English Internship In Germany
Everything about Getting a German Driving Licence
It is quite important to have a German driving licence if you are in Germany for a long period of time.
If you want to live in a sparsely populated area that is most likely in a remote city or village, getting proper public transportation services may be hard.
In such a case, getting a driving licence and buying a vehicle will be necessary.
In this post, we will highlight everything you need to know about getting a German driving licence.
Is your foreign licence valid in Germany?
Citizens of EU countries can use driving licences from their respective country. Visitors from non-EU countries can use their original document if it is translated by recognized automobile authority.
This privilege is valid for the first six months, after which drivers are required to transfer their documents in a process known as “Umschreibung”.
How and where to register for a driving licence
After six months of using your foreign non-EU driving licence, you need to apply for the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or German Driving Licence. Log on to MeldeBox to find a registration office near you.
The office will determine whether you can receive a licence transfer or recommend a test for you. You might want to familiarize yourself with the traffic signs and rules before your test.
Documents needed for a successful licence transfer
- Your passport or ID card
- A borderless 35 x 45 mm photo
- A valid foreign driver’s licence
- Proof that you completed a first-aid course
- Proof that you are a resident of Germany.
- 40 euros cash to pay for the licence fee if tests aren’t required.
You might have to wait for up to six weeks before your licence is ready.
How you can get hold of a German driving licence
If you want to get your first driving licence, here is what you need to do:
- Register at a “Fahrschule” or driving school. There is a higher chance of finding an instructor who is familiar with your language in big cities.
- Take the “Erste Hilfe” or first aid course.
- Visit an ophthalmologist or optician for the “Sehtest”
To be able to drive category C vehicles (lorries) or D (buses), additional documents need to be provided. Find more about licence categories on BMVI.
What is the cost?
The cost is largely dependent on the number of sessions that your instructor feels are ready to prepare you as a driver. As such, it may go beyond 1000 euros.
Do you have more questions about this topic? You can ask us privately or ask the public in our Quick Question community.
Best Places to Visit in Germany in 2021
There are numerous reasons why you should visit Germany and one of them is its wonderful places.
You will love the marvelous cuisine, fabulous cities, medieval villages, castles, exciting festivals, the exquisite beaches, gorgeous mountain sceneries, wine and historic destinations.
There is something for everyone!
If Germany wasn’t on the list of places you would love to visit, this post might help change your mind about the country.
Here are the some best places to visit in Germany in 2021:
- Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
This is a magnificent region in the northern reaches of Berlin.
It is also known as Meckpom, and can be accessed cheaply and quickly by bicycle, car or train.
Consider cycling from Berlin to the town so as to experience the lush feeling of the greenery along the road.
The town consists of elegant infrastructure, with a few camp grounds and resorts spread out along the route.
The sparsely populated state is a perfect way of getting away from the busy city life and breathing fresh air as you let your mind take you to new places.
2. Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany has its fair share of special castles. This particular castle gives an unhindered view of the Bavarian Alps.
A guided tour can help you explore the interior of the castle, and horse-drawn carriages can be provided for that extra appeal.
In Füssen, you will love the Altstadt’s pedestrian-oriented streets that are bordered by lustrously colored structures. The frescoes and cobblestone in the environment make the old town come alive. Take your time to enjoy the 700-year-old traditions in cafes and restaurants within the area.
3. Bodensee
Bodensee is a popular and excellent summer retreat that offers numerous events and activities to visitors from all over the world.
You can take a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the land and water. Most rides offer meals and drinks onboard.
If you like water sports, then you will love what the Bodensee has in store for you! You can go for a canoe ride close to the shore, or if you are adventurous, venture out to the open waters for a quick windsurfing run.
We recommend that you stay in the Landhotel Bodensee or Bodensee Yatchthotel Schmattmaier as you enjoy the summer.
4. Rothenburg
Rothenburg is located on the Romantic Road, a legendary location in Germany. The medieval city is the perfect example of a fairytale town. This should definitely feature on your bucket list.
It has appeared in several films.
Take some time to explore the ancient walls that feature magnificent architectural developments from the past. Once you are done, get to the top of the Town Hall Tower to reward yourself with an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city and marvelous countryside.
5. St. Goar
St. Goar is a lovely summer destination. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River.
The adorable setup and friendly residents will melt your heart. You can walk to the train station, visit the Rhine Gorge, Rheinfels Castle or enjoy the romantic sceneries in the area.
While you can’t visit the Castle Katz, you can enjoy the beautiful view from afar. Take time to explore the Rhine on a boat. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the splendid fireworks display.
6. Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf can be undoubtedly considered as one of the best places to visit in Germany with its endless list of exciting activities. The city is brought alive by different cuisine and outdoor events.
It offers various Japanese traditions that blend in with the native customs. After getting a taste of Düsseldorf, you will want to visit Japan to experience the original inspiration of the exquisite dining.
While Düsseldorf offers all year round enjoyment, visiting over the summer will provide you with the best opportunities of touring the Rhine River, the gorgeous paths in Altstadt, and the longest bar in the world.
