Hi all, this is a question about which my friend is wondering. I will try to explain as well as possible regarding the timeline.

My friend came to germany for masters in 2021, so in nov it will already be 5 years for her here. She already has a B1 language certificate. Currently she is on a Blue card job which she has till August 2027 (her Blue card expires in nov 2027). She is not sure if her contract will be extended and considering the current job market, lets assume she doesn't have a job after next year August. She lives in a small city in Saxony. So her application wont be in a bigger city like Berlin which might or might not expedite the process.

According to timeline she will be eligible to apply for a citizenship in nov this year (so next month). Assuming, she has all the other documents for eg. the einbürgerung test certificate (she hasn't given that test yet), B1 language, completed her probation for the blue card job, etc...will it affect if her contract expires in aug 2027? Ofc she will start applying for other jobs and everything but is it safe to assume that if everything works on time from next month, that she gets the citizenship before aug 2027 ends? And if she gets the citizenship, she doesn't have to worry much about her contract not extending and worry about her visa status, right?

Sorry if this query seems stupid, any opinions are welcome. Thanks

Hi everyone! We are planning a 2–3 night trip to the Black Forest in mid-October, travelling entirely by public transport.

We’re thinking of visiting Freiburg, Titisee, Feldberg and Schluchsee. We’re not planning any long hikes, but short walks/hikes for autumn scenery are fine.

Where would be the best base for this itinerary without a car? Titisee, Freiburg, Hinterzarten, or somewhere else?

Any recommendations or suggestions for the itinerary would be much appreciated!

Hi everyone,

I have a question regarding how to turn off water completely in my apartment. I live in Munich and this is what I see in my washroom. I want to install a water filter to my shower because of the water hardness. For that I need to turn off the water supply. The knob on the right turns off cold water completely but hot water still seems to be running and in that case, I can not open the shower connection and install the filter. When I checked with AI, it told me to take off the bottom left "cap" and there I would be able to turn off the hot water. But it seems to be glued and I am scared to break anything. Can any of you decipher how to tackle this.

Just FYI, I had installed this filter at my previous apartment with ease as the similar known turned off the water completely. I didn't have to worry about hot or cold water. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

We're both international students and live in a 2-room shared apartment provided by the Studierendenwerk. I am registered with the ARD, so I pay 55.08 quarterly. My current flatmate moved in 2023. And since then, I haven't received her contribution. She has the Beitragsnummer. Every time I ask her, she makes excuses. Honestly, I'm getting really tired of constantly reminding her and asking her. I seriously need advice on how I can get my money.
Recently, I've been selected for a workshop from DAAD, even though it is completely paid. But I won't get the money until the end of the workshop. I would like some extra cash.

Please help. Thank you for reading

I always thought Germans were pretty big on keeping work and personal life separate. But the other day, I ran into my son’s kindergarten teacher outside of work, and she actually hugged me. I was honestly caught off guard.

I didn’t hug her back at first because I really wasn’t expecting it, but then I kind of awkwardly offered my cheek instead 😂

How should I interpret this? Is this just a sign that she feels comfortable with me, or am I reading too much into it?

If I buy online in Germany, can I get a shipment in a specific place for ne to pick up? Because they are telling me I need a German number which I don't have and I will stay in Germany for only 18 hours.

I just saw the american Abendbrot post remembered a discussion I had with friends while on vacation - should cheese, sausages and other things you have for breakfast or dinner be taken out of the packaging and put on a plate or not? I'm not talking about a more formal setting with guests, but a normal weekend family breakfast (or weekday dinner).

I'm firmly on team "leave it in the packaging". I think you should avoid unnecessary touching of foods your might not immediately eat. While in their packaging, the things are also still fairly protected from sneezes, spit while talking or flies.

My friends were of the opinion that putting them on a plate simply looked nicer and that all of my hygiene concerns were exaggerated.

What do team are you on? Packaging or plate?

Hi everyone,

I'm living in a furnished apartment in Germany, and I'm looking for some advice on a situation with my landlord.

