'Migrants settled here pretty well': Russian woman - about life in Germany
'07.02.2019'
Source: Arguments and Facts
The Russian woman, who more than 8 years ago moved to Germany, spoke about the problem of migrants, the characteristics of life in a small German city and the rationality of local men.
The Volkswagen plant that once opened in Kaluga not only attracted investments in the city, but also helped many girls arrange their personal lives and leave for Germany. Victoria Voronina is one of them. The future husband of the Kaluga woman came to the "Cradle of Cosmonautics" on a business trip, after which he began to look more and more often in Russia and eventually took Vika with him to the small town of Wolfhagen with a population of only 15000 people. How quickly she managed to learn the difficult German language and get used to the local way of life, Victoria told AiF.ru.
About moving
When a person is in love, he is not afraid of anything, he is ruled by feelings and emotions. Leaving Russia, I did not think that something could go wrong. I was sure of my choice and knew that I would like Wolfhagen. But once on the spot, I immediately felt the difference, because it was like moving from town to village. I will not hide, to some extent I find it boring here, because in order to have fun, you must at least go to Kassel, and this is 30 km from us! Although the infrastructure in the city is good, there are cafes, shops, restaurants. About moving anywhere else is still out of the question, because the son went to the first class. I can not pull it out of the usual rhythm of life, besides we have our own house here.
About documents
Moving to Germany is not easy. First, you need to pass the German language - the first level of A1, so I immediately went to courses at the pedagogical university. Preparation for the exam took about 4 month. From 100 possible points I scored 98. That's what makes a person motivate! The husband then came to me to support.
The most difficult thing is to collect the necessary documents. These are endless translations, assurances and visits to the notary. But everything is real, if you want.
I received citizenship only a month ago, having lived here for 8,5 years. In my case, it was possible to submit documents in 5 years, and then you just have to wait, since this is a long process. Before that, I had a residence permit. I had to give up Russian citizenship, but for me it does not change anything, since I made myself a visa for five years and I can safely go to my parents whenever I want. I made this decision without hesitation, after all my husband is a German, a child is German, I have been living in Germany for a long time and I am not going to leave here, it was quite logical for me not to complicate my life, but to change citizenship.
About the germans
If you are going to marry a German, be ready for full order. In the house and in business everything should be clear. But this is typical of me, so no problems in our family arose.
Men here dream of women who will take care of home and children, because this is not typical of modern German women. Many devote themselves to work. Material relations in German families are built a little differently than in Russia. Basically, couples have a separate budget, even if they are husband and wife. Very often you can see in a restaurant, as a waiter after dinner asks, together to count the bill or separately. Usually the Germans choose the last option. My family does not care about such things. I have an adequate husband who understands that I, having a small child, cannot fully work, besides 90% of the time he is on business trips.
Some believe that all Germans are greedy. I would not say that. Rather, they are rational and make purchases that are really needed. But, of course, they will not indulge a woman like some Russians.
For example, I cannot say that gifts are a frequent occurrence in our family. But I have a husband's card, and if I need something, I will go and buy it myself. Within reasonable limits, of course. We make large purchases by discussing them together.
About medicine
There are crowded hospitals, constant queues, and even if you have registered with a doctor, get ready to sit and wait for you to be accepted. Sometimes it takes an hour and a half.
In Germany, in principle, it is difficult to get a referral to a doctor. Of course, if you die, go to the hospital - you will be put on an examination. But when the problem is not so keenly - wait! For example, my knee ached, I came to see a doctor only after two months.
Insurance is usually paid by the employer, but it may not always cover all costs of treatment. Especially expensive to treat your teeth is thousands of euros!
I gave birth to a son in Germany and I must say that I have absolutely no complaints about this part of German medicine: a good hospital, attentive doctors, wonderful conditions. My mother came and could safely remain in the ward for the night, just like her husband, just had to pay extra for it, but some insignificant money. All expenses covered by insurance.
