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Guide to Personal Liability Insurance in Germany

Posted on January 6, 2022April 4, 2023 by MW Expat

Personal Liability Insurance in Germany can be a lifesaver for those who find themselves in an unpredictable accident. The unfortunate truth is that accidental damages or injuries can lead to costly law suits that can leave innocent victims facing reparation costs beyond their means. Fortunately, insurance providers conveniently offer liability insurance as a protective cover against such panic situations, so you are never left with exorbitant payments should something go wrong. As a matter of fact, such insurance premiums are usually more reasonable than having to pay for the hefty reparations out of pocket. So if life throws you into an undesirable but unexpected scenario, make sure you’re prepared with Personal Liability Insurance in Germany!

Liability Insurance

Liability insurance is an indemnity program that takes care of monetary compensation in case of accidental damages. For example, you forget to clear the snow in front of your house, and someone slips on it and gets injured. They can sue you for it and demand you pay for treatment. Now even though you didn’t do anything on purpose, you will have to pay the price out of your pocket. But if you have liability insurance, your insurance provider will take care of all the damages, saving you from possible bankruptcy.

Liability Insurance in Germany

Germany offers a variety of insurance policies to its citizens, some of which are mandatory, like health insurance. While liability insurance in Germany is not obligatory, it is advisable to make that investment because if you accidentally hurt anyone, you will have to bear the reparation expenses no matter what.

In other words, if you injure someone in Germany, you will be held responsible for it even if it happened inadvertently.

Since you never know when and where you might end up in an accident, you should purchase liability insurance just to be on the safe side.

Third-Party Liability Insurance

Third-party liability insurance is the name given to a policy drafted to make up for the damages caused to a third party due to an accident you are responsible for. In Germany, you are not legally obligated to invest in such a financial security plan. However, most people get it to avoid paying wads of money due to accidental damages.

There are two main types of liability insurance programs in Germany

Personal liability insurance
Professional liability insurance

Personal Liability Insurance

As the name implies, a personal liability policy covers damages when you cause an accident in your individual capacity. Meaning, you happen to injure someone while out for an errand or your morning jog, you will require personal liability insurance to pay for repairs.

However, in some cases, personal insurance may not provide for the expenses incurred due to an accident. Scenarios involving an individual’s car or a large pet, such as a dog, are not taken care of with personal liability. Aside from that, if someone works in a dangerous occupation, then they also need a targeted insurance plan. These are the three exceptions when a liability insurance policy doesn’t work.

Professional Liability Insurance

A professional liability policy covers the costs of damages caused by accident as part of your profession. For instance, you are an architect, and you design a lousy building, which collapses entirely or partly, hurting the occupants, then you will use a professional liability policy to bear the expenses.

However, it must be noted that you don’t need the said policy if you are employed because then your employer is responsible for your insurance. Typically, freelancers get this program to prevent losing all their money in case a project turns out badly. Some professionals are legally obligated to purchase a professional liability policy, including

Architects
Freelance medical professionals
Web designers
Lawyers
Tax professionals
Civil engineers
Cooks

Choosing a Liability Insurance Policy in Germany

Germany offers not only various insurance policies but also many providers for residents and ex-pats to buy their program from, based on their needs. While having a bunch of choices to pick from is a good thing, for the most part, it can turn decision-making incredibly challenging. To help you with the process, we will share some tips to get legal insurance. Germany can easily qualify as the land of insurances and insurance providers. If you want to choose one, you should consider the following pointers.

How much coverage do you think you might need?
Can you afford the premium?

Generally, people go for the cheapest option to save money, not realizing that their decision might cost them a lot more in the long run. Obviously, if your plan doesn’t cover damages above a specific amount, you will have to make up the difference out of your pocket. Therefore, pick the best one instead of looking for a program with the lowest price tag.

Terminating an Insurance Deed in Germany

While acquiring insurance in Germany is fairly easy, terminating it isn’t because you cannot end a deed before its term is over. And when you decide to close an insurance deal, you need to inform your provider three months in advance. You can also change your service provider if you feel the need to do so, but to do that, you will have to inform them three months before the term end-date.

