1. No category

International Max Planck Research School on Retaliation,
Mediation and Punishment
General Information about Living in Freiburg
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this document may be outdated or inaccurate. The IMPRSREMEP office does not assume any responsibility for the content of this document. Parts
thereof were copied from http://www.howtogermany.com. In case you do come across
some inaccuracies, please, let us know.
Housing
All IMPRS REMEP PhD students coming to Freiburg may contact Ms. Tanja Tippach
(++49 (0) 761 7081 1220 or [email protected]). She will assist you in finding short and
long-term accommodation. For further information about housing see below.
Background Information about the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg
The University of Freiburg i. Br. was founded on September 21st 1457. The lawyer
Matthäus Hummel was appointed as the first rector of the university. The university
initially consisted of four faculties: Philosophy, Theology, Law, and Medicine. Between
the years of 1870 and 1885 the number of students enrolled at the university increased
from 200 to 1000, and in 1904 there were already 2000 students. Today more than 22,000
students are enrolled at the Albert-Ludwig University of Freiburg. With humanities and
the University Library in the city center, the Natural Sciences Campus (Institutsviertel) in
the north, and the University Hospital in the west of the old city, the university is deeply
rooted in the life of the entire city. The recent purchase of a 40 hectare area near the air
field has enabled the university to secure space for continued growth in the future. The
university is divided into 11 faculties, including Theology, Law, Economics and
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
1
Behavioral Sciences, Medicine, Philology, Humanities, Mathematics and Physics,
Chemistry, Pharmacy, and Earth Sciences, Biology, Forest and Environmental Sciences,
and Applied Sciences.
Rights of Foreigners / Obtaining a Residency Permit for Study Purposes
(Visa)
International students need a visa for study purposes to enter Germany. The visa must
have been issued by the German Embassy or the German Consulate in your native
country. Exempt from this regulation are applicants and students from EU member
countries and from countries with which the Federal Republic of Germany has reached a
special agreement. Currently, this is the case for Australia, Honduras, Monaco, San
Marino, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand, Switzerland, Iceland,
Liechtenstein, Norway, and the USA.
By no means should you enter Germany as a tourist! A tourist visa cannot be changed
into a student visa after you have entered the country. Students and applicants from nonEU countries are issued a residency permit. This permit is only valid for a specific
purpose, in your case to apply or study at a recognized institution of higher education or a
similar educational institution or to prepare for studies (e.g. by taking a language course).
In case of preparation for studies or for studies, you can / should be granted residency for
two-three years.
In order not to lose any time, you should inquire as early as possible at an agency of the
German government in your native country as to what documents you need in order to
apply for a visa. An official letter of intention issued by the University stating that you
will enroll into a structured PhD program at Freiburg University will generally make it
easier to obtain a visa.
You will find the addresses of German embassies and consulates at:
http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/laenderinfos/adressen
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
2
If you need more detailed information, please consult the brochure „Informationen zu den
rechtlichen Rahmenbedingungen für Einreise und Aufenthalt von ausländischen
Studierenden und Wissenschaftlern“ (“Information on the Legal Conditions for the Entry
and Residency of International Students and Scientists” – available only in German) from
the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD).
Formalities / Resident Registration Office
After moving into an apartment or student dormitory and within 10 days after arriving in
Freiburg, international students must register at the resident registration office of the
town in which they live (in Freiburg: Resident Registration Office / Basler Straße 2).
When registering, international students must be sure to bring a passport or personal
identity card. International students who live outside of Freiburg must register with the
municipal authorities of the town in which they live. It is also necessary for all
international students who will be residing in Germany for more than three months to
register at the immigration office (in Freiburg: Resident Registration Office / Basler
Straße 2) for a residency permit (the residency permit for study purposes is called an
“Aufenthaltsbewilligung”). They must also provide evidence that they have enough
financial resources to support themselves during their stay in Germany (details in the next
section). Scholarship recipients and students participating in European study programs
should have no problem fulfilling this criterion. It is of course also necessary to have
sufficient health insurance (see Health Insurance).
The German registration regulations require registration for everyone who changes
residence within Germany. You have to inform the registration office whenever you
change your address and, as well, when you leave Germany. At the residents' registration
office you will receive a registration certificate (Meldebescheinigung). The registration
office is situated in Bürgeramt, Basler Str. 2, Freiburg.
When you are registered as a resident you will get within 4 weeks an invoice for the
garbage removal. The amount of this invoice will be about 150,- € per year!
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
3
In addition, even though you are a EU-Citizen, you have to register at the aliens'
registration office (Ausländerbehörde), where you will receive your residence permit.
