3 getting started - landeshauptstadt potsdam · 3 getting started 3.1 living once you arrive in...
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3 Getting started
3.1 Living
Once you arrive in Potsdam from the Central Reception Centre, to start with you will be
assigned a communal shelter or a housing group. Here you will live with people of different
cultural backgrounds. In order to live together as harmoniously as possible it is necessary to
treat one another with respect and tolerance. This includes compliance with the house rules.
The staff on site is more than happy to explain these to you. Your points of contact, who will
be advising and accompanying you over the coming period in the shelter are:
The shelter managers: The shelter managers decide how and where you are housed in the
facility. They also decide on who shares a room with whom; however, in doing so they are
mindful of ethnic, cultural and religious differences or similarities. As a resident you have a
right to privacy, i.e. your room must be lockable and no one may enter your room without
your permission.
The shelter managers are also in charge of distributing the “additional, not-for-profit work” (=
gemeinnützliche zusätzliche Arbeit or gzA/ see the section entitled “Work”) within your
communal shelter and will try to distribute this fairly among the residents. In many facilities,
shelter managers are also social workers.
For more information:
The flyer “What can refugee shelter managers do” can be downloaded here:
www.fluechtlingsrat-brandenburg.de/tipps-fur-den-fluchtlingsalltag/was-darf-die-
heimleitung. The flyer is available in eight languages.
The social workers: These are your main points of contact when it comes to making
appointments with and visiting public authorities or administrative offices, but also if you need
to see a doctor. The social workers can assist you with important appointments and, if
necessary, organize a language professional or an interpreter for you. (See the section
entitled “Language”)
The duration of your stay in the transitional shelter is likely to amount to a maximum of 12
months, after which you are usually able to move into your own apartment. The exact time at
which you are able to leave the communal shelter, however, is a matter of discretion of the
Sozialamt (Social Assistance Office) – and certain conditions are attached to this. You may
apply in writing to the Sozialamt to be housed in an apartment; reasons for such application
must be given. The social workers at your shelter are able to assist you with such an
application.
In order to move into your own home it is very important to apply for a
Wohnberechtigungsschein or WBS (a certificate of eligibility to public housing) with
Potsdam city administration, which grants you the right to rent an apartment at a reduced
rent. The situation on the Potsdam housing market is difficult, so it could take some time
before a suitable apartment is found. During this time, you may of course remain in your
shelter.
If, over time, there should be a change in your residence status and you receive a residence
permit, you are under an obligation to move out of the communal shelter.
PLEASE NOTE: During your ongoing asylum procedure you must notify not only the
Einwohnermeldeamt/ Bürgerservice (registration office/citizens-
service) but also the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge or BAMF (the Federal
Office for Migration and Refugees) of any change of address. Address: Bundesamt für
Migration und Flüchtlinge (BAMF), 90343 Nürnberg or online at:
https://www.bamf.de/DE/Infothek/AnsprechpartnerAdressen/ansprechpartner-
node.html?themeId=0
Germany operates a so-called residence obligation for tolerated persons and asylum-
seekers. If you are housed here in Potsdam, you are permitted to reside in and visit the
German states of Brandenburg and Berlin only. This means you may reside in or visit those
states without fear of a penalty should your documents be inspected.
3.2 Attending administrative offices
Immediately on the first working day after your arrival in Potsdam, there are 3 things that you
must do urgently:
1. Register with the Bürgerservice (citizens’ service) 2. Register with the Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ registration office) 3. Make contact with the Sozialamt (social assistance office)
If required, you will be accompanied by a member of staff of your shelter, a volunteer helper
or a language professional in your appointments with administrative offices and the related
registration with the city of Potsdam.
PLEASE NOTE: Why do you have to attend these administrative offices? Because the state
of Brandenburg has a “registration duty”, too. This means that every person who moves into
a home in Potsdam or the surrounding area has to register with the
Einwohnermeldeamt/Bürgerservice (registration office/citizens’ service). With your
registration you become a Potsdam resident who is entitled to certain social and other
benefits. In return, certain expectations are placed on you – you have a duty to cooperate.
3.2.1 The Einwohnermeldeamt/ Bürgerservice (registration
office/citizens’ service)
Registration at the registration office is free of charge. You will receive a certificate of
registration, which will include details of the current address of your accommodation. You
can use this certificate to prove your current address to other public authorities.
In order to register, you will need to provide a personal document that gives details of your
identity (passport, identity card or provisional document).
Bürgerservice (citizens’ service) Stadthaus Potsdam; Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 79-81, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2891111 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Monday 10:00 - 18:00, Tuesday 08:00 - 18:00, Wednesday 08:00 - 18:00, Thursday 08:00 - 18:00, Friday 08:00 - 14:00, Saturday 08:00 - 12:00
3.2.2 Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ registration office)
This public authority looks after the interests of non-German nationals, i.e. matters regarding
entry, stay, establishment and employment in Germany. This includes the issue and
renewal of residence permits, permissions to run a business, permissions to study. In
issuing or renewing such permits, the foreigners’ registration office is bound by the decisions
of the Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge or BAMF (the Federal Office for Migration
and Refugees). If an application for asylum has been refused by the BAMF, the foreigners’
registration office is also responsible for organising the departure.
Once you have registered with the Bürgerservice (citizens’ service), the foreigners’
registration office will record your current address as per the registration certificate on what is
known as the blue card (blaue Karte). You now have a temporary residence permit
(Aufenthaltsgestattung), which certifies that you are lawfully resident in Potsdam and
Brandenburg. This document allows you to identify yourself in dealings with public authorities
or other bodies.
Please note that, in order to deal with the matters described above, you need to make an
individual appointment in advance.
Ausländerbehörde (foreigners’ registration office) Friedrich- Ebert- Str. 79-81, Haus 20; 14469 Potsdam, Telephone 0331-2891753 Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 18:00, Thursday 9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00, Friday 9:00 -12:00
3.2.3 Sozialamt (social assistance office)
This is the third step on your “journey” through the various administrative offices – nearly
there now!
First of all, the social assistance office will check your entitlements to benefits under the
German Asylum Seekers Benefits Act (Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz – AsylbLG); this is the
money which will cover your living expenses initially. Then you will receive what is known as
a Leistungsbescheid (benefits notice), which lists the benefits you are entitled to. You will
receive support to pay for:
food, accommodation, heating, clothing, health and personal hygiene, durable
household goods and consumables
pocket money for personal everyday needs
benefits in the case of sickness, pregnancy and birth
depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to other benefits, which will be
assessed in each individual case
Currently, in the state of Brandenburg these benefits amount to approx. EUR 352 per month
(since March 2015). There are certain set days in the social assistance office, on which the
money is paid out to you in cash. Please check this with the social workers in your shelter.
They have a list detailing the payout dates, which they will be happy to provide to you.
PLEASE NOTE: Should you be sick on the day the money is due to be paid out, or should
you be unable to attend in person for any other important reasons, you need to submit a
doctor’s note or another valid excuse (e.g. a letter from the social institution which runs your
shelter) – otherwise you will lose the money for the days in question!
For the first few months of your stay in Potsdam, the social assistance office will bear the
cost of a “language professional” who will accompany you to administrative offices, doctors
etc. in order to interpret for you. You need to submit a written request in this regard. The
social workers in your shelter are on hand to help you with such request.
In the social assistance office you can also apply for other social benefits: for example, an
“educational and participation package” (Bildungs- und Teilhabe-Paket/ BuT) (see the
section “Education”) for your children, or pregnancy clothing or baby-related items (prams,
cots, changing table, etc.).
Sozialamt (social assistance office) Hegelallee 6-10, Haus 2, 14461 Potsdam Telephone Div. Asylum: A-G,J,K,O-Z: 0331-2892156; letters H,I: 0331-2892201; letters L-N: 0331-2892203 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Tuesday 9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 18:00, Thursday 9:00 - 12:00 and 13:00 - 16:00
3.2.4 Standesamt (civil registry office)
Depending on your personal circumstances it may be necessary to visit another
administrative office. Potsdam Standesamt (civil registry office) will assist you in any
certification or notarization of your personal documents, e.g. in issuing a birth certificate for a
child of yours who was born in Germany. If, as parents, you are not able to prove your own
identity beyond doubt, you will receive what is known as a “Auszug aus dem
Geburtenregister” (an extract from the birth register) with a note that the information is based
on the statements made by you. Upon presentation of this certificate, you are then able to
apply for benefits for your child at the Sozialamt (social assistance office).
Furthermore, the Standesamt is responsible for issuing certified copies from the marriage
and partnership register and for conducting marriage ceremonies.
The authorities dealing with matters of nationality / change of name are also part of the
registry office.
Please bear in mind that a certification is only possible if the documents are available in
German.
Address for visitors of the Standesamt Potsdam Stadthaus Potsdam; Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 7981, 14469 Potsdam Postal address of the Standesamt Potsdam Landeshauptstadt Potsdam, 14461 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2891112 Email: [email protected] Opening hours: Monday 09:00 - 12:00; Tuesday 09:00 -18:00; Wednesday 09:00 - 12:00; Thursday 09:00 - 16:00; closed Friday
3.3 Dealing with letters from administrative offices
During your stay in Germany, you will frequently need to communicate with public offices and
authorities. In Germany, any communications with such offices are in writing and need to
comply with certain set rules; there are quite a few points that need to be considered so as
not to jeopardize your asylum claim:
PLEASE NOTE: You need to open any letters you receive from public offices or authorities
without delay! You may be asked to comply with certain (response) time-limits, failing which
sanctions may be imposed against you (e.g. the suspension of cash benefits or similar).
Make sure you keep the envelope as proof because it shows the postmark with the date.
Don’t worry if you don’t understand the contents – “German officialise” is sometimes very
difficult to understand even for people whose mother tongue is German.
