INTERNATIONAL ZALANDO EMPLOYEE GUIDE. Working and living in the capital of Germany

Transcription

1 INTERNATIONAL ZALANDO EMPLOYEE GUIDE Working and living in the capital of Germany

2 CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER ONE GET GOING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY 0 8 BEFORE COMING TO GERMANY 0 9 WHO DOES NOT NEED A VISA? 0 9 WORK PERMITS 10 FOREIGNERS OFFICE (AUSLÄNDERBEHÖRDE) GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL START 11 REGISTER AT THE BÜRGERAMT 12 APPLICATION FOR A LOHNSTEUER-ID (TAX ID) 12 OPENING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT 12 REGISTER FOR HEALTH INSURANCE HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY 13 HEALTH INSURANCE 14 PUBLIC HEALTH INSURANCE 14 PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE 15 WHAT IS A HEALTH INSURANCE CARD? 15 VISITING YOUR PHYSICIAN 15 WHAT IF YOU NEED A PHYSICIAN AFTER HOURS? 16 THE COST OF AN OFFICE VISIT 16 MEDICATION 16 IF YOU ARE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL 16 WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY? 17 VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTATIVE CARE 17 DENTISTS 17 MEDICAL CARE IN BERLIN INSURANCE 18 SOCIAL SECURITY 18 LIABILITY INSURANCE 19 MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE 19 HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE 20 ACCIDENT INSURANCE 20 RETIREMENT BENEFITS 20 HOW TO PURCHASE AN INSURANCE POLICY 20 THE MOST IMPORTANT INSURANCE TERMS RELOCATION EXPENSES 23 DEDUCTIBLE RELOCATION EXPENSES 24 NEED HELP? FINDING AN APARTMENT 26 SEARCH VIA INTERNET 26 HOUSING OFFICES 26 FURNISHED ROOMS AND APARTMENTS 27 LITTLE HELPERS RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT 29 LENGTH OF RENTAL CONTRACT 29 PARTIES TO THE RENTAL CONTRACT 29 RENT 30 MORE DETAILS

3 CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER TWO GET GOING IN GERMANY BERLIN A PLACE TO BE 35 ABOUT BERLIN 37 LIVING IN BERLIN S DISTRICTS KIEZE 38 MITTE 38 FRIEDRICHSHAIN-KREUZBERG 39 PRENZLAUER BERG AND PANKOW 40 NEUKÖLLN 41 TEMPELHOF-SCHÖNEBERG 41 CHARLOTTENBURG-WILMERSDORF TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY 43 PUBLIC TRANSPORT 43 RIDING YOUR BICYCLE BERLIN BLOGS 53 OTHER SIDES OF BERLIN THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GERMANS 54 ST. PETER AND THE WETTERFROSCH 55 TATORT 55 SCHORLE, RADLER AND 7 YEARS OF BAD SEX 55 OZAPFT IS OKTOBERFEST 55 BEER 56 WE ARE HUNGRY 56 FOR THE LADIES DON T BRING A MILLION PAIRS OF HIGH HEELS 57 BRUTAL HONESTY NICE SOMETIMES 57 PARTY IS FOR ALL AGES 57 MORE FUNNY STUFF ON GERMANS GOING OUT SHOPPING EATING 45 NIGHTLIFE 45 BARS 46 DANCING 46 FOOD 47 COFFEE 48 SHOPPING 49 URBAN STYLE 49 WOMEN S FAVORITES 50 MEN S BEST 50 DESIGNERS WHEN YOU WORK AT ZALANDO 58 FUN FACTS ON ZALANDO 59 HELLO ZALANDO! 59 READ ON: OUR BLOGS 59 MORE ON ZALANDO

4 CHAPTER ONE CHAPTER ONE GET GOING IN GERMANY In order to have a smooth start in Germany there s a few administrative and practical things you ll need to organize. Find o u t what you ll have to deal with to get things started here.

5 WORKING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY Before you come to Germany, there is a couple of things you should take care of. Find out what you need to deal with regarding visa and work permit and where you find help for these matters. on the need for a visa for your country and further information on visa requirements can be found on the website of the German Foreign Affairs Office: Generally, a visa only entitles you to entry and residence of 90 days initially. If you are planning a longer stay, you must apply for a residence permit shortly after arrival. This also applies to nationals from Group B. For EU dependents, a freedom of movement permit, instead of the residence permit, can be obtained relatively easily. WHO DOES NOT NEED A VISA? Group A: Citizens from the Member States of the European Union (EU), Switzerland, Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein do not require a visa. Group B: Nationals from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and the USA do not require an entry visa. laubnis ). The residence permit must state specifically that employment is allowed. The following procedure applies in principle for all types of employment. In the case of many immigrants, the right to engage in gainful employment will be granted immediately solely on the basis of the regulations in the Residence Law ( Aufenthaltsgesetz ) when the residence permit is issued. In these cases the Federal Employment Agency is not consulted. With other immigrants, a residence permit will be issued on the basis of the general requirements for residence in Germany, without, however, the right to work being granted automatically at that time. In these cases the Foreigners Office obtains the consent of the Federal Employment Agency to grant permission to engage in gainful employment. In principle, the Federal Employment Agency only consents if there is a vacancy for the immigrant that cannot be filled by a German, an EU citizen or other preferred employable person (non-eu foreigner who has been living in Germany for a fairly long time). BEFORE COMING TO GERMANY In many cases, a visa is needed for entering Germany. You can obtain this from the German embassy in your own country, but allow approximately two to three months for the application process. Visas for family members travelling with you should be applied for at the same time. The addresses of the relevant German Consulates with details WORK PERMITS In order to get a job, an immigrant who is not a citizen of the EU needs either a residence permit ( Aufenthaltserlaubnis ) which entitles him or her to have a job or a settlement permit ( Niederlassungser- EU citizens can enter Germany for jobseeking purposes. EU citizens and their family dependents (if also citizens of an EU member state) will be issued a certificate of their right to reside in Germany. EU citizens qualify for holding a job and do not need special approval from the Federal 08 9

