I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.
I feel your pain mate, as a fellow retiree, I’d suggest you look into passive index fund investing and learn some more. For me, I had my share of ups and downs when I first started looking for a consistent passive income so I hired an expert advisor for aid, and following her advice, I poured $30k in value stocks and digital assets, Up to 200k so far and pretty sure I'm ready for whatever comes.
@@EleanorMabel The crazy part is that those advisors are probably outperforming the market and raising good returns but some are charging fees over fees that drain your portfolio. Is this the case with yours too?
On behalf of all Germans: I would gladly like to announce that we really, really appreciate your videos and the love you show for our country and at this point I think that you should have all right to officially call yourself German and European. What you've done this past year is, without a doubt, a prime example of how to successfully integrate yourself into another culture. I mean that with all sincerity, well done.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Do not wait to travel until you got retired, that is a mistake! You never know if you still have the health with 60 or 70 for a journey to South Africa (or if you still WANT to sit in a plane for 15 hours to Vietnam in this age)...
I moved from Los Angeles to Germany and lived in the country for ten years.This is a very accurate depiction of the country.Those years were by far the best years of my life.
As Ukrainian living in Germany I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and support to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇸It is so kind of you to take in a family of FOUR!!! People you have never met before, people who are probably traumatised and don’t always speak your language. You guys are amazing for helping 💛💙 Thank you!!! Слава Україні!
What a heartwarming video. As a German, I am happy that you can fulfill your dreams here in our indeed beautiful and safe country. It's an honor to have you here! 💜
Its only better here cause we keep pointing out thigs that dont quite work and we try to change them. Apreciation is good but fighting for change is just as important
my friend don't believe a bit of it , I'm a German American , living in the greatest country in the world ,be proud of it , Germany's DARK Side us cruel , does folks Rich liberals who got our country in the place where we at right now
@@ramonawestberry4751 you are really enjoying spamming our videos with your negative comments. We are RUclipsrs who actually read and delete unkind comments, so be careful what you write. And don’t you even dare bring up their dark past and use it against them. Germany has done a phenomenal job in completely turning their country around since WWII. They are a shrinking example of how to take something horrible and turn it into something very good. America also has a very dark past and they have NOT owned up to their mistakes or fully corrected them yet.
@@ramonawestberry4751 I don't get your comment. You think they tell lies? And you know it, because you are German American? But the person commenting is german. This person knows better. :D Oh, and no problem to talk about WWII here in Germany. There are documentarys about it 24/7 and we learn about it on school for years. So trying to use this against Germans wont work here, maybe kn the US or wherever you are from. We know, that things were cruel back then. And still there are too many nazis, in Germany, in the USA and all over the world.. german or not.
It's so great to have you with us here in Germany! Your list might be an eye opener for some Germans as well, as we sometimes tend to be more on the pessimistic and dissatisfied side of live. Hopefully, Putin will not ruin, what we built up in Europe.
@UCwOrK8lw5TgJOEtRQ9WE7bg are you kidding? If yes this is not funny, if no you don‘t see what Putin is doing to Ukraine, Russia and the rest of the free world - or you are just a Russian troll. I don‘t understand how you came to this wonderful and heartwarming videos over here?
@@bNeagle I apologise for hurting your feelings, it was Sascha who made this political. I'm a peace-loving pensioner who loves wonderful and heartwarming videos, but I recommend - gonzalo lira - Patrick Lancaster - Russell Bentley - george Galloway - max blumenthal - the jimmy dore show
what you've done not just for yourselves but for your children is invaluable they will be completely different little humans because of it, its a great way to live and to have your mind shaped
It's such a pleasure to follow your channel. This time I wanted to shout out loud to all those grumpy, discontented fellow Germans who are complaining permanently about their life here. From time to time it is necessary to step back and have a look from a different perspective to appreciate what we have. Thank you so much.
What an awesome start to this beautiful Sunday, with one of your videos! Great to watch it and especially with all the details, simply perfect 👍🏻!!! And by the way I would like to congratulate you for the courage to welcome a Ukrainian family in your life in this really dark time for them. Much, Much respect for That 👏🏻👏🏻you are a true rolemodel, ihr seid ein wahres Vorbild !! Beste Grüße aus Köln 🤙🏻🤙🏻😃😃
We Germans might complain about everything and forget the good things we have. Thanks to your reminder by telling how bad things can be in other countries. BTW: if you love novels set in the Alps, I would recommend "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri, one of the well-known children book in the world, and the film adaption by Alain Gsporner, pubilshed in 2015.
I as a kraut who is used to the german "complaining about everything, but on a high level" culture feel truely honored for the reasons you have choosen germany for your future live. You did cut off your local roots, leaved your US familiy and friends, and moved to germany to give your kids a better start for their live? Honor to you! Your family is an enrichement for germany and europe!
That is so awesome to know that you intended this to be a permanent move! At first I had assumed it was only temporary for a few years for work and or professional reasons. Thank you for giving Germany such a high rating and all the good reasons to live there! You are such a lovely family!! ❤❤
You highlight some excellent reasons to move to Germany. Thank you for another informative and well-developed video. I have lived in Germany for almost four years and could not imagine going back to the US. The Healthcare system alone is a big issue for me since I suffer from Hashimoto's Disease. We live in the Upper Harz in a small village. Life here in Germany is definitely better.
Yes isn’t the healthcare so much better here? And all of the propaganda that goes on in the US about “socialized medicine” just makes my eyes roll. They have no idea what they’re talking about!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Well, if only the US would listen to one of their own great writers: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.” ― Mark Twain
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 'socialism' and 'communism' are used interchangeably by Americans who don't understand the concepts of public healthcare and free education. I've read many comments on cnn and other US media in which people called those 'government hand outs' not understanding that those things are supported by taxpayers' money. I think many conservative Americans believe in the principle of working yourself up without any financial help. That's why they consider everybody who doesn't succeed in that a loser.
Been watching your channel for a while now , I'm not German I'm Scottish but love Germany and where you are in Bavaria is just beautiful. It's been lovley watching you adjust to your new home and seeing how well you are all getting on .
Ah very cool! I have a lot of Scottish heritage so I just LOVE Scotland! I have traveled there twice and I just feel like I'm coming home when I go there.
Hi my friends from abroad 🙋♂! Your todays video was the biggest DECLARATION OF LOVE to Europe and especially to Germany, I`ve ever heard from you. I`m glad to hear , how confident and safe you feel, living in our marvellous country. I hope, this will go on, as long as you will stay with us 👍👍👍 !
I have great respect that you gave a Ukrainian refugee family a safe haven! These people need protection and support now at a time when everything they had has been lost to Russian aggression.👍
I'm from the uk and totally agree, it's an unforgivable crime to skip the queue.... Unless they open a new till, then it's every man woman and child for themselves! The rationale being, there is no queue to skip yet, its like a free chance to get to the front guilt free. Have you noticed the ripples and frantic calculation that happen when they get even a whisper that the extra till might open? Everyone starts to slowly edge closer to get in the best position when they shout "next". 🤣🤣🤣
Hi Sarah, hi Kevin. It is good to here the things we have and enjoy while living in Germany. You should always be aware of how good we have it here! I like it every time when you post a new video. Always an honour to have you here in Germany 🙂
What a great video! It really leaves me almost a bit teary about all those beautiful things you mentioned about my homecountry that I just take for granted.... Good reason to think about it every now and then.... I can understand all your mentioned points very well. It is so nice to hear strangers speaking so well of Germany because sometimes it seems that everyone ist just complaining on and on.... You give us the reasons why we should be much more thankful! I love your videos and hope you will go on showing many more - thanks a lot!
I find it so interesting that for a lot of us in my generation (I was born in the 90s) moving to the US was kind of something one aspired to or at least daydreamed about at 14-16. However, now that I am in my mid-20s I already see how I only can imagine working or living in the US for some years but certainly would want to be back in Europe by the time I think about having a family at the latest. Also fun fact, when you were talking about how you don't need another car for some years as a family, I was thinking about how your kids, even with a driver's licence might not have the need for their own car. Neither my brother nor I nor any of our peers has their own car although we are in our twenties already, we all live in cities and as university students there is just no need for it. Only my cousin who lives more in the Bavarian countryside has a car, but again he really has a need for it.
Yes! I loved the idea of the US too, when I was a child/ teen. I was born in the early 80s. But now? I am nearly scared to go there even for a visit. About the drivers licence: I was around 30 when I got mine. I never needed it before. I grew up in a small town, did my apprenticeship on the outskirts of a slightly bigger town and then worked for some time in Hamburg. You definately do not need a car there. I would say it is even easier without a car….
Growing up in the countryside of mountainous Bavaria, it was definitly not common to geht a car with legal age ... Some got a scooter/motorbike(< 50 km/h) with 16, but I was thaught to plan stuff, look up bus schedules, ride my bike, ask in advance ect. I walked many kilometers home at 3 in the morning 😅
lol, bin in den 60er geboren, war für eine kurze Zeit in den USA und bin froh in Deutschland oder Europa zu leben.... die USA können mir gestohlen bleiben! ich war sogar schon in Neuseeland, hätte dort Arbeiten können, für 60€ die Stunde....aber ich kann nicht auf die andere Seite des Planeten ziehen, weil ich 1-3 mal im Jahr nach Frankreich fahre, die Alpen mit dem Motorrad durchquere etc! und ich brauche meinen Wald vor der Tür...
It's quite interesting to hear about these cultural differences from "foreigners". For me as a native German things felt quite gloomy here over the past few years. You changed my perspective about that. Thanks 🙂
I guess that’s true for most of us. We can easily forget all of the great things about our own countries. But yeah, Germany and many other EU countries are really fantastic places to live!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Maybe. I loved visiting the USA for 3 weeks in 2001. But of course this was just a short glimpse. And traveling around in a Bus with a complete german tourist group is naturally not accurate to get to know the culture😅.
