I'm a Brit living in Germany for around three and a half years. This is my Kronkorken collection! I set myself the challenge to only have one cap from each brewery (I know, there's at least one dup) and to try and make it approximately geographically accurate. The geography thing didn't really work out perfectly as some areas tended to expand quicker than others!

I know I need to spend more time in the North! Can anyone make recommendations of what I'm missing? 😅 Extra points if you can guess what city I live in...

Walk through the remains of the Historic Ludwig-Donau-Main-Kanal in the south of Nürnberg

After more than 3 years of living in Germany, a deeper, more personal conversation with my boss led him to give me this book. He suggested I read it to better understand Germans, and to see why I still feel like a complete outsider even though I’m doing everything I can to integrate. The book makes sense, and it explains a lot. I recommend it!

I have visited 3 dentists in Germany, and all seemed to be very casual about removing all 4 of my wisdom teeth even though only one of them is affected (growing horizontally). Now I am reading about the risks of the surgery and some of them are quite serious and permanent (or at least long term). Like paralysis and numbness in the jaw or tongue. Or change in facial structure.

My doctors back home always told me to not disturb something which is not broken. Is it normal for Germans to just take out all wisdom teeth even the ones that are not affected?

This letter was written by my great-great-grandfather, 18 days before he was sent to treblinca.

Google translate and AI agents couldn't really catch the handwriting.

My roommate stole my card and used it at an ATM in a gambling arcade that isn’t under video surveillance. He has a serious gambling problem. Although the police know exactly which ATM was used, he denied the act when they summoned him for questioning. Today, the police informed me that they are closing the case because there is no video footage, meaning they cannot charge him. I am extremely worried, as Advanzia is demanding that I repay the amount—this was my only hope. Please help: Has anyone else encountered a similar problem or had any experience with a situation like this?
Thank you very much in advance.

I worked in Germany for almost 5 years and have a severe disability (GdB 80). I was dismissed with only a few days' notice, apparently without approval from the Integration Office.

I filed a lawsuit, and my employer offered two options:

- 4 months' gross salary – employment until January, but I must remain available to work.

- 3 months' gross salary – employment until December, with paid leave and no obligation to work.

My lawyer recommended the second option, and I initially agreed.

My ALG I has already been approved from October.

Is this a fair settlement, or should I negotiate for 4–5 months without having to return to work? Would severance pay (Abfindung) be better for my ALG I?

Hello everyone,

we would like to provide a short update on our previous post about Wunderflats.

A short summary: Wunderflats is a platform for booking apartments online, even without viewing the apartment before moving in. The platform claims to have verified all landlords and tenants. However, to book an apartment, you have to pay a service fee of €299 and the first month's rent in advance.

Our experience was that the platform arranged an apartment for me and my girlfriend starting from September 1st, which probably had water damage and a mold problem — and the landlord lied to us about it. We discovered the mold during our apartment viewing on August 6th, before moving in. At the viewing, the landlord was not present, but the tenant opened the door for us. After speaking with the tenant, it turned out that he is in a dire situation. He contacted Wunderflats about the mold situation multiple times, but he could not get any support from the platform and was additionally fighting with the landlord about solving the problem. He decided to move out early because it was unbearable to live there. Therefore, he was threatened by the landlord that he would lose his entire deposit if he decided to move out early. But he told us that he will move out anyway on August 26th, despite having a one-year contract, because it is unbearable to live there — and this is probably the reason we could book this apartment for September. He also warned us about taking this apartment, since he believes that the landlord is a scammer who targets foreign people like him and us. After hearing this, we took pictures, got confirmation from the tenant about the mold situation, and reported to the landlord and the platform that we wanted to cancel the booking and get a refund, and that we would not sign the rental contract with the landlord. Luckily, the booking could be cancelled, but we only received our first month's rent back; they still refused to refund our €299 service fee despite us sending all the evidence and communication with the landlord — they said their service had been fulfilled.

So we decided to share our experience online and warn others about this platform, and a reporter in Düsseldorf reached out to us saying he wanted to write an article about it. We shared our evidence with him, and he confronted the landlord and the platform about our experience. In the end, the reporter told us that the platform was willing to refund us the €299 and was sorry about our experience. The landlord, on the other hand, denies everything, as expected. According to the reporter, the article is not finished yet, but it will be released soon.