Make sure you get in touch with the social worker responsible for you or another specialist –
they will help you to understand the contents of the letter and to react accordingly.
If you live in a communal shelter where you have no private post box, make sure you
enquire in the office of the social institution which runs your shelter whether there have been
any letters for you; you should make such enquiries every other day.
3.4 Who can you turn to if you have any questions?
The asylum procedure is very complex and determines whether and for how long you may
stay in Germany. It is therefore extremely important that you seek personal advice from
experts as to your own legal position as early as possible! The following facility offers
independent free advice and support in addition to the assistance given by the social
workers:
Beratungsfachdienst für MigrantInnen des Diakonischen Werkes Potsdam e.V. (specialist advisory service for migrants run by the charitable organization of protestant churches) Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str- 64 (Hinterhaus), 14482 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2008381 (Fr. Böhme) Email: [email protected]
The advisory service of the Diakonisches Werk is aimed particularly at asylum seekers,
tolerated persons and refugees resident on humanitarian grounds.
3.5 Important emergency numbers
If you find yourself in an acute emergency, there are various free emergency numbers that
you can call in Germany:
POLICE: 110
FIRE SERVICES: 112
RESCUE SERVICES: 112
The police in Germany
The police is responsible for ensuring the safety of all citizens.
It protects people from danger and is responsible for investigating and preventing crimes.
Don’t be afraid – the police in Germany does not act arbitrarily or corruptly, but on a
democratic and legal basis.
If you wish to file a charge to the police (bicycle theft, robbery or similar) you can go straight
to a police station:
Polizeiwache Potsdam Mitte (police station Potsdam centre) Henning-von Tresckow- Str. 9-13, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-55080
3.6 Potsdam hospitals
In acute emergency situations you may visit the accident and emergency departments of one
the two Potsdam hospitals at any time.
Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann Charlottenstr. 72, 14467 Potsdam Children’s Emergency Department of Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann Charlottenstr. 72, 14467 Potsdam St. Josef hospital, Potsdam-Sanssouci Allee nach Sanssouci 7, 14471 Potsdam
4. Language
4.1. Language Courses
The city of Potsdam provides German courses for refugees going through the asylum
process or for foreigners with tolerated residence status. A course lasts 200 hours in
total and you do not have to pay for it.
In addition, people who have received a residence permit for at least one year are legally
entitled to attend an integration course (see Section 44 and Section 44a of the German
Residence Act (German: "§§44, 44a AufenthG"). It lasts approximately 600 hours. The topics
covered include cultural studies, the German health system, living and working in Germany,
education and parenting. You will also learn how to write letters, make telephone calls, fill in
application forms and write job applications. There is an exam at the end of this course.
It is possible that you might be required to attend this integration course. If this is the case
and you do not attend, you might be subject to sanctions and even risk losing your residence
permit. Under certain circumstances you might have to pay 1.20€ per hour to cover part of
the integration course fee. You can, however, apply to have the entire fee waived. In some
cases refugees can take part in job-related language courses.
You can find a list of language course providers in Potsdam here:
Berlin-Brandenburgische Auslandsgesellschaft (BBAG) e. V.
Schulstraße 8b, 14482 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 270 02 40 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.bbag-ev.de Offer: Basic certification, literacy courses
SBH Südost GmbH
Gartenstr. 2-12, 14482 Potsdam Offer: Basic certification, courses for young people, literacy courses, remedial courses, intensive courses
Verein für Arbeitsmarktintegration und Berufsförderung AIB e.V.
Zum Jagenstein 3, 14478 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 200 29 68 Offer: Basic certification
Volkshochschule "Albert Einstein" der Landeshauptstadt Potsdam
Am Kanal 47, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 289 45 60 Email: [email protected] Offer: Basic certification, literacy courses
Please find further German courses for refugees in Potsdam below. These are funded
through the ESF:
Euro-Schulen Berlin Brandenburg GmbH, Schulungszentrum Potsdam
Am Kanal 12, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 704 44 59 3 Email: [email protected] Offer: Basic certification, courses for women, intensive courses
Tbz- Technologie- und Berufsbildungszentrum Königs Wusterhausen gGmbh,
Standort Potsdam
Behlertstraße 34, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 704 31 28 0 Offer: Basic certification, literacy courses
(These courses are for the following groups: people with a permission to reside in Potsdam
(German: "Aufenthaltsgestattung") in accordance with Section 55 of the German Asylum
Procedure Law (German: "§ 55 AsylVfG"), with tolerated residence status in accordance with
Section 60 a of the German Residence Act (German: "§ 60 a AufenthG") and with a
residence permit in accordance with Sections 23.1, 25.4 a, 25.4 b and 25.5 of the German
Residence Act (German: "§ 23.1, § 25.4 a, § 25.4 b, § 25.5 AufenthG").
4.2. Language Mediators/Interpreters
During the first few weeks and months in Potsdam you will have a lot of contact with the
authorities and with social, medical, and educational institutions. Since you do not yet speak
any or a lot of German, there are companies such as FaZIT and ref.connect that specialize in
"language mediation" for these situations.
FaZIT stands for "Fachberatungsdienst Zuwanderung, Integration und Toleranz im Land
Brandenburg" – it is a specialist service that promotes migration, integration and tolerance in
the state of Brandenburg. It employs experts in "language and integration mediation", who
have been trained to help people with communication problems. They can translate into your
native language for you. If necessary, these people can accompany you to medical
appointments, meetings with the authorities, meetings at your children's daycare center or
school, and other appointments. They provide professional assistance. Their job is to "build
bridges" between cultures and contribute to mutual understanding and cooperation.
If you need a language mediator, ask your social worker, who will clarify which authority is
responsible for covering the costs. During your first few months in Potsdam you do not have
to pay for this service.
FaZIT
Zum Jagenstein 3, 14478 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 967 62 50 Email: [email protected]
A further free language mediation service for refugees is provided by ref.connect in
cooperation with AWO Potsdam.
ref.connect
Telephone: 0160 175 67 45 Internet: www.ref.connect.de Email: [email protected]
4.3. Dealing with Multilingualism
If you live here in Potsdam and your children attend a German kindergarten or school, they
will have the opportunity to learn German alongside their native language, i.e. to grow up
bilingual. This is a wonderful opportunity, since it is much easier to learn foreign languages at
a young age.
In many countries, it is normal for children to grow up speaking more than one language.
Bilingualism and multilingualism are common in Germany too. It has a lot of advantages, but
there are a few things to be careful of:
Always speak to your children in the language you speak confidently yourself and in which
you can best express your thoughts and feelings – especially during the first few years of
your children's lives. This is usually your native language.
If your children learn German in daycare or school and want to speak it at home with you too,
you should stick to the language you speak at home and avoid mixing both languages
randomly. It is important for your child to be able to associate a particular language with a
particular person and/or particular situations.
You can find more information about this topic here:
http://www.kindergesundheit-
info.de/themen/entwicklung/entwicklungsschritte/sprachentwicklung/mehrsprachigkeit/?query
=mehrsprachigkeit
5. The Health System
5.1. Health Insurance
Everybody who lives and works in Germany must have health insurance. Statutory health
insurance covers all medically necessary treatment as a result of sickness or pregnancy.
Insured persons are given a health insurance card, which has to be shown at the doctor's
office or at the hospital.
IMPORTANT: The authorities (in this case the "Sozialamt") guarantee medical care for
refugees. You receive a certificate from the "Sozialamt" that states that your costs are being
covered. You then show this certificate to the doctor who is treating you. The certificate is
valid for a three-month period and can be used for visits to the family doctor,
gynecologist, pediatrician and dentist. If you want to see another kind of specialist, you
need a referral from your family doctor. You have to submit the referral certificate to the
"Sozialamt" and they will check whether you need to see a specialist. If you do, the
"Sozialamt" will give you a certificate that states that your costs for the specialist will be
covered.
In case of emergency, you have a right to be treated, even you do not have this
certificate. You can submit it later. If the doctor prescribes you medication, you do not have
to pay anything extra at the pharmacy.
Entitlement:
Costs are covered for the following types of medical conditions:
acute and chronic pain and sickness
check-ups, costs related to giving birth and follow-up care for pregnant women
all immunizations for children and their check-ups (U1 to J1)
tetanus, diphtheria and polio immunizations for adults
dental check-ups (twice a year for those under 18 and once a year for adults)
You can find further information on immunization, child and adolescent health, and mental
health on the website of the Robert-Koch-Institut:
www.rki.de. All of the information is also available in English.
5.2 People with Disabilities
There are different kinds of disabilities. As well as physical and mental disabilities,
psychological and psychosomatic problems may affect your ability to participate in everyday
social life. In Brandenburg, the "Landesamt für Soziales und Versorgung" examines the
extent of peoples' disabilities (known as "GdB") and issues passes for severely disabled
people (German: "Schwerbehindertenausweise") where necessary.
Landesamt für Soziales und Versorgung
Behlertstraße 48, 14471 Potsdam Service hotline: 0355- 289 38 00
Do you need more information or advice? Please contact the following office:
Büro für Chancengleichheit und Vielfalt der Stadt Potsdam
Beauftragter für Menschen mit Behinderung Christoph Richter Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79/81, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 289 10 85
or:
Pflegestützpunkt der Landeshauptstadt Potsdam
Jägerallee 2-4 (Haus 2), 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 289 21 10
6. Family
6.1. Kindergarten
The "Kita" (or "Kindertagesstätte") is a German daycare center that also provides some
education for children aged between one and six. It is a place where your children can come
into contact with other children. They play, eat, sing and learn together. It is a good place for
your children to learn German in a fun, relaxed way.
Please contact the organization "Kita-Tipp" if you are looking for a daycare center for your
children.