A great video! I couldn‘t agree with you more. I have never regretted my choice to move to Germany and become a German citizen (many in my family and circle of friends back in the US still don‘t understand how I could have given up that „precious“ citizenship). The system here is not perfect but when you compare it to the US, it is much fairer and just more „human“, if that makes sense … it is a system built for your regular jo schmo and not for the privileged. Yes, there are inequalities built into the German system but they are a far cry from those in the US. The US, as far as I can tell, is just an exploitative system. It will take a lot to change it and I fear it will get worse before it gets better. Your points about the dual educational system were right on the money. Had I grown up in Germany, I would have been a carpenter instead of majoring in poli sci and then trying to figure out how to make a career out of that (had no interest in law, which is the usual next step). There should be no shame in choosing any career path forward, regardless. We americans like to sing praises about our „classless“ social system but that is just not true. If you ask me, a plumber or a baker or a carpenter has MORE job security than someone with a poli sci degree in some job at some investment bank (speaking from experience here). Think about it. You ARE basically your skillset and can take those skills wherever you go. With a Meisterbrief, you can set up shop anywhere and train the next generation. And, how great is it that you can test things out here? If you find you don‘t like doing the work of a carpenter, you can switch gears, learn - and try out - some other trade. OK, at some point you do have to choose ;-) but there is tremendous flexibility built into the system. I believe that is something that the Germans have difficulty seeing but those of us coming from the outside can appreciate it. The work life balance - and consume-terror-free Sundays - are also so key. As you mentioned, there is this zero-sum competitive game in the US … actively stoked by (some) employers. It exists here, too, but it isn‘t prevalent in society. It is OK to take vacation. It is OK to take Mutterschutz. It is almost like it is OK to be replaceable only because no firm should be so dependent on any one employee. I could go on and on singing the praises of Germany and of your video. Isn‘t it nice that a place like Germany exists and welcomed us in? ❤️
Stone...the USA liberated Nazi germany in 1945 so you can live there in peace now...42000K americans lost they're life ....to this day germans are protected by the USA ! did that fact ever entered your mind !
Reverse story on my end I came 32 years to United States became a US citizen never look back to Germany there are many stories to tell about this country
Sadly, many many parents now think that Gymnasium at 10 is the only way. And if you look at the media (TV, books)...notice how all the child and teen characters are in a Gymnasium. A Real or Gesamtschule doesn't seem to exist, Haupt or Mittelschule only if you want a certain kind of character (if you know what I mean). I'm 100% not a fan of the school system and think they sort to soon. Especially in Bavaria it's sad what 4th graders go through for the selection process. I've seen some break down because so and so said, if you end up in a Realschule (or god forbid a Mittelschule) you will be a cleaning lady. That being said...I could never imagine giving up my German citizenship to become American like Ramona. I know that I'd lose too much.
The more I watch these videos and the more i read such comments - the more I think what a wonderful country I´m living in as a german. Sometimes we forget this and off course we are far away from perfect ...
You guys are just a rolemodel for how to integrated successfully. You are Proud to be who you are nur you also Accept the German ways. Taking a family from Ukraine in to your home and share it with this family is just heartwarminng and truly humanitarian. This family will never forget who Lent a helping hand in times of need. And in love the fact that nearly the complete world increases what Putin has to pay for starting this war. I truly love and Respekt your family for just being you and authentic. Thank you very much.
I have an interview for a PhD program in Berlin on Thursday. It's mathematically a bit more advanced than my comfort zone, but it would be a dream come true if I get it. I grew up near and live in Chicago, and one of our neighborhoods has a homicide rate of ~200 (compared to ~5 in the US and ~1 in Germany), and I really want to get out of here, especially because I don't see anything changing. I spent time in Paris and Oxford, and I fell in love with Europe, its people and their joie de vivre, and the PUBLIC TRANSIT (and everything else you pointed out that were spot on). Hope to join the US immigrant group in Germany (or some neighboring country) soon!!!
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I didn't get it, but I ended up getting something else in Paris and so moved at the end of last year! I should rewatch these videos about settling into a new country 😬
@@mathieumaticien that's great news. Lived near Paris for almost 10y. That city has so much to offer, that maybe I saw not even half of it, of course incl. museums and the like. So I wish you all the best especially with the language. Quite a challenge ;o))
@@mathieumaticien I live in Germany now, so I know a lot about the pro and cons of both! The comparison is really interesting. But you are not so far off so you can make the experience yourself.
Really good idea to not wait for retirement to experience the things you want! My inlaws had so many plans and things they wanted to do once they were both retired. Well, he's already been unable to work due to an accident for quite a while and officially retired now for two years. She retired febuary of last year. And well, he has really early onset dementia and basically all those dreams and plans they had talked about have gone down the drain. So, long story short, always better, if you can, to experience and live life to the fullest here and now. You never know what the future holds...
The Thing with kids independance is really true. I travelled through Berlin alone at the age of 10. Obviously not at night, but beeing able to just hop on a train, and visit your friend in a different suburb, was a nice perk during my childhood.
I am also very happy for the German education system and the flexibility. After my realschule I didn't want to continue with Gymnasium and I only knew that I wanted to do sth with chemistry. That's why I did a vocational training (Ausbildung) as a chemical lab technician. Then I found a solid job with good money. However, in that time getting more mature, I figured out that I would be more happy with higher education. I quit my job, went to Gymnasium to get my university entrance certificate and now I have a PhD in chemistry. My sister had a similar career path. She started a Ausildung as a bank clerk. In her second year she figured out she didn't like it that much but finished anyway and afterwards she went to university to study construction management. So she ended up in a totally different occupational field. But her previous vocational training is still a solid skill which is a big bonus in job applications and interviews. Unfortunaltely, in the last decade the vocational training in Germany lost a little bit of reputation, more and more students try to enter universities and in some fields there is a lack of candidates for open positions (Ausbildungsplätze). Honestly, I think a Ausbildung is an equally good career path, considering you are still able to move up in the career ladder, especially in fields where skills matter and not just theory. Secondly, some people need more time to get more mature and know what they want. An Ausbildung is a perfect way to get first hands-on experience and is more practical from the beginning. Thirdly, it feels increadibly more comfortable to aim for higher education, but always know that - even if you fail or quit university - you can fall back on your previous qualification (Ausbildungsabschluss) and still find a job and be able to make a living. I'm sure your kids will make the right choice and be happy no matter if Ausbildung or Hochschule. And if they are not happy anymore, a new door and career opportunity will open. All the best!
All of this, and also Ausbildungen afford a HUGE advantage to young people that due to whatever circumstances need to support themselves financially. Sure, it’s usually not a huge amount of money, but you can definitely stay afloat, and get education at the same time earning your own money (not to dump on bafög, but to a lot of people it does feel different to get wages instead of social credit). If you get kicked out at home or just want to leave and be independent or want to train in a job that isn’t available anywhere, that money can tide you over, especially if your family can’t help you out financially. That’s a HUGE difference to having to go into major debt to get a college degree in whatever just because society deems it necessary
Yes, agree. I did it quite similar... . except to get a PhD. Congratulation! 😊 Dipl.-Ing. TU was enough for me. 😊 An apprenticeship previously to Uni was always an advantage. To get the "Allgemeine Hochschulreife" after the apprenticeship was a tough task. Mentally, I mean. You are a skilled person... and have to become a pupil again... weird! 😢
It's amazing to see how much you and your family are enjoying to live here in Germany. Particularly in view of the fact that you've chosen a quite difficult time for such a move, and also that doing so with four kids (and a cat!) is certainly an extra adventureous challenge. From the depth of my heart welcome and best wishes for you.
I think, we germans like it, when very nice people from all around the world come to live with us. That ist much better, than we where famous for around 80 years ago. And I love, that you showed solidarity with ukraine by hosting a family from there. Thank you!
I always enjoy your videos and I'm especially glad that you found a place that fits the way you want to live. As a German I agree that there are always things that can be improved but we're complaining at a completely different level compared to many other countries. Btw if your children choose to study at university, they'll be recognised as part of Kevin's health insurance until they have completed their degree or turned 27 (whichever comes first)
That's not true at all. Children can be part of the public health insurance of one of the parents (the one with the higher salary) when they don't have an income of their own. Kids in an apprenticeship have the same terms and conditions as regular employees. Students (at a university, Fachhochschule etc.) have to pay for their insurance which is about 100-120 E per month for public hi (depending on the provider and whether they are up to 22 or 23 and older because of care insurance "Pflegeversicherung"). They can get cheaper pricate insurance but may not be able to get back to the public system. But, as long as the kids are in some kind of educational program, you may receive Kindergeld up to their 27th birthday.
@@grandmak. My son is at university and he had to insure himself and pays shy of 700 Euros per semester. But I admit that he has had an income of his own (prior to his start at university) since his father passed away and he inherited rental flats. That may play a role in this.
For me the golden standard for integration is when people succeed and love to integrate. Not trying to build a copy of where they come from. You’re proud of a thing of the country you came from? And teach us the these aspects. We love it! And we are thrilled if you include us in your celebrations.
Yes, Sunday = calm day! Love it! My wife always says Germany in general is totally decompressing the moment you get off the plane arriving or coming back to it. On Sunday I took a long walk with my sister in the fields and forest .... and it is exactly that, calm, decompressing ... recharging.
OMG, after watching this I feel sooo ungrateful how I always complain about life in Germany. It is nice to see it from your side. (Well…I mostly complain about the weather 😅)
About the second cashier opening: Well, the line at the first cashier is its own entity. Once a second cashier opens up, that line does not translate over, so first come, first serve. Hence all the rushing to establish a new line with a maybe better position at the other register :D
I just stay in the same line, let the others rush around and I can simply move forward more quickly because those in front of me moved over. But I do laugh at how hectic the natives get.
VERY interesting video, hearing your thoughts (and research) on all these different aspects. And I do agree with you. I had the privilege of being able to live in the US and Italy for some years, and I would not want to miss that, but in the end, I am quite happy to live in Germany. Though I am intrigued by Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Netherlands (I really prefer countries with a colder climate, I am not a summer person), but I still need to learn the languages :-)
Ooo me too! All of those countries intrigue Kevin and I as well. They are so progressive and such safe places to live, always ranking in the top 10 for happiness and education.
@@Dutch1961 Dank je wel! 😊 I grew up not far from the border and spent many, many weekends in the Netherlands. Cities and of course beach as well. I always loved it. I like the people!
I am a german, living in Munich - thanks for the video - it made me feel very grateful for the things you mentioned, sometimes one takes it for granted...
I love this video...and I love your hair!! Any plans on showing us your current beautiful curly hair routine? I stuggle with mine and always admire seeing yours!!🤩🤩😍
@My Merry Messy German Life I don't understand why you moved back to the US last year. That must have been a terrible reverse culture shock, especially for your kids! I can only assume that your home in Siegsdorf had become a tourist attraction. After watching your video of Ella learning to ride a bike, it took me half an hour to find out your address using Google Maps. And I live in NRW and have never been to the south of Bavaria. I watched most of your videos before realizing that you stopped posting in April 2023. I loved them and was disappointed that you didn't even say goodbye to your online community. All the best for the future and greetings from Mönchengladbach, Germany!
Greetings, I lived & worked in Salzburg for 4 yrs. & Munich for 10 yrs. All great comments! However, an issue is that kids are out of school early (around 1pm) without lunch. Also, kids have a lot more homework. This puts pressure mostly on mom’s to stay at home, or get a part time job. You can sign up for a “Kita” (after school care), but open spots are few & babysitters expensive. In this sense, the US system is better. Also, very early, around 5th grade, it is decided by the school (based on grades & teachers opinions), if your child “qualifies” to go to high school (& eventually university), or trade school. This also puts immense pressure on parents & kids (at a very early age). The teaching mindset is also different, focus is often about toughening you up (instead of enabling you). All not for the faint of heart, for some kids this can be defeating.