In the end, we got all our money back, but we soon discovered that this apartment is still available on the platform and is apparently being rented out again until next year. We couldn't believe that, after our experience and the tenant's experience and the press coverage, the platform didn't conduct any research to verify the situation. This raises questions about their moral values and their responsibility. We just hope that the current tenant will not experience the same thing we did.

If anyone wants the details of our experience, feel free to look at our previous post.

#This is a Rant!
I have worked as a STEM postdoc for quite some time in German academic institutions and have had to face the brunt of the WissZeitVG with 2-3 fixed-term contracts. As a result I've had to move around the country quite a bit and honestly I am sick and tired of the eternal precarity of it all. Now again that I am re-applying for industry roles, to get out of this rigmarole, I am seeing that almost every company that I'm interested in applying to is now offering job positions limited to 12 months or so! It is frustrating to trying to get out of one exploitative and exhaustive system only to again end up in another one! What sort of a sham practice is this? First the 'high and mighty' academia and now the private sector too!

The Townhall of Hamburg at night shot with a drone. The Citylights and the blue sky turns the scenery into a magical moment

Hi everyone!
I moved to Germany as a student last week, and I've already noticed SO MUCH hairfall. 😭 My hair is literally all over the house floor, and I'm getting really worried.
The thing is, my hair wasn't very thick even back in my home country, and now that it's already thin, I'm scared of losing even more hair and eventually going bald. 😭 (plus I have curly hair).

For those of you living in Germany who have experienced something similar, please tell me which products actually worked for you!
Which shampoo and conditioner do you recommend for hairfall?
Are there any good, affordable products available at stores in Erlangen?
Could the water here be contributing to the problem? Would a shower filter help? If yes then which one?
Are there any treatments or products that helped reduce hairfall and improve hair thickness?
I'd really appreciate recommendations based on your own experience, especially if you also have thin, curly hair. Please mention the exact product names and where I can buy them in Germany.
I'm genuinely stressing about this, so any advice would mean a lot. Thank you! ❤️

Hi everyone

I've been living in Germany for five months and I'm currently preparing for my medical licensing exams (Approbation). Unfortunately, I feel like my German isn't improving as much as I'd hoped.

I've done a Praktikum and tried finding a job as an MFA to improve my German, but without much luck.

I feel like I need more daily interaction with native German speakers, but I haven't really had the chance.

Does anyone know of any apps, groups, or ways to meet Germans who'd be interested in chatting regularly? I'd really appreciate any suggestions! 😊

Hi everyone,

I'm a university student in London, and I'm interested in visiting Germany for a few days on a solo trip while I have no lectures. I was deciding between whether I want to go to Frankfurt or Munich, although some people have told me Frankfurt is not worth it. Would you agree and recommend Munich instead, or would Frankfurt be better/equally good? It would be my first time in Germany and I'll only come for a few days, so your advice would be appreciated.

Danke :)

Hey everyone, I could really use some advice because I’m honestly getting frustrated and don’t know what else to do.
I’m a non-EU citizen living in Germany. My visa-free stay was coming to an end, so I went to the Ausländerbehörde in Lauterbach because I wanted to stay in Germany legally, find a job, and get a proper residence permit that would allow me to work. At the time, I was also planning to move to Trier to live with my girlfriend.
I found a job opportunity with Amazon, and they were willing to provide me with a job description. I took that job description to the Ausländerbehörde in Lauterbach and showed it to the person responsible for my case. She told me she would forward it to the Agentur für Arbeit for approval.

After that, she asked for my Fiktionsbescheinigung and updated it with written authorization allowing me to work specifically for Amazon. My understanding was that I needed an actual employment contract to get my proper residence permit, but I couldn’t get the contract without moving forward with the job first.

So the idea was that, with this authorization on my Fiktionsbescheinigung, I could start working at Amazon, get my employment contract, and then proceed with getting my proper residence permit.

The authorization specifically mentions Amazon, the type of work I’m allowed to do, and the period during which I’m allowed to work. It also specifies that I can work directly for Amazon, not through another company or agency.
The only problem is that the authorization was handwritten, and honestly, it’s not the easiest thing to read. It’s understandable, but I’m not sure whether someone reviewing a picture of the document can clearly make out everything written on it.

I uploaded all the documents Amazon requested, including pictures of my documents and the additional work authorization. However, my documents were rejected, and I still don’t know exactly why.

