When it comes to Germany, we present this country as a successful and highly developed economy. Today it is one of the richest countries in Europe, which has created a fairly high standard of living for its citizens. And there are objective reasons for this. They are due to the advantages that the German economy has.
That is why citizens of Poland and Turkey, Romania and Hungary, countries located in the Middle East, Africa, as well as throughout the entire former Soviet Union, dream of living in Germany. It is not surprising that in terms of its popularity among emigrants, Germany is in third place after the United States of America and Canada.
However, as in any other country, life in this European state has its positive and negative sides. Is it good to live in Germany? Let's try to understand this issue.
Housing conditions
According to statistics, every 7 out of 10 people in the European Union live in their own apartments and houses. Howeverthe vast majority of these lucky ones are the rural population. In addition, if we consider the situation in Germany, then more than half of the total population has rental housing here. Why don't all Germans want to buy their houses or apartments? Primarily because almost all of them want to stay mobile.
The most popular in Germany are small houses. In recent years, it is precisely them that are being built most of all. Of course, there are high-rise buildings in the country. Almost all of them are private and are not typical faceless "boxes", but buildings with an original and interesting architectural design. At the same time, good apartments located in prestigious areas of large cities have a rather high price.
On the territory of the former GDR there are numerous microdistricts consisting of panel high-rise buildings. This is how the housing problem was solved in most socialist-oriented countries. Many residents in Germany continue to live in houses built in the 19th century. Restoration work has been carried out in them, and in general this is a fairly comfortable housing.
Of course, the Germans have real estate not only in large cities. Many people live in rural areas. But it is worth noting that the quality of housing here is practically no different from the city. All houses are well-maintained and have amenities in the form of hot water, sewerage, etc. In addition, in rural areas, roads are no worse than urban ones. Only there is less entertainment here.
Old city buildings in Germany are famous for their internalsmall yards. In former times, small workshops worked here. Today, these areas have been given over to playgrounds and bicycle parking.
One-family houses are very popular among ordinary Germans belonging to the middle class, which are very numerous in the suburban area of large cities. Their cost is quite high. On average, such a house costs from 300 to 500 thousand euros. However, if you live in Germany, then here you can take a mortgage loan. Its rates are quite low and amount to a little less than 2% per annum. If you don’t buy such a house, but rent it, then it will cost a little more than a city apartment.
Of course, the question immediately arises: can ordinary Germans afford normal living conditions? The costs of purchasing, renting an apartment or house, paying for gas, water, electricity, repairs and furniture purchases constitute the largest expense item for many people in Germany. On average, this is 20% of adjusted gross income after taxes.
Is it good to live in Germany? To understand this, in addition to the level of housing costs, it is also necessary to estimate such an indicator as the average number of rooms per person. It is important to clarify the communal amenities available in the houses.
If the number of rooms that are in the house is divided by the number of people living in it, then you can find out if the household is in cramped conditions. Low values of this indicator indicate a low quality of life. After all, people living incramped conditions, are subject to a negative impact on mental and physical he alth, which affects relationships with others and the development of children. As for Germany, there is an average of 1.8 rooms per person.
Income level
We all know that money alone does not bring happiness. However, every person needs them to improve well-being and achieve decent living standards. With a good financial condition, people have access to better education, housing, better he alth care.
How do ordinary people live in Germany? By definition, a family's net income after taxes is the amount of money its members receive in their hands. These amounts are used by people to purchase goods and services. If you live in Germany and work in this country, then the average total per family is $33,652 for the entire year. This is the best indicator among the 35 member countries of the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development). Here, the similar average is $30,563.
The way people live in Germany can be judged by the financial well-being of the family. It represents the total value of the financial assets of each of its members. In Germany, this figure is $57,358. In general, this is less than in OECD countries. Here the value is $90,570.
Public policy for a better life
How do people live in Germany? The social policy pursued by the state will also make it possible to understand this. The country seeks to protectlow paid workers. To this end, in January 2015, a new minimum wage guaranteed by law was introduced. This decision was an additional guarantee for the provision of low-paid employees, along with the determination of the salary scale, which is adopted by collective agreements.
The establishment of a minimum wage helps to support people with low incomes, which significantly reduces the risk of poverty among workers in various enterprises. And although the amount guaranteed by law does not cover some industries, as well as those who are not yet 18 years old, such a measure allowed to increase the total payroll by 1.2%.