Want Insurance?

If you are looking for a top-notch yet reasonably-priced insurance policy in Germany, reach out to us at MW Expat and save your future from unnecessary financial burdens.

How Do Expats Get Health Insurance in Germany?

Posted on December 3, 2021April 4, 2023 by MW Expat

Expatriates living in Germany are eligible for state healthcare plans that are funded by social security contributions. Even though the state-sanctioned expat health insurance in Germany is pretty reasonable, if you’re earning well, you might benefit more from private health insurance.

The German Healthcare System

Health insurance in Germany is inarguably one of the best around the world. All expats working in the country can access state-supported state healthcare. However, it is mandatory for German residents to have a health insurance plan.

So, once you become a German resident, you will need to register with a state-sanctioned health insurance scheme known as gesetzliche Krankenkasse, GKV, or a private health insurance scheme known as private Krankenversicherung, PKV.

Why Do You Need Health Insurance in Germany?

It’s mandatory in Germany for people to show proof of health insurance when applying for a German visa. Most workers remain on their state health insurance in Germany, but you can also opt for private health insurance. Regardless of the policy you have, you and your employer will have to split the contributions.

State/Public Health Insurance in Germany

The state healthcare scheme in Germany covers almost 90% of its residents. EU and non-EU nationals working in the country should have statutory sickness insurance. The state policy is ideal for covering people who earn less than €64,350 per year. In certain conditions, the policy also covers your spouses, civil partners, and children (up to 23-years-of-age.) Unless their income doesn’t exceed €415–450 per month, they don’t need to pay any contributions. Pensioners are also eligible for state healthcare.

Here are health insurance criteria for various individuals:

Self-Employed

Today, self-employed individuals pay their health insurance contributions on a projected monthly earning of €1,038. It greatly benefits lower-income earners.

Students

As a student above 25 studying in a state-approved education institute, you will have to pay a health and nursing care premium. The current premium is about €80 per month if you don’t have children. After you turn 30, the premiums will increase by €50 per month. Overseas grad students not covered by their country’s policy can access health insurance from about €25-€30 per month.

Foreign Visitors

EU, EEA, and Switzerland citizens traveling for a short while are allowed health care if they have EHIC before arriving in the country. If you plan to work or stay more than a year, it’s best to arrange health insurance in Germany. Transient visitors from outside the EU can also claim state healthcare under a mutual agreement with their nation. Otherwise, they might have to pay for healthcare services.

What Does German Public Health Insurance Cover?

Here’s everything Germany’s healthcare covers:

Inpatient care at the nearest hospital
Outpatient care from doctors
Limited specialist care
Limited mental healthcare
Basic costs of pregnancy and childbirth
Routine dental procedures (filling, dental hygiene, etc.)
Partial coverage for major dental work
Sickness benefit (your employer will pay your wages for up to six weeks, the health insurer will pay 70% of your regular salary for 78 weeks)

How to Apply for German Health Insurance

You can apply for Germany’s healthcare scheme through your employer, who will register you with a regional health insurance company. But you can choose your preferred insurer as well. Just inform your employer about your choice within two weeks of starting your job.

If you’re self-employed, you need to take your passport and residence permit to a regional office and fill out the required registration forms. Make sure to choose an insurer whose contribution rate, ease of contact, supplemental services, and other offers align with your goals. Once you’re insured, the health insurer will issue you an insurance card that you’ll have to show at the hospital on each visit.

German Private Health Insurance

As a well-earning self-employed individual or a salaried individual with monthly earnings of more than €5,063, you can look for private health insurance in Germany. But private insurance premiums are based on multiple factors, and the prices increase with health risks, age, and more family members. It’s a great option for a young, well-earning expat in Germany.

However, if you suffer from serious or chronic health issues, it’s better if you stick to the public healthcare scheme. If you want to change your insurance company, you can do so by giving two months’ notice before the end of the typical 18-month expiry date of the membership.

