Expat Glossary

The process of deregistering your address when you leave Germany or move to a new city. Required by law within two weeks of moving out.

The official process of having your foreign degree or vocational qualification recognized in Germany. Required for regulated professions like medicine, law, and engineering. The anabin database and the "Make it in Germany" portal can help you check if your degree is recognized.

The mandatory process of registering your home address at the local Bürgeramt. Required within 14 days of moving in. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, get a tax ID, or do most official things in Germany.

The cover letter sent alongside your Lebenslauf when applying for a job in Germany. German companies take cover letters very seriously — it should be tailored, formal, and no longer than one page. Address the hiring manager by name if possible.

Software used by companies to automatically screen CVs before a human reads them. To pass an ATS, your CV must include the exact keywords from the job description. Formatting matters — avoid tables, images, and unusual fonts.

Germany's official employment agency (Bundesagentur für Arbeit). Handles job placement, unemployment benefits, and work permits. If you become unemployed, you must register here within three days.

The state of being unemployed in Germany. If you have worked and paid into the system, you may be entitled to Arbeitslosengeld (unemployment benefit), typically 60% of your previous net salary for up to 12 months.

The official status of actively looking for work in Germany. You must register as arbeitssuchend at the Arbeitsagentur to access job placement services and unemployment benefits.

Your official work contract in Germany. Must be provided in writing and includes your salary, working hours, vacation days, notice period, and Probezeit. Read it carefully before signing — anything not in writing is hard to enforce.

The official document granting you the right to live and work in Germany. Different types exist: temporary work permit, EU Blue Card, settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis), and more. Issued by the Ausländerbehörde.

The government office responsible for issuing and renewing residence permits for non-EU citizens. You will need to visit here to get your Aufenthaltstitel after arriving in Germany. Appointments can take weeks — book early.

A mandatory deduction from your salary that funds the German unemployment insurance system. Currently around 2.6% of gross salary, split equally between you and your employer.

An official translation of a document by a sworn translator, required by German authorities for foreign documents like birth certificates, degrees, and marriage certificates.

An elected employee committee that represents workers' rights within a company. In larger German companies, the Betriebsrat has significant influence over working conditions, layoffs, and workplace policies. As an employee, you can vote and stand for election.

A residence and work permit for highly qualified non-EU professionals. Requires a university degree, a job offer, and a minimum salary (around €45,300/year for most fields). Leads to permanent residency faster than other permits.

Your salary before any deductions. German job ads always list Brutto salaries. After deducting taxes and social contributions, your Netto (take-home) pay is typically 60–70% of your Brutto. Use a Brutto-Netto calculator to see what you'll actually earn.

The local government office where you handle administrative tasks like Anmeldung (address registration), ID applications, and other official matters. Appointments are usually required and can be booked online.

The process of becoming a German citizen. Generally requires 5–8 years of legal residence, German language skills (B1 level), financial self-sufficiency, and a clean criminal record. Germany now allows dual citizenship in most cases since 2024.

Parental leave that allows either parent to take up to 3 years off work per child. During the first 14 months you can receive Elterngeld (parental allowance), typically 65–67% of your previous net income. Your job is protected during this period.

A note on your residence document meaning you are not allowed to work in Germany. Common during visa application processing. If you see this on your permit, you must not start a job until it is removed.

A temporary document issued by the Ausländerbehörde while your residence permit application is being processed. It proves your stay is legal in the meantime and usually allows you to keep working. Carry it with you like your actual permit.

The German tax authority responsible for collecting income tax and processing tax returns. You file your annual Steuererklärung (tax return) here. Most expats get a refund when filing.

A self-employed professional in a recognized liberal profession (e.g. journalist, designer, developer, consultant). Unlike a Gewerbetreibender (trade business), a Freiberufler registers with the Finanzamt only — no trade office, no trade tax. Simpler setup.

An apartment that comes with furniture, appliances, and often kitchen equipment. Usually more expensive than unfurnished but ideal for expats arriving without belongings. Often offered for short-term leases.

