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📚 Glossary

220 German official terms — simply explained

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220 terms found
Abfindung (severance payment)
One-time payment by the employer upon termination of employment — no legal entitlement, often agreed in a severance agreement.
Upon dismissal, I was offered a severance package of 3 months' salary.
Work
Abgeltungsteuer (Capital gains tax)
Flat tax of 25% on capital income such as interest, dividends, and capital gains.
The bank automatically transfers the capital gains tax to the tax office.
Finance
Abmeldung (Deregistration)
Deregistration of residence from the registration office, e.g. when moving abroad.
Before moving to Poland, I had to deregister at the registration office.
Authorities
Altersteilzeit (Phased retirement)
A model for gradually reducing working hours before retirement.
From age 55, you can request part-time work for older employees at many employers.
Work
Amtsgericht (District court)
Court of first instance for civil cases up to €5,000 and criminal cases of minor severity.
The district court decided on the rental dispute.
Law
Anerkennung (ausländischer Abschlüsse) (recognition of qualifications)
Procedure to verify whether a foreign professional qualification is equivalent to a German one — responsible bodies: IHK, Chamber of Crafts or ZAB.
The recognition of my Polish nursing degree took 4 months.
Education
Anmeldung (Registration)
Mandatory registration of residence with the registration office within 14 days of moving in.
Without registration, you cannot open a bank account in Germany.
Authorities
Anwalt (Rechtsanwalt) (lawyer)
Qualified lawyer who provides legal advice to clients and represents them in court.
For the rent dispute, I hired a lawyer.
Law
Apostille (apostille)
International certification of authenticity of public documents — confirms authenticity for use abroad.
I needed an apostille on my diploma certificate for its recognition abroad.
Authorities
Arbeitnehmersparzulage (employee savings allowance)
State subsidy for low-income employees who save through tax-advantaged investment plans.
With the Arbeitnehmersparzulage, I receive a 20% subsidy on my VL contributions.
Finance
Arbeitsagentur (Employment agency)
Federal Employment Agency — responsible for job placement, career counseling, and unemployment benefits I.
I registered with the employment agency as a job seeker.
Work
Arbeitsgenehmigung (Work permit)
Permission to work in Germany, often tied to the residence permit.
My residence permit includes work authorization for any type of employment.
Work
Arbeitslosengeld (Unemployment benefit)
Unemployment insurance benefit (ALG I) for persons who have been insured for at least 12 months.
After being terminated, I applied for unemployment benefits I.
Work
Arbeitsvertrag (Employment contract)
Written agreement between employer and employee covering tasks, salary, working hours, and notice periods.
Read the employment contract carefully before signing.
Work
Arbeitszeugnis (work certificate)
Written reference from the employer at the end of employment — entitlement to it is legally guaranteed.
In Germany, every employee has the right to a qualified employment reference.
Work
Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Residence permit)
A temporary residence permit issued for a specific purpose (e.g., studies, work, family).
My residence permit for study purposes is valid for two years.
Authorities
Aufenthaltsgestattung (residence permit)
Residence document for asylum seekers during ongoing asylum proceedings — not a residence title in the proper sense.
With Aufenthaltsgestattung, one is allowed to work after 9 months.
Authorities
Aufenthaltstitel (Residence title)
Umbrella term for all permits to reside in Germany (visa, residence permit, settlement permit, EU Blue Card).
Without a valid residence permit, one is not allowed to stay in Germany.
Authorities
Aufhebungsvertrag (termination agreement)
Mutual agreement to terminate an employment relationship — Warning: can trigger a waiting period for unemployment benefits.
The severance agreement included a severance payment and a good employment reference.
Work
Ausbildung (vocational training)
Dual vocational training — combination of practical work in a company and theory in vocational school (2–3.5 years).
Apprenticeship as a mechatronics technician lasts 3.5 years.
Education
Ausländerbehörde (Immigration office)
Authority responsible for foreign residence matters (residence permits, extensions, deportations).
I need to go to the immigration office to extend my residence permit.
Authorities
Ausländerzentralregister (AZR) (Foreign Central Register)
Central database of the BAMF containing information about all foreigners living in Germany.
Data from the Central Register of Foreigners are checked during visa verification.
Authorities
Ausweis (ID card)
Official identity document — ID card for Germans, residence permit card for foreigners.
During a police check, you must present your ID.
Authorities
BAMF (BAMF)
Federal Office for Migration and Refugees — responsible for asylum proceedings, integration courses and citizenship.
The BAMF decides on asylum applications in Germany.
Authorities
BAföG (Student support)
Federal Training Assistance Act — state-funded education financing, awarded half as a grant and half as an interest-free loan.
With BAföG, I was able to finance my studies without having to work on the side.
Education
Bausparvertrag (building savings contract)
Savings contract with a building and loan association — save first, then get favorable building loan for property purchase or renovation.
With a building and loan contract, you can secure low interest rates for a loan.
Finance
Beglaubigte Übersetzung (Certified translation)
Translation by a certified translator — required by government agencies and courts.
I needed a certified translation of my birth certificate for registration.
Authorities
Beglaubigung (Certification)
Official certification of the authenticity of a copy or signature by an authorized body.
For my application, I need a certified copy of my certificate.
Authorities
Beratungshilfe (legal aid)
State assistance for legal advice outside of court proceedings — own contribution only 15 €.
I applied for legal aid at the district court to consult with a lawyer.
