Quality Of Life In Germany [The Good & The Bad]

Germany is always in the top 10 countries with a great quality of life. Learn what makes Germany so special - both the good and the bad.
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⏰ Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:29 - What is quality of life?
01:10 - Housing
05:16 - Work-Life balance
08:35 - Infrastructure
13:17 - Government
16:50 - Social
18:56 - Geography
21:00 - Culture
🔎 SOURCES
👉 Global Bicycle Cities Index 2022 by Luko Insurance
de.luko.eu/en/advice/guide/bi...
👉 BAV Group with University of Pennsylvania Study on Bureaucratic Countries
www.usnews.com/news/best-coun...
👉Deutsche Welle Article about complaining
www.dw.com/de/immer-dieses-ge...
📺 Subscribe to our channel if you want more information on life in Germany as an expat:
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We know how frustrating and painful it might be to move to a new country, especially if you don't fully speak the language. That's why we created Simple Germany.
Simple Germany provides tips & information in English about living in Germany as an expat. We talk about services that are friendly and easy to use to beat German bureaucracy. We also cover the cultural aspects of living in Germany. All of this brought to you from the eyes of an expat and a German duo. We want to help you settle in Germany more smoothly.🍻
🍿 Visit our website for more in-depth information on life in Germany:
www.simplegermany.com/
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#expats #germany #expatsingermany #lifeingermany #expattips

[@Salahaldin723]

Pros in Germany: I can drink beer in the U bahn. Cons in Germany: others can drink beer in the u bahn

[@simplegermany]

😅 that’s true!

[@Hobbymusiker84]

Pro: Germans do not especially care where are you from, or things like that: What counts mostly here is what you can do or what Kind of Person are you. They learned from their past. I wish that more countries in the world could adapt this way of thinking

[@clairechloe5294]

👍👍👍👍💯💯💯

[@brandonalfaro42]

The Turks would beg to differ

[@lincolngarces9987]

There not living on science and what can happen like if you have country full of people who commit crimes like shooting because the laws in America it's freedom but when you have dumb people or people who are committing crimes but it makes no sense when people say dumb things or do things say something else or just be a Karen or a person who I have care for because there the one's that are problematic but that's only if you know what you know or doing for specific person but it's only when the person has no care for life or unstable

[@thomasvogler7978]

The reason why doctors offices are closed on wednesday and friday afternoons especially in rural areas is they are making home visits to those patients who can not visit the doctor themselves because of their age, medical circumstances or whatever. But even when all shops and offices are closed there is always an open doctors office or pharmacy beside the hospitals. Doctors offices and pharmacies are cycling through weekly depending on the local agreements in so called "Notdienste" displayed in the local news or online on the website of the municipal government of that area.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing! That makes sense ☺️

[@hashimoto00]

I believe one of the worst things in Germany is network coverage and internet speeds. Its 2022 and fiber isnt supported everywhere. Its weird

[@charntelmabuza9256]

Sooooo true!

[@potatokiu9977]

But it seems Germany has high respect for data privacy(?) I want to travel online via google maps and only to find out that most german road doesn’t have a live view 😅

[@maxbarko8717]

@@potatokiu9977 Apple Maps has now street view in Germany called „Look around“. It’s awesome!

[@oberender64]

The worst thing is the present Government.

[@maxbarko8717]

@@oberender64 I find it interesting. You are obviously born in 1964. One is quick in blaming the government for all that is wrong - and I agree that they are making many mistakes since the internet was invented. It is easier than taking responsibility for one’s own life. My experience is that this generation in Germany is so opposed to digital progress. I see it in many discussions e.g. Bitcoin, privacy, digital contracts, etc. Germany is a digital third world country.

[@mkthakral]

Thank you guys. You are wonderful as always :)

[@nitman1]

Highly impressive content. New, much important topics included

[@911chatterbox]

Fantastic video. Gonna watch more of your videos !

[@christelstevenson5922]

Thank you so good,lovely to get update from Germany...long time since there,bestest to you both,CXx

[@deutschmitpurple2918]

This is really great video. Danke schön 😍😍😍❤️❤️❤️

[@finishstrongcycling2355]

I'm so glad that the cycling is great there...looking forward to visiting!

[@tomislavselendic1622]

Great as always!

[@laureneastwood5936]

Another GREAT video! I love living in Germany for most of the pros you covered (and have also noticed several of the cons 🙄). Super accurate!

[@jagpalsingh4384]

Hi Both, I have been watching a lot of your vlogs these days and must tell you that your videos are so informative and it helps to understand a lot of things about Germany. Keep it up. Cheers!

[@shellyleal8549]

This is true, the weather this year is really nice! I am happy that I arrived in Germany while it is still very hot and warm. It makes me feel more at home.

