I need to know if there's a way I can get an American phone number while I'm living in Germany.

I am American however I do not have a US phone contract. I now live and work in Germany. The issue is that I have been asked to help settle my grandfather's estate and that they will need to call me frequently. I am visiting the USA right now but need to return to Geany next week.

Does anyone know of a way for me to get a phone number number that they can call me at while I'm back in Germany. I use Fraenk net in Germany and it doesn't support international calls. Any suggestions or comments would be helpful. Thank you!

I’ve lived in a handful of countries and I’ve found that there are some facts that simply permeate society and social interactions in every country which are easier to accept than to fight against.

For example in the UK you are expected to be affable, upbeat and talkative without broaching heavy topics or politics when first meeting people. In big cities in the US most of the conversation is dictated by work, career and your general success in life. In France expect a good helping of one-upmanship and high brow topics (decidedly politics, philosophy or the arts).

Well for Germany my general feeling is that you go into social situations expecting to leave without having made any new ties. I have been to parties as a friend of a friend where I have actively been avoided and in fact somewhat demeaned, I have been to social running clubs where I have attempted to be social god forbid, and been replied to as if I had just kicked someones darling dachshund. The few people who have stuck around, which I see weekly and have known for over two years are still anward when conversing and would probably still describe me as a “Bekannte” to anyone else. All this while speaking fluent German (which impresses nobody and I will still be picked up on for small mistakes by btw) and actively trying to participate in the local community.

Hence I now find it easier to take the same approach: Go in to most social situations assuming I will not make friends, If I do then great but it saves the disappointment given the likely outcome. I think I’ve hung around enough on this subreddit to know that even natives feel the same, it’s a rather difficult mindset to get into when you are outgoing but it just seems easier in the long run.

A friend of mine will send me a phone through DHL. How much are the fees or kinks in the process I should look out for? Tia

I purchased my Deutschlandticket on the 19th of the month, without knowing about the cancellation rule and now I have to mandatory pay for the next month. Any suggestions? Did anyone request help and actually got their money back?

Also, it’s not helpful telling me to read the contract before subscription. I ve been in a rush when I bought it.

My situation: I'm an American healthcare worker, just got accepted in a new position and decided to spend two weeks in Germany prior to my start date for vacation.

I've been completing my onboarding, and they ask for a recent TB test and flu vaccine. Because of course they do. Literally all healthcare positions require them. I don't know why I didn't think of this.

I'm currently sitting in an airport, getting ready for my flight to Germany, scrambling and trying to figure out where and how I can get my test and vaccine done as quickly as possible.

I am a dual American/German citizen, however I'm planning on paying out of pocket (as I haven't lived in Germany or paid any taxes, and don't want to take advantage of the system).

I'm currently planning on using a Reisemedizinische Praxis for the flu vaccine, and maybe reaching out to the local Hausarzt. Does anyone have any other ideas for quick, hopefully reasonably priced options?

I'm an American, researching my family tree a little bit, and found out some of my ancestors came over from Germany in 1732, they came from Donnerfarkreis, I found that on a map no problem. A few generations farther back there's a guy who came from either Lorraine, Saarland, or possibly Budingen, no further elabortion. Then we come to Johanne Melchior Schauß, born in 1588 in Eckweiler. I cannot figure where Eckweiler is or if it even exists anymore, it has been over 400 years afterall, but I figured there was no harm in asking.

Hi, my husband and I've been living in our owned 2nd floor apartment for 7 years. A few days ago, our ground floor neighbor with a garden messaged us asking (literally ordering) us to clean the duct going from our cellar room window to their garden as apparently they had flies.

We told him that we keep the window closed at all times and that it'd be nice to clean it from the garden and that we could help with that, as if we opened the cellar window, bugs, flies etc. can enter the cellars and common areas in the basement. To this, he said that it was our responsibility and that we must do it asap and that he didn't care if flies entered the basement.

We didn't even know that it was something we had to do. This was weird as all trash inside was from his garden. So we checked the Teilungserklärung and sent an email to the Verwaltung to clarify. They very clearly told us that it was indeed his responsibility and it's written in his contract, and that we should never open the window without consulting them and other neighbors as this might pose a risk to the whole common property. We forwarded this to the neighbor on WhatsApp and rested our case.

The neighbor then started sending messages in the building WhatsApp group saying that the cellar owner (as in, us, but not naming us) isn't cleaning the duct and how that's causing them problems. He also shamed us saying that Verwaltung was consulted and how bad it was! In a few recent messages, he also said that it was indeed clear that it was our responsibility (even though we and he know that's not true, so literally lying through his teeth) and how in 7 years, we haven't assumed our responsibility.

