Living in Germany
Our living in Germany guides are designed to help newbies successfully adjust to life in Deutschland. We cover the entire spectrum of immigrant life from daily essentials to cultural integration, helping you settle in like a local.
Our guides are broken down into these main categories:
⭐ Tips to understand day to day life (i.e. mail forwarding, public holidays, how to watch English movies)
⭐ Eating and drinking guides for Berlin
⭐ Stories from everyday people in Germany
⭐ Immigration experiences and tips
⭐ How to learn German
⭐ Advice for handling your finances
⭐ Guidance on how to move to Germany
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Life Guides for Day to Day Life
Navigate Your Day t0 Day Life With Ease
When you’re new to Germany, even simple tasks like shopping on Sundays or understanding public holidays can feel overwhelming.
Our guides help you navigate the challenges like making new friends, decoding where to watch movies in English, and moving house within the same city.
Related Resources
Berlin Public Holidays in 2025
Plan your vacation and maximize your time off work in Germany with our list of Berlin public holidays in 2025.
Berlin Public Holidays in 2026
Plan your vacation and maximize your time off work in Germany with our list of Berlin public holidays in 2026.
Berlin Life Hacks
Our Berlin Life hacks advise you on where to get groceries, best transit options, where to open a bank account, find a locksmith, & more.
Sunday Shopping in Berlin – Yes, It’s Possible!
Newbies to Germany are often shocked when shops are closed on Sundays. While Sunday shopping in Berlin is limited, there are also options.
Moving House in Berlin: Your Complete Guide
Moving house in Berlin? Learn from someone who’s done it 5 times in 10 years. Insider tips on deposits, paperwork, movers & costly mistakes to avoid.
How To Make Friends In Berlin
If you’re feeling lonely and are seeking to forge deeper connections with like-minded people, follow our tips to make friends in Berlin.
How to Watch English Movies in Berlin
Your guide on how to watch English movies in Berlin. Decode the movie classifications. Find the best venues to see new and classic flicks.
Ways You Can Help Ukrainians In Berlin
Ways to help Ukrainians in Berlin. Learn where to volunteer, donate money and other goods, sign-up to host, be a mentor, & more.
An FAQ: Mail Forwarding In Germany
Moving to a new flat or leaving Germany? Don’t miss essential documents. Use Deutsche Post’s service for mail forwarding in Germany.
Best Berlin Blogs To Help You Experience The City
Keen to explore the city’s history, find a brunch spot, or get tips on finding a flat? These are the best Berlin blogs to get you started.
Best Berlin Meetup Groups For Meeting New People
New to Berlin & looking to connect? A long veteran looking for the same? Join any of these Berlin Meetup groups for meeting new people.
Life Guides for Eating and Drinking
Indulge in Germany’s Culinary Offerings
Living in Germany means discovering new flavours, dining customs, and social spaces. Our local picks help you explore not only schnitzel spots and beer gardens, but international cuisine that gives you a taste of home, as well as from other countries.
Picked by Locals: Our Favourite Bars for Craft Beer in Berlin
Berlin has a thriving craft beer scene that is well worth experiencing. Check out our top local picks for where to get craft beer in Berlin.
The Very Best Korean Restaurants In Berlin
From popups serving street food to hole-in-the-wall establishments, and higher-end dining, we feature the best Korean restaurants in Berlin.
Our Favourite Mexican Restaurants In Berlin
Berliners complain about the lack of good Mexican restaurants in Berlin & fiercely argue about which one is best. Check out our favs!
Life Guides for Humans of Germany
Hear from Everyday People
Sometimes the best advice comes from fellow humans who’ve successfully navigated living in Germany. Our community features share real stories and practical insights from people who’ve made Germany their home.
Humans of Germany: Building Community in Berlin
Meet Julia, founder of the Social Butterfly Club, creating a vibrant community in Berlin where newcomers connect, belong, and build real friendships.
Life Guides for Immigration Experiences
Share the Common Immigration Experience
Germany’s bureaucracy can feel daunting, but understanding your legal requirements and rights makes living in Germany much easier. Our guides help you find top immigration lawyers, understand cultural adaptation trends in Germany, and more.
Why You Should Stop Using the Word Expat in Germany
The ridiculous never-ending “expat” debate needs to end right now. Find out why you should stop using the word expat.
