Germany Glossary
Concepts that are hard to decode in context, even if you know the German word. For each entry: what it is, why it matters and common mistakes.
130 terms
A free number to call for health problems that aren't emergencies but can't wait, when practices are closed. If someone's life is in danger, call 112.
The office people contact when they want to adopt. It assesses whether applicants are suitable and looks for the right family for each child. In Berlin, a unit of the Senate Department covers all 12 districts. Adoptionsdienst Berlin, run jointly by Caritas and Diakonie, also does this work.
Watch out: Start with an information evening or a first meeting. It doesn't commit you to anything.
The agency that pays unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) and offers job search support and training support (Bildungsgutschein).
Watch out: Register as a jobseeker as soon as you know your job is ending: at least 3 months before if it ends in more than 3 months, otherwise within 3 days. If you're late, your payments may be cut.
Getting a degree or vocational qualification from abroad recognised in Germany. It's required to work in regulated professions such as medicine, teaching and nursing.
Watch out: There are Anerkennungsberatung centres that give free advice. They can tell you which authority is responsible.
Registering your address at the Bürgeramt after moving into a new home. It's a legal requirement in Germany and must be done within 14 days of moving. After registering you get a Meldebescheinigung, and your Steuer-ID arrives by post. Your bank account, work contract, residence matters and much more depend on this registration.
Watch out: If you move within Germany you need an Ummeldung; if you leave Germany, an Abmeldung. Don't go to your appointment without the Wohnungsgeberbestätigung from your landlord.
A federal agency that advises people who think they've been discriminated against because of gender, origin, religion, disability or age, in areas such as job hunting, the workplace or renting a home.
Watch out: Deadlines for making a claim can be short (for example 2 months for a job application); act early.
A certification added to an official document issued in one country so that it's recognised in another. For documents from Türkiye, the apostille is obtained in Türkiye.
Watch out: Ask the relevant authority in advance which documents need an apostille and a translation.
Salary-based unemployment benefit paid by the Agentur für Arbeit to people who have worked with insurance for a certain time. It doesn't depend on means.
The written contract with your employer. It states your salary, working hours, holiday entitlement, probation period and notice periods.
A written document your employer must give you when your job ends. It has its own coded language: some phrases that sound positive actually mean a mediocre assessment.
Watch out: Read it carefully when you receive it; you can ask for incorrect or unfair statements to be corrected.
The general name for the document that allows you to stay in Germany. It usually comes as a card (eAT). It states the purpose it was issued for (work, family, study) and whether you're allowed to work.
When employer and employee end the employment by mutual agreement. Employers sometimes offer this instead of a dismissal.
Watch out: If you sign, a waiting period (Sperrzeit) may apply before you get unemployment benefit. Get advice before signing and ask for time to think.
Vocational training that combines school and workplace, usually lasting 2–3.5 years. You're paid during the training. In Germany, many professions that don't require a university degree are learned this way.
Watch out: Part-time Ausbildung (Teilzeitausbildung) is available for adults and women with children.
The authority responsible for residence permits. In Berlin it's called the Landesamt für Einwanderung (LEA). Renewing a residence permit, family reunification and work permits are handled here.
Watch out: Start renewing your residence permit months before it expires.
A certified translation made by a translator authorised by a court in Germany. Authorities usually ask for this for documents in Turkish such as birth and marriage certificates or diplomas.
A plan drawn up by the doctor or clinic showing the planned treatment and its estimated cost. For IVF, statutory health insurance must approve this plan before treatment starts. It then pays 50% of the approved plan.
Watch out: Don't start treatment before the plan is approved, or your insurer may not cover the costs.
Centres that offer usually free and confidential advice on topics such as migration, family, work, debt and violence. Many also offer services in Turkish or other languages.
Watch out: Getting advice before an official decision or a contract is much easier than trying to fix things afterwards.
A document showing you're entitled to take an integration course. You get it from the Ausländerbehörde or BAMF. With it, you register at a course provider.
A binding decision an authority makes about you: tax, Kindergeld, Elterngeld, residence, social benefits and so on. The deadline for objecting starts from the date of the Bescheid.
Watch out: What counts is the day the letter reaches you, not the day you open it. Keep the envelope and the dates.
