Living in Germany
All the tips, essential information and practical advice you need for living in Germany.
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Headed for Hamburg? Here's how to streamline your move to Germany's second largest city
Hamburg is a potent mix of 'punky' and progress - no wonder it's one of Germany's most exciting cities.
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How to minimise your salary deductions while working in Germany
With its long list of 'small print' abbreviations and wordy technical terms, German payslips can look intimidating. But it’s not as complex as it seems – and with a couple of simple adjustments, you could end up paying significantly less in salary deductions each month.
'Always be vigilant': Expert tips for finding an apartment in Berlin
Finding a long-term apartment to rent in Berlin has become an infamously painful process. We spoke to two professionals about the best tips for securing a long-term rental contract in Germany.
Will legal insurance pay for a lawsuit to speed up German citizenship?
Fed up with long waiting times for citizenship, many foreigners in Germany choose to file an 'Untätigkeitsklage' to try and expedite the process. We look at whether you can pay for this lawsuit using your German legal insurance.
Where Berliners are facing travel disruptions this spring
From the A100 bridge in the West to Warschauer Straße in the East, a wave of construction work is causing headaches for commuters across the German capital. Here's how Berliners can navigate the travel chaos and get to work on time.
Four steps to take straight away after losing your job in Germany
Losing a job can be a nightmare situation for foreigners in Germany - but following these simple steps will get you back on your feet in no time.
The 2025 tax deadlines that Americans in Germany need to know
Tax day is just around the corner for US citizens - and those living in Germany will want to file here first. Here are the most important dates (and extensions) to keep in mind during American tax season.
How to know if you're getting a good severance package in Germany
If you're laid off in Germany it's relatively common to be offered a severance package from your employer. But how do you know if the offer you've received is fair? The Local spoke with a legal counsellor to find out.
EXPLAINED: How Berlin's two-day BVG strike will impact passengers
Public transport passengers in Berlin will face serious disruptions during another 48-hour strike set to begin on Wednesday. We spell out which services will be halted and how you can get around the city.
10 things landlords in Germany can never ask of tenants
It's not always easy to find a place to live in Germany - but that doesn't mean that tenants have to put up with dodgy demands and overblown rules. If your landlord asks you to do any of these ten things, they may be breaking the law.
Reader question: Can you naturalise as German while on parental leave?
Taking parental leave to bond with a newborn child is a wonderful experience, but if you're applying for German citizenship, you may be wondering if this break from work could impact your application. We look at the rules and offer some helpful tips.
Is renting a flat 'without Anmeldung' illegal in Germany?
In today's tough housing environment, it's growing more and more common to see flats rented out without the right to register - or 'anmelden'. The Local looks at whether this is legal under German tenancy law.
Everything you need to know about working remotely in Germany
Many people dream of having the freedom to work and live abroad, but navigating immigration rules can be hard. Here's how you can set yourself up to work remotely in Germany.
What documents should you get after obtaining German citizenship?
Plenty of foreigners in Germany are focusing on getting their citizenship applications ready now that the new law allowing dual citizenship is in force - but what papers should you get once you finally have it?
Reader question: How long can I stay in Germany on a work permit if I lose my job?
Foreign nationals in Germany on a work permit can feel uniquely threatened by the prospect of losing their job, as it may also result in losing permission to stay in the country. Here's the scoop on how long you can stay and what you can do.
'Weeks of wild uncertainty': The stress of choosing the right school in Germany
For foreign parents in Germany, choosing the right school for their children, whether a private international school or a state-owned school, is an anxious time fraught with a number of uncertainties, as Tom Pugh explains.
LISTED: The new destinations you can fly to from Germany this spring
A number of new flights to and from German cities have been announced. Here are all the direct connections.
REVEALED: Where buyers can find the most property for sale in Germany
It's a tough market out there for buyers right now, but some German states offer far more choice to property hunters than others. We reveal the regions with the greatest number of listings - and those with a limited offer.
How good does your German have to be for the different paths to citizenship?
There are a few different routes to German citizenship. As the rules have changed, here's a guide to what level of German you'll need to have for four broad paths to citizenship.
Will German consumers join the growing boycott of US-made goods?
European consumers outraged by US President Donald Trump’s Ukraine policy turnaround, among other issues, have begun boycotting products and services made by US-based companies. Will the boycott take off in Germany?
EXPLAINED: How to pick the right German language school for you
From the Goethe Institute to online tutors, there are countless ways to learn German. Here's how to navigate all the different types of language school and pick one that suits your needs.
EXPLAINED: How to get compensation for delayed or cancelled trains in Germany
Deutsche Bahn passengers in Germany saw more train delays and cancellations last year than had been seen in at least two decades. Here are your rights if you need to change your ticket or cancel your journey altogether.