Thanks for making a video like this! More videos like this really feel like they can be used to wake people up about how just accepting things the way they are in the US is not okay.
What a well thought out informative video. As a Canadian we have some of those European advantages but I too love the attributes you have highlighted. So looking forward to visiting Germany this August for 3 weeks to experience a little of what you are enjoying.
I really love your perspective of our country 🤗 I lived in the states for a year after school and experiences like that are invaluable! If you are ever in the Stuttgart area and need a Tourguide or just some information I’ll be glad to help 😊
I'm a German (Franconian) expat living in the US (for over 30 years). Been enjoying your channel since before you moved to Germany. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences and reassuring the world with humility that it's okay and even fun to have learning curves. The perfectionistic pursuits of having to be "great/best" at everything is not only tiring but a main contributor to global divisiveness. Thus, as much as I appreciate (as a Franconian/Bavarian/German) how you showcase Germany with such love and appreciation, I thank you even more for modeling openness, humility, and reaching out. ❤️ As my Irish husband and I are contemplating repatriating to Germany (possibly via digital nomadism or remote work -likely reimbursed from US employer/customers or a hybrid of German and US income), I wonder how you deal with filing taxes? Do you pay Germany or the US or both? Would really appreciate any experiences you've had... Sounds so confusing and nightmarish to me...And thanks again for your contributions! 🙏 (P.s., how blessed are you with this gorgeous hair of yours! 🤩)
What I find a pity though with education and jobs in Germany is the sort of inflexibility to rely more on skills/cross-skills. A lot is based on an official 2 year or 3year training which is requested for pretty much every little thing and they are often not really ready to give a chance to people based on whether they could fit in well into a team or whether they have already skills that can be useful for or fit the job profile. I think skills and personality should be considered more. A proper Report of Ausbildungszeugnis often doesn't state whether you are completely clumsy with two left hands, whether you would be a good fit for the company or whether you are able to learn anything while doing the job. Here in Ireland I work in insurance, never been formally trained for it, learned all on the job and it works grand. 6 years on that job now, plus I had been given the chance to do so. I doubt I'd get a job like that in Germany if I went back home...
Many in the insurance industry in Germany have not done any training for this and are career changers. For many jobs there is no obligation for training - it is not that rigid here either. Of course, not everyone can become an electrician - that's good. BMW in the USA has now adopted the German dual training system in their plants because they simply could not find suitable skilled workers.
I stumbled across your channel and I have to say that I really like you both. Your videos makes me realize how good things are for us in Germany. If there was a TV show of yours, I would watch it every day. Your family is an enrichment for Germany. Please continue as you are now. Subscribed! ✅
As a Canadian, I like the bit about Kevin driving your son to “ice hockey “ (just hockey in Canada). I love hockey - game is just starting actually! So I gotta go! P.S. you’re a lovely family ❤️.
I live in Pennsylvania. I love all your reasons why you choose to live in Germany. I am fighting for those items you mentioned so we can have them here. It’s sad that you had to leave for something better.
Basic rules sor queueing in Germany: "Neue Kasse, neues Spiel" und "weggegangen, Platz gefangen" "New register, new game" and "Left the lot, catch the spot".
Thank you for spicing up my Sunday morning. Kindergeld only depends on the number of children you have, not the place you live in. You get more for the 4th child than the1st. You are lucky to have state insurance, where you don't have to pay extra for dependents, that makes things so much easier. And I would still like to find out how come Kevin spent 5 years in Sweden. I admire you for taking in the Ukrainian family. Two cultures getting to know a third one together. You are truly international 😀
Actually, it does also depend on where you live. When we were looking to live closer to Munich, the Kindergeld was 250€ per child. Out here in the countryside where it’s cheaper, the Kindergeld is about €215 for each child.
Oh yes, so Kevin did a study abroad program in Sweden and then graduated and got a job there! And yes it’s so interesting for us to be foreigners, helping other foreigners. I feel like I’m German because I’m showing them German foods, speaking German for them in the stores, things like that! So bizarre!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Well, for them you probably feel German as well. You immersed into our local culture and adapted quite a lot. Listening to you now is like listening to a long time neighbor telling from his youth but generally having the same value system as you do.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Kindergeld gibt es für eigene, Stief-, Adoptiv- und Pflegekinder. Es beträgt seit dem 1.1.2021 je 219 € monatlich für die ersten 2 Kinder, 225 € für das 3. Kind und je 250 € ab dem 4. Kind.
Alltid lika intressant, roligt och givande vlog. Travel and learning new languages widens our perspective and increases our tolerance. Thank you for sharing
As a German I totally get your love for the calm on Sunday, you said it exactly right, there is a calmness around you on Sundays in Germany that lets you take a breather. I love them too! (In Germany we actually call it "Ruhetag" = calm day)
Your reasons for moving to Germany are bang on - you read my mind. On the infrastructure side Germany (as well as France) looks at long term benefits - not the short term bang for the buck. So roads, bridges, and rail lines are not only built to last a long time (German engineering/quality!), but are kept up and well-maintained. So it's one thing to build it, and another to keep it well-maintained for the long term ($$$$ for upkeep). Long term rate of return.
Only watched half so far, I have to rehearse, but I love your attitude! You said what I was thinking -carpe diem. Heck yes! You don’t know what happens in the future and maybe you‘ll have new places to discover then, too. Your open minds make your videos a joy to watch. I‘ll watch the rest on the way home! Have a lovely afternoon!
Oh, I love this video! So positive! I totally agree about the education system. The education is generally much better than in Britain, I find. And I pay for my Master’s degree €175 every 6 months. I’m a mature student, but it’s the same for everyone. That’s Semestergebühren and includes public transport within the town. Germany invests in its future, that’s how it is viewed. And the apprenticeship system is phenomenal, absolutely! And all that tuition money saved can go towards fabulous experiences.
WOW, 175 euros every 6 months for a Master's?! I mean, Americans would be so shocked by this. It's so much more fair here. So many jobs are requiring people to have a degree to apply (even though it's not really needed) but the poor really cannot afford college, so it's becoming harder and harder for them to get jobs. It's not equitable and it's making the divide between rich and poor much wider.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife yes, €175 per semester. That’s it. You might need to buy some books, and of course, accommodation and food. And you can sometimes stretch out how long the degree takes, to have a semester working somewhere, for example. It’s the same for a bachelors. Depending on which degree your kids are interested in, they may need to have passed their latin exam, so a heads-up to do it in school, and get it out of the way. Oh, and they may need to speak English 😁
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife last year i talked to a danish student. they get paid like 820 euro free per month for six years to go to university... take this Germany lol
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Die "Semestergebühren" können in den verschiedenen Bundesländern unterschiedlich sein. Beispielsweise die Gebühren im Saarland (ein "armes" Land): Zusammensetzung der Beiträge Beitrag zum Studentenwerk 98,70 € Beitrag zur Unfall-, Haftpflicht- und Diebstahlversicherung 1,30 € allgemeiner Studierendenschaftsbeitrag 13,00 € Verwaltungskostenbeitrag 50,00 € Semesterticket 127,00 € -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Summe 290,00 € Nur der Verwaltungskostenbeitrag ist für die Universität. Das Semesterticket ist für den öffentlichen Nahverkehr und ermöglicht das kostenlose Fahren in allen Zügen und Bussen im Saarland.
Please make more parts and include the other countries, cause there are just as well other great places to live in Europe like you mentioned the Benelux region, France, Spain or Danemark and Scandinavia. Not to mention Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
yeah as we say in the video, in order to cover all of the great countries, the video would be two hours long! We chose to focus on Germany because that’s were we currently live. But yeah, maybe we could do a general video about the EU in general and how there are many great countries here.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife That'd be nice just take your time you can always make a short video here and there over time about those countries that actually were in question for you where to live. There's also the issue of linlving costs and where to live, e.g. it pays to live in Germany and work in Luxembourg or Switzerland. These are interesting combinations as well to consider.
It sounds exactly like in South Africa, our health insurance is extremely high, not even talking about the very high unemployment rate. Thats why we are also moving to Germany soon
Hi guys, thank you again for all the great videos you have shared with us this past year and all the food for thought that has come with them. I really hope you and the family that you have welcomed into your lives now are doing well. Please make sure you take all the help that can be offered, even outside of donations from people in the community. There are a lot of things on offer that might help, not only with money and material things but with counselling, psychological support etc.. At times it can be a bit tedious to find them if you are not sure what is out there and what to ask for, but persistence and taking advice from the community will help with that a great deal. Sending hugs from the north =)
Healthcare? Ha, I am soooooooo glad for me and my wife to be back in German healthcare. I dismiss 95% of all complains that Germans have about it, especially comparing it to the USA. Given that there are similar systems elsewhere, for me the French and German are the best!
I am actually cringing at the ones that idealize the US and want to move there because of some one particular thing that is allowed there and not here or some pseudo "freedom". They don't seem to realize how much they are trading in. We just don't know what we do have and what it's like not to.
Liebe Familie, ich möchte mich bei Euch für Eure Beiträge herzlichst bedanken. Ihr seid ein Vorbild für uns alle. Das Leben ist kein Zustand, sondern Bewegung und Entwicklung. Gestalten wir unsere Zukunft für uns und vor allem für unsere Kinder, so dass diese Zukunft lebenswert ist. Ihr seid aktiv und gestaltet mit, und dafür danke ich Euch. Liebe Grüße, Josh (Solingen, Germany)
Has someone already said it? The word is Ruhetag! 😉 As well: what I have seen from various American posts is the 24/7 time to be in reach for your employer. The same started here in Germany as well and especially with the recent Bug and people working from home it has blown up in my opinion. But there are companies working against that. I remember someone told me some years ago that BMW shuts down the E-Mail System between 18h and 6h (yes using our time system) so that employees don't overwork!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife so easy to practice: whenever the neighbors make noises during "ruhezeit'. stick your head out of the window and yell at the top of your lungs: Ruhe! works everytime, endears you to the neighbors and makes sure you don't have to buy presents for christmas and birthdays :)
I think with standing in line there is a saying in Germany: wer zuerst kommt,mahlt zuerst. Which means that who is first gets served first. So when you stand line you have to wait for your turn. If another cashier opens there is no line so you can go first.
We are EU citizens residing in California. We have a close knit family and a good life we are grateful for here. However, the mass shootings on top of the other issues you have eloquently discussed have reignited my interest to live in Europe. Mostly, for my children's future. How did you manage homesickness and being apart from elderly parents and relatives here. It's a joy to hear you guys loving your life there.
