Berlin City Guide

Welcome to the World of Darwin
Our guide to living and working in Berlin
“It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will
survive but those who can best manage change.”
Charles Darwin
www.darwinrecruitment.com

Contents
General Information 4
Useful Phrases 6
Everyday Life 7
Dining Out 8
Visa Requirements 9
Getting Around 10
Renting an Apartment 12
Opening a Bank Account 14
Healthcare & Insurance 16
Freelancing in Germany 18
Education in Germany 20
Contact Us 22

General Information
Climate
Germany is closer to the Arctic Circle than to the equator, so the climate is moderate without extreme
cold or hot periods. Typically, temperatures are highest in July and August and lowest in January.
‘Summer time’ officially begins on the last Sunday in March when the clocks are put forward
by one hour at 2am in the morning. On the last Sunday of October, the clocks are put back one hour.
Religion
The most prevalent religions in Germany are the Protestant and Catholic Churches, but there are also
many Muslim and Jewish communities present in many parts of the country, especially in Berlin and other
large cities.
Customs and Public Holidays
Germany celebrate many holidays over the year and enjoy many public holidays too.
There are big New Year’s Eve celebrations and huge fireworks at midnight. January 1st (Neujahr) is a
national holiday.
Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday after the spring full moon. Good Friday (Karfreitag), Easter
Sunday (Ostersonntag) and Easter Monday (Ostermontag) are all public holidays.
1st of May is Labour Day, like in many other countries, and is a public holiday. The evening before the 1st
of May is the time for the traditional “Tanz in den Mai” (“Dance into May”) parties to welcome the spring
month of May. There are many street parties, all over Berlin, throughout the day.
Ascension Day always falls on a Thursday, and is a public holiday. Whitsun or Pentecost (“Pfingsten”) is
celebrated with Whit Sunday (“Pfingstsonntag”) and Whit Monday (“Pfingstmontag”). Whit Monday
is a public holiday.
German Unity Day, the 3rd of October, is the day East and West Germany were officially reunited in 1990.
It is called Germany Unity Day (“Tag der deutschen Einheit”) and is the country’s national day. Festivals
and gatherings with political speeches are held in parliament and many town halls. The 3rd of October is
a public holiday.
Other Customs (Not Public Holidays)
Lantern Festival and Martin’s Day is on the 10th or 11th of November, depending on the region. Children
form a procession carrying lanterns moving from house to house, singing. If they are lucky, they might
receive a small gift.
4

Christmas in Berlin
Christmasisaveryimportanttimein
Germany,evenforthosewhoarenotreligious.The
wholecityisdecoratedandBerlinhostsoversixtyChrist-
masmarkets.During“Advent”manyfamilieshavean
Adventwreathwith4candles.Acandleislitoneachofthefour
SundaysofAdvent.Duringthistime,sweetpastriesareofteneatenand
Christmasdecorationsareputuparoundthehome.AnAdventcalendaris
oftenmadeorboughtforchildrenwith24windowswithsmallpresentsor
picturesbehindeachwindow,foreachdayfromthe1stuntilthe24thof
December,ChristmasEve.
Christmasiscelebratedover3days.Giftsaregivenontheeveningofthe24th.
ThisiswhenChristkind(theChristmasAngel)comesanddeliverspresentstothe
children.Onthe25th,familiesgathertocelebrateandeatlotsofdeliciousfood.
ThemainmealofChristmaswillbeenjoyedonthisday.Manyfamiliescelebrate
again,withlotsoffood,onthe26th.
St. Nicolas Day, the 6th of December
“Nikolaustagiswhenchildrenaregivensweets,chocolateandsmall
presents.Thechildrenleaveabootoutsidetheirdooronthe
eveningofthe5thofDecemberandparentsfillthiswith
nuts,fruit,sweetsandasmallgift.Specialgifts
canbeboughtinbakeriesand
cakeshops.
5

