The events of cutting off electricity or desperately trying to get money for food and a place to live, which increase the tragedy, would actually not be possible in Germany. The social welfare, which everyone who has a German citizenship can obtain, covers all the basic needs, even including such things as a TV and Internet access. Also, after losing his job, Paul Gabriel would actually receive an unemployment fare for at least one year, covering up to 80% of his former salary, which would obviously be still enough to keep a decent life style.