Living at the MDC and Berlin-Buch

Living at the MDC in Berlin-Buch
Guide for New Scientists at the MDC
Introduction
Living in
Germany
Local
Authori
-ties
Enjoying
life in
Berlin
Science
and
Research
Living
at the
MDC
Numbers
and
further
contacts
Taxes
Social
Security

Table of Contents Seite 2 von 36
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents .......................................................................................................................................... 2
1 Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 4
2 Living in Germany .................................................................................................................. 5
2.1 Preparations at Home ................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 What to do first in Germany ...................................................................................................... 5
2.3 Accommodation ........................................................................................................................... 6
2.4 Money / Bank Account ............................................................................................................... 9
2.5. Kindergarten/School ................................................................................................................ 11
3 Local Authorities .................................................................................................................. 12
3.1 Registration Offices ................................................................................................................... 12
3.2 Recognition of Degrees and Achievments ............................................................................... 14
3.3 Car .............................................................................................................................................. 14
4 At the MDC ........................................................................................................................... 16
4.1 What to organize first ............................................................................................................... 16
4.2 The MDC homepage (www.mdc-berlin.de) ............................................................................ 16
4.3 Information about Berlin-Buch ............................................................................................... 17
4.4. Sports ........................................................................................................................................ 17
5. Enjoying Life in Berlin ....................................................................................................... 18
5.1 Important papers and web-links for Berlin ............................................................................ 18
5.2 Public Transport ....................................................................................................................... 18
5.3 Shopping in Berlin .................................................................................................................... 20
5.4 Libraries in Berlin ..................................................................................................................... 21
6 Taxes ..................................................................................................................................... 22
6.1 Income Tax ................................................................................................................................ 23
6.2 Church Tax ................................................................................................................................ 25
7 Social Security and Accident Insurance .............................................................................. 25
7.1 Health and Care Insurance ...................................................................................................... 26
7.2 Pension Scheme ......................................................................................................................... 28
7.3 Unemployment Insurance ........................................................................................................ 28
7.4 VBL ............................................................................................................................................ 29
7.5 Accident Insurance ................................................................................................................... 29
8 Science and Research in Germany ...................................................................................... 30
8.1 Competencies of the Federal Government and the "Länder" .............................................. 30
8.2 Higher Education ...................................................................................................................... 30
8.3 Research Institutions ................................................................................................................ 32
8.4 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) .............................................................................. 32
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8.5 Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD).............................................................. 32
8.6 Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH) .............................................................................. 33
9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information ................................................. 33
10 Bibliography ....................................................................................................................... 35
10.1 General ..................................................................................................................................... 35
10.2 Scientific System ...................................................................................................................... 35
10.3 Social Security ......................................................................................................................... 35
10.4 Taxes ......................................................................................................................................... 36
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1 Introduction
Dear Colleague,
We would like to welcome you to the Max Delbrück Center for
Molecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin Buch.
Living abroad, far away from home is an important
and interesting experience for everybody. Such a sabbatical
leave and life in another cultural sphere is also, however,
accompanied by some challenging experiences. We want you
to feel welcome in Germany and at the MDC in Berlin Buch
and we wish your stay to be happy and pleasant.
Since the foundation of the MDC in 1992, the
institute has in a short time gained an excellent reputation in the international biomedical
research community. A parallel and very positive development has been the increasing
number of foreign nationals that have been attracted to work at the Buch campus. From the
total staff of about 1000 people now employed, nearly 200 come from outside of Germany.
In order to be able to better represent and help this large international group within
the MDC we want to help you wherever we can and we try to represent the interests of foreign
scientists and staff. In specific, we would like to know of any problems you have encountered
in order to take appropriate steps to improve the situation. We are therefore encouraging you
to contact us at any time.
Please, find enclosed an information brochure from the MDC about the institute,
Berlin and life in Germany in general. The information has been collected on the basis of the
current law codes and information leaflets of the responsible authorities, ministries and the
EU. As the laws are subject to change we will regularly revise the Internet version of this
booklet. We cannot, however, accept liability for the correctness of the contents, although the
data has, of course, been collected with due care. We would be grateful if you could inform us
about your practical experiences as well as help us with suggestions, comments and
corrections. Your help enables us to update the Internet version on a regular basis.
Additionally we would like to draw your attention to an interesting handbook for
foreign guests in Germany published by the Berlin Commissioner for Integration and
Migration and to www.deutschland.de published by he Press and Information Office of the
German Federal Government.
