The One Reason I'm Ready to Leave Germany - Life in Germany
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2023
- As much as we love our life here in Germany, there are certain challenges that test our resolve and leave us longing for greener and sunnier pastures. In this video, I'll reveal the single, soul-crushing aspect of life here that makes me want to bid farewell to Deutschland and set out for new adventures abroad.
About us: At the end of July of 2021, after a long time of hoping, dreaming, and planning, we sold or gave away almost everything we owned and left the United States to begin our journey with four children as an expat family. We moved to Leipzig, Germany, a beautiful city in the state of Saxony. This is our story.
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I left germany in march 2023!
I am much happier now 😊
May I ask where you went?
Spring wouldn't be half as glorious if there wasn't a little suffering first. And look at the footage - how gorgeous is this sugar-powdered world around you?!? I'm German and I never complain because I love having four distinct seasons.
That's the way I feel. I enjoy the sleeping nature in Winter and coming slowly to life in Springtime. That's for me the circle of life and how it should be. Try to see it a little more that way 😉
The snow makes a nice difference for me - I would actually like more of it! I do like four seasons, but the winter here (especially last year) was tougher than I expected. This year was better, and now I'm even more prepared for next winter!
Always enjoyed watching the videos. I hope you are doing
well in southern Spain
As a local I know very well what you are describing. January and February in particular are always very bad for me. There was already dark November, then December, but January is always the worst month for me because it feels like it's never going to get better. I'm suffering from winter depression more than usual this year. By the way, I live very far north, almost in Scandinavia. And here it gets dark even earlier than in the rest of the country. Today we have nicer weather for a change and the mood improves immediately. So you see, even the locals know that feeling.
Yeah, it's definitely tough. I can't imagine what it's like further north. I found this year to be a bit better than last year with a little snow, a few more sunny days, no Covid lock downs, and of course actually having the Christmas markets. I agree that January and February are the toughest - but we're almost through it now! I hope things get better for you!
Honestly I feel you! Leipzig's winter can be brutal, especially if there is snow and the tram isn't working. I've been struggling with the darkness and the cold and have been constantly ill this winter. I had zero health issues when I travelled Australia for 8 months and part of the reason was the outdoor lifestyle, tonnes of sun and Vitamin D and moving around.
I actually love the snow! For me, if it snowed more, it would be better. Everything just looks brighter and cleaner with some fresh snow piled up! Plus, the kids love it of course. But I miss the sun for sure, and you're right, it can really impact the health with less activity and less vitamin D!
@@OnwardMJ When I was a child / younger Man, we had, even at Lake Constance (is a large thermos) 400m above sea level, much more snow. Parts of the lake, like the harbor were frozen. So we could go sledding and skating in the village. We drove 20 km to a mountain 700 m above sea level in the sun, there was a mini ski resort with 3-4 lifts and cross-country ski trails.
Pretty much all over for years. Lake Constance froze over completely every 70 years or so, the last time was in 1963, which will probably never happen again.
Check the mountains around you and the weather, it sometimes helps to be just a few hundred meters higher to get some sun.
I am living in Australia but I miss Leipzig so much! All the nature, the culture, the people to be enjoyed in that glorious city! Springtime is the most wonderful season. The harsher the winter, the more enjoyable the spring. I haven't seen snow in almost a decade. I wish I had never left Leipzig.
I feel you! Winter in Germany can be depressing😬. I love the blue skies we have in Boston! And we're already talking about how much we'll miss it when we will move back 😪
I totally understand what you mean. As an old native old german man, I can confirm, January and February can be very depressive because of the weather. But I'm sure that is one of the reasons why we love springtime so much, If there is always summer weather, how will it be possible to enjoy it? You need the dark side to see the good side!
BTW: I like your channel, your story and how open-minded you are.
That's true. I do usually prefer places that have real seasons for that same reason. I just have to adapt to the winter here and continue to find ways to enjoy it!
Thanks for watching!
I think every German (or in my case Austrian) knows that feeling and has felt that way at some point. What helps me is when I try to not focus on what I can't do in wi ter or what I miss, but see it as an opportunity to do things I can't do in the warmer months. Like ice-skating, walks in the snow in the mountains, tobogganing(?), especially if you do those things with friends and then invite them over for a hot chocolate or Glühwein (I think you might begin to see why we start this cold season with alcohol haha). Also go to a spa or a sauna. There probably is a reason those things are so popular in Germany. I also enjoy how fresh the air gets and how it clears my mind, not like hot sticky air in August. And also learn how to dress for the weather so the cold does not bother you too much. Now I don't think of winter as cold first, but as cozy.
