🇩🇪 We Bought Our First Car in Germany - ALL IN GERMAN!

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  • Опубликовано: 27 авг 2024

Комментарии • 924

  • @tracymayertravel
    @tracymayertravel 3 года назад +172

    I have found that most Germans really appreciate any effort to learn and speak German and will bend over backwards to help you when you try.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +22

      Yes! When you show them you care to learn their language, they're almost always so kind in return.

    • @martialme84
      @martialme84 3 года назад +14

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife You guys have such a positive and genuine vibe about you, it simply beats us into submission...

    • @kermitfrosch6559
      @kermitfrosch6559 3 года назад +3

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Germans react this way, because they see that someone is trying to participate in normal cultural life in this country. Such behavior is understood as a great willingness to integrate into the community. And we'll say: "Willkommen". After all, it's already a challenge to learn the very complex language German. So I wish you good success to learn. But I think it's no different in the States. Since I work for a big US company, I also had this experience there...

    • @saadbintalha3999
      @saadbintalha3999 2 года назад

      Would you like to change the back of the picture nicely, I'll delete the back of your picture nicely, you hired me
      background removal: file format is png, jpeg, psd
      • Model photo background removal
      • Pure white background
      • Remove background
      you can hire me

  • @ingevonschneider5100
    @ingevonschneider5100 3 года назад +127

    I think Kevin did everything right with car and insurance.

    • @1ytcommenter
      @1ytcommenter 3 года назад +13

      yes i would say so too. it is convenient. the vw insurance isnt the cheapest. but hey after 1year he can change to another company.

    • @CarokonekoSubs
      @CarokonekoSubs 3 года назад +5

      Yes VW insurance can be pricy but he’ll be able to change to any other Vollkasko insurance:)

    • @chris_0018
      @chris_0018 Год назад

      2000€ a year would insure him a porsche, also with 500€ deductible, if he has a positive driving record. He needs to go to a comparision website and switch to a cheaper contract.

  • @butenbremer1965
    @butenbremer1965 3 года назад +55

    The VW Sharan has long been known as the ultimate "Großfamilientaxi" - whise decision! Kudos to you.....

    • @TheMelody911
      @TheMelody911 2 года назад

      VW Sharan, Ford Galaxy, citroen C4 Picasso or Opel Zafira are nearly the same (for the funktionallity) just like the Chevy family cars!

    • @na3044
      @na3044 2 года назад

      ...to actually integrate you'd have to buy a Benz though. /s

    • @pfalzgraf7527
      @pfalzgraf7527 2 года назад

      @@na3044 They’re in Bavaria, Audi or BMW would be more fitting there … :D

    • @na3044
      @na3044 2 года назад

      @@pfalzgraf7527 Audi? Really? *scoff*

    • @pfalzgraf7527
      @pfalzgraf7527 2 года назад

      @@na3044 's a Bavarian brand, that's all.

  • @hekra6784
    @hekra6784 3 года назад +124

    Kevin should be able to trade his French driver’s license for a German one at the Führerscheinstelle. Since you are living on the countryside you should contact the Landratsamt of the Landkreis you are living.

    • @marinakuchenbaur7337
      @marinakuchenbaur7337 3 года назад +6

      I don‘t think you have to trade your liscence when it‘s a European one. They are changing all the Papier liscences to credit Card Format though. you have time until 2028 or sth i think

    • @jhuizi123
      @jhuizi123 2 года назад +5

      I am Dutch and live in Greece and my Dutch license has been switched to a Greek one because it had expired.But because of EU it is just switching, no tests required. So I assume the same for a French driving license

    • @followmemove
      @followmemove 2 года назад +1

      If you have a France one. Its easier, because they are very precise with it. You have to take a test( Someone of my biblestudy told me that he is also from USA) I think you are living area Ruhpolding/siegsdorf/Traunstein. So i think you have to go to Traunstein for that.
      If you want i can recommend a church?
      And you can put a strip under the car, Then the kids will not become car sick. it rlly help. its rubber with a small peace of metal. it was design for static, but it thats not rlly necessary anymore for most of the cars. but it helps, for sure in the mountains.
      And we have snow again, do you have snow chains?

  • @julikind0307
    @julikind0307 3 года назад +130

    Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum neuen Auto!! Ihr seid so eine sympathische Familie 🙂 Macht weiter so

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +17

      Vielen dank ☺️💖

    • @Alexp37
      @Alexp37 3 года назад +1

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Vielen *Dank ;) /smartass mode off :D

    • @Mursula-M.
      @Mursula-M. 3 года назад +6

      Ja finde ich auch! Habe euch soeben entdeckt und bekomme gar nicht genug 😅

  • @furzkram
    @furzkram 3 года назад +53

    I'm so happy you didn't land in a big city. I think you might slowly start to understand how good you got it there where you are.
    You've got the jackpot, lifesize. No kidding.

  • @MrAronymous
    @MrAronymous 3 года назад +21

    Fords in Europe are basically German/British. Designed, built and tested in Europe.

  • @rogerkautz7441
    @rogerkautz7441 3 года назад +26

    Don't forget the vignette for Austria ! The toll sticker has been compulsory on Austria's motorways and expressways since 1997. All cars, motorbikes and camper vans up to 3.5 mpw (maximum permissible weight) must properly display a toll sticker or have purchased online in time a digital vignette when they drive onto a motorway or expressway. This avoids a possible toll fine of at least 120 euros. Allzeit gute Fahrt !

  • @Battlelina96
    @Battlelina96 3 года назад +84

    I'm so happy that the RUclips algorythm brought you up a few months ago! Greetings from Düsseldorf! Your son's German is so impressive! Most people have big issues pronouncing the "Z"

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +8

      Yeah that “tsh” sound - still working on it! Düsseldorf is definitely on our list to see! Thanks for watching. 💖

    • @stefanstock953
      @stefanstock953 3 года назад +1

      hallo Lina...grüsse aus Düren bei Köln.....war bei mir genauso, mit you tube....war gut so...total interresant und was fürne nette family....bye bye und Stay Safe...

    • @bjoern0975
      @bjoern0975 3 года назад +2

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I'd be happy to see you come to Düsseldorf, too. :-)

    • @englishwithmrs.meiner3519
      @englishwithmrs.meiner3519 3 года назад +1

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Think of the "Z" as the "ts" on the end of the word "rats" :)

    • @Miristzuheiss
      @Miristzuheiss 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife also Here from Düsseldorf 🤩

  • @mikedamat
    @mikedamat 2 года назад +9

    I'm hoping to move to Germany next year and your videos are making me so excited! I love how you only use the car once a week, that's awesome! I love how environmentally friendly Germany is and you all seem to being doing a great job integrating!