Law
Berufshaftpflichtversicherung (professional liability insurance)
Compulsory insurance for certain professional groups (doctors, lawyers, architects) against damages arising from professional activities.
As a freelancer, I need professional liability insurance.
Work
Berufsschule (vocational school)
School that provides the theoretical component of dual vocational training — 1–2 days per week alongside work at the company.
I learn the theory at vocational school and gain practical experience at the company.
Education
Bescheid (Notice)
Official written administrative act issued by an authority, e.g. tax notice, rejection decision.
One can lodge an appeal against the decision within one month.
Authorities
Beschwerde (complaint)
Formal remedy against certain court rulings or administrative decisions.
I filed a complaint against the rejection of my application.
Law
Betriebskostenabrechnung (operating costs settlement)
Annual settlement of all reimbursable operating costs (heating, water, waste, property tax) — another term for ancillary cost statement.
The operating cost statement must be delivered within 12 months after the end of the settlement period.
Housing
Betriebsrat (Works council)
Elected employee representation in companies with at least 5 employees.
The works council has a say in dismissals.
Work
Bildungsgutschein (education voucher)
Support from the employment agency for vocational further education or retraining — course fees are covered.
With the education voucher, I was able to complete free retraining as an IT specialist.
Education
Blaue Karte EU (Blue Card EU)
Residence permit for highly qualified specialists from non-EU countries with a minimum salary.
As an engineer with a university degree, I was able to apply for the EU Blue Card.
Authorities
Briefwahl (Postal voting)
The ability to vote in elections by mail instead of voting in person at the polling station.
I applied for postal voting because I won't be in the city on election day.
Authorities
Brutto (Bruttolohn) (gross)
Total wage before deduction of taxes and social security contributions — stated in the employment contract.
My gross salary is €3,500, with approximately €2,300 remaining as net income.
Finance
Bürgeramt (Citizen's Office)
Municipal office for registration, ID documents, certificates of good conduct and other citizen services.
I registered my new address at the Bürgeramt.
Authorities
Bürgergeld (Citizen allowance)
Basic income support for employable people in need (since 2023, successor to Hartz IV / ALG II).
Those without income can apply for Bürgergeld at the employment center.
Work
Bürgschaft (guarantee)
Contractual obligation to guarantee the debts of another person — often required for rental agreements for students.
My parents provided a guarantee for my rental agreement.
Law
Chancenaufenthaltsrecht (Opportunity Residence Right)
Since 2023: Provisional residence permit for tolerated persons who have lived in Germany for at least 5 years and meet certain requirements.
Thanks to the Chancenaufenthaltsrecht, he has 18 months to meet the requirements for a right of residence.
Law
DAAD (DAAD)
German Academic Exchange Service — the world's largest funding organization for international exchange of students and scientists.
I received a DAAD scholarship for my master's studies in Germany.
Education
Datenschutz (Data Protection)
Protection of personal data, regulated by GDPR and the Federal Data Protection Act.
Every company must appoint a data protection officer.
Law
Daueraufenthaltserlaubnis-EU (EU permanent residence permit)
EU-wide unlimited residence permit after 5 years of legal residence — similar to permanent residence permit.
The permanent residence permit-EU also allows relocation to other EU countries.
Authorities
Deckungszusage (coverage commitment)
Confirmation by legal protection insurance that it will cover the costs of legal proceedings.
Before filing a lawsuit, I obtained confirmation of coverage from my legal protection insurance.
Law
Duldung (Toleration Status)
Temporary suspension of deportation — not a residence status, but the stay is tolerated.
With toleration, one is generally not permitted to work.
Authorities
ELSTER (ELSTER)
Electronic tax return — free online portal of the tax administration for filing tax returns.
You can conveniently file your tax return online via ELSTER.
Finance
Eheurkunde (marriage certificate)
Official certificate of marriage — issued by the registrar's office.
For family reunification, I needed the translated and notarized marriage certificate.
Authorities
Eigenbedarfskündigung (termination for personal use)
Termination of rental agreement by the landlord because he wants to use the apartment for himself or close relatives.
The landlord issued a termination for personal use because his son wants to move in.
Housing
Einbürgerung (Naturalization)
Acquisition of German citizenship by application — requires, among other things, at least 5 years of residence, language skills and naturalization test.
After 6 years in Germany, I applied for naturalization.
Authorities
Einbürgerungstest (Naturalization Test)
Test with 33 questions on German law, history and society — prerequisite for naturalization.
To pass the naturalization test, you must answer 17 of 33 questions correctly.
Authorities
Einkommensteuer (income tax)
Tax on all types of income (employment, rental, capital, business) — progressive tax rate of 14–45%.
The top tax rate on income tax is 42% on approximately €62,000 of annual income.
Finance
Einkommensteuererklärung (Income Tax Return)
Annual declaration of income to the tax office for the calculation of income tax.
The income tax return must be filed by July 31 of the following year.
Finance
Elterngeld (Parental Allowance)
State benefit for parents who care for their child after birth and work less — 65–67% of net income.
Parental allowance is paid for a maximum of 14 months if both parents take parental leave.
Finance
Elternzeit (Parental Leave)
Unpaid leave from work to care for a child — up to 3 years per child.
During parental leave, there is special protection against dismissal.
Work
Energieausweis (energy certificate)
Document that assesses the energy efficiency of a building — must be provided when renting or selling.
Before concluding the lease agreement, the landlord showed me the energy certificate.