Greetings:
Hallo! Hello!
Guten Morgen! Good Morning!
Guten Tag! Good day!
Guten Abend! Good Evening!
Ich heiße… My name is…
Wie heißen Sie? What is your name?
Wie geht’s? How are you?
Mir geht’s gut. I’m doing well.
Mir geht’s nicht gut. I’m not doing well.
Ich komme aus… I am from… (location)
Bis später! See you later!
Tschüß Bye!
Shopping
Haben Sie Andenken?
Do you have souvenirs?
Verkaufen Sie…?
Do you sell…?
Wie viel kostet das?
How much is that?
Haben Sie etwas Billigeres?
Do you have something cheaper?
Haben Sie das in einer [kleinen/großen] Größe?
Do you have that in a [smaller/bigger] size?
Um wieviel Uhr [öffnet/schließt] das Geschäft?
What time does the shop [open/close]?
Was möchten Sie?
What would you like?
Was suchen Sie?
What are you looking for?
Darf ich mit Bargeld bezahlen?
May I pay with cash?
Darf ich mit Kreditkarte bezahlen?
May I pay with credit card?
Wining & Dining
Einen Tisch für [zwei/drei/vier], bitte.
A table for [two/three/four], please.
Ich habe einen Tisch reserviert.
I reserved a table.
Kann ich bitte die [Speisekarte/Weinkarte] sehen?
Can I see the [menu/wine list], please?
Ich hätte gern…
I would like…
Was ist der Unterschied zwischen X und Y?
What’s the difference between X and Y?
Mit laktosefreier Milch, bitte.
With lactose-free milk, please.
Ist das glutenfrei?
Is that gluten-free?
Haben Sie vegetarisches Essen?
Do you have vegetarian food?
Ein Glas Wasser, bitte.
A glass of water, please.
[Mit/ohne] Sprudel, bitte.
[Sparkling/not sparkling], please.
Wo ist die Toilette?
Where is the bathroom?
Herr Ober/Fräulein!
Waiter! / Waitress!
Die Rechnung, bitte.
The cheque, please.
Frühstück Breakfast
Mittagessen Lunch
Abendessen Dinner
Zum Wohl! Cheers!
Asking for Directions
Wo? Where?
Entschuldigung, wo ist…?
Excuse me, where is…?
In welcher Richtung ist X?
In what direction is X?
Ist es in der Nähe? Is it nearby?
Ist es weit weg? Is it far away?
Wo ist der [Eingang/Ausgang]?
Where is the [entrance/exit]?
Bringen Sie mich bitte zu dieser Adresse.
Please bring me to this address.
Zum Stadtzentrum, bitte.
To the city centre, please.
Zum Bahnhof, bitte. To the train station, please.
Zum Flughafen, bitte. To the airport, please.
Es ist da. / Da ist es. It’s there. / There it is.
Um die Ecke Around the corner
Nach links To the left
Nach rechts To the right
Geradeaus Straight ahead
Zurück Back
Halten Sie bitte hier an. Please stop here.

Everyday Life
Shopping
Most shops and supermarkets open, Mondays to Saturdays, between 8am and 10am. Usually
the shops are open until 6pm or 8pm on these days. Some supermarkets are open until 10pm or
even midnight. On Sunday most shops are closed, but throughout the year shops are permitted
to open for “Verkaufsoffener Sonntag” on a Sunday afternoon.
Payment
Many coffee shops and cafes accept cash only, so it’s always better to have some with you when
going out. In shops, payments can usually be made using an EC (debit) card or credit card.
Tipping
Although service is included in the price in Germany, it is also expected to leave a tip. The size of
the tip depends on the friendliness, quality and service, 5-10% of the total bill is
considered to be sufficient.
“Einstand”.
If you start a new job you can invite your new colleagues to what is called an “Einstand”. This is a
party held at work ‘after hours’. Ask your new colleagues what the normal procedure is.
7