  • @heidrunreusch
    @heidrunreusch 2 года назад +3

    Die Leute sind so nett zu Euch, weil IHR so extrem sympathisch seid!!✨💫🙂

  • @MhLiMz
    @MhLiMz 3 года назад +35

    It‘s quite exciting to see/hear people learn a foreign language and talk it, so maybe in one of the next videos you can have everyone of your family who likes to show her/his German skills and impress us viewers.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +6

      Yes we need to do that as long as we don’t get laughed at for our baby German skills 😜😉😉

    • @katjahuskinson3428
      @katjahuskinson3428 3 года назад +9

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife we'll be laughing WITH you, not AT you 😉😅
      But in all seriousness, every German knows how difficult the German language is. I even find myself looking up what article a noun has from time to time and I was born and raised here, so don't stress about it too much 😉

    • @MhLiMz
      @MhLiMz 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I'm sure that most people won't laugh AT you, but they will be happy FOR you..

    • @CHarlotte-ro4yi
      @CHarlotte-ro4yi 3 года назад +2

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I was reading your comment as I was listening to exactly this part of the video -16:25 - and I must say not only Grayson seems to have impressive German skills, I would say that there is no American accent in the pronunciation and that's even more impressive because the German 'ch' sound is incredibly hard to master for English-Natives!

    • @richard--s
      @richard--s 3 года назад +1

      @@CHarlotte-ro4yi the "ch" sound might be equally hard for english natives as the "th" for german natives ;-)
      But Germans and Austrians get better at it. In earlier years it was frustrating to hear politicians say "I sink sat it is importanz to do it sis or sat way"...

  • @berndhoffmann7703
    @berndhoffmann7703 3 года назад +10

    5:09 P E R F E C T - einfach nur perfekt, pronunciation like a natural!

  • @alexanderschramm3102
    @alexanderschramm3102 3 года назад +27

    Hey, congratulations to the new car! Maybe you should think about joining ADAC (basically AAA) at least mid term. They offer assistance all over Europe and it is not that much expensive. About the insurance: You took the most expensive version of the insurance (Vollkaskoversicherung). On the other hand, this covers nearly everything. Nevertheless, for a 2018 model sounds reasonable. Volkswagen Versicherung is normally not the cheapest to go for, anyway also not the most expensive insurance company. Depends on your "Schadenfreiheitsrabatt" / "Schadenfreiheitsklasse" which is basically your no-claims bonus. That is the one big variable in the formula. I doubt, that they calculated this completely in (which they are allowed to as far as i know as you previously had no german insurance). The other thing is: The insurance is also calculated based on the car type, horsepower and so on. I pay for my SUV around 800 Euro per year, also vor the liability and Vollkaskoversicherung. Just to give you an idea. Anyway: I think you did the right thing for a start! The good thing is: You can cancel your insurance on a yearly basis with one month cancellation period if you want to. There are several portals like check24 and so on where you can enter your data and will get a nice overview of insurances and prices. Hope this helps a little. If there are more questions coming up, please let me know. ;) Best Alex

    • @chris_0018
      @chris_0018 Год назад

      The insurance is way to expensive; 2000€ a year for Vollkasko and a 500€ deductible. VW probably didn‘t take account of his driving record.

  • @janheinbokel3969
    @janheinbokel3969 2 года назад +1

    You're right: In Germany you say "Deutsche Sprache, schwere Sprache" (German language, difficult language) and therefore each and every foreigner speaking German (or what He/she think German May be) opens Up Our hearts

  • @magsch2913
    @magsch2913 3 года назад +18

    You did a great job! Here in Germany you can switch to another car insurance every November. So you have got enough time to do your research.

  • @kerstinklenovsky239
    @kerstinklenovsky239 3 года назад +7

    You guys are lovely. With or without a car. ❤🤩👍

  • @mattevetts9556
    @mattevetts9556 3 года назад +4

    Hi from Texas, I really enjoyed your video. Hopefully in 3 to 5 years I will be able to follow your example and move to Germany. I would love to see more of your city and community.

  • @fw5218
    @fw5218 3 года назад +38

    Finally! Congratulations, you got a German ride! Happy ridin' from Frankfurt! :)

  • @dasmaurerle4347
    @dasmaurerle4347 3 года назад +11

    Vollkasko...well done,Kevin! With a new car like that it's the best thing you could've done. Nice car, btw...have fun going to Italy and Austria and Czeck Republik! Im sure you'll love it

  • @Dutch1961
    @Dutch1961 3 года назад +15

    Congratulations on the car! With a car like that the whole of Europe is within reach. Imagine, from Munich it's only a 7.5 hour drive to Florence in Italy, and just under 11 hours to Saint-Tropez in France.

  • @KUgel-st5zf
    @KUgel-st5zf 3 года назад +12

    Congratulations to your new car! So if you need more place for luggage think about a „Dachbox“. It’s often used bei bigger familys to transport all their stuff on the roof and somtimes you can rent it or share it with friends or neighbours. Have a good time and nice roadtrips 🤗👍⭐️⭐️⭐️💙

    • @kevinmcfall5285
      @kevinmcfall5285 3 года назад +5

      Yes! A dachbox. Good thing the car already has roof rails. There is also a towing hitch too if we need it.

    • @kranzandreas3776
      @kranzandreas3776 3 года назад +2

      There's also luggage boxes you can put on the tow hitch. A tow hitch is always good to have, renting a trailer is much cheaper than renting a van, if you have to haul something extra.

  • @CamaroMann
    @CamaroMann 3 года назад +18

    0:00 Love that picture. The spring is late this year, but finally it's here!

  • @stefanzander2396
    @stefanzander2396 3 года назад +5

    you two guys are sooo sympatic, including your kids for sure. I love to seing you are dealing with this "german" specialisities. keep it up !

  • @winterschmied4583
    @winterschmied4583 3 года назад +9

    Maybe Kevin should get a couple of lessons driving on German Autobahn with an Instructor before driving it with the children.
    Driving on the Autobahn is way different then driving Highways or Freeways in the US, so I heard. We are driving much faster and there are some rules that had to be followed. I think these few lessons will make Kevin much more secure while driving here in Germany, especially when driving with children, like "How long will we drive?", "I'm hungry, there's a Mac Donalds.", "I need to go to a toilet, NOW." All parents know this, but driving in a new surrounding with a new car (shift sticked) and with other people that don't know you aren't familiar with the way we drive will be more then a major callenge even without the influence of the children.
    Maybe you will even apply for a First Aid course, because all drivers here in Germany are commited by law to be able to help if necessary.

    • @lal12
      @lal12 3 года назад

      I think he has to get a new license anyway after living here for a while.

  • @ennykraft
    @ennykraft 3 года назад +70

    I love your attitude about using German things. RUclips recommended another video by a family who just moved to Germany too. They were in this tiny little supermarket in a Bavarian village and complained about there being only three different kinds of peanut butter. And I was like Thank you, but I don't want to watch that. Whenever I lived abroad immersing myself into the culture and habits of a foreign country was wonderful. Sure, I missed some German things (most importantly bread) but I wanted the whole experience.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +38

      Thank you so much! Yes we know we are Germany, it’s not supposed to have American things. What’s the point of moving here if I want to bring my ways and all of my things with me?! Might as well stay home! Kevin and I are addicted to adventure - we want all Germany has to offer.