Housing
Erbe (Inheritance)
Person who inherits the estate (and debts) of a deceased testator — regulated in the Civil Code.
As an heir, one must decide within 6 weeks whether to accept or reject the inheritance.
Law
Erbschaftsteuer (inheritance tax)
Tax on inherited assets — tax-free allowances depending on degree of kinship (spouse €500,000, children €400,000).
I had to pay inheritance tax on the inherited house because the tax-free allowance was exceeded.
Finance
Erstattung (reimbursement)
Refund of overpaid amounts — e.g. tax refund, utility cost refund.
The tax refund this year was 1,200 €.
Finance
Erwerbsminderungsrente (Disability Pension)
Pension for insured persons who, for health reasons, can work less than 6 or 3 hours per day.
The disability pension was approved following the medical assessment.
Finance
Erziehungsgeld (parental benefit)
Former government benefit for parents — replaced by parental allowance (Elterngeld) since 2007.
Child-rearing benefit no longer exists; today it is called parental allowance.
Finance
Existenzgründung (business start-up)
Establishment of self-employment — startup grant, business registration and business plan are required.
The Chamber of Commerce offers free consultation on business startup.
Finance
Fahrerlaubnis (driving license)
Official authorization to operate a motor vehicle — foreign driving licenses must be converted if necessary.
I had to have my Ukrainian driver's license converted into a German driving license after 6 months.
Authorities
Familienkasse (Family Fund Office)
Authority of the Federal Employment Agency that pays child allowance and child supplement.
The child allowance application is sent to the family fund.
Finance
Familiennachzug (Family Reunification)
Possibility for foreigners to bring spouses and minor children to Germany.
For family reunification, one must prove sufficient living space and income.
Authorities
Feststellungsprüfung (assessment exam)
Final examination at the preparatory college — prerequisite for university admission if foreign school certificate is not directly recognized.
After 2 semesters at the preparatory college, I passed the assessment examination.
Education
Fiktionsbescheinigung (Fiction Certificate)
Temporary document that permits residence while the application for a residence title is being processed.
Until my residence title is ready, I have received a fictional certificate.
Authorities
Finanzamt (Tax Office)
Tax authority — responsible for income tax, wage tax, sales tax, and tax assessments.
The tax office sent me my tax assessment.
Finance
Freistellungsauftrag (exemption order)
Instruction to the bank to exempt capital income up to the saver's allowance (€1,000) from tax.
Without a tax exemption instruction, the bank automatically deducts capital gains tax on interest.
Finance
Freiwilliges Soziales Jahr (FSJ) (voluntary social year)
Voluntary social service (6–18 months) in social institutions — pocket money, accommodation, and meals are provided.
Before university, I did a voluntary social year in a hospital.
Education
Freizügigkeit (Freedom of Movement)
Right of EU citizens to freely move, reside, and work in any EU member state.
As an EU citizen, I have freedom of movement and do not need a work permit.
Law
Frühförderung (early intervention)
Therapeutic and educational assistance for children with developmental delays from birth to school age — free of charge.
My child receives early intervention because of speech delay.
Health
Führungszeugnis (Certificate of Good Conduct)
Official extract from the Central Criminal Register — shows convictions and is often required by employers.
For the position in the kindergarten, I need an enhanced certificate of good conduct.
Authorities
GEZ (Rundfunkbeitrag) (Broadcasting fee)
Broadcasting fee of €18.36 per month per apartment — finances ARD, ZDF and Deutschlandradio. Every household must pay.
Shortly after registration, the GEZ letter with payment demand arrives.
Daily life
Gebührenordnung (Fee Regulation)
Legal regulation that specifies the costs for administrative acts (e.g., passport issuance, residence title).
The fees for the residence title are determined by the fee regulation.
Authorities
Gehaltsabrechnung (Salary statement)
Monthly settlement by employer showing gross salary, deductions (tax, social insurance) and net salary.
On the salary statement you can see how much income tax was deducted.
Work
Geldwäsche (money laundering)
Criminal concealment of the origin of illegally obtained money — large cash transactions are subject to reporting requirements.
Due to anti-money laundering laws, you must show ID for cash payments over €10,000.
Law
Gerichtsvollzieher (bailiff)
Court officer who conducts enforcement of judgments — garnishments, evictions, service of process.
The bailiff came to collect the debts.
Law
Geringfügige Beschäftigung (Marginal employment)
Minijob with earnings up to €538 per month (2024) — largely exempt from social insurance.
My minijob at the supermarket is considered marginal employment.
Work
Gesundheitsamt (Health department)
Municipal public health authority — infection control, hygiene supervision, health certificates.
To work in gastronomy, you need a health certificate from the health department.
Health
Gewerbe (Trade/Business)
Self-employed commercial activity that must be registered with the trade office.
Anyone operating an online shop must register a business.
Finance
Gewerbeanmeldung (Business registration)
Mandatory registration of a business with the competent trade office — prerequisite for any commercial activity.
Business registration costs between €15–60 depending on the city.
Finance
Gewerkschaft (trade union)
Labor union that negotiates collective agreements and represents workers' interests (e.g., ver.di, IG Metall).
As a union member, I receive free legal protection in labor disputes.
Work
Girokonto (current account)
Bank account for daily transactions — salary, rent, transfers, direct debits.
Everyone in Germany has a right to a basic bank account (checking account).
