Alright Leo, let's dive into 'Accommodation Options and Quality' in France and Germany! Are we talking charming Parisian apartments or sturdy German houses? Hmm! I'm picturing myself sipping wine on a tiny French balcony already! Ahhh!
Hahaha! Mira, always with the wine and balconies! Hehe! I'm picturing myself in a minimalist German apartment, everything perfectly organized. Efficiency, my dear! I think that’s the German word of the day! Aha!
Efficiency is great, but what about 'joie de vivre?' Can you find that in a perfectly organized apartment? Hmm! I'm not so sure! French rentals, even small, always seem to have that certain 'je ne sais quoi'. Ooh!
'Je ne sais quoi' is just a fancy way of saying 'slightly disorganized but somehow charming', isn't it? Hahaha! German apartments might lack the 'je ne sais quoi', but they have 'ordnung'! Everything in its place, a place for everything. Like a welloiled, lederhosenclad machine! Whoa!
Ordnung is fine, but what about space? Can you actually swing a cat, as they say, in these efficient apartments? Hmm! Parisian apartments might be smaller, but they feel bigger with those tall windows and high ceilings! Wow!
Swinging cats, Mira? Is that a standard metric for accommodation quality now? Hehe! Seriously though, German housing standards are pretty high across the board. Sturdy construction, good insulation, not a lot of cat swinging space. Ouch!
Okay, okay, maybe not swinging cats literally, but you get my drift! How easy is it to find accommodation, anyway? Is it all about knowing someone or charming a landlord with your sparkling personality? Hmm! Asking for a friend, of course! Ahhh!
Sparkling personalities only get you so far, Mira. Hahaha! In Germany, it's all about paperwork. Proof of income, Schufa score... basically, proving you're responsible enough to not trash the place. Get ready to show off your references! Whoa!
Paperwork! That sounds so... German! What about cost? Can you find something decent without selling a kidney? I'm particularly interested in city centres, of course. You know, near the cafes! Ooh!
City centres are always pricey, Mira. But generally, rental costs in Germany are reasonable compared to other Western European countries. Plus, you get what you pay for good quality apartments. Maybe further from the cafes though! Hahaha!
So, not a cafe on every corner, then? Shocking! What about unique accommodation? Anything beyond the typical apartment or house? Castles? Converted windmills? Give me something exciting, Leo! Wow!
Castles are more likely to be tourist attractions Mira, not available for regular rentals. However converted windmills, and farmhouses are possibilities. But in Germany more likely you will find cool repurposed industrial spaces. Think lofts in old factories! Very trendy! Aha!
So, less 'chateau' and more 'chic industrial loft?' That’s still interesting! How about smaller rentals? Are tiny houses a thing in Germany like they are in France? Hmm! I have a friend who loves tiny houses.
Tiny houses? Germany focuses more on efficiency than tiny living. Finding a small, welldesigned apartment is more common than a dedicated tiny house community. Practicality wins again! Ahhh!
Speaking of small spaces, what's the deal with shared apartments? Are WG's as common in France as they are in Germany? Is this a way of making accomodation more afforadable? Hmm!
WGs or 'Wohngemeinschaften' are super common in Germany, especially among students and young professionals. Great way to save money and meet people. In France a bit less common but still a valid option, especially in university towns. Ooh!
Okay, good to know. And what about longer stays like buying? Do you know if French people buy homes or apartments more than Germans?
The german rental culture is very strong. So typically fewer people purchase compared to France. This makes France an interesting property market for foreign buyers. You have to deal with less local competition. That’s the theory anyway. Hahaha!
Very interesting! This is so helpful! A final point I am very curious to know about. You mentioned a rating score earlier, Schufa is it called? Is such a thing common in France? Hmm!
No comparable scoring system exists in France, no. Although landlords will want to check your background. So prepare the bank statements, and documents that proof your work and income. Just to be safe. Aha!
That's super useful, Leo, thank you! Now, let's look at political and social harmony... Ahhh!