Registration in Freiburg and Immatriculation at the University of Freiburg
Registration in Freiburg
You need to register with the Resident Registration Office and the Immigration Office of
the City of Freiburg (both Bürgeramt, Basler Str.). EU-citizens only need to go to the
resident registration office. In order to matriculate for studies, you must first register as a
resident and obtain a residency permit. EU citizens, citizens of EEA member countries
(Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) and recipients of scholarships from public scholarship
organizations are exempt from fees for residency permits. EU citizens receive their
confirmation (Regulation on the freedom of movement of EC nationals) when they
register as residents at the Freiburg Resident Registration Office. Citizens of
other countries (including citizens of EEA countries) must apply for a residency permit at
the Immigration Office after registering as residents.
Resident registration office
Address of Bürgerservice
Basler Straße 2 - 1rst floor
79100 Freiburg
Contact Information:
Telephone: 0761 / 2 01-3277
E-Mail: [email protected]
Opening times:
Mo, Tue and Fri 7:30 to 12:00
Thur 7:30 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16:00
Wed 7:30 bis 20:00
Sa 9:30 bis 12:30
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
4
Immigration Office
Basler Straße 2 - 2nd floor
79100 Freiburg
Opening times:
Mo- Fri 8:00 to 12:00
Wed 13:30 to 17:00
Both can be reached by: tram 2, 3 und 5 stop: "Johanneskirche"
Bring the following documents to those offices:
1. Passport
2. Letter from MPI administration (stating financial support, health insurance etc.)
3. filled in “Anmeldung” form (attached form)
4. passport photo (EU citizens and citizens of the EEA member countries Iceland,
Liechtenstein, and Norway must submit 2 passport photos)
NOTE:
If you live outside Freiburg, the municipal authorities (town hall) of the town you live in
are responsible for resident registration. The office hours differ from town to town so call
them for their office hours.
Immatriculation at the University of Freiburg
In order to matriculate as a ”Promotionsstudent” you will have to go to the Faculty of
Law fist. There are no time frames as to your matriculation as PhD student. Please note
that being matriculated as “Promotionsstudent” does not carry the meaning of being
admitted as PhD student. The so-called “Promotionsausschuss” of the Law Faculty that
sits twice during a semester will eventually take this decision.
Faculty of Law
Mrs Hugger
Platz der Alten Synagoge 1/ KG II
79085 Freiburg
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
5
Opening hours 9-12 a.m./ room 2107
Tel.: ++49 (0) 761 203-2145 or [email protected]
The following is required to bring for registering as “Promotionsstudent“:
•
“Betreuungszusage”/ statement of your doctoral supervisor that s/he will
supervise you during your PhD project
•
The letter of acceptance by the IMPRS REMEP
•
Formless application in case you wish to write your PhD thesis in English; you
need to justify why you would like to write your PhD in English;
“Betreuungszusage” of your supervisor should already refer to this language
application supporting it
•
Coordinate this process with the IMPRS REMEP office! Mrs. Hugger should be
provided with the equivalency statement issued by the University of Freiburg by
the IMPRS REMEP coordinator at the same time
•
You may hand in the “Antrag auf Zulassung zur Doktorprüfung” later, i.e. once
you wrote your thesis and after consultation with your supervisor; this application
is necessary in order to launch the actual PhD exam
•
A “polizeiliches Führungszeugnis” (to be applied for at the Resident Registration
Office after registering)
•
You need to bring a CV (curriculum vitae)
•
Copies of your Masters, Bachelor (Hons) and your final school certificate (Abitur,
A-levels etc) that have been approved by the University of Freiburg.
Afterwards you matriculate at the administrative building on Fahnenbergplatz during
office hours.
The following is required to bring for immatriculation at the University of Freiburg
•
The letter of acceptance (“Annahmeerklärung der Fakultät”) issued by the Faculty
of Law (which you will receive from Mrs. Hugger)
•
A completed application form (“Zulassungsantrag” to be found at
http://www.studium.uni-freiburg.de/international/incoming/promotion/)
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
6
•
Passport showing your visa
•
Your resident registration and residence permit (or proof that you have applied for
it)
•
You need proof of your health insurance (either statutory, private or from your
home country (only for EU-citizens))
•
Notarized copies of your Masters, Bachelor (Hons) and your final school
certificate (Abitur, A-levels etc) in their original language and in an officially
translated version (if the documents are not issued in English, French, Italian or
Spanish)
•
Two photos
•
Receipt confirming payment of your student fees (€ 46.00), the initial contribution
for a semester ticket for public transportation (€ 19.00), and administrative fees
totaling € 40.00. You must present a receipt confirming that you have paid €
105.00 when you matriculate. Recipients of scholarships from the DAAD and
several other German foundations are also exempt from payment of the
administrative fees (€40.00) and only need to pay a total of 65,00 € (social
contribution payment) in fees.
