Are you a Sales professional considering a move to Germany – more specifically,
to Munich?
If so, don’t bother asking what it offers... ask what it doesn’t offer. And, the
answer to that question is – nothing!
Munich is the country’s third largest city and one of the wealthiest cities in Europe.
The city’s population is close to 1.3 million – about 300,000 of which are foreign
nationals. Because of its overall popularity, quality lifestyle and abundant job
prospects, the majority of English-speaking expatriates in Germany are in Munich.
Among many other positive characteristics, Munich is known for its high quality
of life. The city consistently ranks among the world’s top ten cities in terms of
quality of life; in the 2007 survey, Munich ranked 8th.
Part of the city’s popularity is associated with its very low crime rate, which
falls well below other large German cities, such as Hamburg or Berlin.
Some English Expats dubbed the city "Toytown", due to the high quality of life and
safety factors. Others refer to Munich as "Weltstadt mit Herz" which means "world
city with a heart".
Munich has it all – a robust economy, a warm and friendly local population, superb
transportation and telecommunications systems, and countless indoor and outdoor
activities to while away your leisure hours.
In short, you will not be disappointed!
Economy: Germany & Munich
Bordered by Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the
Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland, Germany is Europe’s largest economy, and the
fifth largest national economy in the world. It is also Europe’s most populous country,
and remains a key member of the continent’s economic, political and defence organisations.
The nation is among the world's most technologically advanced producers of iron,
steel, coal, cement, chemicals, machinery, vehicles, machine tools, electronics,
food and beverage, shipbuilding, and textiles.
Munich is a major centre for biotechnology, software and other service industries,
and serves as the headquarters for many sizeable and prominent businesses. Along
with Frankfurt, the city is a significant financial centre, home to – among many
others – HypoVereinsbank, Bayerische Landesbank, Allianz and Munich Re.
The city is also home to many publishing houses (only New York City has more), and
is the high technology capital of the country.
Doing Business in Germany
Sales professionals cite many reasons why they find Germany an ideal locale for
doing business. Apart from having the largest economy in Europe, IFAs, investors
and other expat business people note:
- Significant Exporter: Germany is the second largest exporter
worldwide.
- Strategic Location: The country is located in the heart of Europe,
sharing borders with every key economy in central Europe.
- Superior Infrastructure: Germany’s highly developed infrastructure
of motorways and railroads, as well as its state-of-the-art telecommunications network,
guarantee that goods and IT and non-IT services are delivered swiftly and consistently.
- Innovation: Deemed one of the most innovative nations in Europe,
more than one-fifth of European patents are held by Germans.
- Proven Track Record: With more than 22,000 foreign companies
operating there, Germany employs over 2.1 million staff, and generates trillions
of Euros in turnover.
These aspects, combined with numerous other contributing factors, place Germany
– and most certainly Munich - high on the list of most sought after destinations.
Transportation & Telecommunications
Germany is well-known for transportation and communications infrastructures that
are absolutely exceptional. All major cities and towns are connected by extensive
road systems, including the Autobahns, and rail networks. As one expat put it, “Most
of Germany is just a train ride away.” Munich has one of the most comprehensive
systems in the world, including the Munich subways – or U-Bahn – and the suburban
trains - the Munich S-Bahn. In terms of its telecommunications, the nation’s system
is among the world’s most technologically advanced. In addition, the deregulation
of the telecommunications sector has resulted in significantly lower telecommunication
costs.
Housing
The majority of expats living in Germany – most of whom dwell in and around its
major cities – live in apartments. Many rentals are reported to be expensive…but
the would-be tenant who does his homework will likely be rewarded with a more attractive
rental deal. Something for potential tenants to bear in mind: 'unfurnished' apartments
for rent in Germany most often are completely unfurnished – including no built-in
cabinets, closets or lighting fixtures. And, in some cases, the apartment does not
have a stove or refrigerator.
Pleasurable Pastimes
As with most countries with a comparable size, stature and profile, Germany offers
a vast array of pleasurable pastimes. There are plenty of great restaurants, both
Bavarian and international, featuring a broad range of prices.
An old German word for restaurant is "Gaststätte". If the restaurant has a sign
reading "gut bürgerlich" or "Hausmannskost", this means it serves a traditional
German menu. Turkish, Greek, Italian, Indian and Thai restaurants are also readily
available throughout Germany.
Wine tasting is also a popular pursuit in Germany. Among the many venues available,
the German Wine Route is the best known tourist wine route in the world.
And for those with a sweet tooth, traditional German cafés often include a confectionery
section and serve Germany’s world-famous cakes. Most cafés and restaurants also
serve a diverse variety of coffees – including cappuccino, espresso and café au
lait ("Milchkaffee").
In Munich, the “Café Culture” thrives. Most notably in the summer, a multitude of
restaurants offer excellent gastronomic delights from countries across the globe.
And, of course, there are the world-renowned beer gardens – or biergartens.
Cultural & Leisure Activities
Germany offers a wide range of cultural activities. Almost all theatres, opera houses,
museums and libraries in Germany receive state subsidies, meaning that tax monies
go to these institutions, and ticket prices are therefore often low. Daily newspapers
often print a section on cultural events in the respective region. In larger cities
there are special magazines that list current events.
Munich offers a incredible selection of museums, a lively arts scene and, of course,
the wonders of Oktoberfest - the world’s largest festival.
Germans are very family-centric, and much of their leisure time is spent at home.
However, they also partake in a wide range of leisure and sporting activities, with
exceptionally high levels of sports club membership compared to other countries.
For expatriates in Germany, there is no shortage of fun things to do. Virtually
every community has its own swimming pool, sports centre, cinema, concert hall and/or
theatre.
Many Germans belong to clubs, either for sporting events or other pastimes. The
country offers superior skiing, hiking, cycling, and in-line skating. Among many
similar comments, one seasoned expat in Germany referred to it as “a cyclist’s,
jogger’s and in-line skater’s paradise”. And for those who prefer to while away
the time on two wheels, there are miles of bike paths.
As another expat enthusiastically stated, Germany is a “haven and heaven for people
of all lifestyles.”
The year-end holiday season is especially festive in Germany – with many markets
and festivals leading up to the Christmas holidays. The German Christmas festivals
attract locals and expats alike to ride carnival rides, eat and drink festival foods,
buy trinkets for giving, and generally share the season's joys with their countrymen.
Climate
Germany has mainly a moderate climate, with cool winters and warm summers. River
valleys such as the Rhine tend to be humid and warmer year-round, while mountain
areas are generally be much colder. The average rainfall is considerably heavier
towards the south, especially along the Alpine slopes.
Munich’s climate is very much affected by its proximity of the Alps. Precipitation
is fairly high, with sudden and heavy rain storms somewhat frequent. Winters last
from December to March; summers last from May until August, and are fairly warm.
Expat Community
Germany is home to a massive expat community. Of the nation’s population of close
to 82.5 million, 9% - about 7.5 million - are expats. Approximately 82% of the expat
population hail from European countries.
Germany has it all: stylish big-city charm, glorious harvest festivals, picture-postcard
towns, a wealth of culture and art, magnificent and mysterious castles and sumptuous
fare, fine wine and celebrated beer.
Are you convinced yet?
For further information about Munich we recommend that you visit http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munich
where you will find many useful links and informative articles to prepare you for
your move.