Being away from our families is hard - we don’t like that part at all!! But we love our everyday lifestyles here and knowing our children are safer and have a better, more secure future here. Kevin’s mom is being cared for in an elderly home and my parents aren’t elderly yet. Once they are, my plan is to fly back and forth more often and help take care of them so my brother and sister can have breaks.
Need to correct you: With Covid the health care system has never been overwhelmed. One thing I don't like about our health care is, that the dental treatment was carved out, and only basic treatment is covered nowadays. The more expensive stuff need to be paid by yourself, or you need an additional insurance for it. people decide against treatment because of this and end up with sicknesses caused by their bad teeth.
Welcome to Germany Sarah and Kevin 🌻🌹🍀, also Welcome to the four Kids, the one Cat 🐈and the Hamster :-) It's nice to have you here, all best wishes from me
Huge respect that you opened your home to the Ukrainian family! The war is heartbreaking to witness unfold from the sidelines. You feel so powerless. I wish the West would intervene (not necessarily under NATO flag), despite the risk of the consequences of what Putin will do. About moving to Germany, I can relate to all of the reasons. Living near the Alps also sounds like a dream to me. I live in the flat lands of the Netherlands, so it's polar opposite. But it feels like home, so it's fine. I enjoy making yearly hiking trips to the Alps to satisfy my longing for the mountains.
I live in Basel, Switzerland for 11 years now and still appreciating the life here in Europe than in Philippines and Dubai from where i used to live and work. My sister moved last year there in Germany in state in Bayern in the town of Niedernberg just close to the boarder to the state of Hessen. She is 60 kms. from Frankfurt and she is happy there. I am happy here because we can see a lot places even though is a small continent but it has a lot to offer. I learned also german language and finished B2 level but i do not have time for C levels because i am learning now french. My husband can speak Swiss German as his mother langauge, High German, French fluently and a little Italian, as a swiss they already that in their primary years. Thanks for sharing your experiences there in germany and keep vlogging.
It sounds that you did a lot of research ahead, really sat down a lot w/ calculators and pro/cons lists before you finally moved for good.How long did "project moving to Germany" take you?
Ah yes, our first video where we announce we are moving to Germany might interest you - it took us a good 11-12 months to get everything in order to move here. We had to sell most of our possessions, sell our house, secure housing and a job here in Germany....
I'm a U.S. citizen who came to Germany in 2004 for what should have been a one-year work project....that was 18 years ago....for all the reasons you mentioned in the video (and more), I decided to stay in Germany and ended up starting a family and settling down here. I have no regrets and no plans to move back to the U.S.
I've heard many who have your same kind of story - came for what was supposed to be a short time and never left! The lifestyle here is so great, just not the same in the USA.
The amount of Kindergeld does not depend on where you live in Germany. It is the same everywhere: For the first and second child you get 219 EUR each, for the third 225 EUR and for each further child 250 EUR per month.
The chance of having a better life and a better future for the kids was once a cause for many people to move to the US. And the immigration of people like you is what the US made the great country it once was. It looks like the times have changed.
Yes! So ironic. The US was a beacon of democracy before World War II and then Europe started to really change and progress forward after WWII. Slowly but surely, Europe really became great!
Thank you so much for this video ! I was born, raised and educated in Germany. When I was young { a long time ago } I married an American Military Man. The Air Force transferred us to different Countries, that was very exciting. We eventually ended up in the US ! Culture Shock ! Many years ago the US was a good place to live, but not anymore ! It's the Wild West now ! How did it all go so wrong ? I deeply regret the choice I made to leave Germany and live in the US. I have always liked the American people and always will, but something has gone badly wrong with this country. At this point in my life I am unable to return to Germany to live ! I wish with all my heart that I could. You have made the right decision to move your family to Germany, you obviously did a lot of Research . Your statements are absolutely correct about life in Europe ! Your children will greatly benefit by life in Germany ! I congratulate You for making this Decision !
LOL ... when you mentioned free university ... Kevin's expressions were priceless. Listen, the reason why Germany offers free university is quite simple: It is because we NEED EVERYONE OF YOU to fill all those quality jobs and close the demographic gap that would otherwise lead to economic decline over time. And if Germans maybe love certain immigrants more than others (I know that sounds terrible, but let's be honest), it's those that appreciate the culture and want to contribute also in sharing and enriching us with their culture and values. I am biased (my wonderful wife is American) but I think our cultures can learn a lot from each other and are so very compatible in so many ways (which I realized more and more in my 16y in the USA) if we acknowledge and combine our very best qualities. Unbeatable! :)
Willkommen! 1st time here and half German/half American and have lived in 3 countries and 8 cities [including Germany] - and while working to get back to the Fatherland - currently just moved back to the UK from Atlanta too! LOVE your channel, subscribed and glad to see you made the right move over here - sehr gut :D
I love your perspective. It is a helpful reminder for someone like myself who has been in Germany for over 10 years but have only had children here, so I don't have the perspective of what our life would have been like had we moved back to America as a family. This helps me appreciate that my kids are growing up here in Munich.
Interesting and helpful your opinion! Thanks. I think many germans don't know anymore how good we live here. Nettes kleines Weihnachtsgeschenk, your vid! Merry fröhliche Weihnachten and a happy Guten Rutsch nach 2023😉
Just watched a couple of your videos. Me being a German living in Canada for the last 40 years, quite enjoy watching your enthusiasm about having moved to Germany. There are a lot of reasons why i and my family emigrated from Germany. I completely understand a lot of your points why you enjoy Germany. I love visiting Germany because i still have friends/family living there and then i love leaving Germany again. The problem that you will find out evtl. is especially in Bavaria, as a foreigner particularly being American, you will always be a foreigner there. You’ll be somewhat accepted but you’ll never be included. My cousin who like me are from northern Germany, has lived in Bavaria for the last 30 years, has friends, who are also from North Germany, are not really included in their community. Anyways, i love your enthusiasm, keep it up, and it is what you make of it. Best of luck und Alles Gute wünsche ich Euch und euern Kindern. Yes Germany is a good country to make a life, unfortunately at this time, too close to Russia, which was the main reason why my family left Germany at the height of the Cold War. Alles Gute
I’m so glad that you are happy living in Germany. I hope that here in the US we can create a better quality of life in the future. Things like, vacation, holiday, & maternity leave/paternity time are so important we must change this. And of course, healthcare & free university needs to be more common. Although in Atlanta, for academic good students Georgia University is free. There simply needs to be more. Best of luck to All of us.
I'm 54 and my wife and I are VERY worried about our future, gas and food prices rising daily. We have had our savings dwindle with the cost of living into the stratosphere, and we are finding it impossible to replace them. We can get by, but can't seem to get ahead. My condolences to anyone retiring in this crisis, 30 years nonstop just for a crooked system to take all you worked for.
I feel your pain mate, as a fellow retiree, I’d suggest you look into passive index fund investing and learn some more. For me, I had my share of ups and downs when I first started looking for a consistent passive income so I hired an expert advisor for aid, and following her advice, I poured $30k in value stocks and digital assets, Up to 200k so far and pretty sure I'm ready for whatever comes.
@@EleanorMabel That's actually quite impressive, I could use some Info on your FA, I am looking to make a change on my finances this year as well
@@LiamOlivia-4 My advisor is Victoria Carmen Santaella;
You can look her up online
@@EleanorMabel The crazy part is that those advisors are probably outperforming the market and raising good returns but some are charging fees over fees that drain your portfolio. Is this the case with yours too?
On behalf of all Germans: I would gladly like to announce that we really, really appreciate your videos and the love you show for our country and at this point I think that you should have all right to officially call yourself German and European. What you've done this past year is, without a doubt, a prime example of how to successfully integrate yourself into another culture. I mean that with all sincerity, well done.
Thank you so very much!
Very well said! Their whole family dynamic and values seems to be a perfect fit for Germany
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Do not wait to travel until you got retired, that is a mistake! You never know if you still have the health with 60 or 70 for a journey to South Africa (or if you still WANT to sit in a plane for 15 hours to Vietnam in this age)...
agreed 100% ... my utmost admiration to that, I feel humbled.
I second that! Suprisingly, while beeing born and raised in germany, I do love to hear the outside perspective😅
I moved from Los Angeles to Germany and lived in the country for ten years.This is a very accurate depiction of the country.Those years were by far the best years of my life.
@@hbbh6591 ebenfalls!
@@renardjohnson5658 and now you left back to LA or USA ?
@@hanifarjo5222 Yes,I'm back in Los Angeles.
@@renardjohnson5658why?
I just felt like my time in Germany was done and it was time to come back.@@antjee
As Ukrainian living in Germany I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for your help and support to Ukraine 🇺🇦 🇺🇸It is so kind of you to take in a family of FOUR!!! People you have never met before, people who are probably traumatised and don’t always speak your language. You guys are amazing for helping 💛💙 Thank you!!! Слава Україні!
Thank you! We are so happy we can help! 🇺🇦🇺🇦
Never forget, in Ukraine start the war 2014 and Nobody Care.
@@m.2085 Russian propaganda. Stop lying.
@@thomaseck3210 Stop lying!! Yes!!
Vorher Hirn einschalten
Thank you. Because in the moment it seems Ukraine is not satisfied with us.
What a heartwarming video. As a German, I am happy that you can fulfill your dreams here in our indeed beautiful and safe country. It's an honor to have you here! 💜
Thank you so much! 💕
I love your perspective on Germany. That shows me the things we should be more grateful we have here in Germany!
Thank you!
Its only better here cause we keep pointing out thigs that dont quite work and we try to change them.
Apreciation is good but fighting for change is just as important
my friend don't believe a bit of it , I'm a German American , living in the greatest country in the world ,be proud of it , Germany's DARK Side us cruel , does folks Rich liberals who got our country in the place where we at right now
@@ramonawestberry4751 you are really enjoying spamming our videos with your negative comments. We are RUclipsrs who actually read and delete unkind comments, so be careful what you write. And don’t you even dare bring up their dark past and use it against them. Germany has done a phenomenal job in completely turning their country around since WWII. They are a shrinking example of how to take something horrible and turn it into something very good. America also has a very dark past and they have NOT owned up to their mistakes or fully corrected them yet.
There is so much to be grateful for here in Germany. It’s a great country.
@@ramonawestberry4751 I don't get your comment. You think they tell lies? And you know it, because you are German American? But the person commenting is german. This person knows better. :D
Oh, and no problem to talk about WWII here in Germany. There are documentarys about it 24/7 and we learn about it on school for years. So trying to use this against Germans wont work here, maybe kn the US or wherever you are from. We know, that things were cruel back then. And still there are too many nazis, in Germany, in the USA and all over the world.. german or not.
