Considering a move to Europe?

The German capital has long been an attractive destination for young Americans wanting to try a new life abroad. Now even more of them are flocking to Berlin as they seek an alternative to living in the US under the Trump administration.

Washington Post Universe TikTok host Carmella Boykin teamed up with DW's Berlin Fresh to explore the perks of living in Germany. 

Here's more on some of the benefits they mention in the video:

Are universities in Germany free? 

While tuition fees in the United States can cost tens of thousands of dollars per year, public universities in Germany generally offer tuition-free education to both domestic and international students, even for many English-taught programs. Students are typically required to pay a small semester fee (around €100-€300) to cover administrative costs.

As a registered student, you also get access to free or discounted public transportation, so the semester fee truly feels like a symbolic sum.

There are exceptions, however. Some German federal states, such as Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria, charge tuition fees to non-EU students, going up to €1,500 ($1,750). 

There are also specialized master's programs, as well as other programs offered by private universities, that require tuition fees.

How does health insurance work in Germany?

You need to get health insurance in Germany; it's mandatory.

The costs can vary according to whether you choose a public or private health insurance. Generally speaking, public health insurance covers necessary healthcare, and is considered the safest option.

As mentioned in the TikTok reel, if you're an employee, a contribution to your health insurance is paid by your employer and another part directly comes off your paycheck each month. The standard contribution is 14.6% of your salary, and there are supplementary contributions depending on the insurer; these contributions are split equally between employer and employee.

If you are studying and under 30 years old, you will pay the student tariff, which is around €140 per month.

If you are self-employed, you will also pay the standard rate of 14.6% on your income plus the insurance provider's additional contribution, with minimum costs of around €230 ($272) per month and going up to a maximum of €1,200. The sum is paid by bank transfer every month.

Young and healthy people might be tempted to sign up with a private insurance provider. Their contracts can be more affordable than a public plan on a monthly basis. But keep in mind that even though basic private health insurance programs can work well for short-term expats, they often lack coverage for health services for pre-existing conditions, psychotherapeutic treatment, treatment related to sexually transmitted diseases, gender reassignment treatment, and more.

It is basically impossible to switch back to public health insurance later on if you are self-employed, so this is an important decision to take. Who knows, your short-term German adventure as an expat might lead to a permanent home!

How much paid vacation do you get in Germany?

The US has no national requirement for paid holidays, vacation days or paid sick days.

Meanwhile, in Germany, the legal minimum of paid vacation days for full-time employees is set at 20 days, making it one the countries with the most days of annual leave in the world. Many employers offer even more days off per year.

On top of that come between 10 to 13 paid public holidays per year, depending on the federal state.

And with all those days off, you might find more time to party. The Washington Post's TikTok host Carmella Boykin already started exploring the clubs she should visit in Berlin. In an upcoming video, she learns about clubbing options beyond the legendary Berghain.

Correction, September 19, 2025: This article did not properly state the standard contribution to public health insurance, which is of 14.6%. We apologize for the error.