We went through all of this to work at my husband‘s headquarters in Kassel, only for my children and him to not like it and want to come home. I could have stayed forever and every time we go to the doctor or I go grocery shopping I let him know. When we go to Michigan instead of Paris, I let him know. I didn’t even mind everything being closed on Sunday.
Moving to Germany is my secret fear… 😂. I have been married to a German for 25 years but we have lived that entire time in Switzerland so I have zero claim to citizenship (although I bore a German son!). As a Swiss citizen now I would at least get some preferential treatment if we would settle across the border— unlike in the 90s when, as an American, I could not get residency in Germany with a freelance journalist’s contract. I guess I still harbor a grudge!
It depends where you are. In Bavaria/Baden Wuerttemberg, it's general not a long wait. I also have access to several regular doctors if I want to, and can usually get an appointment the same or the next day. For a knee operation, I waited 2 weeks. I got a fancy knee-exercise machine for 6 weeks post-op, a complex knee brace and physio therapy for 12 weeks, all paid for by my health insurance. I can go to the dentist any day, most regular interventions are covered, and the amount I have to pay for things like root canals, crowns, is very reasonable. My bifocal glasses here cost around 500 Euros compared to $1500 CAN I paid for my previous glasses in Canada. There are countless low-cost sports clubs for kids, and yes, the 'Vereine" where youth and kids can do stuff they are interested in.
Germans have high expectations of each other, and generally people strive to meet them. They are often extremely conscientious and try their best to not inconvenience anyone and expect the same from others. Being self-sufficient is really important, to the point of some Germans seeming cold and uncaring about your specific situation. But once they warmed up to you, in other words, once you have proven to them over a longish period of time that you are also meeting those expectaions of honourability, self-sufficiency and are possessing the fine skill of reading between the lines (or into the silences during conversation) and are also fun to be around, they will generously help you however they can. Most Germans seem to have a pretty good bullshit detector though, so you can't pretend to be someone you are not. They don't put any stock in self-presentation. Talking excitedly about your wins will only seem like bragging to them. Understatement proves you are trustworthy. Braggers can't keep secrets, might look flighty or not very smart. Anyhow, just my 2 cents worth:)
For specialists, yes. I am not sure if that is more of a Berlin-specific thing, because there is a shortage of doctors-particularly specialists-here. Many of them are older and there aren't enough younger ones showing up to take their place. The same is true of teachers.
We haven't had to wait long to schedule an appointment with our Hauzarzt (primary care doctor) and then all primary care doctors are required to have Sprechstunde, set hours of the day when they take unscheduled urgent appointments.
And, thinking more about it, I should have included something about the health system, since it operates differently than many Americans expect. I will probably do a whole post about this later. But the short version: There is universal coverage. You are required by law to have health insurance and you pay a premium based on your income. You can choose between the public plan that everyone can get, or applying for and paying extra for private health insurance.
Having private insurance will mean that you may be able to get an appointment faster and there are more doctors who will take it.
Even though I don't plan to move to Germany I am finding these insights fascinating. I thought Berlin was digital nomad-friendly but I guess it's more likely to be towards EU citizens who don't require a digital nomad visa? I also feel slightly relieved that here in Ireland apart from specialist medical appointments you don't have waiting lists. Still, even in Ireland there's a lot that can be improved. Congratulations on building a new life in Germany and glad your family has settled in well!
We went through all of this to work at my husband‘s headquarters in Kassel, only for my children and him to not like it and want to come home. I could have stayed forever and every time we go to the doctor or I go grocery shopping I let him know. When we go to Michigan instead of Paris, I let him know. I didn’t even mind everything being closed on Sunday.
Moving to Germany is my secret fear… 😂. I have been married to a German for 25 years but we have lived that entire time in Switzerland so I have zero claim to citizenship (although I bore a German son!). As a Swiss citizen now I would at least get some preferential treatment if we would settle across the border— unlike in the 90s when, as an American, I could not get residency in Germany with a freelance journalist’s contract. I guess I still harbor a grudge!
Nein
Not needing a car and the expenses that entails-no insurance, no repair fees, etc. has to help.
As to universal health coverage-are there long wait times to get appointments to see a doctor?
It depends where you are. In Bavaria/Baden Wuerttemberg, it's general not a long wait. I also have access to several regular doctors if I want to, and can usually get an appointment the same or the next day. For a knee operation, I waited 2 weeks. I got a fancy knee-exercise machine for 6 weeks post-op, a complex knee brace and physio therapy for 12 weeks, all paid for by my health insurance. I can go to the dentist any day, most regular interventions are covered, and the amount I have to pay for things like root canals, crowns, is very reasonable. My bifocal glasses here cost around 500 Euros compared to $1500 CAN I paid for my previous glasses in Canada. There are countless low-cost sports clubs for kids, and yes, the 'Vereine" where youth and kids can do stuff they are interested in.
Germans have high expectations of each other, and generally people strive to meet them. They are often extremely conscientious and try their best to not inconvenience anyone and expect the same from others. Being self-sufficient is really important, to the point of some Germans seeming cold and uncaring about your specific situation. But once they warmed up to you, in other words, once you have proven to them over a longish period of time that you are also meeting those expectaions of honourability, self-sufficiency and are possessing the fine skill of reading between the lines (or into the silences during conversation) and are also fun to be around, they will generously help you however they can. Most Germans seem to have a pretty good bullshit detector though, so you can't pretend to be someone you are not. They don't put any stock in self-presentation. Talking excitedly about your wins will only seem like bragging to them. Understatement proves you are trustworthy. Braggers can't keep secrets, might look flighty or not very smart. Anyhow, just my 2 cents worth:)
Thanks, Alma! That's a good 2 cents!
For specialists, yes. I am not sure if that is more of a Berlin-specific thing, because there is a shortage of doctors-particularly specialists-here. Many of them are older and there aren't enough younger ones showing up to take their place. The same is true of teachers.
We haven't had to wait long to schedule an appointment with our Hauzarzt (primary care doctor) and then all primary care doctors are required to have Sprechstunde, set hours of the day when they take unscheduled urgent appointments.
And, thinking more about it, I should have included something about the health system, since it operates differently than many Americans expect. I will probably do a whole post about this later. But the short version: There is universal coverage. You are required by law to have health insurance and you pay a premium based on your income. You can choose between the public plan that everyone can get, or applying for and paying extra for private health insurance.
Having private insurance will mean that you may be able to get an appointment faster and there are more doctors who will take it.
Even though I don't plan to move to Germany I am finding these insights fascinating. I thought Berlin was digital nomad-friendly but I guess it's more likely to be towards EU citizens who don't require a digital nomad visa? I also feel slightly relieved that here in Ireland apart from specialist medical appointments you don't have waiting lists. Still, even in Ireland there's a lot that can be improved. Congratulations on building a new life in Germany and glad your family has settled in well!
Thanks, Paola!
Yes. It is a totally different picture for citizens of EU member countries. I should have mentioned that.
Maybe the topic for a future post? 😃