Dining Out
Here is a list of the most highly rated restaurants on Trip Advisor, and some of our personal
favourites:
Traditional German Food
Restaurant Bieberbau - Durlacher Str. 15, 10715 Berlin - http://www.bieberbau-berlin.de/
Rausch Schokoladenhaus - Charlottenstraße 60, 10117 Berlin - https://www.rausch.de/en/
KaDeWe 6th Floor - Tauentzienstraße 21-24, 10789 Berlin - http://www.kadewe.de
Italian
Ristorante A Mano - Strausberger Pl. 2, 10243 Berlin - http://www.amano-ristorante.de/
Focaccino - Stuttgarter Pl. 16, 10627 Berlin - http://www.focaccino.eu/
Peperoncino - Urbanstraße 137, 10967 Berlin - http://www.ristorantepeperoncino.de/
Il Pastificio - Richard-Wagner-Straße 35, 10585 Berlin - http://www.ilpastificioberlino.com/
Steakhouse
Steakhouse ASADOR - Wilhelmstraße 22, 10963 Berlin - http://www.restaurant-asador.de/
Block House Friedrichstrasse - Friedrichstraße 100, 10117 Berlin - https://www.block-house.de/
Goldhorn Beefclub - Mommsenstraße 12, 10629 Berlin, Germany - http://www.goldhorn-beefclub.com/
Midtown Grill Berlin - Ebertstraße 3, 10117 Berlin - http://www.midtown-grill.de/
Asian/Sushu
Seoulkitchen - Warschauer Str. 46, 10243 Berlin - http://www.seoulkitchen.de/
Dudu - Torstraße 134, 10119 Berlin - http://www.dudu-berlin.de/
The Sushi Club - Mohrenstraße 42, 10117 Berlin - http://thesushiclub.de/
Daitokai - Europa-Center, Europa Center, Tauentzienstraße 9-12, 10789 Berlin - http://www.daitokai.de/
Indian
Haveli, uitpoldstraße 26, 10777 Berlin, http://www.haveliberlin.de/
Indisches Restaurant Maharadscha - Fuggerstraße 21, 10777 Berlin - http://namaste-indisches.de/
Naveena Path - Tegeler Str. 22, 13353 Berlin - http://www.naveenapath.de/
8

Visa requirements for Tech Professionals in Germany
With a reliable economy and a recent boost in the population, Germany provides plenty of
opportunities for development companies to offer their services.
To help any professionals who are keen to move into this market, we've provided a step-by-step
guide on all the visa requirements you will need to undergo, as well as any other key information
you'll need during the process.
Visa requirements
It may sound obvious, but it's important to note that all work permits have to be completed in
German. This may mean that you'll need to hire a translator in advance.
The company you're working with will have to send the original signed contract to you for your
embassy appointment. It would also be helpful if they send you a copy of their higher education
qualifications, as well as any academic degrees or diplomas, as such information could help speed
up your process with the embassy. As a heads up, the Zentralstelle für ausländisches Bildungswesen
(ZAB) may have to certify any degrees under certain circumstances.
Of all the forms that need to be filled out and prepared, you will have to co-ordinate with your op-
posing company on:
• The Erlaubnis einer Beschäftigung form, which states why they want to hire you.
• The Stellenbeschreibung form, which will have to be far more detailed if you don't already
have a Blue Card, EU-wide work permit.
• A full job description of the work you plan to carry out.
Once all this has been gathered, submit it to the Arbeitsagentur alongside scanned copies of your CV
and diploma, both translated into German; your passport; and the contract itself.
During this time, you will also need to apply for a German residence permit from the German embassy,
while your opposing company picks up your registration and visa from their local Ausländerbehörde.
Other requirements
Here are a few pointers to follow alongside the instructions mentioned above:
Make sure you get the original contract from the company before making an appointment at the
German embassy.
Go onto the German embassy's website first before arranging your meeting so that you can make a
list of all the documents you'll need to bring. The appointment itself won't be anything strenuous:
just a face-to-face chat and a document handover.
Bear in mind that waiting times at the embassy can be surprisingly long, so book your timeslot as
soon as possible.
You'll be sent to the embassy once the work permit has been granted. Your opposing company will
also likely recieve a copy.
You'll need to register in Berlin before you visit the Ausländerbehörde with all the documents
mentioned above.
9

