Skip to Content

Is Germany A Good Place to Live? What You Need to Know

Germany is one of the most popular European countries. It is well known for its history and culture. As a first-world country and a member of the European Union, is Germany a good place to live in?

Germany’s Major Cities

Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne are the largest German cities in Germany. These big cities have much to offer in terms of culture and entertainment. They also have a large number of job opportunities.

Berliln view over the River Spree to Nikolaiviertel and Alexanderplatz

The capital Berlin is ranked as the tenth best city in the world to live in, while Hamburg is ranked fifteenth and Munich is ranked seventeenth.

The Cost of Living in Germany

Old town of bamberg in Germany
fottoo / Adobe Stock

Germany is not a cheap place to live. The living costs in the major cities can be expensive, especially for those not used to it. Rent, food, and transportation can be costly.

On the other hand, Germany offers a high standard of living. The country has a strong economy and is a great place to work. Many social benefits come with living in Germany.

See related articles: Things in Germany that are NOT Free!

Quality of life

The riverside of the Danube river in Ulm, Germany
Anastasia Kamysheva / Shutterstock

Overall, Germany is a great place to live. It has a high standard of living, a strong economy, and plenty of cultural and entertainment options for an excellent work-life balance. The cost of living can be high in the major cities, but there are many benefits to living in Germany.

The city center is a great place to live and raise a family. It has all the amenities and entertainment options you would expect in a city, plus a good mix of cultures and people. The only downside is that the cost of living can be high.

Education

Students in University of Bonn grounds
Sina Ettmer / Adobe Stock

Germany has a strong education system. The country is known for its universities, among the best in the world. Students can access high-quality education at a fraction of the cost of studying in other countries.

For example, Heidelberg University is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world. Germany has a strong research focus in its university programs. Universities specializing in applications provide a wide range of practical courses emphasizing learning about technology and business operations.

student for education in Germany

Schools in Germany will not accept your school certificates (other than those from non-European countries), and you must do an internship to get credit for them. This problem may be avoided in Germany by enrolling in a German school.

Health

Hand holding umbrella wood block cover Insurance icon
Jo Panuwat D / Adobe Stock

Public health care is very well funded and accessible to everyone, regardless of their income level. Germany has a low number of deaths due to cancer and cardiovascular disease when compared to other countries. Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living in Germany.

Crime Rate

Kids participate in games, sweepstakes and learn new things in Germany
Igor_PS / Shuterstock

The crime rate is very low in Germany, which makes it a safe place to live. Pickpocketing can be an issue in places like airports and public transportation. But at the same time, violence is rare.

Munich is ranked as the safest German city, with a crime rate of only 25 crimes per 1,000 people.

See Related: Is Germany Safe to Visit? 5 Things to Know

Employment Opportunities

Friendly receptionist woman working at desk in hotel lobby
NVB Stocker / Adobe Stock

Germany is a great place to work. The country has a strong economy is home to some of the world’s largest companies. German companies also offer many job opportunities for those who are not German speakers.

The minimum wage in Germany is €8.50 per hour (about $11.54), higher than the U.S. minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. A large number of people in Germany are self-employed, and taxes are lower for entrepreneurs than they are in most countries. Starting a business in Germany without going through much red tape is easy.

The typical yearly salaries in Germany are around 45,260 EUR, with daily payments of roughly 3,770 EUR. It is considerably higher than other countries, including those outside Eastern Europe.

Among Germany’s most lucrative industries are pharmacy and banking, medicine dentistry, business law, and technical services. German firms have to pay a higher tax rate than other businesses of comparable size.

This website provides complete compensation information for various jobs in Germany, including company and region, as well as competence and training.

Public Transportation

Red tram going on Hallmarkt square in front of Marktkirche church in old town
bbsferrari / Adobe Stock

Germany has an excellent public transportation system. The country has a well-developed network of German trains, buses, and subways. This makes it easy to get around the country using public transport without owning a car. The easy access to public transportation fits the active German lifestyle.

Private vehicles have a speed limit of or below 100 km/h (about 62 mph).

Climate

Medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria, Germany
JFL Photography / Adobe Stock

Germany has a temperate climate, which is ideal for those who don’t like extremes in weather. The country experiences a moderate amount of rainfall and has various weather conditions.