Work
Is it really good to live in Germany? You can judge this by the presence of work. After all, employment allows a person to get a lot of advantages. This applies primarily to the availability of a stable source of income. In addition, work allows you to realize your own ambitions, increase the level of social inclusion and self-esteem, develop skills and abilities.
How do people of working age live in Germany? Employment in the country is at the highest level. 75% of the able-bodied population in the age group from 15 to 64 years old has a job here. What about the other 25%? All unemployed people are actively looking for a suitable job for them. And it is quite real. Statistics confirm this conclusion. Thus, over a year in Germany only 1.7% of the able-bodied population remains unemployed. And this is a big plus for the country. Indeed, with long-term unemployment, a person loses a sense of well-being, self-esteem drops, and skills are also lost, which further reduces the likelihood of employment.
How is life in Germany? This can be judged by the level of wages and other monetary compensations received by a person for his labor activity. On average, Germans have $46,389 per year. This is slightly more than in OECD countries.
Another important factor influences the quality of the workplace. It is a guarantee of employment, considered from the standpoint of the probable loss of income, that is, the costs of unemployment. How do Germans live in Germany? They face a loss of income 2% of the time. This is the lowest of all OECD countries, where the figure is 4.9%.
Education
To live and work in Germany should be predominantly a highly skilled population - such is the desire of the country's government. Educated people are the key to the socio-economic well-being of the state. They have certain skills and abilities that enable them to participate effectively in society. Of course, a person with a good education is more likely to get a well-paid job. Germans aged 5 to 39 spend an average of 18.3 years studying. This is the best indicator among OECD countries, where it is 17 years old.
Getting an education is of great importance for the economy of any state. After all, a person who offers hiscandidacy in the labor market, must possess certain skills. And they, in turn, are based on knowledge. In Germany, 86% of people in the age group from 25 to 64 have completed secondary education. This figure is above the OECD average of 74%.
However, it is difficult to judge the quality of the education received by these figures. To this end, a program was developed in 2015 that provides an international assessment of the level of skills and knowledge that students need in order to fully participate in society. At the same time, literacy, knowledge of mathematics and natural sciences were studied. Studies have shown that these skills in students are at the level of 508 points. This is the highest score in the OECD, where it averages 486 points. The education system in Germany allows students to receive high-quality knowledge.
Vocational training
Germany's special education system has a long history and is respected for its effectiveness. Secondary school students in the country are given the right to receive either higher academic or vocational education. In the latter case, the dual system operates. What does she represent? While receiving vocational education, students study at school and in the workplace. In educational institutions they receive a general education. The workplace is professional.
Schools and employers play an important role in the design of education and in the process of acquiring knowledge and skills. The participation of the latter means the adaptation of trainingprograms for local needs. The quality of the work carried out is regulated by the government of the country. It develops and implements standardized mandatory national curricula. This makes it possible to exclude the interference of the short-term needs of the employer in the economic and educational goals of the entire system. Students who attend a vocational training course receive wages agreed by the collective agreement.
He alth
Is it good to live in Germany? The pros and cons of permanent residence in any country will be indicated by the average life expectancy of its population. As for Germany, here it is 81 years. This figure is higher than in OECD countries. The level of life expectancy of the population is directly affected by the quality of medical care. It also depends on the high costs of he althcare, as well as on the level and lifestyle of people, the environmental situation and the quality of the education system.
According to statistics, 65% of Germans surveyed believe that they have good he alth. But if a resident of Germany needs medical services, then he can get them thanks to insurance. Every capable citizen of the country and an immigrant has it. In cases where a person is employed, 50% of insurance premiums are paid for by the employer. Deductions of an individual for medical services and expensive medicines amount to 13% of his nominal salary. For people who are unemployed, insurance is paid by the state.
Having on handthis policy, the German has the right to go for a consultation with any doctor, including a private one. If the specialist does not suit the patient, then you can apply for medical insurance to another one.
Sometimes the Germans buy their own medicines. They have to pay money for drugs that are required on an emergency basis and are not available in the office of the doctor issuing them under insurance. A resident of Germany will also need to reimburse the cost of medicines if the amount for their purchase during the year exceeds 2% of the person’s full salary.
A trip to the dentist requires separate insurance. But the rules in this branch of medicine are the same as when referring to other doctors.