Getting Around
Useful Travel Phrases
Wo ist die Bushaltestelle? Where is the bus stop?
Wo ist die U-Bahn? Where is the underground train (subway/metro)?
Wie viel kostet eine Fahrkarte nach X? How much is a ticket to X?
Fährt dieser Zug nach…? Does this train go to…?
Wohin fährt dieser Bus? To where does this bus go?
Darf ich bitte einen Stadtplan haben? May I have a city map please?
Darf ich bitte einen U-Bahnplan haben? May I have a underground train map, please?
Können Sie mir das auf der Karte zeigen? Can you show me on the map?
Muss ich umsteigen? Do I have to change?
Phrases for Around Town
Wo ist die Bank? Where is the bank?
Ist die Post im Stadtzentrum? Is the post office in the city center?
Wo ist der beste Supermarkt? Where is the best supermarket?
Wo ist die leckerste Bäckerei? Where is the yummiest bakery?
Wo ist die nächste Tankstelle? Where is the nearest gas station?
Ist der Bahnhof neben dem Fluss? Is the train station next to the river?
Ist der Flughafen weit weg? Is the airport far away?
Public Transport
Berlin’s public transport network consists of several systems. These include the U-Bahn
(underground) and S-Bahn (overground) rail systems, regional railway services, a tram system,
a bus network and a ferry services. There are a large number of common interchange stations
between the different modes of transport. Tickets must be bought at a ticket machine on the
platform in advance and must be validated before boarding. This does not include the trams
and buses, where a ticket is bought on board. Travelling without a ticket is not permitted and
incurs a fine of €60.
Bikes
It is not recommended to leave expensive bikes outdoors in Berlin, even when locked up, as
they often get stolen. Find a cheap, simple bike for travelling around Berlin. You could also
use the Deutsche Bahn’s Call-a-Bike system. This service offers city bikes that can be collected
at stations throughout the city. An annual membership for this service costs about €48. It is
extremely safe to travel throughout Berlin by bike. There is an excellent network of safe bike
paths.
11

Renting an Apartment
The map on the previous page shows the average rental rates (in euros) for a two-room apartment of 70m
squared. These are cold rental rates i.e. rent without heating costs.
Here is a short glossary of the abbreviations that you will come across when searching for available apart-
ments/rental properties:
2 ZKB 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom.
2 ZKBB 2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony.
EG Ground floor
2. OG Second floor
DG Roof or loft apartment
VH Front of the house
HH Back yard of the house
SF Refers to a wing of the building
EBK Refers to built-in kitchen cabinets
qm Square meters, describes the size of the apartment
KM Kaltmiete (cold rent; i.e. rent without heating costs)
NK Nebenkosten (ancillary costs). These are extra costs for refuge disposal, street and
house cleaning costs as well as heating and water costs
WM “Warmmiete” (warm rent; this is the cold rent plus the “NK” ancillary costs) Deposit
Deposits
A security deposit must be paid to the landlord. The deposit would typically equal 2 or 3 months ‘cold’ rent
(rent without heating and utility costs). Landlords are not allowed to charge more than 3 times the net
cold rent as a deposit and the deposit must be paid into a bank account to which neither party has access.
The deposit is returned to the tenant after they vacate the apartment. Should there be any damage to the
property, the landlord is entitled to deduct this from the deposit.
In addition to the security deposit, many landlords will ask to see your last 3 pay slips. They want to ensure
that you are financially able to pay the monthly rent. A copy of your employment contract may be suffient if
you do not have payslips yet.
Most landlords will also ask for a SCHUFA certificate. This is a certificate that is usually issued by banks (or
post offices in some cases) and it will prove that you do not have any debt from previous tenancies. It is best
to try to obtain the SCHUFA before you start looking as they take a while to come through and may delay
proceedings.
Anmeldebestätigung
Once you have found an apartment, it is very important that you get your Anmeldebestätigung (residence
registration). You will also need this to get a tax and social security number. This is a piece of paper you re-
ceive from the Berlin local authorities to say that you have an official address in the city. You get it from one
of the many ‘Bezirksamt’ offices. You will need to take the following with you to obtain this document:
• Passport
• A copy of your rental contract (Mietvertrag) in order to prove you have an official address. If you
don’t have a rental contract yet and are staying with friends, then get them to write a letter to con-
firm. This is called a Bestätigung. They will need to include; your full name (as it appears in your
passport), your passport number and the date you moved into their property.
• A completed copy of the Anmeldung form. This can be downloaded here:
http://www.berlin.de/formularserver/formular.php?52009.
Here is a link to a fantastic blog that will offer further advice on how to complete the form, where you need
to go and other things to be aware of: http://www.moneyticketspassport.com/where-are-we-now/germa-
ny/anmeldebestatigung/
13