Edit: and if you see the sun, GO OUTSIDE! I heard that from other RUclipsrs that they noticed that Germans flock outside on sunny winter days, turn their face to the sun and enjoy it. Now you know why :)
Good points. This year was better with the Christmas markets, no lockdowns, and a little snow to brighten things up. Also being a bit better mentally prepared for it helped too. I think next year we will try to get away for both some fun winter activities and to find a warm sunny spot to visit.
When it does get sunny, I do try to get out, but with my schedule it can be hard sometimes. I'm thankful for my balconies - one that faces east and one that faces west! It really helps when the sun does decide to show up.
Sorry to hear that German winters make you sick. Also for me, being a native German , I feel the winter time to be depressing for me. But I try to travel a lot, maybe you may have a few weeks holiday somewhere in warmer countries to refresh your mood. Now in Feb. we experience the first sunny, but cold days and daytime is getting longer again.
Thanks. With the snow we had, plus having the Christmas market this year, this winter was better than last year. We really want to travel somewhere warm next year - unfortunately we weren't able to this year for a few different reasons. I hear Mallorca is the place to go! I also think we will get used to the rhythm of the seasons here the longer we stay...
This is a problem and not just for you. I grew up in Leipzig and i love this city, id always say its the best city in the whole world. The lakes, the parks, the picturesque fields in the very north of Leipzig. However, this all changes in winter. As you mentioned, everything gets grey and dull to a very depressing extend.
Right now, im just waiting for spring to take over, to see life returning to this place. I want to see smiling people, kids inline skating in Clara Zetkin Park and so on.
If you take music as a metaphor then id compare Leipzig during the winter season to Kid A from Radiohead while in summer its more like Moment of Truth from Gang Starr or Homework from Daft Punk. Sorry, im a bit of a nerd.
So be sure that its not just you an your family that are suffering in these conditions and stay strong! We‘re already closer to summer than to the beginning of winter.
Good to know we're not alone. I agree with you on all of the awesome aspects to the city! I'm also looking forward to the warmer weather and the life coming back! It's a very different place in the winter, especially once the Christmas market is packed up.
As a music lover, I appreciate the metaphors!
this is why we have so many philosophers....
You are so right. As soon as I'm retired I will be in the Sun during the Winter.
But just s little Info. There are Lamps which are used to help people with this kind of issues. They have special Light. You are suppossed to sit before that lamp 20 minutes a day and it really Lifts up your mood.
I started using my studio lights with the adjustable light temperature during the really dark days. It certainly made a difference! Might not be quite the same as the specially designed lamps, but was worth using for me.
Coming from a German: I totally get you; German winters suck. Long, grey, far too little snow to brighten up the dreary landscape, often cloud cover for days or even weeks on end, intermingled with cold, drizzly rain just, barely just above freezing. High humidity (fairly) with no snow, far too little sun light, and even during the nights too much cloud cover to see stars or the moon. It is just one dreary, cold, grey stretch of barely existence. Especially when you have a full day time job where you have to commute. You get up in darkness, barely see an improvement during the day when you are forced to work inside, and when you commute back the sun has set or is already setting. Trees and plants seem dead and almost black. Rain slick tarmac sucks up the remaining light. Repeat for days and weeks on end.
Yes, there are other countries, especially in the Nordics, that have even darker days, without any sunlight. But most of the time, it is a crisp, dry cold, often with relatively clear skies.
It always drags me down as well. Vitamin D, E, and K supplements in a correct dosage may (MAY) help a bit for those suffering from the winter blues.
Glad to know I'm not alone. It can be rough, although this year we were better prepared than last year. We will look at some escape options for next winter!
Thanks
Wow! I think you're the fist expat RUclipsr to mention the gray winters in Germany. I remember spending some winter time in Wisconsin and hated the gray/gloomy weather. Doing a daily workout no matter the gray sky, I'm sure can be very helpful. I guess you just have to force yourself to get those endorphins going. And...thanks for your honesty!
