenn... Thank you very much for this. I'm not moving to Germany, but I have my tragedy, my dream, and my search for love too. You've done something really good today!

[@realtho149]

Thank you for sharing your story and keep inspiring others ♥

[@maryamfallah78]

This is the most inspiring video I have ever seen ❤

[@melissasarria7938]

Gracias por compartir tu historia. No he pasado por esa situación, pero como colombiana viviendo en Alemania por supuesto que te entiendo. Que bien que tuviste la determinación y valentía de vivir la vida que quieres vivir y de cambiar el rumbo las veces que fuese necesario. Mucha admiración y gratitud hacia ti y Yvonne por todo lo que nos enseñan y acompañan.

[@hugomf]

😮 que historia tan fuerte. Sin duda vivir en Latinoamérica es muy difícil. Afortunadamente ya estás mejor y tienes lo que siempre buscaste. Un abrazo a las dos. Saludos desde México. Gracias por sus videos, espero pronto poder volver a vivir en Alemania, tengo años intentándolo.

[@airtonsilva8006]

Such a moving video! As a fellow Latin American, I can relate to the Coming to Germany for safety feeling, although I did experience the same family tragedy as you. I am sorry for your loss, but I feel happy that you found your Yoda!

[@rvngonzales]

I badly needed to hear this story! Thank you so much Jen! Im sooooo happy for you

[@pedrocintra]

Congratulations for your courage on sharing this story ❤

[@oleksandrasaskia]

Thanks so much for sharing your story! ♥️

[@milenam.2438]

❤

[@JhonatanMorais]

You are amazing and brave! thank you for sharing!

[@arnodobler1096]

thx for sharing your story

[@missy8850]

Thanks for sharing....

[@joaogabrielp.agapito626]

It is always good to have reminders like that. Thx for sharing, Jen!

[@cristinacastrovasquez1511]

Gracias por ser tan abierta, vulnerable y humana. Entre latinos nos entendemos porque creo que siempre uno de nuestros motivos para migrar es siempre la seguridad. Mi familia también vivió algo muy fuerte que me hizo tomar la decisión de salir de México y ya llevo 7 meses en Alemania. La verdad que la adaptación ha sido dura y últimamente siento que no avanzo, que no he conseguido mucho, sigo sin trabajo, siento que no he mejorado tanto en mi Alemán y tu video me ayudó a ser compasiva conmigo mismo y entender que es un cambio muy grande y todo lo bueno toma tiempo en construirse. Muchas gracias por compartir

[@simplegermany]

100% y recuerda que a veces crecemos como el bambu :)

[@destinationdeutch]

This comes in the perfect moment, so much things learned from you guys. You both are adorable❤