Germany is one of the most accessible European countries for Americans — English is widely spoken, the infrastructure is excellent, and the American community is large (roughly 300,000 Americans live in Germany). The practical setup process is straightforward once you know the steps. The cultural adjustment, however, is more significant than many Americans expect — German directness, different social rhythms, and a less service-oriented culture can be jarring at first. This guide covers both.
First two weeks in Germany — what to do in order
- Find your accommodation and move in. If you have a dormitory or temporary housing arranged, use this time to also look for long-term accommodation if needed.
- Complete Anmeldung (address registration) at the local Bürgeramt or Einwohnermeldeamt within 14 days. Bring your passport and a Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation form) signed by your landlord or dorm administrator.
- Enrol at your university if you haven't already. Collect your student ID and semester contribution receipt — this is also your transport pass in most cities.
- Enrol in German public health insurance at TK, AOK, or Barmer. Bring your passport and enrollment certificate. Your card arrives by post within a week.
- Open a German bank account. N26 is the easiest for international students — fully online, English-language app. For a traditional bank, Deutsche Bank and Commerzbank offer student accounts.
- Book your Ausländerbehörde appointment for your residence permit (see the Residence Permit guide). Do this the same week you arrive.
- Get a German SIM card (Aldi Talk, O2, Congstar, or Lebara). You need a German address, which you now have from Anmeldung.
- Contact your university's International Office and any student union for Americans or English-speakers. Most universities with significant English-taught programs have active international student communities.
Culture shock — what surprises Americans most
| Directness | Germans communicate directly and without the social cushioning common in US culture. "That's wrong" means that's wrong — it is not rude. Adjust expectations and appreciate the clarity. |
|---|---|
| Sundays | Almost everything is closed on Sundays — supermarkets, shops, many restaurants. Shop on Saturday. This is non-negotiable. |
| Tipping | Standard tip is 5–10% (round up to a convenient number), not 20%. Tipping is appreciated but not expected to subsidise wages — German servers earn a proper salary. |
| Cash | Germany uses cash more than the US. Many smaller restaurants, cafés, and markets are cash-only. Always carry €20–30 in cash. |
| Recycling | Germans take recycling seriously. Separate bins for paper, plastic, glass (by color), bio waste, and residual waste. Not optional — violating Mülltrennung annoys neighbors significantly. |
| Quietness | Germany has strict "Ruhezeit" (quiet time) — no loud noise between 10pm–7am, and on Sundays. No vacuuming, drilling, or parties during these hours. |
| Service culture | Service in restaurants, shops, and offices is professional but not effusively friendly. "The customer is always right" is not a German concept. Adjust expectations. |
The American community in Germany
With roughly 300,000 Americans in Germany, you will find American communities in every major city. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg have the largest concentrations.
The American Women's Club of Germany, American Citizens Abroad Germany chapters, and city-specific expat Facebook groups ("Americans in Berlin", "Americans in Munich") are active and welcoming.
Most German universities with English-taught programs have international student groups that are naturally American-heavy. Your first contacts will often be other international students.
American food: you will not find everything, but the essentials are available. Thanksgiving turkey, peanut butter, Pop-Tarts, and American chips are sold at Kaufland, some Rewe stores, and specialist American food shops in major cities.
American sports: NFL and NBA have German fan communities. Sports bars in Berlin and Munich regularly screen American football and basketball. The US is also well represented in Munich for any American football fans — Munich hosted the first NFL regular season game in Germany in 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions
You need a German bank account. Your blocked account releases €934/month, which needs to go somewhere accessible. Paying rent via SEPA bank transfer (the European bank transfer system) requires a German IBAN. Many German services and landlords do not accept non-German bank transfers. N26 is the easiest option — it opens fully online in English and is free for the basic account.
Dramatically different. German public health insurance (gesetzliche Krankenversicherung) covers virtually all medical needs — doctor visits, specialists, hospital stays, most prescriptions, mental health — for ~€110/month. There are no deductibles or co-pays for most treatments. You simply present your health insurance card. Most American students find it a significant relief compared to navigating US health insurance.
Germany is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. Crime rates in German cities are significantly lower than in comparable US cities. Pick-pocketing in tourist areas and on public transport is the main risk. The same street-sense you would use in any large city applies. US State Department travel advisories for Germany are typically at Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions).
Technically possible but expensive and rarely worthwhile. Car shipping costs $1,000–3,000, and US cars require expensive modifications to meet German technical standards (TÜV). More practically: German cities have excellent public transport, your semester ticket covers most of it, and owning a car in a German city involves high parking costs and limited utility. Most students don't use cars.
Explore the full guide for United States students in Germany
Back to the Complete Guide
