So I'm based in Lower Saxony and realised we will lose 5 x public holidays (or 50%) in 2027 as they fall on the weekend:

Saturday, 1 May - Labour Day
Sunday, 3 October - German Unification Day
Sunday, 31 October - Reformation Day
Saturday, 25 December - 1. Christmas Day
Sunday, 26 December - 2. Christmas Day/Boxing Day

I'm sad :( That is all.

I’ve read so many posts here about Telekom door-to-door salespeople, and today it was my turn.

Today, someone knocked ridiculously loudly on my apartment door, so I opened. guy with a “T” logo ID card and tablet claimed to be from Telekom, using the usual “Hausverwaltung” sent us trick to sell fibre internet. He started saying he is sent by them to check things so they can put fiber optic cable.

I said I wasn’t interested, but he kept talking and he was standing so close to my door, almost like he wants to push it. So I shouted “FUCKING NO, NO, NO “and slammed the door. Poor guy got shocked i guess. I could hear him gasp before he left.

Why are they pushy and aggressive? Can they just lie like this ?

Hi,

So I drove to Germany on holiday with my German wife, I am Irish and we live in Ireland.

The brakes in our car went a bit funny on the drive through France, so we went to a local garage in Germany to get it looked at. They said okay, bring it back in a couple of days and we will take a look. They were very shocked there was no spec sheet in the car and said they may not be able to do anything, if they cannot work out the spec of the car from visually looking. I told them there is a handbook and gave them all the details I had, but it did seem to be an issue for them.

On the morning of the drive to drop the car at the garage for inspection, the left front light went in the car, so we asked the garage to also look at that. The lack of spec sheet came up again and they said they would try but may not be able to fix the light bulb without the spec sheet. To me this seems strange, at home we dont have this and mechanics are still able to pop in a new bulb...

The whole time it seemed very much like we were a burden and although they did take the car in, they were quite weird throughout. It was just in massive contrast to back home where people would 99% of the time try their best to help you or work out issues. I maybe understand the sheet being an issue if specific parts are required (although a handbook and the fact they are mechanics should have covered this, no?) But the light bulb thing just seemed a bit lazy and obstructive for the sake of it.

Anyway, would this be standard or was it just a couple of strange interactions, we spoke we 2 mechanics on different days and both times, the conversation made us feel unwelcome and awkward.

I'm Spanish, and as such, I have two family names. Every time I sign an email with Name Lastname1 Lastname2, people tend to get confused. Most of the time they choose LastName2. Strictly speaking, it would be correct to choose only Lastname1, but not Lastname2 alone. I'd use Lastname1 alone, but it is extremely common, whereas Lastname2 is extremely rare, so I'm easier to identify if I use both.

It's not that it bothers me too much, but I wonder if there's a good way of indicating what is what. I don't want to correct people or be like "Vorname: X, Nachname: Y Z".

In France, they tend to capitalise the last name, so it would be: Name LASTNAME1 LASTNAME2 and people easily identify each.

So, I'm curious: how can I write my name in Germany so it's easier for people to distinguish the parts of my name?

Learnt an important lesson in this process, “give a shot at it, it may hit or miss but atleast you tried”.

I am living in Germany since 2017, a non-EU and an Asian, came here as a bachelor student, finished my masters and after lot of struggle, got a temporary contract position in a company. I got German B1 and Leben In Deutschland certificate back in May this year and was waiting to complete my 21 months on Blue card which was in September this year.

But but but, my contract is set to expire next month and there is still no signals of it getting extended. I was anxious, what next, should I shift to job seeker, chancekarte or move back to my country. I was always told that I have no chance getting PR given my circumstances and one should have unlimited contract to get it. This made me even more anxious and I had almost given up on PR.

But then, I thought, I have nothing to loose, I will directly reach out to Ausländerbehörde and see what they think about my situation. Among other list of requirements, they mentioned, “proof of secure livelihood is necessary and there is no requirement of unlimited contract to apply for PR”. I then sent them my payslips, my savings statements (that will support me well for next 2 years even without Arbeitslosengeld). Then they gave an appointment for me to submit my documents in early September.

After 4 anxious weeks, I got an email that asked me to collect my PR and return my old Blue card!!! I couldn’t believe what I was reading!!! A tiny success amongst mountain of failures.

The challenges for me have not ended, but have definitely eased a bit on VISA and residency front, I can now focus on getting a job. In football terms, “you have still not lost the match though you trail at 89:00, you still have a chance to level it before 90:00 and then score one more to clinch the victory “ so now I have levelled before 90:00, I just have to get a job to win this contest in extra time.

Edit: I felt so happy and a teeny weeny bit emotional reading (genuine) wishes from strangers on Internet!! I am not comfortable in sharing the city but it’s a mid sized city.

