In German, there are a few ways to respond to German conversations, without knowing German. This has gotten me quite far when strangers talk to me and expect me to know what they are talking about. These small phrases continue the conversation, and make it sound like you know what is going on ;)
The short answer is yes - to live in Germany and function normally you need to know at least the basics in German. The German basics are how to use public transit, ask & understand directions, ordering food in a Cafe or Restaurant and have basic social interactions. However, there are plenty of job opportunities where you don’t need to be fluent in German, especially in the bigger cities. Watch my video below - where I explain!
The short answer is yes - to live in Germany and function normally you need to know at least the basics in German. The German basics are how to use public transit, ask & understand directions, ordering food in a Cafe or Restaurant and have basic social interactions. However, there are plenty of job opportunities where you don’t need to be fluent in German, especially in the bigger cities. Watch my video below - where I explain!
Ever wonder why German people obsessively open the windows? I found it strange when I moved to Germany, but learned how necessary it is to ventilate rooms regularly by opening all the windows for at least 5 minutes. Fresh air is important to reduce mould, and moisture built up in rooms. It is also healthy to get fresh air in the room. I actually love Lüften now - Lüften 4 life! Watch the video below to find out what a German thinks about Lüften.
In 2015, I wrote ‘100 weird things about Living in Germany’. And now, my friends it is 2020! These things below which I found weird, and had trouble getting used to are now, in fact, kinda normal to me? Many of them have explanations, so as an anniversary to 5 years since writing this article, I will now go through each point and provide reasoning and explanation. Let’s see if any of these make more sense. I can’t say I still agree with them all, though.
No More Weihnachtsmarkt in Hamburg? Get in the spirit and go for a walk through town with a lovely Glühwein To-Go. Make sure to bring your own to-go cup :)
Überprüfen Sie die Öffnungszeit - Make sure to look at the opening times!
Kein Weihnachtsmarkt mehr? Holen Sie sich in Weihnachtsstimmung und machen Sie einen Spaziergang durch die Stadt mit einem schönen Glühwein To-Go.
Before moving to Germany, I had no idea that Christmas Markets existed. Wow, was I in for a nice surprise during my first Christmas in Germany. Now 6 years later, they are still just as exciting every Christmas. The Hot Mulled Wine (Glühwein), Cozy little huts, sparkling lights, endless treats and yummy food get me every time. Nothing else really compares to Authentic German Christmas Markets, and Hamburg’s are so enchanting! However, there are many Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Markets) that are flooded with tourists because they are the most famous in Hamburg. These markets are definitely worth-seeing and are fun to visit, but there are many lesser-known Christmas Markets in Hamburg which are smaller, but cozy with all the essentials and charm. What are the most coziest Christmas Markets in Hamburg? My choices are below!
You’ve made the big decision to move to Hamburg - and this gorgeous, diverse city is waiting for you. Now your question is, Where to live in Hamburg? I hope my Hamburg Neighborhood Guide will inspire and help you discover Hamburg’s best neighbourhoods for expats and international people. My goal with these Hamburg insider Tips to Hamburgs neighborhoods is to make it easier in helping you find the perfect place to start your search or help you to make a decision to move somewhere else if you’re already here. Read more about Hamburg’s expats and where they live in Hamburg.
Hamburg is developing quickly and gaining international attention, internationals are flocking here and making a new home base. Are you wanting to flock to Hamburg too? Then as an Expat, there are some tips about living in Hamburg that you need to know here.
