Interview with Georg – Intervju s Georgom

From the magazine HRVATSKI! 2/2024: Special topics – Posebne teme

You can read this interview in English on our blog. Compare the Croatian and English versions of this interview by opening the magazine HRVATSKI 2/2024 on page 50.

Georg is a 65-year-old man, born in Wuppertal and his last residence in Germany was in the Sauerland. He likes music, dancing, sports and sun. He has been living in Pula, Croatia since the end of January 2022. He likes to travel with his camper van and enjoys the simple life. And he loves good food! He also likes people and talking to them, because every person is exciting and, above all, valuable with their own story and uniqueness. Here you can read more about his experiences with people, country and life in Croatia.

Hello, Georg! Why did you decide to emigrate to Croatia?

During the Corona years, I was a second-class citizen. I had a doctor’s certificate and was therefore exempt from wearing a mask. As a person with bronchial asthma from birth, I could not wear a mask. As a sales representative in the field, I was on the road a lot after the first lockdown. At that time, I was not served at least 2-3 times a week in shops or gas stations or was treated as a dangerous outsider.

What do you particularly like about Croatia?

I fell in love with this beautiful country and its people. I was welcomed very openly and friendly everywhere. The climate, with lots of warmth and sunshine, is always good and fills the soul with joy. Then there is the sea, with its wonderful, clear water.

How did you come to Croatia?

I was in Istria a few years ago and I was already attracted to the lifestyle and open nature of the Croatians. I then wanted to live in a country where I was accepted as a person with my opinions. I also love the warmth, the sun and the Mediterranean climate.

When were you in Croatia for the first time?

I was in Croatia for the first time in 2007. I went on a campervan holiday in Istria and on Krk.

Was it “love at first sight” or did the country only grow on you over time?

I only really fell in love when I started living in Istria. After just a short time, Pula became my home, my new home. I am always very happy when I return to Pula after a trip.

What did you do in Germany before?

I have been self-employed for more than 20 years and supply church communities with books, certificates, candles and devotional items. For most of that time I ran a small warehouse with 5 employees. Then a few years ago I took my business over to a larger competitor and now I work as a freelance sales representative – now online from Croatia.

How did your family and friends in Germany react when they found out that you wanted to emigrate?

They were very surprised at first. Then they asked some critical questions and then overall confirmed my decision. My old father in particular gave me a lot of support after my initial criticism.

How extensive was your move?

I’ve been able to clear out a lot of my household in Germany over the last few weeks. But I still took three large Sprinter loads with me to Pula.

You live in Pula. Since when and why did you choose this city?

I have been living in Pula since January 30, 2022 and I was very impressed by the friendly and helpful reception here. The administrative procedures also went very smoothly. I chose Pula because I found a house there to rent long-term quite quickly. So the decision to live in Pula was made quickly. I notice, especially in the fall and winter, that Pula is a really good choice because life here doesn’t shut down completely like in purely touristy places.

What does a typical day look like for you?

From May to November, I have gotten into the habit of going to the seaside when I wake up and swimming for 20-30 minutes. Then I have breakfast and start working at my desk. In the evening, I enjoy the terrace or meet up with friends.

How did you find new friends?

When I arrived in Pula, I quickly visited a German emigrants’ group twice, but it was not continued. So I started my own group with the few contacts I made there. There are now over 100 people in the group and we meet regularly with 40-50 people. Many close friendships have developed from this.

Are you completely out of Germany? So no longer have an address, no tax liability, no health insurance? Or do you still have one foot in the door?

Since my commercial agency is still in Germany, I still have an address there and am also liable to pay taxes. I now have my social insurance in Croatia.

How close are your ties to Germany today?

IOf course, I still have close contacts in Germany. My family, some friends and also my representative are still well connected.

Everyone who emigrates from Germany or even just thinks about it draws a comparison between Germany and the destination country. Question: what is better in Croatia than in Germany? To put it another way: what speaks for Croatia in your opinion?

I feel that life here is much freer and less complicated. I can be who I am and, above all, I can express my opinion everywhere. The range of opinions is still very broad here and I think that’s good. The Mediterranean climate is also really good for body and soul.

Who do you recommend emigrating to Croatia?

Everyone has to decide for themselves. I know that there is a lot of dissatisfaction in Germany. But whether that is enough to justify emigrating is something only everyone can decide for themselves. However, you will be rewarded for having the courage to make such a decision. Paths and opportunities will open up that you had not seen before.

What do you think is the most important requirement if someone wants to emigrate to Croatia?

As I said, it takes a certain amount of courage and then you have to take matters into your own hands and get moving.

Do you have any tips for Germans who are interested in emigrating to Croatia?

I think it’s important that you look around the country a bit before you emigrate, find out about the different emigration channels and make contacts. There is a German community in every region that is very helpful and sociable. That helps in terms of social contacts.

What are the main differences for you between life in Germany and Croatia?

Here in Croatia everything is a little more relaxed and sociable. The warm weather and the sun give people an open heart and there aren’t many barriers like in Germany.

What surprised you most in Croatia?

I was very impressed by the friendly and helpful reception here. The administrative procedures also went very smoothly.

What is the biggest challenge for you in Croatia?

The biggest challenge for me is definitely the language.

And what things do you miss the most?

I miss my daughter and granddaughter. And I regret not being able to visit my elderly father much anymore.

What things in Croatia annoy you?

Pula is a lively city and there are simply not enough parking spaces in the city centre.

What do people generally think of the Germans?

I have only ever experienced appreciation. Germany was a refuge for many Croats during the Yugoslavian war and you can still feel the appreciation there today.

How do you experience the relationship between Germans and Croatians?

As a German, I was given a very warm welcome here. Istria has been used to tourism for many years. Therefore, there have always been many Germans in the country. Therefore, I was welcomed with open arms everywhere.

The question comes up again and again: “How good does my Croatian have to be in Croatia?” What advice do you give when someone asks you this question?

Here in Istria, everyone gets by with English or German. I think that if I want to live here permanently, I have to speak the language. But you can get by with English and German almost everywhere.

How do you learn the Croatian language?

I have had a teacher for 1.5 years. Two hours of intensive lessons per week are helping me to get more and more into the language.

What would have to happen for you to return to Germany?

A lot would have to happen for that to happen and my economic basis would have to be completely taken away from me. But even then I would look for ways to stay here.

What are your plans for the future?

I am in the process of reducing my professional workload and have lots of plans for what I can do with my time here. I would like to see, explore and enjoy more of Croatia.

What would you like to say to everyone who wants to emigrate to Croatia?

Have the courage to make this decision – paths and possibilities will open up. And above all, stay in love!