Going to Germany from the US for the first time in December. Flying into Berlin Dec 21 around 4PM.

Booking trains to get around. Trying to figure out how much time I need to give myself to get off my flight, thru the airport/immigration, grab my checked bag and get to the train. Going from Berlin to Dresden.

Is the 7PM train going to give me enough time to get through everything? I’ve read mixed things here on how long everything will actually take. I assume it will be packed since its right before Christmas.

Would love any advice!

Hi everyone,
I am living in Germany, and my Blue Card got expired, so I requested for renewal, and while I am waiting for my new card to arrive, I have received a Fiktionsbescheinigung for the time being.
I have UK visa already, am I allowed to travel to UK and come back in this state?
Thanks in advance.

I am suffering from mental health problems, and I have already been seeing psychiatrists in my home country for 10 years. I have been diagnosed with anxiety disorder, panic disorder, depression, and adult ADHD. I am currently working while learning German and preparing to study abroad, but my mental health problems have become so severe that I can't do anything anymore, and I am just living like a zombie. I cry several times every day. I have also developed social anxiety, and since I can only speak German at around a B1 level, I am scared of going to the hospital and having to communicate in my broken German.

I went to see a Hausarzt to get a Überweisung, but this person said they couldn't understand why I was taking so many medications and that they couldn't understand my German, and they even ㅡㅐmocked at me, although I brought my German partner there.. I am scared of going to the hospital, and I am so afraid of facing nurses or doctors who will laugh at my German skills again and think that I am stupid. However, I know that I really need to go to the hospital and get help in order to get out of this mental breakdown and maintain a normal daily life....

I live in Frankfurt, so I called several psychiatric clinics in the city with the help of my German partner, but I was rejected around 10 times because they had no appointments available. Would it be better to go to an Ambulanz? I am so afraid that even if I go there, I won't receive any help and will just have to wait for several hours, and that I might not be able to control myself anymore... Someone told me that I should visit my Hausarzt again and get a code that I can enter into 116117. However, I feel like what I need in my current situation is medication rather than just a consultation. But I am also so scared that I won't be able to understand a consultation conducted in German and that I will break down all over again.

I can speak English fluently, but when my anxiety gets really bad, I feel like I can't speak any language properly... I have medical records and prescriptions from my home country. What can I do to receive medication as soon as possible and get my daily life back? For the sake of my future studies and financial stability, I need to start studying again and earn money consistently as soon as possible....

I am asking for help while going through a mental breakdown right now, so I am really really sorry if this post is all over the place and incomprehensible.

Hey everyone,

I just passed by Elisabeth-Abegg-Straße a few minutes ago and snapped this photo. Soldiers from the Bundeswehr are currently standing guard in the dark with burning torches – definitely not something you see every day on a casual evening walk in Berlin.

In case anyone is wondering who is getting the red-carpet treatment so late tonight: President Steinmeier is hosting the President of Mongolia, Ukhnaagiin Khürelsükh, for an official State Visit [261020-StB-Mongolei]. This is the official return visit following Steinmeier's trip to Mongolia in early 2024, where a "Strategic Partnership" was sealed [240206-08-Staatsbesuch-Mongolei].

Given that Mongolia is geopolitically sandwiched right between Russia and China, they are currently pushing hard for closer ties with Europe. While I'm typing this, the official state banquet is likely underway inside the building [261020-StB-Mongolei].

A few quick facts about the visit if anyone is interested:

• Economy: The main focus is expanding trade and securing raw material partnerships.

• Infrastructure: New direct flights by private Mongolian airlines to Berlin are planned. A new Mongolian Consulate General is also being opened in Frankfurt.

• For Culture Fans: Earlier this afternoon, both presidents opened the new exhibition "Genghis Khan and the World of the Mongols" at the James-Simon-Galerie on Museum Island. It officially opens to the public tomorrow (October 21st) and features archaeological treasures that have rarely, if ever, been seen outside of Mongolia.

Did anyone happen to catch their arrival earlier today? Apparently, the Mongolian state aircraft was even escorted by German Eurofighters when entering our airspace – did anyone hear or see them?

I am currently learning b2.1 (and also did b1+ for a month) at my local Volkshochschule (VHS) and I am kinda unsure about the teaching and learning German there.

In class, we mainly work through the coursebook and complete the exercises in it. However, I feel like most of this work could also be done independently at home and there is no teacher teaching is on board. I know that B2 level is for career, advance academics, and etc but we just do the excersizes given in book together.

I understand that learning a language requires independent study, but I expected the course to offer more opportunities to actively use German, receive detailed feedback, improve my speaking skills, and work on exam-specific tasks.

This has made me wonder whether the course is genuinely preparing me for the B2 level.

