When thinking about traditional German food, beer, bratwursts and baked goods do not give the impression of a healthy diet. And yet the Bloomberg World Health Index, which compared 163 nations on life expectancy, causes of death, and environmental factors, ranks Germany 16th in the world with a health grade of 89.4 out of 100. This puts it above Canada (17th), New Zealand (19th), The UK (23rd), Denmark (28th) and the US (34th). But what gives Germany an edge over these countries in terms of healthy lifestyle?

Germans like to buy fresh local produce, like this selection seen at a farmers’ market in Freiburg, Germany.

Everyday Well-Being

While much of Germany can have particularly warm summers, the general climate is moderate, meaning that it is easy to get out and enjoy the great outdoors throughout most of the year. Though activities may vary by the seasons, expats are sure to find healthy outdoor pursuits to get involved with all year round.

Walking and cycling to get around are very common, with footpaths and cycle routes making it easy to travel between towns without a car. Most major cities are cycle friendly and there are more than 46,000 miles of cycle routes across the country. Hiking and walking are also a very popular recreational pastime, and Volksmarches (people’s marches) are common. These non-competitive marked walks are suitable for all ages, and are a great way to discover the countryside, meet new people and get involved in the local culture. Some walks offer a small prize for completing their route.

Cultural activities and sports are each very popular in Germany. There are thought to be 90,000 sports clubs in the country, with 27 million members. Football is by far the most popular sport, but swimming and gyms are also very popular. Joining a club is not only a great way to keep fit, but is also useful for expats looking to meet new people and integrate into local communities.

An important factor in healthy living is happiness and psychological well-being. The 2018 World Happiness report ranks Germany at 15th, ahead of Belgium, France, the US, and the UK. This demonstrates that expats moving to Germany are likely to enjoy a high quality of life, with overall happiness boosted by things like a good work-life balance, government-funded public services and easy access to an outdoor lifestyle.

Food and Diet

While initial preconceptions as a tourist may be of a dense and carb heavy diet, the reality of living in Germany is much more balanced.

As with many major European nations, fast food and supermarkets are common, but so are specialist shops and markets, which supply locally produced goods. Not only can this prove to be cheaper, it offers a much healthier option than processed foods.

Despite the popular belief that Germany is a country run on meat products like bratwurst, currywurst and just about any other kind of Wurst, with the growth of vegetarianism and veganism one in ten Germans were no longer eating meat by 2016, and Berlin is now known to many as the vegan capital of Europe.

Soy bratwurst has become a popular choice with Germans looking to cut meat from their diet while still eating traditional cuisine, and it’s not unusual to see a vegan aisle of meat-free ‘meats’ and dairy-free ‘dairy’ in the supermarket. In fact, Germany is home to the world’s first fully vegan supermarket chain – Veganz.

Some healthy, popular meat-free options to look out for include:

Sauerkraut
Originated through fermenting cabbage as a means of preservation, sauerkraut has been a staple of the German diet since the 1600s. As well as being popular, the fermentation process releases probiotics, making it both healthy and excellent for digestion.

White Asparagus
Seasonal food is very popular with Spargel (white asparagus) being used in many dishes during the spring and early summer. White asparagus is very popular across Germany and can be found in many different dishes.

Radishes
High in fibre and water content, radishes are an excellent vegetable when trying to eat healthily and are often added to salads or boiled and included in a vegetable mash.

Rote Linsensuppe (red lentil soup) is a simple soup comprising of red lentils, carrots and onions is a traditional dish often served during the winter months.

Rote Linsensuppe (Red Lentil Soup) (See photo above.)
A simple soup comprising of red lentils, carrots and onions is a traditional dish often served during the winter months. One widespread tradition is to eat a bowl of lentil soup on New Year’s Eve for good luck and prosperity in the year to come.

Traditional German food may not seem particularly healthy at first, but there are plenty of options available that aren’t centred on fatty meats and cheeses.

Healthcare

One of the most important parts about leading a healthy lifestyle is being conscious of your physical health. The German healthcare system is considered to be one of the best in the world, attracting large numbers of health tourists and earning the nickname “Hospital of Europe” due to quality of the facilities and care available.

As of 2016, Germany has a good supply of skilled health professionals, 179 per 10,000 population, far higher than the European average of 115.3. This high standard of care is reflected in the health adjusted life expectancy of German residents, which has improved from 68.7 in 2000 to 71.3 in 2015, an improvement of 2.6 years. This echoes an improvement in the overall attitudes towards health and wellbeing in Germany.

Germany has over 2,000 hospitals across the country, with half of these being public.

EU citizens that already have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) are able to get free treatment during a temporary stay. When you become a resident or begin work, EHIC will no longer be valid and a Krankenversicherungskarte (health insurance card) will be required.

Health insurance is compulsory for all residents and this extends to expats who have either a residence permit of fixed-term permit for 12 months or more. You will then have to sign up to either private health insurance or the state system. Expats who are self-employed are legally required to have private cover, and should consider looking into expat health insurance options before moving.

From experiencing delicious food and making the most of the beautiful outdoor locations, to enjoying world-class healthcare, there are many ways to eat and live healthily as a newcomer in Germany.

More | Living in Germany

Related Pages
AT THE GERMAN WAY

• The Apotheke Way – Alie writes about her personal expat experiences with her local German pharmacy.
• Medications and Prescriptions in Germany
• GW Expat Blog: The German health care jungle – The ins and outs of the German health insurance system
• GW Expat Blog: Rx for Drugs in Germany – Lessons from the field
• Having a Baby in Germany: Prenatal Care (Part 1) and Having a Baby in Germany: Giving Birth (Part 2) – Advice from two expat moms in Germany

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