Finance
Grundbuch (Land register)
Public register at the district court documenting property ownership, mortgages and encumbrances of real estate.
When buying a house, the new owner is entered in the land register.
Housing
Grunderwerbsteuer (real estate transfer tax)
One-time tax on the purchase of land or real estate — depending on the federal state, 3.5–6.5% of the purchase price.
In Hamburg, the property acquisition tax is 5.5% of the purchase price.
Finance
Grundsicherung (basic income support)
Social benefit for people who cannot afford their own living expenses — basic income support or old-age security.
Anyone who receives insufficient pension in old age can apply for basic income support.
Finance
Grundsteuer (Property tax)
Annual tax on real estate — paid by the owner but often passed on to the tenant through additional costs.
Property tax appears as a line item in my additional costs statement.
Finance
Haftpflichtversicherung (Liability insurance)
Liability insurance that covers damages caused to other people or their property — strongly recommended in Germany.
My liability insurance paid for the damage when I broke my neighbor's vase.
Daily life
Handwerkskammer (HWK) (crafts chamber)
Self-governing body of crafts — responsible for master examinations, apprenticeships, and recognition of craft professions.
The Chamber of Crafts recognized my Polish journeyman certificate as equivalent.
Work
Hartz IV (ALG II) (Hartz IV)
Former name for basic unemployment benefits — replaced by Bürgergeld (Citizens' Allowance) since 2023.
Hartz IV has been called Bürgergeld since January 2023.
Work
Hausordnung (House rules)
Rules for living together in a rental building — quiet hours, stairwell cleaning, trash, pets.
According to the house rules, quiet hours are between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Housing
Hausratversicherung (Contents insurance)
Insurance for household goods (furniture, electronics, clothing) against fire, burglary, water damage, and storm.
After the break-in, the contents insurance covered the damage.
Daily life
Heizkostenabrechnung (heating cost settlement)
Part of the operating cost settlement — consumption-based billing of heating and hot water costs.
The heating cost settlement is divided by consumption (50–70%) and living area (30–50%).
Housing
IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer) (chamber of commerce)
Public representation of commerce and industry — mandatory membership for business operators, examinations, assessment of professional qualifications.
The Chamber assessed my foreign professional qualification.
Work
Impfpass (Vaccination record)
International vaccination certificate in which all vaccinations are documented (WHO yellow booklet).
Bring your vaccination card to your family doctor so the vaccination can be recorded.
Health
Insolvenz (insolvency)
Insolvency — private individuals can be freed from remaining debts after 3 years of good conduct.
Through personal insolvency he became debt-free after 3 years.
Law
Integrationskurs (Integration course)
Language and orientation course subsidized by BAMF (600 hours German + 100 hours civics) for new immigrants.
In the integration course, I learned German up to level B1.
Education
Jobcenter (Job center)
Joint facility of the employment agency and municipality — responsible for basic income and job placement.
At the Jobcenter you get help with job search and financial support.
Work
Jugendamt (Youth welfare office)
Municipal authority for child and youth welfare — counseling, child protection, kindergarten places, legal guardianship.
The youth office helps with finding a kindergarten place.
Authorities
Kaltmiete (net rent)
Net rent without additional costs (heating, water, waste) — total rent including additional costs is called gross rent.
The net rent is 700 €, with additional costs I pay 950 € gross rent.
Housing
Kaution (Deposit)
Rental deposit — security payment of up to 3 months' net rent, deposited upon move-in.
The deposit is held in a separate account and returned upon move-out.
Housing
Kindergarten (Kita) (kindergarten)
Childcare facility for children aged 1–6 years — legal right to a place from age 1, costs vary by state.
In Berlin, kindergarten has been free since 2018.
Daily life
Kindergeld (Child benefit)
Monthly government child allowance — €250 since 2023, apply at the family fund office.
Child allowance is paid until age 18, or until age 25 if in training.
Finance
Kinderzuschlag (Child supplement)
Additional benefit for low-income families — up to €250 per child per month.
The child allowance supplement is paid together with child allowance by the family fund office.
Finance
Kirchensteuer (Church tax)
Tax for church members — 8 or 9% of income tax, withheld by employer.
If you leave the church, you no longer have to pay church tax.
Finance
Kontopfändung (account garnishment)
Enforcement on a bank account — creditors can access account balance with a garnishment order.
A P-account protects a basic exemption amount in case of account garnishment.
Finance
Krankengeld (sick pay)
Benefit from the health insurance fund for prolonged illness — from the 7th week (after continued wage payment), approximately 70% of gross salary.
After 6 weeks of continued wage payment, I receive sickness benefit from the health insurance fund.
Health
Krankenkasse (health insurance fund)
Provider of statutory health insurance (e.g., AOK, TK, Barmer). Reimburses doctor visits, medications, hospital stays.
I switched my health insurance fund because TK offers better additional benefits.
Health
Krankenversicherung (health insurance)
Compulsory health insurance in Germany — statutory (GKV) or private (PKV). Without health insurance, you are not insured.
In Germany, health insurance is mandatory — everyone must be insured.
Health
Kurzarbeit (short-time work)
Reduction of working hours due to economic difficulties — short-time working allowance compensates part of lost earnings (60–67 %).
During the pandemic, millions of employees were on short-time work.
Work
Kündigung (termination)
Unilateral termination of a contractual relationship — in writing, observing the required notice periods.
The notice of termination must be in writing and signed personally.