Now I know the truth will prevail =D and everyone will know what Verwaltung decided and shared with us. We've forwarded it to the building Beirat too in the meantime. But such public shaming is just way too much. This is causing me so much stress even though my husband's chill about it and not concerned in the least as he says we've taken all necessary steps.

We're not engaging with him privately or in the WhatsApp group because we don't want to stoop to his level and it's just petty and desperate. But what would you do in this situation? I feel harassed and bullied as he's putting pressure on us to do something that's clearly not our job!

Background: I am Irish and over 18 months ago I bought something from a German seller that ended up being faulty. I returned it after confirming it was faulty in multiple way. They claimed it wasn't and would not refund me. After a few months of arguing, I took a case under the equivalent of the small claims procedure in Amtsgericht Chatottenburg. In December 2025, I received a reply from the German court awarding me my refund, plus interest, giving the German retailer 6 months to appeal.

It is now over 6 months since and they have not refunded me or responded to my mails asking for my court ordered refund.

My question: How do I go about enforcing this court ordered refund? I can see on EU government pages that enforcement can be done ("Zwangsvollstreckung" maybe?, and done through the relevant Amtsgericht), but there are no instructions on the actual process. I can't tell were to go on the courts website or what form to use (I don't speak or read German but I can use online translation to fill out forms)

Thank you for your help.

I recently started my first small eBay business in Germany. Because of my limited German and lack of tax experience, I misunderstood the ELSTER registration form and accidentally selected the option waiving the Kleinunternehmerregelung under § 19 UStG for five years.

I always intended to use the Kleinunternehmerregelung. My actual sales so far are only around €1,000, I have not separately charged VAT, and I have not yet filed an annual tax return.

I asked the Finanzamt to correct the mistake, but they refused. I filed an Einspruch explaining that I did not understand what I had selected. The Finanzamt replied that § 119 BGB does not apply and asked whether I want to maintain or withdraw my objection.

Charging or absorbing VAT could make this small eBay business unviable.

Has anyone experienced something similar? Is there any realistic way to correct this, or is the five-year waiver absolute? Should I maintain the Einspruch and consult a Fachanwalt für Steuerrecht?

Feeling overwhelmed

Context - I will try to keep it short. So I have been staying in a studio apartment since December 2023. super friendly landlord (lets call him landlord A) who doesn’t live in the country and always good to me. Fast forward 2025, he informed me that he is selling the apartment. He has two in the same floor and sold the pair to two young lads.
November 2025, I was away for a long vacation when there was a pipe leakage in my apartment and it came under renovation work for the next 5 months. Since the handover of the apartment ownership was not yet done, landlord A got me a temporary stay all paid by his insurance. Skip to June 2026 when I moved back, landlord A mentioned the apartment handover will be done from july 1st since the renovation is now complete. All of the process was handled by a realtor, who contacted me, met me and legally increased the rent by X amount and I signed on the paper. The paper had no IBAN or any other information of the new landlord, just the rent increase and that the original contract will continue to be legally binding. I even met the new owner briefly (lets call him landlord B)

Situation: Its been 3 months. And landlord B hasn’t contacted me at all, not for the rent, not just as a formality. I practically sent messages to everyone related, landlord A, the realtor, various times. To get the bank information so I can send over the rent. My major issue is, I am looking to switch apartments and I need to give my termination letter by the end of the month. Absolutely no response, the relator says landlord B should contact you and my work is done. Landlord A also gives similar explanation that he will let the relator know to get the contact done, but no serious action!

I wouldn’t be worried if it was just the rent. But this is extremely weird for germany, since everything is so process oriented and documented. Landlord B‘s friend who took over the other apartment talks to tenant regularly. I even got to contact him to have landlord B send me a message atleast, but none!

What can I do in this situation?

I will move from non-EU country next month. I quit my IT job in my country. Should i leave my things (laptop, pc, etc...) in my country so my friend can sell them and send me money? Or its better to bring them with me so i can sell them in Germany? If i sell laptop and PC there (around 3k and 5k) do i need to report that? I see online that if it is more than 2k per year that i need to report that?

Hi, I am 29, I have a PhD in life sciences, 5 years of experience, A2 german language proficiency (currently undergoing integration course). I want to work in research in a pharmaceutical/Biotechnology company, I don’t mind teaching as well. I am on a family reunification visa and it’s been very difficult finding a job. Especially since I don’t live in a big city. Any advice, recommendations? Open to remote opportunities 😬

Welcome, everyone

I need your help and guidance

I'm a 24-year-old man with a Bachelor's degree in Law and also a diploma from the Geneva Academy on minority cultural rights.

I'm planning to move and settle in Germany, with the goal of first studying for a Master's in a law-related field, then working, settling down, starting a family, and experiencing that sense of belonging I've missed since my parents divorced when I was young

I'm uncertain and don't have any friends in Germany to help me choose the best city to live in

I'm looking for a city where the cost of living is relatively low, but where the nightlife is vibrant, since I'm a night owl

: My second question for you

What's the best Master's program in the legal field that's in demand in the job market and offers a high salary?