Benefits of Private Health Insurance

Here are some benefits of choosing private health insurance in Germany:

More covered services, specialist treatments
Private rooms
Shorter waiting times
More English-speaking doctors

How Does Private Insurance Work in Germany?

If you choose private health insurance, you’ll have to pay your doctor’s fee upfront and claim reimbursement later. You will get the full reimbursement based on your premium. You can choose your level of deduction fee and select a certain amount each year for your treatments. If you choose a higher excess, you can reduce your monthly payments. Moreover, you’re not obligated to stay with the same company for 18 months.

If you need help deciding between public and private expat health insurance in Germany, MW Expat can help you make the right decision. We have the experience and knowledge required to answer all your questions and dispel all your doubts. So, if you need sound advice and guidance in choosing the right health insurance plan, get in touch with us today!

Understanding Types of Vehicle Insurance Cover in Germany

Posted on December 2, 2021April 17, 2023 by MW Expat

Understanding the different types of vehicle insurance cover in Germany is essential for having a car in Germany and will make your life much easier regardless of whether you’re a young student still enrolled in a university or an adult who commutes long hours to work each day. But, before you can register a car, you will need to present proof of vehicle insurance in case of roadside accidents or any other form of damaged caused to others (or even yourself!).

Unfortunately, vehicle insurance does not come cheap in Germany. It will add quite an amount to your monthly budget and can be a daunting expense. You should keep in mind, though, that it will save you from having to cover hefty car repairs on your own!

Here are the different types of car insurance you can get in Germany.

3 Main Types of Vehicle Insurance Cover in Germany

There are three main types of vehicle insurance that you can opt for when living in Germany. Remember that cheapest isn’t always the best. You should research well into the different coverage each insurance policy offers, compare it to your needs and make a knowledgeable decision that gives you the best value.

1. Third-Party or Liability Insurance (Haftpflicht)

You already know that having at least a minimal form of car insurance is a legal requirement in Germany. If you’re a young student who has just purchased their first car, or a new expat in the country, you are probably looking for the cheapest car insurance policy to ensure you don’t face any legal troubles.

Third-party insurance is the most basic type of car insurance in Germany. It has a minimum coverage level. Therefore, you can only claim third-party insurance to cover any damage costs that arise for the other person due to an accident that you are legally responsible for. This means that it will pay for the other party’s medical and vehicle repair bills, but you will need to cover your damages.

While this may be a quick and easy solution to finding a cheap insurance plan that won’t cause you to go over budget, remember that vehicle repairs are quite expensive in Germany. Covering your medical bills and paying to fix up your car might just leave your bank account completely drained. That’s why most people in Germany opt for one of the two remaining insurance policies instead of a third-party insurance plan.

2. Third-Party Fire and Theft or Partial Insurance (Teilkasko)

The second type of insurance plan you can consider in Germany is the Third Party Fire and Theft policy. It acts as a complementary policy to the first type that we discussed above. This means that you will also get coverage for your vehicle aside from covering the damage to the other party. However, this policy only covers certain types of damages to your car. You can find them listed below:

Theft of your car or any of its parts.
Fires and explosions.
Electrical issues or short circuits.
Broken windows and windscreens due to the weather.
Accidents with wild animals.
Damages caused by Marten bites.
Damages caused by hail, storm, flooding, or lightning.

As you can see, this is a much more thorough policy that can protect you from ending up with an empty wallet after bad weather or random animal attacks. The important point to keep in mind here is that different companies offer different varieties of coverage under the Teilkasko policy. Therefore, you can expect the coverage and price range to vary based on the car insurance premiums you choose.

In general, partial insurance has a deductible amount of 150€.

P.S. If you’re unsure of which insurance company can offer you the most coverage under partial insurance at a reasonable price, you can reach out to M.W. Expat Solutions!