Payment of fees: University Cashier’s Office in the administrative building (Room
01008).
Money
In Germany it is still common to pay in cash for food or minor items. In department
stores, clothes shops, restaurants or for larger amounts payment by credit card or
eurocheque card is generally accepted. You need to open a current account with a bank,
Sparkasse or post office as soon as possible to receive the installments of your grant and
to carry out regular payments, such as rent, electricity, etc. The different banks offer more
or less the same service, but as the fees vary considerably, a comparison is worthwhile.
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
7
Meanwhile, there are many banks which offer home-banking or tele-banking, which
allows you to handle your bank transactions by computer or phone. If you expect
frequent remittances from or to your account in your home country, it could be
worthwhile to ask your home bank whether it cooperates with a specific bank in Germany.
This could shorten and cheapen the transfer of money to the bank abroad.
When you open a current account, you have to produce your passport or identification
card. A current account offers you the possibility to:
•
Deposit and withdraw money at any time
•
Arrange a standing order ("Dauerauftrag") for regular payments at a fixed amount
(e.g. rent), effecting that a specified sum is transferred regularly at certain dates
•
Transfer money to another account with a transfer form ("Überweisung")
•
Authorize someone to withdraw money from your account
("Einzugsermächtigung"); this is relevant for regular payments of differing
amounts, such as electricity bills
Generally, you will receive a customer card with which you can withdraw money from
all cash dispensers of your bank. In addition, you may obtain a eurocheque card, a debit
card. Many bigger shops also offer direct payment by this card. Moreover, you can use
this card to withdraw money from all cash dispensers in Germany for a small fee and
from your own bank's cash dispensers without charge. The eurocheque card can be used
to withdraw money from cash dispensers in most European countries for a small fee.
Besides your current account, you may open a savings account. In Germany you hardly
receive any interest on your current account, so that it is worthwhile to open such an
account for your savings
Opening a Bank Account
Without an account at a German bank it is practically impossible to study in Germany
and to receive your stipend. Some banks offer student bank accounts free-of-charge:
•
Deutsche Bank 24 (Rotteckring 3 and Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse 262)
•
Dresdner Bank (Bismarckallee 18 - 20 and Münstergasse 1)
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
8
•
Commerzbank (Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse 251)
•
Sparkasse Freiburg - Nördlicher Breisgau (Kaiser-Joseph-Strasse 168-90)
To open an account you need:
•
Passport or Personal ID Card (EU)
•
Letter of admission by the Research School Office or by the University
•
Confirmation of Residence Registration (Anmeldebestätigung)
Car
Driving licenses from other EU- or EEA -countries are generally accepted in Germany
and they need not to be exchanged to a German one. Licenses from other countries such
as Estonia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Slovakia,
Slovenia and Switzerland are accepted as well, but you have to convert it into a German
driving license after 6 months at latest. This will be done without further examination.
You have to go to the local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle) which can usually
be found in the town hall or district hall (Kreisverwaltung). You should apply for the
German driving license in time (at least 3 months before expiry of the set term of 6
months), because processing may take time. Otherwise you will violate German law by
driving without a valid license. When you apply for the German driving license you have
to present:
•
your passport
•
your foreign national driving license (not the international one), with translation
if necessary
•
confirmation of your registration in Germany (Meldebescheinigung)
•
a passport photograph
•
a declaration (written and signed by you) that the foreign license is still valid
•
in some towns you have to present additionally a police certificate (Polizeiliches
Führungszeugnis, obtainable at the town office) and an eye test (can be taken with
every optician) have to be presented as well
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
9
If you come from another than the above mentioned countries you have to obtain a
German drivers license. This means that you have to pass the German driving test with a
practical and a theoretical part (traffic rules). This can be done in other languages as well.
You can contact a driving school to determine whether your knowledge is sufficient. If
not you will be required to take some driving lessons.
Car Registration
If your stay in Germany is not only temporary - a stay of more than one year will
certainly be considered as such - your car must be registered in Germany. For this you
have to go to the local motor vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle),
where you can also obtain the necessary forms.
You will be asked to present:
•
your passport
•
your drivers license
•
the car registration papers from your own country and your car's old number
plates
•
a cover-note from the car insurance company of your home country
("Deckungskarte der Versicherung")
•
a statement from the Federal Motor Vehicle Office ("Kraftfahrtbundesamt") that
your car has not been registered in Germany before
After that you are required to do the following:
•
go to the Technical Control Board ("TÜV") where your car will be checked for
road worthiness
•
have an exhaust emission test ("Abgassonderuntersuchung - AU") made at the
TÜV or at a garage
The fees for registering your car, including the costs for obtaining the number plates will
amount to app. 50 €. The costs for TÜV and AU total about 75 €. When you register your
car in Germany, you will be charged with a motor vehicle tax; the amount charged
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
10
depends on the type of car. If you intend to take out a German car liability insurance you
should request proof of the period of your accident-free driving from your insurance
agency at home.
