Glossary — 220 German official terms explained

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6 terms found

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

📚 Glossary — 220 German official terms explained