Hi people,

Since I usually read rather negative experiences in the last months I have been checking this sub, I wanted to share a small mundane experience I had today, which made my whole month.

I live on ground floor, and don’t mind having a couple packages for my neighbors. I had a package at mine for one of my neighbors, this particular house every delivery seems to struggle finding. A couple days passed by and I left a small note for my neighbor, as I know sometimes they don’t leave a proper notification where your package is delivered.

Tell me why this cute human rang my bell today with a small package filled with delicious chocolate, nuts and fruits as a gift for storing her package :’) She was so thankful.

She was so cute about the whole thing, she must be someone’s sweet mother and they are lucky to have her. I don’t remember the last time I had an heartwarming experience here, especially since it is a big city.

Anyways it was so cute, I wanted to share.
I will definitely do such small things going forward.

They have been calling me continuously for some offer which I said No. Its annoying specially during the working hours. Even opted out from the marketing, how to stop this.

Ps: this is the third number i blocked

Hello,

i asked for a residence permit extension at the ausländerbehörde,

the thing is i dont have a Mietvertrag i live with a friend of a friend where i have there the Anmeldebescheinigung.

everytime i send the papers that are missing they ask me again for the Mietvertrag
which i dont own and i cant add myself to my friend's contract
anyone been with similar scenario and what can i do ?

Hi everyone,

We urgently need a clothes dryer and I would love to get some suggestions from your experience.

Our situation:

We live in a old house that is not well insulated(outskirt needs renovation). It gets moldy very quickly, so I really don't want to dry our clothes inside the living room in winter.

The problem is space:

- In our bathroom there is not enough space for a dryer.

- In our main kitchen there is also no space.

We have a second kitchen in a separate building outside the house(inside our ground). This room doesn't have a permanent heater, but it doesn't get super cold either. We already have our dishwasher there and we use it even in winter/minus temperatures and it works fine.

My questions:

1. What kind of dryer would you recommend for this situation? Heat pump dryer? Condenser dryer? Vented?

2. Is it a bad idea to put a dryer in an unheated / semi-cold room?

3. We are 2 people right now, maybe 3-4 in the future. What size (7kg, 8kg?) is enough?

   We have another room where we DO have heating. Could we put the dryer there and just turn on the heating for 30 minutes before we use the dryer? Would that work?

Sometimes I feel like buying a dryer for 2 person households not necessary, but with the constant mold problem in Winter I think we have no choice.

Thanks a lot for your help!

I have 3 places on my itinerary for my May Germany visit (flying in to FRA) Heidelberg, Oberwesel, and Mainz.

My questions are:

1. Should I replace Oberwesel with Rudesheim? Originally planned to stay at the Burghotel Auf Schönburg.

2. If yes, replace it, which accommodation do you recommend I stay in? I saw some options that looked like they were right on the water, so romantic! Papa Rhein? Rheinstein castle? Airbnb?

Hi everyone, I hope you’re doing well. I have a bit of an unusual situation, and I’d really appreciate your advice.

I live in Guatemala, in Central America, and I’m considering moving to Germany for work. I’m an industrial designer, and I’m currently studying business administration with a focus on finance. I also have some experience in the textile industry.

I’m looking into this because the quality of life here is quite low, and salaries are generally very low.

My father was German, and I have German citizenship through him. Unfortunately, he passed away when I was young. Would already being a German citizen make it easier to move to Germany and find work? Are there any particular benefits or practical steps I should know about?

Dear Readers,

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Business German Podcast

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Kindly from a rainy day at te Gold Coast in QLD Australia

The Author and Ex High School Teacher

I have rented a room in a WG and I think the heater in my room is not working. It is set at 5 yet the temperature is at 17-18. I have complained to my landlord and he has just tightened some bolts. He has taken extra charges for the high price of gas for the heaters. He has also told me to just wear a jacket indoors too. What should I do.

Hi everyone,

I am a Non-EU student who recently graduated with a Master’s degree in Germany. During this calendar year, I exhausted my allowed student working days (140 full days) by completing a 6-month full-time internship in my field and a short holiday job.

My goal is to obtain the 18-month Job Seeker Visa (§ 20 AufenthG), which would allow me to work any job to support myself while I hunt for a graduate-level position. I applied for a warehouse role at Amazon to secure stable income. Amazon initially sent me a link to schedule an on-site document check appointment. I hesitated to book it right away because I wanted to secure my Job Seeker Visa first so I could present it as my work permit.

When I attended my appointment at the Ausländerbehörde (ABH) with a screenshot of the Amazon appointment confirmation, the case officer refused to issue the Job Seeker Visa. Instead, they demanded either a signed employment contract (Arbeitsvertrag) or a written job confirmation (Bestätigung) from Amazon. Conversely, Amazon requires a valid work permit before issuing a contract.

