Why skilled workers come to Germany and then leave again

Perceived discrimination and racism

• Many describe Germany as highly discriminatory toward migrants and visible minorities, citing everyday racism, biased policing, and housing/job rejections based on names or appearance.
• Visible Muslims (e.g., hijab-wearers) are reported as facing particular hostility, even when skilled and well-paid.
• Some argue this is not uniquely German—most countries favor their own and are harsh to low‑status migrants—but others say expectations are higher for an EU democracy that “should know better.”
• There is debate over whether cautiousness toward “outsiders” in promotions and housing is just cultural conservatism or straightforward xenophobia.
• Several note tension between Germany’s aging‑society need for migrants and a public discourse that frames migration itself as a “problem.”

Culture, social integration, and daily life

• Many newcomers find Germans distant, slow to form friendships, and strongly rule‑bound; integration is said to take years and often never feels complete.
• Joining local clubs (Vereine) is cited as one of the few effective ways to make friends.
• People from “warmer” cultures often feel isolated and end up socializing mainly with other migrants.
• Complaints include Sunday/early store closures, strict waste rules, and a general lack of “convenience culture,” though some Germans value this as preserving family time and social order.

Language requirements and barriers

• For many non‑software roles C1 or higher German is required; some employers demand C2, which commenters say effectively excludes most immigrants and even many natives.
• Permanent residence normally requires at least B1; some see this as a fair, modest standard, others as a major burden for full‑time workers and parents.
• There is broad agreement that without solid German you remain an outsider professionally and socially; some insist learning the language is a basic obligation if you want to settle.

Careers, mobility, and the labor market

• Multiple skilled workers report a “glass ceiling” for non‑natives: slower promotion, preference for Germans in leadership, and reliance on foreigners as cheaper labor rather than future managers.
• Germany is described as good for a “middling but comfortable” life, less attractive for ambitious people seeking rapid wealth or senior roles.
• Declining real wages, housing shortages, and perceived deterioration of infrastructure and public services are said to erode even that comfort.

Macro issues and alternatives

• Commenters link current problems to years of austerity and under‑investment, plus political backlash over refugee inflows.
• Some Eastern Europeans now find the income gap too small to justify the frictions of moving.
• A number of participants say they chose or would choose the Netherlands, US, Canada, or other American countries instead, viewing them as more open to integration and upward mobility.