Germany is lucky to have you ! ❤
It's so great to have you with us here in Germany! Your list might be an eye opener for some Germans as well, as we sometimes tend to be more on the pessimistic and dissatisfied side of live. Hopefully, Putin will not ruin, what we built up in Europe.
I hope if there are those who are pessimistic about Germany our video can help them see how fantastic it is!
@UCwOrK8lw5TgJOEtRQ9WE7bg are you kidding? If yes this is not funny, if no you don‘t see what Putin is doing to Ukraine, Russia and the rest of the free world - or you are just a Russian troll. I don‘t understand how you came to this wonderful and heartwarming videos over here?
@@bNeagle yeah I deleted that comment - pretty sure it was another annoying Russian bot trying to spread lies.
@@bNeagle I apologise for hurting your feelings, it was Sascha who made this political. I'm a peace-loving pensioner who loves wonderful and heartwarming videos, but I recommend
- gonzalo lira
- Patrick Lancaster
- Russell Bentley
- george Galloway
- max blumenthal
- the jimmy dore show
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife So do I - very much.
what you've done not just for yourselves but for your children is invaluable they will be completely different little humans because of it, its a great way to live and to have your mind shaped
Yes I sure hope so! Opening up the world to them. Even though it’s been so hard!
Was für wundervolle Worte und Komplimente für Germany. Dankeschön :-)
Don’t be afraid of loosing healthcare system in Germany. It was founded nearly 150 years ago and still works. It has issues but in total we do good.
It's such a pleasure to follow your channel. This time I wanted to shout out loud to all those grumpy, discontented fellow Germans who are complaining permanently about their life here. From time to time it is necessary to step back and have a look from a different perspective to appreciate what we have. Thank you so much.
I totally agree 😍. Germany is a great place to live! 🇩🇪
What an awesome start to this beautiful Sunday, with one of your videos! Great to watch it and especially with all the details, simply perfect 👍🏻!!!
And by the way I would like to congratulate you for the courage to welcome a Ukrainian family in your life in this really dark time for them. Much, Much respect for That 👏🏻👏🏻you are a true rolemodel, ihr seid ein wahres Vorbild !! Beste Grüße aus Köln 🤙🏻🤙🏻😃😃
I’m so glad you enjoyed it and thank you for the kind words 😀💕.
We Germans might complain about everything and forget the good things we have. Thanks to your reminder by telling how bad things can be in other countries. BTW: if you love novels set in the Alps, I would recommend "Heidi" by Johanna Spyri, one of the well-known children book in the world, and the film adaption by Alain Gsporner, pubilshed in 2015.
Yes!! I have loved that book and movie since I was a little girl.
I as a kraut who is used to the german "complaining about everything, but on a high level" culture feel truely honored for the reasons you have choosen germany for your future live.
You did cut off your local roots, leaved your US familiy and friends, and moved to germany to give your kids a better start for their live? Honor to you!
Your family is an enrichement for germany and europe!
Das sehe ich genauso.
That is so awesome to know that you intended this to be a permanent move! At first I had assumed it was only temporary for a few years for work and or professional reasons. Thank you for giving Germany such a high rating and all the good reasons to live there! You are such a lovely family!! ❤❤
Thank you! We are loving life here so far!
You highlight some excellent reasons to move to Germany. Thank you for another informative and well-developed video. I have lived in Germany for almost four years and could not imagine going back to the US. The Healthcare system alone is a big issue for me since I suffer from Hashimoto's Disease. We live in the Upper Harz in a small village. Life here in Germany is definitely better.
Yes isn’t the healthcare so much better here? And all of the propaganda that goes on in the US about “socialized medicine” just makes my eyes roll. They have no idea what they’re talking about!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Well, if only the US would listen to one of their own great writers:
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime.”
― Mark Twain
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 'socialism' and 'communism' are used interchangeably by Americans who don't understand the concepts of public healthcare and free education. I've read many comments on cnn and other US media in which people called those 'government hand outs' not understanding that those things are supported by taxpayers' money. I think many conservative Americans believe in the principle of working yourself up without any financial help. That's why they consider everybody who doesn't succeed in that a loser.
would L-Thyroxin cost much in the US?
@@100100freak What i could find it's available for a similar price
Been watching your channel for a while now , I'm not German I'm Scottish but love Germany and where you are in Bavaria is just beautiful.
It's been lovley watching you adjust to your new home and seeing how well you are all getting on .
Ah very cool! I have a lot of Scottish heritage so I just LOVE Scotland! I have traveled there twice and I just feel like I'm coming home when I go there.
Hi my friends from abroad 🙋♂!
Your todays video was the biggest DECLARATION OF LOVE to Europe and especially to Germany, I`ve ever heard from you.
I`m glad to hear , how confident and safe you feel, living in our marvellous country. I hope, this will go on, as long as you will stay with us 👍👍👍 !
Hi Klaus!! Yes, a declaration of love. 💖🇩🇪
I have great respect that you gave a Ukrainian refugee family a safe haven! These people need protection and support now at a time when everything they had has been lost to Russian aggression.👍
Thank you, it has been a wonderful experience so far! We are so happy we can do this.
I'm from the uk and totally agree, it's an unforgivable crime to skip the queue.... Unless they open a new till, then it's every man woman and child for themselves! The rationale being, there is no queue to skip yet, its like a free chance to get to the front guilt free. Have you noticed the ripples and frantic calculation that happen when they get even a whisper that the extra till might open? Everyone starts to slowly edge closer to get in the best position when they shout "next". 🤣🤣🤣
Yes! Hahaha it’s such a funny cultural difference for us.
Hi Sarah, hi Kevin. It is good to here the things we have and enjoy while living in Germany. You should always be aware of how good we have it here! I like it every time when you post a new video. Always an honour to have you here in Germany 🙂
Hi Peter! Thanks so much for the kind words. Yeah Germany is a fantastic place to live!
What a great video! It really leaves me almost a bit teary about all those beautiful things you mentioned about my homecountry that I just take for granted.... Good reason to think about it every now and then.... I can understand all your mentioned points very well. It is so nice to hear strangers speaking so well of Germany because sometimes it seems that everyone ist just complaining on and on.... You give us the reasons why we should be much more thankful! I love your videos and hope you will go on showing many more - thanks a lot!
Thank you, Tina! 💕
I find it so interesting that for a lot of us in my generation (I was born in the 90s) moving to the US was kind of something one aspired to or at least daydreamed about at 14-16. However, now that I am in my mid-20s I already see how I only can imagine working or living in the US for some years but certainly would want to be back in Europe by the time I think about having a family at the latest.
Also fun fact, when you were talking about how you don't need another car for some years as a family, I was thinking about how your kids, even with a driver's licence might not have the need for their own car. Neither my brother nor I nor any of our peers has their own car although we are in our twenties already, we all live in cities and as university students there is just no need for it. Only my cousin who lives more in the Bavarian countryside has a car, but again he really has a need for it.
Yes!
I loved the idea of the US too, when I was a child/ teen. I was born in the early 80s.
But now? I am nearly scared to go there even for a visit.
About the drivers licence:
I was around 30 when I got mine. I never needed it before. I grew up in a small town, did my apprenticeship on the outskirts of a slightly bigger town and then worked for some time in Hamburg. You definately do not need a car there. I would say it is even easier without a car….
Yes that’s a huge benefit - even our children may not need cars as young adults. Love it!
@@nitka711 yeah so sad the US has changed a lot. Well, it never was very safe for anyone but white men, but I digress…
Growing up in the countryside of mountainous Bavaria, it was definitly not common to geht a car with legal age ... Some got a scooter/motorbike(< 50 km/h) with 16, but I was thaught to plan stuff, look up bus schedules, ride my bike, ask in advance ect.
I walked many kilometers home at 3 in the morning 😅
lol, bin in den 60er geboren, war für eine kurze Zeit in den USA und bin froh in Deutschland oder Europa zu leben.... die USA können mir gestohlen bleiben!
ich war sogar schon in Neuseeland, hätte dort Arbeiten können, für 60€ die Stunde....aber ich kann nicht auf die andere Seite des Planeten ziehen, weil ich 1-3 mal im Jahr nach Frankreich fahre, die Alpen mit dem Motorrad durchquere etc!
und ich brauche meinen Wald vor der Tür...
That you welcomes a family fleeing from war, makes me love you even more! Thank you for stepping up for people in need! #goodkarma
💖💖 It’s been such a wonderful experience. We are enjoying it so much.
Thank you for helping Ukranian refugees. It's great to find out that you are doing this
das ist mehr als vorbildlich!!!! ich schließe mich ALAN Smith an
It's quite interesting to hear about these cultural differences from "foreigners". For me as a native German things felt quite gloomy here over the past few years. You changed my perspective about that. Thanks 🙂
I guess that’s true for most of us. We can easily forget all of the great things about our own countries. But yeah, Germany and many other EU countries are really fantastic places to live!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Maybe. I loved visiting the USA for 3 weeks in 2001. But of course this was just a short glimpse. And traveling around in a Bus with a complete german tourist group is naturally not accurate to get to know the culture😅.
Unfortunately they live in dreamland in the countryside! That's another reality of our country!
A great video! I couldn‘t agree with you more. I have never regretted my choice to move to Germany and become a German citizen (many in my family and circle of friends back in the US still don‘t understand how I could have given up that „precious“ citizenship). The system here is not perfect but when you compare it to the US, it is much fairer and just more „human“, if that makes sense … it is a system built for your regular jo schmo and not for the privileged. Yes, there are inequalities built into the German system but they are a far cry from those in the US. The US, as far as I can tell, is just an exploitative system. It will take a lot to change it and I fear it will get worse before it gets better. Your points about the dual educational system were right on the money. Had I grown up in Germany, I would have been a carpenter instead of majoring in poli sci and then trying to figure out how to make a career out of that (had no interest in law, which is the usual next step). There should be no shame in choosing any career path forward, regardless. We americans like to sing praises about our „classless“ social system but that is just not true. If you ask me, a plumber or a baker or a carpenter has MORE job security than someone with a poli sci degree in some job at some investment bank (speaking from experience here). Think about it. You ARE basically your skillset and can take those skills wherever you go. With a Meisterbrief, you can set up shop anywhere and train the next generation. And, how great is it that you can test things out here? If you find you don‘t like doing the work of a carpenter, you can switch gears, learn - and try out - some other trade. OK, at some point you do have to choose ;-) but there is tremendous flexibility built into the system. I believe that is something that the Germans have difficulty seeing but those of us coming from the outside can appreciate it.
The work life balance - and consume-terror-free Sundays - are also so key. As you mentioned, there is this zero-sum competitive game in the US … actively stoked by (some) employers. It exists here, too, but it isn‘t prevalent in society. It is OK to take vacation. It is OK to take Mutterschutz. It is almost like it is OK to be replaceable only because no firm should be so dependent on any one employee.