About language
Many people do not like German, but I think this is a cool language and I love Rammstein. When I arrived here, I immediately realized that no one here except for her husband was going to talk to me in English. Moreover, the immigration services literally two weeks later sent a referral to an integration school for further study of the language to the level of B1. For 8 months of daily classes, I received a certificate.
About a year later, she began to talk, of course, with mistakes, but they understood me. Local loyal to such things and do not attach special importance to them, such as the French. In general, they are good to Russian.
But you need to understand that Russian Russian strife. For people who have been living here for a long time, working, paying taxes - there are no complaints. And about those who are sitting on the neck of the state, the Germans, naturally, say, “have come!”.
About work
At first I didn’t work because I needed to learn the language, then I got pregnant and gave birth to a child. All this time I was not up to work. And when the son went to the kindergarten, I finally had time, and I got a part-time secretary. I could not go all day, because the mode of operation of gardens in Germany is not the same as in Russia. A child up to 3 years old is in the garden before 12: 00, older children - up to about 15: 00.
Getting settled is not a problem. But, of course, it all depends on the level of education. For example, they immediately confirmed my diploma and issued a certificate that I could work. But since I needed to find a place near the house (after all, when you have 4 hours for everything about everything, spending 40 minutes on the road is stupid), I got settled not by profession. Now the son has gone to the first class, the lessons begin in 8: 45 and go to 11: 10, I had to become a housewife again. But this is my personal choice. Family is always a priority.
About school and kindergartens
To arrange a child in a kindergarten in such a small town as ours is easy. It costs about 120 euros per month. Since there is no kitchen there, parents give breakfast to children with them (sandwich, vegetables, fruits), and they bring lunch from the restaurant, upon prior reservation.
And to the garden, and to school, I have no complaints. The teachers here are very attentive. In the school timetable there are various unusual items that were not in my childhood. For example, Spiel-Sport - outdoor games in the classroom. Son just loves them. There are religion lessons. Depending on their faith, each child goes to a certain group.
About expenses
In Germany, there are products for every wallet, but this does not at all mean that low quality is hidden behind a low price. Same with clothes. Our family spends about 100 euros per week on food. Since the house is our own, the issue of renting is irrelevant for us, we pay only utility bills - in the region of 200-250 euro.
If you want to rent a house, then in Wolfhagen it can be done at least for 300 euros. But the larger the city, the higher the prices. For example, in Kassel, my friends rent a small two-room apartment for about 600 euros. Having an income at the same time 1200 euro. Of course, rent flies them a pretty penny.
The minimum wage in Germany is 450 euros. Naturally, the state helps people with such income, since they are not able to pay for housing in a simple way.
About migrants
Even in such a small city as ours, the problem of migrants is acute. There are about 600 people living in Wolfhagen. They come from Syria, Afghanistan and other countries.
The migrant camp is located approximately 3 kilometers from the city, and the old tank factory was re-equipped for it. Of course, the police and the ambulance are constantly coming there: someone has cut someone, someone has fought with someone, etc.
In general, migrants are not bad settled, because they have a large financial assistance - 740 euros per person. Imagine a family of five, for a couple of months they can easily buy a used car. Naturally, such an injustice is outraged by some Germans, because there are people who work and get the minimum wage, and the migrants do nothing. Of course, our situation is not the same as in Berlin, it’s a nightmare at all, but not a pleasant one.
At the same time, many local people, including our family, help these people. I myself drove away children's clothes, clothes, shoes, because I am a mother, and there are so many children there.
About finding yourself
I come to Kaluga once or twice a year, my parents visit me here too. Of course, I miss friends, and sometimes I just want to walk through my hometown. But in general, I have become accustomed to Germany. It remains only to find yourself professionally. Now I went to study dietitian. I like helping people in this direction. Someone I have already developed a program for losing weight, someone helped gain muscle mass.
I organize groups of women, and we do Scandinavian walking every other day. In Germany, a healthy lifestyle is gaining popularity, the Germans willingly go about their bodies. I think that as soon as I realize myself in this, I can say with full confidence that I have adapted in the country for all 100%.
