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Welcome!
If you have just moved to Germany, it's
likely you are feeling somewhat
overwhelmed. Apart from a new culture
and language to cope with, in your first
few weeks here you will have to sort
out a host of practical things: somewhere to live, your finances, permits
and papers, and maybe a school for
your children and a job for your partner.
RELOCATION
PAGE 5
Your first few days; Residence Permits; Relocation
Service Providers; Berlin Essentials; Cologne-Bonn
Essentials; Düsseldorf Essentials; Frankfurt
Essentials; Hamburg Essentials; Munich Essentials;
Stuttgart Essentials; Marriage and Divorce; Social
Security System; Bringing your Pets
The Expat Survival Guide will give you a
starting point: the basic information
you need, plus plenty of phone numbers
for companies and organisations that
can help you out.
MONEY
Banking; Taxation; Insurance
This guide is published by Expatica
— news and information for
expatriates and the leading voice of
expatriate Europe. Expatica's website
(www.expatica.com) will give you access
to a whole world of information and
services that will make your life in
Germany easier and more enjoyable.
JOBS
Working in Germany
PAGE 52
HEALTH
Healthcare System; Hospitals
PAGE 55
We hope you find this guide and
Expatica's other products useful
— and we wish you a wonderful
stay in Germany!
Research: James Kennaway; David Gordon
Smith; Editor: Simon Payn; Sales: Mike
Mazurkiewicz; David Davis, David Concheso,
David McGowan, Mike de Haan, Stephane Caen
To advertise in next year's Expat Survival
Guide, email [email protected] or call Mike
Mazurkiewicz on +49 30 2787 6182.
Published December 2005
© Expatica Communications BV
Kruislaan 400, 1098 SM Amsterdam, Netherlands
[email protected]
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
www.expatica.com
HOUSING
PAGE 29
Renting a Home; Buying a Home; Accommodation
Agencies
PAGE 36
EDUCATION
PAGE 44
Education System; How to Choose a School; School
Listings; Language Schools
SETTLING IN
PAGE 59
Utilities; Telephones and Internet; Television, Video,
DVD; Public Transport; Driving; Cinemas;
Bookstores; Food from Home; Bars, Pubs and Clubs
LISTINGS AND INDEX
PAGE 72
Embassies; Groups and Clubs; Phone Book Decoder;
Weights and Measures; Emergency Numbers;
Advertisers Index
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be
reproduced, or transmitted, in any form by any means,
electronically or mechanically, including photocopying,
recording or any information storage or retrieval system
without prior written permission from the publisher.
Requests for permission should be addressed to Expatica
Communications, Kruislaan 400, 1098 SM, Amsterdam,
Netherlands. Expatica makes great effort to ensure the
accuracy of information contained in this guide. However,
we will not be responsible for errors or omissions or any
damages, howsoever caused, which result from its use, and
make no warranty of claims as to the quality or competence
of businesses or professionals mentioned. Company names
highlighted in red have paid for advertising in the guide.
Users are advised to take care when selecting professional
services, and to use common sense in adjusting to life in
another country.
GERMANY EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE
1
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Introduction
What makes Germany tick? What are the concerns of its people? Where
is it heading? Here is a brief introduction to the country as it enters 2006.
Neither expats already living in Germany
nor those thinking of moving here can have
escaped the media reports of doom and
gloom which have been plaguing the country in the last couple of years.
on being chancellor, clearing the way for a
'grand coalition' of the CDU/CSU and the
SPD under Angela Merkel, who makes history as Germany's first female leader.
TOUGH CHALLENGES
The charge sheet in the case against
Germany is a long one. Record unemployment of the order not seen since the 1930s.
Stifling bureaucracy. The urgent need for
reform, but no political will to carry it out.
A stagnated economy. A huge budget
deficit.
With such pessimism abounding, expats
could be excused for reconsidering their
decision to live in Germany. But perhaps
things are not as bleak as they seem. In this
overview of the state of the nation, we'll be
looking at where Germany is, where it's
heading, and why it's still a great place to
live.
At the time of writing it is not clear if the
grand coalition will be able to form a stable
government in the long term, or what sort
of chancellor Merkel will turn out to be. But
one thing is certain: the new government
will have some pretty tough challenges as
far as the economy is concerned.
Germany has a huge budget deficit, consumer demand is low, and economic
growth for 2006 is forecast to be only 1.2
percent. Unemployment at the time of writing is an unenviable 4.8 million (11 percent
of the population), only slightly down from
its record high of 5 million earlier in 2005 the highest rate since the early 1930s.
POLITICAL STALEMATE
The world's attention was focussed on
Germany in September 2005 for the nearfiasco which was the German national election. Called after Gerhard Schroeder's SPD
party was defeated in a key state election, it
was widely expected to be a clear victory
for the CDU/CSU candidate, Angela
Merkel. Instead, it turned out to be a very
close result, with only three seats separating the two main parties and no clear victor.
Germany entered a period of political stalemate. Various coalition options were discussed and rejected as the minority Greens
and FDP parties refused to join with anyone
apart from their usual coalition partners.
Eventually Schroeder gave up his insistence
But expats worried about their employment
prospects should bear in mind that,
although Germany does indeed have some
pretty nasty unemployment blackspots
(notably in the former east), they are unlikely to be the places that expats will be planning to live. Similarly, the industry sectors
that the average expat is likely to work in
are not those worse affected.
NOT ALL GLOOM
And there are still some grounds for optimism. Germany has recently become the
world's biggest exporter. Surveys show
business confidence is beginning to
improve. And unemployment is starting to
come down as labour market reforms introduced by outgoing Chancellor Gerhard
Schroeder begin to take effect.
For daily news and analysis - in English - of current
events in Germany, read www.expatica.com
2
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Introduction
continued from page 3
efforts to be seen to be remembering its
inglorious past. Large-scale celebrations in
summer 2005 marked the 60th anniversary
of Germany's surrender on 8 May 1945, and
a series of ceremonies commemorated the
liberation of the Nazi death and concentration camps. Similarly, the Holocaust
Memorial in Berlin has finally been
unveiled after 17 years of debate and controversy.
FRIENDS IN THE EAST
The war also continues to colour Germany's
relationship with its eastern neighbours
such as Poland and the Czech Republic,
with issues such as a planned museum dedicated to those Germans expelled from eastern Europe after 1945 causing strife.
But despite the occasional spat, Germany on
the whole seems to be getting on well with
the new EU members, who joined the union
in May 2004. Popular fears of a wave of illegal immigration and criminality from the
east seem to have been unfounded, and
there are signs that German attitudes to
their eastern neighbours may be improving
as cross-border contacts increase.
CLAMPING DOWN
Islamist terrorism has been a big issue in
Germany since the 11 September 2001
attacks, especially as it was revealed that the
9-11 bombers had studied in Hamburg, and
there has been a notable tightening of
domestic security. Radical Muslim clerics
such as Metin Kaplan, the self-styled
'Caliph of Cologne' have been deported,
and a series of high profile trials of Islamist
terrorists has fuelled an ongoing debate
about immigration and tolerance.
These developments are unlikely to help
improve the lot of Germany's Turkish community, who make up a sizeable portion of
Germany's seven-million-plus population of
'foreigners' (one quarter of whom were born
4
Germany remains a safe,
prosperous country
in Germany) and who suffer disproportionately from unemployment and other social
problems. Improving the situation of
Germany's immigrant population will be a
major task for the new government.
STILL ONE OF THE BEST
But despite the prevailing mood of pessimism, Germany is still one of the best
countries in the world to live in. Many
countries, its eastern neighbours in particular, would love to have Germany's problems. It is still a safe, prosperous country
with a highly-educated population, good
infrastructure, rock-solid democratic institutions, low levels of corruption, and a rich
cultural life.
So as an expat you are unlikely to regret
choosing to live in Germany. This Survival
Guide will give you plenty of practical tips
on life in the country. And remember to
check Expatica's Germany website regularly
for news and information about living in
Germany - we want to help make your stay
here as easy and enjoyable as it can be.
David Gordon Smith, Editor, Expatica Germany
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Your First Few Days
When you first arrive, it’s tempting to just go out and explore. Do that, but
don’t forget there’s a whole pile of paperwork to do too. Here’s a guide.
FIND A SCHOOL
Deciding where to live is one of your most
important decisions, so check out our
detailed city guides
It is likely you will have thought about
schools long before arriving. If not, you
will need to make appointments to visit
schools to decide which is the best option.
The same applies for nurseries and childcare facilities.
See Page 10
REGISTER WITH THE POLICE
See Page 44
One of your first tasks will be to register
yourself with the police. Although engaging with German bureaucracy isn’t the
most enticing of prospects, the law
requires that you go through the process if
you are staying in the country for more
than three months.
See Page 6
FIND A JOB
If you are not here on an expat assignment, it’s likely you are going to need to
find yourself a job. And if you are from
outside the EU it is possible you will need
a work permit.
See Page 52
CONTACT THE UTILITIES
LEARN THE LANGUAGE
When you are ready to move into your
permanent home, you will need to contact
the relevant utility companies to either
connect you or to change the billing to
your name.
Buy yourself a good phrase book if you're
not too confident with the language or
enrol on one of the many courses available.
See Page 59
See Page 51
OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT
GET MOVING
One of the first things you will need to
organise when you arrive in Germany is a
bank account. This is a fairly straightforward procedure which requires your
police registration card and passport.
Probably sooner rather than later you will
encounter the public transport system or
venture onto the roads. But before you do,
find out the rules and regulations.
See Page 62
See Page 36
MEET PEOPLE
FIND OUT ABOUT MEDICAL CARE
Germany’s healthcare system has undergone a radical shake-up recently. It’s a
good idea to look into what the changes
will mean for you and your family.
Discover the shops, bars and restaurants
in your neighbourhood or join one of the
hundreds of expatriate groups and clubs
in all major centres. Then you can start to
enjoy your new life in Germany.
See Page 55
See Page 75
Confused? For the latest news on permit and visa
requirements, visit www.expatica.com/germany
5
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
RELOCATION
DECIDE WHERE TO LIVE
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Residence Permits
Making sure you have the paperwork to stay in Germany will likely result in
your first contact with the nation’s bureaucracy. Here’s how to be legal.
REGISTERING WITH THE POLICE
RELOCATION
Registering with the police is one of the
first things you have to do following your
arrival in Germany.
Getting a 'polizeiliche
Anmeldebestätigung' requires a visit to
the local registration office
('Einwohnermeldeamt/Meldestelle'),
which is normally part of the local police
station or town hall ('Rathaus').
Registering with the police is often something that people from countries with
somewhat dubious police records prefer
not to get involved with.
But the law says you must register if you
intend to stay for more than three
months.
You should do so within seven days of
arrival in Germany, or at least once you
have accommodation.
All residents, Germans and non-Germans,
must register when they move to a new
address - failure could mean a fine of up
to EUR 35.
You can normally track down your local
Meldestelle via the internet: search for the
name of the area you live in combined
with the word 'Landeseinwohneramt'.
Upon completion, you will be presented
with a polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung.
Considering the number of times the
authorities seem (at least initially) to ask
to see the Anmeldebestätigung, it's not a
bad idea to carry it, or a photocopy of it,
with you at all times.
Additionally, citizens of the European
Union can now apply for their
'Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung' (freedom of
movement permit) at the Meldestelle at
the same time as they register their
address. See Getting your Permit below
for more details.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Fairly obviously, you will need to bring a
passport and a lease or rental agreement.
A registration form
('Anmeldungsformular') is available free
at the Meldestelle.
In some parts of the country you can buy
one for about EUR 1 in stationery shops.
WHEN TO AN-, UM- OR ABMELDEN
Once you decide it is time to move on,
you must go back to the Meldestelle to go
through the job of being 'abgemeldet' (deregistered).
You can be fined for not doing this properly if you ever try to register again.
WAITING GAME
Depending on where you apply, you can
face a long wait sitting in a less-thancheerful office until you are called forth
to present your papers.
If you're living in a crowded city area,
planning ahead can help. Work out when
you can go, and drop by the office beforehand to see what time it opens. It's best to
get there early.
6
Some offices allow you to send your
Abmeldung back through the post, so
you don't have to endure another long
stay in the Meldestelle waiting room.
But should you decide to move to another
part of the same city, you will need to
'ummelden' (register a change of address)
- and to bring the evidence that you have
been umgemeldet when you register at
your new Meldestelle.
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Residence Permits
GETTING YOUR PERMIT
EU/EEA citizens:
For citizens of the European Union and
European Economic Area (Norway,
Iceland and Liechtenstein) the system has
changed. As a consequence of the new
law of July 2004, they can get a so-called
Freizügigkeitbescheinigung (free movement permit). EU citizens no longer
require a residence permit
(Aufenthaltserlaubnis). In fact, residence
permits can no longer be issued to EU citizens.
Within three months of arriving in
Germany you can apply (it is granted
more or less automatically) for a
Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung at a normal
Meldestelle by bringing your passport
and evidence of health insurance,
employment (or that you receive a pension) or, if you are self-employed, that
you can support yourself with at least
EUR 600 per month. There is no charge.
Unlike a residence permit, a
Freizügigkeitbescheinigung does not have
to be renewed.
If you have been in Germany for a while
and already have a residence permit, the
Ausländerbehörde (authority for foreigners) will contact you when your residence
permit is close to running out. You simply need to complete the form they send
you and return it by post to receive your
new Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung. You
Citizens from the new members of the EU
in Eastern Europe have some additional
restrictions when applying for a
Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung, particularly
concerning employment. These new regulations also do not apply to family members from non-EU countries. They have to
go through a procedure similar to the one
outlined below for citizens of other states
in order to get a residence permit.
One minor disadvantage of the new
Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung is that it is
simply a printed document and not a
form of photo ID as the old residence permit was. This means EU citizens who
have a Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung now
need to carry other kinds of photo ID
(such as a passport or identity card) for
all those many situations which need
photo ID in Germany.
RELOCATION
The rules for residence permits depend
on whether you are a citizen of the
European Union/European Economic
Area or not. For non-EU citizens, including Americans, Canadians and
Australians, the system is rather complicated.
will not need to renew this new permit
ever again.
Non-EU/EEA citizens:
Expats from outside the EU and EEA still
need to arrange an
‘Aufenthaltsgenehmigung’ or
'Aufenthaltserlaubnis' (residence permit)
after registering and securing a
polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung.
This normally means visiting the
'Ausländerbehörde' (authority for foreigners). If a relocation firm is arranging
your entire move to Germany or you are
coming with a company which is taking
charge of the move for you, then you
might be lucky enough to find that someone else will take care of the visit to the
Ausländerbehörde.
If not, you have three months after your
continued on page 8
Coming to Germany with a partner? Information on
this and much more at www.expatica.com/germany
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Residence Permits
RELOCATION
arrival in Germany to apply for a residence permit, so there is some scope for
organising for the bureaucratic joys
ahead.
As a step towards making the process
more user-friendly, many
Ausländerbehörden and
Landeseinwohnerämter are making use of
the internet.
In addition to setting out general information about their services, the offices
offer key forms online for downloading
and filling out in advance.
The easiest way to find your local
Ausländerbehörde is to look up your
city's official website and find the
Landeseinwohneramt.
When you get to the building, look out
for the 'Abteilung
Ausländerangelegenheiten' (department
for foreigners' matters).
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING
Passport
Two passport photos
Evidence of purpose of stay - for example, employment contract or university
enrolment record
Evidence of support - for example,
employment contract, university enrolment record, evidence of earnings or
bank statement
Evidence of health insurance (if not
provided by your employer)
Polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung
WHAT IT COSTS
Before you make the journey to the local
Ausländerbehörde, it is worth your while
to ring up first and check on the latest
details.
Usually someone will ask you which
country you come from and you will be
switched through to the appropriate
office.
You should check on the current costs
and opening times. It's also advisable to
go through the list of things you will
need for the Aufenthaltsgenehmigung. In
some circumstances you can even make
an appointment. For citizens from nonEU countries it will cost about EUR 50 for
the first application and EUR 30 for each
extension. An unlimited residence permit
('unbefristete Aufenthaltserlaubnis') costs
about EUR 85.
HOW LONG IS IT VALID?
An Aufenthaltserlaubnis is usually granted for two years; this can vary depending
on nationality.
A provisional permit, valid for up to
three months, can be granted while you
arrange paperwork (health insurance and
employment documents). After five years
you can apply for an unlimited residence
permit.
Note also that under the general heading
of Aufenthaltserlaubnis or
Aufenthaltsgenehmigung there are several subcategories. One is the
Aufenthaltsbewilligung, for non-EU
members staying in Germany for a limited period.
There are also the Aufenthaltsbefugnis,
for refugees, and the
Aufenthaltsberechtigung, a permanent
permit for non-EU citizens.
Expatica: Excellent news and analysis aimed at the
English-speaking community - The Guardian
8
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Relocation Agencies
BERLIN
#1 First Relocating
Kissinger Strasse 67
14199 Berlin
030 8261451
At Home Relocation
Services
Tristanstrasse 1A
14109 Berlin
030 80586383
Enter Berlin
Hohenzollerndamm 55
14199 Berlin
030 88920240
The Berlin Connection
Brunowstrasse 52
13507 Berlin
030 84727392
FRANKFURT
Averto Relocation Service
Westendstrasse 19
60325 Frankfurt
069 97546162
Cheryl Koenig Relocation
Services Group GmbH
Ritterlingstrasse 1
65719 Hofheim
06192 990533
Crown Worldwide Movers
GmbH
Dornhofstrasse 18
63263 Neu-Isenburg
06102 882790
Elisabeth Sommer
Relocaton
Widenmayerstrasse 17
80538 Munich
089 21578310
IM2S International Mobility
Management Service GmbH
Westerbachstrasse 47
60489 Frankfurt
069 2722960
RCG Relocation
Bavariastrasse 1
80336 Munich
089 72017979
Main Relocation
Auf der Körnerwiese 12
60594 Frankfurt
069 97203485
Relocation One
Sundergaustrasse 145
81739 Munich
089 60013883
RSB Deutschland GmbH
Dreieichstrasse 59
60594 Frankfurt
069 61094721
Start Up Services
Stefan-George-Ring 8
81929 Munich
089 93945211
Sachs Relocation
Willy-Brandt-Strasse 4
61118 Bad Vilbel
06101 501737
BONN - COLOGNE DUSSELDORF
Team Relocation
Im Weiherfeld 29
65462 GinsheimGustavsburg
06134 2850
KEWA Relocation
Barbarastrasse 5
50735 Köln
0221 976610
www.kewa.de
Progedo Relocation
Holterkamp 18
40880 Ratingen
02102 433635
MUNICH
Baumgartner Professional
Organisers
Wallensteinstrasse 22
80807 Munich
089 3509560
Easy Entry
Gustavstrasse 46
90762 Fürth
0911 4808190
RELOCATION
Arriva Relocation Services
Leibnizstrasse 60
10629 Berlin
030 32774311
EasyMove4U
Clemens Strasse 3
60487 Frankfurt
069 40355739
For details of more
companies serving the
expat community in
Germany, visit the
Business Directory at
www.expatica.com
events in Germany see www.expatica.com/germany
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Berlin Essentials
RELOCATION
It is more than 15 years since the Berlin Wall fell, with the German
capital emerging from the upheaval as a major new European metropolis.
It is now over 15 years since the fall of the
Berlin Wall and the German capital still
appears to be gripped by a sense of
upheaval. Indeed, the city appears to
change almost from one week to the next
as renovations continue, neighbourhoods
undergo a facelift, and bars, shops and
cafes come and go.
WHERE TO LIVE
Up until the mid-90s most people shifting
to Berlin tended to head for the western
part of the city. But all of that has now
changed, with the process of unification
drawing the two halves of the city together and opening up new parts of the capital, notably in the former communist east,
which has emerged as Berlin's new happening hub.
A good quality two-bedroom 75sq/m
apartment on average starts at about EUR
500 per month. This also includes the most
sedate and established of western areas
like Charlottenburg and Wilmersdorf, and
the villa apartments of Grunewald and
Zehlendorf.
The fall of the Wall has also meant that
more people have been seeking places to
live outside the city centre, in the so-called
'green' areas where rents are about EUR 50
lower - even for larger apartments.
This includes the great Prussian city of
Potsdam, which acts as an urban antechamber for Berlin, as well a raft of smaller villages and new residential areas dotted around the capital.
WHERE TO FIND RENTALS
The result has been to drive up rents in
central districts of the east such as Mitte
(which literally means 'centre') and
Prenzlauer Berg, both of which have been
transformed by mass renovation.
The higher rents have also meant that
many people have moved further to the
east, with Friedrichshain now a fashionable place to live. At the same time
Pankow, a major diplomatic area during
the communist era, and even Weissensee,
have been gaining in popularity.
Traditionally a major centre for the city's
Turkish population, Kreuzberg, which
neighbours Friedrichshain, has also been
enjoying something of a residential renaissance in recent years.
Indeed, despite Berlin's fast-paced change,
the city's rents have hardly changed in
recent years and are surprisingly low compared to other European capitals. Berlin
apartments are also often surprisingly spacious compared to what is on offer in
other cities.
10
While there is a seemingly endless supply
of sources of information on accommodation (from websites through to notes
pinned on telegraph poles), the weekend
editions of Berlin's Morgenpost, Berliner
Zeitung and Tagesspiegel are still good
starting points for exploring the city's
rental market.
