Let’s raise a glass to Germany
Korinne Algie from Auckland enjoys living, working and eating flammkuchen in Germany.
What inspired your move, and how long have you been there?
I had just returned from a stint overseas and needed a job. I was chatting to a friend based in Bonn and he mentioned that his company was hiring. I applied and three weeks later I was on my way to Germany. That was more than eight years ago now.
What do you do there?
I was with the same company for seven-a-half years, working my way up from marketing assistant to marketing director. These days I am enjoying maternity leave.
What are the greatest advantages to living there?
Social services in Germany are amazing. Yes, we pay crazy taxes but I have full medical insurance, unlimited sick leave, minimum 24 days’ annual leave, and a year of paid maternity leave. I love that Germany is in the middle of Europe. It is so cheap and easy to get just about anywhere.
Disadvantages?
Getting to New Zealand takes forever – It takes roughly 24 hours and at times I worry that if I ever needed to rush back, I might not make it in time.
How expensive is it compared to New Zealand?
I find Germany a lot cheaper than New Zealand. In saying that, salaries here are lower but you definitely get more bang for your buck. Housing, even in the city centre, is affordable and our food bill is next to nothing.
How much is a beer?
For many years I lived in Cologne. A glass of Kolsch beer (Cologne’s beer) costs about 1.50 ($2.50). Kolsch is served in 300ml glasses and in bars they just keep coming until you put your coaster over your glass.
What do you do in your spare time?
There is always something going on here whether it is a concert, sports match, flea market or poetry jam.
What’s the local delicacy and would you recommend it?
Cologne offers a wide range of pub foods such as ‘‘himmel und erde’’ (Heaven and Earth), which is black pudding, stacks of onion and mashed potatoes – not my thing. My favourite German food is flammkuchen. This can best be described as German pizza: super thin base, cream cheese, bacon and onions.
Easiest way to get around?
Germany has fantastic public transport. I have never had need for a car and honestly, I don’t miss it.
What’s the shopping like?
Shopping is great and people are not so concerned with labels or dressing up. You can be tidy casual in almost all situations meaning you don’t tend to spend as much on clothes or shoes.
Best after-dark activity?
Plenty of beer halls have live music sing-a-longs where people of all ages literally drink, sing and dance!
Best time of year to visit?
Two amazing times to visit are Christmas and Karneval. German Christmas markets are like stepping into a fairytale, complete with mulled wine and delicious Christmas food. Most Christmas markets open mid November and run until Christmas Eve. Karneval is celebrated in the Rhineland six days before Lent. Starting on Thursday, women take over the city and search for men wearing ties. Once found, a woman may cut a piece of the man’s tie off in exchange for a kiss. Rose Monday is parade day with most cities hosting a street party. On Tuesday night, we burn the ‘‘nubbel’’, a type of scarecrow. As he burns he takes the blame for all the sins committed during Karneval. On Ash Wednesday, we hang up our costumes and head back to work.
What are the top three things you recommend for visitors?
Firstly, Berlin – this mega city has so much history. It is also home to amazing restaurants and bars and is cheap as chips!
Next, I would recommend Neuschwanstein Castle. At the foot of the German Alps and not far from Munich, this castle will take your breath away.
Lastly, go to a football match – soak up the atmosphere, sing with the locals, eat a sausage in a bun! This is real cultural experience.
Besides family and friends, what do you miss most about home?
The ocean! I miss not being able to go to the beach or head out on the boat.
How easy is it for you to get back to NZ?
With so many holiday days, it’s really not hard! The biggest obstacle is ticket price but these days it is much more affordable.
For Kiwis looking to move there, which industries are seeking fresh talent?
Like most places, IT professionals are in demand. Germany is also a great place for engineers. Car companies like Ford have plants here and regularly hire foreigners. I would recommend learning some German before you arrive. Even a little will go a long way to finding a job.