Living in Germany
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Germany.
Who can legally give you cosmetic Botox and fillers in Germany?
Botox is Germany's most popular non-surgical cosmetic treatment, but not everyone offering injections is legally allowed to do so. Here's how to check whether your provider is authorised and what the rules actually say.
How Americans in Germany can benefit from international credit unions
As traditional banks increasingly spurn their US clients who live overseas, international credit unions may be a viable option for the banking and investment needs of Americans living in Germany.
10 things you should never do in Germany
Every country has its own unique cultural dos and don’ts. You won’t get a round of applause for remembering the dos, but you can get into seriously hot water for forgetting the don’ts. To help you out, here’s The Local’s guide to 10 things you should never do in Germany.
The key advice I wish I’d known before my disastrous Oktoberfest
Thinking about your first Oktoberfest? Readers say it's all about planning ahead, pacing yourself and looking after your friends. Unfortunately, The Local's Tom Pugh had to learn those lessons the hard way.
How to survive your first year as a parent in Germany
Germany's 'Elternzeit' may sound like time off, but the first year with a baby can be lonely, chaotic and full of admin. From Familienzentren to Kleinanzeigen, journalist and new parent Imogen Goodman writes about how to get through it.
What to do in Germany if you experience workplace discrimination
Figures released this week suggest workplace discrimination is becoming more common in Germany. If you experience it, knowing your rights and acting quickly can make a significant difference.
When and where do dogs have to be on a leash in Germany?
Dogs are part of everyday life in Germany – but the rules around leashes, noise and shared spaces can be surprisingly strict. Whether you own a dog or not, here’s how the law shapes what you see when you’re out and about.
10 funny German medical words every expat should know
German is a tricky language to begin with, but things get really mind boggling when you need to see a doctor.
Three hard truths for Indians thinking about moving to Germany
Many students and young professionals pay up to €20,000 to migrate to Germany, only to find themselves trapped in an illegal gig economy. We spoke to a labour expert in Berlin who shared the reality check you need, before you book a flight.
What you need to know before selling your car in Germany
From the required documents, to costs and legal obligations, here’s what you need to know before you sell your used vehicle in Germany.
Your questions answered on how new EU banking law affects Americans in Germany
Many Americans in Germany have received letters from their US banks warning them that they may have to close their accounts due to a new EU banking requirements. We asked specialists in financial planning and tax to explain the implications.
'Faire Integration': Where foreign workers in Germany can get free workplace advice
In an exclusive interview with The Local, experts from 'Faire Integration' discuss Germany’s free and multilingual service to help foreign workers understand their rights – and stop problems at work from spiralling out of control.
What do children actually learn at school in Germany?
Do you know your 'Lebenskunde' from your 'NaWi'? Or your 'Stunden' from your 'Fächer'? Read our guide and get up to speed with what your children are learning at school in Germany.
The app that wants to help you avoid Deutsche Bahn delays
Tired of guessing whether your Deutsche Bahn train will actually arrive on time? A new free website uses historical data to show you how likely your next train is to be delayed.
What you can learn from my 'failed' apartment search in Germany
After putting months of effort into his search for an unlimited contract apartment in Berlin, The Local Germany's Paul Krantz has since spoken to experts and come to understand that his approach was all wrong.
When you can get in trouble for using a mobile phone in Germany
From checking a message at a red light to filming at a swimming pool, Germany has some surprisingly strict rules around mobile phone use. Here's where people most commonly run into problems.
Nine fruit and vegetables eaten in Germany that aren’t common elsewhere
From white asparagus festivals to wild garlic leaves gathered in forests, Germany has a surprising collection of fruits and vegetables that many newcomers have never encountered before. Here are nine worth getting to know.
CHECKLIST: The most important paperwork you need to settle in Germany
There's a fair amount of paperwork involved with moving to Germany, and it can be hard to know where to start. We look at the first documents you'll need to apply for, or be aware of, when you arrive here.
Why is the internet so slow in Germany?
Most internet users in Germany will be familiar with slow-loading websites, frozen videos and interrupted calls. Are connections in Germany really as bad as they seem – and what is the country doing about it.
The schoolyard terms you need to understand your German-speaking kids
When foreign parents send their children to German primary schools, they often come back with a whole new vocabulary of playground slang. Here's our guide to the main terms to know.
Germany's best 'Kur' towns for wellness and why you should visit
Germany has a strong wellness culture that dates back more than 2,000 years. If you're looking to take a dip in mineral waters or sweat it out in the sauna, spa towns – known as 'Kurorte' – offer the perfect weekend break.
Six expert tips to bridge the speaking gap while learning German
Struggling to speak German despite years of classes? Teacher and language influencer Stefanie Weinberger shares her tips for overcoming the ‘speaking gap’ and making the most of the new opportunities offered by AI.
Five Bavarian festivals with cheaper beer than Oktoberfest this September
Yeah Oktoberfest is cool, but have you ever had an Erdinger Weissbier in its hometown - or seen the festival parade in Rosenheim? Here are five alternative beer festivals to try in the 'Free State' this autumn.