Work
Kündigungsfrist (notice period)
Period between termination notice and actual end of employment — minimum 4 weeks by law.
My notice period is 3 months at the end of the quarter.
Work
Kündigungsschutz (dismissal protection)
Legal protection against unfair dismissal — applies in companies with more than 10 employees after 6 months of employment.
Thanks to protection against dismissal, my employer could not simply fire me.
Work
Lastschrift (direct debit)
Payment procedure where the payee withdraws the amount from the payer's account (SEPA direct debit).
Rent and insurance are deducted from the account by direct debit.
Finance
Lohnfortzahlung (wage continuation)
Continuation of salary payment during illness — employer pays up to 6 weeks, then sick pay from insurance.
In case of illness, an employee receives 6 weeks of wage continuation from the employer.
Work
Lohnsteuer (wage tax)
Tax on income from employment — withheld by the employer monthly and submitted directly to the tax office.
Income tax is automatically deducted from gross salary.
Finance
Lohnsteuerjahresausgleich (annual wage tax adjustment)
Reconciliation of monthly income tax payments with actual annual tax liability — often results in a refund.
Through the annual income tax reconciliation, I received €800 back from the tax office.
Finance
Lohnsteuerkarte (wage tax card)
Formerly a physical card, now electronic (ELStAM) — contains tax class and tax-free allowances.
The electronic income tax card is now called ELStAM.
Finance
Mahnbescheid (Dunning notice)
Gerichtliches Mahnverfahren bei unbezahlten Forderungen — Vorstufe zur Zwangsvollstreckung.
Wenn man einen Mahnbescheid bekommt, hat man 2 Wochen zum Widerspruch.
Law
Mahnung (dunning notice)
Demand for payment of a due claim — after the third reminder, a payment order often follows.
I received the second reminder for the electricity bill.
Law
Makler (Broker)
Immobilienvermittler — seit 2015 gilt das Bestellerprinzip: Wer den Makler beauftragt, zahlt die Provision.
Der Makler hat eine Provision von 2 Monatsmieten verlangt.
Housing
Meldebescheinigung (registration certificate)
Confirmation from the registration office of current residence — often required as proof for authorities, banks, or employers.
To open an account, I needed a current registration certificate.
Authorities
Meldepflicht (Registration requirement)
Gesetzliche Pflicht, den Wohnsitz bei der Meldebehörde anzumelden — innerhalb von 14 Tagen nach Einzug.
Die Meldepflicht gilt für jeden, der eine Wohnung in Deutschland bezieht.
Authorities
Midijob (Midijob)
Beschäftigung mit einem Verdienst zwischen 538,01 € und 2.000 € — reduzierte Sozialversicherungsbeiträge für den Arbeitnehmer.
Im Midijob zahle ich weniger Sozialversicherungsbeiträge als bei einer normalen Beschäftigung.
Work
Mieterverein (tenants' association)
Association that provides legal advice and representation to tenants — membership fee approximately €60–90 per year.
The tenants' association helped me object to an excessive utility bill settlement.
Housing
Mietpreisbremse (rent price brake)
Legal cap on rental prices for new tenancies — rent may not exceed more than 10% above the reference rent in tight housing markets.
Thanks to the rent brake, landlords cannot arbitrarily increase rent for new tenancies.
Housing
Mietspiegel (rental market index)
Overview of local comparative rental prices — serves as guidance for rent increases and rent price brake.
According to the rent index, the average rent in Hamburg is €11 per square meter.
Housing
Mietvertrag (lease agreement)
Contract between landlord and tenant — regulates rent amount, additional costs, security deposit, notice period.
Sign the rental agreement only after you understand all clauses.
Housing
Minijob (mini job)
Minor employment with earnings up to €538 per month — taxed as a flat rate, no social security obligation (except pension insurance).
Many students work in a mini job to earn some extra money.
Work
Mutterschaftsgeld (maternity allowance)
Maternity benefit from health insurance for expectant mothers during maternity protection — 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth.
Maternity allowance is paid by the health insurance company and the employer.
Health
Mutterschutz (maternity protection)
Legal protection for pregnant employees — employment prohibition 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after birth.
During maternity protection, an employee cannot be terminated.
Work
Nachzahlung (top-up payment)
Obligation to pay a difference amount — e.g., when the operating cost advance payment was too low.
The operating cost surcharge was €350 due to high heating costs.
Housing
Nebenkostenabrechnung (utility cost statement)
Annual settlement of operating costs (heating, water, waste, etc.) — additional payment or refund.
The operating cost statement must be delivered no later than 12 months after the billing period.
Housing
Netto (Nettolohn) (Net)
Das Gehalt nach Abzug aller Steuern und Sozialversicherungsbeiträge — der Betrag, der auf dem Konto ankommt.
Von 3.500 € brutto bleiben mir ca. 2.300 € netto übrig.
Finance
Niederlassungserlaubnis (settlement permit)
Unlimited residence permit — entitles to permanent residence and unrestricted employment.
After 5 years with a residence permit, one can apply for a settlement permit.
Authorities
Notar (notary)
Publicly appointed notary officer — authenticates documents (real estate purchase, inheritance contracts, company formation).
The notary appointment for the property purchase is next week.
Law
Notarvertrag (notarial deed)
Contract that must be notarized — e.g., real estate purchase, company formation, prenuptial agreement.
The purchase agreement for the apartment must be notarized.