I’ve tried contacting Amazon’s support by phone and email, but I keep getting the same answers. They tell me my documents are under review, but I haven’t received a clear explanation of what’s wrong.
I even went to the Amazon warehouse in person to ask for help. They told me the documents were under review, but also that they had been rejected. The people there looked at my documents and said everything seemed fine to them. They suggested that the problem might be that the work authorization written on my Fiktionsbescheinigung was unusual.

Now I’m really confused. The immigration officer responsible for my case specifically wrote that authorization on my document so I could work for Amazon. I didn’t write it myself or make any changes to it. It came directly from the Ausländerbehörde.

Since I’ve moved to Trier, I contacted the immigration office in Lauterbach again. They told me that because I’ve changed my registered address, the Ausländerbehörde in Trier is now responsible for my case.
I’ve been trying to reach the immigration office in Trier. I’ve called, sent emails, and even tried going there, but I haven’t received a proper answer yet. I understand they have a lot of applications to deal with, but I’m worried because I don’t want to lose this job opportunity while waiting.

What I don’t understand is this: if the immigration office has given me written authorization to work specifically for Amazon, why is Amazon rejecting my documents?
Is it because the authorization is handwritten? Does Amazon need a different document, even if the permission to work is already there? Or does the immigration office in Trier need to issue me a new Fiktionsbescheinigung or a separate confirmation?
Has anyone here been in a similar situation, especially with Amazon Germany? Did you manage to get your documents accepted? What did you do to resolve it?
I’d really appreciate any advice, especially from people who have dealt with the Ausländerbehörde and Amazon’s document verification process.
I’m not trying to get around any rules. I just want to work legally, get my employment contract, and sort out my residence permit. I’m trying to do everything correctly, but right now I feel like I’m stuck between Amazon and the immigration office.

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

I had a gynaecologist appointment in Stuttgart and had to travel from another city because there were no appointments available near me. Unfortunately, my train was cancelled, so I cancelled my appointment 2 hours beforehand.

The clinic is charging me a cancellation fee, even though this was not a no-show and I cancelled because of the train cancellation.

Am I legally required to pay this fee in Germany? Has anyone experienced something similar?

I'm looking for a new position as experienced software developer and I'm getting some replies referring to employment through a company with assignment to the client. This would be a new kind of work model for me, so would like to know more. I don't immediately like the idea. Would appreciate if you could enlighten me on what to expect from that. Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone, I'm 25M and I'm visiting Düsseldorf for this week

I'd love to meet up with new people to grab a drink, have a conversation and explore the city or the area around together. If anyone is down for it, let me know or drop me a DM

PS: I don't speak german

Hello, I have travelled to Überlingen many times, and have been up the Pfanderbahn a few. I LOVE Bavaria, and have flights and a car hire booked for 27/12 to 2/01.

This time I'm taking my partner and smart, patient, enthusiastic 6yo boy.

I want to experience some cable cars and wintery mountains, explore some beautiful towns, swim in as many thermal pools (like the Bodensee Therme in Überlingen) as possible. I'd like to watch some NYE fireworks. But I don't know what I don't yet know as I haven't explored the area more widely, especially in winter.

I haven't booked any accommodation yet as I'm not sure where I should head exactly. We haven't got a large budget, particularly, but I'm keen to know what you think are the must sees - the best towns/pools/gondolas. I'm hoping your advice will guide where I should book accomodation for. Is it worth staying in Bregenz/Lindau, or heading over to Füssen? Anywhere else? Or should we just base ourselves in Überlingen and do day trips. If so, where to?

I'm more interested in the landscape, the fresh air and the relaxation than food (because of my awkward needs), but if anyone knows of good vegan options that emulate local food, I'd be thrilled!

Your knowledge is greatly appreciated!

Hello German friends

I’m from Belgium, and during a recent holiday in Berlin, I had the brilliant idea of sending my souvenirs home by post to avoid paying for extra Ryanair baggage. Well, let’s just say things didn’t quite go according to plan.

Long story short, after a series of unfortunate events, my parcel is now stuck with DHL, and I’m struggling to get the issue resolved.

I’ve tried contacting DHL customer support by phone, but unfortunately, my German isn’t good enough to communicate clearly with their staff.
I was wondering if anyone here would be kind enough to give them a call on my behalf and help me sort this out.

I’d really appreciate the help!

Thanks in advance! 🙏

Hi everyone,

I'm urgently looking for recommendations for a good couples therapist or marriage counsellor in NRW.

Ideally, I'm looking for:

• English-speaking counselling, as my German is not sufficient for discussing complicated emotional matters.
• Someone experienced with marital crises, separation, and reconciliation.
• An appointment as soon as possible, ideally within the next few days or 1–2 weeks.