Is it good to live in Germany with such a he althcare system? Feedback from residents of the country confirms the fact that the state pays for them 90% of the costs necessary to provide any expensive medical care. Minors (under 18) have social insurance. For them, any medical appointment and medicines are free.
Social privileges
Prosperity and security… All this is a stronghold of the German state. The main values of the inhabitants of the country are family and home. And this is always the Germans in the first place. The government is doing everything to strengthen the economic well-being of every family. This is confirmed by the guaranteed minimum living wage of 400 euros established by law. This amount will be received by the head of the family in any situation. In addition to it, the state allocates another 361 euros, which is 80% ofliving wage. Of course, by the standards of Europe, this money is not very big. However, the government also comes to the aid of its citizens when there is a shortage of funds to rent an apartment or pay utility bills, to buy furniture or electrical appliances. And this is the social orientation of the state. For example, when a working person does not have enough income to rent a house, he is paid "apartment". The state returns 80% of the amount that is rent. And this is especially significant among all the pluses available in the country. To live in Germany means to feel the constant care of the government. After all, the housing allowance is given to families free of charge.
The country even cares about cats and dogs. They also have a “right to housing”. That is why it is impossible to meet stray animals on the streets of the country.
The state also pays benefits to women who raise one or more children without a husband. In addition to the guaranteed minimum, they receive 220 euros for each child under the age of 12. There are benefits for complete families. And even in cases where both the father and mother work, they will receive payments for each of the children until they are 27 years old, but only if they are students or students. The amount is also 220 EUR per child.
Germans who are left without work for any objective reasons (reduction, not dismissal of their own free will), for another two years receive from the state an allowance of 65% of theirsalary. Those who cannot find a job further receive 400 euros from the government. In addition, the state pays them he alth insurance and housing rent. Not only native Germans, but also those who arrived in the country for permanent residence and have the right to employment, as well as refugees, are en titled to apply for such unemployment benefits.
How do pensioners live in Germany? The attitude of the state towards these people cannot but arouse admiration. The government also takes care of those who have limited opportunities. For these categories of citizens, there are a large number of rehabilitation centers, clubs, excursion bureaus, as well as points where medical assistance can be provided. And all of them are located in the most picturesque and prestigious areas of German cities.
How do pensioners and disabled people live in Germany? These people are entertained and treated, excursions are organized for them and taken on vacation, they are looked after, and at the same time, all expenses are paid by the state. Any pensioner and disabled person is en titled to a social subsistence minimum of 400 euros. In addition, the state pays for medicines and medical care, the cost of renting housing and utilities, as well as transportation costs. On average, pensioners who, upon entering a well-deserved rest, had the necessary work experience and received a regular salary at work, are charged approximately 2,000 euros per month. Such financial security allows older people to travel around the world and buy property abroad, profitably investing the savings collected onthroughout working age.
Prices
Is it expensive to live in Germany? Prices in the country for clothing and food can be called democratic. Nevertheless, ordinary Germans, as a rule, pick up things for their wardrobe at sales. They buy products only a few times during the month, using all the bonuses, coupons and discount coupons they got. The Germans will never pay more for the slightest opportunity to save. And the explanation for this is not greed at all. They just don't understand why waste money. For them it is illogical and stupid. A confirmation of the famous German frugality is that German residents do not purchase housing, as it is cheaper to rent, prefer to have cars that consume little gasoline, do not agree to spontaneous purchases, carefully plan and calculate all upcoming expenses, and also save electricity and water and take participation in all sales and promotions.
Negative sides
So is it possible to live in Germany and still be an absolutely happy person? Of course, ordinary people have to face various problems. Consider the main cons. Living in Germany is uncomfortable because of the following:
- Mobile communications. It is supported by private firms competing with each other. All these companies install communication towers not far from big cities. And as soon as the inhabitants of the country drive just a few kilometers from Berlin to relax in nature, they will be deprived of mobile communications there.
- Taxation systems. She's pretty in Germanycomplex. Understanding tax law is only possible with the help of a specialist. And his services are not cheap. But even without this tax adviser, it is difficult to figure out the payment of mandatory amounts. Indeed, up to a certain level of salary, taxes do not need to be paid at all, and if even one more euro is added, then the state will have to pay in full. So it turns out that the one who has more on paper can get less in his hands.
- German bureaucracy. Germany is not without reason called the country of pieces of paper. For each document, the official will definitely ask for a supporting document, to which another one must be attached.