    • @SABRINA.ARMY.BTS.
      @SABRINA.ARMY.BTS. 3 года назад +7

      I saw the video as well I guess ! A family of 3 with a toddler! Right ?

    • @beatrixpastoors1104
      @beatrixpastoors1104 3 года назад +24

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Ich weiß auch, welches Video gemeint ist. Diese junge amerikanische Familie ist aber grundsätzlich sehr aufgeschlossen für unsere Kultur und unsere Küche und manchmal geradezu enthusiastisch angesichts unserer Architektur und Landschaft.
      Die beiden ahnten wohl nicht, dass Erdnussbutter in Deutschland keine große Sache und nicht sehr verbreitet ist.

    • @kevinmcfall5285
      @kevinmcfall5285 3 года назад +27

      The kids have only asked for peanut butter once or twice. Ella's new favorite is Nutella on a banana. Ha!

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад +2

      @@SABRINA.ARMY.BTS." our story to tell" but they've made some videos where they tried German food.

  • @fw5218
    @fw5218 3 года назад +50

    No worries, Sarah: I also made my licence in the US (MI). I (as a German) had to go through the exact same process. I did take like four lessons at a Fahrschule to prepare myself for the German test - it was needed. If you need help finding an English speaking instructor in your area just let me know, I can make some calls.
    Car salesmen: Same stereotype in Germany, but there are good ones! I think Kevin did everything right by going to an official VW dealer. There's always a better deal out there if you're willing to spend lots of time (for the insurance as well), but I am confident they did not completely overcharge you, and it is a benefit to have it all done by one expert. I'm pretty sure Kevin has a good natural instinct and should continue to trust that.
    Service: I am pleased to see an American actually praising German customer service (applies to the Behörden as well), that is rare (we are just not good at it compared to the US, very generally speaking). But it makes me happy to watch you having such a positive experience.
    Parking garage (Parkhaus): No worries, your VW will fit into EVERY parking garage in Germany and even the EU. They are standardized for PKW (passenger cars).
    Pronounciation: Chiemsee: KEEM-SEE (dict.leo.org/german-english/see, click play for sound); Aschau: USH-OW
    Take care guys, if your travels take you to the Frankfurt area, don't be a stranger!

    • @skraus8786
      @skraus8786 3 года назад +5

      Parking space is not standardized eu-wide (harmonized). But i guess most country will have their own standard set. The problem with ours is, it's from the 1970s and not updated, so sometimes even new parking lots can get really thight.

    • @carinab.1923
      @carinab.1923 3 года назад +2

      The old question that we Germans just cannot agree on: Chiemsee oder Kiemsee? Chemiker oder Kemiker? :D (I'll forever stick with CH!)

    • @katjahuskinson3428
      @katjahuskinson3428 3 года назад +2

      @@carinab.1923 well, since Chiemsee is in Bavaria and in Bavaria the "ch" is pronounced "k", I'd say there's no debate there... But as long as you don't pronounce it " Schiemsee", I think I can deal 😅😅😅

    • @acr17
      @acr17 3 года назад +1

      You should be alright with Parkhäuser, just be aware of the height. I don't know what is the height of a Sharan, but some Parkhäuser especially in bigger cities, just have a maximum height of 1,8m. I think most are even 2m, but please be aware of it 😊

    • @fw5218
      @fw5218 3 года назад +1

      @@acr17 Height Sharan: 1.740 mm
      I have never encountered a parking garage that is lower.

  • @finnibat
    @finnibat 3 года назад +12

    Thank you so much for your videos, they are just so positive and nice. Have a great evening!

  • @ikel2803
    @ikel2803 3 года назад +25

    A couple basics to keep in mind with driving: never overtake on the right and always keep to the right when there's room (especially on the Autobahn). Also there's no turning right at a red light and you use the indicator before coming out of a roundabout to alert waiting cars/bikes/pedestrians that they can't cross/can drive into the roundabout. Have fun exploring your surroundings more 🙂

    • @katjahuskinson3428
      @katjahuskinson3428 3 года назад

      The turning right at a red light really is something we could/should import from the US already! 😅

    • @anastasialiebster9244
      @anastasialiebster9244 3 года назад +1

      @@katjahuskinson3428 You can turn right on red at some intersections in the former East Germany. Just look for intersections with the green arrows aka "grüne pfeile"

    • @katjahuskinson3428
      @katjahuskinson3428 3 года назад

      @@anastasialiebster9244 yes, I know that, they have those green arrows at some intersections in western Germany as well. But in the US you can turn right at a red light on every intersection, you just have to regard the light as a stop sign, so you stop, look for pedestrians and cars and then you can slowly proceed to turn. And I think that should be a thing.

    • @mijp
      @mijp 3 года назад

      Passing right is forbidden only outside a city.

  • @phrozen2000
    @phrozen2000 3 года назад +22

    Congrats on the new car and "Gute Fahrt"! Now that everything is opening up again it's great that you have a car to go out traveling and exploring.

  • @Beatboxrocka81
    @Beatboxrocka81 3 года назад +10

    Ihr beide wirkt richtig glücklich, so schön :)

  • @claudiakarl7888
    @claudiakarl7888 3 года назад +42

    So now you can start to hit Aldi or Lidl for the weekly shopping. 😉

  • @dunjameister1234
    @dunjameister1234 3 года назад +7

    I think it's great to immerse into the german culture, but it's also sooo okay to stick to old and loved habits and food and things too. The mixture is what counts (in my opinion).
    When I first came to America as an exchange student many years ago, the first thing my american host mother did was get me a taco from taco bell, and I really couldn't handle it. I was completely overwhelmed....

  • @chrissbayer9561
    @chrissbayer9561 3 года назад +8

    Congratulations! Happy to hear that all went well with the car but also with the german authorities and the bureaucracy. I’ve recently watched the podcast/video of Felicia (German girl in America) and Josh (the podcast’s name is “Understanding train station”) about Josh’s bad experiences with the authorities in Munich and felt so sorry for him. I work in a public authority myself and my coworkers and me would never dare to be unfriendly or rude to someone who needs our help.
    Good luck with your beautiful car and happy adventures! 🤩

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +5

      I’m sorry they had that experience. We’ve had such wonderful experiences out in the countryside, maybe that makes a difference.

  • @Beatboxrocka81
    @Beatboxrocka81 3 года назад +5

    If you ever visit Baden-Württemberg during summer August/September, you should come to Karlsruhe to watch Schlosslichtspiele. Such a wonderful and peaceful event for the whole family

  • @claudiakarl7888
    @claudiakarl7888 3 года назад +13

    You can use search machines for checking the insurance fees. It’s important to have a look into your insurance papers to see how long the contract is running. Normally you can leave insurances at November 30th.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      Okay thank you!

    • @ThePixel1983
      @ThePixel1983 3 года назад

      I think that changed more than 10 years ago, I was in the industry (as a web developer) when the eVB- Number was introduced and this fixed date fell.