I'm also interested in recommendations for organisations such as Caritas, Diakonie, or other marriage and family counselling centres, provided they offer sessions in English.

If anyone has personal experience with a particular therapist or counselling service, especially during a serious relationship crisis, I would really appreciate your recommendations.

I'm not looking for relationship advice or judgements about our situation, just recommendations for qualified professionals who might be able to help.

Thank you very much.

I am F24 and it's been 1 whole year that my boyfriend has been telling me to join his company and work there but the thing is that as much as I want to join and be there with him in Germany I also want to do something on my own merit. I really appreciate help so much and I think I am genuine very lucky to have such a sweet angel as boyfriend who is so generous to give me a job.

I already gave goethe exam as well as ielts and on top of that the university in Germany that I want to study is really good.

I fit the requirements perfectly to the T and my degree is also valid in Germany but I can't seem to apply quickly.

My University back in home country is not listed in anabin but the university which is affiliated with my uni is in anabin with H+ and my degree certificate and everything comes from H+ uni and both uni are listed in the certificate so when I emailed ZAB asking what to do they gave me a vague "not every university around the globe is in anabin list but that doesn't mean you need a ZAB, it is up to you if you want to do it or not, if you wish to do it then here are the steps to apply for ZAB" and that confused me even more!

So I asked my boyfriend if he can call the university in Germany as he lives there and ask them or personally to meet them in the international students office or not and he said okay.

But he also suggested again to work in his company but this time I am genuinely thinking about taking the offer because if I have to do ZAB then it will take 3 months and my deadline for admissions is very but the thing is I also kind of applied for a paid internship in Singapore for which, if I am accepted then next year whole summer so 6 months I will be working in a lab helping with the research, my parents suggest that right after Singapore I can just leave for Gemrany from there...

If it wise to go to Germany with work visa and then after gaining experience which will be helpful for my career as well or should I try to go to Gemany with student visa first and then worry about job later?

Hey everyone!

I’m in Stuttgart from for a next three weeks, and I’m looking to explore more of Germany on the weekends.

Would be nice to meet some people who are up for planning a day trip, exploring a nearby city, checking out autumn spots, or just wandering around and grabbing some food along the way.

I’m pretty flexible with the plans, so if you already have something in mind or are looking for people to join you, feel free to reach out!

Anyone interested in planning something for this weekend? 😊

Hi guys,
I'm an international student doing Bachelor’s in Germany, and I'm quite worried about my upcoming residence permit extension. My current visa/residence permit expires in September next year, and I'm afraid it might not be renewed because of my academic progress.

Here's my situation:

- First semester: I studied at the University of Bremen and earned 24 ECTS credits.
- After that: I decided to transfer to another university because I wasn't happy with my previous university.
- First semester at my new university: Unfortunately, I missed the exam registration deadline, so I couldn't register for any exams.
- Current semester: I've registered for 7 exams worth a total of 48 ECTS credits, and I'm doing my best to earn as many credits as possible.

The problem is that, officially, my new university has only recognized 6 ECTS credits from my previous studies at the University of Bremen. This means that, according to my current university's records, I have only 6 ECTS credits after two semesters, even though I earned 24 ECTS at my previous university.

I'm not sure how the immigration office (*Ausländerbehörde*) will assess my academic progress. Will they consider the credits I earned at the University of Bremen, even though only 6 ECTS were officially recognized by my new university? Or will they mainly look at the credits recorded by my current university?

Another concern is the timing. My residence permit extension appointment will be in early September next year, but I'm not sure whether my exam results from the summer semester will be available by then.

I'm trying to catch up as much as possible, which is why I've registered for so many exams this semester. However, I'm not sure whether this is a realistic strategy or whether I've already put myself in a very difficult position.

My questions are:

1. How seriously could the Ausländerbehörde view my academic progress in this situation?
   
2. Is it possible that they will consider the 24 ECTS I earned at the University of Bremen, even though only 6 ECTS were recognized by my new university?
   
3. Could missing the exam registration deadline for one semester negatively affect my residence permit extension?
   
4. If my exam results aren't available by the appointment, could I provide proof that I've registered for the exams and submit the results later?
   
5. What would you recommend I do now to improve my chances of getting my residence permit extended?

I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced a similar situation or has practical knowledge of how the German immigration authorities assess international students' academic progress.

Thanks in advance!