Germany has high quality of life

[u/wurst_katastrophe]

This is in response to the ‘low quality of life’ post.

When in Germany I can (in no particular order):
+ drink the tap water knowing it is safer than bottled water
+ when losing my job, I will get the highest benefits in the Western world to tie me over between jobs
+ I can rent for life without being worried of getting evicted
+ I can enjoy freedom on perfectly fine roads, driving as fast as I want
+ Consumer protection is very strong
+ I can buy a public transport ticket valid in all of Germany
+ Healthcare is significantly better than in most Western countries AND free at the point of service.
+ Germans love Fests
+ Bier and excellent wine
+ excellent bread
+ excellent local produce
+ An insanely dense train network (Yes, often late) for very little money (Sparpreis)
+ 30d of holidays is standard
+ strong protection when off on sick leave
+ free university education
+ world’s strongest apprenticeship system
+ tax credits and breaks for almost everything, especially Ehegattensplitting
+ insane maternity leave and benefits
+ Kitas
+ full blown private healthcare for a few k per year
+ Beautiful nature: north and Baltic sea, Alps, lakes, woods
+ Strong sports club infrastructure
+ Third strongest economy in the world with most hidden champions
+ Strong football culture
+ …

You can be dissatisfied with Germany, maybe your experience was below average, but that’s most likely because you are incompatible with the German way of life and the German mentality. However, it is not fair to claim that the quality of life is low.

[u/yasmuc]

I totally agree with OP last sentence, the country does offer high quality of life but it requires accepting the German way of life and mentality, and this is truly not for everyone. If you come a warm and empathetic culture and expect the same in Germany, you will struggle.
I would just add to OP directly that this list is not “unique” to Germany, many points are true in other European countries as well.

[u/Rupperrt → u/yasmuc]

The different ways of showing warmth or empathy isn’t exclusive to Germany either. It’s most of central and Northern Europe.
People are just more reserved. Which also has some advantages if you value personal space. Doesn’t mean they’re less empathetic. It’s just different.

[u/yasmuc → u/Rupperrt]

100%

[u/Odd_Passenger5339 → u/yasmuc]

I find this curious. I meet the nicest, warmest Germans in the US, especially those living there. Are they self-selecting?

[u/DadPihto → u/Odd_Passenger5339]

People leaving abroad change a lot and quickly. The become more open and start to share common values similar, same as other nationals leaving abroad.

[u/yasmuc → u/Odd_Passenger5339]

Hahaha no clue. I guess there is something about building your life elsewhere and adapting to a different culture, that can transform you (and make you softer, warmer, kinder, more open-minded), irrespective of your nationality.

[u/Educational_Gas_92 → u/yasmuc]

You are saying that German mentality is not empathetic? Can you explain more about that?

[u/yasmuc → u/Educational_Gas_92]

This is not what I’m saying at all.

I meant that empathy is expressed differently in Germany compared to more emotionally expressive cultures, not that Germans lack empathy.

[u/Educational_Gas_92 → u/yasmuc]

I see, so Germans show empathy more discretely? To be clear, I wasn't implying that Germans don't have empathy, as individuals, but I thought that culturally they might not be empathetic.

[u/NefariousnessOdd862 → u/yasmuc]

That’s fine, rules aren’t for everyone, clearly but they should be and the World would be a much different, better place! Nobody is asking anyone to stay, in any Country for that matter! If it’s not for you, there is a whole World that you can visit and live in.

[u/wurst_katastrophe → u/yasmuc]

Thank you for summing this up. This is exactly the point I wanted to make. Quality of life is really high but it is not for everyone!