If you have suggestions or comments we would be happy to discuss them with you. Let
us assure that we will do our best to help you settle down at the MDC and in Berlin as easily
as possible.
Yours sincerely,
Sylvia Sibilak
Contact person in the personnel department
Room 4029, MDH
3349
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2 Living in Germany
2.1 Preparations at Home
Contact a German embassy or consulate in your home country
regarding any current entry and residence requirements. You can also
contact the German Embassy in the country you are working at the
moment. 1 As a rule it takes several weeks for a visa to be issued, and
therefore should be applied for in a timely manner.
Foreign scientists require a multiple entry visa for the Federal Republic of Germany.
Exceptions are citizens from EU countries, the EWR countries Iceland, Norway,
Liechtenstein, from Switzerland, and Japan, Canada and the USA. They do not require a visa
to enter Germany, but they must apply for a residence permit from the foreigner registration
office after arriving in Berlin (3.1.) and register with the local authorities (see Ch. 3). It is
important not to apply for a tourist visa but for a multiple entry visa which enables you and,
if necessary, your family to stay for a longer period of time. A visa for Germany normally
also includes free travelling to the other EU-countries.
Your scientific host will help you with all internal MDC procedures. You should check in
time with the staff administration of the MDC to find out whether they need any specific
documents from you so that you may bring these papers along with you. These can include
the obvious documents such as your residence permit or income tax card (see chapter 3), but
also include other ones such as your university diplomas. The administrative offices usually
ask for German translations of your university diploma, birth and marriage certificates.
Therefore it is best to bring a certified translated copy of these documents with you rather
than have translations done on the spot.
We advise you to contact Mrs. Sibilak who is responsible for all new foreign guests at
our institute beforehand. She can help and assist you and answer all the questions you
might have before departing.
00 49-30-94 06-33 49 / e-mail: sibilak@mdc-berlin.de
2.2 What to do first in Germany
Here is a checklist for the most important things you should do after arrival:
1. Go to the MDC administration (contact person in the personnel department: Sylvia
Sibilak, room 4029 in Max-Delbrück-House, building 31.1.) to be registered (either by
contract or guest registration) (see 3.1.)
2. Go to the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) to receive a Berlin
registration (address see 3.1.)
3. Open a bank account (see 2.4)
4. Organize a health insurance (see 5.1)
5. Go to the foreigners’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde) to receive a residence permit
(Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) (address see 3.1.) or have this organized by our contact person
in the personnel department, Mrs. Sibilak
6. Go to the tax office to obtain a tax card.
1 Example: As a Chinese citizen working in the USA at the moment you do not have to go back to China to
contact the German embassy. You can contact the German embassy in the States as well.
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2.3 Accommodation
2.3.1 ACCOMODATION ON THE MDC CAMPUS
The MDC has three guesthouses:
Guesthouse 8 - Gate House
The Gate House has 8 rooms in apartments available, equipped with
three bathrooms and one kittchen. The room rates per night range
from 27,00 € to 35,00 €.
Guesthouse 54 – Hans-Gummel-House
This Building offers 15 rooms, among them 6 single and 9 twin bed rooms.
All rooms are furnished. With the exception of 3 single rooms all other rooms have a bath
(shower and toilet). In addition two fully equipped kitchens as well as a washing machine
and dryer for common use are available.
The room rates per night range from 25,00 € to 43,00 €.
Guesthouse No. 61 - Salvador-Luria-House
This Guesthouse has 29 furnished rooms in 8 apartments available. Each apartment is
equipped with a commonly used kitchen and at least one bathroom.
The room rates per night range from 27,00 € to 35,00 €.
All guesthouses are equipped with washing machines and dryers and are situated on the
Campus. The price per room depends on the size of the room, and if you use it as a single or a
double room. MDC can make a 25% reduction on request. If you want to reserve a room
there, please contact Mrs. Warmbrunn who manages the guesthouses.
BBB GmbH +49-30-9489-3720
Mrs. Warmbrunn Fax: +49-30-9489-3140
Robert-Rössle-Str. 10
e-mail: warmbrunn@bbb-berlin.de
13125 Berlin Her office is in the Arnold Graffi House,
(building D85), ground floor, room 004.
If you have reserved a room you will find your key after arrival at the porter’s entrance (main
entrance to the MDC-Campus) in the Robert-Rössle-Straße 10. Here you receive an envelope
with your name on it and useful information. You can stay in a guesthouse up to six month
after arrival to the MDC.
Please leave your room in an acceptable state and do not leave any personal belongings.
