Resources

 

Things That Helped Me

Moving from India to Germany has been the biggest chapter of my life—and honestly, it still hasn't ended. Every week seems to bring a new lesson, a new form to fill out, a new bureaucratic surprise, or a new little victory that reminds me why I chose this journey in the first place.

When I first started preparing to move, I had no idea where to begin. I spent countless hours reading blogs, watching YouTube videos, scrolling through Reddit, and asking strangers on the internet questions that probably sounded silly. Looking back, I wish someone had handed me a simple list of resources that actually helped.

So, here's mine.

Before Moving to Germany

  • DAAD – https://www.daad.de/en/
    If you're planning to study, research, or look for scholarships in Germany, this is one of the best places to start.

  • uni-assist – https://www.uni-assist.de/en/
    Many German universities use uni-assist to process international applications. Make sure you understand whether your university requires it.

Getting Around Germany

  • Deutsche Bahn (DB) – https://int.bahn.de/en
    Essential for train travel across Germany.

  • VBB (Verkehrsverbund Berlin-Brandenburg) – https://www.vbb.de/en/
    Since I live in Brandenburg, VBB has become my best friend for regional trains, buses, and trams.

  • Google Maps – https://maps.google.com
    Still my go-to for finding routes, checking public transport connections, and discovering new places.

Language

  • DeepL Translator – https://www.deepl.com/translator
    Honestly, much more natural than most translation tools.

  • Google Translate – https://translate.google.com
    Especially useful with the camera feature for signs, menus, and official letters.

  • DW Learn German – https://learngerman.dw.com/en/learn-german/s-9528
    Excellent free German courses for beginners and intermediate learners.

  • Volkshochschule (VHS) – https://www.volkshochschule.de/
    Affordable German language courses almost everywhere in Germany. I highly recommend checking your local VHS.

  • Duolingo – https://www.duolingo.com
    Great for building a daily learning habit, though it shouldn't be your only resource.

  • YouTube
    There are countless amazing creators explaining German grammar, pronunciation, bureaucracy, and everyday life. Sometimes watching real conversations helped me more than textbooks.

Career & Job Hunting

These were some of the websites I used while looking for internships, part-time work, and full-time opportunities.

AI Tools That Saved Me

These became my everyday companions—not to do the work for me, but to help me understand complicated German letters, improve my CV, prepare for interviews, translate phrases naturally, brainstorm ideas, and occasionally calm my panic when bureaucracy became overwhelming.

Myths That Germany Busted

❌ "Germans aren't helpful."

Not true.

Some of the kindest strangers I've met have been Germans. People have helped me find train platforms, translate confusing forms, explain bureaucratic procedures, and even gone out of their way to make sure I reached the right place.

People may seem reserved at first, but don't mistake that for unkindness.

❌ "Germans don't smile."

Also not true.

People smile—they're just not smiling all the time at strangers for no reason. Once you get to know people, you'll find warmth, humour, and genuine friendliness.

❌ "Don't worry, everyone speaks English."

This is probably the biggest myth I wish someone had challenged before I moved.

Yes, many Germans can speak English.

That does not mean you'll be able to live comfortably using only English.

If you're planning to move here—for work, studies, or simply a new life—learn some German before you arrive.

No matter what.

Even reaching an A1 or A2 level will make your life significantly easier.

German helps when:

  • talking to landlords

  • opening bank accounts

  • understanding official letters

  • visiting doctors

  • dealing with government offices

  • making friends

  • and especially finding part-time jobs.

Many employers, particularly for student jobs or customer-facing roles, expect at least basic German.

It doesn't have to be perfect. Mine certainly wasn't.

But every sentence you can speak opens another door.

One Last Thing

None of these resources made moving easy.

They simply made it less difficult.

Moving countries isn't just about visas, paperwork, or learning a language. It's about rebuilding your life from scratch. You'll make mistakes, feel homesick, question your decisions, celebrate small wins, and slowly realise you're becoming someone you never expected to be.

If this page makes your journey even a little smoother than mine was, then writing it was worth it.

Good luck—and viel Erfolg! 🍀

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