Sentiments of Foreigners Living in Germany: Insights & Trends 2024
Explore the sentiments of foreigners living in Germany 2024: A look at optimism, uncertainty, & the evolving experiences of internationals.
The Best Immigration Lawyers in Berlin
Hire one of these featured expert immigration lawyers in Berlin to help navigate the complex visa and immigration processes in Germany.
Life Guides for Learning German
Learn the Local Language
While you might get by with English initially, truly thriving while living in Germany requires German language skills. Our guides help you choose the right learning path and understand why language matters for integration and opportunities.
The Top German Language Schools in Berlin
If you’re a foreigner seeking to learn German, peruse our list of German language schools in Berlin to find the best school for you.
Why It’s So Important To Learn German in Berlin
Contrary to popular opinion, you can’t get by with English alone, and it’s important to learn German in Berlin. Find out why!
Life Guides for Money Matters
Master Your Finances in Germany
Living in Germany means understanding a different financial landscape, from health insurance requirements to energy-saving strategies. Our practical guides help you manage costs, understand essential insurances, and make smart financial decisions as a newcomer.
How to Buy Property in Berlin as a Foreigner: A Smart, Strategic Guide
Learn how to buy property in Berlin as a foreigner. Get expert advice on legal steps, costs, mortgages, tenant laws, and resale planning.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Germany?
How much money do you need to move to relocate to Germany? Use our calculator to find how much it will cost to move to Germany.
Best Bike Insurance in Germany 2025: Complete Guide
Find the best bike insurance in Germany with our 2025 guide. Compare top providers, costs, coverage options & English support for foreigners.
Practical Ways To Save Money In Germany
As a foreigner, you may not know all the ways to save money in Germany. Our practical tips can help you keep your hard-earned cash.
How to Save Energy in Germany – and Money Too!
Follow our tried-and-true tips about how to save energy in Germany, while saving money and helping the planet at the same time.
A Guide To The Cost Of Living In Berlin In 2024
A guide to the cost of living in Berlin – a local gets personal & shares her monthly expenses. Plus, download our free spreadsheet template.
What You Need To Know About German Health Insurance
If you’re moving to Germany, you’ll need health insurance. Find out key things to know about German health insurance before you get here.
Life Guides for Moving to Germany
Move to Germany With Less Stress
The logistics of relocating and settling into living in Germany can be overwhelming. Our comprehensive guides help you plan your move, understand costs, and settle in efficiently with expert advice from locals who’ve been there.
The Top Relocation Companies in Berlin, Germany
Moving abroad can be an overwhelming experience. Use this list of top relocation companies in Berlin, Germany, to make your move stress-free.
How Much Does it Cost to Move to Germany?
How much money do you need to move to relocate to Germany? Use our calculator to find how much it will cost to move to Germany.
A Moving To Berlin Guide – Move Here & Settle In Like A Local
This moving to Berlin guide will help you settle in like a local. We cover finding a flat, kita, getting a bank account, SIM card, and more.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about living in Germany.
Can we get in touch for one on one advice?
No. We receive messages every single day across multiple platforms requesting help. The Berlin Life is run by one person, who also has a day job. We’re not in a position to offer individual consultations. That’s why we offer these guides.
Can you help with visa/work permit questions?
No. We do have a great list of relocation companies and immigration lawyers who can help though.
How often do you update these guides?
We update some quite frequently and others much less. As mentioned, this site is run by one person who has a full-time job. If you notice something wrong with one of our guides, get in touch.
How can I stay updated with new living in Germany content?
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter where we share new guides, updates to existing content, and insider tips for living in Germany.
Can I access all your living in Germany guides for free?
Yes, all our guides are freely available on the website. We believe everyone deserves access to quality information about living in Germany, regardless of their financial situation.
Is your living in Germany content suitable for complete beginners?
Absolutely. Our guides are specifically designed for newcomers who are unfamiliar with German systems, culture, and bureaucracy. We explain everything step-by-step and avoid assuming prior knowledge about living in Germany.
Are your living in Germany guides only for people moving to Berlin?
While many of our guides focus on Berlin (since that’s where we’re based), our immigration, money matters, and cultural integration guides apply to living anywhere in Germany. We clearly indicate when advice is Berlin-specific versus Germany-wide.