Country fact file
- Capital city: Berlin
- Population: 83.2 million as of February 2024
- Government: Federal parliamentary constitutional republic
- Currency: Euro (EUR, €)
- Main languages: German, English
- Main religions: Christianity, although atheism and agnosticism are also prevalent
Consisting of 16 states governed as a federal democracy, Germany sits at the centre of Europe and its influence on the region is keenly felt both economically and politically. Despite its turbulent twentieth-century history of wars and division, the recovery and growth of the country since the reunification of East and West Germany is remarkable, and residents today enjoy an extremely high standard of living.
Culture
With over 80% of the population regarding themselves as ethnically German and well over 90% German by nationality, Germany is less multicultural than some countries in Europe. However, freedom of movement within the EU has seen the country diversify and there are thriving international communities in and around the major cities. Germans are typically stereotyped as efficient, disciplined and organised – all of which have some basis in truth, although wit and irony are just as characteristically German.
Popular activities
A nation of keen travellers, ‘get up and get out’ is an excellent way to summarise the German approach to leisure time. Closer to home, activities including jogging, Nordic walking and cycling are popular with all generations, while younger Germans are increasingly attracted by extreme sports like kitesurfing. Winter sports are also a part of life, while football is the major spectator sport. Organised civic clubs and community groups remain an important part of life, and Germans also enjoy a huge number of festivals such as the famous Oktoberfest.
Food and drink
As the country that invented the hot dog and the hamburger, it would be easy to write off German cuisine as fast food. In truth, Germany has so many traditional specialities that it is difficult to categorise. Dishes such as Schnitzel and Spätzle come in a number of regional variations, while it’s believed that German butchers produce over 1,500 varieties of Wurst (sausages). Cafe culture is big in Germany, with afternoon coffee and cake a long-time tradition. Although beer is the most famous of German exports, the country has a growing reputation for producing quality wine too.
Languages
Although the official language is German, English is widely taught in schools and the majority of Germans are fairly comfortable speaking in English. With an increasing number of European migrants living in Germany, a number of other major European languages are also heard, and English is sometimes used as a common language in more cosmopolitan areas.
Accents and dialects
German is characterised by a range of different accents and dialects, some of which can be difficult to understand even for native German speakers. The major distinction is between so-called High German and Low German, although even these dialects still display vast regional differences.
Weather
Germany’s northern climate is temperate, with warm summers and fairly mild winters. As you travel further south and east the weather becomes more continental. Temperatures in summer can reach 35°C (95°F), but this tends to be the exception rather than the rule and the average is more like 20°C (68°F). Snowfall is relatively common in winter but is rarely heavy or prolonged, except in mountainous regions.
Safety and security
Germany is one of the safer countries in Europe, with serious crimes rates fairly low. Theft and verbal abuse are probably the most common criminal incidents. However, it is wise to take precautions such as not travelling alone at night and taking care around large crowds – particularly after festivals or sporting events where large amounts of alcohol are on offer. Germany does have something of a reputation for football hooliganism, but serious incidents remain rare.
System structure
The education system in Germany is maintained by the state authorities and so there are some regional variations. In most areas, primary and secondary school education is compulsory and children must attend from the ages of around 6 to 18. Unlike in many countries, state education in Germany is often considered to be of a higher standard than private education, so the majority of children attend publicly-funded schools. Although the entire German education system is accessible to expats, many choose a private school for their children on the basis of language or qualification choice.
Academic year
The academic year in Germany runs from September to July. Most states have a summer holiday of around six weeks, as well as Easter, spring, autumn and Christmas breaks. If you are working in Germany, be aware that many schools only run classes in the mornings, so you may need to arrange afternoon childcare.
Higher education
Germany has just under 400 higher education establishments, including some of the oldest and most respected institutions in the world. Although all have unique focuses and characters, they are usually considered one of three types:
- Traditional universities – which focus on academic subjects and research
- Universities of applied sciences – which tend to specialise in a particular subject and may take a more practical approach to teaching
- Arts colleges – which offer specialist training in subjects like art or music
Universities in Germany are ranked annually by the Centre for Higher Education (CHE). To study at university, students must pass an exam known as the Abitar or hold an equivalent international qualification. Like German schools, higher education establishments welcome foreign students provided that they meet entry criteria. For more information, visit the German Academic Exchange Service website. For information related to PhDs in Germany see Studying in Germany.
Funding
Most German universities are publically funded and for undergraduate courses they charge either nominal fees or no tuition fees at all. Almost all the states have experimented with charging for university education, but most have now abolished these costs. Postgraduate courses or undergraduate courses at privately-owned institutions may be more expensive, but there are various grants and loan schemes to help students with the cost of their education.