Opening a bank account in Germany
Although the German banking system has all the perks you’d expect from modern financing, it isn’t always as
straightforward as it should be. Fees for bank accounts are common, cash machines aren’t always free to use
and you often need to make a personal appointment with the bank just to set up an account.
However, as a bank account is essential for many aspects of life in Germany – not least receiving your salary –
we’ve put together an easy to follow guide for navigating the German financial system. Keep reading to find
out more.
Choosing the right bank
Banks in Germany are split into two main groups: Cashgroup and Sparkassen. Within these two networks,
withdrawing money from ATMs is free. However, Cashgroup customers who use a Sparkasse ATM (and vice
versa) will be charged for taking out cash. Cashgroup is made up of large national banks and their subsidiaries.
Members include Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank, Commerzbank, Hypovereinsbank, Postbank, Comdirect,
Norisbank and Berliner Bank.
The Sparkassen network, on the other hand, is state owned. These banks often have strong relationships with
local businesses and communities and many people choose them for their more traditional approach to
banking. Almost all small towns will have a Sparkasse, making it easy for members to withdraw money free of
charge.
If you’re moving to a large city, you shouldn’t have a problem finding free cash machines no matter which bank
you choose. However, if you’re relocating to a smaller town, you may be restricted by the choice of banks
available in your local area.
14

Opening a bank account
Unless you’re a confident German speaker, it’s probably easiest to open a bank account in
person. In most cases, the process is quick and relatively straightforward, however some banks
require you to make an appointment to set up an account, so check with your local branch in
advance.
As you need proof of address to open bank accounts in Germany, you’ll first need to register
with your local Bergeramt. This is called Meldebescheinigung and is required every time you
change address while you’re living in Germany. The form you get when you register is your
proof of address. As well as being required for opening bank accounts, it’s also needed for
things like joining the library and other local organisations, so make sure you keep it in a safe
place.
Once you’ve got your proof of address, take it and your passport to your chosen bank to open
an account. Some banks also ask you to present proof of earnings, so it’s a good idea to take
your payslip along when you open your account.
Choosing an account
There are a number of different accounts to choose from in Germany. Some are free but fees
can be as much as €8 a month for paid accounts. The most common type of account is the
current account or ‘Girokonto’. You can also open a savings account, ‘Tagesgeldkonto’, a limited
access savings account, ‘Sparbuch’, or a securities account, ‘Depot’.
If you opt for a free account, you’ll generally have access to internet banking and an EC card,
however you’ll be charged for in-branch transactions. If you choose an account with a monthly
fee, you’ll have a wider choice of free transactions and access to a selection of services.
Credit cards
Most banks charge extra for credit cards. If you do want a credit card, note that the most widely
accepted cards in Germany are Visa and Mastercard. American Express is less commonly used
and you may struggle to find retailers who will accept it in more rural parts of the country.
Insurance
Everyone who lives in Germany is required to have health insurance. If you have a job, you’ll
automatically by included in the public insurance scheme and contributions will be deducted
from your salary. If you’re freelance or self-employed, you’ll need to arrange your own
insurance. This can be expensive, so it’s a good idea to talk to an insurance agent to ensure you
get a good deal.
Anothertypeofinsuranceyoushouldinvestinisthird-partyprivateliabilityinsurance
(Haftpflichtversicherung).Thiswillcoveryouintheeventyoucommitanactforwhicha Germancourt
wouldconsideryou‘ordinarilynegligent’.‘Ordinarynegligence’couldbeassimpleasaccidentally
damagingsomeoneelse’spropertyorcausinganaccidentasapedestrianbynotcrossingatthezebra
crossing.
Though this might seem like a lot to take in, getting a bank account and insurance cover set up
in Germany is actually pretty straightforward if you follow the right steps.
15

