Welcome!
Welcome to the best on-line information resource for expatriates in Germany: the website of How To Germany magazine. How To Germany tells you everything you need to know about living and working in Germany as a foreigner. The magazine's feature archives are available on this website, and we update them frequently to keep you current on developments important to a happy and successful stay in Germany.
Search Our Resource Listings
Check out the Resources Listings. There are dozens of categorized listings that include companies, churches, schools and other organizations throughout Germany. It's fast and easy.
Residing and Working In Germany
You're not truly living in Germany until the paperwork's done. Here's a quick primer on exactly what you'll need.
All persons remaining in Germany for longer than three months must
have a residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis), of which there are now two types. You can apply for one of them at the local Ausländerbehörde.
German Taxes
Know your status, both here and in your homeland.
Expatriates living in Germany can be subject to German taxes, especially if they have German source income. The German tax system is similar to the structures in other western countries. You pay income taxes throughout the year, usually with an employer deducting tax from each paycheck. Adjustments are then made at the end of the year for possible under or overpayments.
Bumps and Jolts on the Cultural Road
Large areas of similarity between Germans and Americans make it easy to underestimate the dangers of misunderstanding.
One of the unpleasant things about traveling are bad places in the road that cause bumps and jolts, upsetting you and knocking over your coffee. These are particularly bad when you're not expecting them. It's the same way when you're in what I call "the Transatlantic Zone" - that's any place and any time Americans and Germans are doing business together. In the Transatlantic Zone there can also be bumps and jolts when you're not expecting them. Let me give you an example.
International Schools
There are compelling reasons why you might choose to send your children to one of Germany's many fine international schools
Many English-speaking expatriates are educating their children at Germany's international schools, and an education at such a school has numerous advantages.
There is, of course, instruction in the native language. And, since the student body is usually quite international, they expose the young people to a variety of cultures. They also do a better job than most German schools of introducing the students to computers, and the program of sports and extracurricular activities is more like what they are accustomed to at home.
German School System
German public education makes it possible for qualified kids to study up to university level, regardless of their families' financial status.
The German education system is different in many ways from the ones in Anglo-Saxon countries, but it produces high- performing students. Although education is a function of the federal states, and there are differences from state to state, some generalizations are possible.
Insurance: It's the Law
In Germany, insurance isn't just a good thing to have -- it's mandatory. Here's a quick primer on what you'll need.
If you are planning to spend more than six months in Germany, or have moved here in a job-related capacity, there are some things you need to know about insurance, which is in some cases mandatory.
Driving in Germany
It's true: there are no speed limits on the German autobahns. But there are plenty of other regulations you should be aware of.
Driving in Germany can be a delight: the scenery is beautiful and the roads are well maintained. But there are many rules and regulations to observe.
Hostels in Germany - and Other Budget Accommodations
Hostels Provide A Youthful Take on Good, Clean, Affordable Accommodations. But they aren't the only budget accommodations available for travellers.
If you want a holiday in Germany, but can't quite stretch to a luxury hotel, there are plenty of clean, comfortable, affordable accommodations available all over the country. And, we are not just talking about places for young travellers only!.
Montmartre am Main
For all its importance on the art scene, Germany has, until now, lacked a "Montmartre" or a "Hyde Park". It has had no place where artists and artists-to-be could gather outdoors, with their easels, paint and umbrellas, to exhibit and hopefully sell their masterpieces, let you watch their works come into being, or even do your portrait for a fee.
Bad Nauheim Celebrates Elvis
When the "King of Rock 'n' Roll" began his military service in Germany on October 1st, Bad Nauheim, famed for its Art Nouveau architectural treasures, became his new European home.
Elvis left fascinating traces in the town which are still followed avidly by his fans to this day. Every year since 2002, Bad Nauheim has hosted a "European Elvis festival" to mark the anniversary of "the King's" death on August 16th.
