Reader questions
We do our best to answer our members’ questions. If you have queries about anything to do with Germany please email us at news@thelocal.de.
How to leave phone voicemail messages in German
Have you ever made a phone call and frozen when the other person’s voicemail picked up? You’re not alone. This guide will help you feel more confident when leaving voicemail messages in German.
Allergy season: What to ask for in German pharmacies
If hay fever is already making you miserable, the last thing you need is confusion at the pharmacy counter. Here’s a practical guide to allergy medication in Germany – and some helpful phrases for asking for it.
When and where do dogs have to be on a leash in Germany?
Dogs are part of everyday life in Germany – but the rules around leashes, noise and shared spaces can be surprisingly strict. Whether you own a dog or not, here’s how the law shapes what you see when you’re out and about.
How to find and collect your packages in Germany
In Germany packages are not always delivered to your own door - instead they may be left with neighbours or at automated 'Packstations'. Here's how to find and collect your parcel.
'Indispensable': Experts explain how to speed up your German citizenship application
If you've been left waiting months, or even years, to hear a decision on your application to naturalise as German you may be wondering what you can do to speed things up. We asked experts to lay out some options.
How many times can a short-term job contract be renewed in Germany?
Particularly for foreign workers, being hired in Germany on a fixed-term basis comes with a fair amount of uncertainty. So how many times can an employer extend a short-term contract before they need to offer an unlimited one?
Q&A: What can workers in Germany be asked to do during vacation time?
Emails and chat-apps have led to the blurring of lines between work time and personal time for many workers. If you work in Germany, you may be wondering what exactly your boss can ask of you.
Should I use Germany's new 'one click' tax return service from Elster?
Filing taxes in Germany can be intimidating, particularly for foreign residents, and paid tax apps have long been a help. With the tax authorities about to launch a new free version, could this finally make tax season easier?
Nebenkosten: How can I tell if I'm being overcharged for utility bills in Germany?
In Germany, utility bills typically account for almost a quarter of total rent. These 'Nebenkosten' are often complex, settled retrospectively and vary widely by region and building – which makes careful checking essential.
What are the language requirements for permanent residency in Germany?
In most cases foreigners in Germany need to live in the country for five years and have B1 level language skills before they are qualified for permanent residency, but there are exceptions for certain groups, like skilled workers.
How long can you use your American driver's licence in Germany?
Drivers from the US can use their licences from home in Germany for up to six months or a year, depending how long they intend to reside in the country. After that, the situation gets more complicated.
How long can I stay in Germany if I lose my job?
With a spate of layoffs happening at German companies, many foreigners are wondering what losing their job could mean for their residence permit. Here's how long you have to find a new role - and what happens if you can't find one.
Do you need travel insurance for the EU if you live in Germany?
If you’re a legal resident in Germany and plan to travel to other European Union countries, it’s worth understanding what you are – and are not – covered for when things go wrong abroad.
Can you get your pension contributions back if you leave Germany?
If you're leaving Germany for good and have worked for less than five years in the country, you may be able to get back the money you've paid in pension contributions.
Can my boss ban Carnival costumes at work in Germany?
In parts of Germany many workers will have taken the day off to celebrate Carnival on Monday. But can those who need to work still wear a costume to the office? Here are the rules to know.
How much can you sublet your apartment for in Germany?
Germany's highest court ruled against a tenant who sublet his Berlin apartment for twice as much rent as he owed. If you plan to sublet your own home, or part of it, there are a few rules you should be aware of.
What does public health insurance really cover at the dentist in Germany?
A recent proposal to exclude dental care from public health insurance coverage in Germany was met with significant backlash. But exactly how much does statutory insurance cover at the dentist anyway?
Q&A: What are the rules in Germany for being late to work due to strikes?
When public transport strikes hit many commuters face serious challenges getting to work. So what are the rules in Germany around being late to work when the buses and trains are cancelled?
When does your employer have to let you work part-time in Germany?
As the CDU’s economic wing questions the legal right to part-time work in Germany, here's a look at exactly what employees are currently entitled to.
How can I get ‘cashback’ at a supermarket in Germany?
Withdrawing cash along with a grocery store purchase is convenient and allows you to bypass ATM fees. But not everyone is aware that the service exists in Germany or how to do it.
EXPLAINED: The rules and etiquette for using Germany's public toilets
Are public toilets free of charge in Germany? Can you use a restaurant's facilities? And what about peeing standing up? Let us share our knowledge of German toilet culture so you don't get caught out.
How to save money on prescription glasses in Germany
Glasses are notoriously expensive in Germany, but understanding what health insurance covers, and how to claim deductible expenses can help you reduce the cost of your vision care.
Lüften: How often do you have to air out your German flat in winter?
The German dedication to 'Lüften' (ventilation) does not stop when the temperatures plummet. So how often should you do it in winter, and what are the techniques to know about?