Taxes
The question of whether or not you have to pay taxes depends on the kind of contract
your host institute concludes with you. If you have a employment contract you have to
pay regular taxes and social security contributions. A Stipend (fellowship), on the other
hand, is an established term laid down in the German tax law. Stipends are generally taxfree if they fulfill the following requirements: they have to be paid by a public institution
for the support of research or scientific training and the amount must not be higher than
what is necessary to cover the costs of subsistence. This means that stipends are tax-free
up to a certain amount (roughly up to 2000 €). The final decision regarding this rests with
the local tax authority, i.e. the German „Finanzamt" which is responsible for you. The
exemption from taxes also means that you do not have to pay social security
contributions.
Income Tax
The income tax will be paid directly to the state by the host institute. The amount of taxes
depends on income, family status and tax classification.
Church Tax
Together with the income tax the German government collects church tax (Kirchensteuer)
for the major churches in Germany (which is about 9% of the income tax). You have to
indicate your affiliation to a church when you ask for your tax registration card. Church
tax is paid by those affiliated to the Roman-Catholic Church, the Lutheran or Reformed
Protestant Church, the Jewish Parish or some free Protestant churches. You do not have
to pay if you belong, for example, to the Anglican Church or Orthodox Church. In case of
doubt, you can ask the residents' registration office which issues the tax card.
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
11
Social Security
If you have a work contract you have to pay social security contributions in Germany. If
you have a stipend, you are exempt from that. But you have to take out a health insurance.
The European Commission has issued the "Community Regulation on Social Security"
which states the claims and transferability of social benefits within the European Union.
These rules are also relevant for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Community
Rules state two basic rules:
1. Principally, you are insured in the country in which you are working.
2. Principally, you are subject to the laws of one single member state only.
Furthermore, Germany has concluded social security agreements with similar conditions
with the European countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway as well as BosniaHerzegovina, Bulgaria (only pension scheme), Croatia, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Macedonia,
Poland, Slovenia, Switzerland and Turkey. Similar agreements have been concluded with
Israel, Morocco and Tunisia and, for pension alone, with Chile, Japan, Canada and the
USA.
Health Insurance
All students in Germany must have a health insurance. Some of the insurance companies
do not offer Ph.D. students discounts. Ms. Rombach, our human resource person, may
give you further information and advise on that point ([email protected] or ++49 (0)
761 7081-1209).
Statutory or Private Insurance?
If you have an employment contract it depends on your salary whether you can choose
between a statutory or a private insurance. With a stipend you can take either statutory or
private health insurance.
Children and non-working spouses are included in the statutory insurance, whereas you
have to pay extra for them in a private insurance. You should check which solution is the
most reasonable for you. Please note that you may not be allowed to join a statutory
health insurance in Germany again, once you have joined a German private insurance. If
you still earn more than 3375 € per month after the fellowship, you have to remain in a
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
12
private insurance. But a regular private insurance might be more expensive than the
special one for foreigners. You should keep this in mind if you think about staying in
Germany after your fellowship. This rule is of no relevance if you remain insured in your
home country.
As mentioned above, in case you receive a scholarship you have to choose a private
insurance, statutory health insurance or continue to be insured with an agency in your
home country.
Coverage of the Statutory Health Insurance (e.g. Techniker Krankenkasse)
The statutory health insurance covers medical and dental treatment, granting free choice
among the approved medical doctors, as well as drugs, bandages, remedies, glasses,
hearing aid, etc. In addition, you are entitled to all necessary hospital treatments. The
patient has to pay an excess of 4-5 € for prescription drugs, 9 € per day (max. 14 days per
year) for stays in hospital and a certain part of the expenses for dentures, crowns, etc.
You also have to pay the ”Praxis”-fee of 10 € once in 3 months. The statutory health
insurance is a family insurance which covers non-working spouses (up to a salary of 6325
€ per month) and children without additional contributions. In case of sickness, you have
the right to full continuation of wages ("Lohnfortzahlung") for up to 6 weeks. At the end
of the 6 weeks you get sickness benefit, amounting to 70% of the gross salary, from your
health insurance. If you are ill, you have to see a doctor by the third day of your illness at
the latest. He will examine you and will certify your unfitness for work and the expected
length of absence. You have to send one part of the attestation to your health insurance
and the other part to your host institute.
Within the EU and in some other countries (see above) the insurance is also valid during
short stays outside Germany (e.g. vacation). This does not apply to all countries, e.g. not
to Israel, Liechtenstein, USA and Canada.