    • @Mutha0815
      @Mutha0815 3 года назад +1

      Please dont use search engines like Check24. You will not be happy here with an american pre-insurance. You need a person to take care of it, not a machine.
      Normaly a german insurance (in this case the allianz) accept a american pre-insurance. Call your last insurance. The old insurance should send you a "no-claim-letter". This paper can save your money. Send this paper to your new insurance. They will check your letter and the contract and do some math. Then you get a new contract with a better price.
      Normaly the insurance can be canceled on 01.01. to be finished every year. To do this, the termination must be on November 30 at the insurance.

    • @Mutha0815
      @Mutha0815 3 года назад +1

      @@ThePixel1983 But only 5% of the cars have a different cancellation date than 01.01. ;-)

  • @furzkram
    @furzkram 3 года назад +7

    Btw a german license can be done in english language too. So ... Go for it!
    Driving school will be whole new experience too. Can't wait to see how you'll like it.
    Imho it's quality education / training.

  • @Caledoriv
    @Caledoriv 3 года назад +5

    When driving abroad be sure to follow the regulations there! The driving laws differ for each country.
    In France for instance, you are required to have the items for an oral alcohol test in your car if you get stopped by the police. The German police provides these items, but in France this is not the case.

  • @arnesnielsen
    @arnesnielsen 2 года назад +2

    You guys are the sweetest! I am smiling all the time while I watch your videos! All the long way from Norway... :-)

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  2 года назад

      Ah very cool! Norway! That’s on our list of places to see. What a beautiful country!

  • @inesgartner5121
    @inesgartner5121 3 года назад

    I also get car sick a lot. You can get Reisetabletten/Lutschtabletten gegen Übelkeit in almoust every grocery store, pharmacys and stores like DM and Rossmann. They taste like a flavoured candy but are a non chemical medication against nausea.
    They really help me a lot, especially when driving through mountainous landscapes. Maybe they will help your children too.

  • @rieckenberg
    @rieckenberg 3 года назад +10

    Congrats on the new car. You picked a good one. The Sharans are very reliable from what I have heard. Now you can start planing road trips. If you want plan on going to Hamburg or Schleswig-Holstein, I'd be happy to show you around.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +3

      Glad to know they’re reliable! We weren’t sure, but we thought that VW has got to be a reliable brand since it’s German!

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад

      dann müssen wir sie uns teilen, lol.

    • @rieckenberg
      @rieckenberg 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I wouldn‘t worry too much anyways, the car is practically new. I drive a 2018 VW Golf station waggon and it hasn‘t had any problems yet.

    • @rieckenberg
      @rieckenberg 3 года назад

      @@grandmak. Dann machen wir einfach den „Fanclub Norddeutschland“ auf und machen eine große Party drauß. 🥳

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад

      @@rieckenberg gute Idee !

  • @sociallyawkwardpenguin9097
    @sociallyawkwardpenguin9097 3 года назад +20

    Insurance does sound kinda high for a car like that in the countryside. It all depends which class (Schadensfreiheitsklasse) they put you in, which is the number of years you didn't have any claims with your insurance. So if you can prove that from your american insurance, you might get a lower rate.
    For price compare yu can use check24 or Verivox. Also, depending on how old the car is and its value, you might wanna opt for only Teilkasko instead of Vollkasko, depending how risk averse you are. Most likely you can only change that after your first year is over though.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +1

      Okay thanks for helping us out!

    • @ZwilleBanane
      @ZwilleBanane 3 года назад +2

      Yeah, I agree, that rate is probably a bit too high for the car you're driving. Or rather: You can most likely get a better deal. Usually 30th of November is the latest day you can change your insurance. Also: I recommend you go for Vollkasko, as the car doesn't seem to be that old.

    • @Henning_Rech
      @Henning_Rech 3 года назад +4

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife I'd agree, your insurance sounds quite expensive. But it depends on your Schadensfreiheitsklasse (SFxy - you'll find this in the invoice) and the resulting percentage (SF1 = 100% rate, SF20 = 20 yrs no damage = 35% rate - search for it). With a good (long) driver record you may pay less than half of what you told us. - So you may imagine why the seller was so helpful - he'll get a good bonus for the contract.

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад +2

      @@Henning_Rech yes, Kevin was probably his favourite customer of the year agreeing on everything, lol.

    • @philipptielmann
      @philipptielmann 3 года назад

      @@grandmak. I do still think the deal is okay. it’s not a ripp off, but also not super cheap either. So for doing no research at all and getting the insurance just like that at the dealer, it’s really good.

  • @michaelstander1263
    @michaelstander1263 2 года назад +1

    Yep... Sharan... unserer war nagelmeu, hat dann 370.000 km und 17 Jahre überlebt, und ist mit den Blessuren von drei Fahranfängerinnen jetzt vielleicht als Taxi in Afrika untergwes :-)

  • @Splattercat82
    @Splattercat82 4 месяца назад

    Hi and happy easter, i hope you are fine and your car still drives without any problems.

  • @calise8783
    @calise8783 3 года назад +8

    Congratulations on the new ride!
    My husband still has a German paper license. Though it is valid for life, it will need to be converted to the new format soon.
    My son just completed his Erstehilfekurs (first aid class) so he can now begin Fahrschule ( driving school) . I’m both excited and nervous for him. 😂

  • @smb3518
    @smb3518 3 года назад +6

    I remember when we first bought a car over here. I had tried to haggle a bit and it went nowhere, but then I found out that the tax was already included in the price and I felt like I had gotten a 19% discount.

    • @ShenLong991
      @ShenLong991 3 года назад

      Yeah right, that would me catch off guard if i ever go to america as well. Even i know it now. Because it would be so unusual fo rus to have to add the taxes onto the displayed pricing...
      We are compared to America so small and have another tax system, that we have the same taxes everywhere, so it dont matter very much for the companys selling stuff...

  • @casimsalabim
    @casimsalabim 3 года назад

    You bought a good car.
    My VW Golf has now half a million (!) kilometers on the mileage counter and the motor is stil running perfectly and not a speck of rust anywhere on the car.

  • @fips2013
    @fips2013 3 года назад +2

    I love your enthusiasm !! Keep it up !

  • @marnies6381
    @marnies6381 3 года назад +12

    Sarah, if you have to take the test again, definitely find a good driving school in your area and take a couple of lessons. I remember talking to my former driving instructor in Germany and he said most foreigners fail the test, if they didn’t take any lessons beforehand. The test really isn’t bad, but they are quite strict and often ask a lot of you. Technical questions too sometimes.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      Okay good to know, thank you!

    • @ThePixel1983
      @ThePixel1983 3 года назад

      For a full training (as a teenager) expect to pay a few thousand euros. Not sure how it works for foreign adult drivers. Teenagers in any case will have to take a few lessons in darkness and on the Autobahn.