WHERE TO REGISTER
For a list of offices for arranging a
polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung you can
visit: www.berlin.de/labo/einwohnerwesen/
dienstleistungen/index.html
WHERE TO ARRANGE A RESIDENCE PERMIT
For Aufenthaltsgenehmigung or
Aufenthaltserlaubnis:
Landeseinwohneramt Berlin
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24
13353 Berlin
(030) 902690
www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/
dienstleistungen/index.html
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Berlin Essentials
WHERE TO ARRANGE A DRIVING LICENCE
SWIMMING POOLS
Motorists' services (to swap national EU
licences for EU licences):
ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg
Bundesallee 29/30
10717 Berlin
(030) 8686 237/238
HEALTH AND RECREATION
Whatever the season, for anyone interested
in sport, whether it is of the spectator or
couch potato variety or something a little
more active, Berlin has a vast array of
options.
A couple of pools you could try are: Bad
am Spreewaldplatz (the works: whirlpool,
sauna etc), (030) 69 53 52 10; Stadtbad
Charlottenburg - Alte Halle (25 metre pool
with splendid painted ceiling), (030) 34 38
38 60; Stadtbad Mitte (popular with inner
city dwellers), (030) 30 88 09 10; and if
you want to avoid chlorine then try the
open-air Freibad Plötzensee.
For further information consult:
www.berlinerbaederbetriebe.de or the
service-hotline on 01803 - 10 20 20.
RELOCATION
Landeseinwohneramt Berlin
Puttkamerstr.16 - 18
0958 Berlin
(030) 902690
www.berlin.de/labo/fuehrerschein/
dienstleistungen/
fuehrerscheinumschrausland.html
competition among gym operators can be
tough. That of course is good news for anyone wanting to take out a membership. The
name of the fitness game in Berlin is negotiation, as many gyms will be prepared to do
all sorts of deals, although you may find the
more centrally located and trendy gyms
charge more for membership.
JOGGING
Apart from the German capital's own local
teams, this also includes an extensive network of Vereine (associations) or clubs for
almost every imaginable sport. For starters
you could consult the expat sports clubs
listed under Expatica's groups and clubs.
Tiergarten is Berlin's big central park and
has a seemingly endless number of jogging possibilities. You can extend it to take
in a jog around the government quarter,
crossing the Spree at the Moltke Bridge
and the Bartingallee Bridge.
GOLF
The fall of the Berlin Wall has opened up
the new world of golf for Berlin, with the
city now surrounded by a string of golf
courses.
These include Das Brandenburg at Bad
Saarow (033631) 63300, www.a-rosa.de;
Golfclub Gross Kienitz (033708) 537 70,
www.grosskienitz.de, Golfclub Schloss
Wilkendorf (03341) 330960, and Golfclub
Berlin-Wannsee (030) 806 70 60,
www.glcbw.de
GYMS
At last count there were more than 40 major
gyms dotted across the city, which means
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
There is also Schlosspark Charlottenburg,
which surrounds one of Berlin's most
stately buildings, or Volkspark
Schöneberg.
For something a little more organised you
could try Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Sportpark
in the inner east of the city. Not so far away
are the Volkspark Friedrichshain and
Volkspark Humboldthain.
Joggers preferring to pad through less
urban environments and wanting to feel a
touch of nature in their urban lives can
also head for the extensive network of forest areas around Grunewald, Krumme
Lanke, and Teufelsberg in the western part
of the city.
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Cologne-Bonn Essentials
RELOCATION
You can live in Cologne and work in Bonn...and vice versa. But while Cologne is
a major centre for art and television, Bonn is now a key hub for the IT trade.
WHERE TO LIVE
COLOGNE: 'A River Runs Through It' could
be Cologne's trademark claim. The city is
cut cleanly into two halves by the Rhine
River, with the 'left Rhine side', as locals
call it, being Cologne's centre of gravity. It
is home to the densely populated downtown district as well as numerous residential neighbourhoods. The right Rhine side,
by contrast, has no centre to speak of and
has traditionally lived a shadow existence,
with Cologners calling it the 'Schäl Sick',
or the 'Wrong Side'.
COLOGNE: The most efficient way to house
hunt is to simultaneously check for ads in
the local newspapers (Kölner StadtAnzeiger and Kölnische Rundschau) and
through internet databases (e.g.
www.immobilien24.de and www.
immowelt.de ). The local papers also offer
their ads online on a joint website
(http://anzeigen.ksta.de/anzeigen/
anzeigen_suche.php?markt=20037).
Those who are new to the city usually
move to one of half a dozen neighbourhoods on the left city side that hug downtown in a semi-circle: Ehrenfeld,
Lindenthal, Suelz, Bayenthal, and
Rodenkirchen. The city remains a popular
destination, especially for bar-and restaurant-hopping singles who tend to live in
the Belgian Quarter (Belgisches Viertel)
and Old Town (Altstadt).
BONN: Flocking to this now quieter but
still prospering town are young professionals from the IT and communication
industries, who tend to set up residence
east of the Rhine river, in the suburbs of
Beuel, Geislar, Vilich and Holzlar.
However, the western side of town still
holds most of its cultural and leisure
attractions. Also located there are Bonn's
shopping and Old Town districts, and the
still popular residential neighbourhoods of
Südstadt and Poppelsdorf.
To the south lies the suburb of Bad
Godesberg, formerly prime real estate,
which for some years now has been losing
residents. Adjacent to the Federal Quarter
(Bundesviertel), Bad Godesberg used to be
the neighbourhood of choice for scores of
German politicians, their families and foreign diplomats.
12
They don't show pictures but you can narrow down your search by choosing all relevant details, such as the maximum rent
you are willing to pay, number of rooms,
balcony, garage, and so on.
The ads cover apartments as well as houses in the entire state of NorthrhineWestphalia. For rentals, be sure to click on
'Mieten'.
BONN: In Bonn also, a double-track
approach works best. Check for rentals in
the online or print versions of the local
paper, the General-Anzeiger (www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de/) as well as the commercial databases www.immobilien24.de,
www.bonner-immobilien-boerse.de and
www.immowelt.de, or the non-commercial
website www.anonza.de/start.php.
COLOGNE: Zentrale Ausländerbehörde
Blaubach 13
50676 Cologne
(0221) 221 25601
BONN: Amt für Ausländerangelegenheiten
Königswintererstr 54
53227 Bonn
(0228) 77 6301
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Cologne-Bonn Essentials
WHERE TO REGISTER
COLOGNE: For a list of offices for arranging
a polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung:
www.stadt-koeln.de/bol/meldehalle/
uebersicht/index.html
BONN:
Bonn is generally much greener, and parks
as well as almost rural-looking areas with
fields and meadows can be found in all
directions. Among the most prominent
are the Freizeitpark Rheinaue, stretching
alongside the western river bank in the
suburb of Hochkreuz, and the large nature
reserve between Bonn-Oberkassel and
Bonn-Holtorf.
RELOCATION
•Bürgeramt Bonn
Stadthaus, Berliner Platz 2, 53111
•Bürgeramt Bad Godesberg
Kurfürstenallee 2-3, 53177
•Bürgeramt Beuel
Rathaus Beuel, Friedrich-BreuerStraße 65, 53225
•Bürgeramt Hardtberg
Villemomblerstr. 1, 53123
(and unnamed) park belt surrounding the
city centre, from the North of Ehrenfeld to
the southern Altstadt. There are also the
expansive green areas around the artificial
lake Decksteiner Weiher, as well as
Beethovenpark and Stadtwald, all of them
located in the neighbourhood of
Lindenthal, west of Cologne's centre.
GYMS
The same offices that issue a resident's
registration (Anmeldebstätigung) also
issue driving licenses.
Stadthaus, Berliner Platz 2, 53111 Bonn
Many of the better-equipped fitness centres in Cologne and Bonn are part of
national chains. In addition to machines
for cardio-vascular training and bodybuilding, some of them offer swimming
pools, hot tubs, saunas, and massages.
You should visit the gym of your choice
for a free test session and try to negotiate
a reasonable admission fee, especially
when you join with a partner. For contact
details of local gyms go to: www.
expatica.com
OTHER USEFUL ADDRESSES
GOLF
The British Consulate in Düsseldorf provides on their website lists of English-speaking doctors, lawyers and other professionals
in the Rhineland that might be needed at
one time or another (www.
britbot.de/en/consular/duesseldorf/index.htm)
The Rhineland area has one of the highest
densities for golf courses in continental
Europe. More than 70 courses stretch
across the Rhineland, from Düsseldorf to
Aachen.
FOR CAR REGISTRATIONS
COLOGNE: Amt für öffentliche Ordnung
Herkulesstra. 42
50823 Cologne (Neu-Ehrenfeld)
(0221) 221 26692 or 26635
BONN: Bürgeramt Bonn
Both Cologne and Bonn have a good variety of public parks, where on weeknights
and weekends the locals can be seen
sweating it out doing their laps.
Cologne offers, for instance, a narrow
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
The area also hosts two important professional tournaments: the Kaufhof Pokal in
Birkhof/Kaarst (near Düsseldorf), part of
the European Challenge Tour; and the
Linde German Masters at Gut Lärchenhof
in Pulheim, with tens of thousands of visitors each year. An extensive list of golf
courses in the area can be found at
www.maingolf.de.
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Düsseldorf Essentials
The state of North Rhine Westphalia's capital city has turned itself into one of
the best places to live and is one of Germany’s key business locations.
RELOCATION
WHERE TO LIVE
Düsseldorf's rise in quality of living rankings can be put down partly to its excellent
international schools, but also to its superb
infrastructure, beautifully remodelled city
centre and cosmopolitan attitude. The city
is full of banks, industrial offices, international headquarters and also has a thriving
media district which is home to some of the
world's largest advertising agencies.
The city covers an area of 217km² and has
a population of 573,585. Düsseldorf
spreads over both sides of the Rhine, with
the largest part on the right. There are 49
‘Stadtteile’, in the north Angermund sits
on the border with Duisburg and
Ratingen, and in the south Hellerhof borders onto Kreis Mettmann.
Stadtmitte is a melting pot of cultures, a
mixture of rich and poor. It's where
Düsseldorf's banking district is located
and also its famous shopping street, the
Kö. Apartments are pricey and houses
hard to find, but if you want to live where
it's happening, this is the place to be.
Pempelfort is popular among singles. With
the Altstadt and Stadtmitte right on the
doorstep it has easy access to both business and pleasure opportunities. With a
mixture of architectural styles, the area
also has a diverse cultural scene, is home
to museums and galleries and also antique
markets, unusual shops as well as quirky
cafes and restaurants.
The Hafen is Düsseldorf's boomtown - no
other part of Düsseldorf has changed so
much over the last few years. The architecture is new and exciting and the area is
full of media companies, bars, restaurant
and clubs, so it attracts young residents the average age of a Hafen dweller is 34.
Bilk is the most populated part of
14
Düsseldorf, here you'll find lots of foreigners and also students, as the university is
nearby. There's a great underground
scene, plus nightlife as well as lots of
green. The desired location in Bilk is Die
Karolinger, a street lined with trees with a
small canal running down its centre.
Oberkassel is well known for its wealth of
art nouveau architecture and is perhaps
the most attractive part of the city. On the
left side of the river it has lots of green, is
close to the river and is full of beautiful
old buildings. It's only 2km from the city
centre and connected by a couple of
bridges, bars and restaurants abound and
so prices are quite high.
Bordering onto Oberkassel, Niederkasse is
one of the most sought-after areas to live in.
Over a quarter of Düsseldorf's Japanese
population live here and have even built
their own Japanese Temple with a tea
house, traditional garden and school.
There are a number of options for finding
rented accommodation but you'll need to
move fast as most well-located houses and
apartments are snapped up quickly. The
widest-read local newspaper, the
Rheinische Post is a good place to start
(www.rheinische-post.de), also try the
Westdeutsche Zeitung (www.
wz-newsline.de), peak days are
Wednesday and Saturday. Another option
is www.immobilien24.de.
Remember that most prices quoted are
‘Kalt’, which means they cover the basic
rent, water and electricity. ‘Warm’ prices
also include heating, but always ask to be
sure.
You can also use an agent, but you'll have
to pay a fee that can be as much as three
months rent in advance.
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Düsseldorf Essentials
WHERE TO REGISTER
To arrange your ‘Polizeiliche
Anmeldebestätigung’ go to www.duesseldorf.de/buergerinfo for a complete list of
Bürgerbüros and information about what
you need to bring along to register.
Fahrerlaubnisbehörde
Höherweg 101
40200 Düsseldorf
[email protected]
Both Britain and the US have Consulates
in Düsseldorf and offer a wide range of
useful information about moving to and
living in Düsseldorf; a list of doctors, dentists, lawyers and information about the
US and British communities in the city:
www.britischebotschaft.de, http://
duesseldorf.usconsulate.gov. Another useful source is Rhine Magazine, the only
English-language publication for
Düsseldorf, Cologne and Bonn:
www.rhinemagazine.com.
There aren't many green areas in the city
centre, although the city has quite a green
feeling due to the abundance of trees and
water features. The city's main green
spaces are the Hofgarten right in the city
centre, the Nordpark located to the north
of the city, and the Grafenberg Forest to
the south-east. For joggers the best place
to run is the Rheinufer; stretching for 10
miles from the ‘Hafen’ to the Yacht Club
and further, it's a beautiful place to give
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
For a list of swimming pools around the
city go to: www.baeder-duesseldorf.de,
here you'll find pools with sauna and massage facilities, outside pools (Freibäder) as
well as pools with kids entertainment,
such as wave machines and water slides.
GYMS
Holmes Place has two gyms in
Düsseldorf, on Provinzialplatz and on
the Königsallee. Both offer state of the
art work-out and weight machines, classes, massage, sauna and much more in
wonderful surroundings with beautifully
designed interiors. The pool in the
Provinzialplatz gym is situated on the
top floor of the building with a glass
‘window’ on the bottom.
RELOCATION
Kommunale Ausländerbehörde
Willi-Becker-Allee 7
40227 Düsseldorf
(0211) 89 21020
E-mail: auslaenderamt@stadt.
duesseldorf.de
your body a good workout. On the other
side of the river in Oberkassel you'll find
more of an off-road track, and a great view
of the city.
Other Düsseldorf gyms include The
Fitness Centre and Future Sports both on
the Königsallee. For a list of gyms in
Düsseldorf visit: www.fitnesswelt.de and
select D under "Fitness Studios".
GOLF
The Rhine area is particularly rich in golf
facilities and plays host to the Linde
German Masters in Pulheim every year.
Some of the closest golf courses are: the
Golf Park Meerbush - www.golfparkmeerbusch.de; Kosaido International Golf
Club - www.kosaido.de and the
Düsseldorfer Golf Club - www.duesseldorfer-golf-club.de. For a list of local golf
clubs visit: www.golfportalduesseldorf.de/Golfclubs2.htm
SOCIAL CLUBS
There is a wide range of groups and clubs
for expats in the region. For details, see the
Groups and Clubs pages, starting on page
75.
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Frankfurt Essentials
With its vast, open spaces and impressive collection of cultural and lifestyle
activities, Frankfurt consistently scores high marks as a place to live.
RELOCATION
WHERE TO LIVE
Frankfurt is one of Germany's economic
powerhouse regions and likes to call itself
'Mainhattan', an allusion to its skyscrapers
and its location on the river Main. About
600,000 people work in Frankfurt but, like
in Manhattan, most of them don't actually
live there. Indeed, two thirds of the
Frankfurt workforce choose to commute to
the city, either because they prefer the suburbs and their higher quality of life, or
because they can't find or afford an apartment in the city. The latter holds true for a
lot of people: Frankfurt has one of the
severest housing shortages in the country,
especially inexpensive family housing and
up-scale apartments in popular neighbourhoods.
Despite the construction of some 2,500
apartments every year, Frankfurt's
demand for housing is not even close to
being met. Those newly-built units,
though, are highly sought after and can be
found mainly in Riedberg, the West and
East Harbour, Rebstockpark and
Friedberger Warte. Financially out of reach
for many are the leafy neighbourhoods of
Westend, the Holzhausen Quarter, the
Poets' Quarter (Dichterviertel), and the
Diplomatenviertel, all located north of the
city centre and home to scores of consulates and executives' mansions.
A lot of people look north, to the city's
edge or beyond, to find a better selection
of housing. Popular here are the neighbourhoods of Niedereschbach, Kalbach,
Bonames, Niedererlenbach, Riedberg, and
Harheim, which offer more green spaces
and less hassle than the city.
Even higher-end housing can be found
northeast of the centre of town, in parts of
Seckbach and Bergen-Enkheim. Many of
Frankfurt's innumerable business executives and bankers shun the city altogether,
16
however. They usually set up residence in
the Vordertaunus, a wooded area 45 minutes drive northwest of Frankfurt - that
includes the towns of Königstein,
Kronberg, Oberursel, Bad Homburg, and
Friedrichsdorf.
For apartment seekers, Frankfurt's three
newspapers are the best starting point.
The paper versions with real-estate ads hit
the newsstands on Fridays and Sundays
(Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung,
Frankfurter Neue Presse), as well as on
Wednesdays and Saturdays (Frankfurter
Rundschau).
If you want to check the ads online, go to
their joint website at www.rheinmainmedia.de/rmc/?markt=38 (where you have
to pay a fee by credit card to get the contact information) or www.fraktuell.com/imm/suche (no fee). Since a
large portion of the market is covered by
agents anyway, you might as well save
time and effort by looking at some commercial databases, www.immowelt.de,
www.immobilienscout24.de and
www.planethome.de.
Alternatively, check the non-commercial
(and therefore commission-free)
www.wohnungsinfoboerse.de, where after
running your search you have to register
to get the contact information. In general,
click 'Mieten' for rentals, 'Kaufen' for purchases.
If you are considering a given neighbourhood and would like to see its surroundings without actually going there, you can
get an aerial view at
www.frankfurt.de/sis/Stadtplan.html
(enter an address including house number,
choose the map scale, then click on
'Luftbild' instead of 'Karte' and confirm
each by clicking 'OK').
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Frankfurt Essentials
Ausländerbehörde
Mainzer Landstr. 323
60326 Frankfurt am Main
(069) 212 42485 and (069) 212 44133
WHERE TO REGISTER
Ordnungsamt
Führerscheinstelle (3rd floor)
(069) 212 42334
This office also provides car registrations.
The British Consulate in Frankfurt provides lists of English-speaking doctors,
lawyers and other professionals in the area
that might be needed at one time or another: (www.britbot.de/en/consular/frankfurt/index.htm).
The city centre doesn't offer many green
spaces, but the further you go toward the
city limits, the more you can feel that not
too long ago Frankfurt was a collection of
separate small towns and villages.
Between the neighbourhoods of
Bockenheim and Rödelheim, for example,
flows the small creek Nidda, along which
you can walk, run or bicycle through fields
until you reach Brentano Park.
Also popular with runners is the
Grüneburg Park in Bockenheim, neighbouring Goethe University's main campus
on one side and the botanical
Palmengarten on the other. The
Palmengarten charges an entrance fee and
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
GYMS
Many of the better-equipped ones are part
of national chains, like Fitness Company
and Kieser Training. The former has set up
shop in eight locations in Frankfurt and
offers not only fitness machines, but swimming pools, steam baths and saunas in
some places. The other chain, Kieser,
caters more to older customers who want
to improve their health through muscle
training. There are countless smaller or
independent fitness clubs, many of which
can be found at www.fitnesswelt.de/fitness-studios/F/ . See www.expatica.
com/germany for more gym contacts
RELOCATION
Zentrales Bürgeramt
Zeil 3
(069) 212 30600
is therefore not really joggers' territory, but
it offers exotic plants from bougainvillea
to hibiscus, as well as concerts, book readings and exhibitions. A nice circular run
around an artificial lake can also be found
at Ostpark, in Frankfurt's East End
(Ostende). In the south lies the expansive,
wooded Stadtwald, which can be conveniently reached by tram (Lines 14 and 21).
GOLF
The Rhein-Main region is home to dozens
of golf clubs, where more than 25,000
players hit the fairways on a regular basis.
Since membership fees vary greatly, it's
best to shop around. A list of golf courses
can be found at www.frankfurt-rheinmain.de (click 'Sport' in the topic bar).
SOCIAL CLUBS
Since the Frankfurt area is home to many
multi-national companies, numerous international clubs have sprung up. Here
expats can get together, exchange their
experiences of living in Germany and take
part in activities. The list ranges from
German-British societies to the more exotic
'Exiles Rugby and Hockey Club' and the
'Frankfurt Scottish Country Dance Club'.
For contact information see Expatica's list
of groups and clubs in Germany, under
Directory of expat groups and clubs.
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Hamburg Essentials
Port cities, with their gritty combination of the industrial and the romantic, are
some of the most interesting places in the world and Hamburg is no exception.
RELOCATION
WHERE TO LIVE
A tight real estate market means that renting in Hamburg can be expensive. Even
so, there is a wide range of contrasts in
places to live. You might, for example, be
looking to settle down for a while in a
villa or an apartment along the elegant
foreshores of Hamburg's lakes around
Harvestehude, or among the funky shops
and inner-city avant-garde of the more
gritty multikulti and gay St Georg.