If you don’t mind, get yourself any of the local beers and enjoy delicious dishes as you watch people go about their daily routines.
Also, indulge in the Carlsplatz Market’s exciting goodies and stay tuned for the Medieval festival.
Here you can find more about visiting Düsseldorf.
7. Munich
Munich was nearly flattened out during the war. Fortunately, it still has abundant locations that will make your vacation memorable.
Starting with the Marienplatz, right at the heart of the city, you can explore other ancient building, churches and gorgeous landmarks all over the city.
Visit the Old and New Town Hall, the Marina Column, and the Mariensaule. At the century-old Glockenspiel, you can listen to the chimes of the Dgures at noon.
If you love a good brew, Munich has plenty of it for you to try out. Also, consider visiting in October to experience the legendary Oktoberfest.
Visit Tripadvisor to have a better idea of the best things you can do in Munich this year.
8. Lindau
Lindau is a small but charming town. It has been standing since the 9th century and resembles a fantasy Bavarian lake countryside.
You will surely lose yourself once you get to the adorable passageways and streets. You can let your mind wander as you explore the harbor’s fantastic views.
Lindau is at times referred to as the “Garden of Eden”, given that it is located on the beautiful shores of the turquoise Lake Constance.
Visitors are treated to magnificent views of the lakefront cafes and medieval structures all around the area. If you love boat rides, head out to the water to get an amazing glimpse of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria.
9. Lübeck
Lübeck offers a reprieve to the hot sun experienced in most regions of central Europe.
It can be accessed easily from Hamburg and luckily, you won’t have to deal with crowding. Visit the town to get away from your normal schedule for a few days.
Start by visiting the Holstentor, an iconic landmark built in the early 15th century. There are other historic points that you can visit from here.
Notable historic centers include the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the city hall, St. Peter’s church, St. Mary’s Church, and the European Hansemuseum.
Enjoy the fine marzipan that Lubeck offers. Get your treat from Café Niederegger and enjoy your vacation!
10. Weimar
Last but not the least in this list of best places to visit in Germany, we have Weimar. Weimar is a picture-perfect location in East Germany. It should be a must visit location for history lovers.
It is the origin of legendary artists such as Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche.
Some tourists visit the Buchenwald concentration camp to get a feel of the deep terror of the Nazi Regime.
Enjoy your vacation!
Are you new in Germany and need help with some paperworks? Book a local now to help you.
Move Into a New Apartment in Germany
You have to move into a new apartment in Germany and you are wondering what are the things you should do before you can think of your new place as your home? We have selected the main things to do and made a list for you.
Can I sublet my apartment in Germany?
The German Civil Code allows subletting provided that the landlord consents to the arrangement. If the rental income doesn’t go beyond the costs incurred, your landlord is likely to consent to subletting the apartment. Read on to understand the aspects associated with subletting your apartment in Germany.
Subletting guidelines in Germany
A sublease or sublet contract governs how a tenant can lease out a room or their apartment to other individuals without losing their status as tenants.
Sublet contracts don’t allow tourists or visiting family members. Your subtenants should be individuals staying at your apartment as they study or work.
As long as your landlord consents to a sublet agreement, whoever you rent out the apartment to can stay as long as you are willing to let them.
Subletting the whole apartment
The landlord has capacity to decline this arrangement.
Subletting single rooms
If a tenant’s wish to sublet is legitimate, the landlord may give consent. Legitimate reasons include, job loss, and end of marriage or partnership.
As a tenant, you are not allowed to sublease your apartment on the basis of rent being out of your budget.
Subletting while abroad
If the tenant has to temporarily relocate to another country for work purposes, the landlord may allow them to sublet their apartment if they are not willing to give it away. However, the landlord is not obliged to give in to the arrangement.
How to ask your landlord for a sublease agreement
The law in Germany requires tenants to disclose the following information to landlords before inviting subtenants to their apartments.
- Your legitimate reasons for subletting
- The duration you will be subletting
- The identity of the subtenant
It is recommended that you draft a legal document to act as proof if a legal dispute arises between the two of you.
Your landlord can cancel your lease if you don’t disclose that you have a subtenant in your apartment. Additionally, the German law allows them to ask for additional funds to cover the increased cost of utilities as another individual stays at your apartment. If the tenant refuses to pay more, the sublease contract cannot proceed.
A landlord can decline if
- The subtenant has a negative record with the landlord
- Subletting the apartment would lead to overcrowding
- After consenting to the arrangement, the original tenant decides to list the home as a profitable venture on platforms such as AirBnB.
Termination of the sublet contract
If your sub decides to leave the apartment, the only way to cancel the contract is to do so through writing. German rental law prohibits the main tenant from kicking out subtenants as they wish.
The written notice, which depends on the rooms that were sublet, should be put out in advance. If the main tenant subleased an empty room, the subtenant ought to disclose their resolve to move out, three months prior.
If the main tenant wishes to terminate the sublease contract, they ought to provide a six month notice to the subtenant. However, if the subtenant refuses to pay rent, they can be evicted immediately.
