JohannesM
German citizen
Forum posts
157
Contacts
20
About me
German
Speaks Afrikaans, German, English
Registration: 07 July 2010
About to retire in Germany by NewPensioner
Hello everyone - I hope someone will be able to explain in a comprehensive way a "strange" situation.I have few more months before I retire in line with German Retirement Age. I have started the process with the company I'm going to retire from. And ...
In a short concise answer:1) The companies that you work for, are obliged to match your pension contribution towards your retirement age. So it is their business too. (and a good, zero risk investment with 50% immediate growth, that you cannot ... Read More
The fastest easiest way to get to Germany by shamooooot
Hello,I am currently exploring options for the fastest and easiest way to travel to Germany, and I would appreciate any advice you can provide.I have been in an informal relationship with my partner for the past three years, and we have had the ...
@shamooooot Let us tackle the bull in this glass house: conservatives values (transcendent order,social continuity, prescription , prudence, variety through justified inequality) are not necessarily all bad.Still, for all difference to liberalism ... Read More
Return of deposit from the bank by GuestPoster26
I have been back and forth with my landlord since March to try and get my deposit back, in the end I went to the Sparkasse to see what was happening they had received everything but the signed Verpfandung eines Sparguthabens once we had that the ...
@GuestPoster26 yes, I agree with Beppi.That deposit legally belong to the Landlord, It is specifically meant as a risk assurance, to recuperate damages incurred during the rental period, or with disputes.in your case it looks like you might still ... Read More
SCHUFA questions / strategy by rob_duisburg
Hi, I have a couple of questions about SCHUFA. I live in London, I finished the BSc and applied through uni-assist to study the MSc in Germany, near Duisburg. I have been accepted and have all the documentation. The German embassy say not to go ...
A quick heads up, on Schufa, I did a project involving schufa checks bit from a (b2b ) business to business perspective back in 2008: ie the overall scoring process and the part that Schufa plays. 1) simply put - Schufa gathers “at ... Read More
Kenyan Birth certificate translation by chrisamora86
Hi..a requirement by the German government is for my nirth certificate to be translated.how do I do that?
…And after a certified translator did his job, as Beppi suggested, 2) depending whether it is a simple certificate, or a certificate for a formal profession, you’ll need a stamp from a master of oaths. A master of oath can be a police ... Read More
Seeking Legal Help: My Landlord Teared the Contract by RoGYmBIT
Dear Fellow German Expats, Can you please help me with my situation? So, I just signed the rent contract for my new apartment. While my new landlord and I were discussing the possibility if he could give me his phone number and his email address ...
And? What was the outcome after the dust has settled ? Came upon this thread „posthumously“ (ito actuality of opinions) :) I ‘ll offer my opinion “for prosterity” in case another member encounters similiar challenges ... Read More
Has Anyone Applied For Blue Card from Pretoria? by GuestPoster0502
I would like to know if the current travel ban in South Africa affects blue card visa applications. the website says even if a visa is approved, it will not be issued till the travel ban has been lifted.
Tip : Remember to follow-up regularly. Better if they know you by name everytime you contact the embassy. In Germany this would be considered nagging, in contrast the embassy sees this that you are still interested and „caring“ . Why is ... Read More
In Germany, move to France for 2 years later comeback to Germany by Antony_Nisha
Dear All, I am a non-EU person, blue card holder, currently working with a global company in Germany for the past two years, and my contract will end by June 2021. I will get the next contract from the same company but from another entity in ...
Anthony, you have an interesting case. In general you are entitled to permanent citizenship after a unbroken work duration of 5 or 7 years (various criteria and conditions). Your habilis (place of stay) is where you live and pay taxes for 183 days ... Read More
Is 140K Euro a decent salary for a family of 3? by Guest5754
I've received an offer of 140K euro in Munich, Germany and I'm in dilemma.. I'm currently earning a decent INR 48,00,000/Annum....and with this I'm able to save approx INR 28,00,000/annum Will I be able to save significantly ...
Yep . :) 3 months is enough for the honeymoon to be over. Or to know if u R the right guy 4 the job Read More
Is 140K Euro a decent salary for a family of 3? by Guest5754
I've received an offer of 140K euro in Munich, Germany and I'm in dilemma.. I'm currently earning a decent INR 48,00,000/Annum....and with this I'm able to save approx INR 28,00,000/annum Will I be able to save significantly ...
Seeker2021, your case sounds familiar. I know about 4 such cases and 3 ended in the same pattern. The tripling of a salary should ring some warning bell to you personally. Unless you’re doing a very dangerous informal job like being an ... Read More
Advice - Employed in the UK and working in Germany by Frenchy101
Hello everyone, I was hoping to get advice on my situation. French citizen with Permanent Residency in the UK, I am currently living and working in London. My SO has recently moved to Berlin and I'm debating to do the same. I have a full ...
