USA or Germany?

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RainerReza

Contrary to what Brendon says, the cost of living is lower in Germany than in the USA. Rents are cheaper; real estate costs are cheaper--especially if one is comparing any number of American cities (Boston, NYC, DC) to Berlin. Since rent is usually a significant portion of monthly expenses, this is an important factor. Health care is much, much cheaper. I showed American doctors bills for procedures here and they were amazed at how (relatively) inexpensive they were. Yes, in Germany gasoline is more expensive and there's a 19% sales tax (but the rate is lower on food bought in a supermarket), but if you live in a city, take public transport, and keep your "discretionary" spending under control, these "extra" expenses are insignificant. Alcohol is much, much cheaper in Germany, even with the 19% sales tax.

I would stay away from generalizations about how cultured or uncultured Americans or Germans are. Your experience on that front will depend on what social milieu you end up in. There are plenty of Germans who are clueless about their own culture, just as there many Americans who don't know their own history, etc. The people who get caught up in this debate are just exercising their own insecurities, I think.

There are two areas where German cultural life is superior to that of the U.S. First, cultural subsidies in Germany are astronomically high, which means tickets to things like the symphony, the opera, and theater are much, much cheaper and the quality of the work is as good and sometimes better. The subsidies also draw a lot of international artists on tour to cities like Munich, Hamburg, and Berlin. Second, although there's heinously tasteless TV in Germany, just as in the USA, the quality of the nightly news in Germany has not sunk to the low levels of ABC, NBC, and CBS in the States. If you like to watch nightly news occasionally without feeling like your intelligence is getting insulted with stories about Paris Hilton, etc., then that's worth noting.

The restaurant scene in Berlin is nowhere near as good as that in NYC or DC, but it's improving and you certainly won't starve.

Germany has a lower rate of violent crime. The quality of public schools is all over the map, just as in the U.S.

Northern Germany gets awfully dark in the winter, and that is a bit difficult to get used to. Many people don't realize that Berlin and Hamburg are actually farther north than Montreal.

Racism and prejudice are present in different nooks of both cultures. They manifest themselves differently, but they're there. In an unfortunate example of the "law of unintended consequences, "the German law mandating 3 years of maternity leave (6 of which, I believe, are paid) has resulted in a corporate hesitancy to hire women of child-bearing age. I think it's easier for professional women in the USA to balance work and family--and this is borne out by statistics, which show that professional German women have a much lower birth rate than their American counterparts.

I've lived in Germany for years, but I still miss the U.S. because of the family and friends I have there. I also think I'd have a more interesting job in the USA because that's where I have more of a professional network. But if you have a good job opportunity and make friends quickly, I think you'll love living in Germany.

Ravin

It all depends on your preferences, and what you value more. Germans have far better drivers than Americans, and traveling in Europe is far easier, cheaper, and more interesting than in the U.S. Much more history and culture and subcultures, as well. Europeans also tend to be more aware of what's going on in the world and more well-informed, overall--and far less boisterous and rude as many Americans. Policemen are generally more interested in solving crime and keeping the peace than chasing down speeders--which might also be because Europeans don't generally have the primitive speed limits that Americans have implemented.

In contrast, the cost of living in the U.S. is far better than in Europe, as well as the cost of fuel. Public transportation is mediocre, particularly when compared to Europe... but again, at least the gas is dirt-cheap. Stores stay open much later, customer service is expected, and everything costs less in general. We also have more freedoms in the U.S., despite naysayers who are convinced that their own country is evil incarnate, and despite the sheer number of people blatantly abusing all those rights they take for granted. Americans as a group generally don't have a clue what's going on in the outside world and are out of touch with reality in this sense, except for the microcosms in which they live. This is true for many Europeans, too, but not nearly as much nor as bad. Americans are definitely more prudish than Europeans; it's a matter of personal preference--and little else--whether you think that's a good or a bad thing. Also--and regardless of anyone's rants or political leanings--Americans are at least willing to intervene in the world's problems and at least attempt to do something about it. Europeans overwhelmingly disapprove of this, which is hypocritical given Europe's own history of imperialism--and their form of it was far more self-serving than the current American foreign policy. It's even more hypocritical, seeing as how Europe would be a very different place if America had adopted a strict isolationist policy during the last two World Wars.

kat1605nrw

That's a tough call. My life has turned out in a way that means I'm settled in Germany now and pobably will be for a while. But I can't rule out living in the US at a later day, both countries offer such a wide range of experiences.

MeOhMy

I've lived in Germany for nine years but am originally from the southern US. As for my preference, it's really hard to say because both countries have so many positive aspects...and both have some negatives, as well. Germany is, on the average, a safer and more laid back country (of course depending on whether you live in a big city or in a more rural area). There are so many opportunities for travel and to learn about European history in Germany. When I lived in the US, because it's so big, I didn't do a lot of travelling. I do miss the conveniences of the US (Wal-Mart; 24 hour stores; breakfast restaurants like I-Hop and Denny's--they are rare in Germany. It's just hard to say which one is "better" because they are both so wonderful in their own ways!

fliege52000

I love both places, totally different and always something to see and learn.

cnecky

I live in Germany since birth and have been nine times in the USA. Special the landscapes in the west of the USA are really fantastic. But also Germany/Europe has many highlights as the most countrys all over the world.
IÂ´ve been also in Australia, itÂ´s difficult to compare USA, Europe, down under.

In Europe, weÂ´ve in all cities large areas for pedestrains. I like that, going from a cathedral to a cafe, then to the shops, without any cars, which makes noise and fetidness.

In the USA, the people drive 50 meters by car to a postbox.
If you walk, then youÂ´re a poor person.

Further on, in Europe, weÂ´ve more freedom. Only one example: IÂ´m not allowed to drink beer at the beaches, the public, or in my own car! This laws would be in Europe a great joke!

linda

GERMANY

benjamminyou

I prefer the US but i wouldnt mine extended visits to Germany. Women are awesome.

americas_darkangel

everybody in germany wants to go to america and everybody wants to go to germany!!!!

Bob D

The answer is YES. If only they were closer. More history and culture in Germany. More freedoms and space to do things in the US. Better social services in Germany. More freedom to either do well or do poorly in the USA. Better beer in Germany though USA is catching up. I lived in Germany for eight years and get homesick at least once a week.

liebekatz2

This question has already been on here too many times.

kengoller

working in Germany,
getting retired in the States, ( Florda )

because I own a house there and I like the weather.

Dogsnoop

Well there many more Germans leaving Germany, than Americans leaving the US. I think that says something. If freedom of speech and thought is important, then stay in the US.

manx4082

There is only one choice

Europe is civilised, the US still live's in the " wild west "

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