There is also Pöseldorf, which is where
German fashion icons Jil Sander and
Wolfgang Joop set up shop. But with its
heyday back in the 1960s and 1970s,
Pöseldorf appears to have lost some of its
cutting edge. Blankenese is for those wanting to mix and mingle with Hamburg's
rich. Perched on the Elbe, Blankenese is
where sea captains' wives were said to
look out across the water from their villas
in the hope of catching sight of their husband's approaching ships.
Winderhude, with its fine collection of
19th century buildings converted into
apartments, has been rapidly moving up
Hamburg's social scale. Smart shops, good
restaurants and trendy pubs means it has
now become a favourite spot for the city's
30-something set.
A good starting place is the weekend editions of Hamburger Abendblatt
(http://immonet.abendblatt.de) and
Hamburger Morgenpost.
WHERE TO REGISTER
Einwohner-Zentralamt
Amsinckstr. 28 / 34
20097 Hamburg
(040) 428390
Or for your local registration office
18
(Einwohnermeldeamt) see:
http://www.hamburg.de/Dibis/form/form_
einwohneraemter.htm
Ausländerbehörde
Amsinckstr. 34
20097 Hamburg
(040) 428390
For extensions and issuing of an
Aufenthaltsgenehmigung or
Aufenthaltserlaubnis you can also visit a
local office of the Ausländerbehörde. They
are listed under:
http://fhh.hamburg.de/stadt/Aktuell/behoerden/inneres/einwohner-zentralamt/service/bezirklicheauslaenderdienststellen/start.html
Führerscheinstelle
Ausschläger Weg 100
20537 Hamburg
(040) 428580
MOTORIST CLUB
ADAC
Amsinckerstr. 39/41
20097 Hamburg
(040) 2391 9278
HEALTH AND RECREATION OPPORTUNITIES
There is a big selection of golf clubs located in and around Hamburg. Since membership fees vary greatly, it's best to shop
around.
For contact details of all the golf courses
dotted around the Hamburg region, go to
www.expatica.com/germany.
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Hamburg Essentials
GYMS
SWIMMING POOLS
Like other big German cities, Hamburg
has in recent years seen a veritable boom
in fitness gyms. Many of the betterequipped ones are part of national
chains, like Fitness Company, Elixia and
Kieser Training.
For those looking to take a dip or to swim
for more regular exercise, there is a network of public swimming pools dotted
across Hamburg.
JOGGING
Sometimes you feel like just breaking off
and going for a run by yourself or with
friends. Here’s where to jog in Hamburg.
•Alsterrunde: About 8 kilometres around
the Alster.
•Stadtpark: Offers a range of running
tracks. http://www.hamburg-stadtpark.de
•Elbuferweg: From Neumühlen to
Blankenese along the Elbe.
•Forst Klövensteen: An endless run
through forested areas.
•Öjendorfer Park: This offers a pleasant
turn around the Öjendorfer See.
RELOCATION
You should check out gyms you are interested in by arranging a free test session
and try to negotiate a reasonable membership fee, especially when you join together
with a partner. For contact details for local
gyms go to www.expatica.com./germany
Alsterschwimmhalle, which some visitors
find to be a somewhat strange building.
(040) 223012
Price: Adult EUR 8 for the day (children
EUR 4), EUR 5.60 (EUR 2.80) for three
hours and EUR 4.80 (EUR 2.40) for one
hour.
Bismarck-Bad, which has two different
halls and offers a range of water-type
activities, including whirlpool and
Wassergymnastik.
(040) 392663
Holthusenbad: 'This Eppendorf pool'
offers a rather flash backdrop for swimmers. (040) 474754
Bondenwald offers a range of aquatic
experiences and allows you to rent lanes.
(040) 5518629
Volksdorf has an outdoor pool and Taka
Tuka land
(040) 6039349
For further information consult:
www.baederland.de or the service hotline
(040) 18 88 90
For more
information
on all your health
and fitness
options in
Germany, go to
www.expatica.com
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Munich Essentials
RELOCATION
Munich is money, smart and upfront with a touch of neighbouring southern
European flair. It is also firmly on the world tourist and expat map.
WHERE TO LIVE
Munich is one of Europe's most expensive
cities, but a protracted period of economic
stagnation means that the tight rental market appears to have eased slightly in
recent years.
While there is a seemingly endless supply
of sources of information on accommodation, the Süddeutsche Zeitung and the
Münchner Merkur are good starting
points for exploring the city's rental market. The usual avenues of inquiry apply in
Munich, from commission-charging
agents to flyers at the local supermarket,
all offering a way to find your home.
Rents, however, have not fallen but rather
have remained relatively stable. The average rent for a small, one-room unfurnished apartment is between EUR 400 and
EUR 600. For a three-room unfurnished
apartment the rent averages between EUR
900 and EUR 1,500.
Naturally enough rents are highest in
Munich's inner-city, such as in the
upwardly mobile and (these days) somewhat mainstream Schwabing or vibrant
Isarvorstadt (home to a vast array of bars
including the city's gay bars) and areas
like Glockenbachviertel.
CENTRAL MUNICH:
Landeshauptstadt München
Kreisverwaltungsreferat
Hauptabteilung II, Einwohnerwesen
Ausländerangelegenheiten
Ruppertstr. 19
80337 München
(089) 2332 3078
THE SUBURBS:
There is also the rather cool Haidhausen
neighbourhood on the right bank of the
Isar River, with the inner-city the centre of
Munich's shopping, nightlife and eating
out culture.
Landratsamt
Mariahilfplatz 17
81541 Munich
(089) 233 96000
WHERE TO REGISTER
If you like dashing around to smart boutiques then you could take a look at the
northern part of Maxvorstadt.
Those looking for upmarket shopping
may also like to try the area near the
designer shops along Maximillian Straße
and the rather posh and expensive Lehel
neighbourhood.
Landeshauptstadt Munich
Einwohnermeldewesen
KVR HA II/2
Ruppertstr. 19
80313 München
(089) 23323154
This is also home to Munich's famed
'schicki-micki', as the city's fashionable set
are known.'
Anyone hoping to mix and mingle with
the city's old money might think about
checking out a villa in the pricey
Bogenhausen.
20
Kraftfahrzeugzulassung und
Fahrerlaubnisbehörde
Eichstätterstr. 2
80686 München
(089) 233 96090
[email protected]
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Munich Essentials
GOLF
Anyone interested in golf will find themselves well served by Munich and its surroundings with more than 40 clubs in and
around the Bavarian capital. This includes
the Munchener Golf Club (081) 70450,
Margarethenhof Am Tegernsee Golf Club
(080) 2275060, Munchen-Riedhof Golf
Club (081) 717065, and Tegernseer G C
Bad Wiessee (080) 228769.
SWIMMING
For those looking to take a dip or to
swim for more regular exercise, there are
about 17 public swimming pools dotted
across Munich. The biggest is OlympiaSchwimmhalle at the Olympiapark. It
costs EUR 3.50 and EUR 2.50 for students. Tickets for six visits cost EUR
17.50.
If you are interested in swimming against
a dramatic backdrop then you should try
Müllersches Volksbad (Müller's Public
Baths), Rosenheimer Strasse 1.
Completely renovated, the baths were
designed at the turn of the last century.
Admission is EUR 3.20 and EUR 2.50 for
students. Tickets for five visits cost EUR
16.00 and EUR 12.50 for students. You
can get free admission on your birthday.
For a map showing your closest pool click
onto: www.swm.de/m-baeder. There are
also several popular swimming areas in
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GYMS
Munich has been through something of a
fitness club revolution in recent years
with the mushrooming of gyms across
the city.
RELOCATION
Whatever the season for anyone interested
in sport, whether it is of the spectator variety or something a little more active,
Munich has a vast array of options to turn
to. Apart from the Bavarian capital's own
local teams, there is also an extensive network of Vereine (associations) or clubs for
almost every imaginable sport. For starters
you could consult the expat sports clubs
listed under Expatica's groups and clubs.
lakes and rivers in Munich, including the
Isar River, which cuts through Munich.
For those wanting to swim in lakes there
are Feringasee, Fasaneriesee,
Feldmochinger See and Lerchenauer See.
Apart from taking a dip they also provide
great opportunities for picnicking, sunbathing and just hanging about.
At last count there were more than 90
major gyms spread across the city which
means competition among gym operators
can be tough. That of course is good news
for anyone wanting to take out a membership. The name of the fitness game is
negotiation as many gyms will be prepared to do all sorts of deals.
Many of the gyms are parts of chains and
offer different services with some of their
premises more spacious than others and
including extras.
When signing up you should ask whether
membership entitles you to entry to the
company's other gyms which are often
also in other cities.
For a detailed listing of local gyms go to
www.expatica.com/germany.
JOGGING
For jogging, Munich's wonderful
Englischer Garten - with its enormous collection of tracks and paths, as well as its 11
kilometre circumference - is a hard place
to beat.
Those living in the centre of the city also
like to pad along the embankments of the
Isar River, but you could also try
Olympiapark and the Schloss
Nymphenburg park.
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Stuttgart Essentials
Home to Porsche and DaimlerChrysler, Stuttgart is the economic motor of the
South. An aspiring metropolis, it combines Swabian thrift with international flair.
RELOCATION
WHERE TO LIVE
One of the first terms you'll need to understand when deciding where to live in
Stuttgart is Halbhöhenlage. This loosely
means "half-way up the hill", and it refers
to the hilly topography of Stuttgart, which
is often described as a giant kettle, open
on one side to the Neckar River Valley.
The prime real estate of Stuttgart is along
the steep, rising slopes of the kettle, offering breathtaking views over the city.
Although the climate is good for buying
property, don't expect to find cheap rentals
- especially in prime locations. Rental
prices have been steadily increasing, with
no signs of a turnaround.
There aren't many flats to choose from in
the city centre. Central Stuttgart is traversed by its shopping-mile, Königstrasse,
which is flanked by office buildings, the
university, and public buildings. Housing
opportunities generally begin at the edge
of the city centre.
Extremely dense, but with a delightful
flair, Stuttgart-West is an attractive place
to live, very close to the city centre.
Sprinkled with markets, shops, cafes, theatres and small parks, almost anything
you need is within walking distance. And
that's a good thing because it's often hard
to find a place to park in the west of the
city. However, Stuttgart has a fantastic
public transportation system, which gets
you anywhere you need to be, without
necessarily having to use a car.
Stuttgart-Ost and Stuttgart-Süd are also
quite charming and centrally located. If
you're looking for something a little more
exclusive, Killesberg and Degerloch won't
disappoint you. And have a look at some
of the outlying suburbs like Sindelfingen,
Böblingen or Vaihingen, especially if
you're working for DaimlerChrysler, IBM
22
or Hewlett Packard. This is also where you
will have a much better chance of finding
a garden for kids to play in.
Your best bet for an extensive list of
rentals is the Saturday edition of the
Stuttgarter Zeitung, but expect lots of
competition to get the flat you want.
Another option is the Stuttgarter
Wochenblatt or one of the many online
services such as immobilienscout24.de or
Expatica Housing.
If you're still stuck you can contact a local
real estate agent (Makler), who will charge
you, depending upon the value of the flat,
up to three months’ rent for his services.
Amt für öffentliche Ordnung
Ausländerrechtliche Angelegenheiten
Eberhardstr. 39
70173 Stuttgart
(0711) 216-3889 or -3589
WHERE TO REGISTER
Municipal offices (Bürgerservice) are located in each district. Call (0711) 216-0 to find
your local office or check the website
www.stuttgart.de. In some cases, you can
find out about Residence Permits and
Driver's Licences as well.
WHERE TO ARRANGE A DRIVER'S LICENCE
Kfz-Zulassungs- und Führerscheinstelle
Krailenshaldenstr. 32
70469 Stuttgart
(0711) 216-5400
[email protected]
Stuttgart's elaborate park system is a gem
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Stuttgart Essentials
If inline skating is your thing, don't miss
the weekly 30 kilometre tour of the
Thursday-Night-Skaters (April-October).
MINERAL BATHS
With a daily yield of 22 million litres, the
springs in the Stuttgart area support three
mineral baths. For relaxing, working out,
therapy or just soaking in the atmosphere,
Stuttgart's mineral baths will have you
understanding what Germans mean by
“Wellness in no time”.
Leuze Mineral Bath (Am Leuzebad 2-6, tel
0711 2164210) boasts 1700 square metres of
pools, ranging in temperature and water
type. There's also a sauna and fitness complex. Mineralbad Berg (tel 0711 9236516),
located next to Leuze, is a family-owned
business with nostalgic copper basins for
bathing. Five different springs of 'medicinal water' feed the Mineral Bath Bad
Cannstatt (Sulzerrainstrasse 2, tel 0711
2169240), which offers a wide range of
therapeutic and traditional spa treatments.
Check out the website:
www.stuttgart.de/baeder.
GOLF
Still a growing sport in this region, you
will find around 15 golf courses within
reasonable driving distance of Stuttgart.
The State of Baden-Württemberg, however, has more than 80 golf courses which
you can locate on the website of the
Baden-Württembergische Golfverband,
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www.bwgv.de. Close to Stuttgart, try the
Stuttgarter Golf-Club Solitude, 07044
9110410 or the Golfclub Domäne
Niederreutin, 07457 94490.
TENNIS
Stuttgart is home to two world-class tennis
events. The top names of men's tennis
compete in the MercedesCup at the
Weissenhof Tennis Club, while Porsche
Grand Prix is a must for the women's circuit.
For those wanting to have a hit themselves, try starting with the best of them at
the Tennis Club Weissenhof e. V. Stuttgart,
www.tennis-weissenhof.de. The Stuttgart
city website (www.stuttgart.de) will help
you find a list of all other tennis clubs in
your area.
RELOCATION
in the heart of the city. It stretches from the
city centre, through Rosenstein Park, past
the city's mineral baths and the renowned
Wilhelma Zoo, and continues all the way
up the hillside to Killesberg Park. You'll
also find a lovely green belt of forests and
vineyards surrounding the city, making it
quite easy to slip out of town for a quick
jog or bike ride. Max-Eyth-See, northeast
of the city centre, and Bärenschlößle, lying
in the West, are two of the locals’ favourite
destinations.
MUSEUMS AND CULTURE
Stuttgart is renowned for its world-class
opera, ballet and orchestral music as well
as its galleries, museums and other cultural institutions. And who's leading them?
English-speaking expatriates! Reid
Anderson, a Canadian, heads up the
Stuttgart Ballet Company, Englishman Sir
Roger Norrington is the conductor of the
Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra. The
Staatsoper Stuttgart is an internationally
mixed company regarded by many critics
as Germany's leading opera house.
The State Art Gallery building
(Staatsgalerie Stuttgart) is a prime example
of post-modern architecture. It was
designed in 1984 by the English architect
James Stirling. The permanent collection
includes works by Picasso, Matisse, Beuys
and Pollock.
In 2005, the city of Stuttgart opened a new
Kunstmuseum Stuttgart. It's a floating
glass cube at the edge of the city's main
square (Schlossplatz). It houses contemporary artworks and a stylish restaurant
which has spectacular views.
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Marriage and Divorce
If you and your loved one are planning to formalise your relationship the
German way, read our guide to marriage, gay partnership...and divorce.
Falling in love is the easy part. The paper
war that follows as you prepare to tie the
knot can test a relationship, however.
EU country is entitled to apply for a residency permit in an EU country.)
RELOCATION
DIVORCE
How do you get married in Germany? It
depends: marriages, like many things, are
handled at the state level, and states have
different rules about the papers they want
to see. It also depends on which country
you come from: contact your embassy or
the local Standesamt (registrar's office),
usually in the local Rathaus, to find out. If
you need a certificate of non-impediment,
the German process is fast.
On the subject of things going pearshaped, the sole ground for divorce is disruption of the conjugal relationship to the
point where it is not expected to be
restored. Parties must be separated for at
least a year. After this, if they agree to
divorce, the marriage is presumed irreconcilably broken. After three years’ separation, it is presumed irreconcilably broken
even if one spouse opposes divorce.
GAY MARRIAGE
CHECKLIST
The institution of marriage has undergone
something of a revolution recently with
the introduction of gay ‘marriage’ — officially, Eingetragenelebensgemeinschaft — a
government attempt to bring gay relationships into line with straight ones.
Conservative lawmakers have refused to
accept certain provisions of the law, so it
falls short of equality, especially on taxation, but it provides key rights on things
like hospital visits and taking over apartments in the event of one partner’s death.
For gay foreigners, a paper saying you’re
‘married’ can guarantee an unlimited residence permit (unbefristete
Aufenthaltserlaubnis). But be warned: gay
marriages are often not valid in states with
conservative governments.
A court in Germany has, however, ruled
that a gay marriage licence issued under
foreign law does not constitute matrimony
under German law. One effect of this is
that those from non-European Union
nations who have entered a gay marriage
with someone from an EU nation are not
entitled to live in Germany under EU residency or immigration rules. (Under EU
rules the foreign spouse of a citizen of an
24
Still in the mood? Here are the documents
you’re likely to need for marriage:
• Birth certificate, with certified translation if not in German
• Parents’ marriage certificate, with certified translation if not in German (not
required if the details are on your birth
certificate)
• Proof of residence in Germany
(Polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung).
• Proof of citizenship (usually passport)
• Certificate to prove there is no hindrance to your marriage
You must send your papers to the
Oberlandesgerichts Präsident in Karlsruhe
for processing (usually about three
weeks). Once they’re returned and you
have permission to marry, you can make
an appointment to do the deed at the
Standesamt.
On the other hand, you can also apply for
a German residence permit without having to go through the whole business of
marriage, as long as your German/resident
partner signs a guarantee that he or she
will support you during any times of
economic stress.
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Social Security System
RELOCATION
The welfare state is undergoing massive reforms. Here’s what you should know
about what the state can do for you ... and what you must do for it.
Germany's generous, comprehensive cradle-to-grave social welfare system was
once the envy of many nations. But now
the state has been hit by a funding crisis,
resulting in part from the greying of the
population, forcing the government to
undertake major and unpopular reforms.
People employed in Germany - including
trainees, the military and civil servants must contribute to four principal social
insurance schemes. Half the contribution
is paid by the employer, half by the
employee.
The contributions are: Rentenversicherung
(pension insurance), 19.5 percent;
Arbeitslosenversicherung (unemployment
insurance), 6.5 percent;
Krankenversicherung (health insurance),
14.3 percent (average); and
Pflegeversicherung (nursing care insurance),
1.85 percent (1.7 if you have children).
EXEMPTIONS
If you’re working fewer than 15 hours a
week, or in some cases on a short-term
contract, you will not have to pay contributions. Some self-employed people are
also exempt, but artists, journalists and
workers in publishing must pay if their
income exceeds a certain amount. This is
handled by the Künstlersozialkasse in
Wilhelmshaven. Since 1 January 1999, selfemployed people working primarily on a
long-term basis for one major client or
employer must also contribute.
Those starting new businesses in Germany
can be exempt from contributions for up
to three years. In certain cases, evidence
that you have made provision for retirement can also exempt you.
The days of a pan-European pension
scheme are a long way off, but if you work
in two or more EU countries you should
26
be able to combine contributions paid in
each to qualify for a pension.
BENEFITS
Several countries, including the United
States, Canada and Australia, have social
security agreements with Germany allowing their citizens to claim benefits. It’s
worth asking your embassy if this will
help you, and which papers you’ll need.
If you become unemployed in Germany
you must register with the local employment office or Arbeitsamt. Some say they
can be surprisingly helpful; others’ tales
are grimmer.
As part of Schroeder's reform agenda, the
last government moved to cut benefits for
the long-term unemployed, attempted to
speed up the process for people finding
jobs as well as offering inducements for
those without work to set up their own
business.
EU citizens resident in Germany are generally eligible for social security and
unemployment benefits. They can apply
for Sozialhilfe (income support), and
Wohngeld (housing benefit) at their local
Sozialamt — but a wad of evidence is usually required before a benefit is approved.
You can claim an old-age pension at age
65. While this remains the main source of
old-age income, the government has
begun offering tax breaks to encourage
workers to supplement it with private
retirement schemes. This reflects a worry
that the deficit-hit pension scheme will be
unable to meet future demands.
The result: a raft of new private retirement
schemes has hit the pension market. These
can be arranged through banks and most
insurance firms; it is wise to shop around
to see which policy suits you.
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Bringing Your Pets
There’s no need to leave your friends behind when you move to Germany.
But importing pets requires lots of paperwork, so start planning early.
RELOCATION
Pets, it would seem, have a good life in
Germany. They regularly turn up (with
owners) for business meetings and dishes
of water often appear when they are taken
to even the most expensive restaurants.
PET PAPERS
If you want to bring a cat or a dog into
Germany, start organising things early; a
lot of paperwork is required. If all documents are not fully completed, your pet
could be quarantined. Animals must have
a check-up and must get a rabies vaccination between 30 days and one year before
entering Germany; proof is required at the
border. Documentation must be approved
by the German consulate at your home
base; the consulate will provide you with
a bilingual veterinary certificate.
No more than three animals can be
imported without a special licence.
There have been horrific attacks in
Germany by fighting dogs (Kampfhunde),
resulting in a crackdown. Certain breeds including bull terriers, pit bull terriers,
Staffordshire bull terriers, American
Staffordshire bull terriers and all crossbreeds of these dogs - may not be brought
into the country.
