What’s It Really Like to Live in Bonn, Germany?

Expat life Germany

This is the fifth post in the new series called “What’s It Like to Live in .. ?” about expat life in countries around the world. Today we travel to Europe where Elsa shares what it’s like to live in the small city of Bonn, Germany: the challenges of learning German, the German daycare system, tips for visiting Germany, and much more. Thanks, Elsa!

My name is Elsa. I’m a 38-year-old Spaniard. I live in Bonn, Germany with my husband Michael (he is German) and our 20-month daughter Lucia. Before moving to Germany in December 2012, I lived eight years in Miami, FL. I write a lifestyle blog called Café Society XXI where I channel my passion for writing and document my personal experiences and interests. I’m pretty active on Instagram too.

 On the decision to move to Germany:

Back in 2011, I spent the July 4th weekend in Niagara Falls. I happened to meet a German guy there. A casual conversation between two solo travelers, turned into a long-distance relationship (Miami-Bonn). After one and a half years of transoceanic trips –usually every three months- and daily calls and chats, I took the leap and moved to Bonn with Michael. I was happy, excited and terrified (I didn’t speak a word of German!).

I decided to maintain a ‘divide-and-conquer’ approach: On one hand I was fortunate to have such a kind, wonderful man by my side. On the other hand, I would have to build my new life from the ground up: new language, new friends, new job… This part could bring frustrations and disappointments along the way which, under no circumstances, should affect my relationship with Michael.

This strategy has worked out for me so far: Michael is my rock, and his support, love and encouragement are everything. As for the second part, of course, there were some bumps on the road, but they have brought us closer as a couple. And at the end, everything turned our just fine.

Expat life Germany

On first impressions of expat life in Germany (and how they’ve changed): 

 I always knew that not speaking German was going to make some things harder. But at the beginning I focused most of my energy on other fronts: my relationship with Michael and my job. Moving in together is a huge step for every couple. Imagine for us!

During the first year, I worked as a freelancer for my US employer (I was account executive for an international media agency). On weekends we would hang out with his friends, who welcomed me with open arms, watch series or explore the scenic surroundings with the bikes. Looking back I see the first year as the perfect transition between my past life in the States and new life in Bonn.

The worst part was the isolation and frustration coming from not following conversations in German. I took a few language courses. But it was not enough.

Aside of the language issue, things were looking up for Michael and me.

The second year I landed a job in Düsseldorf, 50 miles away from Bonn. I was commuting almost four hours a day, but it was worth it. My colleagues were terrific too. After a couple of months in the new job, I discovered we were pregnant (!), a dream come true for us. I lived my pregnancy with extreme joy, but also with anxiety –how was I going to be able to keep the work-family balance with such a big commute?!

During the last weeks of my pregnancy, my insecurities about my poor German skills reemerged. I would freak out every time I was missing things on conversations with the midwife or doctors. Our daughter Lucia was born on November 28, 2014. The birth was totally uncomplicated and our baby was healthy. Life was really good.

A few months before the end of my maternity leave, my then company launched voluntary –and quite generous- layoff packages due to internal restructuring. I knew it was the perfect opportunity to focus once and for all on improving my German. And I could spend more time with Lucía. Win-win.

That summer Michael took a three-month paternity leave. We spent one month with my family in Spain, and the remaining two, I took intensive German courses. After two months of hard work (six hours a day), I obtained my B2 certificate. I felt as if my brain was completely reset auf Deutsch. The birth of my daughter and my considerable improvement with the German language made me reconnect with this country at a much deeper level.

As you could gather by now, my biggest frustrations were related to the difficulties of communicating/understanding in German.

On cultural differences:

I can’t think of anything particularly drastic. Lunch and dinner hours in the US and Germany are pretty similar, for instance. I guess that if I had come directly from Spain (we are notorious for having dinner very late!) the adjustment would have been bigger.

On making friends in another country:

I met very interesting people in my German courses. In my former job in Düsseldorf I left good friends too. I engage on friendly conversations with ladies at the gym, other mothers at Lucía’s daycare and at the Spielplatz (playground).

You should put yourself out there. Language courses are a great starting point. And also be patient. Everything takes time!

On daily life in Bonn, Germany:

My typical day has looked very different over the past years: from my home office days, to my job in Düsseldorf or the first months at home with Lucía.

At the moment, the alarm clock goes off at 7am and we get ready for the day. Michael and Lucía usually leave at 8am and he drops her off at the Tagesmutter (day care). I do my online course as Online Marketing Consultant at home from 8:30am to 12:30pm. I pick up Lucía at 2:30pm and then we run errands, go to the playground or hang out at the house. A couple of days per week, when Michael leaves the office, we meet in the city for coffee and then I head to the gym while he goes home with Lucía. Her bed time is around 7:30pm. After that, Michael and I have dinner and watch TV or I work my blog. We usually call it a day at around 11:30pm.