2.3.2 LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BERLIN
Looking for inexpensive accommodation in Germany can be difficult and time-consuming,
especially in big cities and university towns. If you do not have the opportunity to look for
accommodation before you start your fellowship, you should consider staying in one of the
MDC-guesthouses for the first few weeks. The research group you are going to join will help
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you to arrange this. There are different ways to find accommodation if you want to stay for a
longer period in Berlin:
You can try to contact agencies directly via Internet to see their offer, e.g. if you intend to
look for a room or a flat in Berlin-Buch you should contact www.ewg-pankow.de or for a flat
in Karow contact http://www.allod.de
EWG Berlin-Pankow eG
Allod. GmbH
Arkonastraße 45-49 Achillesstraße 55
13189 Berlin 13125 Berlin-Karow
47 70 06-0 942 00-10
Fax: 47 70 06 11 Fax: 942 00-128
You can also go through the ads for apartments in the local newspapers where you will find
an extensive advertisement section, usually on Saturdays and Sundays. Use the following
links:
- http://immonet.morgenpost.de/
- http://www.BerlinOnline.de/markt/immobilien/.html/index_wm.html
- http://www.immobilienscout24.de/
- http://www.immowelt.de/
- http://www.immobiliensuche.de/
- http://www.rooms-in-berlin.com/ (furnished)
- http://www.coming-home.org/ (furnished)
You can also advertise in the paper yourself. In Berlin there are also special ads in the main
buildings of the universities mostly by young people offering their furnished flats or their
rooms in shared flats (Wohngemeinschaft - WG) for a limited timespan. You can find those
student rooms or "WGs" through small ads, but also through notice boards (Schwarze Bretter)
at the universities, usually to be found in cafeterias (“Mensa”), at heavily frequented locations
and in the institutes. They are accessible to all students and employees and you can look for or
post notes. Or try to find a “WG” by Internet:
- www.wgcompany.de
- www.die-wg-boerse.de
- www.studenten-wg.de
- www.wg-gesucht.de
- http://www.wohngemeinschaft.de
In shared flats several persons live together in one flat, which means that each one has his or
her own room and that both bathroom and kitchen are used jointly. Shared flats are mostly
inhabited by young people and students, and they provide a good opportunity to get into
contact with other people living in Berlin. The "WGs" normally choose their flatmates
themselves.
About 10,500 rooms all over Berlin are offered by the Association for Student Affairs
(Studentenwerk). Prices range from 150 € to 280 €. The standard of rooms may differ widely
and you will not be able to choose the location as it will be assigned to you by the
Studentenwerk. Click at www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen or contact the infopoint
Behrenstraße 40/41 in 10117 Berlin, 20245-0, infopoint@studentenwerk-berlin.de.
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The suburbs and districts in close vicinity to Berlin-Buch (belonging to PANKOW) are
Karow (belonging to WEISSENSEE), PANKOW, BUCHHOLZ and PRENZLAUER BERG.
2.3.3 HOUSING EXPENSES
In Berlin the price per square metre amounts to about € 5.00 to 10.00. The information about
the level of rent charged mostly refers to the basic rent (Kaltmiete) which means that you
have to pay extra for electricity, water, heating and waste disposal. In contrast, these
additional costs (Nebenkosten) are normally included in the rent for furnished flats
(Warmmiete). When you read descriptions of apartments, pay attention to the addition
Warmmiete/warm (including additional costs) or Kaltmiete/kalt (excluding additional costs)
respectively.
In Germany you can rent furnished, partly furnished or empty flats. Flats are rarely offered
with furniture. To learn more about the price level in Berlin click at:
http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/wohnen/mietspiegel/
If you own a radio and/or television, you have to pay dues to the Gebühreneinzugszentrale or
GEZ. Registration forms are available at the post office or at: http://www.gez.de
2.3.4 ACCOMMODATION ADVERTISEMENTS
Advertisements for accommodations are often difficult to understand, because they are full of
abbreviations. Here are the most important ones:
5ZKDB: (5 Zimmer Küche, Diele, Bad) 5 rooms, kitchen, corridor, bathroom
ZH: (Zentralheizung) central heating
EBK: (Einbauküche) Complete kitchen
400,- + NK: (€400 Kaltmiete plus Nebenkosten) € 400 basic rent plus additional costs
KM or k: (Kaltmiete) basic rent
WM or w: (Warmmiete) all-inclusive rent
Wfl.: (Wohnfläche) size of flat in square metres
G-WC: (Gästetoilette) separate toilet
OG: (Obergeschoß) upper floor
TG: (Tiefgarage) underground car park
OH: (Ofenheizung) heating by oven / coal, i.e. no central heating
GEH: (Gasetagenheizung) heating by gas, mostly additional costs
The letters IMM or RDM signify "Immobilienmakler" (real estate agent) and "Ring
Deutscher Makler" (Association of German real estate agents). This means that you must pay
a fee of up to two months' rent upon signing the lease.