6 WORKING IN GERMANY WORKING IN GERMANY Employment Agency. There are restrictions in regard to EU citizens from Central and Eastern Europe. FOREIGNERS OFFICE (AUSLÄNDERBEHÖRDE) Department IV Foreigners Office, Immigration Unit of the State Office for Public Affairs is responsible for all questions which pertain to the rights of you, a foreigner, to reside in Germany. GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL START What needs to be done after you arrive in Germany? The following information will help you to ensure that everything will go smoothly during your first days i n G e r m a n y. The address is: Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten Ausländerbehörde // Referat Zuwanderung Friedrich- Krause- Ufer Berlin Visiting Hours: Monday 7 a.m. 2 p.m. Tuesday 7 a.m. 2 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. 6 p.m. Telephone Hours: Wednesday 9 a.m. 12 noon Friday 9 a.m. 12 noon Service telephone for general information: To avoid long waits when visiting, please make an appointment during telephone hours. REGISTER AT THE BÜRGERAMT You must register with the Residents Registration Office (Bürgeramt) within one week of your arrival in Germany, so that your new place of residence can be registered. This must be done in person. Please note that which Bürgeramt is responsible for you depends on in which district of Berlin you are living. If you bring your rental 10 11

7 GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL START HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY agreement and your passport you will get a proof of registration immediately. Find out where the Bürgeramt of your district is located on the city of Berlin s official website: APPLICATION FOR A LOHNSTEUER-ID (TAX ID) Register at the Finanzamt (revenue office) in order to receive your income tax. Please note that which Finanzamt is responsible for you depends on in which district of Berlin you are living. Within 7 days the Finanzamt will receive the information about your registration from Bürgeramt. For the application you will need your Anmeldung (registration form) from the Bürgeramt and your passport. Find out where the Finanzamt of your district is located on the city of Berlin s official website: Important: Without your tax ID, HR won t be able to pay your salary. OPENING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT Your salary must be deposited by your employer into a German bank account. You can choose whatever bank you like. Don t forget to bring your passport and proof of registration that you received from the Bürgeramt. For students there sometimes are special conditions. REGISTER FOR HEALTH INSURANCE You can choose your own German health insurance and register online easily. You can choose whatever insurance you like. Your membership certificate (this document confirms your membership in a health insurance company to your employer) will be sent to you via post. The HR department will need this document. Once you are a member with a German health insurance provider (when you get a letter with your membership number), you will need to contact them and ask for your social security number. Within 4-6 weeks you will receive it by mail. HR just needs this number and later a copy of the registration document. ATTENTION: The deadline for payroll is the 11th of every month. If you hand in all documents by this date, we are able to pay your salary at the end of that month. If documents are submitted after the 11th of the month we will not be able to process your pay by the end of the month. The salary will then be paid along with your next month s salary at the end of the following month. Find out more details about health insurance in the next chapter and do not hesitate to talk to HR if you have any insurance related questions. HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY Health insurance is mandatory for all employees in Germany and you won t be able to start working without it. Here s where you ll find more information about what is covered by your health insurance and some basic info on physicians and medical treatment in Germany. HEALTH INSURANCE As an employee, you have to have health insurance either statutory health insurance or private health insurance. If you become ill, health insurance covers the cost of medical 12 13