[@adeljeniferkovacs152]

I love it how Yvonne just looks at Jen while she is talking

[@allabouttravelandmovement1814]

I love your channel - love the way you both present and articulate the videos I hope to meet you both someday

[@Julia-ui5lw]

Thanks so much for this video! Planning to move to Germany and really scared about a lot of things :D Now it's a bit more clear :)

[@fannychristozova8158]

I like very much the chapters and the points you make in building this video! There are for certain things which I, or anyone per se, can look at from a distance and immediately put into a bucket of pros or a bucket of cons. And other things I can smile at all I want or sigh about, but then time and reality might actually make them hit me differently. The beautiful thing with leaving comments to creators I really hold on to and trust, is that time passes, things evolve, there will be topics I'll come back to, there will be changes within my perspectives and ways of communicating things (there are already since I found you, and in all positive direction!) I now speak from the point of observations, yes that's a key word, but it has turned out in my life to be the right way, and intuition gets ever stronger - things I have liked from observations become things I love, and things I've disliked become life-saving red flags to stay away from. I know that Germany is not perfect or is not some.. I don't know, promised haven, but sometimes drawing the line is want you need to do, so that a certain environment reflects who you are and doesn't pale you. With the German culture related points you make, I can't help remembering a comedy skit I saw. "- What does it mean when a German says they are tired and will just go home? - That they are tired and will just go home. - Correct. What does it mean when a German says they only speak a little English? - That they speak English better than you. - Correct." and there were some more in this style. 😅 Now, the German political system and government is a topic I'm quite aquainted to, just because I loove reading history, politics history and current affairs.The separation of powerr with a Bundestag which forms its seats based on general election results and then coalitions is a system we in Bulgaria have long adopted. The thing is, we copy Germany, we imitate it, but we're doing it just so wrong. It's like that funny picture of a horse which is half perfect and then finished by a child's sketch.. we always imitate, but it doesn't work the way we perform it. Omg, did I just complain and whine? Am I ready to make German friends!? 🤩 Ok, and last but not least, the festivals ARE just the real thing, really really worth the efforts, the time and the traditions! Also, I think I once mentioned, when friends say to me "oh, you'll come here for your vacation time and all", I go like, 'what are you talking, I'll be all over the castles, you'll come visit, sounds more realistic to me.' 🤣 So we'll see about that, I'll be sure to let you know.

[@simplegermany]

Yes, let’s find out how reality will be for you 😉 You are certainly very well prepared!

[@kevinsoesilo]

Great insights into Germany, viele Grüße aus Indonesien 🔥

[@anchouse94]

OMG, I truly feel Yvonne's fury when she talked about the sucky weather last year :D It sucked BIG TIME. Of course the floods, but even in the areas unaffected by them, it was so cold and rainy, I simply didn't feel like I accumulated enough warmth to survive the cold season! This year's summer is totally making up for that, and yes, it can be tough with barely any AC around, but hey, IT'S WARM OH MY GOSH

[@simplegermany]

😅 glad we feel the same!

[@sonntagchavez6245]

LOL!! I called to schedule my yearly eye exam with my well established Ophthalmologist the other day early October. I was told their first available was in May 2023? Come to my surprise. I called a new Ophthalmologist in my area and was offered a next day appointment. The Dr. was fantastic and thoroughly screened my eyes. Never had such examination before. Glasses ready in 1 hour. Just thought I would share. I Love watching your channel. Thank you for sharing living in Germany more smoothly!😊

[@lolokukuh.724]

Love this video, I wish I watched before I came to Germany! 😊 One thing I really love about German culture is being direct though.. I'm quite straight forward and it bothered some back in my home country, South Korea. But here in Germany I feel SO comfortable to tell my opinions. 😅 Maybe it was my fate to come here. Haha

[@fannychristozova8158]

Couldn't agree more! People's directness will be a pro, no matter positive or negative, for as long as you are the kind of person who looks for it and who's capable of making the most out of it - the fastest the truth reaches you, the better you'll be able to improve or to benefit of a fact. 🤗

[@Marymationnn]

I feel ya, in my home country I was also considered too direct/rude sometimes, and with Germans I feel very comfortable just saying everything as it is, both with colleagues and friends

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@Marymationnn So happy to know that, and for you! We should all be comfortable. People maybe mistake honesty for rudeness, and it's so not true. Think you've got a good thing going there so far, no? :)

[@theunclottedmedicalcourse7573]

Thank you so much you are so entertaining and efficient I like the way you break it down each time, could it be possible for you to make a video about the procedure and pros and cons for Doctors coming to Germany ?

[@jazzochannel]

I moved to Berlin from Trondheim and I find it has been extremely sunny here for the last 3 years, thank you very much! The period you called "cold winter" feels more like spring or fall to me. I wear shorts & t-shirt in March-October here, if I only have to walk a short distance to the store, while snickering secretly at people in their thick coats and wool headwear. But then during the summer... I'm not so cool.

[@simplegermany]

Haha yes! Coming from a cooler climate that of course makes sense 😊

[@samslayerr]

Weihnachts Geld is awesome I loved that😄 Also I didn’t mind the no AC thing but I did live in the mountains most of the time so it wasn’t really hot too many days.