...Do not omit the effect of Brexit on the UK company employing you who will also have an increased tax burden as a 3rd country, since UK declined free movement of people and services. In all likelihood the old corporate tax tricks wont work ... Read More
How are you sending money to yourself in Germany from the US? by iksobarg
I started looking at paypal but I did some research and so far transferwise and currencyfair are looking attractive. And after some further research transferwise looks like a winner. But as this was just an hour worth of research I ask: What service ...
For me ? Private Transfers : Cheapest is Paypal / PayPal friends. 0 cent transfer fees. + the added advantage that money is immediately (2 minutes later) available for whoever receives it. Way back the transfer fees of ca >30€ for a ... Read More
Driving with my German Car in Denmark by prince1209
Hi there, I have a question, recently i bought a 2 year old car in Germany, and now due to some personal reasons i need to change my job and shift to Denmark. Can you please advice me if i can drive my car with German Driving License and Car ...
...I see it similar to Beppi, plus a guidance from a Danish Motor Vehicle Agency (a public state site Danish agency) here : https://lifeindenmark.borger.dk/travel-and-transport/motor-vehicles/temporary-or-permanent-import-of-a-motor-vehicle. I ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
Thank you all for chiming in. Alas, there we have it. In reality, worldwide there is a shortlist of no-go names. In Germany the greylist became shorter and more precise since October 2019 possibly even shorter than the average list of in most ... Read More
Vaccines required in Germany by Diksha
Hello everybody, When living or moving abroad, and in particular in Germany, vaccination against certain diseases is often required to enter the country or to avoid risks. We would like to ask you a few questions to help future expats ...
you have raised many points , so I'll address them successively When living or moving abroad, and in particular in Germany, vaccination against certain diseases is often required to enter the country or to avoid risks. We would like to ask ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
...Yes, this is consistent with what I posted - and contrary to what JohannesM is claiming.@Beppi. Nope. Either he read it, but did not understand the nuance, or he did not read it at all and simply continued some monologue. *** Which all the ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
Hi Tom, I don't know what your source of information is, but the source I'm referring to is https://www.bundesverfassungsgericht.de/entscheidungen/rk20081205_1bvr057607.html which is basically the equivalent of the Supreme Court and hence ... Read More
New members of the Germany forum, introduce yourselves here - 2021 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Germany forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Beautiful country. Which part are you from? I am carrying with me, a Cyprian saying , for a while now, from an old man while at Limassol : "Each type of wood knows its own smoke". Which I interpreted like - character bears distinctive ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
Yes, this would be interesting. As an interesting titbit, some cultures actually have multiple names, like our house friends from China have 4 names i) ming, ii) zi and iii) hao (ming - given by the parents, zi - name given when reaching adulthood, ... Read More
MwSt. ausweisbar - VAT deductable on used cars by BeatrizAzevedo
Hi! I am having some problems in understanding what the MwSt. ausweisbar means in the used car business. Imagine I, as a dealer, would by the car that appears to me on the website as 4800€ and then has "MwSt. ausweisbar(22%)". What ...
Yes, Tom is wrong. However, the original post is very imprecise because there was not sufficient information, so we all took chances on making assumptions. There is a lot of if's and some of the original post information also got added ... Read More
MwSt. ausweisbar - VAT deductable on used cars by BeatrizAzevedo
Hi! I am having some problems in understanding what the MwSt. ausweisbar means in the used car business. Imagine I, as a dealer, would by the car that appears to me on the website as 4800€ and then has "MwSt. ausweisbar(22%)". What ...
Hallo Beatriz, it is actually quite simple. If you are a registered company - self employed (have trade certificate / gewerbeschein or owner of a company), or if a company is providing you a benefit of buying a car, you are exempt from % of VAT. on ... Read More
Veterinarian in Frankfurt by Michael from Oregon
Hello! I am looking for a Veterinarian in Frankfurt - specifically, hoping to find one that does teeth cleaning without anesthesia. I have an older cat. Thank you! Michael
Hi, we are very happy with our veterinarian. Efficient, emphatic and good with animals. However, she is ca. 40 km out of town. So it depends on which lengths you want to go to. contact me, if so, then I'll forward you her ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
1) see this post for some school names and opinions : https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=587300 2) probably most inportant : don't panic : it is normal to feel overwhelmed the first 7 months whether you did a intensive course , had a ... Read More
Foreigners Survival Guide for Germany by JohannesM
Yes - there are several online guides that describe the basic ropes of living in Germany. This guide is particular in that describes some noticeable differences from a South African Perspective - so you can call it a cultural survival guide rather ...
