Living in Germany: A Midwest Expat’s Perspective

A Midwesterner’s Journey: From Small Talk to Security in Germany

In late August 2016, a Midwestern couple landed in Düsseldorf, Germany, and it was love at first sight. The husband, who grew up in the Midwest, reminisced about the friendliness and small talk back home that he dearly missed in his new European abode.

Despite the lack of pleasant chitchat in Germany, the couple decided to stay for the hiking opportunities and the sense of security they felt in their new home. The husband expressed feeling safer in Germany compared to the US, where the constant fear of encountering armed individuals loomed in the back of his mind.

Reflecting on his time in the US, the husband recalled a near altercation with a reckless driver in Cleveland, which highlighted the potential dangers of everyday encounters. In contrast, life in Germany offered a sense of security and freedom from such concerns.

While the husband missed the general friendliness of his homeland, he found solace in the diverse community of Americans in Berlin, where he could still experience the warmth of Midwestern niceties. Despite his deep-rooted connection to the US, the husband had no plans to move back permanently, as he felt more at ease and secure in Germany.

As they planned to split their time between Berlin and the US to be closer to family, the couple embraced their new life in Europe, cherishing the safety and freedom it offered. The husband’s journey from the Midwest to Germany was not just about exploring new landscapes but also about finding a sense of belonging and security in a foreign land.