Since I became a member of the jewishblogging.com web service, I have been receiving a number of email inquiries from people outside Germany, asking me questions about life as an Orthodox Jew in Germany. Most of these international visitors to my blog do not speak enough German to follow my posts but they understand at least as much of it as is necessary for seeing what my blog is all about. The most popular question so far has been whether it is possible at all to live an obervant Jewish life in Germany. My answer to this basically simple question is generally a big IT DEPENDS.
It depends on what your general living conditions in Germany look like. First of all, you should live in one of the big cities which have a large Jewish community with all the necessary facilities, such as a mikveh, a synagogue, maybe even a butcher. Then, living an observant Jewish life is probably easier for people who are self-employed and thus feel freer to adjust their schedules to their particular Jewish needs, as bosses and staff in German enterprises are unfamiliar with the needs of Orthodox Jewish employees. Kashrut, finally, is not so much a problem. Kosher meat is available in Frankfurt and will be sent to any place in Germany, if desired. Ingredients in processed food available in supermarkets are indicated in enough detail, and in case of doubt, there is even an official kosher product list which can be consulted.
What definitely is weird in Germany, is moving around on the street with a kippah on your head. People in Germany are simply not used to it and may look at you as if you were an alien. 
All in all, however, it is possible to live an observant Jewish life in Germany. There is no doubt that there are many other places in the world which would be more appropriate for an Orthodox Jew but with some effort and creativity and a good deal of wit and humour we make it work. 
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