10 Things Nobody Tells You Before Moving to Germany: The Reality of Living Abroad
Moving to Germany can be an exciting new chapter in your life. Perhaps you're moving for work, love, education, or simply looking for new opportunities.
Germany is often associated with beautiful cities, good infrastructure, strong industries, and a high standard of living.
But what is everyday life in Germany actually like?
When people talk about moving abroad, they often focus on the positive things. They talk about better opportunities, travelling, exploring a new culture, and starting a fresh chapter.
But there are also challenges that you might not think about until you actually arrive.
As someone interested in sharing the realities of German life, I think it is important to talk about both sides.
Here are 10 things nobody tells you before moving to Germany.
1. Finding an Apartment Can Be a Challenge
One of the first things you need when moving to Germany is somewhere to live.
And this can be more difficult than you expect.
In popular cities and areas, the housing market can be very competitive. You may find an apartment online, contact the landlord, and discover that dozens of other people are interested in the same property.
Landlords may request documents such as:
Proof of income
Identification documents
SCHUFA credit information
Employment information
Previous rental references
Another surprise for newcomers is that many German apartments are unfurnished.
In some cases, even the kitchen is not included.
This means you may need to budget for furniture, kitchen appliances, and other household essentials.
My advice: Start looking for accommodation early and make sure you understand what is included in the rental agreement.
2. German Bureaucracy Requires Patience
If there is one thing that surprises many foreigners, it is German bureaucracy.
Germany has many official processes, and you will quickly become familiar with words such as Anmeldung, Bürgeramt, Ausländerbehörde, and Finanzamt.
Anmeldung is the registration of your residential address.
When you move into a home, you generally need to register your address with the relevant local authority within two weeks.
You may also need appointments for residence permits, official documents, and other administrative matters.
Sometimes you will receive letters that are difficult to understand, especially if German is not your first language.
My advice: Keep your documents organised, make copies of important paperwork, and never ignore official letters.
3. Learning German Makes Everyday Life Easier
You can find people who speak English in Germany, especially in larger cities and international workplaces.
However, English is not enough for every situation.
German becomes particularly important when communicating with authorities, schools, doctors, landlords, and local businesses.
Learning German can also help you feel more confident and independent.
You don't have to become fluent overnight.
Start with basic everyday conversations, practise regularly, and don't be embarrassed about making mistakes.
The more you practise, the more comfortable you will become.
4. Most Shops Are Closed on Sundays
This is something many newcomers find surprising.
In Germany, most supermarkets and regular retail shops are closed on Sundays.
There are exceptions, such as certain shops at airports and major train stations, petrol stations, and some bakeries.
But generally, Sunday is not a normal shopping day.
You will quickly learn to plan your grocery shopping in advance.
It is also part of the German lifestyle, where Sunday is traditionally treated as a quieter day for rest and family time.
5. Health Insurance Is Essential
Germany has a healthcare system based on statutory and private health insurance.
Health insurance is compulsory for people living in Germany, subject to applicable legal rules and exemptions.
If you are employed, your circumstances will generally determine how you are insured.
If you are self-employed, studying or moving with your family, the arrangements may be different.
Before moving, research which health insurance system applies to your situation.
Also, remember that your insurance from your home country may not automatically provide the cover you need in Germany.
6. Punctuality Is Important
German culture is often associated with punctuality.
Arriving on time for appointments, meetings, and important events is generally considered respectful.
If you have an appointment at 10:00, it is a good idea to arrive a little earlier.
Of course, people are people everywhere, and not everyone is perfectly punctual.
But as a newcomer, understanding this cultural expectation can help you avoid misunderstandings.
7. Cash Is Still Useful
Germany has increasingly adopted digital payments, but cash remains useful.
Some smaller shops, cafés, markets and service providers may have limited card-payment options.
It is therefore sensible to carry a little cash when going out.
You may also encounter different card-payment systems, so don't assume every business accepts every card.
8. Recycling Is Part of Everyday Life
Germany takes waste separation seriously.
When you move into a German home, you may discover that there are several different bins for different types of waste.
These can include:
Paper and cardboard
Organic waste
Residual waste
Packaging and recyclable materials
Another important term is Pfand.
Pfand is a deposit system used for many drink bottles and cans.
You pay a deposit when buying certain drinks and can get that money back when returning eligible containers to a collection machine or participating retailer.
It might take a little time to understand the system, but eventually it becomes part of your everyday routine.
9. Making Friends May Take Time
Moving abroad is not just about finding a home and a job.
It is also about building a new social life.
You may leave behind your family, childhood friends, and familiar surroundings.
In Germany, making close friendships may take time, especially if you are still learning the language or are new to the area.
Try joining local groups, attending community events, participating in sports or hobbies, and meeting other international families.
Don't wait for friendships to happen automatically.
Be open to meeting people and give yourself time to build meaningful connections.
And remember, feeling lonely sometimes does not mean you made the wrong decision by moving abroad.
10. Life in Germany Is Not Always Perfect
This is perhaps the most important point.
Sometimes people imagine that moving to Germany will solve every problem.
They expect everything to be better, easier, and more organised.
But moving abroad also brings emotional challenges.
You may miss your family.
You may miss the food, the celebrations, the language and the little everyday things that made your home country special.
You may experience cultural differences, homesickness, and moments when you question your decision.
And that is completely normal.
You can appreciate the opportunities Germany offers while still missing the country you came from.
Both feelings can exist together.
Living abroad is not always easy, but it can teach you so much about yourself, your identity, and what home really means.
What Should You Prepare Before Moving to Germany?
If you are planning to relocate, here are some things worth researching before you arrive:
Visa and residence requirements for your situation.
Accommodation and rental costs.
Health insurance arrangements.
Employment opportunities.
Language courses.
Address registration requirements.
Banking and financial arrangements.
Schools and childcare if you have children.
Transportation options.
The cost of living in your chosen city.
The more prepared you are, the easier your transition may become.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Germany can open many doors and provide wonderful opportunities.
But it is important to understand that every country has its own challenges, and Germany is no exception.
There will be things you love, things you dislike and things that take time to understand.
The most important thing is to give yourself time to adjust.
Don't compare your first few months in Germany with someone else's life after ten years.
Everyone has a different journey.
Let's talk!
If you already live in Germany, what surprised you the most when you first arrived?
And if you're planning to move here, what is the one thing you are most curious about?
Share your thoughts in the comments. I would love to hear your stories!
Thank you for reading, and welcome to Hannah Beyond Borders, where we talk about German life, motherhood, family, culture, and the realities of living abroad.
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