The contract you sign with a Kita, Tagespflege or Hort. It covers care hours, closing days, extra fees and how the contract ends. You can't sign a contract with a Kita without a Kita-Gutschein.
Watch out: Before signing, check the number of closing days per year and any extra fees.
A voucher from the Agentur für Arbeit or the Jobcenter that covers the cost of training that will make it easier for you to find work. It's only valid for approved (AZAV) courses.
A residence permit for university graduates earning above a certain salary threshold. It allows a faster path to permanent residence and makes family reunification easier.
Watch out: The salary threshold is updated every year; check the current amount on an official source.
The salary discussed in job interviews and contracts is usually the annual gross. Net is what you actually receive after tax and social insurance deductions; the deduction rate depends on your Steuerklasse.
The local office for address registration, ID cards and passports, and some documents. In Berlin it doesn't matter which Bürgeramt you go to; you can go wherever there's a free appointment.
Support for children from low-income families for school supplies, school trips, tutoring, school and Kita meals, and sports and cultural activities. Families receiving Grundsicherungsgeld, Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag can use it.
Watch out: Where you apply depends on which benefit you receive. Ask the office that pays your benefit.
The period, usually 2–4 weeks, in which a child gradually gets used to the Kita or Tagespflege. Most Berlin Kitas use the "Berliner Modell": in the first days a parent stays with the child, then the time apart gets longer step by step. You need to be reachable throughout this period.
Watch out: Plan your return to work at least 3–4 weeks after the Kita start date.
Post that lets you prove it was sent or delivered. Used for important letters such as cancellations or objections. Einschreiben Einwurf proves it was put in the letterbox; Einschreiben mit Rückschein proves it was received.
Means both a child starting primary school and the ceremony held before the first school day. The ceremony usually takes place on the Saturday before lessons begin. After a short programme the children go to their classroom for the first time, and many families then hold a small celebration.
In Berlin every address belongs to the catchment area of a primary school. You register your child at this school first. If you want a different school, you hand in that application at the same school on the same day. The other school can accept your child if it has places left after admitting children from its own area.
Watch out: Even if you're considering a private school, you must register at the school in your catchment area.
A compulsory, free check-up before starting school. After registration, the child health service at the Gesundheitsamt sends you an appointment by post. Vision, hearing, development, speech and vaccinations are checked. The check doesn't decide whether your child can start school; the doctor writes a recommendation for the school.
Watch out: Bring the vaccination booklet, the U-Heft and the language assessment from the Kita.
Usually small Kitas run jointly by the parents as an association. Like other Kitas they're free with a Gutschein, but parents are expected to take on regular tasks such as cooking, cleaning, repairs or administration. Free places are often posted on the website of DaKS (Dachverband Berliner Kinder- und Schülerläden).
Watch out: Before applying, ask how many hours a month of tasks you'd be expected to do.
A payment based on previous income for parents who work less or not at all after the birth to care for their child. You apply to the Elterngeldstelle. There are different models such as Basis and Plus.
Watch out: It's paid retroactively for only 3 months; don't delay applying after the birth.
A representative elected by the parents of each class. They help communication between the school and parents, organise parents' evenings and represent parents on school committees. Kitas have a similar role.
Watch out: If you don't understand a message from the school, you can ask your class's parent representative. You can also stand for the role yourself.
Leave from work to care for your child. Each parent can take up to 3 years per child. During this time your employment contract continues and you're protected from dismissal. It's unpaid; Elterngeld partly makes up for lost income.
Watch out: You must notify your employer in writing at least 7 weeks in advance.
The law, in force since 1991, that sets out what is allowed in fertility treatment in Germany. Under this law, egg donation and surrogacy are prohibited in Germany. Sperm donation is allowed. Legalising egg donation is being debated again in 2026, but the law has not changed yet.
A chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. It affects 1–2 in 10 women of reproductive age. Period pain that doesn't go away with painkillers is a typical sign. Diagnosis can sometimes take years, so noticing it early matters.
Watch out: If your gynaecologist suspects it, they can refer you to an endometriosis centre (Endometriosezentrum). In Berlin the Charité has one.
Kita is free in Berlin, but you pay a monthly contribution for lunch (€23 a month in 2026). Families receiving Grundsicherungsgeld, Wohngeld or Kinderzuschlag are exempt through BuT.