All children, from when they turn one to when they complete the fourth grade at school, are
legally entitled to support, education and care at a "Kita" or similar daycare establishment
(e.g. "Hort").
You can apply for a "Kita" place through "Kita-Tipp" and check how many hours of childcare
per day you are entitled to. After you have received your reply, you must show it to your
children's daycare center.
Stadthaus, Kita-Tipp
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79-81, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 289 22 41 or 0331 289 22 44 Opening times: Tuesday: 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 6 pm, Thursday: 7 am – 8:30 am, 9 am – 12 pm and 1 pm – 4 pm
IMPORTANT: There are a lot of parents in Potsdam who are looking for "Kita" places for
their children, so it could take some time for you to find one. You might be offered a place
that is not very close to where you are living. If that happens, you will have to travel further
than expected to get to and from the "Kita". We recommend that you accept the space
offered to you, even if it is in a different area of Potsdam.
6.2. Immunizing Children
In Potsdam there is no general requirement that children be immunized. However, many
daycare centers refuse places to children who have not been immunized or are only partially
immunized.
IMPORTANT: Talk to your pediatrician about immunizations.
6.3. Medical Check-ups for Children: Regular Health Checks
In Germany, a series of screening tests (known as "U1 – J1") are provided for children from
birth to the age of 18. Your pediatrician will talk to you about when the tests should take
place, or you will receive a reminder from the authorities (here: the
"Landesgesundheitsamt").
Please take your children to these appointments – they are free and they benefit your
children. The pediatrician will check whether your children's physical, mental and
psychological development is normal for their age. Every child is given a check-up booklet
(German: "Vorsorgeheft"), which you must bring to every appointment.
6.4. Parental Responsibility
In Germany, parents have the right to care for and raise their children: This right is called the
"Personensorgerecht" (right to custody). However, you also have the duty to supervise
your children in order to protect them from getting hurt and having accidents. In Germany this
is known as the "Aufsichtspflicht" (parental responsibility). It is important to ensure that
other people and their property are not damaged either.
IMPORTANT: If your children cause damage or injure themselves, you, as a parent, must
prove that you fulfilled your parental responsibility sufficiently. Not fulfilling your parental
responsibility could have legal consequences.
In Germany children enjoy special protection. Their wellbeing is monitored by the youth
service authorities (the "Jugendamt").
IMPORTANT: Any kind of violence towards children is considered a crime in Germany.
This includes parents hitting their children (see Section 225 of the German Criminal Code
(German: "§ 225 StGB"), "Maltreatment of Wards"). This could lead to you losing your right
to custody.
6.5. The "Jugendamt"
The "Jugendamt" is a government authority that provides services for children and young
people up to the age of 27 and for mothers, fathers and guardians (German:
"Personensorgeberechtigte").
You and your children can receive help where you need it to create positive living conditions
for you and your family.
Services:
leisure activities and support for young people
provision of daycare services
assumption/transfer of guardianship
granting of maintenance payments
granting of support for education and child-rearing, social-pedagogical
educational and child-rearing support
safeguarding of child welfare
In emergencies you, the parents, but also your children can contact the "Jugendamt"
directly.
Jugendamt Potsdam
Stadthaus Potsdam, Palais Lichtenau 3, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 289 0 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.potsdam.de
6.6. Crisis Hotline for Children and Young People
If you have problems at school, at home or with your friends and you need somebody who
will listen to you and provide help, you can call this hotline. You do not have to give your
name unless you want to:
Kinder- und Jugendtelefon "Nummer gegen Kummer"
(Crisis Hotline for Children and Young People)
Monday to Saturday, 2 pm – 8 pm Telephone: 0800 111 03 33 (free hotline)
As a child refugee or a young refugee you can also contact the following organization if you
have any problems or questions:
Internationaler Bund Berlin- Brandenburg gGmbH
Jugendmigrationsdienst Potsdam Charlottenstraße 30, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 237 09 76
Email: [email protected]
For children and young adults aged 12 –27 from a migrant background.
The employees at the "Jugendmigrationsdienst" are dedicated to representing your interests,
wishes and needs as a refugee in the city of Potsdam.
6.7. Pregnancy
While you are pregnant you can contact the pregnancy advisory services in Potsdam if you
have any questions, concerns or problems. It might be helpful if you bring somebody with
you to the appointment so that they can interpret for you. You can ask the social workers at
your accommodation about this.
Beratungsstelle für Familienplanung, Sexualität und Schwangerschaft pro familia Landesverband Brandenburg e.V. Charlottenstraße 30, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331- 860 66 8 Caritas Erzbistum Berlin Schwangerschaftsberatung Potsdam Plantagenstr. 23/ 24, 14482 Potsdam Telefon: 0331- 710298 Fax: 0331- 710300 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.caritas-brandenburg.de/ Deutsches Rotes Kreuz, Kreisverband Potsdam/Zauch-Belzig e.V. Beratungsstelle für Schwangerschaft, Familienplanung und Sexualität Alleestrasse 5, 14469 Potsdam Telefon: 0331- 2011891 Fax 0331- 2011892 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.drk-potsdam.de (pregnancy advisory services in English available)
EJF gemeinnützige AG, Schwangeren- und Schwangerschaftskonfliktberatung Beratungshaus Lindenstraße Lindenstraße 56 14467 Potsdam Telefon: 331- 280 73 20 Fax: 0331- 280 73 33
While you are pregnant you can apply for money to buy maternity clothes and basic
supplies for your baby. You have to submit this application on time and show your
maternity record (German: "Mutterschaftspass") to the relevant authority. If you are going
through the asylum procedure or receiving social welfare, the "Sozialamt" is responsible for
you. If you are receiving the unemployment benefit known as "Arbeitslosengeld II", the
Jobcenter is responsible.
6.8. Women's Emergencies
If you are affected by domestic violence, the "Frauenhaus Potsdam" is the first point of
contact for you and your children. You can call them at any time. If you want to, you can
stay there no matter what your cultural background is, and you can remain anonymous. The
"Frauenhaus" provides temporary secure accommodation and expert advice and support.
Frauenhaus Potsdam
Telephone: 0331- 964 51 6
Email: [email protected]
The "Autonome Frauenzentrum Potsdam" provides a special advisory service for female
migrants who are or have been affected by violence. Advice is avaible in English, Farsi
and German. Please call in advance to make an appointment. If it is difficult for you to
contact the organization, ask your social worker or another trusted person to assist you, so
that you can get help as soon as possible.
Autonome Frauenzentrum Potsdam
Telephone: 0331- 964 51 6
Are you pregnant and don’t want anybody to know?
No matter how difficult your situation is, it is possible to give birth anonymously, without your
identity being revealed.
You can find more information on the website www.geburt-vertraulich.de.
Or please contact one of the addresses above (6.7 “Pregnancy”).
7. School Education
7.1. Compulsory education
All children in Germany have to go to school from the age of six (= compulsory education,
Schulpflicht). Compulsory education amounts to ten years in Brandenburg. In justified
exceptional cases, students can be exempted from attending school after completing the
8th grade. After full-time compulsory education has been completed, compulsory vocational
training begins (vocational school or secondary education level two, Sekundarstufe II) and is
completed at the latest once the student is over 18 years of age.
IMPORTANT: As the parent of a school-aged child, you must ensure that your child fulfills
the requirements of compulsory education and regularly participates in the lessons as well as
the obligatory events. If these conditions are not met, the local education authority
(Schulamt) will impose a financial penalty on you.
Children, who turn six years old before or by September 30th of any given year, are required
to attend school and must be enrolled in August of that year (currently valid, may change in
the 2015/16 school year).
A school entrance health examination will be conducted by the school doctor prior to
enrollment. Under certain circumstances, your child’s enrollment in the school may be
postponed. For example, this can be the case if your child has difficulties sitting still for
45 minutes and focusing on the teaching, meaning that he/she is not yet “mature” enough to
attend school.
IMPORTANT: Compulsory education for foreign children starts with the leaving of the initial
reception centre. Please note that children and adolescents are required to attend school
six weeks after the temporary residence permit (Aufenthaltsgestattung) or the short-term
permit (Duldung) have been issued. However, until the start of compulsory education, there
is a school right which must be applied for.
7.2. Education system
The education system in Germany varies widely in each of the 16 federal states. Different
educational degrees are recognized by the individual federal states. Both state and private
schools can be found in Germany. State schools are free of charge in Germany. Private
schools require a school fee to be paid by the parents. In Brandenburg, as part of their
primary education (Primarstufe), all children generally attend primary school (Grundschule)
for six years. If your child is not yet sufficiently fluent in German at the time of enrollment,
he/she will be obliged to participate in language support classes.
IMPORTANT: Your child should not be excluded from enrollment in the 1st grade alone
because of insufficient or a lack of knowledge of German. A deferral under this criterion is not
permitted. The legal basis for this is Section 3 Paragraph 4 of the Integration Act (§3 Abs.4
Eingliederungsverordnung-EinglV).
Some schools in Potsdam provide so called “FLEX classes” (FLEX-Klassen). The children
will be eased into their entry into school in these classes. This approach summarizes the 1st
and 2nd grades and individually supports the students in mixed-aged learning groups.
For specific information on the registration process, please contact your chosen primary
school. Please ask your local social worker for a list of primary schools in Potsdam. If you are
unable to jointly find a place for a child, the Federal School Authority (Landesschulamt) will
provide you with assistance.
Koordination für die Beschulung asylsuchender Kinder – Landesschulamt
(Coordination for enrollment of asylum seeking children – Federal School Authority)
Heinrich-Mann-Allee 103, Haus 6 (Building 6), 14473 Potsdam
Telephone: 0331-740351002
The decision regarding which secondary school (secondary level, Sekundarstufe I) the child
will attend after primary school is made after the sixth grade. In Brandenburg, parents can
choose the secondary school. Whether your child is accepted, however, is dependent on
their grades and the assessment of teachers on the individual requirements of your child.
