Germany is one of the most orderly and organized countries in the world.
With its charming scenery, low crime rates and good standard of living,
Germany is a good option for any Nigerian seeking to move abroad.
If you recently moved to Germany or plan on moving soon, you may experience difficulties adapting to your new environment.
However, it would be best if you didn’t worry about this as in this post, I will show you how you can survive in Germany as a Nigerian, among other helpful information.
Let me know in the comment if you have any questions or need further clarifications.
Table of contents
Moving to Germany as a Nigerian
Moving to Germany is a good step you should take for several reasons. Some of the benefits include:
Vibrant Economy
Germany is one of the countries with the best economy in Europe and the world at large.
It means that there are a lot of employment opportunities spanning various fields.
It is good news for everyone seeking a place to build a career, as companies are always looking for skilled foreign hands.
Thriving industries in the country include IT and technology, health, education, and business, amongst others.
Great Standard of Living
It would interest you to know that the quality of living in Germany is among the best rated in the world.
The country has low crime rates as the government frowns at crimes. The environment is clean and beautiful.
It’s an excellent area to relax and relieve stress. There are lots of parks, attractions and stunning sights to see.
The houses are budget-friendly, groceries are affordable, and the transportation is safe.
Nigerians are going to enjoy their stay in the country.
Easy Access to Other European Countries
Moving to Germany is an excellent start if you want to explore other European countries easily.
You can hop on a train, get on a bus or rent a car, and you will be in a new area in a few hours.
So, you can take the weekend off and travel to France, Belgium or any other country close to Germany.
Topnotch Education
It is no news that Germany is a top destination for international students, including Nigerians.
The country has formal educational institutions for producing global leaders in various industries.
Also, German degrees are respected globally and give you an edge in the labour market.
One remarkable thing about German education is that it is offered at little or no cost, so you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank to fund your studies.
Studying in Germany at any level helps you develop yourself and maximize your potential.
Good Health Care System
The German health care system is among the most advanced in the world.
Residents can access medical services at no cost as long as they pay for insurance.
If you work in Germany, you automatically have access to public health insurance which is paid equally by you and your employer.
Also, the hospitals in the country have state-of-the-art facilities and qualified professionals with vast experience.
Hence, you don’t have to worry about your health when you are down with illnesses or any medical emergencies.
Surviving in Germany as a Nigerian
The following are effective tips to survive in Germany as a Nigerian;
- Learn the German Language
- Stay Away From Crime
- Get a Job in Germany
- Secure a Cheap Accommodation
- Meet New People in Your City
- Stick to the Rules
Learn the German Language
One major problem Nigerians have when they move to Germany is the language barrier.
Although English is widely spoken in the country, German is still the official language.
You need to know how to communicate in German to handle daily activities such as purchasing groceries, talking to the cab driver, and getting help.
You may end up being frustrated if you cannot communicate with the locals, which would make your stay in the country miserable.
You should also be able to say essential words and phrases such as good morning (Guten Morgen), please (bitte), thank you (Danke), goodbye (Auf Wiedersehen), etc.
You may have heard how challenging the language is, but as long as you are dedicated and consistent in practice, you will get the hang of it sooner than you expect.
Learning German through online courses is advisable even before you relocate to the country.
Stay Away From Crime
Germany has a low crime rate, and this is because the country takes security seriously.
If you want a peaceful stay in Germany, you should avoid any criminal activities.
Do not be found in suspicious environments to avoid being a victim of circumstances.
As a safety tip, always take an identity document with you.
This way, you can prove that you are legally staying in the country if the police officers question you.
If you are not found with any means of identity, for instance, a residence permit, you can be arrested, and you would have nothing to say.
Get a Job in Germany
A lot of expenses come with living in Germany, just like in any other country.
To keep up with the many costs, you should get a job.
You may not find a high-paying job during your first year, but you can start with small ones to support yourself.
You can start with working in cafes and restaurants, driving cabs etc.
If you wish to get a high-paying job quickly, you should already have a degree.
A degree would boost your chances of being employed in top companies in the country.
Secure a Cheap Accommodation
No matter your level financially, you can get an apartment that suits your needs.
There are a lot of resources that can help you find a suitable apartment.
However, it would be best to exercise patience as it may be daunting.
To get a good apartment, you should first prepare a budget and determine the house you want to stay in.
You can find family apartments, shared spaces, single flats or studios and luxury apartments in the country.
To make your search easier, check housing websites such as Wunderflats, Nestpick, Immowelt etc.
Apart from your rent, you should also have extra money to cover costs such as internet, refuse etc.
Meet New People in Your City
Although Germans are not as friendly as Nigerians, you cannot be alone throughout your stay in the country.
No man is an island; you need to step out of your comfort zone and mix with people of like minds.
Most Germans belong to different levels, so you should join groups too.
Be involved in activities in school, church and at work. Attend events, go to parks and try to bring up conversations.
Having at least one German friend would do you more good than you can ever imagine.
Stick to the Rules
As earlier stated, Germans are orderly, and they follow the rules all the time.