Hi Kirsten, that (Language) is probably, in Germany, at least, a very important aspect that will very much affect how well you would integrate. With integrate I mean, amongst others, but especially also, the personal journey from "me and ... Read More
Finding a Steuerberater(in)
Hi MP, in contrast to other countries, you will find that the tax advisors in Germany seldomly find all the tax benefits that you are entitled to. So they are quite conservative with the savings they can find for you as a natural person (ie not a ... Read More
Scams warning by prasanthvazhungal
I am Prasanth from Kerala India, a s/w Engineer with 8 years of exp. I got an offer from dusseldorf company. They are offering 2700 Euro per month and free transportation. they will arrange the accommodation But I have to pay 300 Euro for that. ...
Hi Marta, I agree that we are giving too much personal information of ourselves, whether consciously or unconsiously. Most probably these 3 generations of 20-60 year olds will go down in human history as the most self-damaging ... Read More
Polish-German couple is saying hallo :-) by GuestPoster0801
Hi, I am a new member so I want to say HALLO. I am often visitor in Germany since 2014 in Stuttgart area and finally I will settle here in 2017 when me and my man will get married. So I will lost all my friends living in my present place of living ...
Hi Marta, That is good news. We hope you stay will continue to be as postive as you experienced since the last two years. I've seen suggestions that seems to suggest tackling it on your own - doing a hardcore startup. In contrast, I would ... Read More
Scams warning by prasanthvazhungal
I am Prasanth from Kerala India, a s/w Engineer with 8 years of exp. I got an offer from dusseldorf company. They are offering 2700 Euro per month and free transportation. they will arrange the accommodation But I have to pay 300 Euro for that. ...
Hi Marta, you would agree, that posting it in the German forum under Düsseldorf can be a bit misleading then, especially after the original poster scam discussion was specifically referring to this town? Otherwise we can talk about all types of ... Read More
Best mobile phone plan in Berlin by CustomX
Hi, I'm moving to Berlin next month from the UK. Can anyone recommend a decent mobile phone plan? Currently I pay £20 a month (here in the uk) for unlimited texts, unlimited minutes and 3GB of 4G data. Anything similar in Berlin? Will ...
Cheap is relative. Since prices changes constantly, knowing your own behaviour beforehand is more useful than the skimpiest pricing if you are something else than a student surviving on bread, water and the absolute minimum service affordable. ... Read More
Coming from Erbil, want to meet with new people in Frankfurt
Good to hear Haidar, Pity that I'll be in London for a biz trip over that time Read More
American hairstylist by hillthehand
Hello, I am currently here in Ulm from Colorado and am looking to cut hair out of my home to women only. I would love to hang out! Message me if you're interested.
Especially doing stuff out of your home that involves hygiene can meet with strong consequences. Probably the best advice would be to remember - in Germany a no means no, even if you fix issues later. Hence do your homework on what is allowed -under ... Read More
Visa appointment by LoriMaxi
Hi Guten Tag everyone, Im just new here. I need help right now. Me and my husband really tried to get an appointment for FRV as of now its really hard for us to get an appointment. Its always say no avaialble appointment till november this year. ...
*** Seriously , just come and study german in germany for a full year. After you seriously "lived and studied" the language you are ready for A1 Read More
American considering moving to Germany by xxmiacxx
Hello everyone! I'm Mia, 22, from the USA. :) After doing some traveling this year, I have come to the realization that I am ready for a new change and would love to live abroad! (Berlin / Frankfurt) However, my main concern is finding a job ...
Hi Mia, What have you got to loose, while you're future is at stake with a possible disastrous outcome of some national votes this year? On a more logical level: If you are studying, and are getting financed,then a study visa is for you. ... Read More
American coming to Germany. Where to buy around Ramstein-Messenbach? by Lloydg2000
My wife and I are considering on moving to Germany in 2019! My wife and I with our son, are currently living in Germany! I would like to know where is the best place to buy a house near Ramstein-Messenbach areas! I hope i spelled this area ...
I have to agree with Beppi. As a foreigner , there are many "I wish I knew that before" moments afterwards. Especially something like a large purchase - I would recommend renting the first 9 months and with that as homebase start ... Read More
South Africans living in Munich by Germanbillyboy
Hi There, I've moved to Munich couple of months ago and am looking to connect with fellow South Africans. Any one out there interested in connecting, please email me. Thanks,
Back in 2010 there was ca. 30 families living around münchen and about 4 south african clubs. The strongest group is of course around the BMW'ers that seems of robust character to still manage Afrikaans fluently. About 4 large communities ... Read More
Any idea of Payback card from REWE, LIDL etc
:) Many different schemes Payback is the most well known - For example for DM, kaufhof, karstadt aral (bp) are all in a partnership. Every 1€ spent is 1 point. Payout Every 100 points is 1€. So every 100€ Spent gives 1€ ... Read More
Regarding post graduate in orthopaedic in germany
Hi Amul, Read here (german): https://arztausland.wordpress.com/2012/04/05/hallo-kollegen/ 1) ability to communicate (speak & write) german 2) Surgeons have to do an equivalency test, which varies from province to province The rest of the ... Read More
Bank card help - GERMANY by beckie96rt
Hi everyone, I need some help... I got a card with commerzbank and it is just the standard maestro card (like a debit card) I was wondering if there is such a card i can get that i can use for online purchases, i need to book stuff like train ...
