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Article Archive

All published notes in reverse chronological order.

12 posts

Private Universities in Germany: Pros, Cons, Cost, and Accreditation How to choose a private university in Germany: how it differs from a public one, what costs to consider, how to verify accreditation, and what’s important for a student visa in 2026. Private Universities in Germany: When It’s a Smart Choice and How to Check Quality A neutral guide to private universities in Germany: accreditation, degree recognition, English-language programs, cost, admission, risks, and selection criteria. Probation Period in Germany: Probezeit, Dismissal, Vacation, and Sick Leave Probation Period in Germany: Probezeit, Dismissal, Vacation, and Sick Leave Public Health Insurance in Germany: GKV, Contributions and Choosing a Fund How statutory health insurance works in Germany, who GKV suits, when PKV is possible, which contributions apply in 2026 and what to check before choosing a Krankenkasse. Public Health Insurance with TK in Germany: Enrollment, Contributions, and Switching in 2026 How to enroll in Techniker Krankenkasse public health insurance in Germany, when Incoming-Versicherung is needed, what contributions apply in 2026, and how to change your Krankenkasse. Public Holidays and Traditions in Germany: Calendar, Regions and What People Celebrate An overview of German public holidays and traditions: Christmas, New Year, Three Kings’ Day, Carnival, Easter, Walpurgis Night, Labour Day and Oktoberfest, including regional differences and dates for 2026. Public Holidays in Germany 2026: Dates, Days Off, and Seasonal Traditions Germany’s main holidays in 2026: nationwide and regional days off, movable dates, seasonal traditions, Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and remembrance days. Public Transportation in Germany: Tickets, the Deutschland-Ticket, and Traveling Without a Car A practical guide to public transportation in Germany: what types of transportation are available, where to buy tickets, when you need a Deutschland-Ticket, and what to keep in mind in smaller cities. Public Transportation in Germany: Types, Tickets, Zones, and the Deutschland-Ticket Guide to Public Transportation in Germany: buses, trams, Stadtbahn, S-Bahn, U-Bahn, fare zones, ticket validation, fines, bicycles, dogs, and the Deutschland-Ticket. Real Estate Agent in Germany: Who Pays the Commission for Renting and Buying Rules on Maklerprovision in Germany: the Bestellerprinzip for rentals, commission-sharing when buying an apartment or house, Textform, Widerruf, Reservierungsgebühr, and how to check a real estate agent under §34c GewO. Real Estate Taxes in Germany in 2026: Purchase, Ownership, Rental, and Sale A Practical Guide to Real Estate Taxes in Germany: Grunderwerbsteuer upon purchase, the new Grundsteuer, rental income tax, sales under §23 EStG, and documents for the Finanzamt. Recognition of a degree in Germany for employment: Anabin, ZAB, DAB, and Anerkennung How to determine which document is required for work and a visa in Germany: anabin, ZAB certificate evaluation, DAB, or professional recognition. An overview for higher education, vocational training, and regulated professions.