this post was submitted on 16 Nov 2025
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A Boring Dystopia
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Show me where Germany gives you water for free, or food?
On welfare they pay your rent. Tap water in Germany is perfectly drinkable, so - free water. Food? Bahnhofsmission. Also, the free money you get on welfare allows you to get food.
You don't have to pay for tap water in Germany? I pay about $100/month for municipal well water that's barely drinkable.
You have to pay for tap water, but not when you're on welfare. The state will cover it.
If you are on welfare (Bürgergeld or Sozialhilfe) all costs in Germany are covered by the state that are deemed necessary for a dignified life. Several governments over the years repeatedly tried to cut benefits below that but were stopped by our constitutional court, referencing the first article of our constitution:
It's not a perfect system and many fall through the cracks because like everything in Germany, the welfare system is highly bureaucratic. But yes, basic necessities including tap water are covered. To be honest, I don't get that this is so mind-blowing to some, I think that's the bare minimum.
It also comes with a lot of cooperation duties: if you are capable of working, you must accept job offers that are deemed reasonable or you might be sanctioned. If you are incapable of working (e.g. because you're a single parent or disabled) you need to provide proof. It's not a universal basic income, it's meant as support to get people back into the job market.
I had misinterpreted and thought they meant tap water was free for everyone in Germany, which is what sounded weird to me.
It makes sense that you can get utility assistance if you're on welfare. Even the US has hardship programs or charities that will pay for utilities, its just usually limited availbe slots restricted to the homeless, families with kids, or its a church membership benefit.