Hi Beppi, We might be sidelining the original question a wee bit - but in essence it provides more info on one of the 5 possible solutions. So we can entertain its potential oh so slightly if the originator does not object. Onwards- to your ... Read More
Bank card help - GERMANY by beckie96rt
Hi everyone, I need some help... I got a card with commerzbank and it is just the standard maestro card (like a debit card) I was wondering if there is such a card i can get that i can use for online purchases, i need to book stuff like train ...
Hehe. Whilst it too early to do microtractions with bitcoin (see my earlier statement), it is incorrect to say that the blockchain mechanism or bitcoin for that matter is not trustworthy. It is a popular rumour circulated by financial institutions ... Read More
Bank card help - GERMANY by beckie96rt
Hi everyone, I need some help... I got a card with commerzbank and it is just the standard maestro card (like a debit card) I was wondering if there is such a card i can get that i can use for online purchases, i need to book stuff like train ...
1) Most internet payments allows "vorauskasse" with your bank account 2) when you buy digital services overseas (music, movies) your local mobile provider usually has a variety of alternative options available. Ie you can even buy prepaid ... Read More
Are south african undergraduate degrees recognised in Germany? by Nommzi
I'm doing some research and I see that in Germany,one moves from a bachelors degree to a masters,but in South Africa we have bachelors then honours.I'm curious to know whether South African undergrad degrees are recognised in German ...
Congrats. Which type of MSc and what was your dissertation about? Read More
Are south african undergraduate degrees recognised in Germany? by Nommzi
I'm doing some research and I see that in Germany,one moves from a bachelors degree to a masters,but in South Africa we have bachelors then honours.I'm curious to know whether South African undergrad degrees are recognised in German ...
Interesting. Did you finish the MSc. already or just started? It would be great to hear from you again once you finished that since there is a major difference between a BA vs. MSc and you'll beat statistics by a long shot. We'll keep our ... Read More
My dream to study in Germany is dying, I need help. by bethiano
Hello , Greetings. I am bethiano, from Nigeria. I have had this German dream for four years now. Since 2014 I have been applying to German universities. I get a minimum of 3 admission offers every year I apply, but I have not been able to live ...
While we are at it - My dream is to get a cruising yacht : http://www.ibackgroundwallpaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/cruising-yacht-wallpaper.jpg Might call it Prospero after the Tempest play. My deam is 5 years old and hence has ... Read More
Seeking for Jobs in Germany by jamesaba
As a recent IT PhD graduate from Portugal, is it possible to relocate to Germany to seek for job opportunities? I mean, is it possible to move to Germany in search of job without a prior job offer as a European passport holder?
Since you are European. Yes. If you're outside Europe, or will be soon outside Europe, then. No. It also depends what you intend to do. If you prefer to do adminstration in an airconned room then there are a oversupply. If you choose the route ... Read More
2016 Artist/Self employed Visa by zahralatif113
Hi All, I'm an American artist gearing up to make an attempt to move to Berlin and obtain an artist/self employed visa in January of 2017. I've been looking up information on the internet but can't seem to get any updated info. It ...
Haha Tom, if your wife read this - she'll discover that you married her primarily to get "the permit" ;) Read More
dual citizenship - anybody know how to get this done in stuttgart? by eyobhoney
Hi! I am an American with a German mother. I moved her with my son last July, I am also an independent consultant with contracts and statements to prove earnings. I have gotten a couple of extensions on my visa and would like to stay here in ...
Even that statement is not universally correct. Only if her mother had kept her German citizenship until after her birth would she be entitled. German lineage alone is not sufficient. There are the strangest attempts nowadays - a few from Kazakhs ... Read More
Pensions by John Bull
State pensions. I am entitled to a full British pension, but I have had to apply here in Germany. The German are saying I am only entitles to 200 Euro per month. The British pension stands at around 500 per month. Anyone have any idea how they can ...
Phew. That is another special exception. It seems you are on the better end of the KSK, then. With the KSK you 1) pay your share into pension fund (like the rest of us and 2) the other part is covered by institution where you performed. 3) in ... Read More
Looking out for an IT Job by Emkay81
Guys, I am from India and looking out for an IT Job. I have completed Masters in Software Engineering and have around 10 years of experience working with top leading IT companies. I have experience in IT Operations and Service Management. I am A1 ...
