Moving To Berlin As An Expat.

Berlin has grown out of its poor and sexy description to become one of the most attractive cities in Europe and the world at large.

Have you considered moving to Berlin? Moving can be nightmarish and a hassle if you don’t contract the services of professional movers like Packimpex Berlin.

If you are moving to the German capital on a permanent basis, you need to familiarize yourself with life over there before taking the final plunge!

This is why I have taken the pain to prepare a virtual tour of life in Berlin for you. This will give you heads up and help you avoid any unnecessary surprises.

• Language problem: there is a general misconception among the majority that German is an almost impossible language to learn and it is even harder to pronounce. However, findings reveal english and german share the same origin and are quite similar in a lot of aspects. Once you begin with the alphabets, german would be easier to learn.

The ideal language to speak in Berlin is german, so you will have to learn this to make life easier for you.

But while you are trying to grasp the understanding of the german language, the use of hand gestures in communication will go a long way to help clarify what you are saying.

• Cultural Differences: Germans are straightforward and direct so you may find this uncomfortable if you are coming from an indirect cultural space like America. For instance in America “You” is used for everyone regardless of formality or social standing but in Germany, there is a familiar you and formal you. One can only address the other party with the Familiar You when he agrees to it.
• There are jobs: Employees in Berlin enjoy some of the highest salaries in the world. As an immigrant, you don’t have to apply for German work permit separately from a residence permit; you’ll get them both through a single application at the German Immigration.

Inability to speak german may pose a threat to securing a job that suits your qualification and even if you get a job, inability to communicate in german may affect your salary and limit your career growth.

The key here is to master german. But for someone who’s still trying to master the german language, you can work with startups for a start. Although the salary is not as great. You’ll likely earn more if you are good at what you do.

• Cost of living is affordable: Berlin is not the cheapest place to live on earth but if you compare to other cities in Europe, Berlin ranks lower on the cost of living spectrum. There is a cheap public transport system that will get you all around the city. Rental properties are inexpensive and you don’t have to break the bank to eat nice and authentic meals.
• Work-Life Balance: The German government considers a healthy work-life balance priority in the country. The law mandates that every employee in the country receives up to 30 days of paid vacation leave per year. It would also interest you to know that working hours don’t exceed 40 per week.

Women are entitled to 14 weeks maternity leave with 100% pay and men also enjoy their own paternity rights. The government has designed the labour laws to favour the employees— No employer can contact employees outside working hours except in cases of emergency.

• Community of expats: One in five people in Berlin are immigrants like yourself and the understanding that you are not alone would do a lot of good for your soul as you familiarize with living in Berlin.