The following schools exist for secondary school (Sekundarstufe I), (grades 7 to 10):
Oberschulen (In several Federal Länder there are other types of school in
which Hauptschule and Realschule curricula are amalgamated: in Brandenburg
they are known as Oberschulen (Secondary schools)
Gymnasien (College-preparatory secondary schools)
Gesamtschulen (with or without the final years of gymnasium pre-university
study. All school-leaving qualifications can be taken here.)
Secondary school (Oberschule) (7th to 10th grades) will be taught until the acquisition of
extended vocational training maturity (Erwerb der erweiterten Berufsbildungsreife, or EBR),
the vocational extension certificate (Fachoberschulreife, or FOR) or the right to attend the
sixth form at a gymnasium (gymnasiale Oberstufe, or GOST). Comprehensive schools
(Gesamtschulen), (7th to 13th grade) can be completed with an EBR and FOR, but also with
the general qualification for university entrance (allgemeine Hochschulreife, or AHR, which is
equivalent to the Abitur (high school diploma)).
Students are instructed from the 7th to the 12th grade at college-preparatory secondary
school (Gymnasium) until their high school diploma (Abitur), as the highest German school-
leaving qualification is known as. This diploma is a prerequisite for university study.
The Youth Migration Service of the International Bund (Jugendmigrationsdienst des Interna-
tionalen Bundes) is available for school system advice and for regulating the education of
pupils in secondary education (for contact details, see page 25).
Following the completion of the 10th grade, students can acquire a high school diploma
(Abitur) at secondary college (Oberstufenzentrum) with a vocational focus in three years or at
a technical college (Fachoberschule) in a two-year training course. They can also attend a
vocational school (Berufsfachschule) to gain an assistant profession (Assistentenberufs).
Furthermore, all students can apply for an apprenticeship (Ausbildungsplatz) in a (dual)
apprentice profession (Ausbildungsberuf). This form of education allows students to apply
their theoretical knowledge and their professional training on the job.
If your child has little or no knowledge of German and can therefore not follow the lessons,
he/she has, according to the Inclusion Regulation (Eingliederungsverordnung), a “right to
compensation of disadvantages” (Anspruch auf Ausgleich von Benachteiligung) and
“school support” (schulische Förderung). If required, preparatory groups, remedial courses
and/or native-language lessons can be offered. For questions, please contact the Potsdam
education authority (Schulamt Potsdam):
Landesamt für Schule und Lehrerbildung Heinrich-Mann-Allee 103, Haus 6 (Building 6), 14473 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-740351002
Have you got any questions regarding this topic? Please contact the school career
guidance centre of the youth migration service (Schullaufbahnberatung des Jugend-
migrationsdienstes) (see the section “Family” “Telephone hotline for children and young
persons” (Krisentelefon für Kinder und Jugendliche).
7.3. Budget to cover translations
Parents can apply for a budget to cover translation/interpreting at school events such as
parents’ evenings or meetings with the teacher. Please contact your local social worker if you
want to apply. You can find more information in the “Language” section.
7.4. Educational and Participation Package (Bildungs- und
Teilhabepaket, or BuT)
Children and young people up to the age of 21, who receive benefits under the Asylum
Seekers Benefit Act (AsylbLG), Book Two or Book Twelve of the Social Security Code
(SGB II: basic income support for jobseekers (unemployment benefit) or SGB XII: social
assistance), or receive housing benefits/children’s allowance, may be entitled to payments
from the Educational and Participation Package (BuT). This additional financial support is
intended to help children and young people in need to participate in society and the
education system.
Benefits include:
Allowances for lunch in the school cafeteria or
10.00€ a month for sports or cultural events (for example, club membership fees)
Up to maximum of 100.00€ per school year for items they need for school (such as
books and writing materials)
money to cover the costs of trips organized by day-care centers, schools or day care.
To receive this money you need to submit an application to the Social Welfare Office
(Sozialamt). Please ask your social worker.
More information is available on the Education and Participation Package (BuT) in German,
English, Russian, Turkish and Arabic at:
http://www.bmas.de/DE/Themen/Arbeitsmarkt/Grundsicherung/Leistungen-zur-Sicherung-
des-Lebensunterhalts/Bildungspaket/Publikationen/inhalt.html
7.5. Learning support
Does your child have learning difficulties, or does she/he need help with homework?
The following organizations in Potsdam offer free learning support for children and young
people with a migration background alongside the Youth Migration Service:
Studentisches Kulturzentrum Potsdam – Nachhilfe für Kinder aus
Migrantenfamilien
(Potsdam Student Cultural Centre – Learning Support for Children from Migrant
Families)
Hermann-Elflein-Strasse 10, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-6471014 When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 16.00–18.00 Where: always in the Seminar Room (through the front door, then up the stairs on the left)
Sekiz e.V. – Training for schoolchildren
Hermann-Elflein-Strasse 11, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-6200281
One-on-one learning support appointments can also be booked in advance.
8. Mental and psychological pain: help during crises,
psychological counseling and psychotherapy
The events you lived through day in day out in your country of origin and which forced you to
become a refugee, as well as the journey itself, will have caused you a great deal of stress.
Now that you are safe, you need to allow yourself “time to arrive”. At first, although you may
feel relieved, your new life here in Germany is bound to seem strange. You also have to deal
with the uncertainty about what the future will bring, how your asylum procedure will go and
perhaps also concern about relatives and friends you had to leave behind. Once these
immediate pressures start to ease, however, feelings, thoughts, painful memories and even
physical reactions to what you have experienced may begin to surface. Terrifying images in
your head, feelings of depression or shock, wanting to avoid other people’s company,
experiencing extreme agitation, irritability, anxiety, despair, difficulty sleeping or
concentrating and so on: as human beings, we react in many different ways to the extreme
life events that you most likely suffered. Feelings, thoughts and behaviors such as these are
not unusual or signs of “madness”, especially given the difficult situation in which you found
yourself as a refugee. You may start to find them becoming persistent, taking over and
becoming oppressive. It may be that people around you have noticed this more clearly than
you yourself.
If there is anything that is preoccupying you or putting you under constant strain, we would
like to encourage you not to keep it to yourself. Do not hesitate to ask for the help you
need to feel better. Talking with the other residents in the home, who may have had the
same experiences as you, and above all with people you trust, may itself help to relieve
some of the strain. The local social workers also want to offer you this crucial “psychological
support”, in addition to practical, day-to-day assistance. Please tell the social workers clearly
if you need further assistance, since:
Psychologists are available to provide counseling and professional therapeutic
assistance! Psychotherapy can alleviate psychological suffering and mental problems.
If psychotherapy is necessary, it is provided under Sections 4 and 6 of the Asylum Seekers
Benefit Act (AsylbLG). If your asylum application is currently being processed, please contact
the Social Welfare Office (Sozialamt). They will explain the administrative procedure for
obtaining coverage of the costs in your case. Once you are officially recognized as a
person with a right to asylum, or have refugee status, the German health insurance funds are
responsible for funding care.
IMPORTANT: Persons with mental disorders or persons who have been subjected to torture,
rape or other serious forms of mental, physical or sexual violence are considered “particularly
vulnerable” and are entitled to appropriate medical and psychological treatment (this is stated
in European Commission Directives: EU Directives 2003/9/EC and 2013/33/EU). A diagnosis
of a mental illness could have an effect on your asylum proceedings.
If you have problems implementing your claim for funding of the treatment of costs or
travel and interpreting costs by the Social Welfare Office, please contact your social worker
or help centers such as:
Beratungsfachdienst für MigrantInnen des Diakonischen Werkes Potsdam e.V.
(Special advisory services for migrants of the “Diakonischen Werkes Potsdam e.V.”)
Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 64, Hinterhaus (rear building), 14482 Potsdam One contact person there is Ms. Katrin Böhme Telephone: 0331-2008381 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.diakonisches-werk-potsdam.de/beratungsfachdienst-für-migrantinnen/
You are then entitled to an initial appointment with a doctor or psychologist. At this initial one-
to-one session you can discuss what would be the most appropriate form of counseling or
therapy for you and how to proceed. The three best known approaches are cognitive
behavior therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and analytical psychotherapy. Post-trauma
therapy may also be appropriate in some cases.
In order for the therapy to succeed, it is essential that you are able to talk freely in your own
language. It is not always easy to find a qualified interpreter to accompany you to the
appointment. It is essential to be accompanied by one of these professionals to ensure the
process is professional and confidential. It is therefore not advisable to use relatives or fellow
residents from your hostel as interpreters.
The language barrier should not be seen as an obstacle for you.
IMPORTANT: The Ministry of Employment, Social Affairs, Women and Family has stated
that, where required, the costs of employing interpreters as well as the costs of treatment are
eligible for reimbursement.
Source: http://www.fluechtlingsrat-brandenburg.de/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/2015-03-Arbeitshilfe_-Aenderungen-
Asylbewerberleistungsgesetz_2015_pdf-Version-Stand-Maerz-2015.pdf [accessed on 27.09.2015]
The FaZIT organization currently provides help to refugees for free in the following
languages: Arabic, Bosnian, English, French, Hindi, Croatian, Kurdish, Kumyk, Persian, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese (see Section: Linguists/Interpreters).
Addresses of psychotherapists with foreign language skills can be found under
www.kvbb.de ( Patients Doctor search)
Internet: http://arztsuche.kvbb.de/home.seam
Your social workers are also happy to assist you with your search.