Because people speak German in Germany. Especially customers. Fluency is no special condition, though, when one travel, one realize that there is similar expectation on how business is done in Brazil, Sweden, China, Russia, France, Japan, ... ... Read More
Medical PG in Germany by Tessa Joseph
Hallo everybody...i just joined today....i have completed my PG in India and currently residing in Germany....i wanted to know about the procedure for applying for a position here....i understand that pg in Germany is 5 years while in India its only ...
Funny reading this :D. Probably that lucky draw we had on Saturday evening. Colloquially PG would(should) be Post Graduate, which mean he/she has already has a undergraduate degree + successfully a second = finished a PhD, Doctoral, or Masters. ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
Hi Beppi, yes that is interesting fact on the five years. So paying out only 50% of (your) contribution=25% of the total investment (including employer contribution) somehow makes sense (from a community perspective): 1) it is an early ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
That word that you are looking for is hausratversicherung/houshold insurance for house contents- looks like it's that 46€ stuff. Double check. Nonetheless, that 146€ is definitely life insurance because that is stated in the name ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
Those two (SV+SteuerRecht) were the key words. So no worries -all the standard obligations all covered. The Lebensversicherung is life insurance SV-rechtl. Abzüge (Compulsory SV = Sozialversicherung (Social Insurance)) SV= ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
You cannot choose! It is compulsory for all employees (and their employers) to pay into the public pension scheme (Rentenversicherung), and impossible to join for most others. "Option 1" can only be chosen on top of the public pension ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
Okay, I'm not too sure, advisor guy might have confused me. I don't plan to get old in Germany though, does it mean it's pointless to use the saving system here>?Point is that you have to accumulate savings one way or the other. Some ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
Phew. Ok that relaxes it a bit then. But only a bit :| 1) So don't have health insurance yet? (It is technically illegal 0.o). If you earn more than 56k you can have a private health insurance. The installment is 15,5% of your Brutto. If ... Read More
How to setup pension and insurance w/o bank in Germany by kholbekj
Hey, I've been in Berlin bit over a year, and initially set up everything through Deutsche Bank. That means I have my basic insurance with Zurich, through Deutsche Bank, and my Pension is being deducted automagically and tax deducted, again ...
So the insurance usually simply have an automatic deduction (standing order) with your D.B account. Tax & pension is usually not deducted by D.B. but directly by your employer. From the way you expressed yourself in the post, I think that the ... Read More
Swap beer or coffee for a couple of questions for my BA thesis :) by GuestPoster21210
Hey everyone, my name is Max. I am currently working on my BA thesis about "evaluation of the assignmentphases of long-term expatriation" (initiated by the company). Expatriation is very interesting to me and has a great impact on the ...
Maximilian, I'm wondering a bit if there will not be substantial variances that needs to be compared (Germany->other country vs other country->Germany): Two types : a) There are expats (other nationalities) working in Germany (ie ... Read More
Rent flat in Stuttgart by bidar
Hello As futur expat I am looking for a flat located in Stuttgart city close to wagenburg gymnasium. Ideally flat should have 4 to 5 rooms and montly cold rent should not exceed 2500€. If you have any advice please let me know. Thanks. Best ...
Hi Bidar, :D Of course agents also have a benefit if you are looking at the last moment - it means you are less picky : with only 1 month left you would be easier to push to make many last minute tradeoffs. I assume the employer sponsors the ... Read More
Wanting to move to Berlin by fifthtexas
I looking to move to berlin in near future. I from near Liverpool I love Germany, I trying to learn language. I love to travel, I am looking to meet other people in same situation, to share information find out about living in germany I looking to ...
Persist. Persist. If u miss this curve ball you're stuck for life Without getting such an excuse to learn it again... Read More
Wanting to move to Berlin by fifthtexas
I looking to move to berlin in near future. I from near Liverpool I love Germany, I trying to learn language. I love to travel, I am looking to meet other people in same situation, to share information find out about living in germany I looking to ...
Learn on the job. :top: the quickest learning curve is staying here while learning German. You did not mention family so I assume single- that entitles you to learn the absolute quickest way - a closer friend. But most people in Berlin are crazily ... Read More
Insurance coverage in Germany by Kenjee
Hello everyone, Moving abroad requires adequate insurance coverage. What type of insurance expatriates need the most in Germany: health, house or liability insurance? All of them? Do they come as a package? Are there other insurance ...