Hamsters, mice, guinea pigs and ornamental fish appear to have a relatively
easy time moving in and out of the
country, apart from bans on diseased or
infected animals.
Once you arrive in Germany, you will
have to obtain the landlord's permission
before keeping a pet in rented premises.
Dogs (though not cats) must also be
licensed. The cost of the licence, which
must be renewed annually, varies between
states and cities; expect to pay about EUR
60. Dogs can usually be registered at the
local Rathaus or communal office.
28
DOG DOS AND DON’TS
Dogs are not welcome in certain shops;
this is indicated by a sign with a picture of
a dog and the words ‘Wir müssen leider
draussen warten’ (‘Unfortunately, we must
wait outside’). They must be on leads in
parks and are not allowed in playgrounds
or cemeteries. You should probably carry
a plastic bag when your pet is with you to
pick up anything left behind.
In general, owners must ensure their pets
don’t endanger anyone or damage property. You’re legally responsible for your pet’s
behaviour, so a special personal liability
insurance policy could be a good idea.
If you and your pet travel within Europe,
you will probably need a valid rabies vaccination certificate. Your pet can take the train
for about half the human fare. You can also
bring pets on planes; notify the airline that
you wish to do so when you book.
European Union pet owners are now
required to arrange for ‘pet passports’ when
travelling with their animals. The passports,
which are required before allowing an animal entry into an EU member state, are to
include the pet's microchip or tattoo number for identification, as well as other data
such as records of all vaccinations and clinical examinations.
One aim of the new European Pet Travel
Scheme (which is for cats, dogs and even
ferrets, rabbits and rodents) is to provide
proof that the animal has been vaccinated
against rabies, with the passport also setting
out details of the pet's tick and tapeworm
treatment.
Experts estimate that it could cost about
EUR 80 to ensure a pet is fit for the new EU
passport rules, which also apply to animals
travelling to EU member states from other
countries.
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Renting a Home
Finding that little piece of heaven is never easy. Here’s a guide to take some of
the pain out of what can quickly become a very complicated business.
Whether you prefer to live in the innercity or at the edges of town, in a warehouse or a farmhouse, Germany offers a
remarkable range of housing possibilities.
A protracted period of economic stagnation means that rents across the country
have remained relatively stable. But as a
rule, you'll find that cities such as
Frankfurt, Munich, Hamburg and Cologne
are more expensive than Berlin.
Indeed, it is still possible to find an oldstyle apartment in Berlin (with all mod
cons) for what you end up paying for a
much smaller shoebox in a less cheerful,
new building in another city.
The Hausverwaltung, normally a different
company to the Makler bureau, is the entity that manages the property and the one
you will end up dealing with.
HOUSING
But wherever your little piece of heaven is,
the rules of the German renting game are
essentially the same.
deposit. It’s OK if your firm is paying, but
otherwise the fee can be quite a shock to
the system, especially as once you have
handed it over the Makler tends to melt
away very quickly and take no further
interest in your problems.
If you are planning a briefer time in the
city, you could try the network of
Mitwohnzentrale, which keep listings of
WG (Wohngemeinschaft - shared housing)
and apartments for sub-letting. The appeal
of these is that they are usually fully furnished.
The down side is that you will have to pay
a fee, sometimes hefty, in advance.
GETTING STARTED
Decide early on what renting route you
want to take. Do you want go via the
Makler (estate agent) route and face having
to fork out vast sums of money in
advance?
A Maklergebühr (agent’s fee) can mean paying out at least two months rent before
you even move in — not including two, or
in some cases three, months’ security
Otherwise, places to rent are advertised in
newspapers and other key city publications.
Fronting up for advertised apartments in
popular parts of the city, though, could
mean you’ll find yourself facing stiff competition from a cast of thousands who
have also turned up. Competition is particularly tough for small-to-medium sized
continued on page 30
USEFUL TERMS AND ABBREVIATIONS
2-Zi-Whg (2 Zimmerwohnung): Two
rooms plus kitchen and bathroom
EFH (Einfamilienhaus): One-family
house
Einbauküche: Fitted kitchen
RH (Reihenhaus): Terraced house
Kaution: Deposit
HH (Hochhaus): High-rise building
Nebenkosten: Extra costs (e.g. heating,
rubbish removal)
DU (Dusche): Shower
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Renting a Home
apartments. One of the best ways to find
an apartment is to place an advertisement yourself in one of the main newspapers, setting out what you are after.
Many Germans do this.
around than there used to be, but most
places contain nothing — no light fittings, curtains, refrigerators or, in
extreme cases, floor coverings or kitchen!
This is because Germans tend to rent and
stay in apartments for a long time.
HOUSING
THE LEASE
Some landlords prefer to find tenants
this way because it means they can avoid
dealing with a deluge of inquiries; they
can choose who they want to speak to in
advance.
Non-Germans can (emphasis is on ‘can’)
be attractive to landlords, as they likely
won’t be around forever and the property
can be put back on the market soon at a
higher rent.
If you’re not planning to choose a
Wohngemeinschaft, be aware that some
landlords or agents will ask for your
Polizeiliche Anmeldung (police registration).
Once you have expressed an interest in a
place, you will normally be asked to fill
in a questionnaire (or Fragebogen) giving
information about yourself
(Selbstauskunft).
The questions cover things like income,
marital status and number of children,
but they can be quite intrusive, asking
things like whether you are pregnant,
have a criminal record or even — believe
it or not — belong to a political party.
It could be a good idea to have a lawyer
or German-speaking friend take you
through the lease before you sign it.
German leases are not universal and can
include all sorts of surprises.
In particular, watch out for the dreaded
Staffelmiete clause, which means that rent
automatically increases each year by a
certain percentage.
This can be quite steep, so what seems
like a bargain could turn expensive after
a few years.
All sorts of other things can be tucked
away in a lease, such as a requirement that
you put a metal trap in the sink to catch
food, or disconnect the water supply to
balcony taps in winter.
If you don’t and the pipe bursts, you could
owe damages.
Leases can also require you to do things
when you leave, like taking down the
funky wallpaper and painting over the
murals to return the place to how it was
when you moved in.
WHAT YOU’LL GET
Rents are either Kaltmiete (cold rent),
meaning net rent, or Warmmiete (warm
rent), which includes utilities such as
heating and sometimes cable TV.
There’s more furnished accommodation
The duties can depend on just how long
it is that you’ve had the flat.
The lease will also set out how much
notice you have to give before moving
out, which also depends on how long
you have lived there.
For detailed information on managing your finances
as an expat, visit www.expatica.com/germany
30
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Destination Service Germany · Assignment Management Worldwide
C O N S U LTAT I O N
SM OOTH TRANSITION
q Your needs: Legal requirements fulfilled
in order to commence project upon arrival
q Our expertise: Qualified consultants
to ensure all legalities are met
q Your needs: 100% focus on project
q Our expertise: 24-hour support
throughout the assignment
S T R E S S - F R E E - S TAY
q Your needs: A home, not just a place to live
q Our expertise: Professional home search
with a personal touch
KEWA Relocation GmbH · Barbarastraße 5 · D-50735 Köln · Germany
Tel. +49-(0)221-9 76 61-0 · Fax +49-(0)221-9 76 61-11 · www.kewa.de · [email protected]
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Buying a Home
Owning your own home in Germany has become more attractive lately.
Arm yourself with some essential knowledge before you start shopping.
HOUSING
A weak economy has made the German
property market far from exciting in recent
years, but the prospect of the government
moving to wind back state pensions has
made owning bricks and mortar a more
interesting proposition for Germans, who
for the most part have been renters.
In addition to the economy's sluggish performance, the new CDU-SPD government
has decided to abolish one of the few tax
benefits for homeowners, the
'Eigenheimzulage'.
But the weak economy has also meant
property prices have remained subdued
(and may have even fallen in some places).
This, combined with low interest rates,
means buying could work in your favour.
You don't have to be German - or even a
resident - to buy what is known in the
business as an ‘Objekt’. All you need is a
valid passport and enough money. Realise
at the outset that total costs, including
agents’ fees and fees for preparing the
contract, can add up to 10 or 12 percent of
the purchase price.
As you head onto the market, don't forget
the three rules of investing in property,
which also apply in Germany — 'Lage,
Lage, Lage' (location, location, location).
PICKING YOUR TEAM
Because no home-owning culture has really developed in Germany, buying a property here can proceed at a relatively
leisurely pace, without the tensions that
arise in other markets through auctions or
bidding wars.
But for really popular properties you may
find yourself competing in a quasi-auction, with your agent (Makler) handling
rival bids from prospective buyers. Before
you buy, it is advisable to assemble a
32
small team of advisers: a lawyer, a notary
(‘Notar’), a tax accountant and, if possible,
an architect.
Once you’ve found your dream home,
you normally won't have to sign anything committing you to the purchase
until you are presented with the final
contract.
In general, you just have to reach an
agreement with the owner on the price.
After that, events can move quickly. This
is when the team of advisers comes to the
fore, with the notary playing a key role.
The buyer should select the notary who
draws up the contract. You should insist
on this from the start, no matter how
chummily things surrounding the sale
have gone. Never accept the Notar suggested by the owner. Considering the size
of the investment, you should have as
much control as possible, especially as the
terms of the contract can vary.
After the purchase has gone through, if
the building is part of a modernisation
project and the developer installs a firm to
administer the property (Hausverwaltung’),
it is probably worthwhile to link up early
with the other new owners and seek out a
new Hausverwaltung.
Your tax accountant should help you
through the purchase, as the bank or
mortgage company will want to see
details of your recent tax returns.
The accountant will fill you in on exactly
what the tax advantages are, depending
on whether you want to live in the property or rent it out. For example, some areas
are zoned to regulate the rents that can be
charged on a property.
The tax office could also want details of
how you have financed the purchase.
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Buying a Home
MORTGAGES AND CONTRACTS
In general, mortgage financing usually can
be arranged for about 60 or 70 percent of
the purchase price. Anything above that
will need to be secured, possibly through
insurance. This is sometimes based on the
income of the purchaser.
There are all sorts of things to watch out
for, including the age of the heating system, for which new standards have been
in force since 2005.
If everything goes to plan, you’ll be given
the contract to read through before you
sign. It’s a good idea to have an independent lawyer go through the document.
Try and get as many of your wishes written into the contract as possible. This
could include work the owner agrees to
undertake before you move in, or fittings
you want kept — especially if the property
is being modernised.
Valuable door handles, for example, have
a way of disappearing before you move in.
In making your list, don't forget the common areas, such as the stairwell (is there
carpet?) and entrance area (does it need an
update?).
If the property is in a complex being renovated, you can pay instalments as building
progresses. These will be set out in the
contract. You can also draw up a
'Mängelliste' (list of faults) before moving
in; this is when an architect is useful.
TAKING THE PLUNGE
The parties will assemble in the notary's
office on a specified date to sign the contract (and partake in the seemingly ancient
ritual of the notary reading out the contract word for word first). You must have
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You should not pay the final payment
until you are completely satisfied with any
renovation work and have established that
all your wishes have been fulfilled.
Work done on modernised properties usually carries a five-year guarantee
(‘Gewährleistung’). But don't be surprised if
the building firm responsible for bearing
costs of work under the guarantee suddenly declares itself bankrupt once the
project is done.
HOUSING
In the meantime it is wise to have an
architect look over the property, especially
if it is part of a renovated building.
your passport with you when you sign.
The contract will set out the date for the
‘Übergabe’ (handover) of the property. If
the owner or builder fails to meet this
deadline you could be entitled to make
certain claims.
Either way, battles over the
Gewährleistung will take up many long
hours at the building's annual owners'
meeting.
WHAT IT ALL COSTS
The cost of the process depends on who is
involved. Here is a general idea of who
gets what:
•Notary: about 1.5 percent of the purchase
price
•Stamp Duty or Property Tax
(‘Grundsteuer’): 3.5 percent
•Makler: between 3.5 percent and about 6
percent, including VAT (but the commission charged depends on the state)
•Registration of the property: between 0.8
and 1.2 percent
If the Objekt is in the former east (where
ownership claims are still being settled),
you may find that much paperwork has not
been completed. This could even include
the ‘Grundbuch’ (land title register). All
mortgages must be secured in the
Grundbuch; this must be done by a notary.
So you stand to be hit with a bill whenever
a piece of paper concerning the property
moves in the local administration.
33
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HOUSING
Accommodation Agencies
BERLIN
FRANKFURT
Ackselhaus
Belforter Str. 21
10405 Berlin
030 4433 633
City Residence
Hansaallee 2
60322 Frankfurt
069 299050
CB Richard Ellis
Charlottenstrasse 60
10117 Berlin
030 7261540
Noor Immobilien
Meisengasse 11
60313 Frankfurt
069 20401
E-Rent Real Estate
Aachenerstrasse 40-42
50674 Köln
0221 619939
HIC Real Estate
Neumannstrasse 40
13189 Berlin
030 47305792
MUNICH
Inn Side
Graf-Recke-Strasse 5
40239 Düsseldorf
0211 6101780
Sireo Real Estate
Dernburgstrasse 50
14057 Berlin
030 3434640
Maximilian Apartments
Hochbrueckenstraße 16
80331 Munich
089 242580
Mr. Lodge
Barerstrasse 32
80333 Munich
089 3408230
TSC Immobilien
Münchenerstrasse 19A
82319 Starnberg
08151 911462
COLOGNE/DÜSSELDORF
HAMBURG
Schaper Apartment
Rothenbaumchaussee 112
20149 Hamburg
040 41333900
Most Germans tend to rent rather than buy
34
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Banking
The currency in Germany is the euro, but there are many ways of paying other
than cash. Here’s how to open an account and pay for goods and services.
MONEY
It is normally relatively swift and easy to
open a bank account (regular or online)
in Germany.
Let's start with the basics: the big four
German-owned banks are Deutsche
Bank, Hypovereinsbank (HVB), Dresdner
Bank, and Commerzbank. As well there
are the Sparkassen (savings banks) and
the Postbank (operated by the Post
Office). There are also a number of foreign banks, including Citibank, operating
in Germany.
Expats may also find it is convenient for
them to open an offshore bank or investment account. For example, many big
British high street banks offer offshore
services along with banks in Switzerland.
The conditions for opening offshore or
non-resident accounts vary considerably;
in particular, many institutions require a
minimum opening balance. Charges for
offshore or non-resident accounts can
also be quite hefty.
You may also find that you face additional charges if the account balance falls
below a certain amount. In most cases,
however, it is possible to use the
accounts for making regular payments.
The services, charges and means of
access to the account can also vary
depending on what currency the account
is in. While some institutions will provide you with both a cash card and a
credit card to access the account, others
might offer you only a credit card as they
don't see the account as being set up to
be used on a daily basis. So it also pays
to shop around for offshore banking
services.
Before moving to Germany it is advisable
to check up whether your home bank has
a link to Germany, which can help you to
establish your bona fides with the
German bank and to streamline the
36
process of opening an account in
Germany. But even if this is the case, you
will probably need to go through certain
steps once you arrive in Germany before
the German bank will agree to activate
your account.
Once you have selected a bank in
Germany you should also check whether
it has cooperative arrangements with
banks in other nations. This means that
when you are in another country you can
withdraw funds from your German
account without incurring any costs.
RESIDENCY PERMITS REQUIRED
In most cases it is impossible to just come
in off the street and set up an account you will first have to present a batch of
paper before they will agree to draw you
into their fold.
The key pieces of paper of course being
your polizeiliche Anmeldebestätigung (see
How to get a Residence Permit, p10) to
prove that you reside in Germany, and
your passport. Some banks may allow you
to open an account without a polizeiliche
Anmeldebestätigung, but they are unlikely
to allow you to set up standing orders or
to arrange credit. If you are a student you
will need additional proof of your student
status. As a student, many banks will not
charge you fees, so it is wise to check
before you sign up with them.
You will need an ‘EC-Karte’ (cash card)
to withdraw cash from the
‘Geldautomaten’ (automatic teller
machines) and to operate the bank's
other customer service machines. Most
German banks use the Maestro card system. You can also use your cash card to
buy things from shops and other businesses.
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Banking
CREDIT CARDS
MONEY
If you apply for a credit card in
Germany, you will probably find that the
amount you have run-up is deducted
from your account automatically each
month. After all, Germany still is very
much a cash-based society, as it has been
since the traumas of the rampant inflation of the 1920s.
But the credit card revolution has been
slowly taking hold in the country, with a
range of entities from the railways
through to department stories offering
credit cards. Don't be surprised, though,
if small restaurants or shops refuse to
accept credit cards.
HOW TO OPERATE YOUR ACCOUNT
If you are receiving a regular income in
Germany, you will need to open a
'Girokonto' (current account). You will
probably have to supply your employer
with your account number and
'Bankleitzahl' (sort code) so that your
salary can go directly into your account.
You will also need to know your IBAN
number and swift code. Every account in
the European Union's 25 member states
should have an IBAN number. This is
aimed at facilitating international payments in Europe. Consequently, an IBAN
and sometimes Swift code is important
for money that is being sent from an
employer based in another EU country.
If you want to operate multiple accounts
then you should ask your bank what is
the cheapest way to do this; it might be
as a system of sub-accounts connected to
your main ‘Girokonto’. You may have to
set up a 'Dauerauftrag' (standing order)
to pay regular bills such as rent, telephone, electricity or to pay off a loan.
To set up a standing order, you need to
38
give your bank the account number and
sort code of the account a payment is to
be made to, as well the name of the
recipient and the address of the recipient's bank. The payment is made via an
'Überweisung' (transfer). This is the most
common way of paying bills.
Paying bills by cheque or credit card is
very unusual, so one early banking lesson - whether you intend to do your
banking over the counter or online - is to
get up to speed with the 'Überweisung'
form.
There is one small point that's important
to remember when filling in forms and
writing numbers in Germany. Always
reverse the usual Anglo-US conventions
for points and commas. Thus what you
might write as EUR 2,500.00 appears in
German as EUR 2.500,00. The same holds
in spoken German - for example, 'drei
komma fünf Prozent.'
BANKING BLUES
The German banking system is emerging
from an era of rigorous cost-cutting,
which has meant, among other things,
that many banks are scaling back the
number of local branches they operate.
One thing this means is that when you
open your account, you might find that
you are encouraged (to put it mildly) to
set up an online banking account too, or
to use the customer service machines or
the bank's telephone banking services for
all your banking business rather than
deal with a real person at the counter.
To use telephone banking you will also
need a special code from the bank. You
can set up an online account with online
banking software or simply with the
bank's online banking website using a
normal browser. But several internet
providers, including AOL and T-Online,
also offer online banking services which
link you to your bank.
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Taxation
Taxes are inevitable, sadly. And expats should know what kinds they might
face. Here is an overview of the main ones and how to handle them.
MONEY
One of the first tasks involved for anyone
moving to Germany is to assemble a small
group of advisers to help you plot your
way through life in the new nation.
Along with a doctor, a dentist and a
lawyer, a ‘Steuerberater/in’ (tax accountant) is one of the first people it is good to
make contact with after arriving in
Germany to establish your tax responsibilities in the nation.
In seeking the advice of tax accountants,
you should be aware that the German
system of the state recognising
Steuerberater/in means that they can be a
little bit more strict in their dealings with
you than their counterparts in other
nations. It should also be noted that the
German tax system is a state matter, with
the tax year essentially a calendar year
that runs to the end of December.
INCOME TAX
Taxable income in Germany is derived
from the following seven basic sources:
•Agriculture and forestry
•Trade or business
•Independent professions
•Employment
•Capital investment
•Rents and royalties
•Other income (as defined by tax law)
Anyone who takes up residence in
Germany or has his or her customary
place of abode here is subject to an unlimited tax liability on his or her worldwide
income. You can be resident in more than
one country; for German tax purposes
‘customary place of abode’ means an
address you live at for more than six
months of the year.
40
is carried out (not the place where the
salary is paid).
The Steuerberater/in may insist on seeing
a document (such as a work contract) setting out the terms and conditions of your
employment or basis of your income,
whatever these may be. The tax office will
issue those working for German employers with a ‘Lohnsteuerkarte’ (wage tax
card), which you hand over to the pay
office to be used as a basis for tax withholding.
HUSBANDS AND WIVES
Spouses may file jointly (splitting tariff)
or separately. In general, splitting tariff is
more advantageous, but it’s granted only
if both spouses are resident in Germany.
(Exceptions are made for EU nationals
under some conditions.) Income earned
by dependent children is not included in
the joint return; they must file their own
if the income exceeds a certain amount.
A unique feature of the German tax system is the Kirchensteuer (church tax). It
dates to the early 1800s, when Prussia
gave churches the right to levy tax to compensate for property taken to help pay for
the Napoleonic wars. The churches’ right
to tax is now in the German constitution.
When filling in your tax form or first visiting an accountant, you'll be asked to
declare a religion. Up to nine percent tax is
levied as a payroll deduction on the
income of Protestants, Catholics, and Jews.
If you're not religious, say so, but know that
the tax office can ask you to prove it. This is
relatively easy for Germans. It can be trickier
for foreigners, and you may have to formally 'leave' the church at the local town hall
(Rathaus) if you do not want to pay church
tax.
The source of employment income is considered to be the place where employment
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Taxation
MONEY
Another curious quirk of the German taxation system is the 'Solidaritätszuschlag' (solidarity surcharge) levied on every citizen to
help meet the enormous costs of rebuilding
the former communist East. The amount to
be paid is currently calculated as 5.5 percent
of your total income tax or company tax
payments.