[@arinkamaran2229]

Thank You

[@harleyd9857]

Gracias !

[@rishiraj2548]

Thanks a lot

[@marufahmed516]

Excellent content, will be moving to Darmstadt, Hesse with my family, and after seeing your content I am definitely more motivated, thank you :-)

[@simplegermany]

Fantastic! We hope your move will go smoothly 😊

[@hafizsaqibjaved8937]

Another thing that i faced, visa officers are really slow and sometimes even unaware of the rules. I explained the rules many times and after they confirmed from their superior, accepted the argument. But in my experience it's your luck if you get an understanding officer otherwise you'll have to accept the type of visa extension you'll get. The queues are so long and i have wasted so many hours at KVR Munich. It's getting better with the office extension but it was terrible especially during covid times. My wife couldn't get an appointment for 7 months and we couldn't travel in 2020.

[@LeeRichardson808]

Great video. I have no intention of moving to Germany but it was very interesting to hear about what life is like there!

[@vijaysimha2423]

Good for you! You saved yourself from a lot of stress and trauma.

[@emip3008]

Great video! Regarding the directness, I prefer that to wrapping things in cotton wool. For instance, here in Britain every service provider (company , restaurant,) asks for feedback, but if you give (genuine) negative feedback for genuine reasons, you are immediately considered rude!

[@LaureninGermany]

I totally agree- when I studied for my citizenship, I was really impressed with the system and it was quite something, learning it all off by heart for the test! And yes, German heating is once tried, that’s it! I never want anything less, now, lol! And the study situation is amazing. I love that Germany invests so much in higher education for its residents. I’m doing a master’s at Heidelberg and a friend could buy a small flat for the amount it’s costing her in GB.

[@BobiR-bl9fc]

I ve got a pretty good Job in Munich🌲but its hard to find a girl friend for traveling and backpacking. And its difficult to find an apartment for rent.🌴

[@kosmonautik639]

I've started to watch your channel among others as I would love to relocate my family over there. I m enjoying your format a lot and the quality of your content. But I sense that Jen is a bit under the watchful eyes of Yvonne. Just an impression. Keep up the good work

[@leDespicable]

I'd say whether you feel a difference when it comes to internet speeds depends on whether you live alone/with your partner, or in a family. Speaking from experience growing up in a four-person household, ever since we've switched to a new contract with faster internet, the difference has been like night and day. Before the switch we had a 16 mbit DSL contract, and it was absolutely horrible. Even smaller files took ages to download sometimes because the speed was wildly inconsistent, and as soon as two people were using the internet at the same time, it basically became a fight for bandwidth. And we didn't even have Netflix back then, just a person watching KZbin could be enough to basically kill the internet for everyone else (and they wouldn't even be watching it in full HD, since that wasn't possible), and god forbid someone decided to use the Wifi with their phone... Now we have a 1 gbit cable contract, and it's the most amazing thing ever. You definitely notice the difference even when browsing, at least when living in a household with more than two people.

[@simplegermany]

Yes, that makes total sense!

[@vnatik]

In Switzerland, you usually book tickets with 5-7 min change :) yes, the network is very efficient

[@khaled_ismail]

Thank you for the great content. I have an idea for a future video: how to finance apartments in Germany, what notes to look for, what is considered a good deal, when should buying be considered instead of renting, etc. That could be a definitive guide which many new comers will find helpful.

[@simplegermany]

We have a guide that covers some aspects of your suggestions: www.simplegermany.com/buying-a-house-in-germany/ 😊

[@khaled_ismail]

@@simplegermany Really appreciate your efforts. Thanks a lot!!

[@herrerabernal]

Mis sinceras felicitaciones por el canal. Siempre se aprende algo de tan magnífico país y cultura. Saludos Frau Palacios :)

[@simplegermany]

Herr Herrera! Muchísimas Dank! 😝 Qué bueno saber de usted!

[@toshabursin]

you are such a lovely couple😊

[@sherytravelholic]

hello good videos i always desiccated by German culture and love it

[@vnatik]

For holidays you have to come to work in the public sector in France :D Best to Alsace or Moselle where we have some extra public holiday days off)

[@ricardoguillen8098]

The speed providers say, for instance 250 Megabit (different from megabytes), is usually only the measure for downstreams, i.e. when downloading. Is often less for uploads. FYI. Thanks for great content.

[@LeandroLemos]

It could be pretty cool if you did a video an article about worker unions in germany, as far as I know worker unions over there tend to be quite common and “strong”, not to mention that they tend to be kind way to different than their counterparts in latam (“sindicatos”), as so it could be quite insightful!!!

[@cg6511]

Unions differ a lot in Germany depending on what industry they cover (even If the respective union ist simply just a branch of the same union organisation). The Unions for metal or car workers are really strong, but the same union for entertainment or social workers is just a joke.