Pleasure. Of course For locals that can be different -For pensioners that get 2k€ pension it can be as low as 146€/pm for medical aid. But that is because they had 45 years of pension savings contributions. In germany the ... Read More
Insurance coverage in Germany by Kenjee
Hello everyone, Moving abroad requires adequate insurance coverage. What type of insurance expatriates need the most in Germany: health, house or liability insurance? All of them? Do they come as a package? Are there other insurance ...
Without a job - as non EU - not allowed- means your are legally obliged . Details here https://www.krankenkassen.de/meine-krankenkasse/krankenversicherung-eu/krankenkasse-ohne-arbeit/ Some private insurance are obliged to offer you for a max ... Read More
Good language school in Friedrichshain or Kreuzberg? by kalechiplover99
Hi there everyone! My name is Lacy and I just moved to Berlin from Victoria, BC. I'm looking now for a place to take German classes because I can't say a word, plus it seems like a nice way to meet new people. Can anyone recommend a place ...
There's a few I used https://www.cdc.de They offer various alternatives. I was in the same boat - suggestion take a full course for a month (full day/8 hours) as minimum. You'll speak with the vocab of a 4 year old after that. ... Read More
Job Seeker Visa - germany
There is 120 similiar posts with this topic where you can read the responses and conditions here : https://www.expat.com/forum/303-3-visas-germany.html Read More
Where to live in Cologne by erkana
Hi All, I am moving to Cologne in August and I am trying to get information about neighbourhoods. I'm trying to figure out where to live so if someone could share a short description of some of them would be awesome. My job is at Sparkasse am ...
see old post here in particular a visual overview of rental costs in Köln here (The map is zoomable, klick on Köln and zoom ). The legend is visible on that chart. 1) light orange will give you 77 Square meters = 830 square feet for 700 ... Read More
how difficult it will be to live there without speaking the language by kierstin
Sorry, this is a bit off topic. Can anyone tell me how difficult it will be to live there without speaking the language at all? Do the majority of people living in Bitburg speak English? Will they be offended if my elder mother and I do not speak ...
Hi Kierstin, I'm happy to hear that you are willing to give it a go :) We can only share our own learnings (and those people we met, who were also in the same boat). Whatever you learn beforehand in a college in a foreign country cannot make ... Read More
Pensions by John Bull
State pensions. I am entitled to a full British pension, but I have had to apply here in Germany. The German are saying I am only entitles to 200 Euro per month. The British pension stands at around 500 per month. Anyone have any idea how they can ...
minor corrections/explanations of post above (based on comments/feedback made offline): 1) the brutto salary of an average citizen is stated correctly at 36267€ per year for 2016 (found in column "schnitt") (the 3 in the example is ... Read More
how difficult it will be to live there without speaking the language by kierstin
Sorry, this is a bit off topic. Can anyone tell me how difficult it will be to live there without speaking the language at all? Do the majority of people living in Bitburg speak English? Will they be offended if my elder mother and I do not speak ...
I think unless you have access to the military bases (Spangdahlem AB is very close) or at least ties to the military community in the area, yes you'll find it difficult to integrate as others already mentioned. Beppi's comment however about ... Read More
Claim&Foster: The new Integration law in DE. Positive and needed. by JohannesM
On 25 May 2016, Germany have adopted the first integration law. As a former expat, I'm very positive about the fact that it gives at least some guidance to what it takes to be an "integrated" citizen. In the past it was handled ...
Hi Beppi, thank your for keeping the discussion objective and less sensational. We seem aligned on the fact that simply enforcing a place to stay by itself will not ensure total integration. We are also accepting that selective placement can be a ... Read More
Pensions by John Bull
State pensions. I am entitled to a full British pension, but I have had to apply here in Germany. The German are saying I am only entitles to 200 Euro per month. The British pension stands at around 500 per month. Anyone have any idea how they can ...
So the Deutsche Renten versicherung has a good broschure spanning 32 pages on how the formula works. It was also interesting for me to revamp my understanding : ... Read More
Claim&Foster: The new Integration law in DE. Positive and needed. by JohannesM
On 25 May 2016, Germany have adopted the first integration law. As a former expat, I'm very positive about the fact that it gives at least some guidance to what it takes to be an "integrated" citizen. In the past it was handled ...
Well. It is a law now and it can be decided by the local authorities. That is why I suggested a more efficient way to improve integration (C.A.S) instead of solely relying on physical placement enforcement to improve integration (recall that the ... Read More
Claim&Foster: The new Integration law in DE. Positive and needed.
On 25 May 2016, Germany have adopted the first integration law. As a former expat, I'm very positive about the fact that it gives at least some guidance to what it takes to be an "integrated" citizen. In the past it was handled ... Read More
New member by koloner
Hello everyone ,i hope every is good i have been here since March GERMANY is very nice country . i want to learn German language in Badgodsedurg city i speak not much .