8 HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY treatment. The statutory health insurance system includes the following benefits: Outpatient medical treatment, for example in a physician s office Dental care Medication, remedies and medical devices Inpatient medical treatment, for example in a hospital medically necessary rehabilitation Services during pregnancy and childbirth If your spouse is not employed, he or she may be covered under your statutory health insurance policy at no extra charge to you. The same holds true for your children. Moreover, your health insurance policy automatically includes long-term care insurance. Your long-term care insurance is activated if, for example, you need nursing care because of a serious illness that prevents you from caring for yourself. PUBLIC H E A L T H INSURANCE All salaried workers in Germany whose gross monthly income is under a certain amount (EUR 4,350 since 2011, subject to change) are publicly insured. The percentage they owe to the state-run healthcare system is taken out of their monthly pay. In 2011, this percentage was raised to 15.5% of the employee s monthly salary. 7.3% is paid by the employer percentages might change slightly. Applying for public health insurance is relatively stress free. Search for German health insurances online, compare their services and apply online. You can also call up a regional office and set up an appointment. Make sure to bring your passport and your residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) with you when you go to the appointment. Usually, your German employer s HR office will take care of this for you. PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE Private health insurance is quite a bit more expensive than public healthcare. Only those earning more than 52,200 (amount might change slightly) per year and the selfemployed are eligible for private health insurance. The application process for this is a bit more complicated. You may be subjected to medical tests, required to answer a questionnaire concerning your medical history, and submit proof of your income. Unlike public healthcare, you have to go through the selection and application process without your employer s help. The benefits of private health insurance mostly do not lie in the quality of medical standards, but in the speed of care. In other words, you will not be left waiting for hours but will be attended to quickly, and some doctors only take patients with private insurance. Important: Once privately insured, it s not possible to go back to public health insurance in Germany! WHAT IS A HEALTH INSURANCE CARD? As soon as you become a member of a statutory health insurance fund, you will receive an electronic health insurance card documenting your membership. Make sure to send your insurance a photo of yours, otherwise they won t issue your card. The card includes an electronic record of your name, date of birth, address, policy number and insurance status. It must be submitted whenever you see your physician so that your health insurance can be billed for treatment. Your health insurance card is valid in all 28 EU countries as well as in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. This means that if you become ill in one of these countries while on holiday or a business trip, your health insurance card gives you access to medical treatment there. Before travelling abroad, it is a good idea to contact your health insurance to find out what to do in an emergency. VISITING YOUR PHYSICIAN In Germany, you may choose your own physician. In most cases your first visit is to your general practitioner. If necessary, he or she will refer you to a specialist or arrange for you to be admitted to a hospital. To find the right physician, consult the following: The website of your town or city The Bertelsmann Stiftung s Weisse Liste (White List) The website of your state s Kassenärztliche Vereinigung (Association of Statutory Health Insurance Physicians, KV: When you have found a physician, call his or her office and make an appointment; this avoids a long wait. In urgent cases, however, you can walk in without an appointment. WHAT IF YOU NEED A PHYSICIAN AFTER HOURS? You need medical care, but your physician s office is closed? In that case, dial for an on-call physician; the number is valid throughout Germany. The call is free from land lines and mobile phones, and is available to all patients with statutory or private health insurance. In case of an emergency a lifethreatening situation you should instead dial the emergency number 112 which is the German fire service that will send you an ambulance

9 HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY HEALTH MEDICAL CARE IN GERMANY THE COST OF AN OFFICE VISIT As a patient covered by statutory health insurance, you will have almost no out-of pocket expenses. Rather than billing you, your physician will submit a bill directly to your health insurance. MEDICATION Medications are available only in pharmacies, which display a large red sign with letter A (for Apotheke). There are two ways to obtain medications. The first is through your physician: The physician writes a prescription, which you take to the pharmacy, where you receive your medication. For prescription medicines you are only expected to make a co-payment; the rest is covered by your health insurance. The second way is to go directly to the pharmacy, where you can find over-the-counter medications (not requiring a prescription). In this case you must pay the full amount. IF YOU ARE ADMITTED TO HOSPITAL Germany has public hospitals, private clinics and charitable hospitals run by church relief organizations; many larger cities have university hospitals as well. As a rule, your general practitioner will arrange to have you admitted to hospital; only in an emergency you should go there directly. Your health insurance will normally cover the costs of your hospital stay. Since hospitalization can be very expensive, however, it is a good idea to determine in advance whether all of your treatment costs are covered. WHAT TO DO IN CASE OF EMERGENCY? In case of emergency, you have two alternatives: 1. In life-threatening or other serious situations, or if you are uncertain, dial 112, which connects you with the emergency medical service. The number is valid throughout Germany. An ambulance will arrive within 15 minutes. The emergency number is toll-free. 2. If the situation is not quite as serious, you can go directly to a hospital A&E department. A&E departments are open day and night. At the weekend, on holidays or during the night, on-call help is available from a hospital, physician or pharmacy in your area. Many newspapers publish daily listings of the physicians and pharmacies that are on call. VACCINATIONS AND PREVENTATIVE CARE Of course, it s much better not to get sick. Vaccinations and health screenings can prevent many illnesses. Vaccinations record shows the diseases against which you have been vaccinated. Various screenings are also available, some of them required by law. For infants and children, there are the U1 to U9 screenings, which help to identify developmental disorders and illnesses at an early stage so that they can be treated. There are numerous screenings for adults as well, for skin cancer and dental problems, for example. Statutory health insurances providers often offer a bonus if you are regularly screened. DENTISTS Dental work in Germany can be quite expensive, and you often need to present a cost estimate to your insurance prior to getting the treatment. It is also not always guaranteed that your insurance company deems the work necessary, as they strictly differentiate between cosmetic work and medical treatment. The percentage that your insurance, be it private or public, will pay depends on the coverage you have selected, as dental work is not included in standard medical insurance. However, quite a few Germans take out additional insurance cover for dental treatment with a private health insurance company. MEDICAL CARE IN BERLIN Berlin has an highly developed health infrastructure with a dense network of hospitals, clinics, physician practices, emergency services and some specialist institutions. You will find a broad range of medical care on offer here in the city. You can find suitable institutions or specialists for medical care in the Berlin internet health guide of the Gesundheits-Informations-Service GmbH. At you will find a comprehensive collection of addresses for health services: pharmacies, physicians, dentists, hospitals, ambulances and health trade as well as medical practitioners like optometrists, hearing device specialists, orthopaedics, maternity units and midwives. See also the telephone directory of business listings Gelbe Seiten (yellow pages) available at Here you can look for specialists who speak more than one language:

