Disadvantages of Living in Germany: What Expats Should Know

Although moving to a new country can feel exciting, especially if we’re talking about one of the most desired destinations in Europe, thinking wisely about every aspect of the life you’re about to live is highly advisable. Germany is no exception, and here we’ll explore the points you can’t ignore before, during and after your move. Understanding the potential disadvantages can help you better prepare and lead you to a smoother transition.

Bureaucracy in Germany

One of the most significant challenges expats face in Germany is bureaucracy. The administrative processes can be daunting, especially for those not fluent in German. Tasks such as registering your address, setting up utilities, or obtaining a residence permit involve extensive paperwork and multiple visits to government offices​​. Despite the frustration, staying organised and patient is crucial. Many expats recommend seeking assistance from German-speaking friends or professional services to navigate this bureaucratic maze.

Expensive Everyday Necessities in Germany

Living in Germany, particularly in major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, can be costly. The high cost of living is a common complaint among expats. Housing, groceries, and transportation expenses add up quickly​. While the quality of life is high, budgeting and financial planning are essential for managing these costs effectively.

Language Barrier in Germany

Despite many Germans speaking English, the language barrier remains a significant problem. Fluency in German is often necessary for everyday interactions and professional opportunities​​. Many expats find it challenging to integrate fully without a good command of the language, which can affect their social and professional lives. Learning German becomes an essential step towards smoother integration.

Digitalisation Issues in Germany

Germany is known for its efficient infrastructure, yet surprisingly lags in digitalisation. Expats often struggle with obtaining high-speed internet and adapting to the limited availability of cashless payment options​. This lack of digital convenience can frustrate those from countries with more advanced digital services.

Challenges to Socially Integrate in Germany

Social integration is another challenge expats face in Germany. Building a social network can be difficult due to cultural differences and the reserved nature of many Germans​. Expats often experience loneliness and homesickness, which can be mitigated by actively seeking social opportunities and engaging in community activities. Not to mention the limited diversity, while urban areas are diverse, some parts of Germany can be relatively homogenous, which might be less appealing for those accustomed to more multicultural environments. This brings us to the difficulty of adjusting to the cultural aspect. Adapting to German culture, to mention some points, their strict rules, regulations, emphasis on punctuality and privacy might require adjustment if you’re accustomed to a more relaxed environment at work and social settings.

Disadvantages of Living in Germany: Expats Challenges

The rise of far-right movements has created a hostile environment for immigrants in Germany. Reports of xenophobia and discrimination have increased, causing anxiety among expat communities. The government’s efforts to combat these sentiments are ongoing, but the social climate can still be challenging for newcomers. Meanwhile, the German government is actively implementing several measures to combat far-right movements, which are recognised as a significant threat to the rights of the nation, such as freezing bank accounts of suspected individuals and organisations indulging violent speech against immigrants, a new “early recognition unit” has been established to detect and counter disinformation campaigns, the government supports public campaigns and educational programs to raise awareness about the dangers of extremism and promote democratic values. The Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has announced a 13-point plan that includes preventive and repressive measures to dismantle extremist networks. This plan involves new laws to investigate and prosecute these activities to take preemptive action against potential threats.

Immigration Reforms in Germany

Among the disadvantages of living in Germany are the uncertainties faced by newcomers. To reduce the problems, the German government has implemented various immigration reforms to make it easier for skilled workers to move to the country. These reforms include a points-based system for job seekers and better access to integration courses​. They enable professionals with relevant experience to obtain work permits even if their qualifications are not recognised in Germany yet. Workers can stay in Germany while their qualifications are being processed, providing they have an A2 level of German proficiency​. The German government plans to expedite this process to three to six months to reduce the lengthy processing times for asylum applications, which can take over two years. The initiatives for social integration are promoted through programs that offer language courses, job placement services, and community engagement activities. These actions are designed to help immigrants feel welcome into German society. Additionally, it has become easier for skilled workers to bring their family members to Germany, and there is also a provision allowing immigrants to apply for naturalisation after five years of residence, with special cases eligible after three years. While some of these measures are promising, the effectiveness of these policies in easing the transition for expats is still being evaluated.

Testimonials from Expats About the Problems They Face in Germany

From the point of view of potential newcomers, facilitating the process is a matter of optimising the system with a more automated approach. One of the testimonials said that there were several lost trips to governmental offices because of missing papers or errors when filling in information; the correction could’ve been quickly done, but in many cases, some of the matters had to be solved by a particular attendant, for example, designated for that kind of issue. If this person happened to be absent, they had to come back another time and try all over again. The long wait for appointments and how some of the staff members treated them were some of the reasons for disappointment and frustration. The challenges and setbacks due to the difficulty of the language barrier occur a lot. In central cities, these issues are less common. Still, the complaints go from getting information and the right direction on what to do in some processes, making it more complicated than it should be, registering your address, applying for a residence permit, acquiring work visas, and opening banking accounts. 

Not Everything Has to be a Struggle

So, the disadvantages of Living in Germany were presented, and you might ask yourself, why take the leap and insist on moving there? The daunting aspect of the process does not take the perks of living and experiencing what such a rich country can allow you to have. There are plenty of opportunities through education and the job market. The lure to have better chances for you and your family revolved around a tremendous culture, or if that is your dream. The reasons can be infinite, but all good things may come with a price, and that will be reflected in a piece of your peace of mind, at least at the start. We invite you to take a deep breath and doze off a bit. Let us take care of half of it. The steps to acquire the approvals to relocate can be time and life-consuming. VanOne International Movers can jump cut to avoid delays and any extra costs. Contact us today to clarify any doubts and get a free quote.