Law
Ordnungsamt (administrative office)
Municipal authority responsible for public order and safety — noise disturbance, illegal parking, restaurant licenses.
Because of the loud party, the neighbor called the police authority.
Authorities
Ordnungswidrigkeit (administrative offense)
Minor legal violation (not a criminal offense), punishable by fine — e.g., illegal parking, noise disturbance.
Fare evasion is considered an administrative offense in Germany.
Law
P-Konto (Pfändungsschutzkonto) (Protected account)
Current account with garnishment protection — secures a basic exemption amount of approximately €1,402 per month from account garnishment.
If garnishment is threatened, the account should be converted to a P-Konto immediately.
Finance
Patientenverfügung (Advance directive)
Schriftliche Erklärung, welche medizinischen Maßnahmen man im Ernstfall wünscht oder ablehnt.
In der Patientenverfügung steht, ob man lebensverlängernde Maßnahmen möchte.
Health
Personalausweis (ID card)
Official identity document for German citizens — mandatory from age 16 (alternatively passport).
The Personalausweis is applied for at the citizen's office.
Authorities
Pflegeversicherung (Long-term care insurance)
Mandatory insurance for long-term care — contribution collected together with health insurance.
Long-term care insurance covers part of the costs for home care or nursing home.
Health
Pfändungsfreigrenze (Exemption threshold)
Einkommensbetrag, der nicht gepfändet werden darf — schützt das Existenzminimum (ca. 1.402 € netto für Alleinstehende).
Einkommen unter der Pfändungsfreigrenze darf nicht gepfändet werden.
Finance
Polizeiliches Führungszeugnis (Police clearance certificate)
Alternative name for certificate of good conduct — extract from the Federal Criminal Register on previous convictions.
The police clearance certificate can be applied for at the citizen's office or online.
Authorities
Probezeit (Probation period)
Initial phase of employment (maximum 6 months) with shortened notice period of 2 weeks.
During the probationary period, both parties can terminate with 2 weeks' notice.
Work
Prozesskostenhilfe (Legal aid)
Staatliche Übernahme der Gerichts- und Anwaltskosten für Personen, die sich einen Rechtsstreit nicht leisten können.
Dank Prozesskostenhilfe konnte ich gegen die ungerechtfertigte Kündigung klagen.
Law
Rechtsschutzversicherung (Legal protection insurance)
Versicherung, die Anwalts- und Gerichtskosten bei Rechtsstreitigkeiten übernimmt — verschiedene Bereiche (Arbeit, Miet, Verkehr).
Meine Rechtsschutzversicherung deckt Mietrecht und Arbeitsrecht ab.
Law
Reisepass (Passport)
Travel document for international travel — mandatory for non-EU travel, application at citizen's office.
I need my passport to enter Turkey.
Authorities
Rentenversicherung (Pension insurance)
Statutory mandatory insurance for retirement — contribution: 18.6% of gross salary (employer and employee each 50%).
Contributions to pension insurance are deducted directly from salary.
Finance
Riester-Rente (Riester pension)
State-subsidized private pension savings — government grants and tax benefits, named after former labor minister Walter Riester.
Riester pension is particularly worthwhile for families with children due to child allowance benefits.
Finance
Ruhezeit (Rest period)
Gesetzlich oder per Hausordnung festgelegte Zeiten für Nachtruhe (22–6 Uhr) und Mittagsruhe — Lärmbelästigung ist verboten.
In der Ruhezeit darf man nicht bohren oder laut Musik hören.
Daily life
Rundfunkbeitrag (Broadcasting fee)
Monthly contribution of €18.36 per apartment for public broadcasting (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio).
Every household must pay the broadcasting fee, regardless of whether they watch television.
Daily life
SCHUFA (SCHUFA)
Credit protection association — credit rating agency. SCHUFA score affects rental contract, loan, mobile phone contract.
Before viewing an apartment, one should obtain a SCHUFA report.
Finance
SCHUFA-Auskunft (SCHUFA report)
Written information on one's creditworthiness — free once per year (data copy according to Art. 15 GDPR).
The free SCHUFA report can be requested at meineschufa.de.
Finance
Sachbearbeiter (Case officer)
Contact person at a government agency responsible for a specific matter or application.
My case officer at the Jobcenter helped me with my application.
Authorities
Scheidung (Divorce)
Judicial dissolution of a marriage — requires a separation period of one year and a lawyer.
The divorce is granted by the family court only after a one-year separation period.
Law
Scheinselbstständigkeit (false self-employment)
Situation where a self-employed person actually works like an employee — legally problematic, risk of social insurance contribution repayment.
If someone works for only a single client, there is a risk of being classified as falsely self-employed.
Work
Schulpflicht (compulsory education)
Legal obligation to attend school — in most federal states 9–10 years of full-time compulsory education from age 6.
In Germany, school attendance is mandatory even for children of refugees.
Education
Schwerbehindertenausweis (severe disability ID)
Certificate for people with a disability level (GdB) of 50 or higher — grants disability compensation (tax, dismissal protection, free transport).
With a severely disabled person's certificate, you get additional vacation and dismissal protection.
Health
Selbstauskunft (Self-disclosure)
Questionnaire for prospective tenants with information about income, employer, and rental history — required by the landlord.
During the apartment viewing, I had to fill out a self-disclosure form.
Housing
Solidaritätszuschlag (Solidarity surcharge)
Supplementary tax on income — since 2021 only for higher earners (from approx. €62,000 annual income).