Staatliche Europa-Schule Berlin (SESB). A bilingual state school where lessons are taught in German and a partner language (for example Turkish). Admission is by application, not by catchment area. Children are expected to know both languages to a certain level.
Watch out: Places are limited. Look into application dates and the language assessment before school registration.
The court within the local court (Amtsgericht) that deals with family law. It decides on matters such as divorce, custody, contact with children, maintenance and adoption.
Watch out: During family court proceedings you can get free advice from the Jugendamt. If you can't afford the costs, you can apply for state support.
When someone living in Germany brings their spouse or children to join them. At first, the residence of a person who comes this way depends on their spouse's residence.
Watch out: Spouses who come through family reunification may also have the right to work and to take an integration course. If the marriage breaks down, an independent right of residence can arise under certain conditions; getting advice is important.
An office in each Berlin district where you can get information on family services such as the Kita-Gutschein and Elterngeld, and hand in your applications. It is usually part of the Jugendamt.
Watch out: Most offices work by appointment. Check the opening hours on your district's website before you go.
A document you receive if your current permit expires before a decision is made on your renewal application. It shows that you're still legally allowed to stay until the decision.
Watch out: It's very important to apply before your permit expires. If you apply after it has expired, you may not have this protection.
The authority responsible for taxes. Tax returns, tax refunds and registering as self-employed are handled here.
A specialist in women's health and obstetrics. In Germany you can book an appointment directly without a referral (Überweisung). The first place to go for routine check-ups, cancer screening, contraception, pregnancy care and the HPV vaccine. Also called "Gyn" or "Gynäkologin" for short.
Watch out: To find a gynaecologist who speaks your language, use the language filter on Doctolib.
A place offering safe accommodation to women and their children fleeing violence. The addresses are kept secret. To find a place, contact the helpline or a counselling centre.
One of the most important words in official letters. It shows the time you have to send a document, make a payment or object. If you miss the deadline, you may lose your right.
Watch out: You can ask for a Fristverlängerung (deadline extension); do this in writing before the deadline runs out.
The district health office, found in every district. It handles things like the school entry health check, vaccination advice, infectious diseases and sexual health. Most services are free. Some, such as the sexual health centres (Zentren für sexuelle Gesundheit und Familienplanung), are also open to people without insurance.
The law that lets you ask a court to ban a violent person from coming near your home, your workplace or you, and to let you keep the shared home.
Watch out: Counselling centres offer free support with the application process.
In Berlin primary school lasts 6 years (4 years in most other German states). Children who turn 6 by 30 September start school in August of that year. You register your child at the school your address belongs to.
The social benefit that replaced Bürgergeld from 1 July 2026. It's paid by the Jobcenter. People who previously received Bürgergeld don't need to reapply; the amounts haven't changed for now. Obligations are stricter under the new system.
Watch out: Reply to letters from the Jobcenter on time and always attend your appointments; missed appointments can lead to cuts.
The doctor you go to first with health problems. If needed, they refer you to a specialist and keep track of your treatment history.
A health professional who supports mothers during pregnancy, birth and after birth. Health insurance covers the costs, including home visits after the birth.
Watch out: Finding a midwife is hard, especially in big cities; start looking early in your pregnancy.
A free, anonymous helpline on 116 016, open 24/7. It offers counselling in many languages, including Turkish. Women affected by violence, their relatives and anyone who wants to support them can call.
Care at primary schools after lessons and during school holidays. Its official name in Berlin is eFöB (ergänzende Förderung und Betreuung). For grades 1–3, care from 07:30 to 16:00 is free and needs no proof. Longer hours, and care from grade 4, require an application, which goes to the Jugendamt via the school.
Watch out: Hand in the application when you register for school. Processing can take 6–10 weeks.
Individuelle Gesundheitsleistungen: extra health services not covered by statutory health insurance that you pay for yourself at the practice, for example some ultrasounds and hormone tests. Your doctor must tell you the price beforehand and have you sign a written agreement.
Watch out: You don't have to decide straight away when offered an IGeL service. Ask whether it's really necessary and take time to think.
The yellow booklet where all your vaccinations are recorded. For children it's needed as proof of measles vaccination when starting Kita, at the school entry health check and when changing doctors. Adults should keep their own booklet too.
Watch out: Bring your vaccination records from Turkey too. You can ask your doctor to enter them in your Impfpass.