Healthcare
Although it may be one of the most exciting moments of your career, relocating to another country can be a bit
of minefield when it comes to things like insurance and healthcare. In Germany, the healthcare system is tied
tightly together with insurance, meaning that insurance must be at the top of your to-do list when planning
your move.
How health insurance works
In order to get a social security card in Germany and to be able to access affordable healthcare, you must be
registered with a health insurance company, known as a Krankenkasse. Anyone in full-time employment with a
company must have health insurance - it’s compulsory.
Usually, health insurance is arranged by employers because they are responsible for paying half of the
contributions. In rare instances however, you may have to register with a Krankenkasse yourself. So, if you
already have a job lined up, be sure to ask your new employer about their health insurance procedures. The
other half of your health insurance is paid by you; this is at a standardised rate of 15.5% of your gross salary, so
bear that in mind when thinking about your monthly disposable income.
Public or private health insurance
Germany has two types of health insurance - public (Gesetzliche Krankenkasse) and private (Private Kranken-
kasse). If you earn less than €54,900 gross salary per year (that’s €4,575 per month), you’ll automatically be
insured on a public health insurance scheme. If you have a spouse and/or children living with you in Germany,
they will be insured along with you. Make sure you have your marriage certificate and your children’s birth cer-
tificates with you when you relocate, as these will be needed during your Krankenkasse application.
Essential insurance tips for relocating to Germany
16

Ich habe Kopfschmerzen I have a headache Wo ist das Krankenhaus? Where is the hospital?
Mir ist schlecht I’m feeling ill Wo ist die Apotheke? Where is the pharmacy?
Ich brauche einen Arzt I need a doctor Ich bin krank geworden I got sick
IchbraucheeinKrankenhaus I need a hospital Haben Sie Aspirin? Do you have aspirin?
Wo ist das Krankenhaus? Whereisthehospital? Es ist ein Notfall It’s an emergency
Ich habe Diabetes I have diabetes Der Herzinfarkt Heart attack
Ich bin alergisch gegen... I am allergic to.. Verletzen To injure
Penizilin (n) Penicillin Brechen To break
Antibiotika (f) Antibiotics Erkältet sein o have a cold
Ich habe Heuschnupfen I have hayfever Die Grippe ‘flu
Ich habe Durchfall I have diarrhoea Der Sonnenstich Sunstroke
Ich muss brechen I need to vomit Verbrennen To be burned
IchbraucheeinenSpezialisten I need a specialist Mein Bauch tut weh My stomach hurts
If you earn above the €54,900 salary threshold, you can choose to completely leave the public health insurance
system and take out private health insurance instead. Your employer will still be liable to pay roughly half of the
contributions, but this is capped at the same rate at which they would have to pay if making contributions for
public insurance. If you opt out of the public health insurance scheme you can’t return to it at a later point, so
bear this in mind when considering leaving.
Whether you choose to be in the public health insurance scheme or you’re obliged to be, you can choose to
take out an extra private health insurance policy as well, for extra peace of mind. Some public health services
have been downgraded or completely cancelled in recent years in Germany; things like private rooms in
hospitals, certain types of dental work and more complex procedures or specialist care may not be included on
your policy. Be sure to check out all the terms of your public and private insurances so that you can familiarise
yourself with what’s included and be prepared for any extra costs you may face.
Self-employment
If you’re self-employed, you’ll have to arrange your health insurance yourself. This is compulsory, and it must be
a private health insurance policy - you won’t be eligible for the public scheme. The costs of the insurance will be
tax deductible but since you don’t have an employer, you’ll be responsible for paying it all yourself. It’s a good
idea for self-employed people to seek advice from a financial expert or independent insurance agent so that
they can find an insurance policy that offers a good level of cover.
Secondment
If you’re being sent to work in Germany for a limited time by a company based in the European Economic Area
or from Canada, China, Israel, Japan, the USA or any other contracting states, you may be exempt from
compulsory health insurance. If you are planning to relocate to Germany on secondment, be sure to check with
your company what arrangements have been made in this regard.
Other types of insurance
If you own a motorbike or car in Germany, it’s compulsory that you take out motor liability vehicle insurance,
known as Kfz-Haftpflichversicherung, to cover the cost of repairs to your own vehicle or others in the event of
an accident. Personal liability insurance (Privathaftpflichtversicherung) is also recommended; this covers any
damages you may be liable for if you cause accidental injury to someone, or damage to someone else’s
property.
Finally, household insurance (Hausratversicherung) is important if you want to protect the valuable contents of
your home. If your home were to be burgled or damaged in any other way, Hausratversicherung would cover
the cost of repairs and the actual cost of items in your household, as long as they’re stipulated in the insurance
policy.
17

