Additional Coverage:
- I’ve lived in Berlin for 5 years. The US will always be my home, but I feel more at ease living in Europe. (businessinsider.com)
Trading Small Talk for Safe Trails: An American’s Take on Life in Germany
Joe Baur, a Midwestern transplant, found himself captivated by Düsseldorf, Germany, back in 2016. Avid hikers, Baur and his wife were immediately drawn to the extensive network of riverside trails, a welcome change from navigating traffic-laden streets back home.
The move to Europe had been a long-held dream, fueled by a desire for easy access to diverse countries and landscapes. Germany, with its efficient train system, seemed to offer the perfect solution.
But Germany has become more than just a convenient travel hub. Baur cites a sense of security and a robust social safety net as key factors contributing to his appreciation for his adopted country. Recalling a near-altercation with a hostile driver in Cleveland, he contrasts it with his current life in Berlin, where he feels safer navigating everyday conflicts without the fear of gun violence.
While he values the peace of mind he’s found in Germany, Baur admits to missing certain aspects of American culture. He fondly remembers the casual friendliness and small talk that permeated daily interactions back home.
In Germany, he notes, transactions like ordering food or grocery shopping are often purely business. Though he usually dislikes excessive chatter, Baur now finds himself missing those small moments of connection.
Fortunately, Berlin’s diverse population, including a sizable American community, allows Baur to reconnect with the familiar “Midwestern niceties.” He’s also found a strong sense of belonging within Berlin’s Jewish community.
Despite obtaining German and EU citizenship, Baur maintains his American identity. While he envisions eventually splitting his time between Berlin and the US to be closer to family, a full-time return to America isn’t currently in the cards. As long as Europe offers the security and freedom he values, Baur feels it will remain his primary home.