Why Germans Do It Better: My 3-Year Love Affair with Life in Frankfurt

After three years of living in Frankfurt, I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on what makes life in Germany so unique. Coming from a fast-paced environment, where everything was about "more"—more work, more hustle, more material things—Germany felt like a breath of fresh air. It’s not that life here is slow; it’s just different. It’s balanced.

The first thing that struck me was how practical Germans are. They don't sugarcoat things, they get to the point, and they focus on what matters. Consumerism hasn’t taken over their lives the way it has in many other parts of the world. There’s no endless race to buy the latest gadget or keep up with the neighbors. Sure, people appreciate quality, but they prioritize functionality. That shiny object mentality just doesn’t seem to exist here.

Work-Life Balance: A Reality, Not Just a Slogan

What really stood out to me, though, is the way people approach work. In so many places, there’s this glorification of overwork—this idea that if you’re not hustling 24/7, you’re somehow falling behind. But here in Germany? They don’t buy into that. Stress, burnout, and exhaustion aren’t badges of honor.

Germans work hard, but they don’t live to work. It’s a clear distinction. When the workday ends, it really ends. People prioritize their time off, their vacations, and their personal lives. Sundays are sacred, with shops closed and the streets quiet—a day to breathe, unwind, and just enjoy life. Coming from a culture where "the grind" is glorified, this was one of the most refreshing things I’ve experienced.

The Practical Side of Living

One of my favorite aspects of life here is how practical everyday living is. Everything from public transport to recycling is well thought out. There’s a sense of efficiency in how things are done. Trains run (mostly) on time, and people follow rules in a way that keeps everything moving smoothly. It’s not glamorous, but it works.

Even in the workplace, things are practical. Meetings are efficient, emails are to the point, and work isn’t padded with unnecessary fluff. People aren’t expected to be "on" all the time. There’s a respect for your time and for the need to disconnect.

Living with Purpose, Not with Pressure

What I’ve come to appreciate most about Germany is that there’s no relentless pressure to "be more" or "have more." Instead, the focus is on living with purpose. Whether it's taking time to enjoy a walk in the park, savoring a meal with friends, or simply having time for yourself, life here isn’t about filling every moment with productivity or consumption. It’s about finding balance.

After three years in Frankfurt, I’ve come to value these qualities deeply. It’s not that life here is perfect—nowhere is—but the focus on practicality, balance, and a life lived with intention has been an eye-opening shift for me.

Germany may not shout about its virtues, but there’s something profoundly reassuring about a culture that prioritizes living over working.

The Art of Disconnecting

One of the things I admire most about Germans is their ability to disconnect. It’s as if they’ve mastered the art of knowing when to stop, to rest, to breathe. This mindset is woven into the very fabric of daily life. It’s not just in the workplace but also in social settings. You’re not expected to be available around the clock. When you’re out of the office, people respect that. Work emails aren’t expected to be answered at midnight, and meetings after hours are rare, if not nonexistent.

This separation between work and personal life allows people to be more present in both areas. They’ve learned something that many other cultures struggle with—productivity doesn’t come from constant hustle. It comes from balance, from rest, and from taking time to recharge.

Sundays: A Day for You

In a world that never seems to stop, I initially found it strange that nearly everything shuts down on Sundays in Germany. No shopping, no errands, just peace and quiet. But now? I love it. It forces you to slow down, to take a breath. You can walk through a park without the pull of to-do lists or errands. There’s no rush, no pressure—just time.

It’s a deliberate pause in a world that never seems to take one, and that’s something I’ve grown to appreciate deeply.

Simplicity in Everyday Life

Another element that stands out is the simplicity of life here. It’s not just in how people avoid excess, but in how daily tasks are designed to be uncomplicated. The systems in place—from healthcare to public transportation—are logical and efficient. There’s little room for unnecessary complexity. Things work. And when they don’t, people find practical solutions without drama.

In many ways, this practicality is a reflection of a broader mindset—focusing on what’s important. There’s no obsession with showing off or proving success. Instead, there’s a quiet confidence in simply living well, with purpose and clarity.

Less is More

Living in Germany has taught me the power of the "less is more" mentality. It’s not about having the newest car or the biggest house; it’s about making the most of what you have. Germans are proud of their minimalist approach to life. They don’t clutter their schedules or their homes with unnecessary things. There’s a profound respect for quality over quantity—whether that’s in relationships, work, or even possessions.

Final Thoughts

After nearly three years in Frankfurt, I’ve come to realize that what I love most about Germany is the intentionality with which people live. There’s no glorification of stress or burnout, no pressure to be "on" all the time, and no race toward consumerism. Instead, life here is about balance, practicality, and purpose.

It’s a mindset that has profoundly impacted the way I see the world—and how I live in it. Germany has shown me that less can truly be more, and that in the space we create for ourselves, we find the things that truly matter.