Germany is a modern, cosmopolitan country distinguished by its openness, a high standard of living and multi-national diversity. Freedom of worship and the separation of church and state are the cornerstones of the legal system. The German way of life is characterized by a colorful culture offering diverse opportunities for leisure activities and encounters.
Being an expat in Germany may thus require some adjustment, especially if you come from a country that’s more laidback or even cheerfully chaotic. However, Germany can also be a rather uncomplicated country, depending on how you look at matters. If you like things to be on time, in an orderly fashion, and done in the way you requested, life in Germany will be a delightful experience for you.
Living in Germany does not mean that fun is thrown to the wayside. To the contrary, Germans are a surprisingly fun-loving bunch. Depending on the region your expat adventure takes you to, there are a multitude of festivals and holidays to prove the stereotype of the dull, prosaic, uptight German wrong.
Germany is the birthplace of famous composers like Bach, van Beethoven, and Wagner as well as literary geniuses such as Brecht, Goethe, and the Mann family. Like them, expats in Germany might even be inspired to create something new. If literature and the arts are not your cup of tea, take a look at Discover Germany and see what else the country has to offer.
Everyday life in Germany can be a very different experience. After all, the proverbial devil’s in the details. Expats will often face restrictions concerning neighborhood regulations that they have never considered significant before.
For example, in small-town Germany, you might find that there is to be no vacuuming on Sundays. No loud music may be allowed between noon and three in the afternoon, and Saturdays are reserved for garden work. This may include plucking weeds from the cracks in the sidewalk in front of your house.
But do not let this scare you. Life in Germany really is cleaner and more efficient than in many countries, although, as usual, this may depend on your city and neighborhood. Germany’s small towns may usually be stricter in keeping up with sanitary rules and countless regulations than large cities.