A new way of life

Germany boasts a stable and robust economy, consistently ranking among the world’s largest and most resilient, which translates to a high standard of living for much of its population.¹ In cities with higher living expenses, salaries tend to be correspondingly higher, helping to offset the cost of living for residents and expats.²

Expats will find Germany to be an interesting and vibrant country to live in, with a rich cultural heritage and dynamic urban centers.³ However, the German approach to life may seem somewhat formal and reserved. It’s important to respect the strong sense of privacy and the clear separation between work and personal life, which should not be misinterpreted as a personal slight.⁴

Transport

Germany’s public infrastructure is of high quality, and its transportation systems are exceptional.⁵ Trains offer easy access to other German cities and to the rest of Europe, with the rail network known for being clean, reliable, and efficient. Up-to-date train information for any European city can be found on the Bahn.com website.⁶

Climate

The weather in Germany is temperate, often cool or cloudy. Winters can be wet and cold, averaging around 3°C (38°F) in January, although temperatures can drop below zero.⁷ Summers can reach above 30°C (high 90°F), depending on the location. Southwestern areas can have an almost Mediterranean feel, and most regions offer pleasant weather from May through September.⁸

Everyday Life

Media is available in Germany in a wide range of languages, and many major English-language newspapers and international magazines are available in larger cities.⁹ Influential daily papers include Die Welt, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, and Süddeutsche Zeitung. Popular weekly publications include Der Spiegel and Die Zeit. Germany has one of the largest and most diverse TV markets in the world, supported by the fact that around 90% of Germans subscribe to satellite TV services like Sky Deutschland.¹⁰

While settling into everyday life shouldn’t be too difficult for most Westerners, expats will find life and business much easier if they speak and understand German, as relying on English is not always possible.¹¹

Beyond the financial advantages, relocating to Germany offers a stunning landscape and a rich cultural heritage. Take time to explore the regional variations in food, architecture, and customs shaped by a history of earldoms, monarchies, and grand cities.¹²

The German character is conservative, but understanding this and learning the German way of doing business and socializing will lead to a rich and fulfilling experience.¹³

1. World Bank. "Germany: Overview." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/germany/overview
2. Mercer. "Cost of Living City Ranking 2024." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://mobilityexchange.mercer.com/Insights/quality-of-living-rankings
3. Expatica. "Living in Germany: The Expat Guide." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatica.com/de/moving/location/germany-expat-guide-100857/
4. The Local. "10 things that will shock you about working in Germany." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.thelocal.de/
5. Deutsche Bahn. "Traveling in Germany." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.bahn.com/en
6. Deutsche Bahn. "International Train Connections." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.bahn.com/en
7. Deutscher Wetterdienst. "Climate in Germany." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.dwd.de/EN/climate_environment/climate_in_germany/climate_in_germany_node.html
8. Expat Info Desk. "Germany Expat Guide." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatinfodesk.com/expat-guide/germany/
9. Expatica. "Media in Germany." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatica.com/de/living/media-in-germany-100857/
10. Statista. "TV Market in Germany." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.statista.com/topics/1042/television-in-germany/
11. Expat Info Desk. "Germany Expat Guide." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatinfodesk.com/expat-guide/germany/
12. Germany Travel. "Culture and Traditions." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.germany.travel/en/culture-and-traditions.html
13. Expatica. "Understanding German business culture." Accessed December 19, 2025. https://www.expatica.com/de/employment/employment-basics/german-business-culture-100934/