3. Fully Comprehensive Insurance (Vollkasko)

Lastly, we have a fully comprehensive insurance policy. Just as the name suggests, this type of vehicle insurance covers full costs of all the damage done to your car and the other vehicle when you’re responsible for the accident.

The Volkasko policy is the most substantial insurance policy you can find in Germany. It includes everything that is covered under the third party and partial insurances while also taking care of any damage due to vandalism or other incidents.

Some fully comprehensive insurance policies even cover major medical injuries caused by roadside accidents. If anybody involved in the accident faces disability or death, fully comprehensive insurance pays some of the costs to provide financial ease. However, this varies from company to company, so be sure to explore everything your insurance provider covers before signing up.

Due to the expansive nature of this policy, it is the most expensive type. But in case of accidents, you are only required to pay between 300€-500€, while the insurance company covers the rest. Do keep in mind that the cost can vary depending on your age, driving record, and other factors.

Liability Insurance Plans in Germany

Posted on November 2, 2021April 12, 2023 by MW Expat

Liability insurance is one of the most popular kinds of voluntary insurance in Germany. Personal liability insurance covers damage done to a third person or their property and makes you liable for the damage done with all your private assets. When it comes to personal liability insurance, Germany makes it mandatory for all employees, residents, citizens, and expats in Germany to take on liability insurance for motor vehicles. Although, other types of liability insurance also exist. Suppose you have moved to Germany in a job-related capacity as an expat, or are planning to spend more than 6 months in Germany. In that case, you will need to understand some things about liability insurance. This article will tell you everything you need to know, outlining how personal liability insurance in Germany works and what kinds of liability insurance plans you can opt for depending on your specific needs.

What is Personal Liability Insurance?

Third-party liability or personal liability insurance is the least expensive yet probably the most important type of insurance in Germany. As a German resident or a foreign national working in Germany in some capacity for an extended period, this is the most vital type of insurance you will require. Personal liability insurance will financially cover you or an insured member of your family in the unforeseen event that you commit an act for which a German court would most probably consider you ordinarily negligent. Regarding personal liability insurance, Germany’s laws state that there is no ceiling on the potential level of damages that an individual could have awarded against themselves due to an act that they have committed. This includes acts of ordinary negligence, which refers to any act that was committed innocently yet carelessly. Moreover, this includes any misdeeds committed by your dog or your pet horse that caused damage or loss to someone else or their property. The term ordinary negligence is a catch-all term that can refer to many different types of acts. It could be a casual matter of damaging somebody else’s property by accident, such as accidentally knocking over an expensive vase, or something more serious, such as causing a traffic accident by not crossing the zebra crossing or causing someone to sustain a bodily injury due to a sports-related accident. Third-party or personal liability insurance is intended to give the policyholder much more than simple peace of mind. The main intent is to cover financial losses and ensure that you are still financially secure following the accidental damage or loss caused by you to someone else or their personal property. For this very reason, personal liability insurance is strongly recommended for all German residents and expats and is contractually required for many people, such as those renting property.

How Does Personal Liability Insurance Work in Germany?

Third-party or personal liability insurance claims can require a very high level of cover, depending on the nature of the negligence or accident and the extent of the damages or losses sustained by the third party. Moreover, saving too much money in premiums is not recommended by taking out a cheap personal liability policy. This is because when accidents happen due to carelessness or negligence, they usually happen very fast, and even a little bit of carelessness at the wrong time can be enough to cause you an enormous financial burden. For this reason, it is normally recommended that you try to pick a good personal liability insurance policy, one that will cover a substantial portion of the most significant type of potential damages to a third party. Notably, regarding personal liability insurance, Germany’s insurance companies will not provide cover for the driver of an automobile, an airplane pilot, a boat sailor, or even a hunter. For accidents caused by negligence in any of these activities, a separate insurance policy for each kind of activity listed above is required. Very importantly, as a German resident or a German expat, you should be well aware that German third party or personal liability insurance policies with a three or five-year term cannot be cancelled before the term is complete. From the insurance agent’s perspective who sets up these contracts, they will receive a higher commission for locking a client into a multi-year policy. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you only purchase annually renewable personal liability policies. In other words, there is no reason why you should lock yourself into an insurance product that doesn’t allow you to switch policies at a pre-established renewal date, especially if a more attractive insurance cover becomes available for you to purchase.