I could go on and on singing the praises of Germany and of your video. Isn‘t it nice that a place like Germany exists and welcomed us in? ❤️
Stone...the USA liberated Nazi germany in 1945 so you can live there in peace now...42000K americans lost they're life ....to this day germans are protected by the USA ! did that fact ever entered your mind !
Reverse story on my end I came 32 years to United States became a US citizen never look back to Germany there are many stories to tell about this country
Sadly, many many parents now think that Gymnasium at 10 is the only way. And if you look at the media (TV, books)...notice how all the child and teen characters are in a Gymnasium. A Real or Gesamtschule doesn't seem to exist, Haupt or Mittelschule only if you want a certain kind of character (if you know what I mean).
I'm 100% not a fan of the school system and think they sort to soon. Especially in Bavaria it's sad what 4th graders go through for the selection process. I've seen some break down because so and so said, if you end up in a Realschule (or god forbid a Mittelschule) you will be a cleaning lady.
That being said...I could never imagine giving up my German citizenship to become American like Ramona. I know that I'd lose too much.
The more I watch these videos and the more i read such comments - the more I think what a wonderful country I´m living in as a german. Sometimes we forget this and off course we are far away from perfect ...
You guys are just a rolemodel for how to integrated successfully. You are Proud to be who you are nur you also Accept the German ways. Taking a family from Ukraine in to your home and share it with this family is just heartwarminng and truly humanitarian. This family will never forget who Lent a helping hand in times of need. And in love the fact that nearly the complete world increases what Putin has to pay for starting this war. I truly love and Respekt your family for just being you and authentic. Thank you very much.
😍😍
I have an interview for a PhD program in Berlin on Thursday. It's mathematically a bit more advanced than my comfort zone, but it would be a dream come true if I get it.
I grew up near and live in Chicago, and one of our neighborhoods has a homicide rate of ~200 (compared to ~5 in the US and ~1 in Germany), and I really want to get out of here, especially because I don't see anything changing.
I spent time in Paris and Oxford, and I fell in love with Europe, its people and their joie de vivre, and the PUBLIC TRANSIT (and everything else you pointed out that were spot on). Hope to join the US immigrant group in Germany (or some neighboring country) soon!!!
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hi Matthew, how did it go??? :o))
I didn't get it, but I ended up getting something else in Paris and so moved at the end of last year! I should rewatch these videos about settling into a new country 😬
@@mathieumaticien that's great news. Lived near Paris for almost 10y. That city has so much to offer, that maybe I saw not even half of it, of course incl. museums and the like. So I wish you all the best especially with the language. Quite a challenge ;o))
@@mathieumaticien I live in Germany now, so I know a lot about the pro and cons of both! The comparison is really interesting. But you are not so far off so you can make the experience yourself.
Really good idea to not wait for retirement to experience the things you want! My inlaws had so many plans and things they wanted to do once they were both retired. Well, he's already been unable to work due to an accident for quite a while and officially retired now for two years. She retired febuary of last year. And well, he has really early onset dementia and basically all those dreams and plans they had talked about have gone down the drain. So, long story short, always better, if you can, to experience and live life to the fullest here and now. You never know what the future holds...
That is so sad, and exactly what we wanted to prevent. If I can accomplish a dream now, I want to do it now. You never know what the future holds!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife exactly!
The Thing with kids independance is really true. I travelled through Berlin alone at the age of 10. Obviously not at night, but beeing able to just hop on a train, and visit your friend in a different suburb, was a nice perk during my childhood.
I am also very happy for the German education system and the flexibility. After my realschule I didn't want to continue with Gymnasium and I only knew that I wanted to do sth with chemistry. That's why I did a vocational training (Ausbildung) as a chemical lab technician. Then I found a solid job with good money. However, in that time getting more mature, I figured out that I would be more happy with higher education. I quit my job, went to Gymnasium to get my university entrance certificate and now I have a PhD in chemistry.
My sister had a similar career path. She started a Ausildung as a bank clerk. In her second year she figured out she didn't like it that much but finished anyway and afterwards she went to university to study construction management. So she ended up in a totally different occupational field. But her previous vocational training is still a solid skill which is a big bonus in job applications and interviews.
Unfortunaltely, in the last decade the vocational training in Germany lost a little bit of reputation, more and more students try to enter universities and in some fields there is a lack of candidates for open positions (Ausbildungsplätze).
Honestly, I think a Ausbildung is an equally good career path, considering you are still able to move up in the career ladder, especially in fields where skills matter and not just theory. Secondly, some people need more time to get more mature and know what they want. An Ausbildung is a perfect way to get first hands-on experience and is more practical from the beginning. Thirdly, it feels increadibly more comfortable to aim for higher education, but always know that - even if you fail or quit university - you can fall back on your previous qualification (Ausbildungsabschluss) and still find a job and be able to make a living. I'm sure your kids will make the right choice and be happy no matter if Ausbildung or Hochschule. And if they are not happy anymore, a new door and career opportunity will open. All the best!
All of this, and also Ausbildungen afford a HUGE advantage to young people that due to whatever circumstances need to support themselves financially. Sure, it’s usually not a huge amount of money, but you can definitely stay afloat, and get education at the same time earning your own money (not to dump on bafög, but to a lot of people it does feel different to get wages instead of social credit). If you get kicked out at home or just want to leave and be independent or want to train in a job that isn’t available anywhere, that money can tide you over, especially if your family can’t help you out financially. That’s a HUGE difference to having to go into major debt to get a college degree in whatever just because society deems it necessary
Yes, agree. I did it quite similar... . except to get a PhD. Congratulation! 😊 Dipl.-Ing. TU was enough for me. 😊 An apprenticeship previously to Uni was always an advantage. To get the "Allgemeine Hochschulreife" after the apprenticeship was a tough task. Mentally, I mean. You are a skilled person... and have to become a pupil again... weird! 😢
It's amazing to see how much you and your family are enjoying to live here in Germany. Particularly in view of the fact that you've chosen a quite difficult time for such a move, and also that doing so with four kids (and a cat!) is certainly an extra adventureous challenge. From the depth of my heart welcome and best wishes for you.
Thank you so much! It has been quite a challenge but that’s when we grow the most.
I think, we germans like it, when very nice people from all around the world come to live with us. That ist much better, than we where famous for around 80 years ago. And I love, that you showed solidarity with ukraine by hosting a family from there. Thank you!
I always enjoy your videos and I'm especially glad that you found a place that fits the way you want to live. As a German I agree that there are always things that can be improved but we're complaining at a completely different level compared to many other countries.
Btw if your children choose to study at university, they'll be recognised as part of Kevin's health insurance until they have completed their degree or turned 27 (whichever comes first)
Okay, good to know!
That's not true at all. Children can be part of the public health insurance of one of the parents (the one with the higher salary) when they don't have an income of their own. Kids in an apprenticeship have the same terms and conditions as regular employees. Students (at a university, Fachhochschule etc.) have to pay for their insurance which is about 100-120 E per month for public hi (depending on the provider and whether they are up to 22 or 23 and older because of care insurance "Pflegeversicherung"). They can get cheaper pricate insurance but may not be able to get back to the public system.
But, as long as the kids are in some kind of educational program, you may receive Kindergeld up to their 27th birthday.
@@twinmama42 Has that changed recently ? My daughter was health insured via my insurance until she had finished university.
@@grandmak. My son is at university and he had to insure himself and pays shy of 700 Euros per semester. But I admit that he has had an income of his own (prior to his start at university) since his father passed away and he inherited rental flats. That may play a role in this.
@@twinmama42 yes, I'm sure it does.
For me the golden standard for integration is when people succeed and love to integrate. Not trying to build a copy of where they come from. You’re proud of a thing of the country you came from? And teach us the these aspects. We love it! And we are thrilled if you include us in your celebrations.
Yes, Sunday = calm day! Love it! My wife always says Germany in general is totally decompressing the moment you get off the plane arriving or coming back to it. On Sunday I took a long walk with my sister in the fields and forest .... and it is exactly that, calm, decompressing ... recharging.
Yes!! I love it.
OMG, after watching this I feel sooo ungrateful how I always complain about life in Germany. It is nice to see it from your side. (Well…I mostly complain about the weather 😅)
😅 most peoooe everywhere complain about the weather I guess, well, maybe except for those who live in Hawaii or Bali. 😆🌴🌞
About the second cashier opening:
Well, the line at the first cashier is its own entity. Once a second cashier opens up, that line does not translate over, so first come, first serve. Hence all the rushing to establish a new line with a maybe better position at the other register :D
I just stay in the same line, let the others rush around and I can simply move forward more quickly because those in front of me moved over. But I do laugh at how hectic the natives get.
Yes! Me, too. I just stay in the line. I don’t like fighting for a spot in line, too stressful! Haha
Usually you can notice early on that a second cashier will open. So you can move over there before the cashier is even there.
VERY interesting video, hearing your thoughts (and research) on all these different aspects. And I do agree with you.
I had the privilege of being able to live in the US and Italy for some years, and I would not want to miss that, but in the end, I am quite happy to live in Germany. Though I am intrigued by Iceland, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Netherlands (I really prefer countries with a colder climate, I am not a summer person), but I still need to learn the languages :-)
Ooo me too! All of those countries intrigue Kevin and I as well. They are so progressive and such safe places to live, always ranking in the top 10 for happiness and education.
You are all very welcome to the Netherlands.
@@Dutch1961 Dank je wel! 😊
I grew up not far from the border and spent many, many weekends in the Netherlands. Cities and of course beach as well. I always loved it. I like the people!
I lived in Germany for 3 yrs 82-85 and would give up being an American to become a German
I am a german, living in Munich - thanks for the video - it made me feel very grateful for the things you mentioned, sometimes one takes it for granted...
I love this video...and I love your hair!! Any plans on showing us your current beautiful curly hair routine? I stuggle with mine and always admire seeing yours!!🤩🤩😍
Sure! I can do another video on that and show the German products I’ve been using.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife 🙂
@My Merry Messy German Life I don't understand why you moved back to the US last year. That must have been a terrible reverse culture shock, especially for your kids! I can only assume that your home in Siegsdorf had become a tourist attraction. After watching your video of Ella learning to ride a bike, it took me half an hour to find out your address using Google Maps. And I live in NRW and have never been to the south of Bavaria. I watched most of your videos before realizing that you stopped posting in April 2023. I loved them and was disappointed that you didn't even say goodbye to your online community. All the best for the future and greetings from Mönchengladbach, Germany!
Scandinavia is great especially Norway, there can you have the benefits of sea and mountains in one place,like Oslo or Bergen 😀👍
Yes! Such a beautiful country!