Companies that try to collect unpaid debts. Their letters are usually written in an intimidating tone.
Watch out: First check whether the debt really exists. Fake Inkasso letters are also going around. The Verbraucherzentrale (consumer advice centre) can help with this.
A BAMF-funded course made up of German lessons and an orientation part with information about Germany. It's compulsory for some people and voluntary for others. The state covers most of the course fee.
Watch out: There are courses with childcare for people with young children, and courses just for women. You need a Berechtigungsschein to show you're entitled to take part.
The office that pays Grundsicherungsgeld to people who are able to work but can't support themselves, and to their families, and that manages their job search.
The office that handles many services for children and families: the Kita-Gutschein, recognition of paternity, child support advances and family counselling. It's a place you turn to for everyday matters, not just in a crisis.
The rent for the flat only; heating, water, rubbish collection and other costs aren't included. It's the figure you'll see most in listings, but the total you pay will be higher.
A security payment made under the rental contract. The legal maximum is 3 months' Kaltmiete. You have the right to pay it in three equal instalments. The landlord must keep this money separate from their own.
A monthly payment for families with children, regardless of income. You apply to the Familienkasse. You need your child's Steuer-ID.
Watch out: It's paid retroactively for at most 6 months. The amount is updated periodically; check the current figure with the Familienkasse.
Leave from work to care for your child when they're ill. You get a certificate from the doctor; in statutory insurance, the Krankenkasse pays your income for those days as Kinderkrankengeld.
Watch out: The number of days per year is set by law and can change; ask your Krankenkasse for the current number.
A specialist clinic that offers treatments such as IVF, ICSI and insemination. The word "Kinderwunsch" means the wish to have a child. Your gynaecologist refers you to a Kinderwunschzentrum if needed.
Watch out: At the first appointment, ask about success rates, costs and waiting times. You can talk to more than one centre.
A monthly payment on top of Kindergeld for families who support themselves but whose income isn't enough for their children's needs. You apply to the Familienkasse. Families receiving Kinderzuschlag can also use BuT support.
Watch out: You can check in a few minutes whether you're eligible with the Familienkasse's online KiZ-Lotse tool.
A tax the state deducts from your salary for certain religious communities you're registered with. It's applied based on the religion you stated during your Anmeldung.
Watch out: Check what was entered on the form; if a community you don't belong to was ticked by mistake, you can ask for it to be corrected.
Short for Kindertagesstätte. A daycare centre children can attend from the age of 1. In Berlin, Kita is free; you only pay a meal contribution. Every child who has turned 1 has a legal right to a Kita place.
Watch out: Finding a place can be hard; register with many Kitas early and keep track of the waiting lists.
The document from the Jugendamt that your child needs to attend a Kita in Berlin. It shows how many hours of care your child is entitled to. You need it for the Kita contract.
Watch out: Apply a few months before the planned start.
Cervical cancer screening from age 35. A single swab is taken and checked both for cell changes (Pap test) and for HPV. Statutory health insurance covers it every three years. If there is a minor finding, the test is repeated after one year.
Watch out: Keep going to screenings even if you've had the HPV vaccine. The vaccine doesn't cover all cancer-causing HPV types.
A written estimate of the cost before a service begins. It can be requested in many areas, such as IVF treatment, dental work or repairs. It may also be needed when applying to your insurer or to support programmes.
Watch out: Always ask for it in writing. A price given verbally is hard to prove later.
Health insurance is compulsory in Germany. Most people are in statutory insurance (gesetzlich, GKV); people above a certain income and the self-employed can choose private insurance (privat, PKV). In statutory insurance, a spouse who doesn't work and children can be covered for free through family insurance (Familienversicherung).
Watch out: Think carefully before switching to private insurance; going back isn't always possible.
The notice you give your employer when you're ill. You must inform your employer on the first day, before your working day starts. The doctor's certificate of incapacity for work (Arbeitsunfähigkeitsbescheinigung, AU) is now sent electronically; your employer retrieves it from the system. By law a certificate is usually required from day 4, but your contract may require it earlier.
Ending a contract. For employment it's used both by the employer (dismissal) and by the employee (resignation). Terminating an employment contract must be done in writing with a handwritten signature; termination by email or message is invalid.