10 INSURANCE INSURANCE INSURANCE Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all accidents. However, there are many ways of protecting yourself against their repercussions. In the following section, we describe the most important kinds of insurance and explain how to obtain these in Germany. SOCIAL SECURITY If you have a job that requires social security contributions, you are insured under the social security system, which covers the major risks in life: illness, unemployment, accidents and the need for long-term care. LIABILITY INSURANCE Accidents can happen in the blink of an eye your child kicks a ball through your neighbor s window, or you break a vase while visiting a friend. In Germany, you are liable in such cases. In other words, you need to pay for damage. To prevent this from happen- ing, a liability insurance can be useful. Many Germans regard liability insurance as the most useful and important of the optional types of insurances. In the event of a claim, private liability insurance covers the cost of damages up to a specified amount. It also covers your spouse and children. Liability coverage starts at under 100 per year. MOTOR VEHICLE INSURANCE Motor vehicle liability insurance: If you own a car or motorcycle, you are required to have motor vehicle liability insurance. You are not allowed to register your vehicle without it. This insurance pays for personal injury, material damage and property loss if you cause an accident or injure someone while driving your car. The cost of the insurance the insurance premium may vary widely. It depends on such factors as the type of vehicle (car or motorcycle), its age and the number of years you have been driving without an accident. Comprehensive insurance: Motor vehicle liability insurance covers damages to the opposing party. You may also take out a comprehensive insurance policy to cover your own vehicle. A distinction is made between Teilkasko (comprehensive insurance) and Vollkasko (comprehensive insurance plus collision coverage). Teilkasko insurance generally pays for the following damage to your vehicle. Theft or robbery Fire or explosion Storms, hail, lightning, flooding Collisions with certain animals (such as deer) Broken glass Short-circuit damage to cables Vollkasko insurance also covers any damage resulting from an accident even if you were at fault as well as damage from vandalism. This is particularly advisable if your vehicle is new, since the cost of damage would be especially high. Among other things, the cost of comprehensive insurance depends on your premium, which is the amount you are required to pay out of pocket. For Teilkasko insurance, it is generally about 150; for Vollkasko insurance between 300 and 500. HOUSEHOLD INSURANCE This insurance covers the contents of your house or flat. For example, it pays for the replacement if your furniture or clothing are stolen or damaged by fire, storm or water. The cost depends on the size of your home, among other things. It is particularly worthwhile if you keep valuable items in your home

11 INSURANCE INSURANCE A C C I D E N T INSURANCE HOW TO PURCHASE AN INSURANCE POLICY You are automatically a member of the statutory accident insurance through your employer. This means that you are covered in the event of an accident in the workplace or on your way to work. However, most accidents happen when you are not at work, and this is where private accident insurance can help. While medical treatment is covered by statutory health insurance, private accident insurance can help mitigate financial consequences. Most importantly, private accident insurance covers you if you become disabled as a result of an accident and are no longer able to work. The insurance company pays disability benefits. You can purchase coverage for types of rehabilitation that are not paid for by statutory health insurance. RETIREMENT BENEFITS Germany s statutory pension insurance is the most important and strongest component of our old-age security system. To maintain your existing standard of living, however, it is advisable to have an additional retirement plan. Since 2002, the government has subsidized such supplementary pensions. The principle is both simple and effective: If you supplement your statutory pension, whether privately or at your workplace, the government will help by providing subsidies and tax contribution exemptions. To insure yourself against risk, you should purchase an insurance policy. The policy stipulates the following: Who or what is being insured? What is the insured event? In other words, in what case will the insurance company pay? What is the maximum amount that will be paid (amount of insurance)? Before purchasing a policy, make sure to do plenty of research. Talk to your friends and colleagues. You can also consult a professional insurance consultant, but if you do so, make sure that the consultant provides impartial advice. Insurance consultants at the consumer protection agency can offer further information. When you have chosen an insurance company, make an appointment for a personal meeting, where you can talk about the details of the policy. It is a good idea to sleep on it before signing a contract. If you are not entirely fluent in German, ask a friend or colleague to go with you to the meeting. THE MOST IMPORTANT INSURANCE TERMS Pflichtversicherung (Compulsory insurance): Insurance required by law. If you have a car, this includes motor vehicle liability insurance. Selbstbeteiligung / Selbstbehalt (Premium): This is the amount that you are required to pay out of pocket if an insured event occurs. It may be a fixed amount or a percentage. Versicherer (Insurance provider): The company from which you purchase your insurance policy. Versicherungsnehmer (Policy holder): The individual who purchases a policy from the insurance company, normally you or a member of your family. Versicherungsfall (Insured event): The event that triggers payment from your insurance company (for example a car accident in the case of comprehensive motor vehicle insurance or illness in case of health insurance). Versicherungsprämie / Versicherungsbeitrag (Insurance premium or insurance contribution): The onetime or regular amount that you pay to your insurance company. The insurance policy determines the amount and when it is to be paid. Versicherungsleistung (Insurance benefit): The benefit you receive from the insurance company if the insured event occurs. This may be a monetary amount or a replacement in kind. The latter term means that the damaged item is replaced, for example: A broken window is replaced with a new one. The maximum insurance benefit is defined in the insurance policy

