• Nadine Santos

    Foreigners in Germany

    posted by  Nadine Santos in Frankfurt forum 

    Hi Manuela, I don't know of a specific jobsite, but just read this info and found it really interesting:

    Germany is a multicultural society. Large cities, universities and science all live and feed off the cultural diversity this country has to offer. Out of the 82 million living here, over seven million are foreigners.

    * German culture is not homogeneous. Diversity is evident everywhere and at all times. But curiously, at the same time the various characteristics of the different ways of life are quite attached to the different local areas. The language, food and customs vary from region to region, which can make adapting to the country a little harder if you plan on staying in various different places.

    * If people seem reserved and a little distant at first, don't take it personally; becoming familiar with city dwellers and their habits can take a little time.

    * Those travelling to Germany on business should know that most Germans keep their working and private lives separate; that is why getting together with colleagues after the job is done can be a little awkward.

    * It is better to find people one can share common interests with in other places or situations, such as in a language course or by joining a sporting club or cultural activities group.

    * As in all parts of the world, in Germany you may find those that aren't very welcoming to foreigners; such attitudes may be perceived on a train, in a shop or on the street. However, never let such minor bad experiences cast a shadow on your stay in Germany or in any other country you decide to visit, for that matter. Movements led by activists against discrimination and in favour of social integration are becoming more and more common. Xenophobia is still waiting to be wiped out completely, bur fortunately all sorts of different cultures are increasingly opening themselves up to let in people from all over the world.

    Foreign Workers

    * The number of foreign businessmen in Germany has risen considerably since the 80's. Today, foreign citizens owning their own businesses amount to some 280,000. These businesses operate mainly in the retail sector, as well as in tourism and software markets. Some sectors of the economy would be lost without these foreign businessmen, such as the food industry.

    * However, there are no exact figures representing what the turnover of these small businesses is in relation to that fact. Thirty percent of the 260,000 employees and workers of Turkish companies are Germans.

    * Foreigners from European Economic Community member status that run independent businesses have the same rights and duties as German citizens do. Bilateral agreements have also been signed with a series of other States, such as Australia, Canada, Israel, New Zealand and Turkey, among others.

    Immigration Issues

    * Today, immigration is a hot issue of debate in Germany again. The problem of whether or not Germany needs an immigration law is widely discussed by the country's inhabitants, with many points of views.

    * Toward the end of 1998, a total of 7,320,000 foreigners lived in Germany , almost 9% of the total population; 25% were from European Union member states. On average the foreign population was younger than the German population: 23% was under the age of 18 years.

    * Schools are some of the clearest indicators of the fact that Germany is a country of immigrants; student bodies are more heterogeneous every day: the number of school students whose native language is not German has considerably risen in the last few years.

    * Although many believe that there are already enough foreigners living in Germany , there is a pressing situation to be kept in mind: as time goes by the German population is continually aging and on the decrease.

    * This phenomenon will have direct consequences, and not only on the country's employment sector. The economy and society will suffer damages if nothing is done to change the situation. However, until present day, no truly modern concept with enough foresight to regulate immigration and integration of foreigners, two inseparable issues, has been put forth.

Post a reply

Other replies