The local Yellow Pages (Gelbe Seiten) or the Potsdam Industry Directory (Branchenbuch)
also offer address lists of possible contacts:
• www.gelbeseiten.de
• www.potsdam.de/branchen
The foundation for any constructive treatment and recovery is always a trusting relationship
with the psychologist or psychiatrist. If you do not feel that this trust is there after the first trial
sessions, changing to another therapist may be advisable.
IMPORTANT: Because many people seek professional psychological support and treatment,
there are unfortunately often waiting times for treatment with one of the insurance-approved
therapists in Potsdam and the surrounding areas. Therefore, please register your needs as
early as possible and make it known if your situation requires urgent help.
In addition to doctors’ offices, there are also numerous other addresses and contacts offering
outpatient or inpatient assistance in Potsdam:
Traumaambulanz und Opferberatung Opferhilfe Brandenburg e.V.
(Counselling and support for victims, families and witnesses of violence)
Jägerstraße 36, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2802725 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.opferhilfe-brandenburg.de
Sozialpsychiatrischer Dienst des Gesundheitsamtes
(Department of Health Social Psychiatric Services)
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79/81, 14461 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2892428
The Malteser Traumanetzwerk is an organization that offers further information on, among
other things, looking for a therapist or qualified interpreters.
Malteser Traumanetzwerk
Internet: www.malteser-traumanetzwerk.de
The Klinikum Ernst von Bergmann gGmbH also has a Department of Psychiatry, Psycho-
therapy and Psychosomatics with inpatient care, two psychiatric outpatient units and
three day clinics for outpatient care.
Ernst von Bergmann Klinikum
Charlottenstraße 72, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2410 Internet: www.klinikumevb.de
There are only a few drop-in centers and therapists that have specialized in refugee trauma
in Potsdam to date, so in your case it may be advisable to seek help in the neighboring city
of Berlin or in Fürstenwalde.
Behandlungszentrum für Folteropfer
(Treatment Centre for Victims of Torture)
GSZ Moabit, Haus K (Building K), Eingang C (Entrance C), Turmstraße 21, 10559 Berlin Telephone: 030-3039060 Email: [email protected]
Xenion
Psychosocial support for victims of political persecution Paulsenstraße 55–56, 12163 Berlin Telephone: 030-3232933 Email: [email protected]
KommMit e.V. – Behandlungsstelle für traumatisierte Flüchtlinge, Fürstenwalde
(Treatment Centre for Traumatized Refugees, Fürstenwalde)
Schloßstr. 6/7, 15517 Fürstenwalde
Contacts:
Irena Petzoldová (Head of Treatment Centre, certified psychologist and psychological psychotherapist) Telephone: 03361/357 08 01 Email: [email protected] Ksenia Yakovleva (Coordinator, social worker) Telephone: 03361/357 08 00 Email: [email protected]
Büro für medizinische Flüchtlingshilfe Berlin
(Office for Medical Aid for Refugees Berlin)
Gneisenaustraße 2a, 10961 Berlin Telephone: 030-6946746 Email: [email protected]
8.1. Help in crises and emergencies
If you feel as though you are in an acute crisis and feel overwhelmed or desperate it can be
liberating and helpful to talk to someone who understands your worries and who will listen to
you and advise you – without knowing you personally. Telephone help lines provide a kind
of life counseling that is not linked to any religion. Some services can be reached around the
clock. As a caller, you do not have to reveal your identity but you can speak freely about your
problems. The trained counselors are there to accompany you on your way through the
crisis: perspectives can be developed in shared conversations that allow you to find new
courage and confidence.
Here are some examples of organizations that you can reach over the telephone:
Telefonseelsorge Berlin Brandenburg
(Telephone Helpline Berlin Brandenburg)
24-hour emergency line: 0800-1110222 or 0800-1110111 (free)
Berliner Krisendienst (Berlin Crisis Service)
Telephone: 030-3906310
Russische Telefonseelsorge Doweria
(Russian Telephone Helpline Doweria)
Telephone: 030-44010606 (24 hour)
Muslim Helpline provided by Islamic Relief
Telephone: 030-443509
9. Communication
9.1. Telephone
Fixed telephone and mobile providers are highly variable in both price and offers.
Please compare offers online before you sign a contract. So-called “prepaid-cards” are
non-contractual and are reloaded with as much credit as you choose. You can purchase
prepaid cards online as well as in convenience stores (Kiosks) and at many discount super-
markets. There are free alternatives, like Skype, for making internet calls both domestically
and abroad.
To make calls from public telephone booths, you usually need a telephone card, which you
can purchase at gas/petrol stations and convenience stores (Kiosks).
9.2. Internet
Are you looking for internet access? Many shelters and shared accommodations already
offer computer stations with internet access.
Otherwise you can also use the computers at the Potsdam public library (marked with “SLB”
for Stadt- und Landesbibliothek) for research purposes or visit one of the following internet
cafés (remember, you will need to purchase food or drink in the café to use the computers).
Telecafé (Internet + telephone worldwide)
Friedrich- Ebert- Str. 120, 14467 Potsdam
Refugees Emancipation e.V. (free Internet)
Zum Jagenstein 1, 14478 Potsdam
SLB Potsdam
Am Kanal 47, 14467 Potsdam
i- Café
Konrad-Wolf-Allee 13, 14480 Potsdam
Bagels & Coffee
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 31, 14467 Potsdam
Hellnet Mediacafé
Schloßstraße 13, 14467 Potsdam
Net Play In Internetcafé
Erlenhof 36, 14478 Potsdam
9.3. Post
You can send letters, cards and packages via the Deutsche Post or a private service. It is
important to find out how much the postage costs beforehand. Prices vary according to size
and weight. The easiest way is to bring your letter or package to the counter at the post
office. That way you can be sure that your mail has adequate postage.
Many of the letters you will receive will be from the Foreigner’s Office (Ausländer-
behörde), Social Services (Sozialamt), the Employment Office (Arbeitsamt) or other
administrative institutions. Since these letters/documents are very important for you,
it is recommended that you file and save them in notebooks or file folders.
(For more details, see section 3 „first steps“)
10. Mobility
10.1. Public transport
To get around in Potsdam, you can use trams, buses or the urban rail system (S-Bahn).
The use of public transport costs money.
IMPORTANT: If you are traveling a lot in Potsdam, it is worth buying a monthly mobility
ticket (called a “Mobilitätsticket Brandenburg”) for 19.40€ per month. This is more cost
efficient than buying individual tickets. You must prove that you receive benefits according to
the Asylum Seekers Benefits Act! The mobility ticket is only valid for one month. You can buy
one at the VIP customer service office.
To purchase this ticket you will need a recent passport photo and your ID.
Timetables can be found at bus stops, in the train station, in VIP customer service offices
and on the internet.
VIP customer service office (main station)
Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 99, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-6614275
VIP customer service office (city centre)
Platz der Einheit 8, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-6614275
IMPORTANT: Do not travel without a valid bus or tram ticket. Regular checks are carried out. If
you fail to show a valid ticket, you will have to pay a penalty fare, which is currently 60€.
10.2. Getting around by bike
In Potsdam, many tasks can be very easily carried out on a bike. Please use the indicated
cycle paths. Traffic is regulated at intersections by traffic lights. The rule here is: when the
traffic light turns red, you have to stop. When it turns green, you can go. Before you start
cycling, please check the lights on the bike. If you cycle in the dark without fully functional
lights or cross the traffic lights at red, you could receive a fine. You can also be fined if you
telephone while cycling.
Remember to keep a bike lock with you to protect your bike from theft!
If you are interested in getting a bike, ask to your social worker where free (= donated) or
inexpensive bikes are currently available.
10.3. Travelling by car
Not all drivers’ licenses are valid in Germany. If you already have a driver’s license from
your home country, you must get its validity checked at the Driver’s License Admissions
Office (Führerscheinstelle).
Führerscheinstelle Potsdam (Driver’s License Admissions Office Potsdam)
Helene-Lange-Str. 14, Haus 23, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2891110
IMPORTANT: Driving without a valid driver’s license is considered a criminal offense in
Germany and is punishable by a fine or imprisonment! If you are traveling by car in Germany,
always make sure that all occupants of the vehicle are wearing seat belts and that babies
and children are sitting in appropriate car seats. Seatbelts must be worn at all times.
As a driver, you are only permitted to make telephone calls using a hands-free kit. Do not
drink alcohol or consume any drugs before you get behind the wheel.
11. Money and making purchases
Payments in Germany are made using the EURO, a single currency shared by many
countries of the European Union. One EURO consists of 100 cents.
You can pay in cash everywhere. Many businesses and restaurants also accept debit cards
(EC-Karte or Girokarte) or credit cards on request. You have to have an account at a mutual
savings bank (Sparkasse) or a bank to get one of these cards. The money is then
automatically debited from this account when you pay by card.
11.1. How does a bank account work?
It is virtually essential to have a bank account to carry out day-to-day payments, look for
an apartment or get a job. Money is credited to the account through cash payments and
transfers, and debited by cash withdrawals (e.g. from cash machines/ATMs) or transfers
(e.g. to pay bills), standing orders (e.g. for regular payments of rent) etc. There are various
types of accounts.
It is best to ask the bank or savings bank about the conditions for opening and holding a
normal bank account (known as a “Giro” account), as well as how to set up and arrange
individual transactions (transfers, direct debits, standing orders etc.). It is very important to
compare the conditions and services offered by each provider. For example, many of them
will not charge you anything to set up and hold an account, but the fees they charge for
individual transactions may vary a lot.
IMPORTANT: If you are granted an overdraft limit (Dispositionskredit) it means that you can
“overdraw” your account up to a certain limit. This allows you to withdraw or transfer money
(e.g. from the branch ATMs) even if you actually have no credit left in your account. You are
automatically borrowing money from the bank. Borrowing this money is expensive and
incurs interest, which has to be repaid in addition to the amount of money you have
borrowed. Overdrafts are more expensive than a long-term loan, which you can take out in
agreement with the bank (e.g. for larger purchases). Account holders often fall into a “debt
trap” by using this overdraft facility. Additionally, unauthorized overdrafts may also be seen
as a breach of contract, which may lead to your account being suspended.
