Live elsewhere in the EU
As an EU citizen, a German citizen has EU free-movement rights to move to another EU country to live, work, study, look for work or retire, subject to the applicable residence rules.
Work without a work permit as an EU citizen
EU free-movement rules generally let EU citizens work in another EU country without the type of work authorization required of non-EU nationals.
Study on the same nationality terms
EU law generally requires an EU citizen studying in another EU country to be treated like that country's nationals for tuition-fee purposes. That does not mean every university is free, and grants/aid can have separate rules.
Use a German passport as an EU travel document
A German passport or national ID is also the key identity document for exercising many free-movement rights within the EU.
Dual citizenship rules changed in 2024
Germany's modernized nationality law took effect on June 27, 2024 and generally allows German citizens to acquire another nationality without first obtaining a retention permit. The change is not retroactive to citizenship losses that occurred under prior law.
Education is a good benefit—but be precise
An EU citizen cannot simply assume “free university across Europe.” The stronger, accurate statement is that EU citizens are generally entitled to study under the same nationality-based conditions as nationals of the host EU country. Admission rules, language requirements, tuition systems and financial-aid rules still vary.