Coverage of the Private Health Insurance
In contrast to the statutory health insurance, the contributions to and coverage of the
private insurances are not legally bound. The amount of the contributions does not
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
13
depend on the salary, but on age, sex and risk of illness. In addition, the coverage of the
insurance is fixed individually and contributions depend on the choice of services you
wish to incorporate. Normally, the minimum standard corresponds to the coverage of the
statutory health insurance. Often the coverage of private health insurances is even better
and there is no need to make any excess payments. Please note that some of the insurance
companies demand a health certificate from a German doctor. Without this certificate you
will have to wait for some months until all or some parts of the coverage, e.g. artificial
teeth/denture or birth come into effect.
Care Insurance
The long-term care insurance takes effect when you need regular care at home (because
of age or handicap). It is a compulsory insurance which is concluded in combination with
the health insurance. The contribution is about 1.7% of the gross salary. Even if you have
a private German health insurance you are obliged to conclude a long-term care insurance.
You may be exempt from that if you keep your health insurance from your home country.
Accident Insurance
The accident insurance is paid by the employer and covers accidents which occur at work
or on your way from and to work. Any such accident has to be reported to your host
institute immediately. Your children are automatically insured at school or kindergarten
as well as on the way from and to it.
Personal Liability Insurance
This is mandatory in the case of automobiles. You can also get insurance covering other
cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. You are covered
whether the negligence was yours or that of a family member or even your pet. It is
highly recommended if you rent a house or an apartment.
International Office of the University of Freiburg
Fahnenbergplatz, Rektorats building, first floor, room 01 030
Tel.: 203-4375; Fax: 203-8857
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
14
eMail: [email protected]
Opening times (during term):
Mo, Tue and Thur : 09.00-12.00
Wed: 13.30-15.30
Fri: closed
Opening times (off term):
Mo, Tue and Thur : 10.00-12.00
Wed: 13.30-15.30
Fri: closed
On offer:
•
orientation week at the University of Freiburg (usually the week before the term
starts). Information including living in Freiburg, tour of the University, University
Library, email accounts, spare time events, fitness program of the University etc.
You need to sign up online for this event (see homepage of International Office
for details).
•
free assistance in finding accommodation in Freiburg (online-Portal), point your
browser to http://www.io.uni-freiburg.de/ioffice/wohnung/
•
excursions for international students at the net cost price (supported by the
DAAD).
•
theater club on Wednesdays, Erbprinzenstraße 12, first floor, visit one play per
week chosen by criteria to suit international students concerning the
understanding (plays are usually in German). Around €5 per play. If you are
interested send an email to Hans Meyer-Heubach ([email protected]).
Studentenwerk Freiburg
Schreiberstr. 12-16, 79098 Freiburg, Tel.:2101-200, Fax: 2101-303
The Studentenwerke, together with the institutions of higher education themselves, are
responsible under German law for the social welfare of all students. Various sources of
funding enable them to carry this out, including their own fundraising, the contribution of
the federal Länder, and a contribution made by all students at the beginning of each
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
15
semester (Sozialbeitrag). It is, so to speak, the admission ticket to all the services that the
Studentenwerk offers:
Canteens, cafeterias and dormitories, BAföG (financial aid) counseling and job searching,
it is the place to go for problems of all kinds, social counseling, bookstores - the offers
vary from place to place throughout Germany according to the particular environment
and needs of the students. The Infoladen is the new information desk of the
Studentenwerk. It is part of the BISS and can answer most of the questions that you may
have. It has information of all sorts, including job and room-search services, and financial
aid information. In addition, there are international student passes, as well as GermanFrench social passes. In the waiting area, one can surf the Internet. Going out, taking
stage yourself, organising an event, testing oneself and one’s abilities or simply watching
– the MensaBar in the Mensa Rempartstrasse is the place for culture by and for students.
Whether cinema, club, theater, literature, comedy or live music, everything is possible,
and your own ideas are always welcome as well. There are also already a few classics
among the events. The series "Shakes on Rock“ for example, which features live student
bands at no cost; the "Video Slam“ where self-made videos are shown, or the weekly
evenings hosted by the "Internationaler Club." Another highlight is the Campus Talk
Show "Schroeders Blaue Couch,“ in which entertainers, cabarettists, parodists and the
student Florian Schroeder engage guests from the university scene in
discussions.
International Club of the Studentenwerk Freiburg
http://www.studentenwerk.uni-freiburg.de/index.php?id=veranstaltungen-ic&L=4
Who we are: Students from all over the world studying at one of Freiburg’s institutes of
higher learning. What we want: Contact to students from other countries, to get to know
other cultures, to broaden our horizons and find out just what’s going on out there in the
world. What we do: We meet regularly every Thursday at 8.30 p.m. in the MensaBar at
the public Club events, which are open to anyone interested – for example the O-TonKino (foreign films in the original language), Länderabende (evenings themed according
to the culture of a particular nation) the travel series „Unterwegs“, as well as great parties.