The solidarity surcharge was abolished for 90% of taxpayers.
Finance
Sorgerecht (Custody)
The right and obligation of parents to care for the child's welfare — personal custody and property custody.
For unmarried parents, the mother initially has sole custody.
Law
Sozialgericht (social court)
Court for disputes in social law — citizen benefit, pension, health insurance. Proceedings are free of charge.
I filed a lawsuit at the social court against the rejection of my citizen benefit application.
Law
Sozialversicherung (Social insurance)
System comprising 5 mandatory insurances: health, long-term care, pension, unemployment, and accident insurance.
Social insurance contributions are deducted from gross salary.
Finance
Sozialversicherungsnummer (Social insurance number)
12-digit number of the pension insurance — assigned at first employment and valid for life.
The social insurance number is shown on the social insurance card.
Finance
Sparbrief (Savings bond)
Fixed-interest savings investment with a bank with a fixed term — secure but inflexible.
I invested €10,000 in a savings certificate with 3% interest for 2 years.
Finance
Sparerpauschbetrag (Savings allowance)
Annual exemption limit for investment income — €1,000 for individuals, €2,000 for married couples. No capital gains tax up to this amount.
One should set up a tax exemption order with the bank for the saver's allowance.
Finance
Sperrfrist (Lock-in period)
Period during which unemployment benefits are not paid — e.g., after voluntary resignation or severance agreement (up to 12 weeks).
Anyone who quits voluntarily receives a 3-month waiting period for unemployment benefits.
Work
Standesamt (Registry office)
Civil registry office — responsible for marriages, birth certificates, and death certificates.
The civil marriage ceremony takes place in the town hall.
Authorities
Steuer-ID (Tax ID)
Tax identification number — 11-digit, valid for life, automatically sent by mail after registration.
The tax ID is needed for tax returns and the employer.
Finance
Steuerberater (Tax advisor)
Licensed advisor who assists with tax returns and represents clients before the tax office.
A tax advisor is especially worthwhile for self-employed individuals with complex tax situations.
Finance
Steuerklasse (Tax class)
Classification into one of 6 income tax classes — determines the amount of monthly income tax withheld.
As an unmarried employee, I am classified in tax class I.
Finance
Steuernummer (Tax number)
Number assigned by the tax office for tax returns — not identical to the tax ID.
The tax number changes when moving to a different tax office district.
Finance
Studienkolleg (Studienkolleg)
Preparatory course for international students whose school diploma does not directly qualify them for university studies in Germany.
At the Studienkolleg I studied mathematics, physics, and German for 2 semesters.
Education
Tarifvertrag (collective agreement)
Contract between trade union and employer association — regulates wages, working hours, vacation, and special payments.
Thanks to the collective agreement, I get 30 days of vacation and Christmas bonus.
Work
Teilzeitarbeit (Part-time work)
Employment with fewer hours than the usual full-time working hours — right to part-time work after 6 months in companies with 15+ employees.
Since the birth of my child, I have been working part-time (20 hours per week).
Work
Telefonseelsorge (crisis hotline)
Free, anonymous crisis counseling by telephone (0800 111 0 111 / 0800 111 0 222) — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Telefonseelsorge is available at any time and is free of charge.
Daily life
TestDaF (TestDaF)
German language proficiency test for university admission — Test Deutsch als Fremdsprache at levels B2–C1.
To study at a German university, I have to pass the TestDaF.
Education
TÜV (TÜV)
Technical Inspection Association — Main inspection (HU) for vehicles every 2 years, also inspections of elevators, playgrounds, etc.
My car needs to go for TÜV inspection this year — the main inspection is due.
Daily life
Ummeldung (change of registration)
Registration of a change of residence within the same city at the citizen registration office — mandatory within 14 days.
After moving to a new apartment, I have to register the change at the citizen registration office.
Authorities
Umsatzsteuer (Mehrwertsteuer) (VAT)
Indirect tax on the sale of goods and services — 19% standard tax rate, 7% reduced rate.
Only 7% sales tax is charged on food items.
Finance
Umzugsbeihilfe (Moving allowance)
Financial assistance from the Jobcenter or social services for moving costs — must be applied for and approved before the move.
The Jobcenter approved a moving allowance of €500 for me.
Housing
Unfallversicherung (accident insurance)
Statutory compulsory insurance against work accidents and occupational diseases — contribution paid only by the employer.
Statutory accident insurance covers accidents on the way to work.
Health
Unterhaltsvorschuss (maintenance advance)
State benefit for single parents when the other parent does not pay child support.
Child support advance is applied for at the youth welfare office.
Finance
Urlaubsanspruch (holiday entitlement)
Statutory minimum vacation of 24 working days (on a 6-day week) or 20 working days (on a 5-day week) per year.
My employment contract provides for 30 days of vacation per year.
Work
Verbraucherzentrale (consumer centre)
Non-profit organization advising consumers — help with contracts, complaints, fraud, energy issues.
The Consumer Center helped me get out of an unfair contract.
Daily life
Vermieter (landlord)
Owner or property management that offers an apartment or house for rent.
My landlord increased the rent by 5%.
Housing
Vermögenswirksame Leistungen (VL) (capital formation benefits)
Employer contribution (up to €40 per month) that flows into a savings contract — state subsidy possible.
My employer pays €26 in VL into my savings contract.
