One of the first questions many of our FB members ask is what is different in Germany, what they like or dislike. Is it easy to adapt? Was it a good decision to move there?
I feel the answers to these questions differ from person to person, it all depends on your attitude and your references or experiences
Below is a list of things I picked up that people struggle with and hopefully we can add solutions and grow this list with your help, so please add comments. Please take note that these are based on experiences and are very much my own opinion.
Children & Family
- Information: The school system is very different from that in South Africa.
- Solution: Children usually adapt quickly, and schools are accommodating. Speak to other parents and explore your blog post.
- Information: Children learn new languages faster than expected.
- Solution: Immersion is key — they learn by living it.
Housing & Accommodation
- Information: Both options have pros and cons.
- Solution: Be aware of hidden costs when buying (yes, even roads!).
- Information:
- Wohnung (flat/apartment)
- WG (shared living)
- Haus (house)
- Furnished options (like Airbnb)
- Solution: Understand the system before deciding — each option suits a different phase of life.
- Information: Domestic help is expensive compared to South Africa.
- Solution:
- Share responsibilities as a household
- Use tech where possible
- Get kids involved early — a life skill, not a punishment
Weather & Seasons
- Information: Germany has four proper seasons (a shock if you’re from the Highveld!).
- Solution:
- Learn to embrace each season
- Dress properly (“no bad weather, only bad clothes”)
- Stay active in winter
- Consider Vitamin D and winter sun escapes
Transport & Driving
- Information: Yes, but with conditions.
- Solution:
- Get an international licence via AA
- Convert your licence within 6 months
- Information:
- Wohnung (flat/apartment)
- WG (shared living)
- Haus (house)
- Furnished options (like Airbnb)
- Solution: Understand the system before deciding — each option suits a different phase of life.
| Issue | Information | Solution |
| Children adapting to new schools | The school system is very different from that in South Africa. | Most parents will tell you that children adapt very fast, and that the schools are very accommodating. This is a very difficult and personal decision. Talk to other parents in similar situations, that’s what our FB page is for. Look on our blog for more information on schools https://www.southafricansingermany.de/finding-schools/ |
| Children adapting to German language | Children learn a new language faster that one would expect. | Immersion is key |
| Language barriers in work and daily life | Even if you work in an English environment you will need to speak some German | There are many online options available if you do not have time to attend language classes. Again the key is immersion. |
| Safety | Any country has hot spots where it is not so safe. Nobody can guarantee your safety. | I always answer this question with ” I regularly walk from the train station to home even late at night, without feeling unsafe. We sleep with open windows and sometimes open doors. Our car is parked outside. We dont have an alarm system, and no burglar bars in front of our windows” Again this is my opinion and experience |
| Buying or renting a home | Both have their pro’s and con’s | The cost of ownership of a house can be expensive. The interest rates are pretty low but there are many hidden costs. You could even pay for a new road in front of your house. Renting ..watch out for a complete blog post on renting – coming soon |
| Different types of housing | Flat – Wohnung / Apartment Wohngemeinschaften (WG) – Communal flat or house House – Haus Furnished house (like airbnb) |
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| The weather | In Germany there are actually four seasons 🙂 | I come from the Highveld, we have no real Autumn and spring is max two weeks. Summers are long. Here you learn to celebrate each season. The climate in the North is also different from the South West. Freiburg is the city with the most sunshine in a year. Summer can be hot, winter is cold, wet and dark. It is beautiful when it snows, although it does not snow the whole winter and mostly only in the mountains. The motto here is, there is no bad weather only bad clothes. It rains a lot so you learn to adapt to it. You don’t cancel all your plans just because its raining. Sunshine might be a problem in winter, get out as much as possible, have holidays down South, use special lamps and get your dose of Vit D. |
| House cleaning and gardening | Many have a cleaning service in SA | It is very expensive in Germany to hire help in and around the house. If everyone does their bit housework is not a big issue. Get tech to help you where you can and teach the kids to clean up after themselves. |
| Can I drive with my SA license | Yes | You first need an International Drivers license that you get at the AA. You need to convert it within 6 months |
| Where will I find SA products | There are many online shops available. You can also search in this blog |