We also meet at other places for a number of other events. How to become a member:
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
16
Just sign up. You can get your membership card in the Infoladen of the Studentenwerk or
at the Club events. You can also sign up online and at the Service Points in the cafeterias.
2€ per semester. The reasons to sign up: To get to know nice students from all over the
world, find language learning partners, make friends and get discounts on all the
Studentenwerk’s excursions. There’s even a Club magazine...
Radio and TV
There's plenty of excellent English programming available, but you'll need cable or
satellite reception to get most of it. People in Germany can get their television and radio
three ways: terrestrially, via cable and via satellite. You won't find much, if any,
television in English without cable or satellite reception, though some radio in English
may be available terrestrially, especially at night. Things get a little better if you want to
pay for cable service, better still if you invest in satellite reception, and vastly better if
you acquire decoders and/or a digital receiver. The television stations that can be received
without cable or satellite are ARD, ZDF, the Third Program and, in some areas, RTL,
which broadcast entirely in German. (These are also receivable by cable and satellite,
sometimes with better reception.) There are about 40 channels on the cable (depending on
where you're located). Most of them broadcast in German, but some of them are in
English: CNN etc. Also on cable (as well as satellite) is Premiere. It is digital pay TV and
broadcasts in German, but it has also a package with English channels. By far, the most
popular method these days to receive a large number of channels is to have a satellite dish
installed. It is relatively inexpensive to buy the dish, LNB and receiver. There are a lot of
package deals available in retail outlets. You may want to have a professional installer
mount and align the dish. Make sure you have your landlord's permission to put up a dish.
You will be faced with a large choice of receivers. The cheapest ones are the analog
receivers. Somewhat more expensive are digital receivers. Many broadcast companies
have already switched to the newer digital technology, but are still broadcasting in analog
until the buying public catches up. If you buy the standard digital receiver that receives
the standard "free to air" broadcasts you'll be able to pick up several English language
channels, depending on which satellite your dish is pointed to. That's the good news. The
bad news is that the channels you can pick up are pretty much limited to news, music,
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
17
travel shops, some sports and shopping. If you want to get more English language
channels then you will have to get a receiver and service that will allow you to pick up
"encoded" signals. There are different types of "decoders" and decoding cards that will
enable you to receive a variety of services. Several specialized magazines are available
that describe in detail the offerings on different satellites and information on decoders.
They also carry advertisements from different companies that offer the services. The
broadcast standard in Germany is PAL B/G, which isn't compatible with the NTSC
system used in the U.S. You should buy either a PAL set or a multi-system set. Once you
are registered with the city you will receive a letter from the GEZ
(Gebühreneinzugszentrale). They will ask you to pay a monthly fee of around 16 € for
your Radio and TV. It is absolutely necessary to register any TV or Radio as the GEZ
will charge you a high fee if you do not register your TV or Radio.
Accommodation
Looking for Accommodation
Looking for inexpensive accommodation in Germany is as difficult and time-consuming
as anywhere in Europe, especially in big cities and university towns. If you do not have
the opportunity to look for accommodation before you start your fellowship, you should
consider staying in a boarding house or apartment hotel for the first few weeks. If you
bring your family, it is strongly recommended to find housing in advance. There are
different ways to find accommodation: You can go through the ads for apartments in the
local newspaper where you will find an extensive advertisement section, usually on
Wednesdays and especially on Saturdays. You can also advertise in the paper yourself. In
many cities there are also special advertisement papers containing small ads mostly by
young people seeking to sell or buy objects and offering or looking for accommodation.
These ads primarily offer student rooms or shared flats (see below). Especially in
university towns, singles also have the possibility to move in a furnished student room
(möbliertes Studentenzimmer) or a shared flat (Wohngemeinschaft -WG). In a furnished
student room you generally share the bathroom with other tenants, often there is a kitchen,
too. In shared flats several persons live together in one flat, which means that each one
has his or her own room and that both bathroom and kitchen are used jointly. Shared flats
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
18
are mostly inhabited by young people and students, and they provide a good opportunity
to get into contact with Germans and to make friends. The "WGs" normally choose their
flatmates themselves whereas the tenants for student rooms are usually selected by the
landlord. You can find those student rooms or "WGs" through small ads, but also through
notice boards (Schwarze Bretter) at the universities, usually to be found in canteens, at
heavily frequented locations and in the institutes. They are accessible to all students and
employees and you can look for or post notes. In addition, the International Office and
the students' representation (ASTA – Allgemeiner Studentenausschuß) also offer an
accommodation service.