Finance
Versicherungspflichtgrenze (insurance threshold)
Income threshold (2024: €69,300 gross/year) above which one can opt for private health insurance.
Only when my salary exceeds the insurance threshold can I switch to private health insurance.
Health
Verspätungszuschlag (late fee)
Penalty fee from the tax office for late submission of tax returns — minimum €25 per month.
Because I submitted my tax return 4 months late, I had to pay €100 as a late filing fee.
Finance
Visum (visa)
Entry permit — to be applied for at the German embassy in your home country, various types (Schengen, national visa).
For studying in Germany, I needed a national type D visa.
Authorities
Volkshochschule (VHS) (adult education centre)
Municipal educational institution with affordable courses — German language courses, integration courses, vocational training, hobby courses.
At the Volkshochschule, I took a B2 German course for just 200 €.
Education
Vollmacht (power of attorney)
Written authorization of a person to carry out legal transactions in their own name or handle administrative matters.
With a power of attorney, my friend can pick up my package at the post office.
Law
Vorläufiger Rechtsschutz (interim injunction)
Emergency proceedings before court for temporary settlement — e.g., application to stop deportation or dismissal.
With an application for preliminary injunction, the deportation was stopped.
Law
Vorsorgevollmacht (advance directive)
A provision for the case when one is no longer able to make decisions — health, finances, authorities.
With a power of attorney for care, you determine who makes decisions in an emergency.
Law
Warmmiete (warm rent)
Total rent including utilities (heating, water, waste, etc.) — also called gross rent.
The total rent is €950 — of which €700 is base rent and €250 is utilities.
Housing
Werkvertrag (work contract)
Contract for the creation of a specific work or result — not an employment relationship, but watch out for sham self-employment.
The cleaning company works on a work contract basis for our office.
Work
Widerspruch (objection)
Formal legal remedy against an administrative act (notice) — deadline: typically 1 month from service.
I filed an objection to the rejection notice within one month.
Law
Winterdienst (winter maintenance)
Obligation to clear snow and spread salt on sidewalks — often transferred to tenants by lease agreement.
According to my lease, I am responsible for winter maintenance in front of the house.
Daily life
Wohnberechtigungsschein (WBS) (housing certificate)
Certificate entitling one to rent a public housing apartment — income limits apply.
With a WBS, I can rent an affordable public housing apartment.
Housing
Wohngeld (housing allowance)
State subsidy for rent for low-income households — application submitted to the housing allowance office.
Since the 2023 reform, significantly more households are entitled to housing allowance.
Housing
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung (landlord confirmation)
Written confirmation from the landlord of the move-in — mandatory since 2015, required for registration.
Without confirmation from the landlord, I cannot register.
Housing
Wohnungsübergabe (flat handover)
Documented handover of the apartment to the tenant (move-in) or back to the landlord (move-out) — defects are recorded in the protocol.
During the apartment handover, we documented all scratches in the handover protocol.
Housing
Zahlungserinnerung (payment reminder)
Friendly reminder for payment arrears — after the second reminder, dunning fees and collection often threaten.
I received a payment reminder for the outstanding electricity bill.
Law
Zeitarbeit (temporary work)
Employee leasing — the employee is hired by a temporary employment agency but works at various client companies.
Through temporary work, I quickly found a position in logistics.
Work
Zeugnisbewertung (certificate evaluation)
Recognition of foreign qualifications by the Central Office for Foreign Education (ZAB) or competent chamber.
For the application, I needed an evaluation of my Ukrainian diploma.
Education
Zoll (customs)
Federal agency responsible for tariffs, import duties, black labor control, and excise taxes.
Customs inspects packages from non-EU countries for import duties.
Authorities
Zulassungsstelle (vehicle registration office)
Authority for registration, deregistration, and re-registration of motor vehicles — issues license plates and vehicle documents.
At the registration office, I registered my car and received the license plate.
Authorities
Zusatzbeitrag (additional contribution)
Individual contribution rate of health insurance in addition to the standard rate of 14.6% — varies by insurance company.
TK charges an additional contribution of 1.2% — in total I pay 15.8% health insurance contribution.
Health
Zuzahlung (copayment)
Patient's share for medications, hospital stay, or medical aids — €5–10 per prescription, max. 2% of annual income.
I had to pay €5 as a copayment for the prescribed medication.
Health
Zwangsvollstreckung (enforcement)
State enforcement of financial claims by court officer — seizure of account, salary, or property.
After the payment notice, enforcement proceedings follow if one does not pay.
Law
Zweitwohnsitz (secondary residence)
Additional residence besides the main place of residence — must be registered and may be subject to second residence tax.
For my second residence in Munich, I pay 9% second residence tax.
Authorities
Zweitwohnungssteuer (second home tax)
Municipal tax on a second residence — amount varies by city (5–18% of annual net cold rent).
Students with a second residence in the university city often have to pay a second residence tax.
Finance
Öffentlicher Dienst (public service)
Employment with the federal government, states, or municipalities — civil servants or employees under TVöD/TV-L collective agreements.
In public service, one generally has secure employment and good retirement benefits.
Work
Übergabeprotokoll (handover protocol)
Written protocol during move-in and move-out — documents condition of the apartment, meter readings, keys.
When moving in, take photos of everything and record it in the handover protocol.
Housing
Überstunden (overtime)
Working time exceeding the number of hours agreed in the contract — remuneration or time off compensation depending on the contract.
My overtime is paid with a surcharge of 25%.
Work