If you’re on a self-employed basis, you face
a more complicated system. Your earnings
will usually be subject to ‘Mehrwertsteuer’
or MwSt (value-added tax or VAT). The
scale largely depends on your profession or
other income-earning activities.
The self-employed must normally make
quarterly instalments and tax declarations
listing income and all deductions on
which MwSt has been paid. Ask your
accountant for a guide to how much you
might be required to pay each month.
As part of the government's tax reform,
income tax for those on the lowest rung
has fallen to 15 percent from 16 percent
this year; the top rate has moved to 42 percent from 45 percent. There is a tax-free
exemption of EUR 7,664.
SOCIAL SECURITY
Essentially, all employees working in
Germany are subject to the social security
system, which covers statutory pension
funds, unemployment insurance, contributions to the statutory care scheme (nursing
at home), health insurance and work accident insurance. Many professional groups
are, however, able to opt out of the state
system and join their professional organisation's group pension plan. At the same time,
many public servants qualify for state pensions without having paid into the system.
SPECIAL TAX RELIEF
Employment income connected to special
construction, engineering or consulting
work outside Germany lasting at least
three months is tax-exempt provided the
employee works abroad for a German
employer and there is no tax treaty with
the foreign country.
SERVICE PROVIDERS
Americans' Income Tax
Service
Katharinenstrasse 12
10711 Berlin
030 890470
www.americans
incometaxservice.com
Martin Brune
Sudetenstrasse 125
47249 Duisburg
0203 9304602
www.stb-brune.de
First Command Financial
Services, Inc.
Moehringer Landstrasse 87
70563 Stuttgart
0711 7823943
www.firstcommand.com
42
First Command Financial
Services, Inc.
Abraham Lincoln Strasse 2
65189 Wiesbaden
0611 977090
www.firstcommand.com
Ocean Management
Kölnerstrasse 31
60327 Frankfurt
069 73900877
www.oceanmanagement.com
Independent Insurance
Broker and Investment
Adviser
Hainstrasse 2
61476 Kronberg
06173 995020
www.insure-invest.de
COMPUTER SYSTEMS
Genesis Systems
Tumblinger Strasse 15
80337 München
089 55269030
www.genesis-computersupport.com
Paul A. Kiefer, Esquire
US Attorney and Tax
Advisor
Klingelhoefer Strasse 5
10785 Berlin
030 24085212
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Insurance
It is important that you take out the appropriate level of insurance cover while
living in Germany. Here are some of the major kinds of policies available.
Once you settle on an insurer, don't be
surprised if an agent wants to drop by
your house to take you through what’s on
offer — and maybe even size you up for
cover you hadn’t planned on.
ACCIDENT AND DISABILITY
‘Unfallversicherung’ (accident and disability insurance) policies pay out in case of
death, or provide income support if you
are hospitalised or unable to work. They
may even pay damages in case of injury,
and cosmetic surgery costs.
Some insurers link the premiums you pay
to later pension payments, but it’s important to compare plans and not take the
first offer. Be ready to ask lots of questions
about possible benefits before agreeing to
a policy linked to a pension.
MONEY
A key thing to remember in taking out
insurance in Germany is to shop around.
The market has become intensely competitive, and it really pays to keep an eye on
the news or consult consumer guides to be
sure you get the best deal. A helpful information source is the German consumer
group Stiftung Warentest, which compares
prices and products. Its website is at
www.warentest.de.
LEGAL
The list of what can be insured seems to
be endless; the following is an outline of
the most important kinds of insurance to
consider. (For health insurance and car
insurance, consult the Healthcare and
Driving chapters, p55 and p63).
PERSONAL LIABILITY
Anyone renting a house or flat should
consider ‘Haftpflichtversicherung’ (personal liability insurance). It covers cases of
liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. You are covered
whether the negligence was yours, a family member’s, or even in some cases a pet’s.
‘Rechtsschutzversicherung’ (legal insurance) covers legal costs up to a set
amount. It can be taken out for the whole
family. There are various kinds, including
‘Arbeitssrechtschutz’ for work-related matters and ‘Verkehrsrechtsschutz ‘for traffic
altercations. Those renting property might
also consider Mietrechtsschutz.
INABILITY TO WORK
‘Hausratversicherung’ (household contents insurance) covers your home’s contents against fire, theft, water damage,
vandalism and hail. It’s not compulsory,
though some rental contracts require it.
Some people, especially the self-employed,
might want cover for 'Berufsunfähigkeit'
(inability to work). This pays out if you
become unable to work, for example
because of illness or accident. Some people also use it to top up benefits they
would receive from the government's
'Erwerbsminderungsrente'. Many banks
and insurance companies offer coverage
for Berufsunfähigkeit. The insurer may
also offer it to you as part of a private
retirement scheme.
In any country, it’s advisable to keep a list
of all insured items (and receipts), and
even photos of valuable items. In big
cities, bicycle theft is a problem; if yours is
valuable, ask if it can be included in the
policy. If not, consider an extra policy.
Be aware that there are two such policies:
‘Berufsunfähigkeitsrentenversicherung’
offers cover for pension payments during
the time you are out of the work force;
while 'Berufsunfähigkeitversicherung'
offers an income while you're laid up.
HOUSEHOLD CONTENTS
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Education System
Sizing up the education system is one of the biggest challenges for parents
posted abroad. Here's what you should know about school in Germany.
EDUCATION
Like almost every aspect of German social
policy, the education system is facing
major changes. This follows the publication of a comparative international study
which showed German education standards had slipped recently, sparking a
major debate about the need for overhaul.
At the moment, each of the 16 states
('Länder') operates its own school system;
these differ to varying degrees. The
Länder are also responsible for universities and post-secondary education.
While students are held to high academic
standards and face regular oral exams,
education in Germany is a far cry from the
strict Prussian system some expats expect
and fear.
The curriculum may often be highly academic in focus, however, with not too
much attention paid to more general interests, such as photography or music.
SCHOOL HOURS
The school day starts at 8am and generally
finishes by 1pm. There are few extracurricular activities, but there are school groups
such as theatre and sport associations, and
fee-based after-school and sometimes preschool facilities for children up to about
age 12, sometimes in the school grounds.
VACATIONS
Children generally get six weeks of vacation in summer, one in autumn, two in
winter, two in spring, and two in June.
STARTING SCHOOL
Most children start school at age six. Some
states have a cut-off date, such as 30 June;
a child born after this date is a 'kann Kind'
('can child') as opposed to a 'muss Kind'
('must child'). He or she can attend school
with slightly older children if he or she
passes a test, but is not obliged to.
NON-GERMAN STUDENTS
The grade foreign pupils are placed in
when they arrive depends on how well
they speak the language. Children who
speak no German at home and have not
attended a German kindergarten must
often repeat first or second grade.
As the number of non-German students
has risen, some adaptations have been
made. Children who were not born in
Germany or whose parents do not speak
German at home are offered preparatory
classes, bilingual classes, intensive courses
or remedial classes, depending on the
state.
Administrators generally discourage early
admissions on the assumption that even if
a child is ready intellectually, he or she
may not be ready socially or physically.
KINDERGARTEN
Before 'Grundschule' (primary or elementary school), most children attend
'Kindergarten' (preschool.) It is not part of
the regular public school system and is
neither required nor free. Still, most three
to six-year-olds attend. Tuition fees are
usually based on income. Space is often
limited.
DAYCARE
Foreigners with children born and raised
in Germany often worry that their children
are losing their cultural roots. Some states
help these children with tuition for classes
in their parents' mother tongue.
44
A very popular form of day-care service is
provided, for a fee, at state-run 'Kitas',
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Step forward with the OU
The Open University:
•
global leader in supported distance
• Alearning
The largest university in Europe
qualifications and quality from a leading
• Courses,
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• Over 450 courses to choose from
• One-off courses, diplomas or degrees
• All courses taught in English
• Credit transfer for previous studies
For more details about the OU contact
one of our local coordinators
Hamburg: 040/42883 2478
or email [email protected]
Munich: 089/6608 6583
Cologne: 0221/1626 235
www.open.ac.uk
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Education System
which offer after-school and sometimes
pre-school activities. The maximum age is
about 11 or 12, and many Kitas offer facilities for very young children.
Two private daycare services offer an
alternative: 'Kinderläden' offer activities
for pre-schoolers; 'Schülerläden' offer
after-school activities.
EDUCATION
GRUNDSCHULE
Children attend Grundschule for four
years, or in some states six. In addition to
the '3 Rs', the children learn science, local
history and geography.
They also get lessons in religion, though
parents may choose ethics lessons as an
alternative instead.
On the first day of school, children bring a
'Schultüte', a decorative parcel full of
candy and small presents, and the older
children perform for the new students and
their families.
HIGH SCHOOL
In the last year of Grundschule, the decision is made as to whether pupils will
attend the 'Hauptschule', 'Realschule' or
'Gymnasium'. The system is quite rigid:
pupils are placed based solely on academic performance.
About a quarter of children go to
Gymnasium. It has nothing to with sport
or physical education; it is the literal translation of 'high school'.
It lasts from about age 12 to 18 or 19 and
is required for anyone planning on tertiary
education.
At least two foreign languages are
required: one English, the other usually
Latin or French. Students must choose a
'Zweig' (branch) in the seventh grade -
46
for example, maths and science, languages, or humanities - in which they
get extra tuition.
In the 13th grade, students prepare for the
'Abitur' exam, which they must generally
pass to go to the tertiary level. In most
states, a student who fails more than two
subjects must repeat the entire year - to
repeat the same grade twice, he or she
must change schools.
About one quarter of children attend
Realschule, where they learn basic subjects
to prepare them for a mid-level job in
business.
It's possible, with high grades, to transfer
from a Realschule to a Gymnasium. After
six years, students graduate with a diploma, the 'Mittlere Reife'.
The next step is usually vocational school,
where they learn more business and
industry related skills. Most salespeople,
nurses, mid-level civil servants and secretaries have been to Realschule.
Finally, the other half of the children are
sent to Hauptschule. Its five-year programme teaches basic skills, including one
foreign language, and prepares pupils for
apprenticeship or unskilled or semi-skilled
work.
They also continue with basic subjects and
English. After graduating from
Hauptschule they can go on to a vocational school, which takes another two years.
PRIVATE SCHOOLS
Germany has about 3,000 private schools;
many are boarding schools. Private
schools often have a longer school day.
Some are international and conduct classes
in English. Often, the curriculum is
designed to prepare students for the
International General Certificate of
Education (IGCSE) or the International
Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma.
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Your N°1 Partner for your international career
We offer:
Ω General management courses covering all management domains
Ω Specialised courses offering in-depth knowledge in a specific
management domain (Master Classes)
Ω SME programmes
Visit our website for dates of upcoming info sessions:
www.vlerick.be/go/infosessions
Top Ranked by the Economist Business Intelligence Unit and the Financial Times
Vlerick Leuven Gent Management School, Campus Ghent and Campus Leuven, Belgium
tel +32 (0)9 210 98 99, fax +32 (0)9 210 97 00, email [email protected] or go to www.vlerick.com
The MBA
that’s as mobile
as you are
Worldwide accreditation:
AACSB, EQUIS and AMBA
For details tel: 089 89 70 90 48
or e-mail: [email protected]
www.oubs.open.ac.uk/germany
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How to Choose a School
Making the right choice of school is one of the most important decisions
expat parents have to make. Here is a guide to help you through the process.
EDUCATION
There are three basic aspects that determine what the best choice of school will
be for your international child: how old
the child is; how long you will be abroad;
and whether this is an isolated move or
one in an expected series of moves.
If your child is young, a local school could
be the best and most convenient choice for
your whole family. This is especially true
if you plan to be abroad for only a few
years as a one-off experience, or conversely, if you plan to live long-term in your
new country.
Your child will make friends close to
home and learn the language and culture,,
to the whole family’s benefit. Most
European primary schools offer a solid
foundation for further studies, and it
would be unlikely for the children to find
themselves behind in certain subjects once
they return home.
But if your child is at the end of primary
school or in secondary school, or will be
moving often during his or her educational career, being thrust into an ordinary
QUESTIONS TO ASK
Are there any other expat kids at the
school?
What is the social life like for the average
child at the school?
What is the curriculum?
How will your child's progress be
assessed?
Which diplomas does the school offer?
To what extent are parents encouraged to
get involved with the school and decisions regarding its policies, etc.?
48
local school will not be ideal. In these
cases, most parents and educators would
agree that the best option is either an
international school or a local school with
an international (English) stream. Most
importantly, such children should attend a
school whose system (curriculum, testing,
etc.) is compatible with future needs.
offer different diplomas
“ Schools
and qualifications. The most
common and widely accepted
are GCSE and IGCSE and the
International Baccalaureate (IB).
”
If your child plans to go on to higher education — either back home or at your next
destination — it is vital that you find out
how the school they go to now will affect
their choices later.
Once you narrow down your list of possibilities, try to visit the schools you are
considering before you make your final
decision. See the box at left for a list of
important questions to ask when you
visit.
Most people will tell you that the headmaster's (principal's) attitude and management style will be the single most
important factors in making a school successful.
Steer clear of any school that does not
encourage or accept the fact that you do
not speak the local language at home.
That indicates they do not have a clear
idea of the realities and needs of the multilingual, multicultural child.
Although not all children are natural-born
relocators, it helps to know that most children are more adaptable than we usually
give them credit for and, with support,
will make a success of this new opportunity.
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education.qxd
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International Schools
BERLIN
FRANKFURT
The Berlin British School
Dickensweg 17-19
14055 Berlin
030 35109190
The Frankfurt International
School
An der Waldlust 15
61440 Oberursel
06171 2020
EDUCATION
Berlin International School
Lentzealle 12-14
14195 Berlin
030 82007790
John F. Kennedy School
Teltower Damm 87-93
14167 Berlin
Elementary School
030 902995711
High School
030 902995758
Heidelberg International
School
Wieblinger Weg 9
69123 Heidelberg
06221 7590600
Internationale Schule
Frankfurt-Rhein-Main
Strasse zur Internationalen
Schule 33
65931 Frankfurt
069 3482970
The State International
School
Pfalzburger Strasse 23
10719 Berlin
030 902923913
European Business School
Rheingaustrasse 1
65375 Oestrich-Winkel
06723 690
BONN
HAMBURG
Bonn International School
Europastrasse 28
53175 Bonn
0228 3776915
International School
Hamburg
Holmbrook 20
22605 Hamburg
040 8830010
Independent Bonn
Interntional School
Tulpenbaumweg 42
53177 Bonn
0228 323166
50
STUTTGART
International School of
Stuttgart
Sigmaringer Strasse 257
70597 Stuttgart
0711 7696000
REST OF GERMANY
Black Forest Academy
Postfach 1109
79396 Kandern
07626 91610
Dresden International School
Goethealle 18
013009 Dresden
0351 3400428
International School of
Bremen
Thomas-Mann-Strasse 8
28213 Bremen
0421 3379272
International School
Hannover Region
Bruchmeisterallee 6
30169 Hannover
0511 27041650
MUNICH
Bavarian International School
Hauptstrasse 1
85778 Haimhausen
08133 9170
COLOGNE
St.George's School
Anton-Antweiler-Strasse 4
50937 Köln
0221 2978990
European School of Munich
Elise-Aulinger-Strasse 21
81739 Munich
089 628160
DÜSSELDORF
Munich Business School
Elsenheimerstr. 61
80687 Munich
089 54767816
The International School
of Düsseldorf
Niederrheinstrasse 336
40489 Düsseldorf
0211 94066
www.isdedu.de
82319 Starnberg
08151 3660
Munich International
School
Schloss Buchhof
UNIVERSITIES
Open University
Postfach 200365
85511 Ottobrunn
Munich: 089 66086583 or
[email protected]
Hamburg: 040 428832478 or
[email protected]
Cologne: 0221 1626235 or
[email protected]
www.open.ac.uk
Vlerick Lueven Gent
Management School
Reep 1
9000 Gent
+32 (0)9 2109899
www.vlerick.com
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Language Schools
BERLIN
Akademie für
Fremdsprachen
Nürnberger Strasse 38
10777 Berlin
030 8843020
All Aboard
Alt Moabit 105
10559 Berlin
030 39833993
Berlitz
Kurfürstendamm 201-203
10719 Berlin
030 3239047
[email protected]
Berlitz
Friedrichstrasse 95
10117 Berlin
030 2042124
[email protected]
Die Neue Schule
Gieselerstrasse 30A
10713 Berlin
030 8730373
F+U Berlin
Friedrichstrasse 189
10117 Berlin
030 20617670
Goethe-Institut Berlin
Neue Schönhauser Strasse 20
10178 Berlin
030 259063
Hartnackschule
Motzstrasse 5
10777 Berlin
030 2164459
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Linguamobil
Warthestrasse 29
12051 Berlin
030 60975981
Tandem Berlin
Lychener Strasse 7
10437 Berlin
030 4413003
COLOGNE
Inlingua
Grosse Sandkaul 19
50667 Köln
0221 9252642
Linguarama
Marzellenstrasse 3-5
50667 Köln
0211 160990
MUNICH
Berlitz
Leopoldstrasse 56A
80333 Munich
089 397020
[email protected]
BWS Germanlingua
Hackenstrasse 7
80331 Munich
089 59989200
Desk Sprachkurse
Blumenstrasse 1
80331 Münich
089 263334
DID deutsch-institut
Arnulfstrasse 10
80335 Munich
089 54285913
EDUCATION
ih Berlin - PROLOG
Hauptstrasse 23/24
10827 Berlin
030 7811076
Lichtenberg-Kolleg
Pestalozzistrasse 96
10625 Berlin
030 3138121
Fokus
Brienner Strasse 48
80333 Munich
089 52314347
DÜSSELDORF
Central Sprachschule
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 3133
40210 Düsseldorf
0211 357635
STUTTGART
FRANKFURT
REST OF GERMANY
Berlitz
Biebergasse 6-10
60313 Frankfurt
069 280875
[email protected]
Berlitz
Hauptstrasse 81-85
65760 Eschborn
06196 400450
[email protected]
Deutschpartner
Kirchstrasse 1
64462 Königstein
06174 20990
OUTSIDE GERMANY
HAMBURG
International House
Poststrasse 51
20354 Hamburg
040 352041
Anglo-German Institute
Friedrichstrasse 35
70174 Stuttgart
0711 60187650
Paraninfo
Princesa 70
2808 Madrid
Spain
+34 902 900594
www.paraninfo.com
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Working in Germany
If you are an expat, it seems there are a handful of suitable jobs and an awful
lot of job-seekers. But it can be done and here’s the guide to get you going.
JOBS
Citizens from the European Union and the
European Economic Area have the good
fortune to be able to seek work in Germany
without a permit, but it is a far from simple
process for everyone else. For many expats
moving to Germany, arranging a work permit is what makes clear the difference in
status between Europen citizens and those
from non-EU nations.
For an EU or EEA citizen, getting a work
permit is a relatively easy procedure, in
keeping with the process of creating a borderless Europe. You first have to arrange a
residence permit and apply for an income
tax card ('Lohnsteuerkarte') if you are going
to be employed by a company on a contract.
For those planning to work freelance, all
you need is a tax number which you can get
from your local tax office ('Finanzamt').
But a non-EU citizen must clear more hurdles. Having gone through the same steps
as EU and EEA citizens, he or she must then
apply for a work permit (‘Arbeitserlaubnis’)
at the labour office (‘Arbeitsamt’) in the area
where his or her prospective employer is
based. It is also possible to obtain work permits at some German diplomatic missions
in other nations.
EXCEPTIONS TO THE WORK PERMIT RULE
Spouses of EU citizens can be granted special work rights. Students are generally permitted to work up to 20 hours a week during semester and hold full-time jobs in the
vacation. Members of a family who have
moved to Germany because one partner has
been transferred here are generally granted
residence permits, but those seeking work
are required to obtain permits. It might be
best to let the authorities know you want
one when you’re applying for the visa to
come to Germany.
self-employed or work freelance if the
authorities consider that the proposed business will have a positive effect on the
German economy or if the business meets a
specific local need. A business is considered
to be economically beneficial if there is an
investment of EUR 1 million and the creation of ten jobs. Entrepreneurs whose business plans do not meet these conditions will
have their residence permit applications
evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
There are certain exceptions to this rule - for
example, it is normally straightforward for
Americans to get a residence permit which
allows them to work freelance as English
teachers. See www.existenzgruender.de/
migranten/englisch/ for more information
on setting up a business as a foreigner.
A residence permit will normally be granted
if you can demonstrate you are qualified for
the occupation you want to take up and
there is a reciprocity agreement with your
home country. Senior company executives
do not require work permits.
PREREQUISITES
There are several prerequisites for gaining a
work permit in Germany. Apart from your
residence permit, you must have a letter
from your employer. Sometimes employers
are required to prove to the employment
office that they have first attempted to fill
your position with an EU or EEA national.
Granting a work permit to a non-EU citizen
must not place Germans, EU or EEA citizens at a disadvantage on the jobs market.
This essentially means a permit will only be
granted if no comparable EU or EEA
employee is available.
‘GREEN CARDS’
Considering the present grim state of the
52
Budding expat entrepreneurs can obtain a
residence permit which allows them to be
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Working in Germany
JOBS
German labour market, a significant problem for anyone interested in working here
at the moment is finding a job at all.