To employ a real estate agent is the most expensive way to find a flat because you have to
pay up to two months' rent as agent's fees, hardly a worthwhile investment for a short stay.
You should, in any case, only choose agents affiliated to a professional association (e.g.
Ring Deutscher Makler - RDM).
Some universities and research centres keep guest houses or flats which they offer to
foreign research fellows. The administration of the research institute or the International
Office of the university will be able to supply this information. It may also be possible to
move into the flat or house of a German researcher who is going abroad himself. Most
university towns have one or more Mitwohnzentralen which offer information on flats or
rooms available for subtenancy. For the address of the local Mitwohnzentrale ask the
International office or your host institute or have a look in the phonebook.
Housing Expenses
Generally, housing costs are quite high in Germany, especially in big cities like Munich
or Frankfurt where you have to pay up to 15 € per square metre. In small towns or
suburbs, however, the price per squaremetre merely amounts to about 5-8 €. The
information about the level of rent charged mostly refers to the basic rent (Kaltmiete)
which means that you have to pay extra for electricity, water, heating and waste disposal.
In contrast, these additional costs (Nebenkosten) are normally included in the rent for
furnished flats (Warmmiete). When you read descriptions of apartments, pay attention to
the addition Warmmiete/warm (including additional costs) or Kaltmiete/kalt (excluding
additional costs) respectively. In Germany you can rent furnished, partly furnished or
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
19
empty flats. Empty flats have neither carpets nor curtains, lamps or kitchen equipment.
Partly furnished or furnished rooms have at least some furniture and kitchen equipment.
Flats are rarely offered with furniture, whereas single rooms are sometimes furnished.
Accommodation Small Ads
Accommodation small ads are often difficult to understand, because they are full of
abbreviations. Here are the most important ones:
2ZKB: (5 Zimmer Küche, Diele, Bad) 2 rooms, kitchen, corridor, bathroom
EBK (Einbauküche): kitchen is in the flat already
DG (Dachgeschoss): appartment is in the roof of the building
UG (Untergeschoss): appartement is in the cellar
OG (Obergeschoss): appartement is on the first floor (USA: 2nd floor)
EG (Erdgeschoss): appartement is on the ground floor (USA: 1rst floor)
ZH: (Zentralheizung) central heating
800,- + NK: (800 € Kaltmiete plus Nebenkosten) 800 € basic rent plus additional
costs
KM: (Kaltmiete) basic rent
NK: (Nebenkosten) additional costs (incl. heating, water etc.)
WM: (Warmmiete) basic rent including additional costs (KM+NK)
Wfl.: (Wohnfläche) size of flat in square metres
G-WC: (Gästetoilette) separate toilet
TG: (Tiefgarage) underground car park
BaWa (Badezimmer, Waschmaschine): bathroom and washing machine
Attention: The letters IMM or RDM signify "Immobilienmakler" (real estate agent) and
"Ring Deutscher Makler" (Association of German real estate agents). This means
that you must pay a fee of up to two months' rent on conclusion of the lease.
Recycling
Recycling is Germany's contribution to the global battle for the environment, and the
country has been very successful in its fight against growing garbage heaps. But the
whole subject of recycling can be a daunting issue for any newcomer to the country. The
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
20
good news is that there are some easy guidelines to follow. Soon you will be able to
handle the line of garbage bins at your front door like a recycling pro. Germany produces
30 million tons of garbage annually. The Green Dot system has been one of the most
successful recycling initiatives, which has literally put packaging on a diet. The crux is
that manufacturers and retailers have to pay for a "Green Dot" on products: the more
packaging there is, the higher the fee. This clever system has led to less paper, thinner
glass and less metal being used, thus creating less garbage to be recycled. The net result:
a drastic decline of about one million tons less garbage than normal every year. A major
part of the success of this program is the proper sorting of garbage, however. And this is
where the lesson starts. Let's start with the easy stuff: glass. Any kind of bottle or glass
jar that is nonreturnable and on which you did not pay a deposit or "Pfand", belongs in
the designated glass bins. This includes wine bottles, jam/preserve jars, oil bottles, juice
bottles and even bath-salt bottles. Ceramics, china, mirrors and wine corks do not belong
in the glass bins. Glass is sorted by color. There are different slots for depositing green,
brown and clear glass. You will find these bins dotted over every neighborhood. The only
thing to take note of here is the times when you should not recycle. Remember Quiet
Time? That is not the time to recycle your bottles or you will have a couple of very irate
neighbors on your hands. The other bins you will encounter are usually at your doorstep,
and are color coded; green, yellow, brown and gray. Sometimes the whole bin is the color
in question, sometimes just the lid. The color of the lid is key. Paper is also entry-level
recycling: all packaging made of paper and cardboard, newspapers, magazines, waste
paper, paper bags, etc, etc. (you've got the idea?) belong in the green bins. Tissues,
however, do not belong here. Read on to find their place in the scheme of things. If you
don't have a green bin at your home, you will certainly find one somewhere in your
neighborhood. You are supposed to flatten boxes before putting them in the bin, and
make sure you throw only the box and not the plastic wrappers inside the box, in the bin.