[@hs9911]

Please make a video of how you met! You are an adorable couple ❤️ and an inspiration for us who are here as expats

[@simplegermany]

🥰 We talk about it a little bit in our Q&A video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/epionpeVjJ6aj8U

[@ryanlancer86]

Very useful video. Small correction: internet speeds are measured in megabits per second and not megabytes per second

[@dennyj8650]

Would love to go cycling in Germany! Cycling here in the USA even smaller towns, risky sharing the road with car drivers. And it's illegal to cycle on the sidewalk (unless you're disabled).

[@davidsavage5930]

Hallo, I'm new to your channel. I really enjoy your vlogs!! I lived in Germany for 3 years and you bring back allot of great memories. I'm returning to Germany in April after being away for over 40 years. Your vlogs have been allot of help. Do you travel to Holland much? Danke!

[@simplegermany]

Welcome 😊 we love the Netherlands and have been a few times, but not on a regular basis.

[@wWvwvV]

The weather in Germany is quite ok. Compared to the US north east coast the number of rainy days is nearly equal but the amount what is going down on the east coast is doubled. Nowadays farmers all over the world might be envious about so much rain.

[@n1vca]

Very true about the permanent complaining and wining. It is definitely quite a contrast when you are used to US American culture. Quite a number of older Eastern Germans are complaining to a degree that is absolutely unbearable to my taste, even for a German who grew up in the Western part. So please don't see them as a reference for Germany. I think a part of the "former" industrial success used to be outlining what is bad and then constructively work on a well engineered solution towards the problem. So in a way this "built-in" sensitivity for see(k)ing problems and speaking about them openly bears potential for improvements and progress that otherwise would not have happened. I totally agree that joining a subject that annoys you too creates a bond and hopefully there are also some positive things you align with that leads to a connection and real steady friendship, meeting on the same wavelength but still also enjoying the interesting cultural differences. Our two smart and sweet love birds are the perfect example - always sending good vibes while educating us - thank you.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for sharing your insights 😊

[@AAhmed79]

very true, struggling since last 5 months to find a suitable apartment !!!

[@casper1vanes]

Do you have a vlog? it would be interesting to look how you are living in Dusseldorf =) thanks 4 videos!

[@simplegermany]

Nope, we don’t vlog 😉

[@fannychristozova8158]

And they explained why they don't go vlogging, check out the community posts down to a podcast not long ago. It's the ideas, but going beyond just ideas and realizing which thing feels right, which one doesn't. But then what they are creating right here is more and far more than amazing! Also, they do talk Düsseldorf! 😉

[@ahmedsaleh8659]

Unlimited speeds on the autobahn is a dream like road Just casually driving on 350 km/h easy

[@yvonnehorde1097]

What is remarkable here is the cultural infrastructure. Nearly all towns, even small ones, have a theatre, a concert hall or a lot of art exhibitions. For the festivals, if you are into heavy metal or hard rock, I recommend a quite remarkable place which is called Wacken. It is an extremely small village in Germany but it has a festival that you cannot find anywhere else in the world, I guess.

[@cg6511]

Wacken was already being sold out at the weekend it happened this year. So basically no chance to get there next year. ;)

[@tyronevaldez-kruger5313]

Years ago a friend actually took me there and I had no clue until I saw that huge Iron Maiden banner. Looked like a token but it was fun

[@benz.8787]

Naja... Also es gibt hier Orte die noch nicht mal eine Tankstelle haben. Von Theatern und Konzerthallen ganz zu schweigen. Ich weiß das weil ich deutscher bin und mein ganzes Leben hier lebe. Deutschland ist kein bisschen 'amazing' es ist ein shithole sonder gleichen. Keine Ahnung wo ihr eure Informationen her habt, aber Wacken ist das grösste Festival seiner Art in Deutschland. Und es findet in einem kleinen 5000 Seelen Dorf statt, so viel stimmt. Aber es ist das einzige Dorf welches ein solch großes Festival veranstaltet. Es gibt hier sogar Orte die nicht mal eine Polizei Station oder Bank haben.

[@yvonnehorde1097]

@@benz.8787 These are extremely small towns. Most of the half-way acceptable towns where strangers are going to end up will usually have a lot of cultural infrastructure.

[@orllop620]

​@@benz.8787you really haven't been in a real shit hole before 😂. It's funny you comment from a 1st World Country. Visit 3rd World Countries before you talk

[@sharoncuadra3174]

Love ❤ u both

[@Judy874]

Thank you for the video! Super nice. Talking about work ethics, can an employer decide not to proceed with an employment (signed contract) if the visa procedure (from abroad) took some time to be issued/ appontement @ the embassy taking some time to be allocated?

[@simplegermany]

We can't tell you that for sure, since we are not lawyers 😉. However, we know from experience that some employees who are still waiting on there visa, might start working remotely from the home country already. It all depends on how flexible the company and you are.

[@bartoldenhof9377]

About German directness... I live in the Netherlands, but I grew up quite close to the German border. And growing up, I used to think that Germans must be the must polite people in the world. And compared to Dutch people, they probably are. But than again, compared to Dutch people a handgranate thrown gently in your direction would feel quite polite. Just to illustrate: these things are all relative.