    • @marnies6381
      @marnies6381 3 года назад +1

      @@ThePixel1983 adults aren’t required to take any, if they already have a license. But it’s recommended they at least take a couple before taking the test.....according to my husband who had to get a German license. Though I am unable to assume liability, I don’t really remember it 😂

  • @KarlKwong
    @KarlKwong 3 года назад +5

    I know some had already mentioned the insurance is "a little high" but to me that sounded outrageous. We live in Munich, and even with the more expensive companies like Allianz and full coverage, it would be below 1000 per year. There are a number of online sites like Clark you can check, maybe you can get a better deal in the future.

  • @b.bleinagel1082
    @b.bleinagel1082 3 года назад

    When your kids are getting car sick, in the pharmacy you will get chewing gum called Superpep, which is really good, but we were really happy to have "Zintona", that are blue pills filled with ginger extract, so it is not chemical and it works great. Taking one before the ride and maybe one between and there is absolutely no problem with car sickness

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +1

      Yes, thank you! We got some for our recent vacation and that gum really helped! Thanks for the suggestion for the Zintona, too. Now we can ask them about it.

  • @SkandalRadar
    @SkandalRadar 3 года назад +1

    I have fully comprehensive insurance (Vollkasko) from HUK Coburg for my 5-series BMW Touring. I'm very satisfied, even with an accident 2 years ago. For older cars that no longer have a high value, a simple motor vehicle liability insurance (Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung) is sufficient. This is then significantly cheaper than fully comprehensive insurance. You can change your insurance once every year, mostly until November of that year. Ask the insurance how this procedure is.

  • @stefan6412
    @stefan6412 3 года назад +18

    You only need the Vollkasko the first 2-3 years. After that the depreciation of the car makes it possible to go for the Teilkaskoversicherung which helps you to save money for lower
    insurance payments.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +3

      Okay good to know, thanks, Stefan.

    • @paulikxp
      @paulikxp 3 года назад +3

      I'd say that definitely depends on the amount you'd be saving without the Vollkasko. That insurance basically pays only when you damage your own car or somebody else does and drives off without leaving a note. The Teilkasko covers theft, broken glass, animal damage and fire for your own car whereas the mandatory Haftpflicht covers the other party's damage to persons and property (which can be another (or several other) car(s), a building, a road, whatever.
      Opting for the VW insurance is certainly a good thing, they've got a good reputation and is for now maybe not the cheapest but the easiest for you. Also it might be a good idea to have a Wartungsvertrag (maintenance contract), which should be around €25 a month and covers all regular maintenance cost for the car.
      The insurance company is going to send you an amended premium offer by the end of the year. You can then accept it (in that case you haven't got to do anything) or cancel it and go for another company. There are plenty of insurance comparison (Versicherungsvergleich) websites which will provide you with offers for several insurance companies. But mind you, you've got to register with them, so probably use a throwaway email address 😉
      Have fun with the Sharan! And yes, as somebody suggested, definitely visit the North Sea and some of its car-free small islands like Spiekeroog or the more touristic Langeoog and Wangerooge. But then there's soooo much to see only in Germany, it will keep you busy for years on end, don't worry 😊 And then there's even all the fantastic neighbouring countries!

    • @christiankastorf1427
      @christiankastorf1427 3 года назад +2

      It might be a good thing to have a more expensive kind of insurance even if the value of the car is in no proportion to it from a strict mercantile point of view because of one aspect: broken glass! Windshields are horribly expensive and they are the things that break under the same circumstances be the car brandnew or worn down. I live in the country and we have lots of gravel pits here, accordingly lots of gravel trucks and tractors. My car is 12 years old by now and has windshield number five!!! On one occasion a padlock fell off the back of the truck in front of me and l sat there showered in bits and pieces of glass that came off from the inside of the shield, the padlock itself bounced off and I had no chance to proof where it had come from anyway. I never paid anything for any of the replaced windows.

  • @hannahanna649
    @hannahanna649 3 года назад +4

    I always enjoy your videos because they show that you are a very nice family with lots of humour! Now you will go and travel all over Europe! To start you could go to Austria and visit the town of Salzburg and also an animal sanctuary,Gut Aiderbichl which is not far away. On the way to Salzburg you could stop in Freilassing and enjoy a meal (and a beer-also without alcohol) at the "Zollhäusl". It is a restaurant and Biergarten at the Austrian border and they have great food. It is a former customs building from around 1900. When you go back you shouldn't miss the historical bridge between Oberndorf and Laufen, very impressive with the double eagle of the Austrian-Hungarian Empire on one side and the Bavarian lion on the other. I lived in Freilassing for some years and the Zollhäusl was always my favorite restaurant. They also have a website. Gut Aiderbichl is a place for abused animals and it is really heartwarming! Greetings from Vienna!

  • @Morewecanthink
    @Morewecanthink 3 года назад

    Herzlichen Glückwunsch zu Euerm schönen neuen Auto! Allzeit gute bewahrte Fahrt zu schönen interessanten Zielen!

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      Vielen dank!

    • @Morewecanthink
      @Morewecanthink 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife - Herzlichen Dank für Euer uns Teilhabenlassen an Euerem Erleben und weiter viel Freude, Bewahrung und Erfolg bei all Eueren Vorhaben! ❤️

  • @oneworld1160
    @oneworld1160 2 года назад +2

    That car works fine in Germany. Just watch out for the very narrow roads in other countries that your navigation system might not know. I am living in Portugal and had more than once the experience that navigation led me into a street that got so narrow that I had to reverse all the way out of it

  • @tanviverma4167
    @tanviverma4167 3 года назад +5

    I recently started following your channel and I love your vibe. Being an expat myself, I am really happy that you are enjoying your life here. If you guys are exploring Munich sometime, let me know :)

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      Oh cool! Thanks for following along with our videos!

    • @conniebruckner8190
      @conniebruckner8190 3 года назад

      So have I, and when you get to Vienna, I'd be happy to take you to (or just tell you about ) some children friendly places. I too had to take the test after a half a year, and at that time it was only in German. So you are lucky that you can take the test in English.
      Kudos to you on managing to do all of this during Covid too!

  • @l.c.899
    @l.c.899 3 года назад +4

    The Sharan ist a perfect car...we have the same and love it..

  • @harryhirsch3637
    @harryhirsch3637 2 года назад +1

    The packages VW offers including car and insurance are very good. I've had that many times now and there never was any trouble.

  • @willloveyoumore
    @willloveyoumore 3 года назад +1

    Congratulations! And it’s a beautiful and hopefully confident companion!

  • @ProfTydrim
    @ProfTydrim 3 года назад +3

    At dealerships you normally never negotiate on the price whatsoever, so don't worry you didn't get scammed :) The only time you would negotiate is when buying used from a private seller. Love your Channel and I hope you'll like Germany even more now that lockdown seems to slowly come to an end and summer is approaching!

    • @lal12
      @lal12 3 года назад

      Well you can and it is not so uncommon. Though mostly they would rather put in something extras like snow tires. However as always you need arguments to negotiate, maybe something like the other one offered a better price...

  • @m.mueller1766
    @m.mueller1766 3 года назад +5

    You can trade in your drivers license at the Zulassungsstelle in your town or you county. They should have one where you did your Anmeldung when you registered in Germany.

