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Ελληνικά📚 Glossary — 220 German official terms explained
220 German official terms — simply explained
19 terms found
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