There are written and unwritten laws that govern their daily activities.
So if you do something that isn’t normal in the country, be ready to be frowned upon.
For instance, never cross the street when you see a red light. It is not Nigeria, Germans respect their laws, and you can be made to pay a fine if you are caught!
Also, it would be best if you didn’t listen to loud music on public transport, it irritates Germans.
Lastly, please do not joke about German history, they consider it sensitive, and people may not like you for that.
Before you move to Germany, you should research some laws everyone should know so you wouldn’t do something wrong without knowing.
Best Cities to Live in Germany for Nigerians
If you are looking for lovely cities to stay in Germany that has good job opportunities, then you should consider these cities:
- Frankfurt
- Berlin
- Hamburg
- Munich
- Dusseldorf
- Stuttgart
- Nuremberg
- Heidelberg
Cost of Living in Germany
The cost of living in Germany is not as high as in other developed countries in the world.
The cost of living in Germany depends on the city you live in.
Living in some cities can be more expensive than others, so if you prefer to live on a budget, you can live in affordable cities in Germany like Leipzig, Kiel, Jena, Bremen, Osnabruck etc.
However, the average cost of living for non-students in Germany can range from €1200 – €1500.
An average Nigerian (who is not a student) can incur these costs per month:
- Rent: from €300 – €700
- Utilities: €220
- Travel: up to €100
- Food and drinks: €150 – €200
- Health insurance: €110 or more
- Lifestyle: €50 to €150
- Miscellaneous: €20
Conclusion
Living in one of the world’s most progressive countries is good.
The land is full of various opportunities and stunning landscapes, and you will have a surreal experience.
However, to make the most of your stay in the country, you must know a few survival tips to make living stress free.
This article has just shown you why you should consider moving to Germany, how you can survive in Germany as a Nigerian, the best cities to live in and the cost of living there.
Let me know in the comment box below if you have any questions or need further clarification. I will love to help you.
Please can l have reliable agents to help me process my admission and visa in Abuja?
Yes, Alex
Is it compulsory for a Nigerian to write the IELTS exams even though we learned using the English language?
Whether or not it is compulsory for a Nigerian to write the IELTS exam even though they learned using the English language in Germany depends on the specific university or institution you are applying to. Some universities may accept your English proficiency without requiring you to take the IELTS, while others may require it regardless of where you learned English.
Thank you so much Blessing Olarewaju, pls my question is How easy is it for a Nigerian citizen to seek an assylum in Germany?
It is not easy for a Nigerian citizen to seek asylum in Germany. The German government has a strict asylum policy and only grants asylum to those who can prove that they are fleeing persecution or serious harm in their home country.
In order to apply for asylum in Germany, you must first enter the country illegally. Once you are in Germany, you must apply for asylum at the nearest Foreigners’ Office. You will be interviewed by a migration officer and asked to provide evidence of your persecution or fear of harm.
The German government will then consider your application and decide whether to grant you asylum. The decision-making process can take several months or even years. If your application is denied, you may be deported back to Nigeria.
Here are some of the factors that the German government will consider when deciding whether to grant you asylum:
1. The reasons why you are seeking asylum.
2. Your personal circumstances, such as your age, health, and family situation.
3. The situation in your home country.
4. Your chances of being persecuted or harmed if you return to your home country.
If you are granted asylum in Germany, you will be given a residence permit and allowed to stay in the country. You will also be entitled to social benefits, such as housing, food, and medical care.
However, it is important to note that asylum is not a permanent solution. You will need to find a way to regularize your stay in Germany, such as by applying for a work permit or a family reunion visa.
Thanks Blessing for your advice. But please may I know why your list of preferred destinations of residence in Germany did not include Bavaria?
Sure. I did not include Bavaria in my list of preferred destinations of residence in Germany for a few reasons.
1. Bavaria is a very expensive state to live in. The cost of living in Bavaria is significantly higher than in other parts of Germany. This is due to a number of factors, including the high demand for housing in Bavaria, the high cost of food and other goods, and the high taxes.
2. Bavaria has a strong regional identity. Bavarians are very proud of their culture and traditions, and they can be resistant to change. This can be difficult for people who are not from Bavaria to adjust to.
Of course, these are just my personal reasons for not including Bavaria in my list. There are many people who love living in Bavaria, and it is a beautiful and historic state with a lot to offer. If you are thinking about moving to Germany, I recommend doing your own research to decide which state is the best fit for you.
Thank you so much Blessing Olarewaju for this Great Piece.
Well, for those who want to learn German language, Koos End languages Centre helps in the tutoring, registration and preparation for German certificate exams.
Check our website at kooslanguages.com.ng. Contact 08035949272 for enquiries.
Apart from German, we also teach Spanish, French, Russian, Chinese, Portuguese languages and help prepare for DALF, DELF, IELTS, TOEFL etc.
For those in Abuja, we’re available at Suite c1, Jodepal Plaza, Opposite Dalchi Gym near Agete hotel (close to Fidelity Bank), 1st Avenue, Gwarinpa.
So interesting
My pleasure.