I recently discovered moisture in a wall and reported it immediately. After inspecting the apartment several times, my landlord acknowledged that it's not my fault and that there's a leak in the separation wall causing the moisture to spread.

Now, after a few inspections, the landlord handed me a mutual termination agreement with four months' notice, asking me to move out because the cause is still unclear and the repairs could take a long time. I haven't agreed to this or signed anything.

Apparently, the repairs may not even begin for another three to four months, and I haven't received a clear timeline or a written report explaining the extent of the damage or whether the apartment is safe to live in until then.

I really don't want to move. Finding accommodation is already difficult, and my current apartment is furnished. Moving would mean potentially higher rent, buying furniture, paying deposits, moving costs and possibly rental-search fees, not to mention the time, stress and emotional burden.

Can my landlord legally ask me to leave in this situation? If the apartment becomes uninhabitable during repairs, are they responsible for temporary accommodation or related costs?

I'd appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar or understands German tenancy law. Thank you!

Hello, I am searching for a data provider as I move to Germany in a month and I am not sure witch to chose,I am looking for an unlimited plan, from what I found online the average plan is around 50 euros(I come from Romania where the average unlimited 5G plan is around 2 euros) so I am not sure where to search.

Edit: if U have any referral links u can send them to me as long as I found a good deal I don't care

Every time I attempt to keep it simple…my American ways seep through.

I parked my bicycle at an U-Bahn station at around 17:00 today and when I picked it up again at around 21:00, I noticed someone had wrapped this stiff thing under the seat. Is it some kind of "marking" to see if I still use the bicycle? Should I be worried?

Tomato bread with sliced sausage cream cheese and tomato (forgot to buy butter before national holiday)

We‘re spending around 150-200 as a couple, cooking at home almost every meal. Trying to see how we are doing

If your Expatrio Blocked Account is still showing “Activate” despite completing POSTIDENT multiple times and getting your address proof approved, please read this. This might save you days of frustration!

I was facing exactly this issue. I contacted Expatrio support several times, but most replies were chatbot-generated. Even when a human replied, they just pasted the general FAQ instructions without addressing my situation.

Here’s what worked for me:

- I visited the Expatrio office in Berlin.

- I spoke directly with an employee who checked my account and resolved the issue in around 10 minutes.

- Approximately 3 hours later, my first blocked-account payout arrived in my bank account!

📍 My advice: Based on my experience, you can visit the Berlin office after 10 a.m. and ask for help with your activation issue. I had previously been told that walk-ins weren't possible, but I was able to speak to an employee in person and get my issue resolved.

I can't guarantee every case will be the same, but if you've completed all the verification steps and online support isn't helping, this may be worth trying before repeating POSTIDENT again.

I'm sharing this because I know how stressful it is when your money is inaccessible and rent and other living expenses are due. Hopefully, this helps someone else avoid the same hassle!

If you're facing this issue, don't lose hope.

I’m traveling to Germany and have an allergy to all tree nuts except almonds. I decided to create an allergy card using AI to use at restaurants and bakeries.

Is the wording clear and easy to understand? Are there any errors or anything I should improve before using it?

(pic as proof I went 😂)

Hi there,

I did a lot of research before going over there, regarding the culture and customs, so as not to be accidentally rude. During that research, I saw so much about how Germans are so rude and stern. I never looked for that, there was just so much of it on anything related to behavior or experience of tourists.

I'm extremely confused.

I was there almost 3 weeks. First Berlin, then took an ice train to Munich for the other half. Did touristy things, and also non touristy stuff. Loved the landmarks, the suburbs (enjoyed the grocery stores particularly), and also had fun partying with Germans.

I am Mexican American, and my brother (who went with me) and I were discussing how well seasoned German food is. It was comparable to Mexican food seasoning. Not that it was the same seasoning, just that it had so much flavor and was amazing. Lots of great food.

We got lost once; we stayed out too late and both of our phones died, dumb of us. But it was no problem; the first German people we asked, told us what train and bus to take back to our room. Nothing else disruptive happened on our trip, but any interaction with German people was kind and helpful.