    • @kevinmcfall5285
      @kevinmcfall5285 3 года назад

      Ok, will check that out!

    • @Herzschreiber
      @Herzschreiber 3 года назад +1

      @@kevinmcfall5285 depending on where you are living it might vary a bit. Some cities have it at "Straßenverkehrsamt", some at "Ordnungsamt" and some smaller rural villages at "Landratsamt" or something else. So - the best way of finding out where you have to do it, is to check the www for the home site of your town. I am pretty sure you'll find the answer there.

  • @nordwestbeiwest1899
    @nordwestbeiwest1899 3 года назад +1

    If I got it right, you got the most expensive fully comprehensive insurance. It is correct that you cannot register a car without liability insurance and that you will not get any license plates. In addition, there are insurance brokers who are looking for and offering insurance that is not so expensive for you. Insurance policies are a dime a dozen and not all are good.
    Your car is an older model so you could have acted such as: extra winter tires (in Germany you have winter shoes (winter tires) and summer shoes (summer tires) for the car, it is regulated by law when winter tires are used and when summer tires are used.), Free service, Guarantee up to ..., full tank or roof rack extra and and ........
    By the way, how long does your car have TÜV (MOT)?Every 2 years the car has to go to the TÜV, if this is not done, the car loses its registration and its license plates. License plates are then marked as invalid, so if you get caught it will be expensive.
    You might have gotten more out of buying the new family vehicle.
    PS: The TÜV can help you to find your way in traffic because it has driving school instructors who explain the rules in Germany to you for a day.
    You can convert your French driver's license into a German one in Germany if you change it to a new one in card form at the Road Traffic Office. A driving license in card form with a new photo and German because European driving licenses are valid indefinitely.

  • @Ashorisk
    @Ashorisk 3 года назад +1

    i would suggest a rooftop box for vacation - we travel with 2 kids and a dog, while havin a car 1 size smaller than yours - we really appreciate the extra space for luggage

  • @cmdrdoobie9161
    @cmdrdoobie9161 3 года назад +8

    The Multivan is the dream of a lot of German men. My husband was so happy and still is with his. Our Sharan was a "Montags Auto" 😬

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      A multivan is a German man’s dream? 🤣 So they can go camping?

    • @cmdrdoobie9161
      @cmdrdoobie9161 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife One reason is that you can go on holiday with 3 kids and a dog without making an elaborate plan where to put your stuff. Always made my husband grumpy...

  • @d.7416
    @d.7416 3 года назад +8

    Perfect for now with most people getting vaccinated and everything opening up. Time for a summer vacation on Sylt or Rügen!? 😉 The german islands are stunning!!

    • @magmalin
      @magmalin 3 года назад

      Why should anyone want to go to those cold regions?

    • @stimestampguy
      @stimestampguy 3 года назад

      @@magmalin Summer = cold? wtf

  • @escamoteur
    @escamoteur 2 года назад +2

    Probably cheapest insurance is HUK which I can recommend.

  • @marco.nrw5068
    @marco.nrw5068 3 года назад +1

    Very entertaining video! Thank you for sharing your impressions!

  • @olivermd8911
    @olivermd8911 3 года назад +13

    Your kids will learn german even faster if they join a "Sportverein" (sportclub). In our Fussballclub we work with refugees. The kids learn really quick if they do things they enjoy. Nice car, by the way.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +1

      Yes we are excited to join them when they open back up!

    • @olivermd8911
      @olivermd8911 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife i don´t know how the corona situation in your "landkreis" is rigth know, but the organised outdoor sport by Vereine is allowed, so maybe your local soccer club or Sportverein have some attractive offers.

  • @sischr1
    @sischr1 3 года назад +6

    Pay the sticker price for a newer car at a official dealership is not uncommon. Maybe you can negotiate a little discount or, more common a discount /or free set of tires or a bikerack e.g.

  • @heleneichenberger3046
    @heleneichenberger3046 2 года назад

    If you drive in Switzerland you need to buy a Motorway Sticker (Vignette) from day one. It costs 40 swiss francs and is vald from January 1 up until January 31 the following year.
    Beware: it's compulsary to drive with lights on day and night. If you don't have day lights on, it'll cost you 40 swiss francs per time you get caught.
    Always make sure to move aside for emergency services with blue lights. On the autobahn the right lane moves to the right, the left to the left forming an emergency lane (Rettungsgasse) in the middle.
    Just to let you know: Switzerland is a pretty amazing country and very unique....but of course more expensive than most of the other european countries....

  • @EveFields
    @EveFields Год назад +1

    One day my husband and I will come to Germany for a vacation at least I would love to mover there

  • @anama3313
    @anama3313 3 года назад +5

    you guys must visit the Black Forest and Heidelberg, lots of castles down. here!

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +4

      Yes for sure! And we have friends who live there, too!

    • @winterschmied4583
      @winterschmied4583 3 года назад +1

      Oh, oh,
      here we have opened a can of worms. Every area, more precise every Town and most Villages, in Germany are proud of something to take a visit. If you want to visit all this you will have to live a very long time. I would advise you to visit the surrounding area first and then to see which other places you are still interested in. If you ask your friends you'll get a different answer from everyone, because everyone prefers something different.
      So my opinion is to look in the web what you are interested in together and then decide for yourself.

    • @abalada
      @abalada 3 года назад

      The Black Forest has actually very few castles. The Swabian Alb - the parallel upland "before" the Black Forest seen from Upper Bavaria - has much more castles.
      There are also some important castles / palaces in the area where this family lives.
      - in / near Salzburg
      - Burghausen (the longest castle complex on the planet)
      www.burg-burghausen.de/englisch/castle/bedeut.htm
      - Herrenchiemsee New Palace
      www.herrenchiemsee.de/englisch/n_palace/index.htm

  • @klauskleber5154
    @klauskleber5154 3 года назад +7

    1:30 Yeah! :D
    You can fill tons of videos with car insurance companys, it's very complicated.
    But i think you got the right car, not too big and not too small. ;)

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +4

      Thanks, Klaus. Yeah I couldn’t see us being able to drive anything bigger on some of these narrow roads!

    • @Herzschreiber
      @Herzschreiber 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife hehe so........ now imagine being a truck driver in Germany! *giggles
      Now you know why you won't find any Peterbilt in Europe *winks
      Oh btw - did I get that right, your Sharan is a stickshift? Respect! Most American expats I ever watched or met are afraid of driving other than automatic gear vehicles!

  • @stechuskacktus4287
    @stechuskacktus4287 3 года назад

    The colour of the car is the same as Sarah´s hair , good decision 😁👌👍

  • @berlindude75
    @berlindude75 3 года назад +2

    5:06 Chiemsee = KEEM-ZAY :)

  • @carluup2978
    @carluup2978 3 года назад +3

    Good choice 😍 we had a Sharan as well for years. It was bought when I were born (at this point it was two years old) and in the same car I got my first legal ride after my 18th birthday :D so very reliable 👍🏼 now we have another one but it was a good one for years!

