10 things to know when you come to Germany | All media content | DW | 23.09.2015

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Germany Guide for Refugees

10 things to know when you come to Germany

When you first come to Germany as a refugee, there are a number of things that you need to remember. Not everything is as clear as it may seem: There are laws and social norms that need to be adhered to.

  • Symbolbild Toleranz
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    Respect differences

    German society is built on respectfulness and tolerance. Everyone is allowed to pursue their own religious, sexual and other preferences, provided they don't infringe anyone else's rights in the process. Homosexuals are respected just as people of different faiths - or indeed of no religious faith at all.

  • Symbolbild Frauen in Führungsposition
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    Respect women's rights

    In Germany, women have the same rights as men. Often they are just as successful as men in their careers. They can dress however they please - be that reserved or a little more racy. Nobody will take offense at this. Violence against women is forbidden. This applies just the same in marriage.

  • Schwarzarbeit Ein-Euro-Job (Foto: DPA)

    No work without a work permit

    In contrast to some countries in the Middle East and Africa, working without a work permit in Germany is against the law. If someone is caught working in this situation they can be fined or even imprisoned.

  • Symbolbild Kirchensteuer (Foto: Fotolia)

    Taxes have to be paid

    The tax system in Germany is pretty complicated. But still, avoiding paying tax here is illegal. According to the law, it is considered a "theft against the community." Paying taxes is an obligation, just like voting is a right. Foreigners that work in Germany have to pay taxes.

  • Gelsenkirchen Integrationsprojekt - Mobile Kitas (Foto: DPA)

    No violence towards children

    Hitting children in Germany is a criminal offense. Corporal punishment is not accepted as a way of raising kids, neither at home nor at school. In fact, German law states: "Children have a right to a violence-free upbringing. Physical and psychological punishment and other degrading treatment is forbidden."

  • Symbolbild Crossing Cultures Globalisierung

    Look after the environment

    Protecting the environment is important to most Germans. A lot of money has been invested in cleaning up rivers and improving air quality. Recycling's important, too: garbage is carefully separated before being thrown out. Paper, plastics, food refuse and other unrecyclable garbage should all go in different, color-coded bins. Keep chucking plastic in the bin for paper, and someone may complain.

  • Klassenzimmer Willkommensklasse (Foto: DPA)

    Kids have to go to school

    School-age children can't just stay at home, or go to work. When a child reaches six years of age, he or she needs to be registered at a school and start heading to classes. Schooling generally takes at least 10 years from then on in Germany. An exemption from going to school on religious grounds is not allowed.

  • Deutschland Symbolbild Nachtruhe Plakat

    Not too loud!

    Even if you are catching up with friends that you haven't seen for a long time, being too loud in your apartment annoys your neighbors. This is especially an issue at night time in Germany. Generally, you have to keep pretty quiet from 10pm in the evening to 6am the next morning.

  • Einkaufen im Supermarkt (Foto: Fotolia)

    Supermarket prices are set

    Negotiating a lower price is something that some people enjoy and is part of daily life in many countries. But this isn't the way things are done in Germany, neither in supermarkets, nor in most shops. You can always look online for bargains!

  • Symbolbild Kind mit Süßigkeiten (Foto: Fotolia)
    More

    Keep your distance

    In many cultures, hugging, kissing or giving gifts to local kids in the neighborhood is normal. In Germany, it all depends on what the parents of the kids have allowed. Children shouldn't be approached in this manner, no matter how friendly they are to strangers.


  • Symbolbild Toleranz
    More

    Respect differences

    German society is built on respectfulness and tolerance. Everyone is allowed to pursue their own religious, sexual and other preferences, provided they don't infringe anyone else's rights in the process. Homosexuals are respected just as people of different faiths - or indeed of no religious faith at all.

  • Symbolbild Frauen in Führungsposition
    More

    Respect women's rights

    In Germany, women have the same rights as men. Often they are just as successful as men in their careers. They can dress however they please - be that reserved or a little more racy. Nobody will take offense at this. Violence against women is forbidden. This applies just the same in marriage.

  • Schwarzarbeit Ein-Euro-Job (Foto: DPA)

    No work without a work permit

    In contrast to some countries in the Middle East and Africa, working without a work permit in Germany is against the law. If someone is caught working in this situation they can be fined or even imprisoned.

  • Symbolbild Kirchensteuer (Foto: Fotolia)

    Taxes have to be paid

    The tax system in Germany is pretty complicated. But still, avoiding paying tax here is illegal. According to the law, it is considered a "theft against the community." Paying taxes is an obligation, just like voting is a right. Foreigners that work in Germany have to pay taxes.

  • Gelsenkirchen Integrationsprojekt - Mobile Kitas (Foto: DPA)

    No violence towards children

    Hitting children in Germany is a criminal offense. Corporal punishment is not accepted as a way of raising kids, neither at home nor at school. In fact, German law states: "Children have a right to a violence-free upbringing. Physical and psychological punishment and other degrading treatment is forbidden."

  • Symbolbild Crossing Cultures Globalisierung

    Look after the environment

    Protecting the environment is important to most Germans. A lot of money has been invested in cleaning up rivers and improving air quality. Recycling's important, too: garbage is carefully separated before being thrown out. Paper, plastics, food refuse and other unrecyclable garbage should all go in different, color-coded bins. Keep chucking plastic in the bin for paper, and someone may complain.

  • Klassenzimmer Willkommensklasse (Foto: DPA)

    Kids have to go to school

    School-age children can't just stay at home, or go to work. When a child reaches six years of age, he or she needs to be registered at a school and start heading to classes. Schooling generally takes at least 10 years from then on in Germany. An exemption from going to school on religious grounds is not allowed.

  • Deutschland Symbolbild Nachtruhe Plakat

    Not too loud!

    Even if you are catching up with friends that you haven't seen for a long time, being too loud in your apartment annoys your neighbors. This is especially an issue at night time in Germany. Generally, you have to keep pretty quiet from 10pm in the evening to 6am the next morning.

  • Einkaufen im Supermarkt (Foto: Fotolia)

    Supermarket prices are set

    Negotiating a lower price is something that some people enjoy and is part of daily life in many countries. But this isn't the way things are done in Germany, neither in supermarkets, nor in most shops. You can always look online for bargains!

  • Symbolbild Kind mit Süßigkeiten (Foto: Fotolia)
    More

    Keep your distance

    In many cultures, hugging, kissing or giving gifts to local kids in the neighborhood is normal. In Germany, it all depends on what the parents of the kids have allowed. Children shouldn't be approached in this manner, no matter how friendly they are to strangers.


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