Watch out: If you've been dismissed, you have only 3 weeks to challenge it in court (Kündigungsschutzklage). You also need to notify the Agentur für Arbeit right away.
The time between giving notice and the date the contract actually ends. It's stated in the contract; the legal minimum is 4 weeks, and the period the employer must observe gets longer with length of service.
A document your employer gives you at the end of the year showing what you earned that year and how much tax was deducted. You need it for your tax return.
A reminder sent for an unpaid bill. Usually after several Mahnungen the case is handed over to Inkasso and extra costs are added.
Watch out: If you think a Mahnung is unjustified, object in writing; don't ignore it.
The official document showing your address, which you get when you do your Anmeldung. Banks, employers, schools and authorities often ask for it. If you lose it, you can get a new one from the Bürgeramt.
An association that gives its members advice on tenancy law. For an affordable yearly fee it helps with issues such as rent increases, service charge statements and getting your deposit back.
Watch out: Sorun çıkmadan önce üye ol. Hukuki koruma sigortası 3 aylık bekleme süresinden sonra başlıyor ve bu süre içinde başlayan sorunları kapsamıyor.
The right to reduce your rent until a defect is fixed if something in the flat affects how you can use it (for example heating that doesn't work, damp or mould). You first have to report the defect to your landlord in writing. How much you can reduce depends on how serious the defect is.
Watch out: Always get advice before reducing your rent on your own. If you reduce it too much, you could end up in arrears and at risk of eviction. The safe way is to pay the full rent "under reservation" (unter Vorbehalt).
The rule that in a new tenancy the rent may be at most 10% above the comparable local rent. It applies throughout Berlin until the end of 2029. New buildings from after 2014 and extensively renovated flats are exempt.
Watch out: If you think your rent is too high, you can contact the Senate's rent checking office (Mietpreisprüfstelle) free of charge.
An official table showing the average rents paid for similar flats in a city (ortsübliche Vergleichsmiete). It is the basis for calculating rent increases and the rent cap in new tenancies. Berlin's current rent index has applied since 28 May 2026.
Watch out: If you've received a rent increase, have the Mieterverein or your district's free tenant advice check whether it matches the rent index.
The contract between tenant and landlord. Unbefristet means open-ended, befristet means fixed-term. As a tenant you can usually end an open-ended contract with 3 months' written notice.
Watch out: Before signing, check the rent increase clauses (Staffelmiete, Indexmiete).
A type of job where monthly earnings stay below a certain limit. There are almost no tax or social insurance deductions for the employee, but it doesn't give you health insurance.
Watch out: The limit changes with the minimum wage; check the current figure on an official source.
The legal rules protecting pregnant employees. There's a ban on working 6 weeks before and 8 weeks after the birth (12 weeks for premature or multiple births). Dismissal is prohibited throughout the pregnancy and for 4 months after the birth.
Watch out: These protections apply once you tell your employer you're pregnant. Your income during this time is covered by the Krankenkasse and your employer.
A monthly advance payment for costs such as heating, water, rubbish collection, building cleaning and building insurance. At the end of the year it's compared with the actual costs.
The statement your landlord sends once a year comparing your advance payments with the actual costs. As a result you may get money back or have to make an additional payment (Nachzahlung). The landlord must send it within 12 months after the end of the billing period.
Watch out: You have the right to check the statement and see the receipts. If you're unsure, ask a tenants' association.
For unmarried parents, a certificate showing that no joint custody declaration (Sorgeerklärung) has been made. It proves that only the mother has custody. You get it from the Jugendamt. It is requested for things like the Kita-Gutschein, school registration and Hort applications, so that one signature is enough.
A residence permit with no time limit. The requirements depend on your type of residence; usually you need to have lived in Germany for a certain time, support yourself and meet a language requirement.
A screening test that checks cells taken from the cervix for pre-cancerous changes. It's done quickly during an examination. Statutory health insurance covers it once a year for ages 20–34. From 35 it's done every three years together with an HPV test (Ko-Test).
A family that opens its home to a child who can't live with their own family, for a while or for many years. Unlike adoption, the child's legal ties to their birth family continue. Foster families get support and advice from the Jugendamt.
Watch out: To become a foster family, contact the foster care service (Pflegekinderdienst) of your district's Jugendamt.