It is now time to move on to the more advanced level: the yellow Bins and the Green Dot.
Cans, plastic, polystyrene, aluminum, tinplate and "composite" materials like beverage
cartons made of a mixture of materials belong in the yellow bin. Empty spray cans are
also allowed here. You are not supposed to put stuff inside each other, like the yogurt cup
inside the baked beans tin. And lastly, spare a thought for the end process: this stuff gets
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
21
sorted by hand. A kind request has been made to rinse the cans and cups before throwing
them in the bin. No need to scrub, just a light rinse. Now you are left with the "other
stuff" and biological waste, which by the way, makes up almost 50% of the total garbage
produced in Germany. Bio stuff is anything destined for the compost heap in a good
gardener's back yard. This includes kitchen scraps, peels, leftover food, coffee filters, tea
bags and garden waste. If you live in a house, you probably will have a separate brown
bin for this. The end result of bio recycling is either energy through the natural
fermenting gasses, which is captured and utilized, or garden compost. So this is good
stuff to recycle, albeit a bit smelly at times. The brown bins do, however, get emptied
very regularly during the summer months. Nevertheless, keep the bin far from your
kitchen window! If you are not fortunate enough to have a separate brown bin and don't
feel like making your own compost heap, you are allowed to throw the bio stuff in your
household waste bin, the gray one. This bin is also the destiny of, finally, "almost the
rest". This includes ash, cigarette butts, old household objects like hairbrushes and frying
pans, textiles and nylon stockings, nappies/diapers, tissues, other personal hygiene items,
extremely dirty paper, etc. Everything in the gray bins will be incinerated. In this very
advanced section of recycle know-how, we are really left with "the rest", i.e. the stuff that
did not feature anywhere else. That is the hazardous waste, which includes fluorescent
tubes, batteries and acids, cans of paint still containing paint, thinners, adhesives,
corrosives, disinfectants, insecticides, and so forth, has to be treated as hazardous waste.
You will receive a notice from your local town council on when and where the truck
collecting this kind of waste, will be. You need to bring your stuff to the site for them to
dispose of it in the proper manner. If this waste ends up in the gray bin, it will be burnt
with the rest of the "gray" waste, which could result in extremely poisonous gasses.
Batteries are disposed of separately. Look out for a small bin (it looks like a small
garbage bin) at your local shopping area. You can deposit your used batteries here for
proper disposal. If you are still left with something you would like to throw away (heaven
forbid!) and do not think that it belongs on the "Trödelmarkt"/fleamarket, you have the
opportunity at certain announced times to place your stuff outside when Sonstige Müll
(miscellaneous items) will be gathered. This could include a sofa, broken hi-fi, chairs,
building materials, etc. The funny thing is that not much of this stuff ends up on the
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
22
garbage dump since many second hand dealers or "collectors" drive round the
neighborhood to inspect the thrown out stuff. The majority of it gets loaded into private
vans long before the municipal vans come around! No arguing that all this sorting can
sound a bit much. One option is to prevent as much garbage as you can. Buy yourself a
basket and buy fresh fruit and vegetables at the outdoor market. They use paper bags,
which you can just as well re-use every time you go to the market. Or buy loose products
in the supermarket. Bring your own egg carton with you every time you buy eggs. Avoid
products with obvious superfluous packaging. Use returnable product options and use
refill packs. Buy yourself a cotton shopping bag and bring that along every time you go
shopping instead of using the plastic carry bags provided by the store. Pack food in
reusable containers. Try to buy as many products as you can with the Green Dot on it,
since this means that the manufacturer is assisting in financing the recycling of the
packaging. You will find yourself tuned into the recycling frame of mind in no time. Now
that you know where to put what, you need to know when to roll the bins out onto your
street for collection. Your area will have a designated day on which garbage is collected.
The only thing you need to find out is which garbage bin to put out. You can get a
calendar with garbage collection detail from your local registration office or from the
community newsletter. Alternatively, just wait until your neighbors roll out their bins and
check out the color(s) of the week! Despite the extra effort and diligence required by First
World Recycling, it does provide a sense of pride to know that you actually managed to
figure out the German recycling system - something for your résumé, no doubt!
Latest Update 2/2009
IMPRS REMEP Information for Newcomers
23