Chapter 5Life in Germany and Europe

This material is for foreign citizens who are going to Germany soon or are already there. Here you can find information about living and working in Germany and get answers to the most frequently asked questions. The topics are: civil rights and public life, the European Union (EU), bank account and finances, health and insurance, our life in Germany.

Civil rights and public life
The German constitution is known as the Grundgesetz. The constitution contains the most important legal and political rules for the Federal Republic of Germany, for example: human dignity, equal rights, equality before the law, freedom of religion and freedom of expression. In Germany, sexual orientation may be openly exhibited. This means that same-sex love, bi-, trans- and inter-sexuality are as much part of everyday life as heterosexuality. In case of violation of fundamental rights, one can file a constitutional complaint. More information here plus the PDF download.

The European Union (EU)
Currently, the European Union (EU) is a federation of 27 member states (as of 2022). all EU documents and information are available in the EU’s 24 official languages. The EU’s political system is based on the Treaty on European Union (Maastricht Treaty) and the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (Rome Treaty). The EU is primarily managed by 5 institutions: the European Council, the Council of the European Union, the European Parliament, the European Commission and the EU Court of Justice. More information here plus the PDF download.

Banking and finances
If you live and work in Germany, you need a bank account. You can open your account at a bank or savings bank (Sparkasse). There are some banks that you can only use on the internet. Usually you have to pay some money for a bank account, a fee. More information here plus the PDF download.

Health and insurance
If you get sick you see a doctor. In the event of minor illnesses, such as colds or headaches, you can buy medication in a pharmacy. But many medicines are available on prescription only. The prescription must be written by a doctor. Everyone in Germany must have health insurance. The insurance card/health card must be presented ate the doctor's office. More information here plus the PDF download.

Videos: Our life in Germany
Yiğit, Riesta, Simone, Eric and Imam have been living in Germany for some time. They talk about their life in their new home. Each of them has a different story. They talk about many great experience but also little challenges. Enjoy the five videos.