12 RELOCATION EXPENSES RELOCATION EXPENSES RELOCATION EXPENSES Moving to a new country can be quite expensive. Find out which costs can be reimbursed or are deductible from your taxable income after you ve moved to Germany. D E D U C T I B L E RELOCATION EXPENSES You can deduct relocation expenses from your taxable income in your yearly German income tax return. Relocation expenses are work-related if: The distance between home and workplace is significantly reduced. This is the case if daily travelling time in total is reduced by at least one hour. A new home is required because the employee is working for the first time. The relocation is caused by working for a new employer or taking a new profession or job. The relocation is in the predominant interest of the employer or A work-related, so called double household is set-up or terminated. In detail, this includes the following expenses: This goes for travelling costs of the employee, his or her children and other individuals who belong to the household. Expenses in connection with rented homes: A flat or home if the rental contract cannot legally be cancelled before the relocation takes place or The new flat, if this flat had to be rented before the relocation date. Other relocation expenses: Broker fees for procuring a rented flat or home (this does not apply for the purchase of an own home) Additional costs for educating children, if connected to the change of address Transport of household goods: All expenses related to the transportation are deductible. This also applies for substantiated payments to privately supported individuals Travelling costs: Costs of transport (flight, train, car etc.) Extra expenses for food and drink (flat rate amounts / lump sums) Costs of accommodation Other travel-related expenses 22 23

13 RELOCATION EXPENSES FINDING AN APARTMENT NEED HELP? If you want assistance with your relocation check out this site: Here you ll find options for your individual relocation package offered by a German- American who has lived in several countries and has been assisting families to make their move to Berlin for over 14 years. FINDING A N APARTMENT In Berlin you will find that a large number of apartments of various sizes are available in all districts and price ranges. Compared to other European metropolises, rents remain reasonably affordable. As for the deduction of costs from your yearly German income tax return, you might want to contact a Steuerberater / tax adviser in Berlin to get the income tax return done

14 FINDING AN APARTMENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT SEARCH VIA INTERNET The websites of most of Berlin s daily newspapers have apartment offers online: Berliner Morgenpost Berliner Zeitung Tagesspiegel Zitty Wohnungen In addition, there s a lot of popular sites for your apartment search: immobilien-und-wohnen/suche HOUSING OFFICES When looking for an apartment, you might also like to enquire in the housing offices in the districts that interest you ( Wohnungsamt, located in each district office). They offer information on Wohnungsgesellschaften, housing associations that are run by the state and provide apartments for rent. FURNISHED ROOMS AND APARTMENTS As in many other cities, you ll find many people renting out single rooms or their whole apartment for an extended period of time. This is a good option if you want to find a place to stay for a while and search for an apartment at your own pace or if you are only staying in Berlin for a certain period of time. Check out these sites to find a furnished room or apartment: LITTLE HELPERS The following abbreviations are helpful when looking for accommodation: 2-Zi-Whg 2-Zimmer-Wohnung / (2-room apartment) Abstellk. Abstellkammer / (storeroom) Blk / Balk. Balkon / balcony DG Dachgeschoss / (under the roof / attic rooms) D Diele / (hall) DU Dusche / (shower) EBK Einbauküche / (fitted kitchen) EFH Einfamilienhaus / (detached house) EG Erdgeschoss /(ground floor) HK Heizkosten / (heating costs) Kaution Deposit Keine zusätzl. Prov. Keine zusätzliche Provision (No additional commission) KM Kaltmiete / (rent excl. utilities costs such as heating, cable TV, cleaning of communal areas, waste removal etc.) MM Monatsmiete /(monthly rent) NK / NBK Nebenkosten / (additional costs such as heating, cable TV, cleaning of shared areas, waste removal etc.) NR Nichtraucher / (non-smoker) OG Obergeschoss / (floor) RH Reihenhaus / (terraced house) Stellpl. Stellplatz / (parking space) TG Tiefgarage / (underground parking) warm / WM Warmmiete / (rent incl. all utilities costs such as heating, cable TV, cleaning of communal areas, waste removal etc.) Wfl. Wohnfläche / (living space) WG Wohngemeinschaft / (shared accommodation) WK Wohnküche / (open-plan kitchen) ZH Zentralheizung / (central heating) 26 27

15 RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT R E N TA L CONTRACTS & RENT When renting an apartment in Germany, it s good to have some key facts about rental contracts and rent in mind. Find out what you need to know before signing your contract. L E N G T H O F RENTAL CONTRACT There are short-term and long-term contracts. Be aware of temporary rental contracts (Zeitmietvertrag) where the landlord states that they will use or renovate the flat once the lease has ended as the tenant will have no rights once the contract is up. PARTIES TO THE RENTAL CONTRACT Each person who wants to move into the flat should be included in the rental contract. The landlord and the tenant both need to sign it and the original copy should be given to you. RENT Rent - Miete or Monatsmiete in German is the amount paid by the tenant ( Mieter ) to the landlord ( Vermieter ) every month for use of the apartment ( Netto-Kaltmiete, net cold rent). There are also side costs included for items like garbage disposal, street and house cleaning, heating and water supply; they make up approximately 25% of the rent. Electricity is usually charged separately by an electricity supplier of your choice, with which you must register yourself. You might have a choice of providers. When you move in, contact the providers to agree on the contract and arrange for payment. Here s some of the providers in Berlin: Vattenfall Lekker Strom Eprimo EVD Stromio Yello Strom To find out which provider suits you best and what s the right rate for you, you might want to use an online calculator: special/finanzen-und-recht/rechner All costs in addition to the rent are paid at a monthly flat rate which is an estimate of the average monthly costs. Accounts are settled at the end of an accounting year. If you get a refund, the monthly rate for the following year will be reduced; if you have to pay an additional amount, the monthly rate will be increased. The additional costs that are paid through the landlord every month together with the rent are called Nebenkosten and the total amount paid to the landlord every month is called Warmmiete. Deposit: It is common to pay a deposit (one to maximum three months rent plus value added tax (VAT) to cover any repairs for damage in the apartment caused by the tenant when he/she leaves. This sum is deposited in a special savings account. Arrange this together with the landlord or obtain a receipt 28 29

