Exchange in Germany: is it possible to live on a minimum wage?
When it comes to exchange, Germany emerges as a destination of excellence for Brazilians seeking a transformative international experience. With world-renowned universities, a strong economy and job opportunities, the country arouses the interest of many students. But the question arises: will it be possible to remain financially working with minimum wage during the exchange? Let's explore this issue by considering different lifestyles and regions.
The German minimum wage in 2025: one of the highest in Europe
Germany has one of the most robust minimum wages in the European Union, reflecting the country's commitment to decent working conditions. In 2025, the amount is fixed at €12.82 per hour, which represents approximately:
- €2,222 per month (considering 40 hours a week)
- €26,664 per year
To get a comparative idea:
- German minimum wage: €2,222/month (approximately R$ 13,610)
- Brazilian minimum wage: R$ 1,518/month
This significant difference already reveals the potential for quality of life that Germany can offer even to those who receive the minimum wage.
Purchasing power: the real advantage for exchange students
When we convert the values to understand real purchasing power, the advantage of working in Germany is even more evident. The purchasing power of the German minimum wage is approximately 5.87 times bigger What a Brazilian!
This means that, even with the minimum wage, you will have access to a significantly higher standard of living than you would have in Brazil with the same professional status. This is one of the main factors that makes the program Study and Work in Germany so attractive to Brazilians.
The cost of living varies significantly between German cities
Germany has a wide variation in the cost of living between its cities. While metropolises like Munich and Frankfurt are known for their high costs, smaller cities offer excellent quality of life at more affordable prices.
High-cost cities (Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg):
- Shared room rental: €500-800
- Monthly food: €250-350
- Shipping: €70-90
Average cost cities (Berlin, Cologne, Stuttgart):
- Shared room rental: €400-600
- Monthly food: €200-300
- Shipping: €60-80
Lowest cost cities (Leipzig, Dresden, Essen):
- Shared room rent: €300-450
- Monthly food: €180-250
- Shipping: €50-70
Be Easy tip: University cities such as Heidelberg, Freiburg, and Leipzig offer excellent academic infrastructure at more affordable costs than large metropolises!
Is it feasible to live on the German minimum wage during the exchange?
The answer essentially depends on three factors: your lifestyle, the chosen city, and your financial management. With the German minimum wage of €2,222 per month, it is possible to:
- Cover basic expenses such as housing, food, and transportation
- Have some leisure and entertainment
- Possibly save a little, depending on the city and personal habits
However, it's important to consider:
- The chosen city: In Munich or Frankfurt, even with strict savings, the cost of housing can compromise a large part of the budget
- Your consumption profile: If you prefer to live alone, frequent expensive restaurants, or travel constantly, the minimum wage may not be enough
- Knowledge of the language: German speakers have access to better job opportunities and more competitive salaries
Fundamental: Have a emergency reserve before starting your exchange in Germany. Ideally, this reservation should cover at least 3 months of basic expenses to ensure peace of mind until you settle down professionally.
The importance of the German language for better opportunities
Although it is possible to find work by speaking only English, especially in startups and international companies, the command of German opens significant doors in the local labor market. According to recent research, professionals who are fluent in German can earn up to 30% more, even in initial roles.
O German course program from Be Easy offers intensive preparation that can make all the difference in your professional journey.
Strategies for optimizing your budget in Germany
To make the most of the German minimum wage, consider these strategies:
- Share apartment (WG - Wohngemeinschaft): Extremely common practice in Germany, it can reduce housing costs by up to 50%
- Use student health insurance: Significantly cheaper than regular insurance
- Take advantage of student discounts: Transportation, museums, movie theaters, and even supermarkets offer special prices
- Cooking at home: The difference in cost between eating out and preparing meals is substantial
- Buy at budget supermarkets: Chains like Aldi, Lidl and Netto offer quality products at affordable prices
- Use a bike: Many German cities are extremely bike-friendly, saving on transportation
Sectors with the most opportunities for exchange students in Germany
Some sectors of the German economy are particularly receptive to international students:
- Information Technology: Developers and IT professionals are highly valued
- Engineering: Traditional strength of the German economy
- Gastronomy and hospitality: Restaurants, hotels, and bars frequently hire students
- E-commerce and startups: More international environment open to English
- Health and care: Growing demand for professionals, especially with knowledge of German
It is worth noting that, as noted in our article on Brazilians surpassing the German average wage, professionals from Brazil have gained excellent positions in the German labor market.
How Be Easy can turn your dream into reality
Be Easy is prepared to guide you through each stage of your exchange in Germany. Our expert advisors help you financially plan your journey, considering your lifestyle and goals. Contact us today and discover how to make your exchange dream in Germany a reality!