A two-week notice is given to a subtenant if they occupied a furnished room. The main tenant is not obligated to disclose why they are terminating the contract.
Need to ask your landlord for the consent, but he/ she doesn’t speak English? Book a helper now.
How does the apartment deposit work in Germany?
For international students and expats living in Germany, the biggest headache is often finding a place to live. On top of all the security deposits, rent rates, and other fees that come with renting an apartment in Berlin or Frankfurt, it can be difficult for newcomers to navigate their way through German bureaucracy and understand how it works. One question that comes up frequently is what exactly are they paying when they hand over a deposit? In this blog post we’ll go over the basics of how it works so you know what you’re getting into before signing on the dotted line!
Are German universities really free?
For many students, studying in Germany is a lifetime opportunity. The country offers a unique blend of high quality experiences and great education. The colleges rival other international institutions in other parts of the world. Did you know that you can study at one of the prestigious German universities almost for free?
Well, it is true!
Free college education in Germany
To some extent, studying in a German university will cost you way less than studying in other countries as a foreign student.
The German government abolished international fees that were charged by most public colleges.
If you want to enroll in most colleges, you are only required to pay little fees to cover costs such as transportation and administration. This contribution is referred to as semester contribution. The semester contribution depends on your university of choice.
The situation is quite different for private universities. Here you are expected to pay tuition fees. The amount to be paid is determined by your preferred course and other factors that may be deemed relevant.
Are German universities free?
To answer this question, we must define ‘free’. As an international student, don’t expect to enroll without paying a small fee.
Free, in this case, means subsidized. Instead of paying for everything, the government sponsors your tuition, but you still have to pay for public transportation and administrative costs.
Who qualifies to study for free at a German university?
Anyone!
Whether you are from Europe or outside Europe, you qualify for free university education at a public institution.
The only limitation of being a citizen of a country outside Europe is that you need to apply for a residence permit. Additionally, you need to complete the course you choose within the country.
Universities where you can study for free
Generally, most public universities offer free programs. There are plenty of options to choose from. Here is a list of prominent universities offering free tuition in Germany.
- Ludwig Maximilians University Munich
- University of Münster
- University of Cologne
- RWTH Aachen University
- University of Duisburg-Essen
- Goethe University of Frankfurt
- Technical University of Munich
- Ruhr University of Bochum
- Universitat Hamburg
- University of Würzburg
- FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
What to expect from free university education in Germany
Most free things in this world don’t bring as much value as other paid options. This is not the case for colleges in Germany. The country hosts as many as 300 universities, all of which offer high quality education and experiences that exceed international standards.
Expect to receive the best when you enroll at a public institution in the country. Even though your university may not feature on the list of top 100 institutions, it doesn’t mean that the teaching offered there will be of low quality.
All educational providers in Germany are fully accredited by strict standards to make them appealing to students from all walks of life.
The decision to abolish tuition fees was simply a move meant to lower the cost of acquiring knowledge to empower people to pursue their dreams and help build the country’s economy.
I forgot my ticket on U-Bahn, what can I do with the fine?
What should I do if I forgot my ticket at home and got fined on U-Bahn? How can I reduce the fine?
Can I now travel to my home country? Any restrictions?
Living abroad is fun and exciting, but we all get homesick every now and then. The current pandemic makes traveling abroad very hard, as you will need to consider many more aspects and restriction before departure than any of us are used to. You should not have to guess if your home country is open for travel and rather you will be able to get back to Germany. That is why the following checklist will provide you with helpful insights about the current restrictions of travelling abroad and where to find them.
What to do before visiting your home country:
- Determine the importance of your trip: Generally, the government recommends avoiding any unnecessary travelling.
- Check if there are flights available (Some destinations currently offer very few flights, before spending time on research, find out if a flight in the desired timeframe would be available.)
- Check the regulations and measurements from the country you want to travel to. See what requirements the countries have regarding entry, testing, and quarantine (Important: Make sure if you have to quarantine, you plan enough time in your final destination. If the quarantine has to take place in a hotel, make sure to carefully plan the costs, to avoid bad surprises later on.) This information you will find on the countries website of foreign affairs or similar.
- Check if the country you are travelling to is on the RKI list of high risk areas: Information on the designation of international risk areas (PDF, 332 KB, Datei ist nicht barrierefrei)
- Check what regulations you will have to follow when traveling back to Germany (This will depend on the risk classification in 3. of your destination: Corona Travel Restrictions Germany
- Check your health insurance / Travel health insurance, especially during the pandemic it is very important to have a health insurance that has your back while you are travelling. Make sure the insurance is up to date and covers corona related treatments.
Anything to add about the restrictions of travelling abroad? Feel free to leave us a comment!
If you need to call Gesundheitsamt to ask about some specific details about travelling to your destination, we can assist you with the phone call in German. Book a helper here.
Got caught with illegal downloading in Germany?
What to do when you have received a copyright infringement notice that you have illegally downloaded materials from the internet?