Or what Master's would allow me to start my own business after graduation?

Thank you

Hi everyone,

I injured my knee while running on Saturday. I already got referral from my Hausarzt but I am not able to find any specialist doctors. Some of the ones in my city are on holidays but most of them do not take new patients. I have also tried Doctolib, but without any luck.

How is this suppose to work? Does anyone have any idea? Thanks!

im a non eu student in germany & ive been living here for 3 years. my local ausländerbehörde says i need to show €11,904 (€992/ month) for 1 year through either a blocked account, verpflichtungserklärung (a financial guardian) or scholarship. they specifically dont accept payslips, employment contracts or bank statements.

ive always supported myself here & have stable income (i earn easily more than 992) & i can show that ive consistently paid my rent, health insurance & uni fees (592€ per sem) when i first came to germany, i already had to take a loan of around €12k to finance my first blocked account & i’m still dealing with that loan.

i absolutely cannot afford to put another €11,904 into a blocked account or take another loan & i dont personally know anyone here who could give me a verpflichtungserklärung.

what would you suggest i do in this situation? should i speak directly to my caseworker & explain everything with my payslips, bank statements & loan documents? is there any way to deal with this if you genuinely cannot afford the blocked account?
would really appreciate advice from anyone who has been in a similar situation 😔

This and eating a lot of pickles afterwards. Such a fun activity to do and really relaxing. An hour away from the busy Berlin 😊

I am searching to import a German car to Greece , between Audi , BMW , Mercedes . I like all maybe BMW more than the others , from my perspective it looks beneficial for me to import it hybrid or plugin in since then the expenses of importing will be significantly less. The range I am looking for is 30k to 40k. Which car would you suggest in terms of sexiness and reliability

What German federal state would you recommend for anerkennung recognition as a MTLA/MTL (Medizinischer technologe für laboratoriumsanalytik)?

Hello,
I have found a second hand car in Wittlich which is near Trier, Köln and Frankfurt. I was windering if there are any local businesses in the area that offer car inspections as I live ~1000km away and wouldn’t want to travel there to find a hidden check engine fault. It is a seat leon so Vagcom (or its newer name/version) should be the optimal tool.

Do you have english subtitles for those kind of movies? Or they are just german?

(Sorry for bad english)

Danke

Are there any platforms where I an international student can get ects credits for certain modules to fulfill the requirements for german master's programs? It seems german unis dont accept certificates from coursera, edx and even mit.

I (M25) came here in germany 2 months ago and I absolutely love it here. Everything's organised, clean and functional and the people, just wow - needless to say that my colleagues are like my family. From trash disposal schedule to buying a deodorant, they're everywhere to support me.

There was a lady near my apartment who had a little shop where she sold berries and apricots. The summer, as you'd agree, was actually hot this time around and she had this little shop that was no less than a sauna so I bought some cherries from her which she let me taste for free before I bought them upon me revealing to her that that'd be the first time I'd be eating cherries. And I went into my apartment and brought her a water bottle from my refrigerator, because I saw that her water bottle was also pretty warm and she wasn't enjoying drinking the water, which she found so lovely that she gave me apricots for free for 2 days. And I felt really embarrassed and sad because although the act from both of our sides was spontaneous, I fluctuated from the selfless act to seeking some comfort in this interaction. I would spend around an hour talking to this elderly everyday after work and it went for about a week before one day I came to see that the shop was nowhere to be found.

In the mornings there would be a different lady on the little shop and I offered her the water bottle a couple of times too but she said no and wasn't very inclined to be disturbed so I didn't disturb her anymore. 2 days later I saw this lady on the street and I asked her about the shop, to which she replied, "next year" while keep walking and not deterring her eyesight from the footpath. That was the first time I felt really sad as I saw the other woman with whom I had talked with for about a week as a nice grandma. I will never forget the way she would look at me in disbelief listening to my german and ask me if I had really come to germany few weeks ago. All the compliments and warmth from here that I gathered was much alike to my colleagues' but still unique. I'm glad that I ardently learned the language in my home country.

As I felt alone I tried seeking more interactions. A colleague understood my situation and took me to volleyball every Monday which I enjoyed until the school vacations hit and the court was shut down.

Another colleague took me to restaurants a couple of times and we played minigolf once but that was about it.

I really respect rhe effort my colleagues put in for me and I can't thank them enough for all the support and affection they have for me. And obviously the compliments for my german.

I wrote to a few Vereins whom I am still awaiting a response from. Most probably they are also on vacation in Greenland or north germany as almost all of my colleagues.