MW Expat Solution Services

Suppose you are a German expat or are living in Germany for some time in a job-related capacity. In that case, personal liability insurance is one of the most important and highly recommended types of insurance that you will want to take on. However, depending on your specific needs, the number of family members you have, whether you are a property renter, whether you own an automobile, and many other factors, the type of personal liability insurance plan you should ideally opt for will vary. Visit MW Expat Solution Services for more in-depth information about the different types of personal liability insurances Germany offers. We are committed to helping you navigate through the confusing and comprehensive maze of insurance products in Germany so that you can ensure your financial security in the long run, no matter what.

Expat Insurance Options in Germany

Posted on November 1, 2021April 13, 2023 by MW Expat

When it comes to expat health insurance, Germany has various expat insurance packages from which to choose from, to protect their financial interests in the event of an unforeseen health issue. As a country known for having one of the most comprehensive healthcare systems globally, approximately 90% of Germany’s population is a member of the public health scheme, either mandatory or voluntary. Meanwhile, the other 10% of the population has private health insurance. Your employer is bound to 50% of your total statutory health insurance premium as a German employee. Moreover, with regards to expat insurance, Germany has three health insurance options to choose from. These are the government-regulated public health insurance scheme, private health insurance either from a German or an international insurance company, and a combination of the above two. This article will discuss the expat insurance options in Germany, outlining each option in some detail so that you can better understand the system and filter out the most suitable health insurance plan while living in Germany. While one cannot switch between different insurance options, each form of expat health insurance Germany provides comes with its specific benefits and drawbacks depending on your specific insurance needs.

1. Government Health Insurance (GKV)

The majority of German citizens and residents are members of the German government health insurance system. Notably, for membership in public health insurance, Germany makes it mandatory for all German employees earning a salary of fewer than 64,350 Euros a year to register for GKV. In 2021, the German government health insurance scheme charges a basic rate of 14.6% plus the possibility of an added supplemental rate of 1.3% of your yearly salary, with a cap of 4,837 Euros set as the maximum monthly income. As an employee earning at or above the stated income threshold and assuming a maximum monthly insurance premium of 770 Euros, you are a voluntary member of the public health insurance scheme. Accordingly, your monthly contribution will be 50% of the premium, while your employer will pay the other 50%. Moreover, as a voluntary member of the GKV, you have the option to opt-out only if a private health insurance company has accepted you. Notably, to opt-out of the GKV, you must provide a 2 months’ notice.

2. Private Health Insurance (PKV)

Compared to the government health insurance scheme, Germany’s private health insurance schemes offer a wider choice of medical coverages. As a member of private health insurance, Germany considers you a private patient, meaning you can expect a higher level of medical service under your plan. Notably, hospitals and doctors welcome private patients because they depend on them to supplement a large portion of their incomes. There are a total of around 40 insurance companies that serve Germany’s private health insurance market, each of which has a variety of premium/benefit combinations for every kind of budget. Regarding expat health insurance, Germany’s government schemes cover both you and your non-working dependents. However, private health insurance premiums are generally for each covered individual. Moving on, if you are considering opting for expat health insurance, Germany makes this process somewhat stressful as compared to if an expat was to take on public health insurance. This is because most foreign insurance companies are not registered to do business within Germany. Moreover, even registered companies have insurance plans that don’t meet the standards set in Germany’s new insurance reforms. For example, presently, a very small number of international expat health insurers can provide their policyholders with a German language certificate that is also recognized by the German immigration authorities.