16 RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT RENTAL CONTRACTS & RENT for the savings account. When you leave, the deposit will be returned to you with interest. However, any costs for repairs or renovation will be deducted. The exact rules and regulations on this should be included in the rental contract which you will receive for signature from the agent or landlord. The rental contract or house rules can entail certain obligations, such as path clearance in winter when it snows or periodic responsibility for cleaning the stairwell. You should check whether pets are allowed. The general rule is that noise should be kept to a minimum between 22:00 and 7:00, so as not to disturb your neighbors. If you have a party or invite guests, it is common courtesy to let your neighbors know in advance that there may be a little more noise on the day in question. MORE DETAILS If you want to read more on how to find an apartment in Berlin as an expat, read this excellent guide on The Needle blog :

17 CHAPTER TWO CHAPTER TWO LIVING IN BERLIN Berlin is a pulsing, exciting city with so many varied and distinctive neighborhoods, iconic history all around, great food at all levels and from every corner of the world. said a member of R.E.M. some years ago. Here s a quick guide to Berlin s most exciting neighborhoods.

18 BERLIN A PLACE TO BE BERLIN A PLACE TO BE BERLIN A P L A C E TO BE Proud to present: Berlin s most central and exciting neighborhoods. Get a quick overview and some insights that might help you to choose your place to stay and find out about favorite spots in the city. ABOUT BERLIN Berlin is the capital of Germany and one of the most fascinating, liberal and cosmopolitan cities in the world. Berlin is the largest city in Germany and has a population of 4.5 million within its metropolitan area and 3.5 million within city limits. Almost 15% of Berlin s residents are people holding foreign passports a remarkable figure for any city. Berlin has residents from almost every country in the world with more than 190 countries represented in the city s (registered) population. As for the living cost, Berlin is still one of the cheaper cosmopolitan cities. The link below will also help you understand the expense of the city: From 1948 to 1990 the city of Berlin was divided into two parts: West Berlin and East Berlin. It is now possible to see representatives of many different historic periods in a short time within the city center, from a few surviving medieval buildings near Alexanderplatz, to the ultra-modern glass and steel structures at Potsdamer Platz. Because of its tumultuous history, Berlin remains a city with many distinctive neighborhoods. Berlin is best known for its historical associations as the German capital, internationalism and tolerance, lively nightlife, its many cafés, clubs, and bars, street art, and numerous museums, palaces, and other sites of historic interest. Berlin s architecture is quite varied. Although badly damaged in the final years of World War II and split in two during the Cold War, Berlin has reconstructed itself greatly, especially with the reunification push after the fall of the Berlin Wall in Clockwise from left: Checkpoint Charly, Pergamonmuseum, Oberbaumbrücke 34 35

19 BERLIN A PLACE TO BE BERLIN A PLACE TO BE MOLLSTRASSE (BMO) Technology Customer Care international NEUE BAHNHOFSTRASSE (BNB) Category Management zlabels Customer Care DACH PRENZLAUER BERG/ PANKOW MITTE FRIEDRICHSHAIN/ KREUZBERG TAMARA-DANZ-STRASSE (BTD) Management Board Brand Marketing Sales Infrastructure People&Organization Corporate Communication Finance LegalIP CHARLOTTENBURG WILMERSDORF SCHUCKERTHÖFE (BSH) Zalando Lounge POSTBAHNHOF (BPB) Content Creation TEMPELHOF- SCHÖNEBERG NEUKÖLLN OUTLET (BOK) LIVING IN BERLIN S DISTRICTS KIEZE Neighborhoods are often called Kieze by Berliners, which refers to their immediate neighborhood with all the necessary infrastructure and social networks. Berlin has 10 boroughs. Before the Greater Berlin Act was passed in 1920, some areas, such as Charlottenburg or Rixdorf, were independent towns or villages. Because of this, a lot of Kieze have kept their own unique character. However, things are constantly changing and every week there seems to be a new Trendbezirk or hip area. People are always moving, looking for something new whilst at the same time trying to get away from the rising rents. We give a run-through of some Berlin boroughs that are central and relatively inexpensive

