As you may have read in our other articles, Germany is becoming increasingly popular among Dutch emigration. Normally, you would not immediately think of a neighboring country when you emigrate, but it is actually more popular than you think. Living in Germany often also means working in Germany and this brings with it many advantages. And this is not just paying less tax as most people think. It is much more than that. If you are going to emigrate to Germany or are going to work in Germany and want to know more about it, it might be a good idea to read this article!
Why should you work in Germany?
Many Dutch people who live on the German border prefer to work in Germany and become cross-border workers through this decision. Many of these cross-border workers now choose to emigrate to Germany. Why is this actually the case? This is because there are many advantages to working in Germany. The German labor market is doing very well and the consequences of this are that there are not enough people to fill these vacancies. So it is also easy to find a job there. Companies in the country also like to work with long employment contracts, which gives people more security and stability.
Another little advantage:
Another aspect that is very nice in Germany is that there is hardly any age discrimination compared to the Netherlands. Are you a bit older and do you have a lot of work experience? Then this is often seen as an advantage in our eastern neighbors.
European Union (EU)
Germany is a member state of the European Union and this means that you do not need a work permit to work there. If you work in Germany as a Dutch citizen, you only need a valid passport.
Vacancies in Germany
Just like in the Netherlands and elsewhere abroad, you can of course easily search online for the latest vacancies. The handy thing about this way is that you can already start when you still live in the Netherlands.
Employment agencies
You can also choose to use employment agencies. In Germany, they work with many large and small companies, making it easy for them to find you a job. Many companies have their vacancies online or perhaps even in the newspaper, but there are also companies that choose to work exclusively through these employment agencies. That is why these companies can help you very quickly, which is of course nice.
What is the best way for you?
Ultimately, it is very important to look at what you like to do best. Do you prefer to look for yourself? Then you can easily do this online yourself. Do you want a job as soon as possible and do you not want to do too much for it yourself? Then it is best to use such a recruitment agency.
Apply now!
When you start applying for jobs, it is wise to look at what kind of company you are applying to. This sounds very logical, but in this case we are mainly talking about whether it is an international, German or Dutch company. Of course, you want to know in which language you should apply. At many Dutch companies that are located in Germany, you can simply submit your application in Dutch. At international or German companies that work a lot with foreign countries, it is sometimes sufficient to have a good knowledge of English.
Applying for a job at a German company
However, if you want to apply for a job at a German company that only does business within Germany, it is wise to write your application letter in German. Germans attach great value to seeing that you are making an effort to learn the German language. Furthermore, this way they also get a good indication of your German language level.
Additional tips
In Germany they like as much information as possible. So try to mention everything on your CV and don't forget to add a photo. Furthermore, employers in the country are of course not always familiar with Dutch education and that is why it can also be useful to add your diplomas and certificates to your CV.
The German work culture
When you go to work abroad, you will of course not only have to deal with other national holidays, but also with a different work culture. This is also the case in Germany. Other countries do not simply adapt to foreign employees, so in other words: you have to adapt! And this is of course only logical. After a while you will notice that you get used to the new culture and maybe you will not want anything else!
What's so different about working in Germany?
First of all, hierarchy is very important in Germany. The boss is the boss and he also makes all decisions without consulting the employees. Also, everyone on the work floor often has to be formally dressed. It is also good to know that Germans are very fond of academic titles. Then you are also addressed with the title 'Herr Doktor' or 'Frau Doktor'.
Also note:
Germans are very punctual and appreciate it when you are too. If you don't arrive on time or are sometimes late, this will not have a positive effect on your business relationship. Furthermore, in the Netherlands we are easy to use informal language, but this is certainly not the case in Germany. You only use informal language with friends or family. That is why it is wise to address everyone with 'sie' (you) at work. This also ensures that Germans like to keep their work and private life separate. It is therefore almost unheard of that people go for drinks with colleagues after work. Everything remains strictly separated.
Social security
In Germany, social security is well-organized and not only under normal circumstances. It is now even the case that the German government offers income support to companies affected by corona. Furthermore, German net benefits are also much higher. The country also has, like the Netherlands, a disability and unemployment benefit.
The German health insurance
Germany has two different types of health insurance. The public (gesetzlische krankenversicherung) and the private (private krankenversicherung). The 'krankenkasse' is actually a health insurer in Germany that arranges your health costs. This agency also collects the premiums from your employer that are deducted from your salary.
Are you sick for more than 6 weeks? Then the health insurance fund will also ensure that you receive 70% of your salary as a benefit so that you do not end up without an income.
Are you going to Germany by car?
If you are driving to Germany by car, it is good to know that you need an environmental sticker. In the big cities such as Frankfurt, Munich, Düsseldorf or Berlin, you are required to have one on your car. These are the so-called 'environmental zones'. This is how the German government wants to reduce exhaust emissions. The colour of the sticker indicates whether your car is environmentally friendly and whether you are allowed to drive in certain zones. Would you rather not drive a car in Germany? Then you can of course always use public transport.
Finally..
Even though Germany is a neighbouring country with whom we share a history and a good relationship: there are still more differences than you think. Many people think that such an emigration to a neighbouring country is much easier than elsewhere, but in practice this often turns out to be quite disappointing. Yes, you have your family and friends nearby who you can quickly visit by driving up and down, but you will still have to adapt to the culture and way of life of the people in Germany.
Getting used to the small differences
Germans are somewhat more formal and value their peace and quiet. This means that if you as a Dutch person make jokes too quickly, this will not be appreciated. Sundays are also very quiet in the country. There will be no shopping malls open and you can actually count yourself lucky if your local supermarket is open on a Sunday. All these things and more are aspects of life in Germany and you as a Dutch person will really have to get used to this.
Take your time
Try not to rush anything and make sure you take your time to get used to life in Germany. Get to know the people, the environment you live in and learn from your German colleagues at work. When you do your best, they will soon notice this and they will be grateful for it. So don't worry too much and again, take your time!
Do you have any questions?
Are there any other questions you might have regarding emigration to Germany? Would you like to know more about health insurance or how to buy a house in Germany? Then you can of course always read the other articles on our website. We have tried to find as much information as possible for you in order to help you as best as possible.