3. Additional Expat Insurance Information

If your yearly salary is more than 64,350 Euros, you may choose private health insurance instead of government insurance. However, suppose you are currently in the public health insurance scheme and begin to earn more than the above-mentioned gross salary. In that case, you can either switch to expat private health insurance because you are no longer a mandatory member of the German public health scheme. Alternatively, you could become a voluntary member of the public health scheme. However, in the latter option, you will always have to pay the maximum premiums. If you wish to opt for expat private health insurance upon your arrival in Germany as a German expat, make sure to inform your company’s human resources department within 14 days of the commencement of your employment. If not, you may find yourself automatically registered in the public health insurance scheme.

Final Words

When it comes to private health insurance or expat private health insurance, Germany has many options to choose from, each with a variety of premium/benefit combinations depending on your budget. As an expatriate, it may be confusing to understand the requirements, benefits, and risks concerning opting for one health insurance scheme over another. MW Expat Solution Services is here to help you understand the ins and outs of expat health insurance. Germany has one of the most comprehensive expat insurance systems, and foreign nationals often need someone to help them simplify all these complex options.

German Culture: Food, Festivals & Beer!

Posted on September 20, 2021April 13, 2023 by MW Expat

German culture, history and traditions have had a profound impact not only on the country itself, but also on the rest of the world, shaping everything from philosophy and music to science and technology. From its delicious food and world-famous beer to its colourful festivals and celebrations, Germany offers a unique and exciting experience to everyone who visits or lives there. For expats living in Germany, or for those considering moving to this vibrant country, getting to know the local culture can be a great way to immerse yourself in the local community and feel more at home. In this blog, we will explore some of the most exciting aspects of German culture, including its famous beer, delicious food and vibrant festivals, to help you discover what makes this country such a special and fascinating place.

German Culture: Food!

When it comes to German cuisine, you might first think of sauerkraut and bratwurst, but there is much more to discover! From the delicious Black Forest Cherry Cake to the almost endless variety of breads, every region of Germany has its own culinary specialities. Germans are known for their love of hearty dishes such as pork, meat and poultry.

Did you know that the average German consumes a whopping 72 pounds of meat per year?

But don’t worry, if you’re watching your waistline, you can still enjoy German cuisine! These days, traditional dishes have been updated with healthier versions, and Germany has some of the best continental cuisine restaurants serving delicious pasta, noodles and cheesy bread with sausages. Get ready to fall in love with the diverse and delicious world of German food!

What do Germans eat throughout their day?

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is through food! Germans have a daily routine consisting of three meals, starting with a mouth-watering breakfast of various bread rolls, toast, Brötchen, Semmeln, Schrippen, Wecken, or Rundstücke served with delicious fruit jams. But the real culinary treat for Germans is lunch (Mittagessen), which is considered the main meal of the day. Expect to see pork, egg dishes, bread with various spreads, and meat on the menu, while vegetables are usually eaten as a side dish or in a stew. Interestingly, potatoes are so widely used that they are not even considered a vegetable in Germany! So why not try some local cuisine and indulge in the flavours of Germany?

Enjoy eating?? Celebrate it with German food festivals

If you are visiting Germany, then you will never have enough German food and beer. Five primary food and beer festivals are being celebrated every year. Germany celebrates the world’s largest wine festival hosted by the southwestern spa town of Bad Dürkheim in September, where more than 300 types of wine are served in 9 days.
Not only this, Oktoberfest is the daddy of all beverage festivals. This grand fest is held in Munich for 16 days in September and October. They tap the first barrel of beer on the first day, and a procession of people with flowers and beer barrels walk through the city. Thousands of people participate in parades with bands and props. People wear different Bavarian attire, and more than 30 tents are placed to give you the best experience. It’s best to book your favourite tent in advance.

If you are not fond of drinks but want to eat something new and delicious, you can attend long live potatoes and Kale. As the name sounds, Potato is included in almost every Germans’ recipe, and they do have their ways to thank their favourite food. This festival is celebrated on the Usedom Island in September, where all dishes of Potato are served. After a few days, you will see Kale in the environment.
If you plan to visit Germany, then pack your bags and do not forget to keep antacids with you because this place will give you primary food goals.