However, the government has been taking
steps to free up regulations surrounding the
labour market. This has included the introduction in August 2000 of US-style ‘green
cards’ aimed at filling the gaps in the labour
force by drawing in IT and high-tech specialists. Under the green card scheme, foreigners and their families are permitted to
come to Germany for a maximum of five
years to work in the IT sector. In a bid to
stamp out the growing practice of avoiding
tax and social insurance payments with
‘grey economy’ jobs, Berlin has created socalled ‘EUR 400’ jobs. These involve all
kinds of work, from cleaning to being an
express courier or a gardener.
NEW IMMIGRATION LAW
Berlin has moved to liberalise the granting
of German citizenship. At the same time,
the government has introduced a land
immigration law, which includes enticements to highly skilled foreigners to come
to Germany and measures to attract those
wanting to establish businesses in Europe's
biggest economy.
As part of efforts aimed at integrating foreigners living in Germany, the state is to
pick up most of the tab on language courses. In addition the new law reforms the
rules on granting asylum; and makes possible fast-track expulsion of foreigners
deemed a security threat.
All the major temporary-employment agencies are represented in Germany.
Depending on the job you are after, the best
place to find work can often still be the classified sections of major newspapers and city
magazines.
HOW TO APPLY
Actually applying for a job is a complicated
business in most circumstances, with most
applicants expected to provide detailed
written evidence and evaluations of their
progress through the workplace as well as
copies of university and school certificates
— plus sometimes two passport photos.
In addition, because the German system
places strong emphasis on training programmes, in many instances those applying
for jobs will be expected to spell out in great
detail the training they have undergone.
Even those working in shops and department stores have to have gone through two
years of ‘Ausbildung’ (training).
Unless you are applying for a job for which
language skills are not important, it is probably best to make sure that at least your
covering letter and CV are in German.
Job interviews conducted in Germany tend
to follow a similar pattern to those in other
nations, except that a representative of the
so-called ‘Betriebsrat’ (the company or office
work council) might sit in on the interview.
The Betriebsrat is a very strong and established part of the German industrial relations system, and a representative present at
your interview is aimed at protecting your
rights.
WHERE TO LOOK FOR WORK
If you are seeking work in Germany, you
should consult the Central Placement Office
of the Federal Institute for Employment
(ZAV). The ZAV is responsible for placing
applicants from abroad with German firms,
as well as placing German applicants with
firms abroad.
54
Zentralstelle für Arbeitsvermittlung
der Bundesanstalt für Arbeit (ZAV)
53107 Bonn
Tel: 0228 713 0
Fax: 0228 713 1111
www.arbeitsamt.de
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Healthcare System
Germany’s healthcare system has undergone some major surgery to trim
welfare costs — and the signs are that the operation has been a success.
Gerhard Schröder faced stiff opposition to
his tough economic reform agenda, but he
can claim one major success from his overhaul of the nation's welfare system, with
evidence that the changes to the country's
lumbering health service are starting to
work.
The improvement in the health funds'
finances follows the introduction in 2004
of the deeply unpopular health service
reforms, which included a special quarterly EUR 10 charge for patients visiting doctors and higher fees for patients on drugs.
Since then, the health funds report that
costs for drugs, sick pay and patients'
travel expenses have dropped. The fall in
costs reflect key elements of the government's reform, which include restrictions
on travel expenses, coverage of sick pay,
and the introduction of higher deductibles
on prescription drugs and abolition of
coverage of over-the-counter drug sales.
PREMIUMS
Up until now Germany's once generous
welfare state provided the country with
largely comprehensive healthcare services,
including spa treatments and taxi bills
paid by insurers.
But health premiums have jumped from
11 percent of gross salary in 1977 to more
than 14 percent, with only the Swiss and
the Americans paying more than the
Germans for healthcare. The aim of the
new reformed German health service is to
share the pain of reform, with Germans
forced to pay more out of their own pock-
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As a sign that the German health reform
debate still has some way to go, the government has also been considering the
introduction of a so-called citizen insurance scheme which could require every
citizen to make contributions to the
nation's public health insurance groups.
This includes many public sector employees and the self-employed who at present
are able to take out private health cover.
Private health insurance is also popular
with expats living in Germany for a specific period.
HEALTH
The government is hoping that the country's big public health funds
(‘Krankenkassen’) will consider lowering
premiums following the publication of
official data showing that the funds had
chalked up a surplus of over EUR 1 billion
in the first half of 2005.
ets for medical care and the government
hoping that the lower premiums will help
to spur private consumption in the nation.
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY
In general, those working for German
companies will find that their employers
arrange their health insurance cover.
Employers and employees each pay half of
a member's premiums. Since the start of
2004 premiums have dropped to an average of 14.2 percent of employee's income.
In 2006 this should be reduced to 13.6 percent and in 2007 to 12.15 percent.
Since July 2005, members of German statutory health funds have also been required
to pay extra for some dental work such as
bridges, crowns and replacement teeth, as
well as sick pay. This will involve a special
contribution of 0.9 percent of their gross
salary. From that, 0.4 percent will be for
the extra dental work and 0.5 percent for
sick pay.
Since the start of 2005, contributions by
childless people over the age of 23 to nursing-care insurance increased to 1.1 per
cent. Many doctors in Germany offer both
conventional medicine and alternative
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Healthcare System
forms of treatment such as homeopathy,
and you may be asked which treatment
you prefer. If you have any major dental
work to be done you should first ask your
dentist for a quote and then check it out
with your insurer.
HEALTH
All surgeries will have set hours for visiting (Sprechstunden). For those who are
members of public health funds you simply turn up during the allotted times and
present your insurance cards.
Privately insured patients should ring in
advance as in most cases they will be
given a special appointment and be able to
jump the (often) long queue in the waiting
room, although in some busy big city
general practices this does not apply.
You can go straight to a specialist in
Germany, but sometimes it is better to first
see your GP as they normally have a stable of specialists they work with. In addition, many health funds have rules for
payment for specialist services. This is
especially the case with private health
insurance cover.
Either way, you should always take your
health insurance card with you, including
if you have to go the hospital.
In general, doctors' bills are sent to your
home address and paid via your bank
account. You must keep a copy of all bills
(both visits to the doctors and prescriptions) for sending on to your health
insurer.
Pharmacies tend to follow the old-fashioned Germany trading hours and are
open between about 9am and 6pm. A list
of late-night of pharmacies in your neighbourhood is normally in the front window
of your local chemist. Chemists in areas
such as airports, busy shopping centres
and railway or underground stations are
often open until at least 8pm.
56
MEDICAL SURCHARGE
Patients insured with statutory funds
will be required to make a quarterly payment of EUR 10 when they visit a doctor.
Private patients are exempt.
HOSPITAL CARE
This costs EUR 10 a day for a maximum
of 28 days per year. Those receiving outpatient care and house visits will face an
additional charge of EUR 10 plus 10 percent of the overall medical bill.
SICK PAY
From 2006 employers will be required to
pay all salaries for workers after the seventh week of sick leave without receiving any assistance from the insurance
companies. Workers will be required to
pay a supplementary premium of 0.5
percent. Sick pay up to the sixth week of
illness is covered by health insurance.
CUTS IN CLAIMS
Patients will no longer be able to make
claims for taxi rides to out-patient treatment. Claims for sterilisation for nonmedical related reasons has also been
removed, with financial assistance for
spectacles and other sight aids only
available for patients under 18 years and
for the severely handicapped. Death benefits and cash payments when a new
baby is born are to be dropped.
PREVENTIVE ACTION
Patients undertaking preventive care will
be rewarded with a rebate from health
funds. Out-patient treatment within the
EU is covered, but for a hospital stay
approval from the insurer is required.
DENTAL CARE
Since July 2005, members of German
statutory health funds have been required
to pay extra for some dental work such as
bridges, crowns and replacement teeth.
This involves a special contribution of 0.4
percent of their gross salary.
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Hospitals
BERLIN
FRANKFURT
St Joseph Krankenhaus
Bäumerplan 24
12101 Berlin
(030) 788 20
Krankenhaus Nordwest
Steinbacher Hohl 2-26
60488 Frankfurt
(069) 760 11
St Marien Krankenhaus
Gallwitzallee 123-143
12249 Berlin
(030) 767 830
Krankenhaus Maingau vom
Roten Kreuz
Scheffelstr. 2-16
60318 Frankfurt a.M.
(069) 403 30
HEALTH
Martin Luther Krankenhaus
Caspar-Theyss-Strasse
27 - 31
14193 Berlin-Grunewald
(030) 895 50
Charité University Hospital
Switch (030) 45050
Campus Charité Mitte
Schumannstr. 20/21
10117 Berlin
Städtisches Krankenhaus
München-Harlaching
Sanatoriumsplatz 2
81545 Munich
(089) 621 01
Krankenhaus Barmherzige
Brüder
Romanstr. 93
80639 Munich
(089) 179 70
COLOGNE
Universitätsklinikum
Theodor-Stern-Kai 7
Frankfurt
(069) 630 11
MUNICH
Krankenhaus MünchenBogenhausen
Englschalkingerstr. 77
81925 Munich
(089) 927 00
Campus Virchow-Klinikum
Augustenburger Platz 1
13353 Berlin
Akademisches
Lehrkrankenhaus der
Universität zu Köln
Ostmerheimerstr. 200
51109 Cologne
(0221) 890 70
Eduardus-Krankenhaus
Cologne
Custodisstr. 3-17
50679 Cologne
(0221) 827 40
Thinking about
health insurance?
More information
on this and other
aspects of expat
health can be
found at
www.expatica.com
58
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Utilities
Connecting to utilities in Germany is a
reasonably straightforward procedure. For
most people, this will largely be handled
by the 'Hausverwaltung' (building management company). But you'll have to
arrange your electricity connection yourself.
UTILITY COMPANIES
When you sign the lease for your new
home, the Hausverwaltung representative
should give you a form to fill in for your
local electricity company.
Frankfurt:
Mainova
01801 188811
www.mainova.de
Electricity companies are local or regional
and have different rules for signing up
customers; some may require that you
produce ID such as a passport.
Hamburg:
Hew
01801 439 000
www.hew.de
In some cities it can include telephone,
cable TV and your contribution to the cost
of operating the building's lift and
'Hausmeister/in' (concierge). 'Cold rent' is
basic rent exclusive of utilities.
Whichever you have, any problems you
encounter with services like water or heating will generally be taken care of by
either the Hausverwaltung or the
Hausmeister/in - even if you own the
property.
Since the liberalisation of the European
energy market in 1998, private households
in Germany have been able to check the
rates offered by different utility companies
and select the one which offers the best
price. It pays to shop around; the websites
www.verivox.de and www.warentest.de
might be helpful.
RUBBISH AND RECYCLING
Nobody recycles like the Germans. Over
Munich:
Stadtwerke München
01802 796 796
www.swm.de
the past decade or so, Germany has introduced comprehensive recycling rules that
provide for a series of sorting bins in
every apartment building, contributing to
a near-daily ritual of separating items for
recycling.
SETTLING IN
So-called 'warm rent' includes
'Nebenkosten' such as heating, water, rubbish collection and building electricity.
Berlin:
Bewag
01801 113366
www.bewag.de
Product packaging can be removed and
left at retail outlets, meaning that German
industry has to take back and dispose of
its own packaging and used products,
which tends to reduce excess packaging at
the source.
Germany also has tough rules for nonrecyclable drink containers. A deposit has
always been payable on beer and milk
sold in glass bottles, but retailers are now
required to charge a deposit on cans and
so-called 'one-way' bottles
'Einwegflaschen'), such as plastic ones
that contain mineral water and soft
drinks.
Got something to sell? Try placing an advertisement
in the online Classifieds at www.expatica.com
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Telephone and Internet
GETTING CONNECTED
One telephone number in Germany that
will help you to open your lines of communication to the outside world is 008 008
123 7546, the English information hotline
operated by Deutsche Telekom. (All other
service providers usually have some
English-speaking sales staff as well.)
SETTLING IN
As for phone rates in Germany, they vary at least for domestic calls - for different
times of the day. You will be billed on a
monthly basis for the telephone rental and
the individual calls. If you don't like too
much pesky paper around, you can
always access your bill via Telekom's internet site.
What you have to decide before you connect is what type of line you want: analogue or ISDN. You might also want to
have a DSL broadband connection for the
internet, which can be arranged at the
same time. You can save several set-up
fees (not to mention time and effort) if you
order the whole phone and internet package in one go.
Following the deregulation of the
European phone market in the 1990s,
Germany now has one of the world's most
competitive telecommunications markets,
so it pays to try to size up what services
and products are currently available on
the market.
Besides Telekom, a number of other companies offer the complete phone and internet package, among them Arcor and
Debitel; or, in the Cologne/Bonn area,
NetCologne. The Call-by-Call companies
are very much a moveable feast: they
change regularly, as do the offers. You
simply add the prefix to the number you
want to dial. The amount charged appears
as part of your regular monthly Telekom
telephone bill.
Websites such as www.teltarif.de,
www.tariftip.de and www.billiger-tele-
60
fonieren.de provide information on which
companies offer the best deals, including
for international calls, or keep an eye on
the newspaper.
In addition, the German consumer group
Stiftung Warentest is constantly comparing tariffs, prices and products in the computer, telephone and online business. Its
website is www.warentest.de.
ONLINE
The German internet world is essentially
dominated by T-Online (an offshoot of
Deutsche Telecom) and America Online,
but there are a whole host of other internet
providers (not all ISPs provide their
services in English).
The price tag for broadband DSL had
come down to almost the same you used
to pay a few years ago for slow modem
connections (28.8 KBit/s). Now you get a
good DSL package (at a speed of 2 Mbit/s
and a volume of 2 gigabytes/month) for
around EUR 25.
If you download tons of files on a regular
basis, you might want to go for a bigger
package, like 5 or 10 Gbytes/month, which
raises your DSL bill to around EUR 30 or
35. Add to that your regular analogue
phone line (EUR 16) and you end up with
a monthly internet/phone bill of EUR 40 to
EUR 50.
GET MOBILE
Germany uses the GSM mobile phone system, which is compatible with the rest of
Europe and several other nations but not
with the US. The list of companies operating a mobile phone network in Germany
comes down basically to five: T-Mobile
(once again an offshoot of Deutsche
Telekom), Vodafone, E-Plus, D2 and O2.
You can purchase your mobile at a wide
variety of stores and sign up there with
the above mentioned service operators
along a variety of call plans.
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Television, Video, DVD
The vast majority of German households
have cable television, which, combined
with the public and commercial stations,
means you have a choice of about 30 channels.
If you want more, including access to
many national European TV stations, then
there is also satellite.
If you want to hone some language
skills there are also stations broadcasting
in Turkish, French, Polish, Russian, Italian,
Spanish, and Portuguese.
However the variety and daily schedule
times of these channels may vary significantly as it depends on your local or
regional cable provider.
What's much harder to find on cable are
English-language channels, except for
CNN International and BBC World, which
are strictly news stations.
Dubbing is fairly universal on German television, but sometimes the channels offer
stereo viewers the opportunity to choose a
language.
TV STATIONS
VIDEO
Germany has two public broadcasting corporations, ARD and ZDF, with ARD tending to provide more serious programming
and ZDF lighter entertainment.
Germany uses the European PAL system for
videocassettes and video player/recorders,
which means that videos from countries
which use different systems (such as the
US) are not compatible.
The public broadcast stations are also divided regionally, such as WDR covering the
western part of the country and NDR the
north. The key commercial stations are
SAT-1 and RTL, which offer a mixture of
popular entertainment and news.
The other stations include 3- SAT, a joint
production of German, Swiss, and
Austrian national television, and the highbrow ARTE, a joint French-German station.
RTL 2, Super and Vox also offer light
entertainment, including a big dose of
dubbed US films and soaps mixed in with
a little bit of erotica.
There are also 24 hour news channels
(N24, Euro News and N-TV) as well two
pop videos channels, MTV and its
German rival, Viva. Plus there is sport on
Euro Sport and DSF.
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
SETTLING IN
TV and radio owners in Germany have to
pay a monthly fee (EUR 17) to help meet
the cost of operating the public stations.
Cable operators are in general regionally
based and access is usually arranged
through the firm managing your apartment.
The normal practice is that the cost
of the cable TV service will be included as
part of your 'Nebenkosten' (additional
costs) which are added onto the monthly
rent for the apartment.
FOREIGN LANGUAGE TV
DVD
If you want to watch a movie or TV show
in the original English, it's a good idea to
get a DVD player. Virtually all video
stores now provide a bigger variety of
DVDs than video tapes, and almost all
DVDs carry the audio in several languages.
Besides movies, many video stores now
provide TV shows on DVD like Friends,
The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, The
Simpsons and Will and Grace, to mention but a few of the titles available at
almost any rental store you may end up
joining.
As with videos, DVDs are regionalised by
the manufacturers, so check what your
system will allow you to play.
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Public Transport
There is a wealth of public transport options in Germany, and quality is high.
But be good and pay for your ticket, or it could cost you...in euros and shame.
Public transport in German cities is regular, efficient, comprehensive and integrated. And in most cities, it's topped off with
plentiful (if expensive) taxis. It makes you
wonder why anyone bothers with a car.
Besides buses and sometimes trams, most
German cities operate an S-Bahn
('Schnellbahn', for suburban commuter
travel) and a U-Bahn (underground rail
system).
SETTLING IN
TICKETS
Transport is run on an honour system there's usually no machine or guard to
check your ticket when you get on or off.
It's often tempting just to jump on and go
for free. But the consequences are fairly
major if you're nabbed by an inspector.
The authorities have imposed big fines in
the hope of shocking people into buying
tickets. In Berlin, this has been increased
by EUR 10 to a hefty EUR 40. And then
there's the humiliation of being dragged
off the train by the ticket inspector so so
he or she can take down your details.
Those who jump into carriages appearing
to contain no inspectors might be surprised at who walks over to ask for a ticket: inspectors come from all walks of life
and are often in plain clothes. There's really no excuse for not having a ticket on
you; they've heard it all. Even 'Someone's
stolen my bag' or 'I am visitor from another country' won't usually wash, though
saying you left your monthly or annual
ticket at home gives you a week to produce a valid ticket.
Some tickets, such as monthly passes, are
available at designated shops. Most,
though, you buy from a machine on the
platform or inside the carriage.
Human ticket-sellers are largely a thing of
62
the past. This can speed things up but is
frustrating if for some maddening reason
you don't have the right change or, worse,
the machine rejects your coins. Buses are a
special case, as you can pay the driver. But
it is best to have correct change.
Each city decides on its own fares, but a
single ticket (Fahrkarte, Fahrschein, or
Fahrausweis) is usually about EUR 2. A
range of tickets are available: some cover a
specific period, say two hours, a day, a
week or a year; others cover journeys of a
few stations. There are also tickets for
groups, families, dogs and bicycles.
Each city's various forms of transport are
integrated, and a ticket is usually good for
all of them - buses, S-Bahn, U-Bahn and
trams.
On some short-journey tickets, though,
you may not be allowed to transfer
between S-Bahn and trams. If you have a
Deutsche Bahn (railway) ticket, you can
use it to travel on the S-Bahn between
your home and the railway station.
Transport regions are divided into zones,
and you pay according to the number of
zone boundaries you cross.
TAXIS
You can flag taxis down in the street, but
often the best idea is to find the closest taxi
rank. They aren't cheap by any means:
prices vary between cities, but for a 2km
inner-city journey you might pay about
EUR 7, including a Grundtarif (base price)
of about EUR 3.00.
URBAN TRANSPORT AUTHORITIES
Berlin: www.bvg.de
Frankfurt: www.rmv.de
Hamburg: www.hvv.de
Munich: www.mvv-muenchen.de
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Driving
It's not just about learning different road signs - you'll also have to
untangle the driving licence process. Let our guide steer you right.
DRIVING LICENCES
SHORTER STAYS
If you are a citizen of a European Union or
European Economic Area member state
your driving licence is valid in Germany.
Those staying in Germany for less than six
months need not register to legally drive
on their home licence in Germany.
Others essentially have six months to get a
German licence based on their home country licence.
Those staying between six months and a
year can drive using their home licence,
but must go to the local driver's registration office ('Führerscheinstelle') within six
months to announce that they plan to do
so.
Others can swap their home licence for a
German one or can get one just by passing a written test.
In a bid to keep on the right side of US
business, some German states, such as
Hamburg, have radically simplified the
procedure for Americans to obtain a driving
licence. Under certain conditions, they
can apply to automatically convert their
US licence.
Those from some nations, though, such as
Australia, New Zealand and India, will
probably have to take a driving test to get
a German licence.
Those forced to apply for a German driving licence often opt to go through a driving school ('Fahrschule'). Costs vary, but
tuition is often around EUR 500. Many
schools have simplified courses for
experienced drivers, which cost less than
beginning ones; shop around. A word of
warning however - if you don't obtain a
German licence within three years after
gaining residency, you will then have to
take as many behind-the-wheel and theory
lessons as a first-time applicant is
forced to endure.
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
You must bring an official translation of
your licence (the ADAC automobile association can make you one), plus proof of
when you are leaving (such as an airline
ticket or a work contract).
