It will come as no surprise that the uncertainty regarding Brexit is causing significant ongoing problems for British expats abroad and UK nationals planning to travel to Europe – particularly if you’re intending to drive on the Continent. What do we know about the current situation with regard to driving in France?The British government website … Read more

We live in a global, connected world, where the cost of travel is significantly less than it used to be. Thanks to this, we can meet (and fall in love) with people from all over the world. In addition, the affordability of travel has led to a rise in the number of weddings abroad, a … Read more

Winter in Germany requires pragmatism, punctiliousness and preparation. All of which, luckily, are German hallmarks. In this guide, we are going to get German; that is to say, practical about winter and how to prepare for it. This includes not only preparing yourself, but also your home and car. Preparing Your Home Heating Most homes … Read more

One of the most common challenges that people face when moving to a new country is getting used to the new rules of the road. Firstly, you may have to jump through some hoops to exchange your license, which may even include retaking your test, depending on the country from which your license was issued. … Read more

Dating can be confusing no matter where you are. Now double that confusion; you’re dating in Deutschland! So confusing is the courtship here that there is even a song about it.One of Germany’s rare ventures into pop music, the song Aurélie is about a French woman’s experience of dating in Germany. For expats in Germany, … Read more

There are plenty of obstacles to navigate when becoming a parent, but starting a family as an expat in a foreign country can sometimes be that bit more overwhelming. What exactly are you entitled to in comparison to back home when it comes to maternity leave, childcare costs and other factors that revolve around family … Read more

Between the subclauses and strange stipulations, it’s easy to get lost in the rules around German citizenship for children of expat families. The good news is that this guide will outline everything you need to know about citizenship if you have, or plan to start, an international family in Germany. German Parent? Citizenship Through Principle … Read more

Marriage: where romance meets red tape. Whether for love or visas, marriage is a subject that eventually comes up for many long-term expats in Germany. In line with Germany’s enduring badge of baffling bureaucracy, performing the holy union here is hardly simple. This is especially true when one or both partners are not from the … Read more

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm” — Aldous Huxley. Retiring to a different country can be a way of sustaining the kind of enthusiasm Huxley was talking about; a way of ushering in a life where newness is the norm, … Read more

Driving in Germany isn’t a cheap thrill, it’s a luxury. It won’t take long to notice that everything from cars to the roads themselves are impeccable. And it doesn’t end there; German people think of driving as an extravagant activity rather than a standard mode of transport. Learning how to drive and getting a license … Read more

“If you aren’t in over your head, how do you know how tall you are?” ― T.S. Eliot Of all the sentences T.S. Eliot wrote, this one might be most relevant to the expat experience. As an expat in Germany, you may often feel that you are in over your head. Reinventing your career, your … Read more

Germany is the birthplace of many of our most beloved Christmas traditions. The country oozes festivity throughout December with Christmas markets, fairy lights, and the scent of mulled wine floating down the streets. Enjoy your first expat Christmas in the country by getting acquainted with the local traditions– Germany has got Christmas down to a … Read more

You might not think of Germans as quirky, but they can be. While we all know that Germans enjoy punctuality (true), paperwork (true), and practicality (true), what you might not know is that Germans also enjoy recycling and experimental mixed drinks. These might not sound like strictly cultural activities but you’ll soon find that culture … Read more

After years as an articulate adult, regressing to the eloquence of an excited toddler can be frustrating and quietly humiliating. But it’s also worth it. There is a reason why many of the world’s greatest thinkers have worked in German. Soon you’ll be able to express the fear that time is running out (Torschlusspanik) or … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the social media accounts you should be following if you’re thinking of moving there.The Brits (Germany) Facebook Group An expat … Read more

Located in the northeastern part of Germany, Berlin is the capital of the country and one of the major cultural centers on the continent. It is the second most populated city in the EU, with approximately six million residents from over 190 different nations. Berlin has long been a popular destination for expats because of … Read more

Germany is the geographical, economic and political heart of Europe. With a population of over 81 million, it is the second most populous nation in the region. Its robust economy is the fifth largest in the world. Germany’s influence can be seen in the countries that surround its territory. But the same countries have also … Read more

Germany—the land of beer, bratwurst and the bahn! Germany has a huge and well developed network of trains that are not only punctual but also very comfortable and relatively easy on the pocket. Trains are the most-used form of long distance transport within Germany, second only to automobiles.In recent years, with the competition from intercity … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the blogs that might be useful for expats there. Submerged Oakshttp://www.submergedoaks.com/ Aaron and Meghan say that they are just an … Read more

Flavia, tell us a bit about yourself and how you came to be an expat. I’m Brazilian/American and have been an expat for over 20 years now. I went to Switzerland to spend a year and as the stories go, I have only been back to visit. I’ve lived in England, the US and now … Read more

Germany has always been perceived as a captivating land with its majestic architecture and thriving cultural life. The great German cities of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg, as well as its smaller towns such as Regensburg and Heidelberg, are some of the most visited destinations in the world. But there’s a part of Germany that is … Read more

At Expat Focus, we like to be on the lookout for resources around the web that could help prospective expats adjust to their new countries. Today, we’re taking a look at Germany and some of the bloggers who write about living there. The Erlangen Expathttps://theerlangenexpat.wordpress.com A blog that ranges across a wide variety of topics … Read more

Expats in Germany will find that life in this cosmopolitan and inventive society is anything but dull. Germany is a highly modernized nation with a rich heritage and great regional diversity. But whether you are moving to Germany for a new job, retirement or personal reasons, the following questions will help you determine if you … Read more

Germany has consistently placed high in expat polls and is considered to be one of the best places in the world for expats. It has a strong economy, very low crime rates, and a stable political system. It is normal for expats to feel safer in their home countries, but in a recent expat poll, … Read more

There’s so much to do in Germany, from exploring the grand Alps to relaxing in the many luxurious spas. Then there is art and architecture to discover and also some great culinary experiences to have. But sometimes the real essence of a country is tucked away in places that are off the tourist maps. These … Read more

Germany, which sits in the heart of Europe, is a country of great natural beauty and also a land where orderliness and attention to detail are held in high regard. It is the world’s fifth largest economy with many financial powerhouses located in its cities. Germany is known for its art scene too, which is … Read more

Expats who move to Germany will find that the country offers many high quality products. Locally made products as well as products from other parts of the world are easily available here. Malls are not as popular in Germany as they are in a country like the United States. But you can find them in … Read more

When we think of German food, we usually think of sauerkraut, sausages and pretzels. But German cooking is actually quite expansive and varied. There are considerable regional variations with each region specializing in its own recipes and cooking techniques. To help you on your German culinary adventure, here is a short guide to food and … Read more

by Rachel Fuecks Germany is a good place to invest in property. House prices here in Germany have been stable for a long time and are beginning to rise, unlike the situation in the UK. I only discovered this some time after I had bought, demolished and rebuilt a small house in a place no-one … Read more

by Martha Andrus I fell in love, at first sight, with a beautiful, quaint city called Rothenbach O.T. Upon entering the city from the freeway, it looks much like any other European town. Narrow, cobblestone streets dotted with churches and homes. But as you drive further into the city, you see a huge concrete wall, … Read more

by Martha Andrus The Netherlands is bordered by Germany, so it is not uncommon to find many Dutch roaming the rolling hills of Germany. Germany also has Wal Marts which Holland does not have, so you will find many American expats seeking to find the Wal Marts and exploring the history of Germany. Also, most … Read more