Anyone moved to Frankfurt, Germany?

June 26, 2006 9:47 AM

Anyone moved from the US to Frankfurt, Germany?

I'm pursuing a job opportunity in Frankfurt, Germany. Anyone here done anything like this? I don't speak German and neither does my wife. She would find a job if we moved.

No kids, just 3 cats and a handful of things we'd move with us. We're both in our early 30's.

Comments? Suggestions? Anecdotes?

Any specifics on cost of living changes? I'm semi-versed with the taxation changes so that's not too jarring, but I'm more interested in the intangibles and lifestyle changes.

I spent about 2 weeks in Germany in August, a week or so in Leipzig for a convention and the rest driving to Munich, Rothenberg ODT and Oberwesel.

posted by Lord_Pall to society & culture (9 answers total)

For a good (if somewhat snarky) introduction to the odder aspects of German culture, Der Spiegel offered a wonderful guide shortly before the World Cup started.
posted by huskerdont at 9:52 AM on June 26, 2006

A Manual for Germany by the German government for foreigners who will be living there.
posted by grouse at 10:08 AM on June 26, 2006

I've read most of the web sites, perused expatica and so on. I'm more interested in personal experiences.
posted by Lord_Pall at 10:15 AM on June 26, 2006

I lived in Frankfurt for a couple of months two summers ago. As long as you're within the center-city zone, the public transit is really reliable and goes pretty much everywhere you'd need. I found the restaurants to be more expensive than they are in the U.S. (probably about equal when you take tips into account), and the basic groceries (milk, bread, etc.) to be slightly cheaper. Depending on how furnished you like your apartments, you can get fairly reasonably priced housing.

Get really used to not being able to go many places on Sundays.
posted by oaf at 10:32 AM on June 26, 2006

I also lived there for about four months, and I have to say the biggest problem I found was trying to learn German...just about everyone speaks English. It's a nice city, and there are really great shopping/eating areas, as well as the local bars. I was not a big fan of beer before going over, and now I find myself missing that fine German bier.

The public transit rocks, the trains are so clean and always on time. As a city, it's kinda bland - but a nice place to live nonetheless. And as an added bonus, the Frankfurt airport is a major hub, so weekend trips to Rome or London are cheap and readily available. Good Luck!
posted by monkey!knife!fight! at 10:46 AM on June 26, 2006

now I find myself missing that fine German bier

Amen to that. My street was named after a beer.
posted by oaf at 12:36 PM on June 26, 2006

Yeah, the hardest thing to get used to in Germany (Or Europe in general) is that everything (EVERYTHING) closes between 6 and 8pm and on Sundays.
posted by borkingchikapa at 12:49 PM on June 26, 2006

Don't mean to derail, but what line of work are you in?

I ask because I would LOVE to move from the US to Germany (although not really to Frankfurt, but it would do) and I speak the language. Unfortunately my understanding is, I'm a couple decades late. High unemployment now, and EU citizens have "dibbs" on job openings. Before the end of the Cold War, however, many Americans were in your shoes, working directly for the DoD or as contractors.
posted by Rash at 1:30 PM on June 26, 2006

I make video games. I haven't actually gotten a job in Germany, but am talking with a company. Nothing concrete..

My wife and I discussed it. We decided that we would move to a foreign company if we had infinite money, so if I could swing it and get paid, it would be a good thing :)
posted by Lord_Pall at 1:41 PM on June 26, 2006