Welcome!
Welcome to the best on-line information resource for expatriates in Germany: the website of How To Germany magazine. How To Germany tells you everything you need to know about living and working in Germany as a foreigner. The magazine's feature archives are available on this website, and we update them frequently to keep you current on developments important to a happy and successful stay in Germany.
Bumps and Jolts on the Cultural Road
Large areas of similarity between Germans and Americans make it easy to underestimate the dangers of misunderstanding.
One of the unpleasant things about traveling are bad places in the road that cause bumps and jolts, upsetting you and knocking over your coffee. These are particularly bad when you're not expecting them. It's the same way when you're in what I call "the Transatlantic Zone" - that's any place and any time Americans and Germans are doing business together. In the Transatlantic Zone there can also be bumps and jolts when you're not expecting them. Let me give you an example.
German School System
German public education makes it possible for qualified kids to study up to university level, regardless of their families' financial status.
The German education system is different in many ways from the ones in Anglo-Saxon countries, but it produces high- performing students. Although education is a function of the federal states, and there are differences from state to state, some generalizations are possible.
The German Legal System
A short list of some important things to be aware of -- you never know when they might come in handy.
Although the German legal system doesn't match the US constitutional Bill of Rights point for point, legal specialists who have studied it are usually in agreement that it is fair. It provides many safeguards to ensure the fairness of investigations and trials.
Shop 'til you drop, German-style
Germans love to shop. In fact, you might say it's a national pastime, which is a good thing because it makes finding anything you need easy. "The mall," however, which you may be used to, is not nearly as well-developed in Germany. But more and more of them have been opening over the last couple of years, including a variety of "Outlet Malls". You can find a number of "Big Box stores" in many city suburbs or within an hour's drive of many large urban centres.
Driving in Germany
It's true: there are no speed limits on the German autobahns. But there are plenty of other regulations you should be aware of.
Driving in Germany can be a delight: the scenery is beautiful and the roads are well maintained. But there are many rules and regulations to observe.
Residing and Working In Germany
You're not truly living in Germany until the paperwork's done. Here's a quick primer on exactly what you'll need.
All persons remaining in Germany for longer than three months must
have a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), of which there are now two types. You can apply for one of them at the local Ausländerbehörde.
The Job Hunting & the Work Place
Once you've found a job the law will make sure your employer takes good cares of you.
Let's say that you have a critical skill, are a member of the family of a person with a critical skill or come from another European Union country. The chances are you can seek work in Germany. If you are none of the above, you may have problems. (See the separate article on residence and work permits.)
Low Cost Airlines
A number of low cost airlines have stirred up air travel within Europe by radically cutting fares in exchange for eliminating many traditional passenger services. A Ryanair flight from Hahn, Germany, to London Stansted can cost as little as €30.
Individual and Local Sports
Countless hours on a plane, living in cramped quarters out of suitcases and boxes, disrupted eating schedules and styles - these are things that quickly force expatriates to search out physical activity.
Newcomers to Germany observe Germans are very active on a daily basis, often walking or biking to a destination rather than driving. Sunday walks by extended families along forest paths are a common sight, as are parents on bicycles with small children trailing behind.
The full article...German Sports Leagues and Clubs
Germany's sports leagues are highly organized. Men's soccer, Fussball, quickly springs to mind, but there also leagues and organizations for women's soccer, basketball, ice hockey, handball as well as a number of other sports.
Spa: Sanus per Aquam an Old Roman Cure
German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning 'health by water' or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now.
Fitness Centers
Wondering how to manage your weight amidst the vast selection of dense, rich breads, meats and cheeses, not to mention tortes and chocolate? Or maybe you simply love to pump iron or have wanted to get back into a workout routine. Whatever your motivation, you will be happy to know that Germany offers loads of opportunities for you to keep fit and have fun!
Search Our Resources Database
Check out the Resources Database. There are hundreds of categorized listings that include companies, churches, schools, clubs, service providers and other organizations throughout Germany. You can search the resources database by category. It's fast and easy.
