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Article Archive

All published notes in reverse chronological order.

12 posts

Cost of Living in Germany in 2026: Expenses, Budget, and Sufficient Income A practical guide to budgeting in Germany: rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, insurance, student expenses, families with children, and the formula for sufficient income. Cost of Owning a Home in Germany: Taxes, Utility Bills and Nebenkosten What ongoing costs apartment and house owners pay in Germany: Grundsteuer, water, heating, insurance, Hausgeld, maintenance reserves, lifts, and costs that can be passed on to tenants. Counterfeit euros in Germany: how to check banknotes and what to do if you receive a counterfeit How to spot counterfeit euros in Germany using the “feel, look, tilt” method, which denominations are most commonly counterfeited, and where to report a suspicious banknote. Counterterrorism in Germany: How the Police, Intelligence Agencies, and Preventive Measures Work An overview of the German system for countering terrorism and extremism: key threats, the role of the GTAZ and GETZ, data sharing, “Gefährder,” prevention, and safety guidelines for residents. Cover Letters in Germany: How to Write an “Anschreiben” What to write in a German cover letter (Anschreiben), how it differs from a resume, and how to tailor your application to the job opening. Credit Cards in Germany: Types of Cards, Fees, and Options in 2026 How do charge cards, revolving credit cards, debit cards, and prepaid cards differ in Germany? What fees should you watch out for, and which card should you choose for everyday life, travel, and reservations? Crime in Germany: How Safe Is It to Live in the Country? An overview of crime and safety in Germany: what the PKS shows, why statistics cannot be read without context, and which everyday precautions are helpful. Crime in Germany: Statistics, Risks, and Safety Crime in Germany: Statistics, Risks, and Safety Crimes and Punishments in Germany: Police, Courts, Fines and Immigration Risks How criminal and administrative liability works in Germany: police, prosecution, courts, fines in Tagessätze, residence permits, permanent residence, citizenship, deportation and rights when dealing with the police. Cryptocurrency in Germany: Taxes, Purchasing, and Secure Storage in 2026 How Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are taxed in Germany when the one-year period under Section 23 of the German Income Tax Act (EStG) applies, and what to consider when purchasing, storing, and recording transactions. Crystal-Clear Lakes in Germany: How to Choose a Peaceful Getaway by the Water Crystal-Clear Lakes in Germany: How to Choose a Peaceful Getaway by the Water Cycling in Germany: Rules, Pedelecs, Rentals, and Insurance How to ride a bike in Germany: where to ride, what rules to follow, how a Pedelec differs from an S-Pedelec, how much it costs to buy or rent one, and when you need insurance.