Ireland vs Germany: Which Country Is Right For You?
Comparing Ireland Vs Germany? Been there, done that!
And totally here to break it all down for you 🙂
One might think I’m biased toward Ireland, and they would be right *haha*
But, in all seriousness, both countries are absolute gems in their own right, and I’m committed to making a fair comparison!
So let’s jump right in and discover what makes each country unique and explore which option will be better for you, depending on your interest and preferences.
Whether you’re considering traveling, studying, or living in Ireland or Germany, I promise these comparisons will come in handy!
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Ireland Vs Germany: Language
You might worry about Germany being a non-English speaking country, but they’ve got plenty of English-taught programs, so people do speak English.
If you’re traveling around, you’ll get by with English in touristy spots. That said, picking up some basic German phrases can give you a better experience.
For day-to-day life in Germany, it’s super helpful to get a better grip on the language.
In Ireland, things are a bit more straightforward as although they speak Gaelic, especially in the Gaeltacht regions, English is spoken everywhere!
While you can easily get by with English, picking up a few phrases in Gaelic can make your experience even more authentic and enjoyable!
VERDICT: Ireland wins in terms of ease of communication as English is widely spoken and you will have no trouble being understood.
Photo: Sylwia Bartyzel
Ireland Vs Germany: Location
Ireland is an island nation in Northwestern Europe, bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the Irish Sea to the east.
The Emerald Isle’s landscapes range from dramatic coastlines to charming countryside, providing a scenic backdrop to your travels and daily life.
Ireland also offers you a wide variety of university options in cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway.
The only land border with Ireland is Northern Ireland, part of the United Kingdom.
So when you’re in Ireland, you’ll be surrounded by beautiful landscapes and have easy access to the rest of the UK and Europe for weekend getaways or short trips.
As for Germany, it’s in Central Europe and shares borders with nine other countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Poland, and Switzerland.
This central location makes it a great hub for exploring the rest of Europe, with many destinations just a short train or plane ride away.
You’ll find a variety of regions and cities in Germany, each with unique character and study opportunities.
Popular cities like Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg, and Cologne attract students worldwide.
VERDICT: Germany is the clear winner here due to its central location, which makes it accessible to and from so many other countries.
Photo: Priscilla Du Preez
Ireland Vs Germany: Safety
Ireland and Germany are both safe countries, ranking 3rd and 16th, respectively, on the Global Peace Index.
Ireland and Germany have relatively low crime rates compared to many other countries and both countries have a strong police presence and effective law enforcement systems.
However, as with any city or country, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions, especially in larger cities like Berlin or Dublin.
VERDICT: Ireland as it is ranked higher on the Global Peace Index, although both countries are very safe.
Photo: Benyamin Bohlouli
Ireland Vs Germany: Health System
If you ever get sick or hurt while in Germany or Ireland, at least both countries have great healthcare systems.
Germany’s health care system is funded by public and private insurers, meaning basic care is accessible to everyone without worrying about huge medical bills.
Health insurance is mandatory for eveyrone in Germany; however, if you are just visiting and don’t have one that you can use, a doctor’s visit will cost you about €50 to €100 ($60 to $120)
In Ireland, most health care is funded by the government, which means that basic health care is either free or available at a reduced cost.
The cost of a GP is about €20 to €50 ($24 to $60) depending on the GP fees and your eligibility for reduced-cost services.
If you’re traveling, it’s always a good idea to have travel insurance for any unexpected medical emergencies.
VERDICT: Germany, as the mandatory health insurance system, ensures all residents have access to healthcare compared to Ireland’s mix of public and private healthcare systems with different eligibility levels, which results in higher out-of-pocket costs for some people.
Photo: Ron Lach
Ireland Vs Germany: Weather
Generally in summer, from June to August, Germany is hot with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
As for winter, which is from December to February, Germany gets quite cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C (14°F to 41°F).
Snowfall is common, so be sure to have a good winter coat ready!
Over in Ireland, summers are pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 16°C to 20°C (61°F to 68°F) – this is between June to August.
And winter, from December to February, can be cold, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F) and occasional snow.
Both countries experience rain throughout the year, so it’s always a good idea to bring a raincoat!