Thanks! I agree, just getting outside can really help (which is why I'm keeping my workouts outdoors no matter the weather). I'm surprised more people don't talk about it - but maybe as RUclipsrs we have a tendency to show only the positive side of things? But, I'm happy to be honest and transparent!
You are right, the winter time is not nice here in Germany, but it is only 4 months. The spring is usually quite nice and the summer months are not as hot as in the south of Europe. I cannot imagine living there for that reason.
We usually fly to Andalusia right after Christmas or in February. It helps.
Next year that might be on our to do list! 😁
Lack of Vitamin D3 due to lack of sunshine definitely plays a crucial role causing your "Winter Blues". There are some cofactors to be taken together with Vitamin D3 to make it work. You may give it a try but first I would do some reasearch and get the right knowledge especially concerning the right/effective dose.
Definitly. I am from Leipzig aswell and it helps... even if it would just be placebo i wouldnt care because this would mean it helps regardless
We did add that to our diet (I worked in the health and nutrition industry for about 15 years, so I've learned a few things). I think last year the combination of all of the factors were just tough to deal with together. This year, with some better preparation, more activities (yay, Christmas markets!) and a few more sunny days than last year made it a bit easier. I expect next year to be even better. 👍
@@OnwardMJ great, we have quite a good number of sunshine days in the northwest and spring is already in the air it seems. good luck.
One thing that might help is going to a Therme/Erlebnisbad: they are warm and light, with indoor and outdoor pools and most importantly, Saunas! Scandinavians can always give you the best tips as their winter is even darker and colder that ours :)
I might have to schedule some time in a sauna next winter. 😁 I can't imagine living further north with that long darkness - I'm sure you can adapt over time, but for someone new I think it would be rough.
You could try a "daylight therapy lamp", I find them very helpful.
A little recommendation to help you with your winter depression - compared to the States, you do have a lot of vacation time and your kids also have school vacations the last two weeks of February. Book yourself a vacation to the Canary Islands (southernmost point belonging to Europe / Spain) and refuel there some warmth and sunshine...
As a freelancer, my work schedule and deadlines don't always line up with the holidays for the kids, but that is definitely something we are trying to do next year! This year we had a few obstacles preventing us from traveling as well, but it is a good idea!
Hi, just think about the most southern place of Europe. I draw your attention to the following places for consideration, reachable by the simple need having your ID Card only:
- South Indian Ocean : La Reunion (France)
- south Caribbean Sea: Curaçao close to Venezuela (The Netherlands)
- and to North check Greenland (Kingdom of Denmark)
…. and many more…. happy traveling within EU-associated territories…
Winter in Scandinavia is even darker and more gloomy and lacks sunlight. Sunlight is important for your mood, hormones and vitamin supply. Maybe they can learn from the Swedes. There they have special daylight lamps and even special headphones emitting light which can be absord by the ears.
I can't imagine how I would do in Scandinavia! But I'm sure having the right tips and tricks can help get you through. This year we were better prepared than last year, so I expect next year will be even better!
What can help in my experience is to make use of some winter activities. You already mentioned the christmas markets which are amazing.
Leipzig actually hast skiing regions nearby like Fichtelberg in the Erzgebirge or the Harz.
An other thing I love to do during the winter is going to some games of the Icefighters Leipzig, the cities hockey team. Grab e Glühwein and enjoy the game - the stadium is quite small which is perfect for hockey, since you are always close to the action.
I didn't realize we had a hockey team here! I was never really into it, but I think it would be fun to go to in a small venue (especially with Glühwein). Where is the stadium?
@@OnwardMJ The Stadium is in the so called Kohlrabizirkus, which is located right next to the S-Bahn station "Leipzig MDR", one station further south from Bayerischer Bahnhof.
It is just this 2 months as in November/December you have the Xmas period. And in other parts of Germany now comes the Faschings- or Karneval time. Like some said before - it makes you appreciate spring much more.
Yes, the Christmas markets and festivities definitely made that part of winter much more enjoyable this year (and no lockdowns!). So this year wasn't as bad, and I think next year we need to plan some activities and vacations a little better to really make the most of what Germany and Europe have to offer!
I don’t understand why this winter thing is such an issue for some people. The seasons in Germany are similar to life. There are not only shiny days.
Thats why we invented Glühwein (mulled wine). :D
You get used to it...or escape in winter for a week or two to a warmer place...e.g. Tenerife
You should get your vitamin d level tested. If it´s low taking some might help with the winter blues.
