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Article Archive

All published notes in reverse chronological order.

12 posts

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. References and Arbeitszeugnis in Germany: What Kinds of Recommendations Are Needed for a Job What are references when job hunting in Germany? How do they differ from a cover letter and an *Arbeitszeugnis*? When should you send them to an employer, and how do you prepare a list of references? Refugees in Germany: asylum, temporary protection, and the BAMF procedure How asylum works in Germany, which forms of protection BAMF examines, how §24 for Ukrainians differs from refugee status, and what to do after the decision.