Courses
German universities offer a diverse range of courses. Most are taught in German but an increasing number also run courses in English and other international languages. Compared to most countries, courses take a long time to complete, with an undergraduate degree typically taking at least four years and postgraduate qualifications at least another year or two. Often, courses can be tailored to the individual, which means that many students take even longer over their studies. The system has been criticised for preventing early entry to the job market and creating a shortage of experienced workers under the age of 30, but despite this Germany’s higher education sector remains one of the most respected in the world.
Research
Research is considered vital to Germany’s continued development and growth and is well supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research. Funding for research is available from a variety of sources, and universities and private research centres remain keen to attract the brightest and best from all around the world.
Primary and secondary education
Primary school in Germany is called Grundschule, and covers the first four years of school life. The first day of Grundschule is a major rite of passage for youngsters, and schools traditionally welcome them with a bag of sweets called the Schultüte. After primary education is complete, there are four main types of secondary school:
- Gymnasium – a type of grammar school where students take academic subjects in preparation for university
- Realschule – a secondary school with more focus on preparing students to qualify for vocational professions
- Hauptschule – a school that is designed to give students practical working skills
- Gesamtschule – a comprehensive school which combines elements of Realschule and Hauptschule and offers a choice of qualifications at the end
Preschool
The main preschool options in Germany are Kinderkrippen (for children of less than three years old) and Kindergarten (ages three to six). Attendance at these ages is voluntary, but waiting lists tend to be quite long. Depending on whether the preschool is state-run, privately-run or operated by a church or charity, parents may have to pay fees.
Working hours
Despite the German reputation for efficiency and hard work, the average hours per worker per week are in fact lower than in many countries. German law allows a maximum of 48 hours per week – 8 hours per day from Monday to Saturday – although most businesses work 40 hours over a five-day week. Under certain circumstances, the working week may be extended to 60 hours. Working times are usually flexible, although regular breaks must be observed. Some companies restrict the number of hours employees can work, and if overtime is permitted it is usually compensated with additional time off.
Holidays
Holiday entitlement in Germany is considered fairly generous, with full-time employees who work six days per week entitled to a minimum of 24 days of paid leave per year. Those who work five days are entitled to 20 days per year, while those on part-time hours receive pro-rated holiday allowances. Sick leave and maternity leave allowances are also comparatively generous. However, there may be restrictions on taking leave during the first six months of a new contract, so make sure you check with your employer.
Public holidays
The number of public holidays in Germany varies between states. There are nine nationally observed public holidays, while local holidays mean some states enjoy 13 days off.
Public holiday dates:
- New Year’s Day: 1st January
- Epiphany: 6th January (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria and Saxony-Anhalt only)
- Good Friday: 29th March
- Easter Monday: 1st April
- Labour Day: 1st May
- Ascension Day: 9th May
- Whit Monday: 20th May
- Corpus Christi Day: 30th May (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland only)
- Assumption Day: 15th August (Bavaria and Saarland only)
- German Unity Day: 3rd October
- Reformation Day: 31st October (Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia only)
- All Saints’ Day: 1st November (Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland only)
- Christmas Day: 25th December
- Boxing Day: 26th December
Visas and eligibility to work
Freedom of movement within the European Union means that the majority of EU citizens are permitted to enter Germany without additional documentation, but people from many non-member states will require an entry visa. You can check your eligibility to travel on the Federal Foreign Office website. To remain in Germany in the long term, non-EU citizens will also need a residence permit, which may be granted on a temporary or permanent basis. EU citizens no longer require this permit, but like everyone else, they must register with their local residents’ registration office – usually located in the town or city hall. Although there are some restrictions on foreign workers in Germany, highly-qualified individuals may be eligible to apply under the Blue Card scheme.
Tax
In Germany the tax year runs from 1 January to 31 December. You will need to apply for a Taxpayer ID Number and your employer will then deduct income tax from your wages using the ELStAM system. The amount of tax you pay will depend on your income and residency status. You are usually considered a resident for tax purposes after 6 months of working in Germany. Non-residents are taxed on their German income only, but are not eligible for the tax free personal allowance afforded to residents.
Pensions
Pension contributions are deducted from the wages of almost all workers in Germany as part of the social security system, which also covers health, nursing care, unemployment and accident insurance. The amount paid to each insurance fund is a fixed percentage of your total wage, although this is split between employee and employer contributions. Most foreign nationals will pay in the same as German citizens, but there are some exceptions. For example, foreign workers who are temporarily seconded to a German branch of their employer may be able to continue contributing to their pension fund at home while they are in Germany. For more information, visit the Deutsche Rentenversicherung website.
Benefits
The German social security system is accessible to foreign nationals, with unemployment and incapacity support among the benefits that can be claimed. However, while some benefits are granted immediately, others are only available after a certain duration of residency.
Disability
Since 2006, the rights of disabled workers in Germany have been protected under the General Equal Treatment Act, which also prohibits discrimination against any person for reasons of ethnicity, gender, religion or ideology, age or sexual orientation. Employers are expected to make reasonable adjustments to support disabled workers, in line with EU directives.
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