[@simplegermany]

Thanks for your insights! It always depends on the perspective, doesn’t it 😉

[@rashomon351]

Hot days in Germany used to be 10 per year. In 2022 hot says seem to have started in June and until now there doesn't seem to be an end in sight. So, I think, the whole AC situation needs to be re-evaluated also in Germany.

[@simplegermany]

With the current energy crisis at hand that will certainly take some time 😅

[@mrdol]

man, you guys nailed everything (?) that I would tell my friends about Germany (pros and cons). Even though I can only talk about my exp. from living in Bavaria, most of these arguments still stand. Maybe you guys forgot about the cash problem? Or should I say card-payments problem.

[@JustGrownUp]

I laughed when I got to "Cash is King". I still can't believe it how much it is true 😅

[@else8]

Ever compared the train connections and kilometers of train rails in our really populated country with others? And we are in the middle of Euope so there is so much traffic of all kinds going through.

[@oliverdecker249]

guatemala? i have been there on vacation some 40 years ago and spent all the time looking out for a quetzal in the forrest.it was amazing to see such a beatyful landscape-but with the quetzal i had no luck.i am considering to have one as a tatoo

[@sebastianricardocox2217]

Do it buddy!

[@turjo119]

"A lot of students as you are probably one of them..." Yes I can confirm. After getting rejected from grad school for over 2 years I finally found my footing here in Germany! As always great vid you guys!

[@turjo119]

I found Yvonne's comment about how the more quality of life is inversely proportional to the level of tropical climate to be hilarious considering I come from a very tropically humid country and can agree with that 100 percent. That being said I also agree with Jen about the need for ACs. I get the argument about electricity but living with AC for 25 years and then suddenly not having it for summer is why I hang out in places with a lot of ventilation coz my room is a toaster from 2pm to 8pm 😆 IDK how you guys managed to record these excellent high quality vids without sweating bullets on camera but kudos to you two for your efforts. (P.S. : love Jen's polo-shirt. It's a good color on you. And I love Yvonne's calm and collected approach to explaining some of the negatives of life in Germany)

[@simplegermany]

Haha yeah somehow climate affects efficiency somehow. Thanks for your kind feedback and the polo compliment ☺️

[@farshadvcf3992]

quality of education especially in engineering faculties I have visited and spoken among friends are so much lower than my own country and that shook me with surprise

[@userysl]

Which country are you from? Which university faculty did you visit?

[@farshadvcf3992]

@@userysl Iran, Many different universities 95% of them Technical Faculties , naming Uni of Leipzig, University of magdeburg, unviersity of Munich, University of RWTH, and so on, the list is endless since the community of international students are very vast and a lot of them are iranians, coming from top universities of Iran, like Sharif, Tehran, KNTU, Amir kabir, Esfahan and so on. The first two university graduates usually get direct scholarships even before their final semesters are finished from MIT, Caltec, Uni of Toronto, Uni of BC, McGill, alberta, Calgry, Yale and texas . 30 out of 55 of my classmates are now phd graduates of top american Technical Universities

[@samslayerr]

You can get out of the church tax if you go to the Rathaus and “exit the church“. I did that as soon as I realized I was paying taxes to the Catholic Church😄 also got in trouble for not paying the broadcast fees I didn’t have a tv so I thought I wouldn’t have to pay…I learned the hard way😂 I really think that broadcast fee is unjust. Damn you SWR3 😄

[@frankderessener4477]

Isn ´t it the Amtsgericht, where you can exit the church? I did it there some twenty years ago....

[@m.m.2341]

@@frankderessener4477 It depends on where you live, you have to google how to get out of there :D

[@lmchron9343]

There a highly regional differences for example in the payment of employees, life quality, nature, and so many other things. For example in my City the average income is 20k but it is 60k in Munich.

[@rogofos]

I'm planning to emigrate from Russia in a few years but haven't decided where yet but Germany seems so good that I already started an online course in German

[@SteffenWernicke]

I am German and I moved to Russia until it is the best place for business and the life quality is far better than in Germany. I never had so much freedom, space, energy. We have alot of work, beautiful girls, nice winter landscapes.

[@rogofos]

@@SteffenWernicke in my particular case I care about queer rights and not getting drafted into the army - I am also not rich and in Russia you're either rich or you're not - there's no middle class there's no social mobility You're lucky to get a 300€/month salary if you don't have friends in high places

[@SteffenWernicke]

@@rogofos Ok. I always had business in my life and for me it is not so difficult to organize some 200.000-300.000 Rubles per month. I understand the problem with 30.000 or 40.000 rubles. It is not so much, but the overall living standard is not so different in Germany if you are a simple worker. There you also have nothing at the end of the month. Why are you leaving for LGBT-problems? Do you believe that the normal german people are waiting for LGBT-Russians? No! It Germany it is only propaganda. I dont like LGBT, but I accept if you like to live your life as long it doesn't make me feel any discomfort. Especially outside the big cities in Germany you will not be accepted and serious employers will not employ you, because a gay person brings disorder in an established team. Nobody will tell it directly, but thats the practic. Here in Russia I really also know gay people and they keep their doeings "under the carpet". They dont have problems. They are artists and actors... Go to Germany, see if you get happy there. If not, come back to Russia and do your own business. Dont be afraid!