VERDICT: Germany fares a little better as it has warmer summer, but if you’re not bothered by the cold or prefer it even, then you will enjoy Ireland.
Photo: Elevate
Ireland Vs Germany: Culture
If you are interested in exploring diverse cultures, Germany and Ireland offer plenty of opportunities to indulge in new experiences!
German culture places high value on literature and language history.
You will find many Germans finding reading and writing words important; useful to know when you’re a student or working with German people!
On the other hand, the Irish have a strong tradition of oral storytelling and song, passed down through generations. You will find lots of music and lively vibes in Irish bars and a generally proud honor of their traditional music.
The German people are known for their punctuality and love of efficiency.
In fact, being on time is considered very important in German culture, so if you’re from a country that is notoriously late (I won’t name names here), you have to quickly adapt to this German culture.
Timekeeping is not super strict in Ireland.
People quite often arrive about 10 to 15 minutes late. But if it’s in a business or school environment, you’d need to be on time!
If you enjoy drinking, you’ll be pleased to know that both countries have a social drinking culture and are proud of their beers in German and stout and whiskey in Ireland.
VERDICT: Ireland is better for a more rounded lifestyle, strict where it matters in a professional setting, and more laid-back in social settings. Warm, friendly people will always be around to welcome you in Ireland, along with their fun stories and songs 🙂
Photo: Aaron Burden
Ireland Vs Germany: Study
In Ireland, there are around 32,000 international students pursuing their education.
The country’s universities are highly respected worldwide, with top-notch programs in Data Analytics, Business Analytics, Data Science, Computer Science, and Cyber Security.
If you’re an English-speaking student, you’ll find it much easier to navigate the academic environment in Ireland compared to Germany, as the primary language is English.
However, while Germany may not be an English-speaking country, it’s still a top choice for international students, around 440,564 currently, due to its tuition-free universities and low living costs.
Plus, its central location in Europe makes it easy to travel and explore different countries.
If you’re interested in engineering or business, Germany is definitely worth checking out.
To read more about the academic offerings, you can look up popular courses for international students including Computer Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Business Management.
VERDICT: Ireland, due to the language spoken as it will be easier for you to navigate everyday life – studying is tough enough as it is!
Photo: Andrea Piacquadio
Ireland Vs Germany: Tuition Fees
If tuition fees worry you when planning to study abroad, you’ll be happy to know that Germany is usually more affordable than Ireland.
In Germany, public university tuition fees for Bachelor’s programs typically range from €1,000 to €20,000 ($1,093 to $21,865) per year.
In Ireland, Bachelor’s programs start from around €9,850 ($10,768) and can go up to €25,000 ($27,331).
For Master’s programs, German fees usually range from €20,000 to €30,000 ($21,865 to $32,798), while in Ireland, they can range from €9,500 to €34,000 ($10,386 to $37,171).
Amazingly, doctoral degrees are free in all German public universities!
Students only have to pay the administrative fee, approximately €100 to €300 ($109 to $327) per semester.
In Ireland, doctoral degrees cost between €10,000 and €35,000 ($10,932 to $38,264).
VERDICT: Germany will be better for you if you’re looking for more affordable tuition fees, plus if you’re looking to do a doctoral degree, you get to do it for almost next to nothing!
Photo: Giammarco Boscaro
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Ireland Vs Germany: University Admission Rate
Admission rates vary between the two countries, with Irish universities generally having higher admission rates.
Some universities in Ireland have admission rates as high as 63%. German universities can be more competitive, with admission rates often below 30%.
Despite the differences, both countries offer high-quality education and a welcoming environment for international students, so don’t be afraid to apply to their universities!
VERDICT: Well, the numbers don’t lie, so Ireland will be better if you want less pressure and don’t want to worry too much about whether you will get accepted into the university of your choice!
Photo: Brooke Cagle
Ireland Vs Germany: Option To Work While Studying
As a student, you might need to work for some extra cash to supplement your living costs.
If you’re blessed enough not to need to worry about that, you might still want to work to save up for a big purchase or travel or a treat.
Luckily, you can work in Ireland and Germany while pursuing an education there.
In Germany, students can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week or full-time for 120 days per year.
This can be a great opportunity for you to gain work experience, and practice German language skills while earning some extra money.