Greetings, I lived & worked in Salzburg for 4 yrs. & Munich for 10 yrs. All great comments! However, an issue is that kids are out of school early (around 1pm) without lunch. Also, kids have a lot more homework. This puts pressure mostly on mom’s to stay at home, or get a part time job. You can sign up for a “Kita” (after school care), but open spots are few & babysitters expensive. In this sense, the US system is better. Also, very early, around 5th grade, it is decided by the school (based on grades & teachers opinions), if your child “qualifies” to go to high school (& eventually university), or trade school. This also puts immense pressure on parents & kids (at a very early age). The teaching mindset is also different, focus is often about toughening you up (instead of enabling you). All not for the faint of heart, for some kids this can be defeating.
Thanks for making a video like this! More videos like this really feel like they can be used to wake people up about how just accepting things the way they are in the US is not okay.
Hi Danny 🙋♂
My Opa left Bayern to seek a better life here in America, I think I may need to return to Germany to do the same. Vielen Dank.
Yeah the tables have turned….
@@inka87871 It's a good deal if you can get it. I just wish I knew more about "tech" than posting on YT. LOL!
What a well thought out informative video. As a Canadian we have some of those European advantages but I too love the attributes you have highlighted. So looking forward to visiting Germany this August for 3 weeks to experience a little of what you are enjoying.
I really love your perspective of our country 🤗
I lived in the states for a year after school and experiences like that are invaluable!
If you are ever in the Stuttgart area and need a Tourguide or just some information I’ll be glad to help 😊
Thank you - it would be fun to have a tour guide in Stuttgart!
I'm a German (Franconian) expat living in the US (for over 30 years). Been enjoying your channel since before you moved to Germany. Thanks for sharing your personal experiences and reassuring the world with humility that it's okay and even fun to have learning curves. The perfectionistic pursuits of having to be "great/best" at everything is not only tiring but a main contributor to global divisiveness. Thus, as much as I appreciate (as a Franconian/Bavarian/German) how you showcase Germany with such love and appreciation, I thank you even more for modeling openness, humility, and reaching out. ❤️
As my Irish husband and I are contemplating repatriating to Germany (possibly via digital nomadism or remote work -likely reimbursed from US employer/customers or a hybrid of German and US income), I wonder how you deal with filing taxes? Do you pay Germany or the US or both? Would really appreciate any experiences you've had... Sounds so confusing and nightmarish to me...And thanks again for your contributions! 🙏 (P.s., how blessed are you with this gorgeous hair of yours! 🤩)
What I find a pity though with education and jobs in Germany is the sort of inflexibility to rely more on skills/cross-skills. A lot is based on an official 2 year or 3year training which is requested for pretty much every little thing and they are often not really ready to give a chance to people based on whether they could fit in well into a team or whether they have already skills that can be useful for or fit the job profile. I think skills and personality should be considered more. A proper Report of Ausbildungszeugnis often doesn't state whether you are completely clumsy with two left hands, whether you would be a good fit for the company or whether you are able to learn anything while doing the job. Here in Ireland I work in insurance, never been formally trained for it, learned all on the job and it works grand. 6 years on that job now, plus I had been given the chance to do so. I doubt I'd get a job like that in Germany if I went back home...
Many in the insurance industry in Germany have not done any training for this and are career changers. For many jobs there is no obligation for training - it is not that rigid here either. Of course, not everyone can become an electrician - that's good.
BMW in the USA has now adopted the German dual training system in their plants because they simply could not find suitable skilled workers.
I stumbled across your channel and I have to say that I really like you both. Your videos makes me realize how good things are for us in Germany. If there was a TV show of yours, I would watch it every day.
Your family is an enrichment for Germany.
Please continue as you are now.
Subscribed! ✅
Thank you so much! Glad to have you here!
As a Canadian, I like the bit about Kevin driving your son to “ice hockey “ (just hockey in Canada). I love hockey - game is just starting actually! So I gotta go!
P.S. you’re a lovely family ❤️.
here in Germany, we play Hockey ( on grass ) and Ice Hockey ( on ice )..... so we are efficient people, we call it by its names....
@@Arltratlo , well, we do have field hockey too. But you don’t hear much about it. “Ice” hockey is our great passion!
I live in Pennsylvania. I love all your reasons why you choose to live in Germany. I am fighting for those items you mentioned so we can have them here. It’s sad that you had to leave for something better.
I think it’s wonderful that you’re staying there to make things better. 💕
Basic rules sor queueing in Germany: "Neue Kasse, neues Spiel" und "weggegangen, Platz gefangen"
"New register, new game" and "Left the lot, catch the spot".
😂😂😂
That`s right, don`t say we do this later. Don`t forget to live, that`s what counts. Greetings from Hamburg
That’s right!
Thank you for spicing up my Sunday morning.
Kindergeld only depends on the number of children you have, not the place you live in. You get more for the 4th child than the1st.
You are lucky to have state insurance, where you don't have to pay extra for dependents, that makes things so much easier.
And I would still like to find out how come Kevin spent 5 years in Sweden.
I admire you for taking in the Ukrainian family. Two cultures getting to know a third one together. You are truly international 😀
Actually, it does also depend on where you live. When we were looking to live closer to Munich, the Kindergeld was 250€ per child. Out here in the countryside where it’s cheaper, the Kindergeld is about €215 for each child.
Oh yes, so Kevin did a study abroad program in Sweden and then graduated and got a job there! And yes it’s so interesting for us to be foreigners, helping other foreigners. I feel like I’m German because I’m showing them German foods, speaking German for them in the stores, things like that! So bizarre!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Well, for them you probably feel German as well. You immersed into our local culture and adapted quite a lot. Listening to you now is like listening to a long time neighbor telling from his youth but generally having the same value system as you do.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Interesting. Probably the City of Munich pays a supplement, because the Kindergeld, nationwide, is the same.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Kindergeld gibt es für eigene, Stief-, Adoptiv- und Pflegekinder. Es beträgt seit dem 1.1.2021 je 219 € monatlich für die ersten 2 Kinder, 225 € für das 3. Kind und je 250 € ab dem 4. Kind.
Alltid lika intressant, roligt och givande vlog. Travel and learning new languages widens our perspective and increases our tolerance.
Thank you for sharing
As a German I totally get your love for the calm on Sunday, you said it exactly right, there is a calmness around you on Sundays in Germany that lets you take a breather. I love them too! (In Germany we actually call it "Ruhetag" = calm day)
Yes! There’s something about the fact that everything is closed and you feel the energy of calm in the air. It makes it much more relaxing.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Yes, the noise level goes down as well and I can feel my mind relaxing.
Amazing video, great points that I think I’ll agree on as well, if we can seize the day to make it happen also!
Your reasons for moving to Germany are bang on - you read my mind. On the infrastructure side Germany (as well as France) looks at long term benefits - not the short term bang for the buck. So roads, bridges, and rail lines are not only built to last a long time (German engineering/quality!), but are kept up and well-maintained. So it's one thing to build it, and another to keep it well-maintained for the long term ($$$$ for upkeep). Long term rate of return.
you are right
but in France a lot of Roads are privat and expensive
Only watched half so far, I have to rehearse, but I love your attitude! You said what I was thinking -carpe diem. Heck yes! You don’t know what happens in the future and maybe you‘ll have new places to discover then, too. Your open minds make your videos a joy to watch. I‘ll watch the rest on the way home! Have a lovely afternoon!
Hey Lauren!! Ooo rehearse! What’s the next show? I can’t wait to come watch one of your concerts one day!
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Verdi‘s a masked ball. It’s with my youth opera group, and it’s always mad in the final week lol!
Oh, I love this video! So positive! I totally agree about the education system. The education is generally much better than in Britain, I find. And I pay for my Master’s degree €175 every 6 months. I’m a mature student, but it’s the same for everyone. That’s Semestergebühren and includes public transport within the town. Germany invests in its future, that’s how it is viewed. And the apprenticeship system is phenomenal, absolutely! And all that tuition money saved can go towards fabulous experiences.
WOW, 175 euros every 6 months for a Master's?! I mean, Americans would be so shocked by this. It's so much more fair here. So many jobs are requiring people to have a degree to apply (even though it's not really needed) but the poor really cannot afford college, so it's becoming harder and harder for them to get jobs. It's not equitable and it's making the divide between rich and poor much wider.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife yes, €175 per semester. That’s it. You might need to buy some books, and of course, accommodation and food. And you can sometimes stretch out how long the degree takes, to have a semester working somewhere, for example. It’s the same for a bachelors. Depending on which degree your kids are interested in, they may need to have passed their latin exam, so a heads-up to do it in school, and get it out of the way. Oh, and they may need to speak English 😁
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife last year i talked to a danish student. they get paid like 820 euro free per month for six years to go to university... take this Germany lol
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife Die "Semestergebühren" können in den verschiedenen Bundesländern unterschiedlich sein. Beispielsweise die Gebühren im Saarland (ein "armes" Land):
Zusammensetzung der Beiträge
Beitrag zum Studentenwerk 98,70 €
Beitrag zur Unfall-, Haftpflicht- und Diebstahlversicherung 1,30 €
allgemeiner Studierendenschaftsbeitrag 13,00 €
Verwaltungskostenbeitrag 50,00 €
Semesterticket 127,00 €
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Summe 290,00 €
Nur der Verwaltungskostenbeitrag ist für die Universität. Das Semesterticket ist für den öffentlichen Nahverkehr und ermöglicht das kostenlose Fahren in allen Zügen und Bussen im Saarland.
If i see and here what you are saying about beeing a part of Germany or Europe. I want to say: its nice that you are here. Welcome to our society.
Please make more parts and include the other countries, cause there are just as well other great places to live in Europe like you mentioned the Benelux region, France, Spain or Danemark and Scandinavia. Not to mention Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
yeah as we say in the video, in order to cover all of the great countries, the video would be two hours long! We chose to focus on Germany because that’s were we currently live. But yeah, maybe we could do a general video about the EU in general and how there are many great countries here.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife That'd be nice just take your time you can always make a short video here and there over time about those countries that actually were in question for you where to live. There's also the issue of linlving costs and where to live, e.g. it pays to live in Germany and work in Luxembourg or Switzerland. These are interesting combinations as well to consider.
@@B.A.B.G. ooo I don’t even know about that - maybe we need to interview you for the video instead! 😁
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife No ma'am, you do just fine.
@@B.A.B.G. why would they do that ? Isn't their channel about Americans living in Germany ?
So great that you are here with us
Oh I'm glad, Germany is a wonderful place and there's so much to be proud of here!
It sounds exactly like in South Africa, our health insurance is extremely high, not even talking about the very high unemployment rate. Thats why we are also moving to Germany soon
Zu der Berufsausbilding (Uni/Berufsschule etc.) gibt es ein schönes Sprichwort:
"Wir brauchen nicht noch mehr Häuptlinge, wir brauchen Indianer!"