[@gigibenea3529]

About Air Conditioning...is only in the last years the weather change o lot ..before was never hot in Europe of course not talking about Greece Italy Spain ..I have been in Germany in the 70 and 80 never hot and in Transylvania were I am from ..the summer were not hot

[@farshadvcf3992]

I love that Cycling culture in deutschland and netherlands..however it is impossible to get a driving license

[@simplegermany]

I (Jen) went through the process of getting a German driver's license. I would say the process was tedious and long, but not impossible :)

[@ClauArumihs]

Hello! First of all, thank you very much for all the information you have been sharing with us :) Me and my partner, we are going to try a job seek visa next year. I finished my PhD this month, but the thing is: I only have academic experience. No experience in the market. Considering my situation, what are the chances for me to find a job in Berlin? I was working as a brand researcher at the uni, and I also have some basic experience with animation ( I am also attending to an animation bachelor course).

[@simplegermany]

That sounds interesting! We wouldn’t focus so much on a city but rather on a company that operates on your field and let the job define the place you will end up in 😊

[@berlinorama]

Finding a job in Berlin is not the problem. Finding a place to live is all but impossible at the moment so take that into consideration.

[@ClauArumihs]

@@berlinorama Yes, unfortunately, I am aware about that.

[@berlinorama]

@@ClauArumihs that is good. Some folks think that people who talk about how hard it is to find a place here are only exaggerating.

[@vulpsturm]

LOL don't forget not having heat this winter!

[@herbertgonswa3503]

Sorry, you are wrong, there are more than 25 000 castles in Germany😉

[@soijiro666]

As a Colombian living in Norway. I love Germany even though you have OCD for everything down there xd

[@19800910]

Don't forget the free re-training after 5 years of paying into the German unemployment insurance! There you get paid to go to school to learn a new skill, like Industrial Electronics Technician.

[@hafizsaqibjaved8937]

For me the worst part was finding an apartment. For one single apartment visit there were 100+ people and prices were crazy. It took me 6 months to get an apartment finally

[@simplegermany]

Were you looking in Berlin?

[@hafizsaqibjaved8937]

@@simplegermany Munich

[@fannychristozova8158]

By the way, I just realized I forgot one thing - Speaking of the job security, of course you give the overall facts and you mention those unions there, but is it the case that you need to have been employed uninterrupted for one year before the social system benefit can go into effect? Meaning securing for you around 60% of your net salary in case of unemployment, but does it vary from areas of working, or I don't know, states?

[@simplegermany]

Yes, you are right, you need to have held a job that paid social contributions for at least 12 months within the past 30 months to qualify for unemployment benefits 1. But there are a few other requirements which we list in our guide: www.simplegermany.com/unemployment-benefits-germany 😊

[@fannychristozova8158]

@@simplegermany Thank you so much! Yes, I think I've seen this guide, but it wasn't my num. 1 concern, so I just went asking you. Back in 2020 I heard there were changes made over time, and have affected people believing it was still the old way, so yes, definitely important to read, I can see you explain it all, priceless!

[@val-schaeffer1117]

Job security argument is a tosh, especially for skilled sector. If employer wants, they can terminate you anyway, with some or other legitimation. Germany love to see best in themselves and worst in others, hence usually compare hire-n-fire in US retail sector as reference. People do not get fired that much in US, UK, Singapore, India, Brazil either.

[@yvonnehorde1097]

The education system is quite cheap, but not free. If the children go to kindergarden, which is voluntary in Germany, you have to pay for it, the prizes depend on your income. Schools usually are free, except from a few private schools, but there are a lot of books and other stuff you have to buy. Digital home structure has to be bought as well, schools do not have a lot of it. School is also doing a lot of school trips you will have to pay for on your own. University is very cheap, especially compared to the US. And professional trainings are very much part of the system and you will get paid for it.

[@petergeyer7584]

As an American, bureaucracy in Germany is definitely a big negative. However, I learned from my German friends that very often the bureaucrats themselves have a lot of flexibility to help you (or not) through your issues. I used to lie awake in cold sweats thinking about issues with my Krankenkasse or the Ausländerbehörde. But then I learned that I could simply call them, explain my problems in a friendly and casual way, and more often than not, they were happy to help find solutions.

[@francopardo4065]

Helloooo my friends. For the ones who will arrive in a couple of months in Germany. How should we prepare for the non gas incoming winter??