Ireland’s rules are a bit unique, but really they want you to focus on your studies so you can only work 20 hours a week. However, during the summer break (June to September), you can work a full 40-hour week.
VERDICT: It’s quite the tie as both countries allow you to work, and with Garmeny allowing full-time work for 120 days, it balances out Ireland’s full-time work only during summer rule.
Photo: Krakenimages
Ireland Vs Germany: Option To Live And Work After Graduating
So great news – both Germany and Ireland boast high employability rates for graduates 🙂
Over 70% of Irish students land a job within a year of graduating, while in Germany, it’s a whopping 90%!
Once you’ve got your degree in Germany, you can stick around for 18 months to look for a job.
If you manage to snag one, you can apply for a residence permit and extend your stay.
In Ireland, depending on your degree, you can live and work for 12 or 24 months post-graduation.
VERDICT: Both counties have very high employability, but Germany takes the win as it’s a very high employability rate at 90%. Although, Ireland does give you and additional 6 months (depending on your degree) to find a job compared to Germany.
Photo: Markus Winkler
Ireland Vs Germany: Visa Requirements
If you’re planning to study and live in Germany or Ireland as an international student, you’ll need to apply for a student visa.
As part of the process, you’ll also need to show proof of funds to cover your living expenses during your stay.
The proof of funds is referred to as blocked amount. The blocked amount is money you have in your account, which you can’t spend, and is there to show that you have the money to pay for your living expenses.
The blocked amount in your bank account should be about €11,208 ($12,253) a year for Germany and for Ireland, it’s €500 ($546) per month of your stay or €3000 ($3,279) whichever is the lesser within 6 months.
And if you’re just traveling to visit Germany or Ireland as a tourist, you might need a tourist visa, depending on your citizenship, length of stay, and the purpose of your visit.
You will typically be required to provide proof of your accommodation, return flight tickets, travel insurance, and enough money to cover your expenses during your stay.
It’s always a good idea to check with the embassy or consulate for specific requirements that apply to your situation.
VERDICT: Ireland is better regarding visa requirements as the requirements are lesser with the blocked amount – not everyone can afford to keep almost 12k untouched in their bank accounts!
Photo: Jacek Dylag
Ireland Vs Germany: Living
Both countries are great options for you to be living in.
While Ireland has a higher GDP per capita of $79,925, Germany has a larger population of around 80.4 million, which can offer different opportunities for you.
If you’re set on living in either country, they both offer permanent residency.
In Germany, you can apply for a permanent visa after living there for five years with a residence permit, but there are some exceptions for shorter stays.
If you marry a German citizen, it fast-tracks you to citizenship, and after eight years, you’re eligible for German citizenship. Not that I’m recommending marrying for citizenship! Just a wee bit of extra info 🙂
In Ireland, you’ll be eligible for a Permanent Residence Permit after living and working there for five years, and you’ll get a Stamp 4 on your passport, valid for five years and renewable.
After eight years of legal residence in Ireland, you can apply for a “Without Condition As To Time” endorsement, which doesn’t have a set validity.
You can get Irish citizenship either via naturalization or ancestry. Here are the rules:
Getting Irish Citizenship by Naturalization
- You have lived in Ireland for at least 5 years out of the last 9 years.
- You need to prove you have lived in Ireland legally for 5 years (you can do this by showing your permission stamps from Irish immigration officials.
- You must also have lived in Ireland for a least 1 year before you apply for citizenship.
- If you are marrish to an Irish citizen, you can become a citizen after 3 years.
Getting Irish Citizenship by Ancestry
- You need to prove your parents or grandparents were Irish citizens.
- If you have a great-grandparent born in Ireland, you can qualify for citizenship if your parents have established their own ancestry with the Foreigns Birth Register.
VERDICT: Ireland is better as you can get citizenship faster if you wish to stay on; citizenship by naturalization can be achieved after 5 years of residency, compared to 8 in Germany. The higher GDP per capita reflects a stronger economy which may offer you more stability and opportunities.
Photo: Tierra Mallorca
Ireland Vs Germany: Living Costs
When you’re considering living Ireland, Germany or even both places, you might find that living in Ireland could be a bit harder on your wallet than in Germany.