Banks occasionally refuse to let people on social benefits open a bank account. Although
there is no legal obligation for banks and savings banks to grant an account at the moment,
an amendment to the law is currently being planned to combat discrimination and allow
“bank accounts for everyone”.
If you have difficulties opening an account – for example a “credit-only” account (one without
an overdraft) – arrange a meeting with the bank or savings bank and ask your social worker
to come with you. Alternatively, you can ask the bank to send you a letter refusing to issue
the account and then contact the Verbraucherzentrale (Consumer Advice Centre) (see
below). You can also submit a complaint free of charge to the umbrella associations of the
banks and savings banks. Back up your complaint by quoting the relevant legislation: the
savings banks’ voluntary commitment (see the Regulation on Transactions and
Administration of Savings Banks of 5th April 2006, Section 5 “Obligation to Provide Giro
accounts”) and in particular EU Directive 2014/92/EU, which must be transposed into
German law by 18.06.2016. The addresses of the Customer Complaints Offices are:
… for private banks:
Customer Complaints Office at the Federal Association of German Banks
(Bundesverband deutscher Banken e. V., Kundenbeschwerdestelle)
Burgstrasse 28, 10178 Berlin Telephone: 030-16633166 Internet: www.bankenombusmann.de
… for Volksbank/Raiffeisenbank:
Customer complaints office at the Federal Association of German Volksbanks and
Raiffeisenbanks
(Kundenbeschwerdestelle beim Bundesverband der Deutschen Volksbanken und
Raiffeisenbanken – BVR)
Schellingstrasse 4, 10785 Berlin Telephone: 030-2021 -1631, -1632 Internet: www.bvr.de
… for the mutual savings banks (Sparkasse):
German Association of Savings Banks and Giro Banks
(Deutscher Sparkassen- und Giroverband)
Charlottenstrasse 47, 10117 Berlin Telephone: 030-20225-15 10 Internet: www.dsgv.de
… for publicly-owned banks:
Customer Complaints Office at the Federal Association of German Publicly-Owned
Banks
(Bundesverband Öffentlicher Banken Deutschlands (VÖB), Kundenbeschwerdestelle)
Postfach 11 02 72, 10832 Berlin Internet: www.voeb.de
11.2. Making purchases
Consumer Advice Centers (Verbraucherzentralen), which are located throughout Germany,
are non-profit institutions. They represent our interests as customers, purchasers and
consumers of goods. These associations are there to provide information and advice,
including legal advice as well as to give tips on how to save money, and are committed to
environmental protection. Their aim is to protect consumers against fraud, poor quality goods
and services, high prices, risks to health etc.
You can find out more information at www.verbraucherzentrale.de or www.vzb.de for
Brandenburg.
If you want to save money, it is worth doing a price comparison:
Prices of food, clothing and everyday items can vary enormously from one shop to another.
Shops and businesses sometimes have “special offers” (Sonderangebote) or “discounts”
(Rabatte) – check these, compare the quantities, prices and quality of the goods.
There are also “discount” shops, which generally offer cheaper goods or similar products
at a lower price. These include: Aldi, Lidl, Netto, Penny and Norma.
You can find fresh goods at Potsdam’s weekly markets, although prices there tend to be
higher. Shortly before the markets close in the afternoon, however, fruit, vegetables and
other fresh products are often offered at cheaper prices.
Opening hours of shops and businesses also vary. Shops are normally open from 9:00-20:00,
Mondays to Saturdays, although smaller shops will often close at 18:00. In most cases shops
are closed on Sundays, with a few exceptions. Most shops display the exact opening times
on their windows or doors.
11.3. Getting by without much money…
For people in need – people on a low income or living on social benefits – there are facilities
in the city that you can also use if you need to.
Second-hand clothes and other donated items can be bought cheaply, for example from
Oxfam shops. Oxfam is an international charity that helps people around the world to
overcome poverty. The sales staff at these shops are volunteers. Shopping here is easy on
your wallet and also supports Oxfam’s charitable and development work.
OXFAM shop
Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse 11, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2015390 Internet: www.oxfam.de/shops/potsdam
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 10:00-18:00; Saturday 10:00-14:00
You can, of course, find other second-hand shops (including children’s clothing, prams and
other equipment) in the telephone directory.
You can also get cheap furniture, household items, clothing, cutlery, books, electrical items,
toys, etc. from the “Exvoto” association. Please bring a document that proves you are in
receipt of benefits under the Asylum Seekers Benefit Act or social assistance (e.g. Mobility
Ticket).
Exvoto e.V. – Soziales Zentrum
(Exvoto e.V. – Social Centre)
Max-Eyth-Allee 44a, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-9512655 Email: [email protected] Opening times: Monday to Wednesday 9:00-18.00; Thursday/Friday 9:00-16:00; Saturday 9:00–13:00
The association “Rückenwind” offers a second hand furniture exchange (Möbelbörse), helps
with moving and other social projects:
Rückenwind – Arbeits- und Sozialprojekte Brandenburg e.V.
Waldhornweg 17, 14480 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-60035010 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.aspb-potsdam.de
For just 1 Euro per visit, people in need can get food from:
Potsdamer Tafel e.V.
Telephone: 0331-2705889 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.potsdamer-tafel.de
Please bear in mind, however, that they will also first check that you are a resident of
Potsdam, how low your income is and/or what social benefits you receive.
Once your documents have been checked, you will receive an entitlement card.
Where to get your Entitlement Card
(Please note – bring ID with you by the second visit at the latest, thank you!)
Drewitzer Strasse 22 A, 14482 Potsdam
Thursdays: 12:00-14:00:
Where to get goods
Drewitzer Strasse 22 A, 14482 Potsdam Wednesdays: 15:30-17:00 (numbers issued from: 10:00-11:00) Fridays: 14:00-16:00 (numbers issued from: 9:00-10:30)
and
Evangelisch-Freikirchliche Baptisten Gemeinde Potsdam
Schopenhauer Str. 8, 14467 Potsdam Tuesdays: 13:00-15:00 (numbers issued from: 9:00-11:30)
The social center run by the Volkssolidarität Landesverband Brandenburg e.V. also provides
various services in Potsdam, including supplying food and second-hand clothes. They are
currently (as of March 2015) situated at a temporary location in Potsdam’s “Dutch Quarter”
(Holländisches Viertel):
Soziales Zentrum Volkssolidarität
Benkertstrasse 3, 14467 Potsdam Opening times: 7:00-15:00 daily Telephone: 0331-901085 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.volkssolidaritaet.de
13. Education and Vocational Training
13.1 Schooling/Studies and Vocational Training
Persons who have completed vocational training („Berufsausbildung“), or a course of study
have good prospects to find employment in Germany.
The Job Information Center („Berufsinformationszentrum“ – BIZ) of the German Employment
Agency (henceforth „Agentur für Arbeit“) offers comprehensive information about different
kinds of apprenticeships, and vocational training („Ausbildungsberufe“), as well as about the
entry requirements which apply. Financial assistance may be available during vocational
training („Berufsbildungsbeihilfe“ – BAB). You may apply for this type of financial assistance
with the Agentur für Arbeit. Further information is available from the career planning service
(“Berufswegplanungsberatung”) of the Youth Migration Service („Jugendmigrationsdienst“).
Jugendmigrationsdienst Potsdam
Charlottenstraße 30, 14467 Potsdam Phone: 0331-2370976 Mail: [email protected]
There are various different types of academic institutions in Germany: Universities
(„Universitäten“), Technical Universities („Technische Universitäten“), Universities for Applied
Sciences („Fachhochschulen“) and Colleges of Public Administration
(„Verwaltungsfachhochschulen“). As a general entry qualification to universities and
academic institutions, a higher school certificate is required („Fachhochschulreife“ or
„Abitur“). It may be necessary to pass additional entry exams or to show other qualifications.
The institutions have their individual rules on these particular entry requirements. In Potsdam
you may study at the following academic institutions:
Universität Potsdam (Uni Potsdam)
www.uni-potsdam.de/
Fachhochschule Potsdam (FH Potsdam)
www.fh-potsdam.de/
Fachhochschule für Sport und Management (FHSMP)
www.sportfh-esab.eu/
Filmuniversität Babelsberg Konrad Wolf (HFF Potsdam)
www.filmuniversitsaet.de/
Hoffbauer Berufsakademie (BA Potsdam)
www.hoffbauer-berufsakademie.de/
There is generally no tuition fee for completing a bachelor degree at a state university.
However, every student pays a small set contribution per semester. Tuition has to be paid at
private universities and for certain master programs. Under certain conditions, university
students (and students going to other schools) who have no or low income, may apply for
financial assistance from the government (BAföG). BAföG is a kind of loan, a part of which
must be paid back after completion of the studies. You may apply for BAföG with the
Potsdam Student Services (“Studentenwerk Potsdam”):
Studentenwerk Potsdam, Amt für Ausbildungsförderung
Babelsberger Straße 2, 14473 Potsdam
www.studentenwerk-potsdam.de/studienfinanzierung.html
Highly gifted persons may apply for a scholarship with certain foundations. A list of
foundations offering scholarship programs is available from the University of Potsdam:
Scholarship programs:
www.uni-potsdam.de/studium/potsdam/kosten/finanzieren/stipendium.html
Important note: If you wish to apply for a place in a university program, please ask the
relevant institution which documents and certificates you are required to present. In some
cases these documents must be translated into German, and notarized. (See chapter “Work”
“Certificates and Documents”).
