The 10 things that you really love about living in Germany
What is the thing about living in Germany that is most important to expats? On Wednesday many readers shared their views with us, giving answers ranging from cute guys to affordable healthcare.
1. Sensible laws and an open society
Several readers said they valued Germany as a country with a good and inclusive legal system.
“The sovereignty of law over all and protections for all,” are what Musa Ibrahim described as Germany’s biggest strengths.
Umair Anwar wrote on Facebook that “law and order and safety, gender equality and a modern society” all made Germany “one of the best countries in the world.”
“A beautiful country, laws that make sense and the food is fabulous,” wrote Rebecca Freyler.
In a (very unscientific) straw poll we conducted on Thursday, sensible laws and an open society came out on top among 14 options, with a third of respondents saying these were the best things about living in Germany.
2. Good transport infrastructure
Photo: DPA
Whether it be the world famous autobahn or inner city trams, readers seem to love the fact that it’s easy to get around the Bundesrepublik.
“There are so many things I love about this beautiful country, I don’t know where to start,” wrote Merrie Arnold-Schultz. “One thing that makes my life here so enjoyable: I’m able to walk to the supermarket, bakery etc. Not being forced to drive everywhere is absolutely fabulous and improves my well-being.”
“Let’s not forget how driving can be a pleasure in Germany with the excellent autobahn system and the skilful, courteous drivers,” Joseph Beckett wrote.
3. Funding for science
There were a couple of shout outs for Germany's funding for the sciences.
“I'm a scientist (that happens to be female) and the wonderful scientific funding and research opportunities are truly fantastic in Deutschland,” wrote Francis Kirigin. “Also ... German guys are incredibly cute and the gender equality in Deutschland is incredibly fantastic. I mean, with Dr. Angela Merkel leading the country - a female scientist herself - what do you expect?”
4. Football
Photo: DPA
Murtada Bazo was just one of the readers who declared his love for German football.
"A great country with really nice people, wonderful nature, good economy, law rules the country, safe land, [and the] wonderful Bundesliga. God bless Germany,” he wrote.
But not everyone seems to like the top tier of German football, which is famously dominated by one very wealthy Bavarian club.
“You were doing so well up until you mentioned the Bundesliga, which makes even the Scottish League look competitive!” Colin Maclean said in response to Bazo’s post.
5. Affordable healthcare
Germany’s healthcare system, which works largely through public health insurance schemes, was praised by Michelle Scofield Schröder.
“I love knowing that if I or someone in my family gets very sick, in addition to the emotional stress of that time, it won't be an additional financial burden and I won't have to beg others for help,” she wrote.
6. The landscape
Photo: DPA
The country that stretches from the Alpine peaks in the south to the white cliffs of Rügen in the north was also praised for its beauty.
"The people are fantastic. Your economy is good. The food and wine and lifestyle, I was drawn to. I'm eager to go back to live. The landscape [is] by far the most beautiful. Great cars - shall I continue?” wrote Sue-Ellen Hillier.
7. The people
Expat surveys often tend to find that people who migrate to Germany find it a struggle to make friends with the locals. But quite a few of our readers seem to have a rather different view.
SEE ALSO: How I made friends during my first year in Germany
"Germany is a great and lovely country. The people of Germany are filled with personality, that's way I love Germany,” Robel Berhe wrote.
"Great people, great food, everyone's basically mostly friendly to me... ...I love the Bundesliga I love the atmosphere," another reader said.
8. Beer
Photo: DPA
Obviously the national drink got a mention in quite a few Facebook posts.
"Awesome beer, awesome people, awesome science," wrote one commentor.
"Food is cheap. Beer is cheap and excellent. Best bread in the world. Functioning government. Great infrastructure (perfect highways)," enthused Roland Saucier.
Well, Germany might not have the most functioning government at the moment, but we certainly agree with him on the bread and the beer.
9. Goth festivals
Certainly a niche one here, but Rhiannon Beswick insisted the best thing about German are its goth and medieval festivals. Oh, and Deutsche Post.
10. Things that aren't German
Some people were less than keen to lavish praise on the land of beer and breeches, though.
"Turkish food, Scottish whiskey, Dutch cheese, cars made in Czech republic, Belgian Beer, yup, Germany has it all," Jonney Gardner guffawed.