[@halvarf]

At the moment, it doesn't look as bad as we thought it would look a few months ago. Seems like there will be enough for heating, but it will be much more expensive than it was before. So I guess people (also companies) will try to limit their heating to save money. I don't know how to prepare for that really, other than maybe bring warm clothing like pullovers or cardigans. Or just buy them here.🙂

[@Hobbymusiker84]

Con about infrastructure: Tickets are pretty expensive

[@rosshart9514]

I moved to Peru and was really shocked they didn't speak my language (Finnish btw.). Same time I do not speak any Spanish, so this is a BIG con to establish in Peru. Another con is, they don't have herring salad at retaurants and no Nordic Lights.

[@swatitrivedi8215]

Hey guys , I have a question live I am thinking to move to germany and I want to know what it's like to move there with a 1.5 years old baby can you do a video for pros and cons for that ?

[@batukilinch7754]

Hi Jen, you speak extremely well English, what's your history regarding learning English?

[@simplegermany]

Most of my family lives in the US. So I visited often as a child and teenager 😉

[@batukilinch7754]

@@simplegermany that's wonderful!

[@carolco946]

Greetings from curaçao

[@N1N4K]

I always found that recycling has been a big thing in Germany. As someone that lived in Germany and moved to the UK in 96. There was a bit of a shock that we didn't need to recycle as much then in the UK. I wanted meine Gelbe tonne, Grüne tonne, Blaue tonne etc 🥺

[@sierraecho884]

Don´t worry, they burn their trash (thermisch verwerten heißt der Fachbegriff) xD

[@vaideswarana3223]

Do gyms in germany have air conditioning?? Because I really cannot workout and don't enjoy working out without AC. I only want to workout in a cool environment. Hopefully there is. Answer me.

[@simplegermany]

The gyms we’ve been to don’t have AC. That doesn’t mean that more modern ones might not have one. You’d have to call or visit and ask.

[@shelliprasad1135]

Only 30 degrees? This is music to my ears. Here it can go upto 45!

[@TheInternetFan]

Hello @SimpleGermany, can you please give us some updates ever since this video was first published? How is the cost of life crisis going on there? I assume all European countries (but actually the entire world) have been affected by soaring prices mainly due to the war going on between Russia and Ukraine. Do you think the German economy can recover this year?

[@simplegermany]

We have an updated video on the cost of living after the massive increases here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3rLYqJ-fcx1l7Msi=zuY05P0nsbSLU2oh

[@peoples.say.masoom]

Is it illegal to turn on your shop on Sunday in Germany? Or it's not a rule but peoples understanding

[@MetallicReg]

It is. You need a special exception rights that apply to some like kiosks.

[@Ringelsocke.]

When it comes to digitalization I'm torn. It could be easy (easier) to handle German bureaucracy if everything would be properly digitalized. If! But it's not. If everyone would stick to the rules, but it's not the case. It's for sure a nice thing to have in daily life. On the other hand digitalization keeps people from thinking for themselves. E.g. in my childhood everyone had to learn adresses and telephone numbers etc. by heart. For a date or an appointment you had to be on time. Nowadays you put a finger on a picture and a number gets dialed and you can play with time. People loose the ability to make clear decisions in the moment. Recently some ATMs didn't work bc of software issues and people weren't able to handle it. 🤦🏻‍♀️ As convenient as digitalization might be, I don't want to depend on it! How did you learn to handle money? Assess each value? How would you teach it to a child? Without cash? Again: as convenient as it is to pay by card, phone, watch... I don't want to depend on it.

[@ebbyc1817]

Honestly, the digitalisation thing is really surprising for such a huge, strong economy. Having to wait a week for a crucial letter to arrive in the post, in 2022, is like... I think if I had come to Germany as a student I would be in love with the country forever for all the benefits you get. Unfortunately I came a lot older.. Cash is king is a major con for me. I never have enough cash, for anything. Constantly being stressed out by the lack of cash. " Yes, we do have fun "😃pretty much summarises the German attitude to fun,...

[@solderpro9725]

being a German i have to add, that we do see a trend towards digital payments. I personally pay for all of my grocery shopping (all supermarkets), and even for bread rolls at the bakery or for a haircut just using google pay on my phone. I would also say 80% of restaurants in my area support google pay / credit cards generally as well. Out of those few which do not accept google pay / credit cards, they will normally accept "EC card", which is a debit card, also available on the phone. However, there are a few exceptions, like small takeaway stores for example in my area, which do not accept digital money yet. But even these smaller stores are upgrading nowadays.

[@haukenot3345]

I'm German, but I am also pretty frequently short on cash because there's barely any situation left where you might need it. It's handy if you want to split a bill between friends without making a fuss, or if you run a piggy bank for things like coffee and cookies at the office. Also you will generally need cash if you buy something at the farmers market, and some stores may refuse to accept debit cards for small amounts (even though that has become a lot less common over the last years). Most bakeries seem to have upgraded towards digital payments during the pandemic, though.