CHECKLIST
When applying for a licence, you are likely
to be asked to bring the following:
SETTLING IN
There are special arrangements for certain US states and some nations, such as
Canada; check out the rules for your
state or country. Americans from some
states are exempt from both the practical
and the written test when applying for a
German licence.
Your home licence with an official
German translation
A statement by the applicant that the
licence is still valid
An official ID such as a passport
Your residency registration from the
Einwohnermeldeamt
A recent photograph (35x45mm)
Proof of how long you have been a
resident in Germany (normally available
from the Ausländerbehörde)
The results of a recent vision test
The name of the Fahrschule you
intend to go to, if applicable.
But check before you go; requirements can
vary between states.
REQUIRED EQUIPMENT
German law requires that all vehicles be
equipped with a triangular caution sign
and a first aid kit (DIN number 13164).
First aid kits are available at the ADAC.
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Driving
EU LICENCES
The German authorities are encouraging
people to swap over their European Union
national licences for EU licences. The
licences essentially set out information
stating name and date of birth.
SETTLING IN
If you did decide to swap your licence for
a EU licence you can normally do this at
your local Führerscheinstelle or sometimes
at the Einwohnermeldeamt/Meldestelle.
You can also try your local ADAC office,
where the queue might not be quite as
long.
right - that is, give the right of way to
vehicles and cyclists coming from the
right - except on streets marked as priority
roads.
DRINK DRIVING
In line with most EU states, Germany
fines anyone caught driving with more
than 0.5mg of alcohol per 1ml of blood.
The fine for first offenders is EUR 250; you
will also lose four points and your licence
will be suspended for one month.
PARKING
Either way you need to take several documents, including passport/ European ID,
passport photos, and your Polizeiliche
Anmeldungsbestätigung. There will also
be a charge.
The cost of metered parking can vary considerably depending on location. You
should expect to pay EUR 1 an hour,
though you could pay as much as EUR 1
per half hour.
SPEED LIMITS
Parking fines are between EUR 5 and EUR
35. In areas with limited but unmetered
parking, you sometimes need a
Parkscheibe - a cardboard disc indicating
what time you parked at, which you display under your windshield.
Speed limits are 50km/h in cities and
towns, and 100km/h on the highway
unless otherwise marked. In certain areas,
for example near schools, the limit is
30km/h.
LEASING
And in some urban areas, marked
'Schrittempo', you are expected to crawl
along in first gear.
There is no speed limit on the 'Autobahn',
except where marked. German road
authorities, however, recommend a top
speed of 130km/h.
Those backed by companies can lease a
car during their stay in Germany.
Procedures are fairly standard across the
country, but as with most contracts and
major purchase agreements in Germany,
it's a good idea to go through the agreement with a lawyer glancing over your
shoulder.
SPEEDING FINES
Fines for speeding in Germany start at
EUR 15 for exceeding the speed limit by
10km/h. At more than 70km/h, you'll be
fined EUR 425. In addition, you'll lose
four points and also have your licence
taken away for three months.
GIVING WAY
Drivers in Germany must give way to the
64
TWO USEFUL WEBSITES
Bussgeldkataloge (lists fines):
www.bussgeldkataloge.de
ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher
Automobil-Club), Germany's main
automobile association: www.adac.de
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Driving
BUYING A CAR
Let's face it: buying a car anywhere can be
a nightmare. And things can be worse in a
foreign country. The easiest way is to head
to a showroom. Grim times in the global
car business means German dealers are
falling over themselves to sell you a car.
European interest rates are already low;
now many dealers are offering in-house
financing with no interest. Some carmakers also offer discounts to certain professions - journalists, for instance.
If you have a car to trade in, many dealers
will beat the price given in the 'Schwacke
Liste', which sets out the value of used
cars. Car magazines publish it, dealers
and car clubs offer it, and it's available
online.
USED CARS
For used cars, try listings in newspapers,
specialist publications and websites; or
visit second-hand yards or a dealer selling
used cars with reconditioned parts. The
latter is a way to get a nice older-model
car with a new engine. But check which
parts are reconditioned and what the warranty covers. Dealers often only take cash
and won't allow test drives. Some dealers
sell 'Jahreswagen' - cars bought at a discount by carmakers' employees and sold
after a year.
INSURANCE AND PAPERS
You must show proof of car insurance and
roadworthiness inspection before registering a car. The insurance market is highly
competitive; shop around. The consumer
group Stiftung Warentest publishes comparative listings. 'Haftpflichtversicherung'
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
Roadworthiness inspections, done by the
'Technische Überwachung-Verein' (TÜV)
and authorised mechanics, are strict. New
cars automatically pass for three years,
and it's usually handled by the dealer.
With a used car, it might be, but it's really
your responsibility. If there is a certificate,
see how long it has to run before you pay.
An Abgas check - 'Abgasuntersuchung'
(AU, for cars with catalytic converters) or
'Abgassonderuntersuchung' (ASU, for
those without) - must also be done before
registration. The certificate, a marker on
the licence plate, lasts two or three years,
depending on the car's age and whether
you're the first owner. There are penalties
if it's out of date, though usually you'll get
a friendly reminder.
SETTLING IN
Different national tax rates mean new cars
can be imported into one EU country from
another and sold at a lower price. Look for
a sign saying 'EU-Fahrzeuge' (EU cars).
Don't expect a test drive, and pay close
attention to service clauses in the contract.
(liability insurance) is necessary;
'VollKaskoversicherung' (comprehensive
collision insurance) can be required for
cars being financed and is often advisable
for new cars.
Finally, get a 'Grüne Karte' (green card)
from your insurer and carry it when driving, especially abroad. Also carry the
'Fahrzeugschein' (which lists the car's
details). You'll receive a 'Fahrzeugbrief'
(proof of ownership) after you've paid off
the car.
BIKING
One of the pleasures of living in
Germany's cities and towns is that the
bicycle is considered to be a real alternative to other forms of transport. It is not
necessary to buy a bicycle if you plan only
on the occasional scenic ride or are visiting
a town. For example, in Berlin you can
rent a bike from Fahrradstation, which has
several branches around town, for about
EUR 15 a day.
Radius Bike Rental in Munich rents bikes
for a similar price. Deutsche Bahn also
provides the 'Call a Bike' system, where
you can rent a bike for as long as you
want.
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Cinemas
BERLIN
CineStar im Sony Center
Potsdamer Strasse 4
10785 Berlin
030 26066400
www.cinestar.de
Babylon
Dresdener Strasse 126
10199 Berlin
030 61609693
SETTLING IN
International
Karl-Marx-Allee 33
10178 Berlin
030 24756011
Neue Kant Kinos
Kantstrasse 54
Charlottenburg
Berlin 10627
030 3199866
fsk Kino am Oranienplatz
Segitzdamm 2
10969 Berlin
030 6142464
Die Kurbel
Giesebrechtstrasse 4
10629 Berlin
030 88915998
Arsenal 1+2
Potsdamer Strasse 2
10785 Berlin
030 26955100
Moviemento
Kottbusser Damm 22
10967 Berlin
030 6924785
Odeon
Hauptstrasse 116
10827 Berlin
030 78704019
66
Xenon
Kolonnenstrasse 5
10827 Berlin
030 7828850
Maxim Kino
Landshuter Allee 33
80637 Munich
089 168721
Blow Up
Immanuelkirchstrasse 14
10405 Berlin
030 4428662
Neues Arena
Hans-Sachs-Strasse 7
80469 Munich
089 2603265
Eiszeit-Kino
Zeughofstrasse 20
10997 Berlin
030 6116016
Theatiner Film
Theatinerstrasse 32
80469 Munich
089 223183
Filmkunst 66
Bleibtreustrasse 12
10623 Berlin
030 8821753
HAMBURG
Neue Off
Hermannstrasse 20
12049 Berlin
030 62709550
MUNICH
Cinema
Nymphenburger Strasse 31
80335 Munich
089 555255
Arri Kino
Türkenstrasse 91
80799 Munich
089 38899664
Grindel UFA-Palast
Grindelberg 7a
20144 Hamburg
040 449333
CinemaxX Cinema
Friedrich-Ebert-Damm 111
22047 Hamburg
040 450680
FRANKFURT
CineStar Turm - Palast
Bleichstrasse 57
60313 Frankfurt
069 281787
www.cinestar.de
STUTTGART
Museum Lichtspiele
Lilienstrasse 2
81669 Munich
089 482403
CinemaxX Cinema
Robert-Bosch-Platz 1
70174 Stuttgart
0711 22007979
Atlantis
Schwanthalerstrasse 2
80336 Munich
089 555152
DÜSSELDORF
Lupe 2
Ungererstrasse 19
80336 Munich
089 347651
CineStar - Der Filmpalast
Hansaallee 245
40549 Düsseldorf
0211 5274701
www.cinestar.de
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English Bookstores
BERLIN
Munich First Used English
Bookshop
Westendstrasse 134
80339 Munich
089 51085780
Village Voice
Ackerstrasse 1A
10115 Berlin
030 2824550
Another Country
Riemannstr. 7
10961 Berlin
030 69401160
FRANKFURT
Books in Berlin
Goethestrasse 69
10625 Berlin
030 3131233
The British Bookshop
Börsenstrasse 17
Frankfurt
069 280492
Buchexpress
Unter den Eichen 97
12203 Berlin
030 8314004
EURO Information Centre
and Bookshop
Kaiserstrasse 29
60311 Frankfurt
069 24404798
East of Eden
Schreinerstr. 10
10247 Berlin
030 4239362
Fair Exchange
Dieffenbachstr. 58
Berlin
030 6944675
Marga Schoeller
Bücherstube
Knesebeckstrasse 33
10623 Berlin
030 8811112
Sussmann's Presse and
Buch
Zeil 127
60313 Frankfurt
069 1310751
SETTLING IN
Dussmann
Friedrichstrasse 90
10117 Berlin
030 20250
Word's Worth Booksellers
Schellingstrasse 21a
80799 Munich
089 2809141
Hugendubel
Steinweg 12
Frankfurt
069 2899821
HAMBURG
English Books
Stresemannstrasse 169
22769 Hamburg
040 8514478
MUNICH
Saint George
Wörtherstrasse 27
10405 Berlin
030 81798333
Anglia English Bookshop
Schellingstrasse 3
80799 Munich
089 283642
Storytime Books & Café
Schmargendorfer Strasse 36/37
12159 Berlin
030 85967004
The Bookshelf
Blumenstrasse 36
80331 Munich
089 616227
Bookworms will find
plenty of places to stock
up on English-language
books around Germany
For a preview of arts and entertainment in Germany,
read the What’s On guides at www.expatica.com
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Food from Home
BERLIN
Australia Shopping World
Wallstrasse 66
10179 Berlin
030 97005251
British Shop
Sophienstrasse 10
10178 Berlin
030 28599307
SETTLING IN
Broken English
Körtestrasse 10
10967 Berlin
030 6911227
English Food Shop
Wilhelmstrasse 3-4
13595 Berlin
030 3329420
The English Scent
Niebuhrstrasse 10
10629 Berlin
030 3244655
Ye Olde British Shoppe
Lindenstr 18
14467 Potsdam
0331 5058792
BONN - COLOGNE DÜSSELDORF
American & British Foods
Corneliusstrasse 45
40215 Düsseldorf
0211 3858501
Harrods Knightsbridge
Terminal 1, Departures B
60549 Frankfurt
069 69706964
The Cottage
Annastrasse 36
52062 Aachen
0241 4011764
HAMBURG
FRANKFURT
British Shopping
Hegestrasse 30
20251 Hamburg
040 51326326
Australien Shop Frankfurt
Berliner Strasse 33
60311 Frankfurt
069 90028437
www.australien-shopfrankfurt.de
MUNICH
A Taste of Britain
Oeder Weg 34
60318 Frankfurt
069 95929474
STUTTGART
Australia Shop
Marktplatz 13
65183 Wiesbaden
0611 308 2545
Australia Shop
Dachauer Strasse 109
80335 Munich
089 5428391
Piccadilly English Shop
Schellingstrasse 11
70174 Stuttgart
0711 2260902
Sometimes it’s
necessary to get
a taste of home
The English Shop
An St. Agatha 41
50667 Köln
0221 2578555
www.english-shop.com
The International Store
Kurfürstenstrasse 28
40211 Düsseldorf
0211 3677211
www.foodfromhome.de
Australia Shop
Friesenwall 116-118
50672 Köln
0221 121617
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Bars, Pubs and Clubs
BERLIN
Irish Harp Berlin
Giesebrechtstrasse 15, 10629 Berlin
030 8827739, www.harp-pub.de
One of Berlin's best Irish pubs, the Irish
Harp is a favourite of expats in west
Berlin and is a popular place to watch
televised sports. Live music at weekends,
tasty pub grub, and friendly staff all
make this a great place to catch up with
other English speakers.
SETTLING IN
Café Rosa
Rosa-Luxemburg Strasse 41
A contender for Berlin's smallest bar,
Café Rosa makes up for what it lacks in
size with friendliness and personality.
Very popular with Berlin expats, the
diminutive café is a cosy place where it's
easy to make new friends. The regular
English-language reading nights allow
budding writers to try out their work.
Klub der Republik
Pappelallee 81
It’s easy to spot Klub der Republik.
Located on the first floor of an angular
1960s building, its huge windows allow
the passing voyeur to see the action
inside. A wall of smoke greets you as you
enter the bar, whose interior is best
described as GDR retro.
FRANKFURT
O'Reilly's
Am Hauptbahnhof 4, 60329 Frankfurt
(069) 26487878, www.oreillys.com
Situated just across from the main train
station, O'Reilly's is popular with
Frankfurt's expat community. Homesick
Brits can watch English Premiership
games, while their Irish friends may be
interested in the hurling coverage, and
soap opera fans will flock to watch the
EastEnders omnibus.
70
Café International
Berlinerstr. 20
A relaxed place with retro furniture and
a living room vibe.
MUNICH
Twisted Bavarian
Tengstrasse 20
Tel. 089 271 14 45
This bar in Munich's hip Schwabing district is reknown for its first-class Tex-Mex
bites. The owners also run an English
book swap.
Bar Centrale
Ledererstr. 22
Conveniently located in the centre of
Munich, Bar Centrale's front room
resembles an authentic Italian bar.
Dukatz
Salvatorplatz 1
Dukatz is a stylish café and restaurant, a
calm which is only slightly disturbed by
the huge, flashing LED sign sending its
beams crashing around the room.
Hofbräuhaus
Platzl 9
One of the most famous pubs in the
world, the huge Hofbräuhaus is something of a Dionysian Mecca for visitors to
Munich, and is consequently full of
American frat boys quaffing beer by the
litre; surprisingly enough, this doesn't
seem to bother the numerous regulars.
Schumann's Bar am Hofgarten
Odeonsplatz 6-7
This Munich cocktail bar has been running for more than 20 years and is popular with Munich's rich and famous - indicated by the fact it has the audacity not
to open on Saturdays.
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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LISTINGS AND INDEX
Embassies
72
AFGHANISTAN
BELGIUM
DENMARK
Wilhelmstr. 65
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 06 73 50
Jägerstr. 52-53
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 06 42 0
Rauchstr. 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 50 50 20 00
ALBANIA
BOSNIA & HERCEGOVINA
EGYPT
Friedrichstr. 231
10969 Berlin
(030) 25 93 04 0
Ibsenstr. 14
10439 Berlin
(030) 81 47 12 10
Stauffenbergstr. 6-7
10785 Berlin
(030) 4 77 54 70
ALGERIA
BRAZIL
ERITREA
Görschstr. 45-46
13187 Berlin
(030) 43 73 70
Wallstr. 57
10179 Berlin
(030) 7 26 28 0
Stavangerstr. 18
10439 Berlin
(030) 44 67 46 0
ANGOLA
BULGARIA
ESTONIA
Wallstr. 58
10719 Berlin
(030) 24 08 97 10
Mauerstr. 11
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 01 09 22
Hildebrandstr. 5
10785 Berlin
(030) 25 46 06 00
ARGENTINA
CANADA
ETHIOPIA
Kleiststr. 23
10787 Berlin
(030) 2 26 68 90
Leipziger Platz 17
10117 Berlin
(030) 203 120
Boothstr. 20
12207 Berlin
(030) 7 72 06 0
ARMENIA
CHINA
FINLAND
Hillmannstr. 5
13467 Berlin
(030) 40 50 91 0
Märkisches Ufer 54
10179 Berlin
(030) 2 75 88 0
Rauchstr. 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 50 50 30
AUSTRALIA
CROATIA
FRANCE
Wallstr. 76-79
10179 Berlin
(030) 88 00 88 0
Ahornstr. 4
10787 Berlin
(030) 21 91 55 14
Pariser Platz 5
10117 Berlin
(030) 5 90 03 90 00
AUSTRIA
CUBA
GHANA
Stauffenbergstr. 1
10785 Berlin
(030) 2 02 87 0
Stavanger Str. 20
10439 Berlin
(030) 44717 319
Stavangerstr. 17
10439 Berlin
(030) 547 1490
BANGLADESH
CYPRUS
GREECE
Dovestr. 1
10587 Berlin
(030) 3989 750
Wallstr. 27
10179 Berlin
(030) 308 6830
Jägerstr. 54-55
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 06 26 0
BELARUS
CZECH REPUBLIC
HUNGARY
Am Treptower Park 32
12435 Berlin
(030) 53 63 59 33
Wilhelmstr. 44
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 26 38 0
Unter den Linden 76
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 03 10 0
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Embassies
KAZAKHSTAN
MOLDOVA
Rauchstr. 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 50 50 40 00
Nordendstr. 14-17
13156 Berlin
(030) 4 70 07 0
Gotlandstr. 16
10439 Berlin
(030) 44 65 29 70
INDIA
KENYA
MONACO
Tiergartenstr. 17
10785 Berlin
(030) 257 950
Markgrafenstr. 63
10969 Berlin
(030) 25 92 66 0
Klingelhöferstr. 7
10785 Berlin
(030) 26 39 03 3
INDONESIA
REPUBLIC OF KOREA
MOROCCO
Lehrterstr. 16-17
10557 Berlin
(030) 4 78 07-0
Schöneberger Ufer 89-91
10785 Berlin
(030) 26 06 50
Niederwallstr. 39
10117 Berlin
(030) 20 61 24 0
IRAQ
LATVIA
NETHERLANDS
Riemeisterstr. 20
14169 Berlin
(030) 81 48 80
Reinerzstr. 40/41
14193 Berlin
(030) 8 26 00 2 0
Klosterstr. 50
10179 Berlin
(030) 2 09 56 0
IRAN
LEBANON
NEW ZEALAND
Podbielskiallee 65-67
14195 Berlin
(030) 8 43 53 0
Berlinerstr. 127
13187 Berlin
(030) 4749 860
Friedrichstr. 60
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 06 21 0
IRELAND
LITHUANIA
NIGERIA
Friedrichstr. 200
10117 Berlin
(030) 22 07 20
Charitéstr. 9
10117 Berlin
(030) 89 06 81 10
Neue Jakobstr. 4
10179 Berlin
(030) 2 12 30 0
ISRAEL
LUXEMBOURG
NORWAY
Auguste-Viktoria-Str. 74-76
14193 Berlin
(030) 89 04 55 00
Klingelhöferstr. 7
10785 Berlin
(030) 26 39 57 0
Rauchstr. 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 50 50 5 0
ITALY
MACEDONIA
PAKISTAN
Hiroshimastr. 1
10785 Berlin
(030) 2 54 40 0
Königsallee 2
14193 Berlin
(030)8 90 69 50
Schaperstr. 29
10719 Berlin
(030) 2 12 44 0
IVORY COAST
MALAYSIA
POLAND
Uhlandstr. 181-183
10623 Berlin
(030) 20 26 67 61
Klingelhöferstr. 6
10785 Berlin
(030) 885 7490
Lassenstr. 19-21
14193 Berlin
(030) 2 23 13 0
JAPAN
MEXICO
PORTUGAL
Hiroshimastr. 6
10785 Berlin
(030) 2 10 94 0
Klingelhöferstr. 3
10785 Berlin
(030) 269 3230
Zimmerstr. 56
10117 Berlin
(030) 59 00 63 5 00
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
LISTINGS AND INDEX
ICELAND
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LISTINGS AND INDEX
Embassies
ROMANIA
THAILAND
UNITED KINGDOM
Dorotheenstr. 62
10117 Berlin
(030) 212 390
Lepsiusstr. 64-66
12163 Berlin
(030) 7 94 81 0
Wilhelmstr. 70
10117 Berlin
(030) 20 45 70
RUSSIAN FEDERATION
TURKEY
UNITED STATES
Unter den Linden 63-65
10117 Berlin
(030) 2 29 11 10
Rungestr. 9
10179 Berlin
(030) 27 58 50
Neustädtische Kirchstr. 4-5
10117 Berlin
(030) 83 05 0
SENEGAL
UKRAINE
VIETNAM
Dessauerstr. 28
10963 Berlin
(030) 856 2190
Albrechtstr. 26
10117 Berlin
(030) 288 870
Elsenstr. 3
12435 Berlin
(030) 5 36 30 1 08
SERBIA-MONTENEGRO
ZIMBABWE
Taubertstr. 18
14193 Berlin
(030) 895 7700
Kommandantenstr. 80
10117 Berlin
(030) 3086 830
SLOVAKIA
Pariserstr. 44
10707 Berlin
(030) 88 92 6 20
SLOVENIA
Hausvogteiplatz 3-4
10117 Berlin
(030) 20 61 45 50
Most embassies
are located in
Berlin, although
there are
consulates
in other major
German cities
SOUTH AFRICA
Tiergartenstr. 18
10785 Berlin
(030) 22 07 3 0
SPAIN
Lichtensteinallee 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 25 40 07 0
SWEDEN
Rauchstr. 1
10787 Berlin
(030) 50 50 6 0
SWITZERLAND
O.-von-Bismarck-Allee 4A
10557 Berlin
(030) 3 90 40 00
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Groups and Clubs
Whatever your interest, there's sure to be a group of club that caters
for it. Here is a list of expatriate societies in Germany's major cities.
