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A How-to Guide for living in Germany

Feeling a little lost in Germany?
Afraid of making mistakes without even noticing them?

Join the Germany Prep Course

Get fully prepared for your new life in Germany – step by step.
This course is designed to give expats a head start as they settle in. It consists of three sessions tailored for those who have just arrived or are about to move.


Completing all three sessions will put you in an ideal position to avoid pitfalls and make the most of your time in Deutschland.

Session 1

Understanding the German Workplace Culture, Expectations, and Conflict Resolution

  • German Workplace Culture
  • What to Expect in Your First Weeks at a New Job
  • Handling Conflicts at the Workplace
More info

Session 2

Taxes, Social Security, and Employee Benefits in Germany

  • Understanding the German Tax System
  • The Social Security System in Germany
  • Employee Benefits
More info

Session 3

Emotional Well-being, Coping with Homesickness, and Navigating Life in a New Country

  • Adjusting to a New Life in Germany
  • Cultural Adjustment
  • Getting Medical or Psychological Support in Germany
More info

The course will be hosted by Matthias Fink. Matthias used to be an expat himself and has lived for extended periods of time in the USA, in France and in Belgium.

He holds law degrees from Germany and from France and has worked extensively on cross-border cooperation in science and education. Later in his career, he rounded off his education with a degree in coaching.

Matthias is the founder and manager of Personal Coaching Augsburg, a personal coaching institute, where he focuses on the professional development of his clients and on resolving job related issues.

This course is designed for expats and available only to active club members.
It was specially developed by Matthias in response to our request – shaped by our ideas, needs, and
input as a community.

Do you have Wallet points?

Use them here

1. Request a service​

Submit your request using the form on this page.

2. Quote confirmation

Receive the quote from the provider and confirm that you agree to proceed with the service.

3. Confirm & activate

Activate your Wallet points by selecting the corresponding service.

4. Get your discount

Receive the discount directly applied to the provider’s final invoice.

Go to my Wallet

Let’s Go! Get Germany-Ready

Sign up for the three-part course here, and your coach will reach out to you shortly.

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To request this service, you need to be a member of Expats Club Germany. Join the club or log in.

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Information

Sessions will take place remotely on Zoom every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 18:00 to 19:15 hours. They will feature a 30-minute presentation, followed by 45 minutes for Q/A. Language: English.

The participant fee for the entire program is 75,00 Euros plus VAT (19%). The total participant fee including VAT is 89,25 Euros, payable upon registration.

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Session 1: Understanding the German Workplace Culture, Expectations & Conflict Resolution

In this first session, we’ll dive into the essentials of German workplace culture. You’ll learn
what makes professional life in Germany unique – from hierarchy and communication styles
to attitudes toward time, structure, and personal space.
We’ll also talk about what to expect during your first weeks at a new job. You’ll get insights
into typical onboarding processes, unspoken rules, and how to navigate daily work life with
more confidence.
Finally, we’ll explore how conflict is handled in the German workplace. You’ll learn how to
recognize early signs of tension, respond professionally, and avoid common cultural
misunderstandings. By the end of the session, you’ll feel better equipped to settle in and
communicate clearly, even in tricky situations.

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Session 2: Taxes, Social Security & Employee Benefits in Germany

In this session, we’ll break down the essentials of how money, taxes, and benefits work when
you’re employed in Germany – without the confusing jargon.
We’ll start with an overview of the German tax system: how income tax is calculated, what
tax classes mean, and what to expect on your payslip. You’ll also learn about the basics of
filing a tax return and where to get support if needed.
Next, we’ll take a closer look at Germany’s social security system – including health
insurance, pension contributions, unemployment coverage, and more. Understanding what’s
deducted from your salary (and why) helps you make informed decisions and avoid surprises.
Finally, we’ll go over typical employee benefits: what’s commonly offered, what’s
negotiable, and how to make the most of what your employer provides – from vacation days
to parental leave and job tickets.

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Session 3: Emotional Well-being, Coping with Homesickness & Navigating Life in a New Country

Relocating to a new country is exciting – but it can also feel overwhelming. In this session,
we’ll focus on the emotional side of settling into life in Germany.
We’ll start by talking about what it really means to adjust to a new life abroad – including the
ups and downs of cultural adjustment, feelings of isolation, and how homesickness can sneak
up on you. You’ll learn about common challenges expats face and how to handle them in
healthy, practical ways.

We’ll also cover how to find support when you need it. From accessing mental health
resources to navigating the healthcare system, you’ll leave this session with a clear idea of
where to turn – whether it’s for everyday concerns or emotional support.
This session is all about helping you feel grounded, connected, and supported as you build a
life in your new home.