  • @unpluggedist
    @unpluggedist 3 года назад +4

    Congratulations on the new car! You can save a lot of money on insurance, but then you also save on service and you may have a lot of trouble and work if a claim occurs. If I were you, I would leave it that way for now, and if you speak German really well, then take a look around. Everyone knows everything better, especially with insurance, but you have to know what you need.Yes, your insurance sounds expensive at first, but I think you are in good hands in the event of a claim, and you probably belong to VW and internal processes are better organized and you have less work and running when something happens, and it will always cheaper, the longer you are in there.

  • @stephenmcnamara8318
    @stephenmcnamara8318 3 года назад +1

    Fords in Germany are built in Germany or Belgium mainly - they are different than fords in America

  • @andibuletten6206
    @andibuletten6206 3 года назад

    BMW has never been known for selling Family-Cars, although these cars are nice, fast and efficient. BMW originally built star motors (engines) for aircrafts and planes. Thats the reason for the BMW- logo. Stylized Sternmotor, blue= sky and white= clouds. Stay save and healthy.

  • @x.x.x.x.4102
    @x.x.x.x.4102 3 года назад +36

    The German drivers licence used to look like Kevins French one until January 01, 1999 when they launched an EU licence in credit card size.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +3

      Oh! Good to know.

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад +2

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife My father died in 2000 and still had his 1936 driver's license, almost a collector's treasure, lol.

    • @helloweener2007
      @helloweener2007 3 года назад +8

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      Yes, mine looks the same.
      And it is also not limited in time... at least not by the license.
      But they made a law that they have to be changed. It depends on year of birth and when the license was done.
      So I must change it until 2025.
      I think you can maybe use the French license longer: "Besitzen Sie einen Führerschein aus einem Mitgliedstaat der Europäischen Union (EU) oder Vertragsstaat des Abkommens über den Europäischen Wirtschaftsraum (EWR) bleibt er in der Regel auch nach Wohnsitznahme in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland grundsätzlich bis zum Ablauf seiner Geltungsdauer weiter gültig. Erforderlich ist ein nationaler Führerschein, ein internationaler reicht nicht."
      This is from the official website of the Ministry of Transport.
      There are siome restrcitions about "license tourism" but I am not sure that this applies to your situation.
      To make sure you should ask when you go to the office to change the American one. It also might be, that the rules for the French licenses when they have to be changed apply on them. But it will problably easier to change than the US one, depending from which state it is.
      There are different regulations for the diffrent US states.
      www.bmvi.de/SharedDocs/DE/Anlage/StV/auslaendische-fahrerlaubnisse-merkblatt-ausserhalb-eu-und-ewr-staaten-englisch.pdf?__blob=publicationFile

    • @winterschmied4583
      @winterschmied4583 3 года назад +7

      I have my drivers licence from when I was 19 years old. It's common called "Der graue Lappen", roughly translated to "the grey rag". The picture in it doesn't resemble me today, 37 years later. 😂 But it's still valid.

    • @erwien58
      @erwien58 3 года назад

      For a long time I had my driver's license from 1976, which looked exactly like Kevin's French driver's license (in pink). However, one day a police officer said at a traffic control that I should get a new credit card driver's license at some point in the near future, because I was no longer recognizable in the photo ... Now I have a plastic card, also in pink.

  • @wumme
    @wumme 3 года назад

    for your driving license you can either go to your local administration (Bügeramt) they should be able to tell you. Other idea would be to check your town for a driving school, as you need to take a test you need them anyway. Be aware that driving schools are quite expensive. The test as well as the lessons will be in german.

  • @CatzHoek
    @CatzHoek 2 года назад

    I hope you get and read old comments because towards the end of the year you can always change your car insurance. The cut-off date for the cancelation is the 30th of november. So keep that in mind if you find that your insurance (you admitingly had to do a little rushed) is not the best you can fix that if you cancel your current one to the end of the year with 1 month terms of notice.

  • @Turbo-ic8lw
    @Turbo-ic8lw 3 года назад +3

    Herzlichen Glückwunsch zum neuen Auto.
    Maybe you travel to Hamburg some day. Just tell me if you need a guide for all the sights (and the best playgrounds 😀)

  • @jeffhands7097
    @jeffhands7097 3 года назад +5

    Another great video! Congrats on the new car. I think you made a good choice. About German driver‘s license, it‘s not a disadvantage to have to take the test (written and driving) because the driving rules are different enough here to make it worthwhile to learn the driving rules, do your best to integrate them into your driving, and take the test. When I moved to Munich from California some years ago, I was put out at first, that I not only had to take the tests here, but was also required to go to driving school, even though I had my license in the US for many years. In the end it was really worth it, both the tests and driving school. I think you may be required to go to driving school too, and don‘t be shocked… it‘s expensive. Even the cost, looking back on it, was worth it too.

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад

      Good to know, Jeff, thank you. I’ve heard it costs 2,000€?

    • @jeffhands7097
      @jeffhands7097 3 года назад

      Around €2000 is what I‘ve heard too. I can’t really say exactly how much now, as mine was so long ago and back then it was about 13-14 hundred Euros.

    • @GuntherLepski
      @GuntherLepski 3 года назад +2

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 2,000? Yes, for Beginners! Not for you.

    • @beatrixpastoors1104
      @beatrixpastoors1104 3 года назад +1

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife these are the costs for absolute beginners. I recommend some theory lessons and also some practical lessons. Maybe 3 o 4 will be enough and you can get your licence for about 500 euros. There are apps and websites to exercise with for the theoretical written exam. Kevin better joins you in learning the rules. I suppose there are some differences concerning German and American driving rules.

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад +1

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife it depends on how many lessons you need.

  • @Triple7GER
    @Triple7GER 3 года назад +1

    Totally okay for now..... you can change your insurance of your car every year in November. But if you feel comfortable with your current insurance, then it's okay ! It's not worth it to change your insurance every year just because of some € ! But sometimes it is also worth it to compare. Cheers from the northern part pf Bavaria, Fichtelgebirge ;-)
    Have fun in Germany :-)

  • @tinoj9661
    @tinoj9661 2 года назад

    couple of thoughts. first off. you found a twenty something guy working in car sales at an VW dealership who didn't speak english. thats like an unicorn. i am pretty sure he had english classes in school and his job description surely asks to be good at english.
    it is not common to haggle about the price at an dealership. you can always ask "können wir am Preis noch was machen? " but don't expect much movement. he may throw some little thing in as a bonus.
    you can always switch car insurance at the end of the year. your tv ads will tell you when the time has come.
    As for the Multivan. it may look daunting because it is kinda big but it drives really nice and easy. for a family of six with a little bigger kids it may be a better option. for example when you want to go on vacation in france for a week and need to bring your entire household and then some.

  • @e.8196
    @e.8196 3 года назад +9

    Great video! So happy for you that you finally get to enjoy more of your new home! Love from Salzburg! (Which is not too far away from you and defintely worth a visit! :-))

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +3

      Hallo!! Yes we love Salzburg! Kevin and I have been there but we can’t wait to take the kids there!

