Practical guides for housing, health, work and the authorities, and the local culture, with the key vocabulary in the language you are learning.
Practical guidance for settling in: housing, health, work, the authorities, everyday life and education.
The housing market is tight in the cities. A complete application folder, the right portals and caution with scammers help you find a flat faster.
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At the viewing you hand over your documents, inspect the flat closely and ask the right questions. You do not sign anything under pressure.
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The rental contract sets out rent, deposit, duration and termination. German tenancy law protects tenants strongly if you know your contract well.
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Besides rent you pay running costs, electricity, internet and insurance. Anyone who compares contracts and notes meter readings saves a lot of money.
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Within two weeks of moving in you register your address at the citizens' office. You get the confirmation on the spot and your tax ID by post.
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In Germany everyone must have health insurance. Most people are in the statutory system, see a family doctor first and dial 112 in an emergency.
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In many practices nothing works without an appointment. You book by phone or online, bring your insurance card and describe your complaints briefly.
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At the pharmacy you get medicines with and without a prescription, and advice. You fill prescriptions with your insurance card.
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If you are ill you notify your employer at once and get a sick note from the fourth day. Your pay continues for six weeks.
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112 calls the fire brigade and ambulance, 110 the police. The call is free and you only have to say calmly where it happened.
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A German application consists of a cover letter, a tabular CV and certificates in one PDF file. A photo and details of age or marital status are not needed.
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Be on time, prepare well, answer honestly and ask questions yourself: that is how you convince in a job interview.
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The employment contract sets out pay, working hours, leave, the probation period and dismissal. The employer must give you the key terms in writing.
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At work clarity, objectivity and reliability count. Direct feedback is common and usually not meant personally.
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Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn and regional train take you almost anywhere. The Deutschlandticket is valid for local transport across the country, and travelling without a ticket costs at least 60 euros.
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Supermarket, deposit, Sunday closure and return rights: knowing the rules lets you shop calmly and cheaply.
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Finding a table, ordering, paying separately and tipping: this is how a restaurant visit works in Germany.
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Without a current account almost nothing works in Germany: rent, salary and contracts all run through it. Choose an account that suits you.
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Compulsory schooling, primary school, secondary schools and transitions: this is how you find the right path for your child.
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From the first birthday there is a legal right to a childcare place. Registering early pays off.
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From the integration course to the vocational language course: how to find the right German course, funding and exam.
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How people communicate, work and celebrate, and what is polite.