Not everyone was super chatty, but plenty of people still were. Not just drunk at Oktoberfest either.

I did learn a few words in German, but tbh didn't know much (learned more while there). I didn't do anything crazy to get people to be nice, they just were. My brother and I were just conscious to not be loud in public places, not be standing in the bike lanes, and other normal things (such as saying thank you).

Even Germans were very loud at Oktoberfest, so it's not that they don't ever let loose and it's this super strict space either.

The major touristy stuff we did were Oktoberfest and a private bus tour to Neuchwastein castle and Linderhof palace. I talked a lot with quite a few tourists, and we all felt very welcome and that people were so kind. I only ran into three other Americans, or at least they were the only ones I talked to for long (mainly ran into Canadians and other Mexicans, the latter probs because I'd chat with them once I heard Spanish 😂), and we were all just sharing happy stories/experiences.

Idk, I'm just confused why I had seen that people are so grumpy and unfriendly there, saw it in so many posts/comments, but it didn't seem true at all.

American passport water damaged, have to leave Germany for a funeral. Will I be alright using my damaged one for the time being?

Hi all. I'm an American living in Germany and my passport got some water damage last week. The ID page is still fine, but the covering is peeling a bit, and my German Visa has ink bleed. I have an appointment with the US Embassy later in October to replace it, but a death in the family has me going back to the States earlier than expected. Will I be okay travelling with the damaged passport for the time being? I will be returning to Germany after and have a German Residence card.

Thanks for the help!

Hi, Im a student from Australia who just moved to germany for university. Australians dont need a visa for germany for up to 6 months so I came here without one. I need to travel to the UK in a few weeks and am wondering if I can leave the country if I have a pending application for a residence permit, or whether it might be better to wait and apply until after I've come back? I have 90 days to apply for the residence permit and only got here a few days. Or will it be okay since I don't need a visa anyway? Any help would be greatly appreciated

Hello all,

I was recently diagnosed with cancer in Germany, but I would like to take my treatment in my home country. My doctor said it’s my decision where to take treatment.

I was wondering if TK will pay me krankengeld for the time being I will be in my home country. I know they can’t pay for the treatment in another country but I would like to receive the krankengeld to support myself during that time.

Has anyone experienced such or do you know how can I proceed with this ? The reason I want to make my treatment in my home country is because my family lives there, and all the treatment is little bit scary for me to do on my own.

Hallo,

Recently I arrived at the Berlin Brandenburg airport,

Went to the kiosk/machine which took a photo of me and scanned my passport (did not ask for fingerprint scan though). (I got the National D visa).

Then I went to the officer and they asked me 2 questions and returned my pass and told me that all was in order, that I can now go. I took the pass back, thanked and left.

I was a bit nervous and forgot to check, so the next day l found

That there were no Arrival stamp in my pass! My friends who traveled before and after got it. Except me.

I was told by someone that it should be fine, since it's all digital now, but I would like to know if that really is that case, and what I should do if it's not.

Thanks!

I am a 20-year-old man from South America. I've been majoring in engineering in my country, but I see it no longer doable since I don't want to live there anymore.

​I've got a legal job in Germany (unqualified work in a park). I only speak English and Spanish, but I actually want to learn German and maybe even live there long-term. Since I have a German passport, I have all the rights to stay.

​My plan is to work there while I learn the language, and then use BAföG to pursue a degree or an Ausbildung.

​What are your pieces of advice?"

It’s a real question i’m not joking 😭
It’s an arabic family name, I was wondering if one day my family and I go to germany would we get into trouble because of the name?

Hi,

I’m planning to visit Germany for 15 days from Canada. I’m interested in buying the basic health insurance package for foreign visitors.

For the eligibility criteria it needs to be a temporary stay in Germany and have permanent residence in abroad.

My question is I’m a refugee protected person in Canada would it consider the eligibility criteria or would I be ineligible for the insurance?

I have contacted them through email but I haven’t received the response yet and my travel is soon and I have to buy insurance.

Please guide me through it.

Thank you.