10 Fun Facts About Exchange in Germany: What You Need to Know
Germany has stood out as one of the most sought after destinations for exchange between Brazilians who want a transformative international experience. With excellent education, professional opportunities and unparalleled quality of life, the European country offers much more than most students imagine before boarding.
In this article, we will reveal 10 fascinating facts about exchange in Germany that can make all the difference in your planning and experience. Get ready to discover why Germany is so much more than beer, sausages and luxury cars!
1. Brazilians are among the highest paid in Germany
A surprising discovery recently released by the Institute of German Economics reveals that Brazilian professionals are among the 10 nationalities with the highest salaries in Germany! With a monthly average of €4,565 for full-time work, Brazilians are surpassing even the average salary of the Germans themselves. This promising scenario demonstrates how Study and Work program in Germany it could be the start of a brilliant international career.
2. The German minimum wage is one of the highest in Europe
In 2025, the minimum wage in Germany reached €12.82 per hour, which represents approximately €2,222 per month working 40 hours a week. This places the country among those with the highest minimum wages in Europe. For international students who can work up to 20 hours a week during term time, this means an excellent opportunity to supplement income while studying. During academic holidays, it is possible to work full time, maximizing earnings.
3. A “Blocked Account” is mandatory to obtain a student visa
One of the surprises for many exchange students is the need for the famous “Blocked Account” (Sperrkonto) — a blocked bank account that serves as a financial guarantee for the German government. In 2025, the minimum amount required is €11,904 (approximately R$ 65,000), which are blocked and released monthly in installments of €992. This account is a fundamental requirement for obtaining a student visa, ensuring that you will have sufficient resources to support yourself during your first year of study. Learn more about how to open your Blocked Account in our complete guide.
4. German health insurance offers protection for international students
One of the most surprising aspects for exchange students in Germany is the robust health system that guarantees comprehensive protection throughout their stay. Unlike many countries, in Germany, health insurance is not only recommended, but also legally mandatory for obtaining a student visa and enrolling in educational institutions.
The system offers two main modalities: public insurance (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung - GKV) and private insurance (Private Krankenversicherung - PKV). For students up to 30 years old, the public is generally the best option, with a monthly fee of approximately €120 that guarantees access to unlimited medical appointments, hospital stays, basic dental treatments, prescription medications, and even psychological care when necessary.
Be Easy has an exclusive partnership with Barmer, one of the largest public insurance companies in Germany with more than 8 million insured persons, offering special benefits such as service in Portuguese, an exclusive application for insurance management and a 24-hour telemedicine system. For those who need private insurance, the Educare option starts at €34.50 per month and includes 100% online contracting with documentation in Portuguese. Learn more about health insurance options in Germany in our comprehensive guide.
5. Banking options are very different from Brazil
The German banking system has peculiarities that may surprise Brazilians. Many Germans still prefer to pay in cash, and some small stores only accept credit cards for purchases over a certain amount. For international transfers, alternatives such as Wise may be more advantageous than traditional banks, offering favorable exchange rates and lower costs. Get to know the best bank account options in Germany in our special guide.
6. Be Easy's partner universities offer unique experiences
According to Be Easy's expertise in educational exchange in Germany, the partner institutions recommended for 2025 offer exceptional academic experiences:
- University of Europe for Applied Sciences (EU): With campuses in Berlin, Hamburg and Iserlohn, it stands out for the integration of theory and practice in optimized classes and hands-on projects with partner companies. It offers bilingual programs and a dual system that combines academic study with paid professional experience.
- GISMA University of Applied Sciences: Part of the global educational elite (top 2% of business schools with AMBA certification), it offers a pioneering Hyflex system that integrates physical and virtual environments. It maintains active partnerships with giants such as TATA, Deloitte and Zalando.
- Berlin School of Business and Innovation (BSBI): With its main campus in Berlin and expansion to Hamburg, Paris, Athens, and Barcelona, it provides a unique pan-European perspective. It offers free German courses and globally recognized diplomas.
- IU International University of Applied Sciences: It is the largest university in Germany, with campuses in Berlin and Bad Honnef. Its assessment system allows 24/7/365 exams, allowing personalized organization of studies. It integrates artificial intelligence into tutoring through Syntea, a GPT-based assistant.
These Be Easy partner institutions combine traditional German quality with innovative educational approaches, preparing students for truly global careers with full support throughout the academic journey.
7. The Ausbildung program is an incredible alternative to higher education
Few Brazilians are aware of the German dual education system called “Ausbildung”. This program combines technical training with paid work, ensuring practical experience right from the start. Participants receive between €1,000 and €1,600 monthly throughout the training period, in addition to benefits such as health insurance and paid holidays. Upon completion, the diploma is valid throughout the European Union. Find out more about Ausbildung in this exclusive article.
8. German can be learned faster than you think
Many give up on the German dream because they believe that the language is impossible to learn. However, with modern teaching methodologies, it is possible to develop fluency in German much faster than in traditional methods. Be Easy's exclusive online German program, in partnership with ILAC, allows you to achieve in 12 months what would take up to 8 years in conventional courses. With daily live classes and native teachers, Online German program it's the most efficient path to fluency.
9. Exceptional labor rights for students and professionals
Germany offers one of the most robust worker protection systems in the world. Even international students who work part-time have guaranteed rights, such as proportional paid vacation, overtime pay, and protection against unfair dismissal. Full-time professionals enjoy 30 days of paid vacation per year, comprehensive health insurance and job stability, plus an average workday of 40 hours a week that allows for excellent work-life balance.
10. The cost of living may be more affordable than you think
Despite the image of an expensive country, Germany offers a surprisingly good cost-benefit ratio when compared to large Brazilian urban centers. In average German cities, the approximate monthly costs are:
- 1-bedroom apartment rental: €800-1,200
- Public transport: €70-90 (often already included in the semester fee)
- Food (supermarket): €300-400
- Internet and utilities: €150-200
In cities like Leipzig, Dresden or even in residential areas of Berlin, it is possible to live with quality for even more affordable prices.
Your future in Germany starts now!
Germany offers extraordinary opportunities for those who want to transform their lives through exchange. With attractive salaries, quality education, and excellent quality of life, the European country remains one of the best destinations for Brazilians seeking meaningful international experiences.
Be Easy
Na Be Easy, we are prepared to guide you through each stage of this transformative journey. From language preparation to opening your Blocked Account, our team of experts offers personalized support to make your German dream a reality.
Ready to transform your life with an international experience in Germany? Contact Be Easy today and discover how we can help you build a brilliant future in Europe!
