Author name: Srijith Kariyattil

Lifestyle

Stay or Leave? The Hardest Decision I’ve Made in 13 Years!

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After 13 years of living and working in Germany, I found myself asking a question I never thought I would: Is it time to go back to India?
This isn’t a story about one country being better than another. It’s about the quiet accumulation of small things—economic uncertainty, job market pressures, rising anti-immigration sentiment—and what happens when you finally sit down and weigh what truly matters.
In this piece, I share the honest pros and cons that shaped my decision, and why, at least for now, I’ve chosen to stay.

German

7-Step Master Plan to Get Hired in Germany (Without Leaving Home)

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Looking for a job in Germany but don’t know where to start?
In this step-by-step guide, Srijith shares exactly how he secured a job in Germany from India—without agents, job seeker visas, or expensive consultancies. Learn how to research the German job market, check degree recognition, build a German-style CV, apply strategically, crack interviews, and secure a work visa—all from your home country.

Lifestyle

12 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Germany!

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When I moved to Germany back in the winter of 2012, I had a really tough time. I still remember, for the first few weeks, I was getting down like 2–3 stops after my home and walking all the way back—because I didn’t know you had to press the stop button for the bus to actually stop.

I was overwhelmed, lonely, and totally unprepared. I made pretty much every mistake you can imagine. But over time, I figured things out. Now, more than a decade later, I want to share what I’ve learned—so you don’t have to stumble the way I did.

From closed Sundays and strict recycling rules to the surprising normality of nudity and the unshakable punctuality obsession, this is everything I wish someone had told me before I packed my bags and got on that plane.

Lifestyle

Just Landed in Germany? Do These 10 Things First!

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Just arrived in Germany and feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry—this guide walks you through the 10 most important things you need to do right after landing. From getting a SIM card and registering your address (Anmeldung) to opening a bank account, getting health insurance, and even understanding German taxes, we’ve broken everything down step by step to make your transition smoother. Whether you’re here for work, study, or a fresh start, this checklist will help you hit the ground running.

German

How Long Does It REALLY Take to Learn German? (A1 – C2)

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If you’re someone who wants to come to Germany for studies or work, learning German is a must. It will open up more opportunities for you and will make your life here a lot easier. But here is the thing. German isn’t an easy language. It’s not something you can pick up in a few days or weeks. So the real question is: how much German do you actually need to learn? And how long does it take to get there?

Career

Ultimate Beginner Guide for Ausbildung (Vocational Training) in Germany | 2026

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Thinking about starting an Ausbildung in Germany but don’t know where to begin? With over 300 vocational training programs available—from nursing and IT to carpentry and office management—Ausbildung offers a solid career path for both locals and international applicants. This guide walks you through every step: from choosing the right field based on your interests, to finding open positions on trusted platforms, preparing your German-language application documents, acing interviews, and finally securing your visa. Whether you’re a hands-on learner or more business-oriented, you’ll find practical tips and resources to confidently kickstart your Ausbildung journey in Germany.

Career

The Dark Side of the German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte)

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The German Opportunity Card (Chancenkarte) visa sounds like a dream—but it’s not for everyone. With only one year to land a job, a struggling economy, and fierce competition, many applicants end up facing stress, rejection, and financial pressure. This article breaks down the harsh realities behind the Chancenkarte, from limited job prospects and high living costs to the crucial importance of German language skills. Read on to find out if this visa is the right path for you—or if you should consider a different strategy.

Career

Best Blocked Account in Germany | Everything You Need to Know | 2026

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Planning to move to Germany in 2025? Whether you’re a student or a job seeker, opening a Blocked Account is often a mandatory step for your visa approval. But with so many providers out there—and some horror stories too—how do you choose the right one? This blog breaks down everything you need to know: from how blocked accounts work, who needs one, how much to deposit, to a detailed comparison of the top 3 providers—Fintiba, Expatrio, and Coracle. Stay informed and make the right choice for a smooth start in Germany!

German

How to Apply for a Statement of Comparability at ZAB Germany

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Planning to move to Germany for studies, job search, or the Opportunity Card? If your degree isn’t recognized through Anabin, you’ll need a ZAB Statement of Comparability (Zeugnisbewertung). In this video, I explain the complete ZAB process step by step — from creating a BUND-ID account and submitting documents to fees, processing time, and what to expect after approval.

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