Meanwhile Monica Loizzo said "I love living in Hamburg because it doesn't really feel like living in Germany." Ouch.
Comments
See Also
1. Sensible laws and an open society
Several readers said they valued Germany as a country with a good and inclusive legal system.
“The sovereignty of law over all and protections for all,” are what Musa Ibrahim described as Germany’s biggest strengths.
Umair Anwar wrote on Facebook that “law and order and safety, gender equality and a modern society” all made Germany “one of the best countries in the world.”
“A beautiful country, laws that make sense and the food is fabulous,” wrote Rebecca Freyler.
In a (very unscientific) straw poll we conducted on Thursday, sensible laws and an open society came out on top among 14 options, with a third of respondents saying these were the best things about living in Germany.
2. Good transport infrastructure
Photo: DPA
Whether it be the world famous autobahn or inner city trams, readers seem to love the fact that it’s easy to get around the Bundesrepublik.
“There are so many things I love about this beautiful country, I don’t know where to start,” wrote Merrie Arnold-Schultz. “One thing that makes my life here so enjoyable: I’m able to walk to the supermarket, bakery etc. Not being forced to drive everywhere is absolutely fabulous and improves my well-being.”
“Let’s not forget how driving can be a pleasure in Germany with the excellent autobahn system and the skilful, courteous drivers,” Joseph Beckett wrote.
3. Funding for science
There were a couple of shout outs for Germany's funding for the sciences.
“I'm a scientist (that happens to be female) and the wonderful scientific funding and research opportunities are truly fantastic in Deutschland,” wrote Francis Kirigin. “Also ... German guys are incredibly cute and the gender equality in Deutschland is incredibly fantastic. I mean, with Dr. Angela Merkel leading the country - a female scientist herself - what do you expect?”
4. Football
Photo: DPA
Murtada Bazo was just one of the readers who declared his love for German football.
"A great country with really nice people, wonderful nature, good economy, law rules the country, safe land, [and the] wonderful Bundesliga. God bless Germany,” he wrote.
But not everyone seems to like the top tier of German football, which is famously dominated by one very wealthy Bavarian club.
“You were doing so well up until you mentioned the Bundesliga, which makes even the Scottish League look competitive!” Colin Maclean said in response to Bazo’s post.
5. Affordable healthcare
Germany’s healthcare system, which works largely through public health insurance schemes, was praised by Michelle Scofield Schröder.
“I love knowing that if I or someone in my family gets very sick, in addition to the emotional stress of that time, it won't be an additional financial burden and I won't have to beg others for help,” she wrote.
6. The landscape
Photo: DPA
The country that stretches from the Alpine peaks in the south to the white cliffs of Rügen in the north was also praised for its beauty.
"The people are fantastic. Your economy is good. The food and wine and lifestyle, I was drawn to. I'm eager to go back to live. The landscape [is] by far the most beautiful. Great cars - shall I continue?” wrote Sue-Ellen Hillier.
7. The people
Expat surveys often tend to find that people who migrate to Germany find it a struggle to make friends with the locals. But quite a few of our readers seem to have a rather different view.
SEE ALSO: How I made friends during my first year in Germany
"Germany is a great and lovely country. The people of Germany are filled with personality, that's way I love Germany,” Robel Berhe wrote.
"Great people, great food, everyone's basically mostly friendly to me... ...I love the Bundesliga I love the atmosphere," another reader said.
8. Beer
Photo: DPA
Obviously the national drink got a mention in quite a few Facebook posts.
"Awesome beer, awesome people, awesome science," wrote one commentor.
"Food is cheap. Beer is cheap and excellent. Best bread in the world. Functioning government. Great infrastructure (perfect highways)," enthused Roland Saucier.
Well, Germany might not have the most functioning government at the moment, but we certainly agree with him on the bread and the beer.
9. Goth festivals
Certainly a niche one here, but Rhiannon Beswick insisted the best thing about German are its goth and medieval festivals. Oh, and Deutsche Post.
10. Things that aren't German
Some people were less than keen to lavish praise on the land of beer and breeches, though.
"Turkish food, Scottish whiskey, Dutch cheese, cars made in Czech republic, Belgian Beer, yup, Germany has it all," Jonney Gardner guffawed.
Meanwhile Monica Loizzo said "I love living in Hamburg because it doesn't really feel like living in Germany." Ouch.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.