Salary negotiation is common and expected in Germany. Most companies have a range in mind. Research Brutto benchmarks on sites like Gehalt.de or Glassdoor, then ask for 10–15% above your target. Negotiating after a job offer is perfectly normal and not considered rude.

The registration of a trade business at the local Ordnungsamt (regulatory office). Required if you run a business that is not a liberal profession (Freiberufler). Usually costs €20–€50 and can be done online in most cities.

Your general practitioner (GP) in Germany. The first point of contact for non-emergency health issues. You can register with any Hausarzt who has free spots. Always go to your Hausarzt first — going directly to a specialist without a referral may mean paying out of pocket.

Working from home. Very common in Germany, especially in tech and corporate roles. Unlike some countries, German employees may have a legal right to request Homeoffice. If your contract allows it, you can deduct a portion of your home expenses from your tax return (Steuererklärung).

A government-subsidized course covering German language (up to B1 level) and German society, culture, and law. Many visa holders are required or entitled to attend one. Costs are heavily subsidized or free depending on your residence status. Offered via Volkshochschulen (VHS) across Germany.

A 6-month visa that allows qualified non-EU professionals to come to Germany and look for work without a job offer. You cannot work during this period but can attend interviews. Requires a degree and proof of sufficient funds.

The government office that handles Bürgergeld (social welfare) and supports long-term unemployed people with job placement. Different from the Arbeitsagentur — the Jobcenter serves those who have exhausted unemployment insurance or were never in employment. They can also support job seekers with courses and applications.

The base rent without utilities (heating, water, building maintenance). When comparing apartments, always check whether the price listed is Kaltmiete or Warmmiete — the difference can be €150–€300/month.

A refundable deposit paid to your landlord when you move in, capped by law at 3 months' Kaltmiete. Must be kept in a separate account and returned with interest when you move out — minus any legitimate deductions for damages. Always document the apartment's condition on move-in day.

A monthly government payment for parents of children living in Germany, currently €250 per child. Available to anyone legally working and living in Germany, regardless of nationality. Paid out by the Familienkasse (family benefits office) — apply after your child is born or after you arrive in Germany.

A tax of 8–9% of your income tax automatically collected if you are registered as a member of a recognized church (Catholic, Protestant, Jewish). You can opt out by formally leaving your church (Kirchenaustritt) at the Standesamt. Non-members are never charged this.

The specific public health insurance provider you are enrolled with (e.g. TK, AOK, Barmer, DAK). Germany has over 100 public Krankenkassen. As an employee you can choose freely. The contribution rate is similar across all, but benefits and services can vary — TK and Barmer are popular with expats.

Mandatory health insurance in Germany. If employed, your employer deducts it from your salary and contributes half. You can choose between public (gesetzlich) and private (privat) insurance. Public is the default for most employees.

The formal ending of an employment contract, either by the employer or the employee. Must be submitted in writing (a signed letter). You cannot resign by email or text in Germany — it has no legal validity. Always hand-deliver or send by registered post and keep a copy.

The minimum notice period before a job ends. During Probezeit it is 2 weeks. After that, the statutory minimum is 4 weeks, increasing with years of service (up to 7 months after 20 years). Your contract may set longer notice periods — the longer one always applies.

A government-supported scheme where employees work reduced hours during economic hardship, with the state covering part of the lost income. Used widely during COVID-19. Employees receive at least 60% of their net salary. Better than layoffs — Germany uses it to protect jobs in downturns.

The German CV. Typically 1–2 pages, in reverse chronological order, including a professional photo (standard in Germany), personal details, and a clear summary of education and experience. Unlike in some countries, adding a photo is expected and not considered unusual.

Short for männlich/weiblich/divers (male/female/diverse). Required by German law on all job postings to indicate the position is open to all genders. You will see it on every German job listing.

A document from your previous landlord confirming you have no outstanding rent debts. Often required when applying for a new apartment in Germany. Ask your current landlord for this before moving out.

The annual settlement of utility costs (heating, water, waste collection) sent by your landlord, usually in the first half of the year for the previous year. If you used less than estimated, you get money back. If more, you owe extra. Always check it — errors are common.