To resolve this, I contacted Amazon Candidate Support to request the confirmation letter. They informed me that they would email me a new link to book an in-person appointment to issue the document. However, two weeks have passed, and despite my application remaining active, no appointment slots have opened. Every time I contact support, they tell me they cannot provide a specific timeframe.

Thinking a temporary solution might help, I asked my ABH case officer if I could open a blocked account using my personal savings to receive a temporary work permit while I wait for Amazon. Unfortunately, the officer rejected this, stating that for my case, they specifically require an employment contract or a Formal Declaration of Commitment (Verpflichtungserklärung) from a sponsor in Germany. I do not have any relatives or close friends in Germany who can sponsor me.

My student residence permit expires in mid-November. The ABH has now offered to issue me a 3-month Fiktionsbescheinigung, but it only extends my previous student status (meaning no new full-time work permit is granted—it only allows me to look for jobs). This creates another roadblock because employers require a valid work permit to hire me. On top of that, I have to move out of my student dorm by the end of November. I am actively looking for private apartments, but landlords require proof of regular income, which brings me back to needing a job contract.

I feel stuck in a bureaucratic catch-22 despite having done everything right: I completed my degree on time with good grades and gained relevant internship experience(which in turn exhausted my working days). Now, I am worried about my legal status and housing as the clock ticks down.

Has anyone experienced a similar situation, and how did you navigate it? Who can I reach out to for legal or practical advice in this scenario?

Thank you in advance for any insights or guidance! 🙏🙂

Hi everyone!! I’m going to be moving to Germany soon and I want to bring my tretinoin backups with me since I probably won’t travel back home for 7-8 months. I have a prescription for tret that’s 8 years old lol but I don’t want to book another doctor’s appt just for an updated prescription/note because I’m a student on budget. Anyway, if someone has had a similar experience, could you help with these questions?

-Will my old prescription be enough/ a doctor’s note for ongoing use is not necessary right?

-Will my tret be okay in checked baggage (given temperature, pressure changes) I would take it in cabin baggage but I don’t want it to get more scrutiny.

-Will the quantity i.e 5 tubes raise questions? I think regulations say you can bring 3 months supply but I think that’s subjective tbh.

-Should I keep my tret prescription with my tret tubes in checked baggage or in my cabin bag with my other docs?

Serious advice only please, I would appreciate it a lot!

So guys, I feel confused. I moved to a new apartment last yr Oct in FFM and did an electricity contract with Vattenfall. Fast forward one year now I got my invoice which amounted to me using 3757kWH for just me and my partner in an 80m sq apartment and a proposed 130euros per month with backpayment to be made. This doesnt include heating/hot water as I pay that separately to the landlord. However i feel very confused as to how its possible i have used this amount of kWh since i only use the basic stuffs - Mini fridge+freezer, Tv, ps5, washing machine once/twice a month,oven 1/month, home office 2/wk. I also blame myself bcos I never recorded or at least look at the meter readings monthly -since this is just the first time of me having my own apartment compared to flat rent rates in the past so i had little knowledge. I have done the maths and I see no way I have used that insane amount of electricity in this period. Is there anything I can look at or do bcos now I know i have to do monthly tracking but i still have the issue of this past year

Some side note: I recorded the meter readings myself for both periods so the numbers are correct;invoice said the same delivery point used about 1609kWh year before; no one i talked to knows the energy class of the building but i feel its either C/D, tracked a 24 period and I got a 6KwH

Hi everyone!

I currently study in Munich and applied for my residence permit around 10 months ago, but I still haven’t received a decision. I urgently need a Notfall-Termin (emergency appointment) at the Ausländerbehörde because I already have a job offer, but my employer cannot finalise my contract without clarification of my work authorisation.

I’ve already tried calling and checking for appointments early in the morning, but nothing has worked so far. As I understand it, having a concrete job offer may qualify me for an emergency appointment.

Has anyone managed to get a Notfall-Termin recently? Did you go to the Ausländerbehörde in person, or is there another way to get one? I’d really appreciate any advice or personal experiences.

Thank you!

Hi there, I wanted to have some suggestions from the community if someone has been in a similar boat. I applied for my Permanent Residency in Berlin on 30th July this year. I sent them multiple Contact form inquiries and even letters to ask if they need something from my side because they haven't replied yet.

Online research showed that they can take upto 3 months to reply back and after that I am eligible to apply for legal route.

My question here is, what should I be doing to make this process move forward? Economy is bad and job market is already tough. I want to secure my visa situation ASAP. I have never consulted a lawyer here in Germany before so I am almost clueless in this process.

Current Visa - Blue Card Visa

Thank you!