Due to Germany’s ageing population, the government is relatively keen to have more skilled hands on the proverbial deck. This is not to say, however, that Germany has cut out its one true love: bureaucracy. Basically, if you’re an non-EU citizen, you’re going to have to get a fair number of papers stamped on your … Read more
You might not think of Germans as quirky, but they can be. While we all know that Germans enjoy punctuality (true), paperwork (true), and practicality (true), what you might not know is that Germans also enjoy recycling and experimental mixed drinks. These might not sound like strictly cultural activities but you’ll soon find that culture … Read more
Who are you? My name is Sarah. I am a British expat living in Bremen, Germany.I work remotely for a UK based organisation. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Bremen in July 2016 with my partner, Alex. We moved here as he was offered a very good role with an … Read more
With its academic tracks and its variety of schools, the German education system looks quite different to those found in the Anglosphere. That being said, the German tradition of early streaming based on predicted academic outcomes can feel quite restrictive to parents used to a more inclusive system.In Germany, a robust public schooling system is … Read more
Who are you? My name is Chris Olson and I’m a self-employed English trainer in Wuppertal, Germany. Where, when and why did you move abroad? I moved to Germany (from Cincinnati, Ohio) in late 2013.There were several reasons that influenced my decision to move abroad. However, the main reason was to experience a different culture … Read more
Apartment hunting is always taxing, but trying to navigate a foreign system in a foreign language can be very difficult. This article will introduce you to the German system, as well as point you towards the most important resources for your house-hunt.In Germany, the majority of people rent rather than own their homes. In fact, … Read more
After years as an articulate adult, regressing to the eloquence of an excited toddler can be frustrating and quietly humiliating. But it’s also worth it. There is a reason why many of the world’s greatest thinkers have worked in German. Soon you’ll be able to express the fear that time is running out (Torschlusspanik) or … Read more
Health insurance is one of the duller aspects of moving abroad, but in Germany it’s against the law not to be insured, so we are all legally obliged to care. The good news is that Germany has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, so after the initial push you’ll rarely have to … Read more
At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.The Brits (Germany) Facebook Group An expat … Read more
Who are you? My name is Marcos Cherem, I’m a Mexican-Spanish citizen born and raised in Mexico. I am a family man with a wife and a kid, and an IT expert who enjoys travel and living in different places. I embrace multiculturalism and I’m raising my child as such, as a citizen of the … Read more