Hi guys, thank you again for all the great videos you have shared with us this past year and all the food for thought that has come with them. I really hope you and the family that you have welcomed into your lives now are doing well. Please make sure you take all the help that can be offered, even outside of donations from people in the community. There are a lot of things on offer that might help, not only with money and material things but with counselling, psychological support etc.. At times it can be a bit tedious to find them if you are not sure what is out there and what to ask for, but persistence and taking advice from the community will help with that a great deal. Sending hugs from the north =)
Healthcare? Ha, I am soooooooo glad for me and my wife to be back in German healthcare. I dismiss 95% of all complains that Germans have about it, especially comparing it to the USA. Given that there are similar systems elsewhere, for me the French and German are the best!
Yes!! Of course there are flaws, but in general, it is ver good!
I am actually cringing at the ones that idealize the US and want to move there because of some one particular thing that is allowed there and not here or some pseudo "freedom". They don't seem to realize how much they are trading in. We just don't know what we do have and what it's like not to.
This was another fun one to watch 🥳 Your videos are not just informative but also funny 🤩
Glad you enjoyed it! 😍
Liebe Familie,
ich möchte mich bei Euch für Eure Beiträge herzlichst bedanken. Ihr seid ein Vorbild für uns alle. Das Leben ist kein Zustand, sondern Bewegung und Entwicklung. Gestalten wir unsere Zukunft für uns und vor allem für unsere Kinder, so dass diese Zukunft lebenswert ist. Ihr seid aktiv und gestaltet mit, und dafür danke ich Euch.
Liebe Grüße,
Josh (Solingen, Germany)
Has someone already said it? The word is Ruhetag! 😉 As well: what I have seen from various American posts is the 24/7 time to be in reach for your employer. The same started here in Germany as well and especially with the recent Bug and people working from home it has blown up in my opinion. But there are companies working against that. I remember someone told me some years ago that BMW shuts down the E-Mail System between 18h and 6h (yes using our time system) so that employees don't overwork!
Yes, Ruhetag! Haha I couldn’t remember the word during the video.
@@MyMerryMessyGermanLife so easy to practice: whenever the neighbors make noises during "ruhezeit'. stick your head out of the window and yell at the top of your lungs: Ruhe! works everytime, endears you to the neighbors and makes sure you don't have to buy presents for christmas and birthdays :)
@@uliwehner Ha ha ha!
I think with standing in line there is a saying in Germany: wer zuerst kommt,mahlt zuerst. Which means that who is first gets served first. So when you stand line you have to wait for your turn. If another cashier opens there is no line so you can go first.
We are EU citizens residing in California. We have a close knit family and a good life we are grateful for here. However, the mass shootings on top of the other issues you have eloquently discussed have reignited my interest to live in Europe. Mostly, for my children's future. How did you manage homesickness and being apart from elderly parents and relatives here. It's a joy to hear you guys loving your life there.
Being away from our families is hard - we don’t like that part at all!! But we love our everyday lifestyles here and knowing our children are safer and have a better, more secure future here. Kevin’s mom is being cared for in an elderly home and my parents aren’t elderly yet. Once they are, my plan is to fly back and forth more often and help take care of them so my brother and sister can have breaks.
Need to correct you: With Covid the health care system has never been overwhelmed. One thing I don't like about our health care is, that the dental treatment was carved out, and only basic treatment is covered nowadays. The more expensive stuff need to be paid by yourself, or you need an additional insurance for it. people decide against treatment because of this and end up with sicknesses caused by their bad teeth.
Surely it's overwhelmed. It didn't break down, but it's overwhelmed. Too many healthcare workers quit their job. Go and look for Pflexit...
Yeah in the video we said that the healthcare system IS overwhelmed because of COVID, not that it isn’t. 😉
Welcome to Germany Sarah and Kevin 🌻🌹🍀, also Welcome to the four Kids, the one Cat 🐈and the Hamster :-)
It's nice to have you here, all best wishes from me
Thank you so much! 🥰
Huge respect that you opened your home to the Ukrainian family! The war is heartbreaking to witness unfold from the sidelines. You feel so powerless. I wish the West would intervene (not necessarily under NATO flag), despite the risk of the consequences of what Putin will do. About moving to Germany, I can relate to all of the reasons. Living near the Alps also sounds like a dream to me. I live in the flat lands of the Netherlands, so it's polar opposite. But it feels like home, so it's fine. I enjoy making yearly hiking trips to the Alps to satisfy my longing for the mountains.
I live in Basel, Switzerland for 11 years now and still appreciating the life here in Europe than in Philippines and Dubai from where i used to live and work. My sister moved last year there in Germany in state in Bayern in the town of Niedernberg just close to the boarder to the state of Hessen. She is 60 kms. from Frankfurt and she is happy there. I am happy here because we can see a lot places even though is a small continent but it has a lot to offer. I learned also german language and finished B2 level but i do not have time for C levels because i am learning now french. My husband can speak Swiss German as his mother langauge, High German, French fluently and a little Italian, as a swiss they already that in their primary years. Thanks for sharing your experiences there in germany and keep vlogging.
It sounds that you did a lot of research ahead, really sat down a lot w/ calculators and pro/cons lists before you finally moved for good.How long did "project moving to Germany" take you?
Ah yes, our first video where we announce we are moving to Germany might interest you - it took us a good 11-12 months to get everything in order to move here. We had to sell most of our possessions, sell our house, secure housing and a job here in Germany....
I'm a U.S. citizen who came to Germany in 2004 for what should have been a one-year work project....that was 18 years ago....for all the reasons you mentioned in the video (and more), I decided to stay in Germany and ended up starting a family and settling down here. I have no regrets and no plans to move back to the U.S.
I've heard many who have your same kind of story - came for what was supposed to be a short time and never left! The lifestyle here is so great, just not the same in the USA.
The amount of Kindergeld does not depend on where you live in Germany. It is the same everywhere: For the first and second child you get 219 EUR each, for the third 225 EUR and for each further child 250 EUR per month.
Ah okay, hmm, before we moved here we had been told and had read it was more in the more expensive cities.
Wie schön ❤️ wir leben auch seit 7 Jahre in Deutschland. Wir kommen aus Ungarn 🇭🇺
Love your family! Greetings from Ukrainian/American family in Hamburg❤️
💛💙
Oh very cool! Are your Ukrainian friends and family doing okay? Sending you all the best, I imagine this is a very hard time for you.
The chance of having a better life and a better future for the kids was once a cause for many people to move to the US. And the immigration of people like you is what the US made the great country it once was. It looks like the times have changed.
Yes! So ironic. The US was a beacon of democracy before World War II and then Europe started to really change and progress forward after WWII. Slowly but surely, Europe really became great!
Thank you so much for this video ! I was born, raised and educated in Germany. When I was young { a long time ago } I married an American Military Man. The Air Force transferred us to different Countries, that was very exciting. We eventually ended up in the US ! Culture Shock ! Many years ago the US was a good place to live, but not anymore ! It's the Wild West now ! How did it all go so wrong ? I deeply regret the choice I made to leave Germany and live in the US. I have always liked the American people and always will, but something has gone badly wrong with this country. At this point in my life I am unable to return to Germany to live ! I wish with all my heart that I could. You have made the right decision to move your family to Germany, you obviously did a lot of Research . Your statements are absolutely correct about life in Europe ! Your children will greatly benefit by life in Germany ! I congratulate You for making this Decision !
LOL ... when you mentioned free university ... Kevin's expressions were priceless. Listen, the reason why Germany offers free university is quite simple: It is because we NEED EVERYONE OF YOU to fill all those quality jobs and close the demographic gap that would otherwise lead to economic decline over time. And if Germans maybe love certain immigrants more than others (I know that sounds terrible, but let's be honest), it's those that appreciate the culture and want to contribute also in sharing and enriching us with their culture and values. I am biased (my wonderful wife is American) but I think our cultures can learn a lot from each other and are so very compatible in so many ways (which I realized more and more in my 16y in the USA) if we acknowledge and combine our very best qualities. Unbeatable! :)
Willkommen! 1st time here and half German/half American and have lived in 3 countries and 8 cities [including Germany] - and while working to get back to the Fatherland - currently just moved back to the UK from Atlanta too! LOVE your channel, subscribed and glad to see you made the right move over here - sehr gut :D
Thank you for reminding me of how privileged we are, especially with regard to opportunities and health care for our children.
Sehr schönes und informtives Video. Es gibt mir ein wenig meines Glaubens an ein Vaterland zurück. Vielen Dank dafür.
I love your perspective. It is a helpful reminder for someone like myself who has been in Germany for over 10 years but have only had children here, so I don't have the perspective of what our life would have been like had we moved back to America as a family. This helps me appreciate that my kids are growing up here in Munich.
Great video! I often get asked why I moved from so cal to Austria. Now I can just show this video!! Love the two of you:)
You just need to add: "They talk about Germany, Austria is even better!" :-D
@@larseberhart Austria does have fanatic mountains!
To live in other countries is very valuable!
❤❤❤❤❤
I heard a saying: Americans live to work, Europeans work to live.
It’s really true!
in Afrika heißt es : "Die Europäer haben die Uhr, die Afrikaner die Zeit"
Schön das ihr zu uns gekommen seid! Herzlich willkommen!
Interesting and helpful your opinion! Thanks. I think many germans don't know anymore how good we live here. Nettes kleines Weihnachtsgeschenk, your vid! Merry fröhliche Weihnachten and a happy Guten Rutsch nach 2023😉
Just watched a couple of your videos. Me being a German living in Canada for the last 40 years, quite enjoy watching your enthusiasm about having moved to Germany. There are a lot of reasons why i and my family emigrated from Germany. I completely understand a lot of your points why you enjoy Germany. I love visiting Germany because i still have friends/family living there and then i love leaving Germany again. The problem that you will find out evtl. is especially in Bavaria, as a foreigner particularly being American, you will always be a foreigner there. You’ll be somewhat accepted but you’ll never be included. My cousin who like me are from northern Germany, has lived in Bavaria for the last 30 years, has friends, who are also from North Germany, are not really included in their community.
Anyways, i love your enthusiasm, keep it up, and it is what you make of it. Best of luck und Alles Gute wünsche ich Euch und euern Kindern.
Yes Germany is a good country to make a life, unfortunately at this time, too close to Russia, which was the main reason why my family left Germany at the height of the Cold War.
Alles Gute
I’m so glad that you are happy living in Germany. I hope that here in the US we can create a better quality of life in the future. Things like, vacation, holiday, & maternity leave/paternity time are so important we must change this. And of course, healthcare & free university needs to be more common. Although in Atlanta, for academic good students Georgia University is free. There simply needs to be more. Best of luck to All of us.