A "Lihtdusche" might help too. It´s basically a really bright lamp with at least 10,000 lumen. But be careful with your eyes and followed the instructions or better talk to your Hausarzt/ family dotor about using one.
Going skiing in the Alps in February is helpful too but pretty expensive as a family. In Frebuary you usually get at least some sun up there.
We did take vitamin D, and I used my studio lights (with adjustable light temperatures) and it helped this year. Skiing in the alps is a dream vacation for me, just wasn't in the budget this year. Hoping next year I can make it happen!
@@OnwardMJ Are the studio lights adjustable to 10,000 lumen or even higher?
Based on my experience, observations (among friends and relatives) and opinion many germans share your thoughts about wintertime in germany. Thats why many of them flock towards the south to spend at least a few weeks or even two months during the "dark" german winters close to the Mediterranean. In the 60s and 70s many germans escaped to italy or the south of france, some of them even bought some small and old (farm)houses down there that were left by their former owners that moved to the big cities to get better jobs and income, renovated them during their holidays and as soon as they were old enough they moved down there and lived a reduced/cheaper life(style) out of their pension because at the end of the day they found out that they didn´t need a flat or house in munich, Berlin or Frankfurt, 2 cars and the daily hussle in germany where there are 6 months of cold, rainy weather and dark grey skies that made them depressive. They traded all of that for 8 months of sunny,warm weather and 4 months of "normal weather" that allowed you to spend your evenings in a T shirt, sitting on a terrace, drinking some red wine, eating some bread and cheese and watching the birds and animals roaming the 3 acres of land around their small house.
Nevertheless-over the last few decades most of these once affordable properties were sold or raised in price so nowadays more and more germans spend their holidays or buy some property
in Croatia, on the Balearic Islands, the Canary Islands or the Island of Madeira only an hour away from the beaches and if they can´t afford to buy a house they buy a camper van to drive there and spend the winter months on sunnier places.
Of course-most of them have to wait till they are in their 40s,50s or 60s and the kids are grown up
and live their own life till they have enough money saved and freedom to do so.
That would be amazing to have a nice cottage to escape to! Maybe one day (when my kids are grown up 😅).
That's the winter blues. 😁
But you can adjust to it, if you want. 😉
We're working on it. It was just unexpected since we thought the city we left was pretty cloudy and dark in the winter! This year was better than last, with the extra snow and the Christmas markets...plus I think we are starting to adjust to it and learn how to manage our lives around it better.
I love this style of video but it was sad to hear that you are all struggling with the seasonal gloom! The weather used to affect me badly too but doesn’t have much of an impact these days.
The German saying ‘there is no such thing as the wrong weather only unsuitable clothes’ or however it goes is so true though. Spending time outside going for a brisk walk, when warm and dry in the right clothes, definitely makes the world look different. It is also one of the best ways to have a really good chat with your children, being busy walking and not looking at one another can make chatting easier, especially with older children who don’t blurt everything out at the dinner table like the little ones might do.
Hot chocolate, obviously made with milk, cacao powder and sugar after is the perfect way to get warm and cosy. The other day I made some American pancakes with it and we were in heaven.
I hope you will all feel better soon.
Thanks! Glad you liked the video style - hopefully I'll have more on the way soon. I agree that getting outside no matter the weather does have such an impact. Even after walking to pick up the kids from school or going to the store and back, just that bit of fresh air really helps.
Would love trade place with u. My city always have sunshine and hot as hell. I love gloomy dark grey cold weather everyday
You know, everywhere in Europe Winters are grey and gloomy. Spain and Italy, in the South are better. And believe me, most Europeans struggle from late October through to March.
Vacations are popular to go by car to the Alps, and in general, Southern Germany (where I live) has also long Novembers/Decembers and Januarys. But now you can see spring is not far around the corner. Today was a glorious day with steelblue skies and sun all day long, but below 0°C and the nights are somewhere around -12°C.
A great thing are the Center Parcs (and that one near Berlin in a big hangar) with tropical temperatures, vegetation and swimming pools, water slides and saunas. They do give you a little break over the course of a long weekend.
And also, winter vacations in Egypt (Hurghada) or the Canary Islands, both around fountained flight time, are very popular with Northern Europeans.