German language

Book German All-in-One For Dummies

The German language is not as difficult to learn as some people think. basic German is a phonetic language, meaning the pronunciation is similar to how the words are written.

Many German language courses are also offered in Germany and around the world. Many foreign tourists and international students can speak German.

Having German friends can help you learn to speak German words easily.

See Related: Best German Food to Try | Traditional Types of Food

Government

Interior of Plenary Hall (meeting room) of German Parliament (Deutscher Bundestag).
katatonia – stock.adobe.com

After the second world war, there have many changes regarding the government system. Germany’s government and legal systems are similar to that of other Western countries. Germany is a federal republic with 16 states, each with its political system.

Germany has a strong social market economy. This means that government offices provide many services to their citizens to avoid creating large income inequality. There are also several laws and German rules against discrimination because of factors such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, as well as laws to protect the environment.

The German government offers one year of paid maternity leave and strong job protection for new mothers. There are also state-sponsored daycare centers accessible to everyone in Germany.

See Related: Why Did Walmart Fail in Germany?

Culture and Entertainment

Polka Band Playing at Marienplatz, Munich
Sergii Figurnyi / Shutterstock.com

Germany has a rich culture reflected in its art, music, food, and architecture. The country has a number of world-renowned museums, concert halls, and theaters.

German food is hearty and includes a lot of meat and potatoes. But there are also many vegetarian options available. Beer is the most popular drink in Germany, and there are many different types of beer. A lot of people in the world like to drink beer that is made in Germany.

Gutenberg Museum, Germany

German architecture is known for its use of wood and stone. The country has many well-preserved medieval villages and castles. Museums are free in Germany on the first Sunday of every month but almost all the shops in Germany are closed on Sundays.

See related articles: Best Museums in Germany

Greenery and Sustainability

Aerial autumn panorama of Chempark (Bayerwerk) plant in Leverkusen, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
uslatar / Adobe Stock

Germany has over 1,000 different types of forests, and almost 13% of the country is made up of forests. There are also many parks throughout the country for people to enjoy.

There are many lakes in Germany, which makes it a great place to go swimming or boating during the summer months. According to a new study, Dortmund in North-Rhine Westphalia is the fourth greenest city on the planet.

With the help of artificial intelligence and satellite imaging, this index classifies 59 percent of Dortmund’s urban spaces as “green spaces,” including around one-third of trees and vegetation more than 1 m tall, 23 percent of lawns, and 12 percent of natural surfaces such as rivers, quarries, and wastelands.

The Black Forest region is the largest and longest contiguous area of forest in Germany. The Black Forest is named after its main feature, black pine trees. Many different types of plants and animals live in the forest.

Germany is a beautiful country to live in because of the quality of life and the sustainability of the cities and regions. Although the costs of living in Germany could be higher compared to other countries, the employment opportunities make a good work-life balance.

See Related: What is Germany Known for?

FAQ

Is moving to Germany a good idea?

Germany is a good place to live. The country has many social services that help people out when they are in need. There are also many different activities for people of all ages, including the arts and music.

Is it expensive to live in Germany?

The cost of living in Germany can be higher than in other countries, but this varies depending on the city you choose to live in.

What are the disadvantages of living in Germany?

The disadvantages of living in Germany could include the cost of living, as well as the cold winters.

What is the safest city in Germany?

The safest cities in Germany are Dortmund and Hamburg. In 2017, a study ranked these two cities four out of 37 for low crime rates.

Is it easy to get a job in Germany?

Yes, it is easy to find a job in Germany. The country has a strong economy, and many jobs are available.

What is the best way to learn German?

The best way to learn German is by taking a language course at a school or university. Many online resources can help you learn the language.

Can I bring my pet to Germany?

Yes, you can bring your pet to Germany if you have the correct documentation and meet the country’s requirements.

Is Germany a good place to raise children?

Yes, Germany is a great place to raise children. Many different types of daycare centers are available, as well as playgrounds and parks. The country also has a rich culture that children can learn about.

Do they speak English in Germany?

Most people in Germany speak some English. Many of the younger generations are also fluent in the language.

How is the pollution in Germany?

The pollution in Germany is relatively low when compared to other countries. The government has been working to reduce the amount of pollution in the air and water.

What is the healthcare system like in Germany?

The healthcare system in Germany is one of the best in the world. The country has a universal healthcare system that provides coverage for everyone.

Related Resources