13.2. Adult learning
If you have completed your primary schooling and have already held a job, you may enter
the so-called “zweiter Bildungsweg”, in order to obtain a higher school degree than the one
you already have. For instance you can obtain the Abitur degree, which is the general
admission requirement for university in Germany. To learn more about “zweiter Bildungsweg”
please refer to:
Schule des Zweiten Bildungsweges “Heinrich von Kleist”
Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 17, 14469 Potsdam
Phone: 0331-2896734
Mail: www.zbw-kleistschule.de
Germany places emphasis on life-long learning for everyone, and continuing training and
education can be helpful in opening up new perspectives for work life. In addition, more and
more employers expect that their employees regularly undergo further training and
education. Perhaps this is the time for you to accept the challenge and find an opportunity to
become more educated.
Potsdam offers several possibilities to continue education after completing school or
university. Additionally, adult learning institutions offer to obtain general qualifications and
degrees. At adult learning institutions, you can enroll in part-time programs, correspondence
courses, as well as in day and evening courses. The Volkshochschule Potsdam (VHS) offers
very affordable courses for adults:
VHS Potsdam
Am Kanal 47, 14467 Potsdam
Phone: 0331-2894566
www.potsdam-vhs.de
Also the Job Center and the Agentur für Arbeit are an important partner in training and re-
training measures for adults. To find a suitable program among the more than 30,000
different educational opportunities offered in Berlin and Brandenburg, we recommend the
website for further professional education in Brandenburg. You may make an appointment
for getting advice and information, so you will be in a better position to choose a suitable
education measure.
Berufliche Weiterbildung in Brandenburg
www.wdb-brandenburg.de/
An important contact is the Otto Bennicke Foundation (“Otto Bennicke Stiftung”), which has
been offering programs and projects for young migrants for over 50 years. For instance, the
foundation supports immigrated university applicants, students and academics. Moreover,
the foundation offers measures of further education and additional study programs. More
information is available online:
Otto Benecke Stiftung e.V.
www.obs-ev.de/
There is also a consulting service for young migrants who wish to obtain the required degree
to enter university, who wish to start a university program, or an academic career. Please
refer to:
Bildungsberatung Garantiefonds Hochschule
Caritasverband für das Erzbistum Berlin e.V., Jugendmigrationsdienst, Steglitz-
Zehlendorf
Frau Rüther
Schillerstr. 8 12207 Berlin
Phone: 030-666340801
Mail: [email protected]
15 Politics: representation of your own interests
15.1 Social involvement
In Potsdam, both politicians and officials in administration and also the citizens themselves,
welcome you wholeheartedly as a new resident to the city – which, for the foreseeable future, is
going to be “your city”, too! We hope that what might initially feel like “life in a foreign land” will soon
turn into a trusting, supportive and vibrant life together with other Potsdam residents, and that you
will build and enjoy your new life in your own personal way. Many citizens of Potsdam are
“newcomers” who originate from other regions, states or nations.
At the same time we welcome the enrichment that you, as members of a different culture, will bring
to our urban community. We would like to encourage you to exercise your rights and
obligations in the spirit of human understanding, with tolerance, with a willingness to
compromise but also with confidence.
After you have taken your time to settle in Potsdam, please accept our invitation to participate
actively in shaping communal life. Your suggestions, additions, criticism and suggestions for
improvement are a valuable contribution to our society, which we appreciate. Should you
occasionally encounter difficulties with “the Germans” or “the system”, do not despair – maybe a
little relaxed, forgiving humour will help?
Our basic democratic order in Germany is based on the idea that anyone can and should participate
societally, socially and politically. Your involvement – for example here in your immediate
environment, your district, the city of Potsdam, the state of Brandenburg – is strongly encouraged.
This is the only way we can shape communal life (whether locally or nationwide) together. After all,
in day-to-day human and social coexistence, it is vital to take into account different perspectives and
exchange different points of view. We would like to encourage you to participate in public
discussions, in in order to resolve any problems.
In the state capital Potsdam there is, for instance, an office for citizen participation (Büro für
Bürgerbeteiligung). All residents of Potsdam can use this office in order to obtain information from
representatives of the municipal administration and an unaffiliated agency about your options for
participating including political planning and decision-making.
Verwaltungsinternes Büro – Landeshauptstadt Potsdam (office within public administration – state capital Potsdam) Telephone: 0331-2891055 and -1056 Email: [email protected] Postal address: Landeshauptstadt Potsdam
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Fachbereich Kommunikation, Wirtschaft und Beteiligung (Department for communication, economic matters and participation) Büro für Bürgerbeteiligung Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79-81, 14469 Potsdam
Verwaltungsexternes Büro (mitmachen e.V.) (office outside of public administration (“participate” association)) Telephone: 0331-5881258 Email: [email protected]
For further information please go to: www.Buergerbeteiligung-Potsdam.de
By joining in with activities in your district that are aimed at bringing together “old and new
neighbours”, i.e. migrants and other residents in the district, you will be able to make contact with
your neighbours.
There is currently no specific “neighbourhood network” in Potsdam city centre, where residents can
get involved in their spare time. The following contacts might still be of interest to you because they
involve activities in the various districts of the city and the staff involved also have the inner-city
district in mind:
Stadtkontor/ Schlaatzer Allianz Schornsteinfegergasse 3, 14482 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-743570 Email: [email protected], Internet: www.stadtkontor.de bzw. http://www.stadtkontor.de/stadtentwicklung/soziale-stadt/am-schlaatz/schlaatzer-allian/
N.N. - Neue Nachbarschaften Koordinierungsstelle (new neighbourhoods coordination office) Stadtteilnetzwerk Potsdam West e.V. (district network Potsdam West) Geschwister-Scholl-Straße 51, 14471 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-58812600 or 0331-5881257 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.stadtteilnetzwerk.de/neuenachbarschaften/n-n-/
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15. 2 The representation of your interests as a refugee: Integration and assistance in cases of discrimination, conflict or violence
While in many areas of urban life the “welcoming culture” that Germany aspires to is alive and well,
some misunderstandings and conflicts might still arise. At times, migrants and refugees might
encounter disrespectful, harassing, intrusive or even violent behaviour from other people. Or there
might be situations in which you feel you are not treated appropriately or taken seriously. Do not
accept this passively but resist all manner of attacks against your person that you find
unacceptable. You are in a position to provide valuable information regarding where, in your
experience, an integration of migrants in our city still requires improvement. Above all, you should
indicate if you evidently feel discriminated against – for example, if you get the impression that
people demean you, that bureaucratic processes place you at a disadvantage or similar.
Your fellow citizens to whom you have already made contact as well as various organizations are
on hand to help you in this regard, should you need assistance. But in any case, your local social
workers are your first port of call should you encounter such problems.
15.3 The representation of your interests in the state capital Potsdam You have the option of raising your concerns or complaints directly and personally with various
political and administrative bodies of the state capital Potsdam. Some official contacts are listed
below:
The Commissioner for Migration and Integration, Ms Magdolna Grasnick,
can advise you on issues that are relevant to migration and integration. She campaigns for the
abolition of hostilities towards foreigners and promotes integration on many municipal levels.
Ms Grasnick Stadtverwaltung Potsdam, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79-81, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2891083 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.potsdam.de
Migrantenbeirat der Landeshauptstadt Potsdam (migrants advisory board of the state capital
Potsdam)
The migrants advisory board advises the city council and its committees in order to promote the
integration of foreign citizens. In doing so the members of the migrants advisory board advocate the
interests of Potsdam citizens with a foreign passport.
Telephone: 0331-2893346 Email: [email protected] Postal address: Landeshauptstadt Potsdam, 14461 Potsdam Address for visitors: Stadthaus Potsdam, Hegelallee 6 – 10, Haus 6, Raum 18, 14467 Potsdam
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Beigeordnete “für Soziales, Jugend, Gesundheit und Ordnung” (councillor for matters
concerning social affairs, youth and public order) and thus also for the interests and social security
of refugees is currently:
Ms Elona Müller- Preinesberger Address for visitors: Stadthaus Potsdam, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79 / 81, 14469 Potsdam Postal address: Landeshauptstadt Potsdam, 14461 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2893001 Email: [email protected]
You may also turn to the city council. The members of the city council have been elected by the
citizens of Potsdam. When passing resolutions as an institution/body, the city council therefore
constitutes the supreme representational body of the citizens. The city council also has a special
committee that hears petitions and complaints.
Büro der Stadtverordnetenversammlung (office of the city council) Landeshauptstadt Potsdam Stadthaus Potsdam, Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 79/81, 14469 Potsdam SVV-Büro (office of the city council): Room 268 - 274 Email: [email protected]
Or you could write a letter or an email to the Mayor, Jann Jakobs, the current head of the city
administration, should you want to raise a particular issue and make it public.
Landeshauptstadt Potsdam- Der Oberbürgermeister (state capital Potsdam – the Mayor) Friedrich-Ebert-Str. 79/81,14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2890 Email: [email protected]
The Mayor is also the chairman of the initiative “Potsdam! bekennt Farbe” (Potsdam shows its
colours) – an alliance promoting tolerance, non-violence and a peaceful coexistence. For further
information in this regard, please visit our website at:
www.potsdam-bekennt-farbe.de
or the website of the state capital Potsdam at:
https://www.potsdam.de/kategorie/migration-integration
Your personal grievances and suggestions are also heard by the Bürgerservice (citizens’ service)
of the state capital Potsdam:
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Bürgerservice (citizens’ service Potsdam) Stadthaus, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 79 - 81, 14469 Potsdam Telephone: 0331 289-1111 E-Mail [email protected]
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15.4 The representation of your interests in refugee-led organisations
You are cordially invited to participate in Brandenburg migrant council, a lobbying group
organised by migrants, which oversees various working groups and projects. On the website you
can find lots of information, advice and further addresses that might be of interest to you.