I think, people here deal with it as best as they can. Local Vereine, activities in your community and now Karneval/Fasching is around the corner.
Here in Niederbayern we’re lucky, as often the weather is dark and gloomy and foggy, but a 15 minute drive up in the mountains and up there is the sun beaming down.
Bottom line: I feel you. I am longing now for the brighter and longer days and spring time.
Why don’t you look into a vacation break near the Lago di Garda in Italy? It is just South of the Alps which are a barrier for the wet, windy and foggy Northern weather, and easy to reach by car. I do understand you’re limited to school holidays to travel.
Today I heard Leipzig was stuck in a bubble of fog, and everywhere else in literally the whole of Germany there was blue skies and sun! Fingers crossed you can soak up some bright sunshine tomorrow! Thank you for your video. And trust me, you’re not alone feeling the way you do! LGs
Sun came out in the afternoon... & October to January was really warm & maybe even a little sunnier then normally, but definitely warmer.
3 weeks ago a was jogging in just a thin longsleeve in the brightest sunshine in the park behind the Zoo & saw Giraffes, Antilopes, Zebras, gazelles & Ostriches. But if some aren't used to European winters at all, it is hard I guess.
Quite everywhere in Germany winters are not as hard to bear than in eastern parts. Move south or north - it would be much better, AND the children would keep language and culture ...
I agree, I think Sachsen is especially bad in the winter. So is the center and the Ruhrgebiet. South and north are better. Especially the southwest! It's colder but less grey on average.
@@reyne8424 Ruhrgebiet? We hardly HAVE any winter nowadays :D
German here: just look at it in a positive way... if you can handle a dark, grey, gloomy, crowdy german winter, you can handle every kind of weather 🤣.
Winter in Leipzig is depressing because it's not a real winter. I mean there are really hard winters in the (northern) US right now with a windchill of -70 degrees. I would not change a thing atm. But yea, I prefer a real winter, rather than the nothing around us atm. Are you guys from the real "Windy City"?
I agree. We most recently lived in central Pennsylvania (around Penn State University) and although it was a fairly cloudy place, the winters weren't bad because there was snow and small mountains (big hills?) for winter activities. And like I mentioned, the snow really makes the dark and cold manageable. But you're right, I much prefer it here compared to that weather in the northeast US this weekend!
Comparing the winter weather of Germany to that of Belgium's, I rather spend a winter in a snow-covered ground with a grey sky in Germany than a cold, humid, windy, rainy, and dark sky, in Belgium. The nasty weather coming from the North Sea, makes the winter weather in Belgium really depressing.
Yes, when you say it like that, it definitely sounds nicer here! I would love more snow-covered days though. It doesn't quite snow enough for me, and I think snow makes the winter more enjoyable!
@@OnwardMJ absolutely! Winter with lots of snow makes it more enjoyable. Especially for those who enjoy walking in the forest.
Because of the cloudy and dark wintertime germans invented the Glühwein 😅
Now you also know why the Germans are so active outside, whatever the weather.
We must be. Otherwise we would go insane in the winter.
Das nennt man Vorfreude für den Frühling. HAHA
Yeah global warming kinda fked the seasons in germany at this point we can basically say only 2 exists Winter and Summer the inbetweens arent even seasons anymore but a mix between both of them its 1 week hot the other freezing cold until we eventually get to Summer and vice versa till we hit winter….I miss the old times when it snowed in November to January and then got slowly warmer, dont be suprised when it snows during april cause that shit happened the last few years
April, April er weiß nicht, was er will! April weather here is crazy (Hey, I made a video about it last year 😄). I'll have to remind myself of that when I start thinking winter is over in April, then it snows again.
schau, du wurdest erhört.. die sonne lacht heute über leipzig. :) aber ja, es kann nerven, wenn es tagelang bewölkt ist. aber man gewöhnt sich daran.. vg
Wow, the level of bureaucracy in Germany is astounding! That, plus the language barrier and their attitudes toward foreigners is horrible. They want to use the skills of foreign workers to benefit their economy for them to compete globally, but at the same time, they make it incredibly difficult for them to build a life there. You are being used during your peak years, with an uncertain future;
Joke ?? When you fly to South Afrika its hot ????? bye
I'll have to search for the perfect climate...not too cold, but not too hot. And not too expensive. And family friendly... The list gets long! We'll adapt to it and find ways to enjoy it anyway!