German Culture: Festivals!

German culture is famous for its many colourful festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year. From the world-famous Oktoberfest to the colourful carnival celebrations, there is always something exciting going on in Germany. Attending these festivals is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture, meet new people and have a lot of fun. Here are three of the most famous festivals that you definitely don’t want to miss:
Oktoberfest: This is perhaps the most famous festival in Germany and is held annually in Munich. The festival celebrates Bavarian culture, with lots of traditional food, music and of course beer. Visitors can also enjoy rides and games, as well as parades and other cultural events.
Carnival: Carnival is a festive season that takes place in the run-up to Lent and is particularly popular in the Rhineland. Celebrations usually include parades with elaborate floats, costumes and masks, as well as plenty of food and drink. Each city has its own traditions, so it’s worth visiting different places to experience carnival in all its diversity.
Christmas markets: During the Christmas season, Germany is famous for its traditional Christmas markets, which can be found in towns and cities all over the country. These markets are full of food, drink and handmade crafts and offer a festive atmosphere that is hard to beat. Among the most popular markets are those in Nuremberg, Dresden and Cologne.

German Culture: Beer!

It’s fascinating that Germany is the only country in the world that has a law specifically for the beer industry! But let’s take a step back in time. Did you know that Germans weren’t the original inventors of beer? Amazing, isn’t it? The art of brewing beer can be traced back to the Middle East 13,000 years ago, where roasted grains were steeped in water to make a delicious, slightly alcoholic drink. A recent discovery in Haifa, Israel, uncovered the remains of a historic brewery. From there, beer evolved into a staple food in almost every culture in the world, earning it the nickname “liquid bread.”

For centuries, German cloisters have been known for producing some of the best beer in the world for the masses. These beer-producing monasteries date back to the first millennium, 1000 to be exact, and were mostly located in southern Germany. Many of these historic institutions still exist today, including the monasteries of Andechs, St. Gallen, Weihenstephan and Weltenburg, to name but a few. Interestingly, beer was once considered safer than water and was even considered nutritious and a great source of energy. Parents even gave it to their children to keep them happy and calm. Thanks to the introduction of the Beer Purity Law, beer has become one of the most popular drinks in the world.

Let’s delve into the fascinating story of the Beer Purity Law!

Did you know that beer was once cheaper than water in Germany? Pubs were so thirsty for profit that they signed exclusive contracts with breweries, which led to a deterioration in the quality of the beer. To cut costs and maximise profits, brewers filled the beer barrels with whatever they could find, including dangerous ingredients that endangered people’s lives. It wasn’t until 1516 that Bavaria passed the Purity Law, which ensured that beer was made from only three ingredients: Barley, hops and water. Later, yeast was also added to the list of permitted ingredients. This law revolutionised the beer industry and led to over 7,000 different types and flavours of beer.

Thanks to this law, beer became the safe and nutritious drink we know today and is even suitable for children! Germans take their beer very seriously and you can taste the difference in their famous beers, such as the crisp and refreshing Pilsner, the smooth and malty Bock and the light and tangy Kölsch. So the next time you treat yourself to a cold beer, remember the history of the Reinheitsgebot and raise your glass to a safe and delicious beer!

Some of the famous beers being produced by Germans are:

Pilsner
Larger
Witbier
Kölsch
Dunkel
Bock
Helles
Märzen
Altbier

Germany is a country with a rich and fascinating culture that has something to offer everyone. Whether you want to sample world-famous beers and delicious cuisine or immerse yourself in vibrant festivals and celebrations, Germany has it all. As an expat living in Germany or considering a move there, exploring the local culture is a great way to feel at home and connect with the local community. By attending festivals such as Oktoberfest or exploring the delicious local cuisine, you can become more familiar with the unique cultural heritage of this incredible country. So why not pack your bags and experience the wonders of German culture for yourself with a glass of chilled beer? You won’t be disappointed!

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