Probably the news raised some latent memory, with some . Bad Godesberg is latest news, mind you. Let's take the opportunity to mourn the untimely departure of an innocent bystander returning from a concert with friends ... Read More
New member by koloner
Hello everyone ,i hope every is good i have been here since March GERMANY is very nice country . i want to learn German language in Badgodsedurg city i speak not much .
Bad Godesberg have been in the news lately for multiple intolerances against native Germans. (Niklas is unfortunately only one example) It might be wise to consider that not all behaviour that you witness there are representative of other parts of ... Read More
Health Insurance by kierstin
Hello everyone, I am thinking about coming to Bitburg Germany to stay in my brother's home there. I will be coming with my mother whom has a pension as well as health insurance in the US. Unfortunately I do not have health insurance and will ...
Hi Kierstin, I assume you & your mother are US citizens. It is not clear what the citizenship of your brother is, but that is not relevant, up to the point on who will pay all medical costs, when you end up in a German hospital during your ... Read More
Furniture and household furnishings by TominStuttgart
[b]A big hassle and expense of relocation is getting furniture and house hold furnishings[/b]. If you are arriving somewhere then you need lots of stuff. If you are leaving then it’s often a question what to do with the things you can’t ...
A wise saying in Germany : "Drei Mal umgezogen ist wie einmal abgebrannt" - it basically means by the third relocation furniture value equals a burnt contents of a household. We give clothes, that are too small for kids or us ;) on to ... Read More
Insurance coverage in Germany by Kenjee
Hello everyone, Moving abroad requires adequate insurance coverage. What type of insurance expatriates need the most in Germany: health, house or liability insurance? All of them? Do they come as a package? Are there other insurance ...
Insurance is recognized as an official national sport in Germany. ... but now more seriously Germany have a set of 1) legal compulsary insurance (pflicht-versicherung) 1a) Medical Aid =Krankenverischerung, 1b) Pension =Renten Versicherung, ... Read More
Internet for domestic use by John Fernandes
I live in krumbach (86381) wanted internet for domestic use...any recomendations??
agree with Beppi on the fine print... verivox is a good site and like with all good sites it is sponsored, some obvious everyday pitfalls that you never read about on these sites : On Fixed line and Media contracts Since much more than 5 ... Read More
Pensions by John Bull
State pensions. I am entitled to a full British pension, but I have had to apply here in Germany. The German are saying I am only entitles to 200 Euro per month. The British pension stands at around 500 per month. Anyone have any idea how they can ...
Hi John, read your post just this morning. It might help if one understood where pension funds came from and how this mechanism now directly affects your retirement, today : A fact not known by many : 1) the world's first state run ... Read More
Public noseblowing in Germany (thoughts on manners) by elektraX
In the part of the U.S. that I grew up in, it was taught to us since childhood, that one must be conscientious about where one blows their nose. Not in front of large groups, not in public, and definitely NOT at the dinner table. Preferably, one ...
It's 7 months later, and I'm still hoping to hear some examples of It did sound like a mighty lot of which nose blowing was just the tip of the iceberg --> and there we know now that nose blowing is basically on par between US and ... Read More
Home schooling in Germany by beppi
In a thread about Living in Germany, Romaniac wrote the following: [quote=romaniac]Germany criminalizes homeschooling and persecutes those that want to educate their children.[/quote] The subsequent discussion was split off as this separate thread, ...
Romaniac, wrt to homeschooling and legality. We knew a US Pastor that homeschooled all their children since 20 years in Germany - publically known - and without being persecuted. So there is definitely a bit of urban legend on some of the ... Read More
Tips and advice to thrive in Germany by Priscilla
Hi, When living in a foreign country, you have to adapt to a new environment, various cultures and different social codes. How did you manage to adjust to Germany? How long does it take to feel at home? Would you say it is an easy ...
Hi George, you're onto a point there with choice of where one should live as expat a) Certainly the easiest to adapt* would be to choose a large city - since people in cities (globally) are generally more liberal to foreign ... Read More
Filing taxes in Germany and Israel and USA for 2015 for small wages by junajos
How do I file taxes for 2015 when I lived and worked here only three months as a self-employed? I lived in Israel for three years, partially self employed and underemployed and I know I must file there. As an American I also have to file. Anyone ...
This is an interesting case, since your annual income was low for that year. The challenge that you'll probably have is that the fee from tax consultants might wipe out any benefit from the tax savings that can be realized. Of course ... Read More
Move to Germany. by mahabindualokananda
Our only son is in Germany with his wife on job for last two years,holding blue card. I am a pensioner. How can I move to Germany with my wife?
