Yaejoo's Notes in Germany

Receiving a package in Germany can be surprisingly difficult when you first move here. You may be at home waiting for your delivery, only to find out later that your package has been sent to a Packstation, Paketshop, neighbor, or another pickup location . After living in Germany for a long time, I've experienced many different situations with package deliveries. Things have definitely improved in recent years, but receiving a package at home can still be unpredictable. In this guide, I'll explain how package delivery works in Germany, especially with DHL, Packstation, and Paketshop , and share some practical tips from my own experience. 1. Receiving a Package at Home Can Take Your Whole Day One thing I learned from living in Germany is that if I'm expecting an important package, I sometimes have to plan to stay home for most of the day. You may get an estimated delivery window, but it isn't always easy to know exactly when the driver will arrive. If you live with roomma...

If you have just moved to Germany, you may notice something unusual when buying bottled water, soft drinks or beer: the price at the checkout can be slightly higher than you expected. The reason is often Pfand , Germany's bottle and can deposit system. When I first came to Germany as an international student, I also had to learn which bottles to return, where to take them and what to do with the receipt from the machine. After living in Germany for years, returning Pfand bottles has simply become part of my normal grocery-shopping routine. Personally, I think it is one of the most interesting and useful systems you experience in everyday life in Germany. It is also a system that Germany is well known for and, in my opinion, can be proud of. Here is a simple guide to how Pfand works in Germany in 2026. What Is Pfand in Germany? Pfand is a deposit that you pay when purchasing certain bottles and cans. When you return the empty container, you get the deposit back. This means Pfand is...

If you are an international student living in Germany for the first time, separating your waste can be surprisingly confusing. When I first moved to Germany, I was also unsure about where to throw things away. Germany has several different bins, and the system can feel complicated until you get used to it. After living in Germany for a long time, recycling has become part of my everyday routine. In this guide, I will explain the basic German recycling system in a simple way, especially for international students and newcomers. Quick Guide to German Recycling Keep in mind that recycling rules and collection systems can vary slightly depending on your city or municipality. 1. Gelber Sack or Gelbe Tonne – Packaging The Gelber Sack (yellow bag) or Gelbe Tonne (yellow bin) is mainly used for lightweight packaging. Typical examples include: Plastic food packaging Yogurt cups Metal cans and aluminum packaging Plastic wrappers Beverage cartons Paper and glass packaging should generally be se...

  If you're planning to study in Germany as an international student , you probably already know about the big things: visas, accommodation, health insurance, and university applications. I researched all of these before moving to Germany too. But after actually living here for several years, I realized that some of the most useful things to know are the small details of everyday life. From quiet Sundays and the German obsession with appointments to slow bureaucracy and unexpected package deliveries, here are 10 things I wish I knew before studying in Germany . 1. Most Shops Are Closed on Sundays in Germany One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed after moving to Germany was Sunday. Sunday is truly a day of rest in Germany. Most supermarkets, drugstores, shopping centers, and regular shops are closed. Residential areas can become surprisingly quiet, and it often feels like almost everything takes a break for the day. Coming from Korea, where you can easily go shopping, ord...

  When you first move to Germany, everyday things like checking a delayed train, receiving a package, buying groceries, or finding affordable furniture can feel more complicated than expected. After living in Germany for several years as an international student, I have found that having the right apps makes daily life much easier — and sometimes cheaper too. These are not just popular apps I found online. They are apps that I actually use or have found useful while living in Germany. Here are some of the best apps for international students in Germany in 2026 . 1. DB Navigator – Essential for Public Transport If you use public transportation in Germany, DB Navigator is one of the first apps I recommend downloading. I use it to check: Train and public transport connections Departure and arrival times Delays and cancellations Platform changes ICE, IC, RE and regional train connections Ticket information One important tip: check the app again shortly before your train leaves. Delays...

   Arriving in Germany as an international student can be exciting, but the first few weeks can also be confusing. You need accommodation, a German phone number, Anmeldung, a bank account, health insurance, and possibly a residence permit. The difficult part is knowing what to do first . I have lived in Germany as an international student for years, and this is the order I personally recommend based on my own experience. Rather than trying to complete everything at once, take it step by step. 1. Move Into Your Accommodation If you already found accommodation before arriving in Germany, your first step is simple: move in and get settled. However, many international students arrive with temporary accommodation and search for a permanent room after arriving. If this is your situation, don't worry too much. Finding accommodation in Germany can take time, especially in popular student cities, but you can improve your chances by applying consistently. Where I Recommend Looking for A...

Studying in Germany comes with more benefits than you might expect. With a valid student ID ( Studentenausweis ), you can often save money on transportation, museums, concerts, cinemas, subscriptions, software, and university services. As an international student in Germany, I recommend checking for a student discount before paying the regular price. Even small discounts can make a difference over a semester. Here are some of the most useful student discounts in Germany in 2026 .

If you are studying in Germany, public transportation will probably become an important part of your everyday life. Whether you commute to university, go grocery shopping, visit friends in another city, or travel around Germany on weekends, transportation costs can quickly add up. One of the easiest ways to use public transportation in Germany is the Deutschlandticket , also commonly called the D-Ticket . In 2026, the Deutschlandticket costs €63 per month and allows unlimited travel on most local and regional public transportation throughout Germany. For international students, however, there are a few important things to understand before buying it — especially the difference between the Deutschlandticket and a university semester ticket. Here is what you need to know about the Deutschlandticket in Germany in 2026.

  If you have recently moved to Germany, one of the first places you will probably visit is a supermarket. For international students, grocery shopping is not only part of everyday life but also one of the easiest ways to control monthly living expenses. However, Germany has many supermarket chains, and it can be difficult to understand the differences between Aldi, Lidl, REWE, EDEKA, Kaufland, Penny, and Netto. Some supermarkets focus mainly on low prices, while others offer a wider selection of fresh food, snacks, international products, and household goods. In this guide, I will explain the main types of supermarkets in Germany, compare the most popular chains, and share my personal shopping experience as an international student living in Germany. Types of Supermarkets in Germany German supermarkets can generally be divided into three main categories: Discount supermarkets Full-service supermarkets Hypermarkets Each type has different strengths, so many people in Germany shop a...