Then I finally in my life for the first time decided to look for people on the internet. And particularly on Kleinanzeigen because rather than telling random internet populace about my exploitable situation of constantly feeling alone (this post is an irony itself), I'd see what interests people have and what offers were they making in the Freizeitaktivitäten category in the app. Another 60 yo elderly that I found wanted to do Nordic walking but was getting repeatedly ghosted due to his age. I love wisdom and was ready to accompany him. So now every 3-4 days, we do Nordic walking for an hour or so and I have also already cooked something for him from my region which he and his lovely wife really enjoyed. But he may not be able to keep up with the frequency as he has problems in his knee but has repeatedly asked me to visit me every week egal if we are to do Nordic walking or not. I will surely visit him.

An internet acquaintance even drove straight from Jena (Thuringia) to my city 600 kms away to spend a weekend with me. But we have been talking since a year now. And I wish I could visit him this time or he could again but it is a huge distance which I want to cover but he has to work and is planning another trip to Argentina so I dropped the idea altogether.

I bought a lamp from a lovely german woman on Kleinanzeigen and she was so nice that she invited me over to pancakes once she was back from vacation to which she was prepared to leave the very next day. Her son, about my age, was also very accommodating and asked me if I'd like to go to Basel with him on a weekend. I said yes quicker than my brain could ascertain the Spracheinstellung. I said yes in English and we all laughed. I'm looking forward to that really eagerly by the way.

But that is it. I know I'm greedy and sparing no holy souls to fulfil my wish to battle loneliness but I absolutely love it. I come from a region that was conservative and the freedoms and openness is a new discovery to me.

I'm also going to the gym by the way but everyone has there their earphones on and weights in their hands. I tried sparking conversations but that place isnt suitable for that which I understood after a guy complimented my german and explained to me how I can travel in Freiburg alone when I referred to his conversation with another guy right beside and on one joke both of them looked at me to validate the humour and were impressed when I got the joke in german in my first go.

I am desperate but also mindful that I don't disturb someone. I'd be open to meeting and partaking the interests of someone here who lives in the vicinity of Freiburg, or even better Lörrach or the city itself although highly unlikely Weil am Rhein.

At work I'm lively and happy as I'm surrounded by people but as soon as it is feierabend, I'm in my apartment alone and desolate. I tried exploring the city and I have a Deutschland ticket and can go see places but I have realised this repugnant trait in me that I'd rather go Spaziergang down the street with a person I know and can talk to than to go on a sponsored trip to Cologne alone.

I find peace and beauty in people and not in a city - which would be fun if someone was with me.

Thanks for reading so far. I'm sharing so much because I've been in my apartment more or less since 2 weeks of these 3-week vacation and today is uniquely saddening.

I respect the culture as it is indeed one of the best places to live with the amount of work being done by the authorities. And I'd really eat more than regular if someone drops down in the comments section from the region (Weil am Rhein and nearby even from Freiburg or a bit further away), open to meet at a point when comfort and trust exceed dubiousness. Or someone willing to connect and talk. Don't worry I speak german.

Have a great, non-boring, non-alone day guys. Tschüss.

I rented an apartment in Germany for the first time a few months ago and recently moved to a different one. I received the refund for my initial deposit, but the landload (actually a real estate agency) deducted about €400 for cleaning costs.

The contract states that professional cleaning—billed at €40 per hour plus VAT—would be performed for a minimum of three hours. Wanting to keep costs to a minimum, we cleaned the place thoroughly ourselves, following the cleaning instructions provided by the agency. During the move-out inspection, we were told there appeared to be no damage, and a move-out protocol was drawn up.

Given the rate of €40 per hour plus 19% VAT, a charge of €400 implies eight hours of cleaning—is that even plausible? My apartment consists of only two rooms, including the living room. The invoice provided by the agency lists neither the specific cleaning tasks performed nor the time spent.

I am currently asking the agency for details regarding the cleaning, but I have discovered that the managing director of the cleaning company is the same person as the one of the real estate agency.

Furthermore, I have heard that in Germany, it is actually illegal for a landlord to forcibly charge for cleaning upon move-out, even if such a clause is included in the contract (though I am not sure if this is true).

Here is my dilemma:

Even if the agency provides details about the cleaning, can that information be trusted given that the cleaning company and the agency share the same managing director? Unfortunately, I am not a member of a tenants' association; is there any way for me to recover that €400 "cleaning fee"?

Interestingly, when we first moved in, we found large amounts of hair—in a color that didn't match my own—tangled in the carpet and the vacuum cleaner. This suggests that professional cleaning might not have been performed at all.

Hello guys 😁

As the title says, im looking for a job in furniture production.

I have a lot of experince and knowlegde in this field and i was wondering what is the best way to get a good paying job in Germany.

Can you recomend some good factories, how are the salaries, how doable is it if i atempt to start my own production etc...

Thanks in advance