Expat life Germany

On the best things about life in Germany:

Germans are in general very outdoorsy and athletic. When the weather is nice, a lot of people can be seen running, riding bikes or in-line skating along the Rhine. That’s inspiring! Bonn surroundings are also pretty scenic too: vineyards along the Rhine, forests, mountains or middle-age castles peppered all around. They make for great weekend getaways. Also Cologne, one of the biggest cities in Germany, is only 20 minutes away by car. Most of all, I love the family and life that Michael and I are building together, along with our daughter Lucía.

Expat life Germany

And the challenges:

The language is my number one challenge. I’m already ahead of the curve, but still, it’s a work in progress. Conciliating motherhood and the pursuit of my professional ambitions is quite daunting too. But I’m optimistic. Things have always worked out.

Surprising things about living there:

  1. In our region North Rhine-Westphalia, Karneval is a really big deal. There are parades, music and beer everywhere. Everybody hits the streets wearing customes and sing karneval songs.
  2. Christmas markets are very pretty. They look like there’re straight from a fairy tale. I’m not sold on the Glühwein (mulled wine, warm wine) though.
  3. Germans are very good at drinking water, especially sparkling water, and recycling bottles. You get a 0.25 Euro-refund for each empty plastic bottle returned at the supermarket.
  4. The social security system is very strong: maternity/paternity leaves can go up to two years per kid (the first 14 weeks are fully paid, and then you can get 65% of your paycheck during the next 12 months, or half of that if you decide to extend it another year).
  5. I’m learning to appreciate German beers too. I enjoy a good Kölsch, a beer brewed in Cologne, especially after long bike rides.

expat life Germany

On raising kids in Germany:

I’m really enjoying our time as family of three. With a 20-month girl, you see the world a bit through her eyes, I guess. The children day care situation in Germany is a little hairy though. The kid is entitled to get in on a public kita (Germany’s Kindergarten System) if they already turned two years old by the time the school year starts (August). Lucía will turn two in November this year, which means we have to wait until August 2017 to get in.

A great alternative to a Kita is a Tagesmutter-vater (German for Daymother-father). These people take care of a maximum of five kids each at their places. The system is run by Caritas and works really well.

We found a Tagesmutter for Lucía very fast. I like to call it a “kita boutique”: Two Tagesmutter work together in a 80 square meter apartment with a little garden. There are a total of ten kids between 7 and 30 months. Lucía started there a few weeks before turning one year, being the second youngest. The kids stay there from 8 am until 2.30pm. Lucía is really happy there. We hit the spot!

There are also so many playgrounds and parks in the city, that it’s really easy to get kids entertained on weekends. We can also chat with other parents. It’s nice and convenient!

what's it like to raise kids in Germany

What tips can you offer us for when we visit? 

For culture, museums like Bundeskunsthalle for artistic exhibitions, Haus der Geschichte (Museum of History) and a tour of Beethoven’s house are a must-do. Bonn’s Opera presents great spectacles all year round. Eating in a real Brauerei, like Bönnsch is quite an experience too.

I love walking along the Rhine (a Rhine cruise is fun too!) and the Rheinaue (a huge park overlooking the river, which also makes for a perfect picnic location). The Kirschblüte Festival in April is fun and picturesque.

For hiking, the Siebengebirge, a hill range overlooking the Rhine, is perfect! We celebrated our wedding brunch at the Ölberg, the highest hill. You might want to drive to Köln to visit the jaw-dropping Kölner Dom (Cathedral) and do some shopping in Schildergasse, Ehrenstraße, Südstadt or the Belgian quarter.

screen-shot-2016-09-14-at-1-14-19-am-png

On what’s next:

I’m excited about the future! Seeing our daughter growing happy and healthy makes everything so fun and interesting. I’m getting my IHK (Germany’s Chamber of Industry and Commerce) Certificate as Online Marketing Consultant next month and I’m considering some work projects. I’d like to keep growing my blog too.

Leaving Germany is not an option for us. We cannot wait to visit the States again, though. I have so many good memories from my time there. And friends and family too! My American Dream led me to Germany and I couldn’t be happier about how everything has worked out for us.

Thank you, Elsa!

Join the Conversation

21 Comments

  1. says: Natalie

    That’s a HUGE accomplishment to learn a new language! Languages don’t come naturally to me, so doing something like this would be immense. 🙂 We just went to Germany for the first time last fall and fell in love. Everyone was so sweet to us and our toddler adored the castles! 🙂

    1. says: Jenna

      Yes, I agree. A lot of people might think that moving to Germany wouldn’t be such a challenge because so many Germans speak English, but the truth is that German is not easy to learn but is a necessary part of living in another country. And that’s Elsa’s THIRD language!