BERLIN
ARTS AND THEATRE
The Friends of Italian Opera
- Berlin's English Language
Theatre
(030) 6935692
(030) 6913937
Box Office: (030) 6911211
[email protected]
www.thefriends.de
English Football Club Berlin
www.english-football-club.
com
info@english-football-club.
com
Deutsch-Britische
Gesellschaft
(030) 2039850
(030) 20398516
www.debrige.de
Lacrosse Club Berlin
(030) 3041280
www.blax.de
Embassy Singers
(030) 40913267
(030) 2014 6172
[email protected]
www.embassysingers.de
Berlin Hash House Harriers
www.berlin-h3.de
PROFESSIONAL
American German Business
Club - Berlin
AGBC-Berlin e. V.
PO Box 15 01 45
10663 Berlin
(030) [email protected] or
[email protected]
www.agbc-berlin.de
English Language Teachers
Association BerlinBrandenburg (ELTAB-B)
www.eltabb.com
EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS - US
The American Women's
Club of Berlin
(030) 79706523
(030) 79741865
[email protected]
www.awcberlin.org
MEDICAL SERVICES
'Call a doc' supplies information about medical services especially for foreigners
residing in Berlin
(01804) 22 55 23 62
www.calladoc.com
[email protected]
RELIGIOUS
American Catholic
Community
(030) 8916019
Gateway International
Church
(030) 85077820
[email protected]
St. George's Anglican
Church
Sundays 10am at
Preußenallee 17-19
(Westend)
www.stgeorges.de
SOCIAL
Berlin International
Women's Club (BIWC)
[email protected]
HOBBIES AND SPORTS
Berlin Crocodiles Club
(Australian Football)
www.berlin-crocodiles.de
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
Connect Berlin e.V. (English
Speakers' Cultural Club)
[email protected]
www.connectberlin.de
Translators Stammtisch
[email protected].
gov.uk
DÜSSELDORF
British Women's Club of
Düsseldorf
www.bwcduesseldorf.org
Club - Düsseldorf
Am Latumer See 34
D-40668 Meerbusch
www.agbc.de
[email protected]
LISTINGS AND INDEX
American Chamber of
Commerce, Berlin
(030) 288789 - 21
Fax: (030) 288789 - 29
www.amcham.de
[email protected]
American Women's Club
Düsseldorf
(0211) 40 80 644
(0211) 91 29 733
www.awcduesseldorf.org
Anglo-German Club
Düsseldorf
(02131) 603809
Cosmopolitan Club
Düsseldorf
(02150) 3745
Deutsch-Amerikanische
Gesellschaft BergischesLand
(0700) 43787200
[email protected]
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Groups and Clubs
International Club of
Düsseldorf
(0211) 679 8108
English Club International
William-Austin.Pratt@
stadt-koeln.de
COLOGNE/ BONN
EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS - UK
International English Club
of Cologne
[email protected]
Deutsch-Britische
Gesellschaft
[email protected]
Angloclub
www.angloclub.de
Bonn's English Network
Caroline Becker
(0228) 3868881
www.english-network.de
LISTINGS AND INDEX
Cologne
[email protected]
www.awccologne.org
Club - Bonn
Beethovenallee 85
53173 Bonn
(0228) 354845
[email protected]
EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS - OTHER
German-Canadian Society
Deutsch-Kanadische
Gesellschaft
(0221) 2576793
(0221) 2577236
[email protected]
Oxford Club Bonn
(0228) 224583
www.oxford-club-bonn.de
SOCIAL
The Anglo Club
www.angloclub.de
Hash House Harriers
www.bonnhashhouseharriers.de
SCK-Sprachclub
[email protected]
Internationaler Stammtisch
www.multikulti.istcool.de
[email protected]
76
Overseas Club (Cologne)
(0221) 9990056
www.overseasclub.de
FRANKFURT
Taunus
(06171) 580835
www.awctaunus.org
Club - Frankfurt
60327 Frankfurt
(069) 97358275
[email protected]
The Frankfurt International
Ski Club (FISC)
[email protected]
www.fiscweb.org
English Round Table
www.ert.from.de
Hash House Harriers
www.frankfurt-hash.de
Pickwicks English Club
www.pickwicks.de
Women of the World
www.wow-net.org
Multi-lingual families in
Germany: Information,
assistance andcontact
groups for families speaking more than one language
(06105) 25284
www.mehrsprachigefamilien.de
HAMBURG
American Club of Hamburg
[email protected]
www.americanclub.de
PROFESSIONAL
American Chamber of
Commerce, Frankfurt
(069) 9291040
[email protected]
Club - Frankfurt
60327 Frankfurt
(069) 9735 8275
[email protected]
SOCIAL
ELTAF-English Language
Teacher's Association
Frankfurt
[email protected]
www.eltaf.de
Amerika Gesellschaft
www.amerika-gesellschaft.de
[email protected]
Amerikazentrum Hamburg
(040) 45 01 04 22
hwww.amerikazentrum.de
[email protected]
The American Women's
Club of Hamburg
(0176) 2218 0791
www.AWCHamburg.org
webwoman1@awchamburg.
org
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Essential for
Baden-Württemberg
www.accentsmagazine.de
accents
magazine
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Groups and Clubs
Anglo-German Club
(040) 45 01 55-12/13
[email protected]
www.anglo-german-club.de
Anglo-German International
Women's Association
(040) 8 70 51 52
(040) 82 45 63
[email protected]
LISTINGS AND INDEX
British and Commonwealth
Ladies' Luncheon Club
(04102) 56 463
[email protected]
British Club of Hamburg
mail@british-club-hamburg.
de
www.british-clubhamburg.de
Norddeutscher Cricket
Verband
(040) 478 233
The English-Speaking
Union
(040) 220 0396
RELIGIOUS
The Anglican Church of St.
Thomas à Becket
St. Thomas a Becket
Zeughausmarkt 22
20459 Hamburg
(040) 439 2334
www.anglican-churchhamburg.de
MELTA Munich English
Language Teacher's Assoc.
(08082) 94 65 09 or
(089) 56 82 21 80
[email protected]
www.melta.de
HANOVER
Munich Writers
(08095) 18 80
www.munichwriters.de
Australian Social Evening
www.gas-h.de
Contact: Lee Traynor
[email protected]
English Conversation
Evening
www.go-cbt.de
Contact: Lee Traynor
[email protected]
EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS OTHER
MUNICH
Caledonian Society
(040) 32915
[email protected]
www.caledonian-society.de
ARTS AND THEATRE
Entity Theatre Workshop
(089) 637 11 31
PROFESSIONAL
The Hamburg EnglishLanguage Teaching
Association (HELTA)
(040) 6565 654
Fax: (040) 6563 980
[email protected]
www.helta.de
SOCIAL
Hash House Harriers
www.hamburghash.de
(08122) 96 14 08
[email protected]
Cornell University Alumni
and Friends Stammtisch
(08152) 79674
Club - Munich
c/o Bavarian American
Center
Karolinenplatz 3
80333 Munich
(089) 55 02 81 29
[email protected]
www.agbc.de
Oxford Society
(089) 24 21 11-0
[email protected]
American Association of
University and Professional
Women
(089) 5009 4433
www.aauw.org
German-American Choral
Society
(089) 2194 9871
Californian Association
(089) 5108 5780
German-American Men's
Club Stammtisch
Contact Sam Magill
(089) 91 14 63
Anglo-German Stammtisch
(089) 689 1601
[email protected]
Cambridge Alumni
Antje Clasen
Meet other expats in Germany through the
lively Discussion Forums at www.expatica.com
78
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Groups and Clubs
English-German
Stammtisch
(0179) 274 83 69
[email protected]
German-English
Association Munich (GEA)
www.gea-muc.de
EXPAT ASSOCIATIONS OTHER
Canadian Club
(089) 791 53 40
[email protected]
[email protected]
Deutsch-Irischer
Freundeskreis
Frank McLynn
(089) 679 24 81
Expats in Bavaria
Expats-in-Bavaria@
expat-media.com
Malaysia Club Bayern e.V.
(089) 838 844
[email protected]
Munich Caledonians
(08071) 35 63
or (0170) 1492 2517
Munich Scottish
Association
(089) 307 626 47
HOBBIES AND SPORTS
ACC SSG München
New soccer club. Active,
passive, all ages (8-80).
(089) 311 19 38
English Golfing Society
Contact R. Parry
(089) 53 42 75
Lacrosse Club München
Jan Mueller
(0170) 321 25 47
[email protected]
Munich Cricket Club
Association
(089) 977 3940
Munich Irish Rovers
Football Club
(089) 69 25 921
www.munichirishrovers.de
Royal Aeronautical Society
(089) 291 5981
SOCIAL
The English-Speaking Union
(089) 345 532
www.esu-bavaria.de
Hash House Harriers
http://munich-h3.com
(089) 1200 7991
International
Ladies Association
(089) 8576 180
RELIGIOUS
Peace Church United
Methodist
Frauenlobstr. 5
80337 München
(089) 260 263 77
POLITICAL
GEA Bridge Club
(08141) 343 13
Democrats Abroad
http://de.democratsabroad.
org
chair-de@democratsabroad.
org
Munich Rugby Football
Club
(089) 5150 4680
Republicans Abroad
www.gopgermany.com
[email protected]
Munich Wanderers
(08193) 700
180mike@munichwanderers.
de
www.munichwanderers.de
See www.expatica.com for a
complete listing of expat
groups and clubs in
Germany.
Oberbayern Ski Patrol
Bavarian chapter, US
National Ski Patrol
(08065) 872
LISTINGS AND INDEX
Down Under group
Munich Stammtisch
(089) 542 83 91
Colmcilles GAA Club
Gaelic football
www.munichgaa.tripod.com
Dip-N-Divers Square Dance
Club
(089) 57 46 88
hannsdieter.keh@muenchen.
org
If you would like to add
your group or club to this
list, please email
[email protected]
with the details.
Find love and romance at Expatica DATE! Sign up
for a free trial at www.expatica.com/date
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Phone Book Decoder
Looking for a product or service? Here are German translations of some
common Yellow Pages subject headings expats are likely to look for.
ACCOUNTANT
CHILDREN'S CLOTHES
FISHMONGER
Buchhalter
Kinderausstattung
Fischhändler/in
AIRLINE
CINEMA
FLOWER SHOP
Flugverkehr
(Fluggesellschaft)
Kino
Blumenladen
CLOTHING ALTERATIONS
FURNITURE
ART GALLERY
Änderungsschneiderei
Möbel
Kunsthandlung
Galerie
CONFECTIONERS
GARDEN CENTRE
Konditor
Garten-Center
DENTIST
GREENGROCER
Zahnarzt/Zahnärztin
Obst und Gemüse
DEPARTMENT STORE
GROCERIES
Kaufhaus
Lebensmittel
DOCTOR
HAIRDRESSER
Arzt/Ärztin
Friseur
DOG KENNEL
HARDWARE
Hundebedarf/Hundehütte
Baumarkt
Kosmetikerin/
Kosmetikstudio
DRIVING SCHOOL
HEALTH CLUB
Fahrschule
Fitness Center
BICYCLE
DRUG STORE
HOSPITAL
Fahrrad
Drogerie
Krankenhaus
BUTCHER
DRY CLEANER
HOUSEWARES
Fleischer
Reinigung
Haushaltswaren
CARPENTER
ELECTRICAL
APPLIANCES
INSURANCE
BABY GOODS
Babyausstattung
BAKERY
LISTINGS AND INDEX
Bäckerei
BARBER
Friseur
BATHROOM
Badezimmer
BEAUTICIAN
Tischler
Versicherung
Elektrogeräte/bedarf
CARPET
Teppich
JEWELLER
EMPLOYMENT OFFICE
Juwelier/in
Arbeitsamt
CAR DEALER
KEY SERVICE
Autohändler
EYE DOCTOR
Schlüsseldienste
CAR RENTAL
Augenfacharzt/Augenfachä
rztin
KITCHEN
Mietwagen
Küche
FIRE BRIGADE
CENTRAL HEATING
Feuerwehr
Zentraleheizung
80
LANGUAGE SCHOOL
Sprachschule
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Phone Book Decoder
LAWYER
PHARMACY
SWIMMING POOL
Anwalt
Apotheke
Schwimmbad
LIBRARY
PLUMBER
TAILOR
Bibliothek/Bücherei
Gas- und Wasserinstallateur
Schneiderei
MEN’S CLOTHING
POLICE
TAX CONSULTANT
Herrenartikel
Polizei
Steuerberater/in
MOVING
COMPANIES
POST OFFICE
THEATRE
Postamt
Theater
REAL ESTATE
TRAVEL AGENT
Immobilien/Makler
Reisebuero
RESTAURANT
VETERINARIAN
Gaststätte/Restaurant
Tierarzt/Tierärztin
SHOES
WINDOW CLEANING
Schuhe
Fensterputzen
SUPERMARKET
WOMEN’S
CLOTHING
Umzuege
OPTICIAN
Optiker/in
PAINTERS
Maler
PEST CONTROL
Supermarkt
Frauenartikel
OPENING HOURS
The number of hours per week stores
may be open is regulated by the government’s shop trading law
(Ladenschlussgesetz), which has been liberalised several times in recent years. The
result is that most big stores and supermarkets in major cities are open from
about 8am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to
6pm Saturdays.
In smaller towns, most shops and supermarkets close around 6pm during the
week and 2pm on Saturday.s Shops are
mostly closed on Sundays. Those near
major transport zones like railway stations and airports can stay open until
10pm and are often open on Sundays and
public holidays.
Under certain circumstances, shops may
trade on Sundays or after 8pm on
Saturdays. In some cities certain
Saturdays are designated for late-night
shopping. But usually, when a shop is
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
open on a particular Sunday, it will close
at 2pm on the Saturday. In the run-up to
Christmas, big department stores often
open until 8pm on Saturday.
LISTINGS AND INDEX
Schädlingsbekämpfung
Banks’ opening hours vary but are usually 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
Smaller branches are less predictable
and sometimes close early on
Wednesdays and Fridays. Pharmacies
tend to follow the same hours as banks;
they usually display a chart in the front
window showing which local pharmacy
is open after hours (weekends and
evenings). Pharmacies near major transport zones often open until 10pm and on
Sundays and holidays.
Post offices’ opening hours vary. In smaller towns, they tend to follow traditional
hours and close at 6pm. But in big-city
transport zones, they, like the shops, are
often open until 10pm Monday to Friday
and on Saturdays and Sundays.
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LISTINGS AND INDEX
Weights and Measures
WOMEN’S CLOTHING
MEN’S SHIRTS
US
6
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
US
14½
15
15½
16
16½
17
17½
UK
8
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
DE
36
38
40
42
44
46
48
50
UK
14½
15
15½
16
16½
17
17½
WOMEN’S SHOES
MEN’S SHOES
US
5½
6
6½
7
7½
8
US
8
8½
9
9½
10
UK
3½
4
4½
5
5½
6
DE
36.5
37
37.5
38
38.5
39
UK
7½
8
8½
9
9½
DE
37
38
39
41
42
43
44
DE
40
42
43
44
45
MEN’S CLOTHING
MEN’S SWEATERS
US
36
38
40
42
44
US
small
medium
large
x-large
UK
36
38
40
42
44
DE
46
48
50
52
54
UK
34
36-38
40
42-44
DE
44
46-48
50
52-54
LINEAR MEASURES
1 centimetre
2.54 centimetres
30.05 centimetres
91.4 centimetres
1 meter
1 kilometer (1000 m)
1.609344 kilometers
LIQUID MEASURES
DRY MEASURES
0.39 inch
1 inch
1 foot
1 yard
39.37 inches
0.62137 miles
1 mile
g
30
115
170
225
450
ml
fl oz
30
60
150
240
300
450
900
1000
1
2
5
8
10
15
32
34
oz
1
4
6
8
16 (1lb)
OVEN TEMPERATURES
OVEN
C
very cool
cool
warm
moderate
fairly hot
hot
130
150
170
180
200
220+
THERMOMETER
F
GAS MARK
260
300
325
350
380
460
0.5-1
2
3
5
5-6
7-8
BODY TEMPERATURE
C
F
C
F
25
23
20
18
15
13
10
8
5
3
0
-5
-10
-15
77
73
68
64
59
55
50
46
41
37
32
23
14
5
36.0
36.5
37.0
37.5
38.0
38.5
39.0
39.5
40.0
40.5
41.0
96.8
97.7
98.6
99.5
100.4
101.3
102.2
103.1
104.0
104.9
105.8
events in Germany, read www.expatica.com
82
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Emergency Numbers
EMERGENCY SITUATIONS
UTILITIES
Fire, rescue or emergency doctor (ambulance)
112
Berlin
Police
110
Border police (at railway stations, airports and borders) 01805 234566
Power Failure
01802 112525
Gas Leaks
030 787272
Frankfurt
Power Failure
069 213 88110
Gas Leaks
069 21388110
Hamburg
MEDICAL SERVICES
Power Failure
01801 439439
Anti-poison centres
Munich
030 19240
06131 19240
0551 19240
089 19240
Power Failure
089 381 01 01
Gas Leaks
089 1530-16/-17
Telekom fault
0800 3302000
HELPLINES
Doctors on call
Berlin
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Munich/Bavaria
030 310031
069 19292
040 228022
01805 191212
Emergency dentists
Berlin
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Munich
Crisis Line for Women, Berlin
030 6154243
Child Crisis Line (all of Germany)
0800 1516001
LISTINGS AND INDEX
Berlin
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Munich
Gas Leaks
0180 1 40 44 44
Child Crisis Line (Berlin)
030 61 00 61
030 8900 4333
069 6607271
01805 050518
089 7233093
Child and Youth Helpline
0800 111 03 33
Parents’ Information Line
0800 1110550
Veterinarian on call
Berlin
Frankfurt
Hamburg
Munich
www.veteribaer.de
069 421214/069 97074955
040 434379/222277
089 294528 or 089 2 18 00
Gay and Lesbian Hotline
Berlin
030 19446/216 3336
Frankfurt
069 2562 6470/19446
Hamburg
040 2790069
Munich
089 260 3056
Looking for a business in Germany? Consult the
Business Directory at www.expatica.com/germany
WWW.EXPATICA.COM
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Advertisers Index
A
Accents Magazine
Americans' Income Tax Service
Australien Shop Frankfurt
77
41
53
B
Berlitz GmbH
49
C
CineStar Cinema
(back cover)
25
E
LISTINGS AND INDEX
The English Shop
Exberliner
K
Kabel Deutschland
KEWA Relocations
Martin Brune
Munich Found
39
53
69
77
Open University Bachelor
and Masters Degree
Open University MBA Degree
Ocean Management
O'Reilly's Irish Pub
P
First Command Financial Planning
37
First Command
Financial Services (inside back cover)
Frankfurt International Ski Club
49
Paraninfo
Paul Kiefer Esquire
PPP Healthcare
G
Rhine Magazine
35
I
Independent Insurance Broker and
Investment Advisor
International School of Dusseldorf
(inside front cover)
31
M
F
Genesis Systems
53
71
O
D
Dig-it-all-cable
The International Store
The Irish Harp Pub
45
47
35
71
49
39
57
R
27
V
Vlerick Management School
47
41
45
Need more guides?
The Expat Survival Guide will be distributed this year to over 20,000 expats in
Germany through embassies, international companies and organisations, expat
clubs and expat housing and relocation
companies.
If you are involved in managing expats
(maybe you are an international HR
Manager) or through your company or
organisation come in to frequent contact
with expats who would find this guide
useful, please contact Mike Mazurkiewicz
at [email protected] to
order the guides.
necessary, for free, and delivery is also
free within Berlin (otherwise we ask that
you simply cover the postage costs).
Details of where you can pick up individual copies of the Survival Guide can
be found at www.expatica.com. Venues
include international bookstores, expat
food stores, and bars and restaurants.
If you run a bookshop, cafe, bar or restaurant popular with expats and would like
to distribute the free Expat Survival Guide
to your customers, please email
[email protected] for
details.
You can order as many guides you feel
84
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Lost in
Translation?
Welcome to Germany, its medieval towns, fairytale sceneries, hearty
food ... and notorious movie dubbing. Enjoy the whole variety of international cinema
in the original language version in Berlin, Frankfurt and Düsseldorf – special events
throughout the country. For listings and tickets visit
www.cinestar.de
Berlin: CineStar Original at Sony Center · Potsdamer Platz
Frankfurt/Main: TurmPalast · Große Eschenheimer Straße 20
Düsseldorf: CineStar Forum Oberkassel · Hansaallee 245
Hollywood-in-D-AZ-A5-4c.indd 1
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Transcription

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