How to be a Freelancer in Germany
Whether you’ve been offered a contract, or you’re just looking to make the kind of change which the
flexible nature of freelancing allows, Germany is an excellent option as a location for your business, and
well worth considering for the self-employed.
1. As a freelancer, do I need a visa?
As long as your residence permit isn’t restricted, you can freelance in Germany.
If you’re a holder of an EU passport, you don’t require any sort of visa to work as a freelancer or take on
work if you’re self-employed.
If you’re from outside of the European Union, the process is more complicated. You’ll need to apply for
a freelance visa and you’ll have numerous documents and forms to complete. Once those are complete,
you’ll also be asked to attend an interview, which should be held in the German embassy of your home
country. Agreements with the USA, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Japan and South Korea allow citizens
of those countries to apply for their freelance visa once they are in Germany, although they’ll still need to
attend an interview.
2. Where can I base my business?
Much like conducting freelance work anywhere else in the world, you can choose your German base at
whichever address is most convenient. You must then visit your local registration office, and register your
address with them.
The reasoning behind this is that it will decide how much tax you’ll have to pay, so make sure you’re
accurate with your paperwork! In Germany, a single, childless person pays more tax than a married couple
or a single parent.
3. Do I need health insurance?
Germany’s healthcare system requires all residents living and working there to have health insurance.
There are two options to choose from:
• Public Health Insurance
• Private Health Insurance
Public health insurance – Your entire family is insured as a result of you being insured. This sounds good,
but is expensive. Depending on your medical history, income and age, you can also be turned down for
public health insurance or find yourself priced out of it. There are specialist public health advisors who
can talk you through your public health insurance options.
18

Private health insurance – Each family member must have their own policy, and pay for it separately. This
works out cheaper for people without families.
Please see page 16 for more information on health insurance.
4. Where should I open a bank account?
Having a bank account up and running before you start freelancing or working as a self-employed person
is absolutely essential, as you’ll need to supply bank details on your Fragebogen zur steuerlichen
Erfassung (Tax number application form).
Most bank accounts in Germany charge a monthly service fee, although there are some exceptions.
Online banking with organisations such as Fido or DKB allow you to manage your money online and don’t
charge a fee.
If you think you’re going to need a little assistance, one of the high street names like Deutsche Bank
might be a better choice, and justify that monthly fee. Branches will have English speaking staff, and
phone lines are usually manned by people who can talk to you in English. Please see page 14 for more
information on opening a bank account.
5. What’s a Tax ID?
A bit like a national insurance number, everyone in Germany gets an Identifikationsnummer, which is your
tax identification. If this is your first time living in Germany, this should come to your address a few days
after you’ve registered yourself as a resident in Germany. If you’ve lived in Germany before, request a
letter from the Bundeszentralamt fuer Steuern (Main tax office) to send a tax ID number to you.
If you can’t wait, head to your nearest tax office with your passport. There’s no need for an appointment,
as people are seen all day during business hours, and waiting times are usually less than an hour. Your tax
number can be looked up on the central computer system right away.
6. What’s the difference between a Tax ID and a Tax Number?
A tax ID is given to everyone in Germany, regardless of whether they’re self-employed or not.
A tax number is for people who are self-employed or freelancers. If you’ll be filing your own tax return, you
need to apply for a tax number. The application form is called Fragebogen zur steuerlichen Erfassung, and is
the same form wherever you are in Germany. If you’re unsure of any aspect of it, you’ll be able to get
assistance from your local tax office. If you’re happy you can complete the form independently; just post
the completed form back to them.
7. Do I need to register a company?
Some jobs which other countries would consider as freelance work are actually classed as self-employed
work in Germany and require you to register as a company. Make sure you are certain that you have
classified your job correctly. Any sort of commercial work, even if you’re by yourself, is referred to as a
business, so don’t be confused by the taxonomy.
If you are classed as a company, and definitely not a freelancer, you’ll need to apply for a Gewerbeanmeldung,
which is an application to open a business in Germany.
8. What’s the best way to get a mobile?
If you need a phone line for your work, the best way to start is with a mobile phone. A mobile phone
number is seen as essential on the many forms you’ll deal with.
There are two options, much as there are in other parts of the world. Either take out a contract or choose
a Pay As You Go deal. Contracts will generally work out cheaper and come with a handset, but tie you in
for around two years. If you’re not sure how long you’ll be working abroad, a pay as you go phone might
be a better option.
19