20 BERLIN A PLACE TO BE MITTE Mitte the middle of Berlin. Nikolaiviertel is the historic heart of the city. It is situated next to Alexanderplatz, which together with the Unter den Linden boulevard, Museum Island, Hackescher Markt and Friedrichstraße, makes up the old part of Mitte, whilst the government quarter, Potsdamer Platz and Leipziger Platz have all been built up over the last 25 years. When Berliners speak of Mitte, they are usually referring to the smaller locality and not to the larger borough, which also consists of the localities of Tiergarten, Hansaviertel, Wedding, Moabit and Gesundbrunnen. Families prefer the Spandauer Vorstadt area, which is made up of Torstraße and Hackescher Markt, Rosenthaler Vorstadt and the Fischerinsel area between the river and Getraudenstraße. Artists and creative types prefer the southern parts of Moabit and Wedding. Only the very wealthy can afford to live near Gendarmenmarkt. Over the past few years gentrification has arrived in Leopoldplatz in Wedding and a number of bars and cafes have opened their doors. Further north, near the Afrikanische Straße underground station, it is still possible to find something cheap. FRIEDRICHSHAIN- KREUZBERG East and West, Germans and non-germans, family life and singles Friedrichshain- Kreuzberg unites them all. Friedrichshain-Kreuzberg, the smallest of all the Berlin boroughs in terms of area, was formed in 2001 by merging the former East Berlin borough of Friedrichshain and the former West Berlin borough of Kreuzberg, an area known for its green politics and counterculture traditions. During World War II Friedrichshain was one of the most badly damaged parts of Berlin and the western part of the borough is dominated by East German tower blocks. Once solely the preserve of older people, they have now been renovated and their low rents, good location and amazing views are making them an attractive option for younger people. A popular area is the area around Otto- Braun-Straße and Mollstraße, known as Barnim-Kiez, with its many playgrounds and its proximity to Volkspark Friedrichshain. The area around Boxhagener Platz, with its pre-wwii flats that have been renovated, is particularly attractive to young people but it can be pricy. An insider s tip is Samariterviertel, the area north of Samariterstraße underground station as well as the area around Rudolf-Platz, which has seen a lot of interesting development recently. Kreuzberg still has a lot of reasonably priced flats, many of which have been renovated, as well as a lot of industry and handicraft businesses. The south-western part of Kreuzberg is interesting with its mix of young and old, German and international, families and singletons. THEY SAY THE CITY OF BERLIN I S ACTUALLY MADE OUT OF 100 VILLAGES. The streets are full of independent shops and bars and the river Spree and Treptower Park are not far away green and urban comes together here. This area is also known for its high unemployment. PRENZLAUER BERG AND PANKOW Pankow is also a district that is defined by contrasts: From the tranquil streets of Pankow to the densely populated area that borders Mitte. There are no tall buildings here, just church towers and old flats from the late 19th century. Prenzlauer Berg is known across Germany and a lot of young people and families from 38 39

21 BERLIN A PLACE TO BE BERLIN A PLACE TO BE now that Tempelhof airport has closed, the rents there are increasing and in the southern part, near the new city airport, rents are also going up. and Mariendorf and the Aviators Quarter, named after the former Tempelhof airport, is known for its quiet side streets (such as Manfred-von-Richthofen-Straße). In the right Kiez it might happen you live next to your favorite café. different countries move here. Kollwitzplatz in the summer could be mistaken for the south of France or Italy. Modernisation and gentrification have led to rising rents and many long-time residents have left the Kiez, and the character of the area has completely changed. The area is perfect for families and raising children. Weißensee is quiet and green, for example the area known as the Composers Quarter, east of Berliner Allee. Französisch-Buchholz und Pankow are also green and have a lot of parks. It is further away from the centre, but this also means that the rents are lower. NEUKÖLLN Neukölln is characterised by having one of the highest percentages of immigrants in Berlin: 321,000 people from 160 different countries. The northern part of Neukölln is very densely populated whereas the southern part is more spread out and green. Reuterkiez has become very popular with students and artists in recent years, tempted by its cafes, galleries and cheap rents. The area between Karl-Marx-Straße and Sonnenallee is rather unique in Berlin. Known as Rixdorf, the area is famous for its old buildings situated around Richardplatz which is reminiscent of a village green but in the middle of a capital city. Neukölln covers a large area and the rents can vary greatly: TEMPELHOF- SCHÖNEBERG Although they are both part of the same borough, Tempelhof and Schöneberg are very different places Tempelhof is more for those who prefer peace and quiet whereas Schöneberg is full of bars and clubs. The nicest but also most sought-after and most expensive area in Schöneberg is the Bayerische Viertel, situated between Vikoria-Louise-Platz and Bayerischer Platz. Artists, creative types, freelancers and DINKs (Dual Income No Kids) tend to settle down here. If you don t have contacts then it s almost impossible to find a place here. More promising is Friedenau, further south. The area around Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz with its pre-wwii flats and shops is particularly nice. The area around Nollendorfplatz is Berlin s gay quarter. Golzstraße, Eisenacher Straße and Akazienstraß are international and creative, whereas Kurfürstenstraße is known as being one of Berlin s red light districts. Tempelhof is quieter: A lot of families tend to settle in Marienfelde, Lichtenrade CHARLOTTENBURG- WILMERSDORF Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is, and always has been, the focal point of West Berlin from affordable council housing in Siemensstadt to grand villas in Dahlem. The beating heart of Charlottenburg-Wilmersdorf is the world famous Kurfürstendamm, Berlin s answer to Oxford Street or or the Champs- Élysées. Culture vultures will feel at home here, with the opera, numerous theatres (Schaubühne) and museums (Sammlung Berggruen) all based here. Charlottenburg is primarily a middle-class area but a lot of students and creative types live here, while Wilmersdorf is more conservative