Flüchtlingsrat des Landes Brandenburg (Brandenburg migrant council) Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 164, 14428 Potsdam Telephone 0331-716499 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.fluechtlingsrat-brandenburg.de
The association “Women in Exile” was founded by refugee women and campaigns for the self-
empowerment of refugee women who frequently are in charge of organizing daily family life. It
supports refugee women in the exercise of their rights, fights for the improvement of their living
conditions, for the protection against sexual violence and to overcome isolation. The association
also provides information in many languages on current developments in refugee policy.
Women in Exile Berlin Brandenburg e.V. Rudolf-Breitscheid-Str. 164, 14482 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-24348233 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.women-in-exile.net
Another self-initiated and self-organized project to empower and emancipate refugees, which
operates free Internet cafés and offers a wide range of educational programmes, among other
things, is:
Refugees Emancipation e.V. Zum Jagenstein 1, 14478 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-2016927 or 0331-2015758, mobile: 0176-36266043 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.refugeesemancipation.com
Free anti-discrimination advice and advice for victims of right-wing violence is provided,
independently from any state authorities, by:
Opferperspektive (victim’s perspective) e.V. Potsdam Rudolf-Breitscheid-Straße 164, 14482 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-8170000, mobile: 0151-59100083 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.opferperspektive.de
In addition, throughout Germany you can turn to the following office:
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Antidiskriminierungsstelle des Bundes (German anti-discrimination office) Glinkastraße 24, 10117 Berlin Telephone (switchboard): 030-185551855 Telephone advice in the event of discrimination: 030-185551865 (Monday to Friday 9-12, 13-15) Email: [email protected]
A group of young refugees in Brandenburg, which is also represented throughout Germany, has
joined up under the name “Jugendliche ohne Grenzen” (youth without borders). They organize
joint activities and jointly campaign for their rights – e.g. for the right to stay and the right to
participate in the education system. We would like to invite you, as young people, to participate in
this project. Dates for consultations and meetings in Potsdam can be found under:
Jugendliche ohne Grenzen (youth without borders) Friedrich-Engels-Str. 22, 14482 Potsdam www.facebook.com/jogs.brandenburg Email: [email protected]
The following is an association of committed individuals and various social and religious
organizations in Brandenburg:
Aktionsbündnis gegen Gewalt, Rechtsextremismus und Fremdenfeindlichkeit (action alliance against violence, right-wing extremism and xenophobia) Mittelstraße 38/39, 14467 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-505824-26, -27, -28 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.aktionsbuendnis-brandenburg.de
The PAVLO association is aimed at strengthening public awareness about the role of pan-
Africanism, especially the role of women in African empowerment processes:
Pan-African Women’s Empowerment and Liberation Organization (PAWLO-Germany) e. V. Benzstraße 4, 14482 Potsdam, Postfach 601054,14410 Potsdam Telephone: 0331-50595880, mobile: 0176-25742654 Email: [email protected] Internet: www.pawlo-germany.org
What the Federal Republic of Germany stands for:
An overview of the German political system
Germany is a democracy, which means that “the people rule”.
The German constitution (Grundgesetz – GG) states that “all State power emanates from the
people”; the constitution forms the main legal basis of communal life in Germany. The Federal
Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland – BRD) explicitly calls itself a “social state”,
whose aim it is to ensure social security and justice. In line with this principle, the State assists
people who are unable to support themselves through their own work, whether at all or in part, by
providing a number of state benefits which are enshrined in law. In times of crisis and in the face of
“risks” such as unemployment, illness or the need for care, a certain standard of living is ensured for
every citizen. Children and families receive special support. Besides the typical social security
benefits, other examples include: unemployment benefits, housing benefits, social assistance, child
and youth welfare, parental allowance etc. as well as benefits for asylum seekers.
The “rule of the people” is exercised indirectly: the parliament (Bundestag) as the supreme
legislative body is the elected representative of the people. Citizens who are eligible to vote – those
who are 18 years of age or above and who have German citizenship – elect representatives, i.e.
individuals (parliamentarians) and parties who, for a certain specific time, are empowered to take
political action as representatives of the will of the people. MPs and parliamentary parties, for
instance, are elected every 4 years.
In accordance with strict rules, the elections must be carried out “generally” (i.e. all adult German
nationals are eligible to vote), “directly” (i.e. MPs are directly elected), “freely” (i.e. voters must be
able to decide without any coercion or pressure), “equally” (i.e. every vote carries the same weight)
and “secretly” (i.e. the election must be organized in a way that ensures that each citizen is able to
vote in secret; a citizen does not have to account for his or her choice of vote to anyone).
The various parties are under an obligation to discuss their political goals publicly in order to enable
citizens to obtain an understanding on who best represents their political interests. On this basis,
they can get involved accordingly and make informed decisions on election days.
Federal elections, state elections, local elections and European elections are the most important
elections. Elections to the German Parliament (Bundestag) and the European Parliament take place
nationwide; the legislative assembly of the German state of Brandenburg (Landtag), for instance,
sits in Potsdam and is elected by the citizens of Brandenburg in state elections; in the local
elections the heads of district authorities and the mayors are elected as well as the elected
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representatives in municipalities/ local authorities/ cities and counties. In Brandenburg young people
are entitled to participate in local elections as early as from the age of 16.
Those who participate politically in the State are required to comply with applicable laws and
especially with the unchangeable constitutional rights. They are answerable to the people for their
actions and decisions.
The principle of “separation of powers” is meant to guarantee, among other things, that the
judiciary is independent of the government. The three forms of state power, i.e. the legislative
power, the executive power (government), and the independent judiciary (courts) are also bound by
constitutional rights and existing laws.
The federal government (Bundesregierung) as the executive power, is composed of the
chancellor and the federal ministers. Currently, the German chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel (leader of
the political party, Christian Democratic Union – CDU) rules at the head of a “grand coalition”
consisting of CDU/CSU (Christian Social Union) and the Social Democratic Party – SPD. By
introducing draft legislation into parliament, the government also participates in the legislative
process. Parliament is made up of MPs, groups and “fractions” (associations of members of one
party). Its composition, the distribution of seats, is determined by the previous election by the
citizens.
The president (Bundespräsident) as the official head of state of the Federal Republic of Germany
is non-partisan; the current president is Joachim Gauck. Although he has some political powers
under the constitution, he does not have any day-to-day political responsibilities. His position is
rather that of a representative office: he “embodies the State”. In giving his opinions he acts as a
“moral authority” and he is supposed to take into account and include the different groups in society.
A variety of human and civil rights as well as the rights and protection of the individual
against the State are enshrined in the German constitution, the Grundgesetz.
The following important constitutional values and, thus, rights are enshrined in the constitution:
Respect for and the protection of human dignity (see article 1)
The right to freedom of personal development (see article 2)
The right to life and physical integrity (see article 2)
The equality of all people before the law (see article 3)
Equal treatment of men and women (see article 3)
Prohibition of discrimination: prohibition of discrimination or preference on the grounds of
characteristics such as gender, ethnicity, race, language, native country and origin, and
faith, religious or political beliefs (see article 3)
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No one may be disadvantaged because of his or her disability (see article 3)
Freedom of assembly, freedom of expression and freedom of the press (see articles 5 and
8)
The guarantee of property and inheritance law (see article 14)
Other important constitutional rights are listed in the German constitution.
In addition, the constitution characterizes and enshrines the principles under which the political
system of the Federal Republic of Germany operates (federal state, democracy, rule of law, social
state).
The constitutional court is the highest court and the “keeper of the constitution”. In addition to the
constitution as the basis of our legal system, there are many other laws. Citizens are entitled to
assert their rights before various federal and state courts – depending on the subject matter and
the claim – i.e. citizens may request the enforcement of their various different statutory claims.
In the Federal Republic of Germany the relationship between the State and churches and
religious communities is one of partnership; as a general rule, however, the State aims to maintain
religious neutrality and represent ideological diversity. The State can therefore be thought of as an
“impartial mediator” between different ideologies – a mediator that is always bound by the
provisions of the constitution.
Under the constitution, Germany has a federal structure.
This means that the “Federal Republic of Germany” is a federal State made up of 16 individual
states (Länder) each of which, in turn, has their own sovereign power – i.e. authority to take
political action, constitution, government/ parliament and administration.
Die 16 German states (including Berlin, Hamburg and Bremen as “city-states”) are:
Baden-Wuerttemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Hesse,
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-
Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.
The individual German states (Länder) participate in the legislative process through an institution
called the “Bundesrat” (federal council), which is the “parliament of the individual states’
governments”. The elected state governments of the Länder appoint the federal council members.
The interplay of the overall federal State (Bund) and the individual states (Länder) is regulated by
law.
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This tiered structure of responsibilities (principles of federalism, subsidiarity) and the separation
of powers (legislative, executive, judiciary) is intended to prevent a concentration of power within
the system. In addition to the responsibilities of the federal government, the affairs of the community
are thereby regulated in regional, local as well as flexible policy-making, which is close to the
citizens. The political will of the citizens and their democratic participation are, after all, key.
The citizens themselves are able to get involved for the common good by joining parties and other
organizations where people with common interests and goals come together: clubs, federations,
churches, associations and communities of various kinds. These deal with topics and
responsibilities in the fields of sports, culture, religion, social matters and policy etc.
Democracy lives by such voluntary and mostly unpaid citizens’ contributions.
For further information about the state structure, legal system and how the Federal Republic of
Germany perceives itself, please see the following links:
Constitution online: http://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/gg/ Federal Ministry of the Interior: http://www.bmi.bund.de or the Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung (federal agency for political education): http://www.bpb.de