Who qualifies as an expat?
The word expat is short for expatriate, which is in turn derived from the Latin terms ex (meaning “out of”) and patria (meaning “native country”).
The Oxford English Dictionary defines an expat as “a person who lives outside their native country”. So, if you were born in the USA and decide to move to Germany, you will become an expat.
Differing use in English and German
As you will see during your time in Germany, some English words have been borrowed and inserted in the German language – but the meaning doesn’t always stay the same.
Instead of referring to anyone who lives and works in a foreign country, in Germany the word “expat” is now in common usage as a word to describe any and all native English speakers living in Germany.
What is the difference between an immigrant and an expat?
A difficult question – and one without a clear answer. There is considerable debate in both English and German spheres regarding the use of the two words. The Local, an online magazine popular among English-speakers in Germany, sets out the issues in detail here.
What do new expats in Germany need to know?
Starting life in a new country is an exciting time and you are sure to find your feet quickly in a country as open and welcoming as Germany.
Healthcare and insurance are what we know best – so here are our top tips for moving to Germany.
- Health insurance is mandatory for everyone living and working in Germany. You will not obtain a residence permit or visa without it.
- What treatments you can receive and how long you have to wait depends in large part on whether you choose public or private health insurance.
- Depending on their income, expats can often access special insurance tariffs for which native Germans are not eligible. To find out more about ottonova’s special Expat tariff, click here.
