Guides

Step-by-step guides that cover one topic from start to finish.

• Work & CareerInto a new field: state-funded training with a BildungsgutscheinIf you want to do a course in AI, data or software but can't afford it, the Arbeitsagentur's education voucher (Bildungsgutschein) can cover the full course fee. Who can get one, how to apply, what to look for in a course and what to do if you're refused.
• Housing & RentA tenant's companion: the Mieterverein in BerlinA Mieterverein is an association that defends tenants' rights and gives its members legal advice. What it does, what it costs, when to join, and where to get free help if you're not a member.
• HealthHealth insurance between Turkey and Germany: AT11 and TA11AT11 is the form that lets people insured with SGK in Turkey get healthcare in Germany. Who it covers, whether there's an age limit, what happens when you start working in Germany and what TA11 is for.
• HealthSexual health: testing, contraception and support in BerlinWhere you can get tested for sexually transmitted infections in Berlin, who pays, and what rights you have for contraception costs.
• Pregnancy & BirthEgg freezing: keeping an option open for laterEgg freezing is one way to keep the option of having children later. When to do it, who pays, how much it costs and what to watch out for.
• Children & SchoolAnother way to grow your family: adoptionAdoption in Germany is a long and careful process. Who can adopt, where to apply in Berlin and how the process works.
• Pregnancy & BirthIVF in Germany: who pays and how does the process work?Who pays how much for IVF in Germany depends on your marital status, age and insurance. How the process works step by step and where to get support in Berlin.
• HealthPerimenopause: taking care of yourself as change beginsPerimenopause is the years before menopause, when hormones fluctuate. What you might feel, when to see a doctor and where to get support in Berlin.
• HealthKnow your cycle: hormones, energy and everyday lifeHormones change throughout the menstrual cycle, and many women feel it in their energy, mood and body. Learn how to track your own cycle, plan your days around it, and where to get support in Berlin for PMS or severe period pain.
• HealthHPV vaccination: who should get it and who pays?The HPV vaccine protects against cervical cancer and other cancers. Who can get it, when insurance pays, how the process works and where to get support in Berlin.
• Children & SchoolFrom Kita to GrundschuleStep by step from school registration to the first day of school in Berlin: registration dates, choosing a school, the health check, applying for Hort and the Schultüte tradition.
• Children & SchoolFrom Kita-Gutschein to your child's first Kita dayStep by step from applying for the Kita-Gutschein in Berlin to the settling-in period: when to apply, how to find a place, which documents you need and what you pay.
• Children & SchoolRaising a bilingual child in BerlinSpeaking Turkish at home doesn't delay German. Practical information on Kita, school, Turkish lessons and everyday life for raising a bilingual child in Berlin.
• Law & RightsSingle parenting: rights and supportIf you're raising a child on your own in Berlin, here you'll find the financial support you can get, custody rights, free counselling and practical tips.
• Children & SchoolBeing a working mother during school holidaysHow do you sort out childcare during school holidays in Berlin? Free Hort, your leave rights, the €9 Super-Ferien-Pass and practical tips from mothers.