22 PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TRANSPORTATION IN THE CITY There s hardly any capital in Europe with a better public transport network than Berlin. No matter what time of dayor night, there s always a train or bus to drive you home. Alternatively you can get yourself a bike and explore the city this way. PUBLIC TRANSPORT You can easily reach most destinations in Berlin by public transport. As a Zalando employee you get your monthly ticket at a reduced fare just talk to HR. If you use public transportation frequently, this will save you a lot of money. The Berlin transport authority, the BVG, operates bus, U-Bahn (underground) and tram networks, and a few ferry services on the outlying lakes. The S-Bahn (overground railway) is run by its own authority, but services are integrated within the same threezone tariff system. Zone A covers central Berlin, zone B extends out to the edge of the suburbs and zone C stretches into Brandenburg. over the past decade has been cyclist traffic, thanks mostly to the city s remarkable bike lane system. A bicycle is extremely practical for individual excursions. Most routes are easily navigable by bike, and it is a great way to see the environment. Bikes are available for rent at numerous bike rentals and stores. In many parts of the city and in the suburbs, there is an extensive cycle path network. The BVG website ( has a wealth of information (in English) on city transport, and there s usually someone who speaks English at the 24-hour BVG Call Center (194 49). The S-Bahn has its own website at Also very helpful: The Android and ios App Öffi for Berlin that checks out journeys, connections and schedules of all trains, busses and trams for you. T H E Y E L L O W UBAHN OF BERLIN IS FAMOUS IN THE WHOLE WORLD. RIDING YOUR BICYCLE Of note though is Berlin s riding (cycling) culture, as more than 10% of the city s traffic 42 43

23 GOING OUT, SHOPPING, EATING GOING OUT GOING OUT SHOPPING EATING Have fun in Berlin with our recommendations for partying, eating and last not least shopping! We ve also collected our favorite blogs on Berlin e n j o y! NIGHTLIFE Berlin is proud of its nightlife culture, and with good reason. The partygoers of the 90s who danced in factories, warehouses and old subway shafts may have moved on, but there is a new scene in Mitte, Friedrichshain, Kreuzberg and the old west that is running from one opening to the next. Booming techno beats and a jazzy transverse flute, mirrored dance halls with red silk curtains, small cellar clubs with trashy decorations: Berlin has a bars and clubs to suit every taste and budget. The capital has the largest electro scene in the world, but there are clubs catering to lovers of all types of music. Or if you just like to tango, jive or swing hit the traditional Balhäuse (Ballrooms) of Berlin, where couples have been swaying for over 100 years. BARS Amano Bar Auguststraße Berlin Especially nice during the summer time with its roof top bar. Bar 1000 Schiffbauerdamm Berlin Hidden spot. They mix good drinks over here and have praise from the jazz scene. Bon Bon Bar Torstraße Berlin A favorite of Berlin s fashion scene. Chic and simple. Trust Torstraße Berlin Spirits are sold in bottles 0.2 or 0.5 so you either make lots of new friends or you just get drunk ;-) Chapel Bar Sonntagstraße Berlin Tell the bar tender what you like and you ll get a cocktail that s designed for you. Gin & Tonic Bar Friedrichstraße Berlin For all the Gin Tonic addicts this bar with its edgy style is the right place to be. Tier Weserstraße Berlin Tier meaning animal in German has a cool vibe with frosted glass windows, but it s the hip and friendly guests which make Tier so special. Odessa Bar Torstraße Berlin Trendy artsy, typical Berlin-Mitte

24 SHOPPING, EATING SHOPPING, EATING DANCING FOOD Weekend Alexanderstraße Berlin Pretty nice club with a gorgeous view over Berlin, located right in the center of the city. Berghain Am Wriezener Bahnhof Berlin The world s most revered techno club. Prince Charles Prinzenstraße 85 F Berlin Located in a former swimming-pool, the Prince Charles is a mixconcept of bar and club with manicured electro sound. Ritter Butzke Ritterstraße Berlin The complex of buildings at Moritz place has become a legend. Although now above board, it gained it s cred as an underground, unofficial party locale. Great partying guaranteed. Lokal Linienstraße Berlin A charming eatery serving contemporary German food based on fantastic, locally sourced ingredients served by amazing staff. Schneeweiß Simplonstraße Berlin This minimally designed restaurant, reminiscent of a winter wonderland, serves Austrian inspired cuisine exceptionally well. Hartmanns Fichtestraße Berlin Really nice French food in Kreuzberg. Yam Yam Alte Schönhauser Straße Berlin Excellent Korean cuisine in Mitte. This place is usually crowded so you might have to wait a little. But the dishes are worth it. Katz Orange Bergstraße Berlin Regional, delicious food in such a cool building an old brewery. The Bird Am Falkplatz Berlin Enjoy excellent coffee and cake at Five Elephant A New York style bar and steakhouse, serving undoubtedly Berlin s best steaks and burgers as well as other stuff all made fresh daily. COFFEE Five Elephant Reichenberger Straße 101 & Budapester Straße & Berlin American and Austrian team Kris and Sophie are famous city-wide for their talents: He s the coffee king, she s the baking queen (the cheesecake is possibly the best in the world). Croissanterie Pannierstraße Berlin Y O U L L FIND F O O D F R O M A L L O V E R T H E WORLD IN B E R L I N A N D A T LOW PRICES. Some say it s here where you get the best croissants in town. What you get for sure is a really good café au lait and some Parisian flair sitting outside and watching people go by. The Barn Auguststraße 58 / Schönhauser Allee Berlin The Barn is one of the leading specialty coffee roasters in Germany and has two coffee shops in Berlin. The coffee is fair trade and roasted on-site. It s best enjoyed unadulterated. Tres Cabezas Boxhagener Straße Berlin Another location where you can have one of the bestcoffees in town