If you look at numbers, Germany is pretty great. As in, we’re ranking 7th place for “best country” (that’s one place higher than the UK, if you’re wondering). That is pretty good. But numbers don’t really say a thing, do they. I mean, yes, it’s a great way to get a sober overview of what’s generally going on, but you can’t really deduct specifics. Having lived in both Germany and the UK I do fully agree that I think living in Germany is a bit better, but both countries are in fact pretty close. But they are close in very different ways. Does that make sense? They are both brilliant countries to live in – but for different reasons.

We win some, we lose some

That being said, interestingly, if we’re looking at statistics from the viewpoint of an expat (someone who resides outside their country or citizenship), Germany scores horrifically: 42 out of 52. Ouch. But reading through the reasons that make up this judgement, I can see why. In terms of the digital life, admin, housing and language aspect we’re falling completely off the plate. Germany is quite slow when it comes to implementing technology – paying cashless, for example (especially in small stores), is still a long way off. We’re also still struggling with fast internet, especially in rural areas. It can be quite difficult to find a house/flat – and, well, we are living in an incredibly complex bureaucracy. Even as a native it’s by no means easy to navigate it. And, well, German is a difficult language to learn. On the bright side, we also do speak English quite well – but that only takes you so far and knowing the language of the country you live in is just a thing of comfort, too.

It does show, however, our positives as well. We’re quite a safe country to live in, our work culture, job security and salary are fantastic – and we have simply beautiful country in terms of nature, but also in our environmental consciousness.

What are some everyday qualities?

These things are, of course, quite abstract. Which is why I want to list some of the things that I believe, to me, make up the reason why I am of the opinion that Germany is a fantastic country to live in. Everyday things. Conveniences. Things that, well, make your life better.

• The health system: Okay, well, this isn’t something small per se – or maybe I see it as something everyday-ish because it is so well maintained. Different to the UK, we have a “health ID card”, which allows us to go to any GP, any hospital, any specialist, dentist – whatever – without problem. Medication is well-affordable and waiting times are usually extremely short. I am very happy with the NHS and the quality of attention and care I’ve received here so far. I do criticise the accessibility, however.
• Alternative lifestyles/diets: This is something I took for granted before I came to the UK – the sheer options Germany, by now, has, if you’re living or have to live an alternative lifestyle. This includes everything from vegetarianism/veganism to catering to people that don’t drink alcohol or have special dietary options. The selections, even in smaller markets, are marvellous. We even have lots of markets that focus on sustainable products.
• Public transportation: Last year, in April 2024, Germany introduced the [Deutschlandticket] – the Germany ticket. It’s around £50 per month and you can take all (bar the really, really, really fast inter-city trains) public transport with it. Across the entire country. The entirety of Germany. 50 quid wouldn’t even take me one-way to London.
• The education system: Our system definitely has flaws. But the more I hear about the UK school system, the more I love the German one. It starts with the grading system (again, it does have flaws), where our grade is made up of several sources: participation, several exams across the year, etc. Here in the UK, your grade is made up of one single grade? Why? On top of that, our state universities are free. This one especially hurts, seeing that the UK’s tuition fees are the highest worldwide. Yep.
• Food: Look, I like British food. But German food is better. But I am not even talking about national dishes here. It definitely changes with where you live in Britain, as the more cosmopolitan your neighbourhood, the better your options. In Germany, I feel like this threshold is lower. You don’t have to be in one of the biggest cities to enjoy good, multicultural restaurants. Big fan of British Chicken Tikka, but sometimes I just want a nice Greek restaurant without having to drive into the city.
• More lavish housing: British houses are tiny. It is something I still struggle with after living and owning a house here for a few years. In Germany, houses and flats have more living space, both inside as well as outside. A big garden in the UK would classify as a small garden in Germany – and it’s way more common to have one. You have a very unique architecture in the UK – which is charming, but also highly questionable. There is really absolutely no reason to make your rooms as small and your hallways as narrow as they are – and are still being build.

There is definitely more I could list – but at the end of the day, I will repeat what I stated at the very beginning. I love Germany. I love the UK. So many things, in regards to quality of life, are better in Germany. But so many other things are better in the UK. Both countries have a fantastic standard and are excellent choices to live in.

[Picture by Henry – thank you!]