  2. says: Elsa

    Hi Natalie! Thanks for your supportive words. I’m so glad you guys loved Germany. Come to Bonn next time and we’ll show you around 😉 XO

    Elsa

  3. says: Annika

    I have my best friend’s cousin who knows how to speak German. I asked her to teach me German words but I don’t remember anything except for 3 words “ich Liebe Dich” which means “I love you”. Speaking in German is a challenge to me too. Don’t worry Jenna, you have a company.

    1. says: Elsa

      Hey Annika! Thanks for sharing your experience. Love those 3 words…not a bad way to get started with a foreign language! XO

      Elsa

  4. So cute! Little Lucia and I have the same birthday! We have a similar experience, but it’s the other way around: my husband move to the US from Holland. Like Elsa says, there are challenges but I try my best to be supportive and welcoming to my husband as he was the one who left his routine to come the US. We plan to return to Europe in a few years. Germany is on the list!

    1. says: Jenna

      Thanks for sharing that! My husband is also not from the U.S., and I have to be supportive because he left his culture and family to resettle in the U.S.

    2. says: Elsa

      Hi Jessica! What a nice coincidence the bday thing! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your experience and congrats on all your achievements. Everyting works out at the end 🙂 And let me know if you come to Germany! Off to your blog now! Best

  5. Very interesting to read about a place from an expat perspective – rather than from the visitor’s perspective. I (Janice) visited Bonn a few years ago and found it very charming, especially the boat cruise and Drachenfels Rack Railway ride to Schloss Drachenburg: http://www.sandinmysuitcase.com/things-to-do-in-bonn/. Learning a new language so you can live in the city must be challenging (when you’re visiting in Germany, you can usually find someone who speaks some English).

    1. says: Elsa

      Hi Janice! As you well said, in Germany you can definitely get by only speaking English. Living with a German man and raising a kid there, it’s another story 🙂 I’m glad you liked Bonn. Off to your blog now! 🙂 Thanks for your comment! XO, Elsa

    2. says: Elsa

      Hi Janice! I’m so glad to know you liked Bonn. It definitely has a lot to offer. The Schloss Drachenburg is amazing too! Thanks for your comment. Off to your blog now 😉 XO, Elsa

  6. says: Maria Elena

    Hi! I just found your blog and have enjoyed reading it!
    My family and I just moved to Bonn and are on the same situation. My husband speaks German, but my three boys and I don’t.
    I’m taking an intenssive course at the moment and have really high hopes to learn.
    It’d be our third language too, since we are originally from Central America but lived 11 years in the United States.
    Having read your experience tells me that it will be possible for me to learn it 😊
    Be well,

    1. says: Jenna

      Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s not easy to learn another language (especially your third, like Elsa, too!). I teach English to immigrants here in the U.S., and many of them are learning their 3rd language. It’s a long journey for them, but it gets easier with time. I’m curious if enough people in Germany speak English that you can default to English in emergency situations (e.g. at the doctor).

  7. says: Elsa

    Hey Maria Elena! Welcome to Bonn. You’re doing the right thing with the intensive course. You’ll see the progress soon, I promise. You will also feel much more connected to the country. You can also get by only speaking English, for sure, especially in emergency situations. Thanks for sharing your story! XO, Elsa

  8. says: Kim

    Hey Elsa! I am considering a similar move to Bonn and I was wondering if maybe I could contact you to talk about it? I feel very insecure about this future (I’m from The Netherlands) and I think it would be very helpful for me to get some advice from someone who’s been through it.. thanks! X Kim

    1. says: Jenna

      I can also relate to some of these from when I lived in the Czech Republic. I remember some of the frustrations/challenges with the culture and language, but it was definitely worth it.

  9. says: Izas

    Hola Elsa! Por casualidad leímos tu blog, aunque antiguo muy relevante para nosotros, porque estamos en una situación parecida y nos moveremos a Bonn tambien en los próximos dos anyos. Estamos a punto de tener una hija cuyos idiomas principales serán el espanyol y el inglés. Según tu experiencia, cuál es la edad máxima a la que piensas que un ninyo debe integrarse en el sistema de educación alemán para que el idioma no le sea un obstáculo? Tenemos miedo que si esperamos demasiado, el alemán le pudiese provocar problemas de adaptación.

    Un saludo y gracias

    1. says: Jenna

      Hi Izas, This is an interview with Elsa. Please see the top of the article to see how you can contact her on her blog and/or social media. Thanks!

  10. says: Nina Snow

    Hello,
    We are US citizens and my daughter is taking a gap year before returning to college. She is interested in taking a 8- or 9- week intensive German course in Bonn (my father lives here do she would stay at his house). I read your blog post with much interest. Which school/courses did you take, and what would you recommend for her? Thank you so much for any advice/help/guidance. She would like to start her intensive German classes in August/September 2021.
    Thanks again!

    1. says: Jenna

      Hi Nina, I took a short intensive course at the Goethe Institut, which was regarded as the best language school for German at that time. The course was excellent. I took mine in Munich, but I believe they have them all over Germany. Good luck! 🙂

Leave a comment
Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.