PMS (Prämenstruelles Syndrom): symptoms such as tension, mood swings and bloating in the days before your period; they go away once your period starts. PMDS (Prämenstruelle Dysphorische Störung, PMDD): a severe form that seriously affects mood. PMDD is a biological condition and can be treated.
Watch out: For a diagnosis, note your symptoms for 2–3 months and take the notes to your gynaecologist.
A period of up to 6 months at the start of a job. During this time either side can usually end the contract with 2 weeks' notice.
The section at the end of official decisions that explains how, where and within what time you can object to the decision. If this section is missing or wrong, the deadline for objecting is usually extended to 1 year.
Insurance that covers lawyer and court costs if you need to go to court. You can take it out separately, or it may be included in membership of associations such as the Mieterverein. There is usually a waiting period, and it only covers problems that arise after that period.
Watch out: Get insured before a problem arises. Problems that start before or during the waiting period aren't covered.
A mandatory monthly contribution every household pays for public broadcasting. It doesn't matter whether you have a TV. It's paid once per household; if one flatmate pays, the others don't.
Watch out: Some people receiving social benefits can apply for an exemption. Don't ignore the letters; unpaid amounts add up.
A private company that keeps records of people's payment history. Landlords, banks and phone companies often ask for a Schufa document. Unpaid bills and debts lower your score.
Watch out: You can request your own Schufa data for free at least once a year (Datenkopie). You don't have to use the paid products you may be pointed to.
The office in each district authority (Bezirksamt) that handles school registration, catchment areas and school places. In some districts it's called the Schul- und Sportamt.
Watch out: You can find out which primary school your address belongs to from the Schulamt's street list.
The state authority that oversees schools. In Berlin each region has its own Schulaufsicht. It makes decisions such as starting school early or deferring the start. It's also where you can turn with problems you can't solve with a school.
A large cardboard cone filled with small gifts, stationery and sweets that children get on their first school day. It's a very important tradition for children in Germany. You can make one together at the Kita or at home, or buy one ready-made.
The right to make important decisions about a child. Married parents share it. For unmarried parents it initially belongs to the mother; for joint custody, both parents can make a joint declaration at the Jugendamt or a notary.
Levels under the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: A1–A2 beginner, B1–B2 intermediate, C1–C2 advanced. A certain level may be required for residence, citizenship and job applications, and you need a certificate to prove it.
A Berlin programme in which trained women, most of whom have their own migration experience, give families free guidance in their own language. They provide information on Kita, school, health and official matters and refer families to the right place.
Watch out: Search for "Stadtteilmütter" with the name of your district to find the local project. Many projects have neighbourhood mothers who speak Turkish.
The office where marriages, births and deaths are registered. The birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde) of a child born in Germany is issued here.
Watch out: Foreigners who want to marry in Germany are usually asked for an Ehefähigkeitszeugnis (certificate of no impediment to marriage).
An 11-digit number everyone gets for life. It arrives by post a few weeks after your first Anmeldung. Your employer needs it to tax your salary correctly.
Watch out: Don't confuse it with the Steuernummer; that's a separate number the Finanzamt gives you for tax returns or self-employment.
Reporting a year's income and expenses to the Finanzamt. For most employees it's voluntary and often results in a refund. In some cases it's mandatory (for example with the III/V combination, self-employment, or income such as Elterngeld above a certain amount). It can be done for free through the ELSTER portal.
The class (I to VI) that determines how much tax is deducted from your salary each month. Single people are usually in I, single parents in II, and married couples in the IV/IV or III/V combination. VI applies to a second job.
Watch out: The Steuerklasse only changes your monthly deduction. It can also affect salary-based payments such as maternity pay, Elterngeld and unemployment benefit; look into it before changing.
Ständige Impfkommission: an independent expert committee at the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) that recommends which vaccines should be given to whom and when in Germany. Statutory health insurance generally covers the vaccines STIKO recommends.
Watch out: To find out whether a vaccine is recommended for you and covered by insurance, ask your doctor about the "STIKO-Empfehlung".
For unmarried couples: one partner adopts a child first, then the other partner adopts the same child separately. Married couples can only adopt a child together.
An information day when a Kita, school, university or other institution opens its doors to visitors. A good chance to see the place and the staff up close when choosing a Kita or school.
