A practical guide on pursuing an international work experience in Germany

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Germany, the country that is located in Europe’s heart, is one of the most popular places to move to, and the reasons why more people choose to move there are often work-related. The German labor market is so extensive and full of opportunities that there is always a need for qualified labor in all areas. There are many things that make Germany unique and the contributing factor is definitely the high quality of life. This is why many people make the decision to move there and pursue a successful career. Whether you have landed a top job in the financial world or a job as a bartender at a club, Germany is an excellent choice. However, before you embark on your ex-pat journey, you should prepare for some of the following aspects:

Health insurance

First and foremost, if you plan on living and working in Germany, you must make sure to get your health insurance, called Krankenversicherung in German, which is obligatory for all its residents, including those coming from abroad. Without health insurance, your plan to obtain a residence permit in this country is impossible. The health insurance Germany system consists of two options: statutory health insurance (GVK) and private health insurance (PKV). While statutory health insurance is available to everyone and depends on the income, other conditions apply for private health insurance.

Choosing housing options

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Choosing housing options is not the easiest nut to crack as the housing market has been booming somewhat enormously in Germany over the past 5-10 years, especially in the bigger cities. To give you a heads-up: know that furnished apartments are rare and will cost significantly more than an unfurnished place.

We recommend that you start looking at homes even before you move. There are many good Facebook groups where you can get in touch with other people who are more than happy to share tips and experiences. A good site to find your future home in Germany is WG-gesucht.de or the website www.immobilienscout24.deIt is recommended to rent something short-term first. This will allow you to, later on, find long-term accommodation in a less stressful way. There are two different rent types: cold rent (kaltmiete) and the other is warm rent (warmmiete). Pay attention when you sign a contract, so you know what is included in your particular rent. Usually, cold rent means that you only pay for the apartment itself. The cost of electricity, water, heating is thus in addition to the basic rent. Warm rent usually includes water, heating, etc., but also garbage collection and other services.

Learning the language

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German is Germany’s official language, which an overwhelming majority of all Germans have as their mother tongue. Nowadays, many also speak English, especially in the big cities’ central parts, but it is still good to know a few German phrases to cope with daily life. The locals appreciate this. It will help you meet new people and make you stand out in the competitive job market.

There are lots of different ways to learn German. The most common way is to take an evening or weekend course, something that can work well in addition to working or studying. Meeting new people and forming new friendships is part of the integration process into a new culture, and one of the best and fastest ways to learn the local language. Discover the most exciting events and the most exciting places for foreigners in your city, and get to know both other newcomers and locals. Learning German is now within reach for anyone who has the will and desire to do so.

Understanding the culture

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The German culture is shaped by its literature, art, philosophy, history, and, of course, its people and their love of beer and sausages. When you think of German food, the first that comes to mind might be sausage, apple strudel, Berliner Boll, and schnitzel. Germany has a wide range of regional and seasonal dishes. From white asparagus in the spring to mushrooms in the summer and venison in the fall. Of course, Germany boasts of a lot of breweries. One of the most well-known brands are Beck’s, Warsteiner, Diebels, Bitburger, and Veltins. You may not have expected it, but Germany also has a sizeable well-established wine industry with 13 different wine regions. 

Despite being great professionals and career-driven people, Germans do know how to have fun and enjoy themselves. There is no better way to experience Germany’s culture and ways of entertainment than going to a German festival. From food and music festivals to notorious festivals like the Berlin International Film Festival, Octoberfest, the Leipzig Book Fair, and many more, Germany has a long tradition of exciting events that attract thousands of visitors from the country abroad every year.  

Networking

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Moving abroad and meeting new people is an exciting experience, but it can also feel a little nervous. Today, there are many ways to create both private and professional networks.

The German business culture is considered very professional, direct, and spot-on as Germans clearly distinguish between work and leisure. Therefore, it is good to get some tips before building and maintaining a professional network. First off – a reasonably firm, short handshake with eye contact is enough when you meet someone for the first time. The difference between ‘Sie’ and ‘Du’ is always good to remember and still use the formal and polite title ‘Herr’ and ‘Frau’ and the last name of the person you meet and wish to strike up a conversation with. Be curious and dare to make new contacts and present new ideas and experiences.  Search online professional network sites and groups where you can find your target audience. You can also try to expand your professional network in Germany by looking up and joining alumni associations, expatriate groups, business clubs, volunteer groups, and workshops.  

Final thoughts

Moving and settling into a new country is both exciting and full of challenges in many different ways. Therefore, we tried to give you a list of important things to think about before moving to Germany. Being prepared and organized in advance will help you avoid the day-to-day hassles, and it will make your moving process much easier, allowing you to concentrate on the next chapter of your professional career and life experience.