People are mixing stuff here. One thing is visiting another is residence. A blue card is not a trump card to bring everybody over with similiar DNA for a free retirement. Hence I would tend towards Beppi's statement. The Bluecard context of ... Read More
What is the most suitable job for people on Sprachkurs Visa? by jgan
Hello, I've been here for a year. I find that there is too much restriction on this type of visa. I've applying for part-time jobs and all turned down just because of the limitation and I can't take freelance job as well. Whats your ...
By Paying for the German course, and booking an airplane ticket with some accomodation, medical insurance, and proving available spending money per month for the duration of the course. That's the way all does it. Since this was a popular way ... Read More
Advise on attending a job fair in Munich this week?
...try to avoid the typical title blabber and focus on what you have actually worked on and completed. Read More
Business etiquette in Germany by Julien
Hello everybody, As you know, professional habits may differ from one country to another. In order to help newly arrived expats better understand their new professional environment in Germany, we warmly encourage you to share information and ...
Guess most managers read Geert Hofstede's book. So I won't spend time on the obvious cultural differences. There are a few proverbs that holds very very true : "Lob ist kein Bringschuld" - No/Low key praise on an excellent job ... Read More
What is the most suitable job for people on Sprachkurs Visa? by jgan
Hello, I've been here for a year. I find that there is too much restriction on this type of visa. I've applying for part-time jobs and all turned down just because of the limitation and I can't take freelance job as well. Whats your ...
Jgan - you know that "Sprachkurs Visa" translates into "Language Course Visa" ? So the intention is that you spend most of the time studying German. If you would be spending less than 75% studying & practicsing the language ... Read More
Environmental protection in Germany by Kenjee
Hi, Environmental protection is a challenging issue for all the countries around the world. Would you say this issue is deemed of significance in Germany? Is the country going green through initiatives like waste management and selective ...
From what I've learned thus far - this is a custom that developed as part of the German culture over more than 300 years ( if not rooted even more deeply as a perception to view the world). Example - In contrast to many European countries, ... Read More
hello everyone - finding friends in Bonn to practice German
If you come from Düsseldorf - remember that they don't drink Alt and also don't speak Kölsch that much in Bonn. https://media.giphy.com/media/X1C7YCtmLizHG/giphy.gif & try to avoid eating too much delicious bread. but if ... Read More
Tax Number
lol- I'll call you that in future Beppi. :D @ Maria, probably the only thing that I can add from above is that you have to be more specific on "they" in your message. Some "they's" needed something and other ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Germany by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Germany. What ...
Thx. Bennhold. From the dimensions, used by Globesmart --> it looks like Globesmart is based on the reference work from from culture guru Geert Hofstede called "cultures in organisations" - university publication excerpt software of the ... Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Germany by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Germany. What ...
...I, for one, appreciate the speed at which the lines advance, hence it is quite natural that the checkout also happens efficiently. So from my perspective this can be also seen as something positive. It's a question of perspective afterall. Read More
1 month residence card application? by ewalds
Hi Myself (south african) and my wife (british) are arriving in Munich, Germany in April. I applied for a visa for spouse of EU citizen and they only gave me one that is valid for 5 weeks. As this was what my flight tickets said. If we have all ...
;) ...but *after* all the liberal Britons leaves Britain. Read More
Your experience of culture shock in Germany by Christine
Hi, Living in a foreign country implies to discover its culture, to learn and master the cultural codes. How did you deal with that? Share with us your culture shock stories where you experienced a funny or awkward moment in Germany. What ...
So Tom, out of curiousity : when u say : used to return bottles,..., *but* do glass recycling *instead*, it created an explosion of cognitive disonant messages in my mind and since every 1000kg of recycled glass saves 300 kg CO2, it could mean any ... Read More
German residence card by ewalds
Hi I will be arriving in Germany in April with my British wife. I will enter on a visitors visa but our entetion is to stay. We will be staying with family at first till we find work. I know that I need to apply for a residence card before 3 ...
... what u interpret as sarcasm is simply different cultures having different behaviours and rules. Take advice from strangers at face value. Being less judgmental can go a long way in adapting in a new environment. Read More
Enter on tourist visa, apply for residence card
Hi Ewald. Yes. U can. That approach would sooner or later then lead to somebody in Germany (hosts / ur wife) that have (must) declare themselves willing to bear all consequential cost related 2 ur person that might subsequently come up during ur ... Read More
German residence card by ewalds
Hi I will be arriving in Germany in April with my British wife. I will enter on a visitors visa but our entetion is to stay. We will be staying with family at first till we find work. I know that I need to apply for a residence card before 3 ...
Hi Ewalds, Ok, 2 stay in spirit of ur intent, I'll try 2 use simpler vocabulary then, also. 2 address ur specific question: 1) Yes. U can apply 4 a residence card anytime but there R prerequisites(conditions). C point 3) 4 more info. 2) ... Read More