When it comes to major expenses, the average cost of living in Germany is $1,442, which is 34% less expensive than in Ireland, which is at $2198, making it a more affordable option.
Here’s a breakdown of average living costs per month:
- Accommodation:
- Ireland – €470 to €850 ($557 to $1,008)
- Germany – €300 to €700 ($355 to $829)
- Food
- Ireland – €250 ($296)
- Germany – €150 to €200 ($178 to $237)
- Utilities
- Ireland – €100 ( $124)
- Germany – €120 ($142)
- Transportation
- Ireland – €55 ($65)
- Germany – €45 ($53)
Additionally, the average after-tax salary is enough to cover living expenses for 1.9 months in Germany compared to 1.4 months in Ireland.
VERDICT: Clearly, Germany, if you want a more affordable cost of living with it being 34% lower than Ireland and your salary stretching for a longer period as well.
Photo: Dimitri Karastelev
Ireland Vs Germany: Taxes
In Ireland, taxes are based on a two-part system with a cut-off point determined by marital status.
For example, a single person earning €40,000 ($47,500) a year pays 20% on the first €36,800 ($43,718) and 40% on the remaining €3,200 ($3,797).
While Ireland still has a top marginal tax rate of 40%, it’s a bit lower than in Germany.
Additionally, Ireland also offers tax credits and reliefs that can help reduce your tax bill.
In Germany, you won’t be taxed if you make less than €9,744 ($11,546) per year, and tax rates range from 14% to 45% for incomes above that threshold.
However, Germany also has a top marginal tax rate of around 47.5%, which is almost half your salary *sweats*.
On the flip side, Germany offers a number of deductions and allowances that can help reduce your tax bill.
So, if you’re looking for a system with more deductions and allowances, Germany might be the better option.
While you may like the deductions in Germany, Ireland will benefit you if you’re looking for a simpler tax system.
VERDICT: It’s a tie because one is not necessarily better than the other. It depends on what works for you. Ireland will give you a lower top marginal tax rate, while Germany’s high tax deduction could potentially lower your tax bill.
FAQs On Ireland Vs Germany
Which Country Is Better To Live: Germany Or Ireland?
So, which country is better to live: Germany or Ireland? In Germany, the average after-tax salary is sufficient to cover living expenses for 1.9 months, compared to 1.4 months in Ireland. The countries are ranked 9th and 8th in the world for best places to live.
Is Ireland More Developed Than Germany?
Well, is Ireland more developed than Germany? Ireland places 12th out of 30 advanced economies for inclusive development, ahead of Germany (at 13th place) according to a new report from the World Economic Forum, ‘WEF Inclusive Growth and Development. They are followed by France at 18th place, and the UK at 21st place.
Is Ireland Colder Than Germany?
So, is Ireland colder than Germany? Actually, the average temperature in Germany is much colder than in Ireland due to Germany’s northern location and also because the country experiences a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. Ireland is overall milder with its maritime climate.
Is Ireland Cheaper Than Germany?
Asking, “Is Ireland cheaper than Germany?” The average cost of living in Germany ($1442) is 34% less expensive than in Ireland ($2198). Comparing the most expensive nations in the world, Germany placed 30th and Ireland, 6th. The average after-tax salary can pay for 1.4 months in Ireland, compared to 1.9 months in Germany.
Ireland Vs Germany: Which Is The Winner?
So tell me, which country have you got your heart set on?
Could it be Germany, with its rich history, diverse culture, and awesome mix of traditions and modern life?
Or maybe you’ve got your eyes on Ireland, with its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage?
If you’re someone who enjoys strong traditions and a laid-back lifestyle, like warm, welcoming people, and to be able to communicate with the people right off the bat, I recommend Ireland for you.
It’s the perfect choice for you in this case, and you will definitely be drawn to its stunning natural scenery, chill vibes, and love for literature and music.
If you prefer to be somewhere you easily travel to other places and have a more affordable lifestyle and a structured way of life, I recommend Germany.
You will appreciate its culture that values efficiency and punctuality along with the modern advancements, diversity in culture, and rich history.
Ultimately, both Ireland and Germany have their own charm and you gotta go with whatever fits you best!
I hope I’ve helped you make the decision easier. And if you know someone else who’s weighing in between the two, share this post to help them out!
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