[@petergeyer7584]

Just a few years ago, in Berlin I pretty much only used cash except for major purchases (>€500). Covid really changed that, and now I am using my card for many more things like grocery shopping and eating out. I work in a shop, and for us cash and card are exactly the same now.

[@valeriedefarias]

I keep seeing videos and articles saying it’s hard to make German friends and this makes me very confused. I’ve never lived in Germany but I have several friends from and in Germany who I’ve meet in the most random ways and became long term friends with.

[@valeriedefarias]

Also, this video was great and super informative!

[@Al69BfR]

When I was in Rome about 40 years ago I was adviced to send postcards with the postal service of the Vatikan instead of the Italian postal service, because that way the postcards would arrive back home before I did. 😉 But I don‘t know if this is still the case. I just remember that I sent a package to an Italian ebay customer 10 years ago which took more than 4 weeks to arrive. After two weeks I asked the German postal service to look for the missing package but they said they already delivered it to Italy. So I had luck, that the Italian postal service is reliably slow but at least reliable. 😉 And isn‘t it 9 countries neighboring Germany? Denmark, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republik and Poland.

[@suzannes5888]

Liechtenstein also borders Germany on the South....I'm driving through it now (and then Switzerland) as I left Germany and head to Italy for lunch...and a l9ng weekend 🚗 😉

[@Al69BfR]

@@suzannes5888 Liechtenstein is right in between Switzerland and Austria. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liechtenstein And even if Liechtenstein had a border with Germany it would be just 10 countries sharing borders with Germany. Have a nice weekend in Italy.

[@peternolan6648]

Are you worried about water and energy this Winter? I will be coming to Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Munich this December. Anything to be concerned about?

[@simplegermany]

To be honest, we’re not. We trust that things will workout somehow.

[@halvarf]

Quite sure you will have no problem at all as a tourist, apart from maybe generally higher prices.

[@yvonnehorde1097]

Well, efficient public transportation... Depends whom you ask... I guess if you asked a Swiss or a Japanese person, they would say that - well - the whole thing is extremely disorganized and delayed.....

[@lele199926725]

Well, they mentioned several times in the video that each point is relative ;)

[@pran81]

Electricity is too expensive in Germany and they have a slab system where the more you use, the more expensive it gets

[@simplegermany]

Not true. You pay the same price per kwh used no matter how much you consume.

[@onosighojohnmark7934]

Can a medical doctor from Nigeria migrate to Germany and still work as a medical doctor or have residency done there

[@os2171]

Can someone comment on life quality in Würzburg? Thanks

[@Hobbymusiker84]

Con: Lack of Spontanity and emotional Connection with other people

[@clairechloe5294]

Yes, you said it well. That is so true. I love the fact that Germans are so direct and open-minded. But I dislike their distant, cold and unfriendly demeanour towards others. I grew up in Asia and now Germany is my home. Thanks for your comment. By the way are you German? I am just curious.

[@Hobbymusiker84]

@@clairechloe5294 They are actually great people. And no I am not a german. They are not unfriendly they are just take friendship very Seriously. And a Reason for this "unfriendliness" is that Lots of people are abusing their social security System. But I am glad that there is social security here, even if it is often abused. Where are you from? From India maybe?

[@holibuddy5797]

As a 43 years old living in Germany my whole life, I want like to comment it: Housing: It Germany, buying a kitchen is completely normal. And it´s a good thing. From my perspectiv, i dont want to use a kitchen another family has used for years for a lot of reasons. And for the Air Conditioners: First of all, the temperature is lower and another reason is that we can open windows the whole day and if someone says he is sweating in that situation, he is just a liar. In 43 years, i did not had a single day sweating inside (but outside), even it is above 35°C. Seems to be an issue of misunderstanding how to cool down your rooms. About the work life balance in germany and the language barriers: Really? Do Americans speak German when I want to work there? Living in another country means to pass a process of integration. It´s quite normal to learn the language of the new place of living. Delay of trains: First of all... what are 6 minutes in a day? Just play with it. I mean, we talk about an massive public infrastructure. Things can happen. For the internet: Never had something under 250MBit/s for years and don´t realized any upload issues. The bureaucracy: Well it has pros too. A higher bureaucracy often leads to better organisation, safer houses, safer live, more energy efficency, cleaner air, etc. Weather.... Well... on the one side, its to warm and to sweaty, but on the other hand, its too cold? you contradict yourself.

[@Vic_242]

Well, you already stated in the beginning why you see it way. It seems like you just never experienced a better way of the mentioned things, but that doesn't mean that it doesn't exist. As a person who moved to Germany this year, I can confirm almost everything that was said in the video. Tons of paperwork is neither convenient, nor effective. Not having AC while it is hot outside is uncomfortable, no matter how many opened windows you have. Being able to find a doctor appointment next day is much safer for your health than waiting for appointment for 2 months. Buying kitchen might be a nice thing if you move within the city with no hurry, but it is a nightmare for somebody just came from abroad... There are many really cool things in Germany, but those points are more than relevant.