Your take-home pay after all deductions — income tax, social security, health insurance, and pension contributions. Typically 60–70% of your Brutto. Use a Brutto-Netto calculator online to plan your budget before accepting a job offer.

A permanent residence permit with no time limit, allowing you to live and work in Germany indefinitely. Usually obtainable after 5 years of legal residence, or faster with an EU Blue Card.

Mandatory long-term care insurance deducted from your salary. Covers costs if you need nursing care in the future. Split between employer and employee, currently around 3.4% of gross salary.

A trial period at the start of employment, typically 3–6 months. During this time, either party can terminate the contract with just 2 weeks notice. Most German employment contracts include a Probezeit.

Germany's public pension system. A mandatory contribution of around 18.6% of gross salary, split equally between you and your employer. Contributions made in Germany count toward your pension even if you later leave.

A mandatory fee of €18.36/month per household to fund public broadcasting (ARD, ZDF, Deutschlandradio). Every registered household must pay it, regardless of whether you own a TV. You register online at rundfunkbeitrag.de. Some people share the cost if living in a WG.

Your personal contribution to the Rentenversicherung (pension insurance), deducted monthly from your gross salary. Currently around 9.3% of gross salary (the other half is paid by your employer).

Germany's main credit reporting agency. Your Schufa score reflects your financial reliability based on payment history, loans, and contracts. Landlords and banks regularly request a Schufa report. As a newcomer you won't have one — digital banks like N26 are more accessible.

A work visa for professionals with a recognized vocational qualification or university degree. Introduced in updated form in 2020 to help Germany address its skilled worker shortage. Requires a job offer and qualification recognition.

A card issued when you first enter the German social security system, containing your permanent social security number. Required by your employer when you start a job. Arrives by post after your first registration.

An 11-digit number automatically assigned to everyone registered in Germany. Arrives by post 2–4 weeks after your Anmeldung. Your employer needs it to process your payroll — you cannot get it faster, it just arrives.

Annual income tax return filed with the Finanzamt. Not mandatory for most employed people but strongly recommended — most expats receive a refund of €500–€2,000. Can be filed online via ELSTER.

Germany has 6 tax classes (Klassen I–VI) that determine how much income tax is deducted from your salary. Single people without children are Class I. Married couples often use Classes III/V. Your tax class affects your monthly take-home pay — you can apply to change it at the Finanzamt.

A legally binding agreement between an employer (or employer association) and a trade union setting minimum wages, working hours, and conditions for an entire industry or company. If your employer is Tarifgebunden (bound by a Tarifvertrag), your salary and rights may be higher than the legal minimum.

An apartment with no furniture and often no kitchen (Küche). In Germany, unfurnished often means completely empty — tenants bring their own kitchen. More affordable long-term but requires a bigger upfront investment.

The minimum statutory paid leave in Germany is 20 days per year (for a 5-day week), but most companies offer 25–30 days. Unused vacation does not automatically carry over — check your contract. You are also entitled to full vacation pay during your leave.

A formal document where a German resident or organization commits to covering the costs of a foreign visitor's stay, including accommodation and living expenses. Often required for short-stay visas.

Germany's network of adult education centers, found in every city. Offer affordable German language courses at all levels, as well as professional and hobby courses. Best value for learning German locally.

The total monthly rent including utilities like heating, water, and building maintenance costs. Always ask whether a listed price is Warm or Kalt — Warmmiete gives you the true monthly cost.

A shared flat where each person has their own room and shares common areas (kitchen, bathroom). The most affordable way to live in German cities. You typically rent a room from the main tenant or directly from the landlord. WG rooms are listed on WG-Gesucht.de.

A form your landlord must sign confirming you live at their property. Required for completing your Anmeldung. Without it, you cannot register your address. Ask your landlord for it on move-in day.

An extra page attached to your passport or residence document by German authorities. Contains additional conditions or notes about your stay, such as work restrictions or specific employer bindings. Always read it carefully.

Hours worked beyond your contractual hours. In Germany, overtime must either be compensated financially or given back as time off — it cannot simply be required without compensation. Check your contract for the overtime clause. Unpaid "culture overtime" is not legally enforceable.