10 things you only understand if you live in Germany
-
Loading... - Ulrich Scholz
- 24 Mar 2023
- 60 Views
- 0 Like
- 0 Comment
Moving to Germany as a foreigner could never be described as dull. From the challenges and shocks to the knowledge you gain from settling into the new culture, the Local team has compiled some surprising things we've noticed since putting down roots in Germany.
Germany doesn't run like clockwork
To the outside world, Germany has an image of being super organised and efficient. People who live here know that this is a myth. Yes, Germany functions, but things do not always run smoothly. Let's take the train service. From January to November last year only 65.6 percent - just under two thirds of long-distance trains arrived on time in Germany, and punctuality even dropped below 60 percent from July to August 2022.
And then there are the projects that take an age to finish. The opening of Berlin's BER airport, for instance, was delayed by nine years. When you live in Germany you get used to the various long-winded bureaucratic processes that can affect daily life as well as the general running of the country.
Checking your mailbox is terrifying
Another curious thing you quickly learn about Germany when you live here is that you really need to keep on top of the mail you receive. While other countries have moved more towards sending emails, Germany still tends to prefer to do lots of things by mail; remember, this is a country that still embraces the fax machine.
Opening your mailbox after a few days or a holiday and finding overdue bills with the dreaded 'Mahnung' (warning) is terrifying. The best thing to do is to face your fear, check your post every day and act on letters quickly. Whether it's the Rundfunkbeitrag (TV licence) or the Finanzamt (tax office), you've got to deal with these letters and institutions to keep on Germany's good side. Read More…