Education in Germany
TheGermaneducationsystemisoneofthebestintheworld.A2015surveyproducedbyeconomistsEric Hanushek
andLudgerWoessmannplacedTeutonicschoolsin13thplaceglobally,beatingtheBritishsystemwhichcamein20th
place,andcominginwellaheadofUSeducation,whichwasrankedwaydownin28th position.
Combiningamixtureofacademicschoolingandvocationtraining,theGermansystemhassomethingforeveryone.If
you’reabouttorelocatetoGermanyandhavechildrenofschoolage,here’saquickguidetowhatyoucanexpect.
Kindergarten
KindergartenisnotmandatoryinGermany,andthereforenotfree.However,mostthreetosixyearoldsdoattend
kindergartens(alsoknownas‘kitas’),withthecostparentspaycentredonincome.InsomestateslikeBerlin,itis
possibletofindfreekitanetworks.You’llalsocomeacrossanumberofmultilingualkindergartensinmostGerman
cities.
Alternatively,youcanopttouseaTagesmutter(daymother).Thesewomenaregenerallychildcareprofessionalswho
offerdaycaretomorethanonechildatatime.
Primaryeducation-Grundschule
InGermany,schooliscompulsoryfromtheageofsixandlastsfornineortenyears(dependingonthestateyoulive
in).GrundschuleisthefirststageofmainstreameducationandisfreeacrossGermany.ChildrenstartGrundshuleatsix
andcontinueforeitherfourorsixyears.
Secondaryeducation
AfterGrundschule,pupilseithergotoHauptschule,Realschule,GymnasiumorGesamtschule.Thesesecondary
schoolsarestreamedaccordingtoability,withsomeofferingapurelyacademiceducationandothersfocusingmore
onvocationaltraining.
ChildrenwhogotoGymnasiumswillbepreparedforfinalexams–knownastheAbitur–andreceiveaneducation
thatwillgetthemreadyforuniversity.ARealschuleoffersageneraleducationwithbothacademicandvocational
subjectsincluded.Oncepupilsreceivetheirleavingcertificateat15or16,theycaneitherchoosetoentertheworldof
work,takeonanapprenticeshiportransfertoaGymnasiumtoprepareforuniversity.
PupilswhoarelessacademicallyablegenerallyattendaHauptschule–‘mainschool’.Offeringlearningataslower
pace,andplacingmoreemphasisonvocationaltraining,Hauptschulegenerallyleadstoparttimevocationaltraining
andapprenticeshipsuntiltheageof18.
ThefourthoptionforsecondaryeducationistheGesamtschule.Onlyfoundinsomestates,thiscomprehensivestyle
schooloffersabroadeducationandgivespupilsthechancetoeitherachievetheHauptschulecertificate-iftheycom-
pleteschooluntilthe9thgrade-ortheReaschulecertificate-iftheycomplete10thgradetoasatisfactorylevel.
Theschoolday
Theschooldaystartsbetween7:30amand8:15amandcontinuesuntilbetween12pmand1:30pm.Therearearange
ofafterschoolchildcareoptionsavailableinmoststates,andagain,feesaregenerallybasedonincome.
Privateschools
PrivateschoolscanbefoundacrossGermany,withanumberofalternativeeducationoptionsavailable.International
schoolsarelocatedinmanyofthecountry’smaincities,givingforeignpupilstheopportunitytocontinuetheirnative
educationuninterrupted.
Offeringabroadeducationandgoodchoiceofoptionsforpupilsofallabilities,theGermansystemisoneofthebest
inEurope.Ifyou’removingtothecountrywithschool-agedchildren,contactyourlocalschooloreducationalservice
tofindoutmore.
20

22
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