    • @e.8196
      @e.8196 3 года назад +1

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      The borders will open on Wednesday, May 19th! :) Everything will open up in Austria (restaurants, hotels, museums, etc.) by then. If you ever need any tips or recommendations what to see/ do or where to eat (in Austria in general) let me know :)

    • @richard--s
      @richard--s 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife but for restaurants and so on in Austria you need to have a fresh negative corona test - or you are vaccinated.
      And you need to pay for the Autobahn in Austria by buying a "Vignette". It is available for 10 days for example. You need to mark the date when you start using it.
      The ADAC page has some information about it under the tab "Reise & Freizeit".
      There also is an updated corona travel information for different countries.
      I think the best way would be to click on the tab "Reise & Freizeit" without any sub-tab. Then you have "Info zum Coronavirus" and "Maut & Vignette".
      That will definitely help you out!
      But I have seen that some information is already outdated. There is no curfew from 20:00 to 06:00 any more and also not around the clock in and around vienna, that's not valid any more.
      But there are restrictions, but a family can stay together of course!
      You also may search for "corona austria". When you are at "sozialministerium.at/en", you click on the third big icon "information in English".
      There you will get the most current information about the corona do's and don'ts in Austria.
      But i still read about the self-isolation for 10 days for Austria, but this rule must be gone by the 19. may 2021 (tomorrow) when you come from Germany and travel to and from Austria.

  • @Martin.Michael
    @Martin.Michael 3 года назад +13

    Great video. Allways a pleasure to see you. congratulations on the new car. There is a common saying: it still squeaks. That means that you still have to oil it. By having a few drinks with neighbors or friends. ;) :)

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +2

      Danke ☺️💖 thanks for watching!

    • @grandmak.
      @grandmak. 3 года назад

      Right, do you also know the tradition of 'baptising ' the car with some champaign like a ship ? Of course you don't smash the bottle on your new car but pour some champaign over the front and say " Allzeit gute Fahrt".

  • @sonb1828
    @sonb1828 2 года назад

    This is how saturated green I remember the grass is in Germany and Austria. So pretty. It was like real life photoshop.

    • @lillibethm4747
      @lillibethm4747 Год назад

      Last summer every garden was grey and yellow: No rain the whole summer. Climate change. Even in the mountains quite a few waterfalls ran out of water.

  • @TheMelody911
    @TheMelody911 2 года назад

    For the driver license you have to go to the Straßenverkehrsamt of your county! It's so much fun! Waiting for hours and than there is one thing missing....boom! Waiting an other day again!

  • @stefan6412
    @stefan6412 3 года назад +4

    The car dealers are happy to sell you the car companies insurance (provision for them) but usually the rates are not bad (not the cheapest but also not the most expensive) and
    they treat their customers right because they want to sell you another VW (insert Company name here) car!

    • @ingeborgmanley1980
      @ingeborgmanley1980 3 года назад

      You go to the Kfz Zulassungstelle and get your US License transferred to a German License. You have to take an Eye test and take a first aid course, pay your fee and you will have a lifetime German Drivers license, which is good in all EU States. I took the first aid course at the red cross with 20 teenagers all getting their first driver's license. The eye test you can take at an Optiker.
      It is all quite easy and not expensive.

    • @peterfischer7084
      @peterfischer7084 3 года назад

      @@ingeborgmanley1980 That should read "Führerscheinstelle" instead of "Zulassungsstelle" though.

    • @stefan6412
      @stefan6412 3 года назад

      @@peterfischer7084 And the new Führerscheine are only valid for 15 years. But hey i figure by then they would be back in the U.S?

  • @BaylorBears2000
    @BaylorBears2000 3 года назад +10

    We had an ok experience as well. However, at when we bought our VW, one of our German friends wouldn't let us go by ourselves. He insisted on coming with us. So, I wasn't able to struggle through the experience. I did, however, have to change our tax code here and went to the Finanzamt. That was an experience. We live in Essen so the Auslanderbehorde was NOT fun. Small talk with the guy about his favorite football team made it a bit better.

    • @germania3410
      @germania3410 3 года назад

      Essen is one of the worst cities in germany

    • @BaylorBears2000
      @BaylorBears2000 3 года назад +1

      @@germania3410 I suppose worst is kinda relative. It's a bit on the boring side that's for sure.

  • @Sleeping_Insomiac
    @Sleeping_Insomiac 3 года назад +2

    My parents bought the BMW grand tour 7 seater last fall.
    It is a great car, no doubt, but you definitely made the right decision: The two rear seats are only suited for short rides and totally take up the trunk.
    Besides, your VW looks great!

    • @MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      @MyMerryMessyGermanLife  3 года назад +1

      Thanks for the confirmation! We really are enjoying this car.

    • @Sleeping_Insomiac
      @Sleeping_Insomiac 3 года назад

      @@MyMerryMessyGermanLife
      As you should!
      Hopefully you'll be able to see and explore so much more, once "the situation" is over, and I hope you will let us participate in your unique views!

  • @nikg5190
    @nikg5190 3 года назад

    When they first came in 95 the VW Sharan, the Ford Galaxy and the Seat Alhambra are basically the same car with slighty different interior. Fun times...

  • @aqua3461
    @aqua3461 3 года назад +3

    Folks, the whole of Bavaria is a low stress area😁😁

  • @m.mueller1766
    @m.mueller1766 3 года назад +3

    Over at Simple Germany Channel there is a video of how to find car insurance and other helpful videos for expats.

  • @LythaWausW
    @LythaWausW 3 года назад +1

    You know about changing the tires twice a year, I hope. Thankfully we still have our Winter tires on cuz we drove in a blizzard in April!

  • @clara_hp6254
    @clara_hp6254 3 года назад

    I‘m growing up in Munich, so I don’t live in the Country side. But my family didn’t have a car until I was about 6 years old. We did everything by bike and lent our grandparents car to go on vacation

  • @AP-RSI
    @AP-RSI 3 года назад +24

    Either the car salesman could not speak (good?) English, or, as with many Germans, he knows English but does not dare to speak freely because we often think our English is too bad.
    I had the same problem with my ex-brother-in-law, who is American. I always had inhibitions to speak freely in English because I thought I am not good enough in English.
    And congratulations on the new car! Good decision to buy a German car. Thanks for that!

    • @Fugazinome
      @Fugazinome 3 года назад +1

      AP-RSI.You shouldn’t be reluctant to speak English.Based on your writing,your English is very good,in fact, it’s excellent.

    • @AP-RSI
      @AP-RSI 3 года назад +1

      @@Fugazinome That's because I worked in computer science for over 30 years and studied computer science in the early 90s. Because a lot of the material was in English, I had to improve my English.
      But my ability to speak English verbally freely has unfortunately not improved as a result. Too little practice, although during and after my studies I worked at Motorola (Germany) with American colleagues who spoke practically no German.
      But thanks for the compliment! But I still have to correct myself a lot when writing ;-)