Kindertagespflege: a trained childminder (Tagesmutter or Tagesvater) looks after up to 5 children in their own home or a rented space. It uses the same Gutschein as a Kita and is free like a Kita. A particularly good option for children under 3.
Watch out: If you can't find a Kita place, Tagespflege also fulfils your legal right to childcare. You can ask the Jugendamt for a list of childminders in your district.
Working fewer hours than full time. Under certain conditions (for example if your workplace has more than 15 employees) you have the right to request part-time work. You can also work part time during Elternzeit.
In Germany, authorities, doctors and many services work by appointment. Places you can visit without one are the exception. Finding an appointment at public offices can take weeks.
Watch out: Read the appointment letter and the list of required documents carefully; if you turn up with missing documents, your appointment may be wasted.
The yellow booklet that records your child's regular development check-ups from birth (U1 to U9 and J1). Statutory health insurance covers these check-ups. It may be requested when starting Kita, at the school entry health check and when changing doctors.
Watch out: Keep it together with the vaccination booklet (Impfpass). If you lose it, you can ask your paediatrician for a copy of the records.
In healthcare: the document your family doctor uses to refer you to a specialist. Some specialists see you without one, but a referral can make it easier to get an appointment. In banking, the same word means a bank transfer.
Financial support that has to be paid for a child or a spouse. The amount of child support is usually set according to a table called the Düsseldorfer Tabelle.
A payment the state makes through the Jugendamt when the other parent doesn't pay child support or doesn't pay it regularly. The state then claims the money back from the other parent.
The court where you can challenge decisions by public authorities. In most cases you first object to the decision (Widerspruch); if the objection is rejected, you can go to court. In urgent cases you can file an urgent application (Eilantrag) for a quick decision.
Watch out: Talk to a lawyer or counselling centre before going to court. The deadline for filing is stated in the instructions on legal remedies (Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung) at the end of the decision.
Public education centres offering affordable language, professional, art and hobby courses. Many integration courses also take place at a VHS.
A written authorisation that lets someone else act on your behalf. For simple matters a signed letter is usually enough; some matters require notarisation.
Kaltmiete + Nebenkosten. The total you pay your landlord every month. Electricity and internet are usually not included and are paid separately.
A certificate that allows households below a certain income to apply for social housing. You get it from the Bezirksamt (district office). Some listings require it to rent the flat.
The transition in which the ovaries gradually produce fewer hormones and periods eventually stop completely. The medical term is Klimakterium. The last period is called Menopause, and the fluctuating years before it Perimenopause. The average age of menopause is around 51.
Watch out: If your periods become irregular or stop before age 40, see your gynaecologist.
Courses and training to develop in your current profession or move into a new field.
A written objection you file if you disagree with an authority's decision (Bescheid). It usually has to be made within 1 month of receiving the decision. You can send your reasons later; what matters is not missing the deadline. Objecting is free.
Watch out: The Rechtsbehelfsbelehrung at the end of the letter states the deadline and where to file. For some decisions you have to go straight to court instead of objecting; you'll see that there too. Send your objection signed and in a way you can prove.
State support for people on a low income who struggle to pay their housing costs. Tenants get it as a rent subsidy, homeowners as a cost subsidy (Lastenzuschuss). You apply to the Wohngeldstelle in your district. People receiving Grundsicherungsgeld can't get Wohngeld.
Watch out: Payment starts from the month you apply and isn't paid retroactively. If you think you may be eligible, apply early.
A form in which the landlord or main tenant confirms that you've moved into the address. You need it for the Anmeldung. The landlord is legally obliged to give you this document.
Watch out: If you're subletting (Untermiete), the main tenant can fill in the form.
If a child is not yet considered ready for school, the start of school can be deferred by one year. You apply to the primary school in your catchment area and need a development assessment from the Kita. The school supervisory authority decides. Deferral is only possible once, and the child stays at Kita for that year.
Watch out: Not speaking enough German yet is not on its own a reason for deferral. In that case the school provides extra language support.
It has two meanings depending on context. In health care: the small co-payment people with statutory insurance pay for things like prescription medication and treatments (for medication usually 10% of the price, at least €5 and at most €10). At Kita: an optional extra fee for additional services offered by the Kita. In Berlin it can be at most €100 a month per child.
Watch out: The Kita extra fee is optional. Even if you don't pay it, the Kita can't make your place depend on it or end your contract.