Life in Skaraborg Stories Holger from Germany...

Holger from Germany enjoys working at Dahrén in Essunga

Four years ago, Holger Schäpe and his family left Germany for a new life in Sweden. Today, they are thriving in their villa in Skara, and Holger benefits from his German roots as his job at Dahrén in Essunga involves working with both the Swedish and German markets.

Holger Schäpe and his family moved to the Skaraborg region from Germany four years ago. At that time, he and his wife had long talked about how exciting it would be to move to a new country. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, they decided they wanted to try something new.

"At the time, my sons were 12 and 16 years old. It was important for us that a move to a new country felt good for everyone in the family, but they were positive, and we decided – let’s go for it!"

The family began by taking a vacation in Sweden, traveling to Västra Götaland. Holger describes their first encounter with Sweden as very positive.

"Something that struck us was how kind and helpful all Swedes were. We noticed it already when we were here visiting. Then, after we moved here, we’ve always been able to ask a friend or neighbor for help, and everyone is happy to assist. That’s wonderful!"

Something that struck us was how kind and helpful all Swedes were. We noticed it already when we were here visiting. Then, after we moved here, we’ve always been able to ask a friend or neighbor for help, and everyone is happy to assist. That’s wonderful!

Bought a house in Skara

When the family started looking for a house in Sweden, their dream home appeared in Skara. They come from a city in Germany that is about the same size as Skara, located near Heidelberg.

The adjustment to their new town has gone very well. Holger explains that everything they need is available locally, and the family especially appreciates the cultural and sporting activities in Skaraborg.

"It’s a big advantage that nature with beautiful hiking trails and Lake Vänern are so close. And if we want to go to a larger town, Skövde and Lidköping are just nearby! And Gothenburg isn’t far away either."

It’s a big advantage that nature with beautiful hiking trails and Lake Vänern are so close.

Holger’s advice if you’re moving from Germany to Sweden

Visit first. Take a long vacation in Sweden and try to get a feel for what it would be like to live here. Talk to lots of people!
Learn Swedish. The best thing about Sweden is that everyone speaks such good English. And the worst thing is also that everyone speaks such good English! For me, it has been important to learn Swedish, and even though it’s convenient, it makes it harder to practice.
Take it easy. The pace of life in Sweden is slower, and people are more relaxed. Be prepared that things may take a bit longer—but once you get used to it, the reduced stress is wonderful.
See challenges instead of problems. Moving to a new country is complicated and problems will arise along the way. For us, it helped to view them as exciting challenges to overcome.
Ask for help. When we were moving, we found information on lifeinskaraborg.se. We also had contact with people who helped us in different ways. Our experience is that Swedes are incredibly helpful!

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Inside sales for Swedish and German markets

A year ago, Holger got a job at Dahrén, a company with operations in Essunga municipality in Skaraborg, as well as in Germany and Poland. Customers come from all over Europe. In Essunga, the company has production in Jonslund, where winding wire made of copper and aluminum is manufactured. Around 220 employees work there. Holger works in inside sales, serving both Swedish and German customers.

"It suits me perfectly! I also really appreciate my colleagues – there’s a great atmosphere at the company."

It suits me perfectly! I also really appreciate my colleagues – there’s a great atmosphere at the company.

Holger says there are both differences and similarities between his Swedish workplace and those he worked at in Germany.

"It’s not that I can say one is better or worse – but there are differences. One thing I really appreciate here in Sweden is “fika.” There’s nothing like it in Germany. It contributes to a good atmosphere at work when we take breaks together and talk about things other than work. You get to know each other in a different way thanks to fika."

After one year at the company, Holger has many positive things to say about his employer.

"It’s been a very educational year for me. You can tell that things are happening in the company, in a positive way. It’s fun to work at a company that’s doing well!"

Curious about Dahrén?

Dahrén manufactures winding wire that transfers electrical energy and is used in a wide range of products. The company offers a complete range of copper and aluminum wire for all types of applications. Dahrén provides both a standard assortment and customer-specific solutions tailored to meet every possible need.