Germany is one of the most popular travel destinations in Europe and attracts millions of visitors every year. Many of them also come to attend a German course and get to know the country’s language and culture. But how safe is Germany for foreigners? Is it a country where you feel comfortable and welcome? Or are there risks and dangers you should be aware of? In this blog article, we answer these questions and give you some tips on how to make your stay in Germany safe and enjoyable.
The facts about safety in Germany
According to the Global Peace Index 2023, which measures safety and peace in 163 countries, Germany is the twelfth safest country in the world. This means that it has a low rate of violence, crime, terrorism and conflict. Germany also has high quality public services such as police, fire, healthcare and justice, which ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Germany is also a country that is committed to human rights, democracy, the rule of law and tolerance. There are strict laws against discrimination, hate speech, racism and xenophobia. Germany is a multicultural and diverse country that welcomes people from different countries, religions, cultures and backgrounds. According to the Migrant Integration Policy Index 2023, which assesses the integration of immigrants in 52 countries, Germany is the third most integrated country in Europe and the sixth most integrated country worldwide. This means that it offers good conditions for immigrants, such as access to education, work, health, citizenship and political participation.
The challenges for security in Germany
Although Germany is a safe country, there are of course some challenges and problems that you should not ignore. As in any other country, there are some forms of crime in Germany, such as pickpocketing, fraud, burglary, robbery and violence. However, these are usually limited to certain areas or situations and can be avoided through caution and common sense. For example, you should always keep an eye on your valuables, not let unknown people into your home, not consume or buy illegal drugs, not go to dark or lonely places at night and always know the emergency numbers (112 for fire and rescue services, 110 for the police).
Tips for a safe stay in Germany
To make your stay in Germany safe and enjoyable, we recommend that you follow these tips:
- Before your trip, find out about the current security situation, travel advice, entry requirements and Covid-19 measures in Germany. You can do this on the websites of the Federal Foreign Office, the German embassy in your country or your country’s embassy in Germany.</li
- Take out travel insurance that covers you in the event of an accident, illness, theft or cancellation. Keep a copy of your insurance policy, passport, visa and credit cards in a safe place or save them online.</li
- Enrol in a German course that suits your needs and level. You can do this online or on site, depending on your preferences and possibilities. A German course will not only help you to learn the language, but also to understand the culture, history, geography and society of Germany. You will also make new friends and contacts that can help you integrate.</li
- Respect the laws, rules, customs and values in Germany. Avoid doing or saying anything that could be considered illegal, offensive, rude or inappropriate. Be polite, friendly, helpful and open to the people you meet. Learn some basic courtesies and manners, such as greeting, thanking, apologizing and asking for something. Also be prepared to adapt to German customs and habits, such as punctuality, order, cleanliness and environmental awareness.
- Enjoy the diversity and beauty of Germany. Germany is a country that has a lot to offer, from historic cities and castles, picturesque landscapes and nature parks to modern museums and art galleries. Germany is also a country that has many cultural and culinary specialties to offer, from beer and sausage to cheese and bread, cakes and chocolate. Germany is also a country with many exciting and entertaining activities and events, from sports and music to theater and film, festivals and markets. Take the opportunity to explore, discover and experience Germany.
Conclusion:
Germany is a safe and welcoming country for foreigners. It has little violence, crime and political unrest. However, you should be careful and respect the laws, culture and society. That way you can live safely in Germany and learn German.
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By the way: If you are looking for a particularly safe city in Germany for your German course, then come to Munich! For the fifth time in a row, Munich has secured the title of Germany’s safest city in 2023.
If you’re still not sure which city or language school is right for you, just get in touch with us and together we’ll find the best solution for you!
