Many Dutch people live in Germany. Why are there so many people these days who move to Germany? Why does everyone choose to live there? We are often asked these questions. Of course, it is not just that you emigrate. Germany is a large country within the European Union and it also has one of the largest economies in the world. When you live in Germany, you can of course also benefit from this.
Furthermore, it is also a smaller step, because it is our neighboring country. We Dutch are familiar with the Germans and their German culture. You also stay close to family and friends, which means you can continue to visit the Netherlands often. Why wouldn't you want to live there?
The German culture
You might not think it, but living in Germany takes some getting used to. Despite it being our neighbouring country, it remains a big step and you have to adapt yourself. In Germany, people find proper manners very important. You can use the informal 'you' with good friends and family, but are they vague acquaintances? Then you address them with 'sie' or 'u'.
Furthermore, they attach great importance to hierarchy. On the work floor, the director decides and the employees do not have to give an opinion. German people are brought up in such a way that they assume that someone who is above them also has more knowledge and of course you should not question his/her opinion. Consultations as we do in the Netherlands are therefore not known there. In the German market they are also very formal, so informal clothing is also a no go. Furthermore, Germans are also very punctual and are known for this worldwide. If you make an appointment at 15:00, the rule is that you have to be there at 14:55. If you are not there earlier, this is considered rude.
It is also good to know that in Germany the shops are closed on Sundays. Even in the big cities. So if you want to go shopping for a weekend? Then you have to find out when the shopping Sundays are, because otherwise you are better off shopping across the border in the Netherlands when it is a Sunday.
Working in Germany or the Netherlands?
Sometimes it can happen that you go to live in Germany, but continue to work in the Netherlands. This is of course possible, but you have to pay close attention to the taxes. You do not want to accidentally pay double taxes in both the Netherlands and Germany. Furthermore, it is an important condition when you go to live in Germany that you have to be able to demonstrate that you can provide for yourself so that you do not have to rely on the social security in the country.
Life in Germany is cheaper
Living in Germany also means lower living costs. Also, municipal taxes are a lot lower and social security is a bit better. Germany also has much better social insurance. Other insurances are also better arranged. In Germany, you also have health insurance as standard, because they work with public health care.
Low house prices
Initially, many people move to Germany because of the low house prices. In Germany, you can get a detached house with your own driveway in nice residential areas for a certain amount, while here in the Netherlands you can't even buy a new house for that amount. This is a good reason for emigration, isn't it?
Make sure your emigration meets your wishes
Moving to another country is not something to take lightly and the consequences of such a move can be quite big. Make sure you do your research on Germany and what to expect. After all, good preparation is half the battle.
It is wise to look carefully at a number of things, such as the average income, taxes, road tax and your pension.
Finally..
As you have read, emigration, even to a neighboring country as close as Germany, is a bigger step than is often thought at first. If you have visited Germany more often, you know more or less what life is like there, what German people are like and what is expected of you in German society.
It is often a matter of getting used to it and we know for sure that you will succeed. Most Dutch people do not have much trouble with this.
Do you have any questions?
Are there any other questions you have regarding moving to Germany? Then you can always look at our other articles on the website. There we have a lot more information about emigrating to Germany.
