Potential culture shock

When people settle in Germany, they often experience that things are handled differently here than at home. This applies in particular to the German administration. It is very important to follow a few rules when dealing with the German administration. If you don't do this, you will be at a great disadvantage and will probably not reach your goal. At work and when renting an apartment, different rules often apply in Germany than abroad. Do you know how best to deal with the police? We've listed a few experiences from the community on these and other topics that you can probably benefit from. If your questions are not answered here, send us an email to info@gaanf.org. We're happy to help.

1. Communication

  • When do I use which form of address in German?

    spoken German:

  • Minimum content in emails and letters

    Who writes?

  • courtesy

    There are different ways to be polite:

2. Rules for dealing with the German administration

  • writtenness

    Always (!) have everything (!) given to you in writing. You have to be able to prove it in case of doubt and you can only take action against illegal things if you have something in writing that you can show in court.

  • Understanding

    Have things explained to you until you really understand them. If language gets in the way, use interpreters. It is very important for you that you also understand the details. Because details are very important for the German administration. It may be that you do not reach your goal because of a small detail.

  • punctuality

    Always be on time for appointments. The employees in administration firmly believe that they will not have to wait themselves. But always bring some time with you. You will often have to wait.

  • meet deadlines!

    If you have been given a deadline, make sure you meet it. Many deadlines cannot be extended at all. This applies, for example, to filing an objection against a decision and this also applies to filing an action against a decision. If you miss these deadlines, there is nothing you can do. If you are unsure, get in touch with us. We will be happy to tell you whether you can have a deadline extended.

  • residence permit

    You have to think carefully about why you want to be in Germany, what you want to do here. Because it depends on which application for a residence permit you submit here.

  • legal protection

    Please keep all correspondence with the authorities and other organizations sorted and at hand for a possible court case. Always make notes of phone calls or personal meetings, stating the date, the person you were talking to and the content of the conversation.

3. Your rights and obligations as an employee (under construction)

  • Working hours (under construction)

    Basically, you are only allowed to work 8 hours a day. There are a few exceptions to this. If you think that you work too much, please ask us and we will check in detail whether your working hours are ok.

  • Illness

    If you are ill, you do not have to work and will continue to be paid. You always have health insurance. Health insurance pays for medical expenses. However, you must tell your employer immediately that you are ill and you should have your doctor give you a sick note. You present this certificate to your employer.

  • Termination

    An employment contract can only be terminated in writing. This means that the termination must be on a piece of paper and the signature must be genuine. A printed scan is not enough - and certainly not an e-mail or SMS.

  • minimum wage

    A minimum wage must be paid in Germany. As of December 1st, 2022, it is EUR 12.00 per hour. The DGB provides information on its website about everything important about the minimum wage and when there are exceptions.

  • Internship (under construction)

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Trial work (under construction)

    (...)

  • Written employment contract (under construction)

    You are entitled to a written employment contract.

  • social security contributions

    Your employer must register you and pay social security contributions for you. These are payments into pension insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance. If you only have a so-called mini job, then a lump sum is paid for it. However, it is forbidden to pay nothing at all. You must be registered.

  • Vacation

    You have a legal holiday entitlement of 24 days a year if you work 6 days a week. You are entitled to 20 days of vacation per year if you work 5 days per week.

  • Laws (under construction)

    Here you will find the most important laws for labor law:

4. Dealing with the police (under construction)

  • Can the police search my bags?

    The pain itself is great, the sadipscing elitr is settled, but the diam nonumy they envy for a long time, as with labor and pain it was great for something, but the diam voluptiva. But indeed I will accuse them and just two pains and I will take them back. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata is holy. The pain itself is great, the sadipscing elitr is settled, but the diam nonumy they envy for a long time, as with labor and pain it was great for something, but the diam voluptiva. But indeed I will accuse them and just two pains and I will take them back. Stet clita kasd gubergren, no sea takimata is holy.

  • Can the police ask about my residency status?

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Can the police keep my ID?

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • What do I do if I disagree with the actions of the police?

    Go to a lawyer and let them advise you.

  • Can the police search my home?

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

  • Do I have disadvantages with my residence permit if I defend myself against the police?

    Describe the item or answer the question so that site visitors who are interested get more information. You can emphasize this text with bullets, italics or bold, and add links.

5. Your rights and obligations as a tenant of an apartment (under construction)

  • written rental agreement

    ..

  • furniture and kitchen

    It is common in Germany to rent an empty apartment. The kitchen is also usually not part of the rental property. Sometimes the previous tenants don't want to take the kitchen with them. Then the new tenant buys the kitchen from the previous tenant.

  • heating, electricity, water

    ...

  • invoice for additional costs

    ...

  • Tenant Protection Association

    ...

  • rent increase

    ...

We look forward to you!

If you have problems with these or other topics, then get in touch with us. We're happy to help.

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