If a phone number is indicated, you can call the landlord or estate agent directly. In case of
language difficulties ask a colleague of your research group or Mrs. Sibilak to help you
arranging a viewing appointment.
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2.3.5 LEASE
When you rent a flat, you generally have to make a deposit of about 2 to 3 months rent. Put
this security for rent on a blocked diposit account (Mietkautionskonto) to make sure that it
will be returned to you with interest when you move out, provided that you leave the flat
without damages. The lease should specify the exact terms regarding the deposit. The tenancy
has officially begun when both you and the landlord have signed the lease. Your signature
legally binds you to the terms of lease. Therefore it is essential to read the document very
carefully before signing, including the small print. (Let your German friends help you!!!)
The lease specifies, in particular, the amount of rent and additional costs payable, the period
of notice to be given upon termination of the lease (usually 3 months), payment for any
necessary repairs, responsibility for renovation, length of lease and terms of rent increase.
Furthermore, the lease may contain additional arrangements (e.g. use of the garden, car
parking facilities etc.). Should you intend to keep domestic animals, you must obtain the
permission of the landlord beforehand.
The lease also lays down the general house rules, which, among other things, stipulate that
before 7 a.m., between 1 and 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m. all unnecessary noise must be avoided.
They also regulate which jointly used areas (staircase, entrance area, basement) have to be
cleaned by each tenant and in which intervals the cleaning has to take place. However, a third
party usually does cleaning today.
If you do not understand parts of the lease or if you feel that unusual conditions are imposed,
you should ask your German colleagues for assistance and advice. In case of doubt you may
also contact the German Tenants' Association (Deutscher Mieterbund - DMB), which can
give you information on legality. You can also obtain information on leases from the DMB
Deutscher Mieterbund: http://www.mieterbund.de
Berliner Mieterverein e. V. Landesverband im Deutschen Mieterbund
Wilhelmstr. 74
10117 Berlin
Tel: 0 30/2 26 26-0
Fax: 0 30/2 26 26-161/162
eMail: bmv@berliner-mieterverein.de
Web: www.berliner-mieterverein.de
Before you move into the rented accommodation, you should make an appointment with the
landlord to check the apartment with him for any defects (scratches, stains, wear and tear,
damage etc.). All this should be put down in writing, even if damages appear to be very slight.
Otherwise you may be charged for repairs or your deposit will not be repaid to you in full
when you move out because it is assumed that the respective damage has been caused by you.
The landlord must sign the list of defects and damages and both parties keep a copy.
2.4 Money / Bank Account
In Germany it is still common to pay in cash for food or minor items.
In department stores, clothes shops and restaurants or for larger amounts
payment by credit card or cash card is generally accepted.
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You need to open a bank account with a local bank, Sparkasse or post office as soon as
possible to receive your income or the installments of your grant and to carry out regular
payments, such as rent, electricity, etc. The different banks offer more or less the same
service, but as the fees vary considerably, a comparison is worthwhile. Meanwhile, there are
many banks, which offer internetbanking, which is cheaper and allows you to handle your
bank transactions by computer.
We advise our guest scientists at MDC-Buch to open a bank account at the Berliner
Sparkasse:
Berliner Sparkasse (www.berliner-sparkasse.de)
Filiale Wiltbergstraße 5 Achillesstr. 53
13125 Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin-Karow
(self-service only)
opening times: Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fridays
9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
If you expect frequent remittances from or to your account in your home country, it is
worthwhile to ask your home bank whether it cooperates with a specific bank in Germany.
This could shorten and cheapen the transfer of money to the bank abroad. When you open a
bank account, you have to present your passport or identification card and the Berlin
registration (see chapter 3.1). A bank account offers you the possibility to:
• deposit and withdraw money at any time
• arrange a standing order ("Dauerauftrag") for regular payments at a fixed amount (e.g.
rent), effecting that a specified sum is transferred regularly at certain dates
• transfer money to another account with a transfer form ("Überweisung")
• you can authorise someone to withdraw money from your account
("Einzugsermächtigung"); this is relevant for regular payments of differing amounts, such
as electricity bills or telephone invoices
Generally, you will receive an EC Card with which you can withdraw money from all
multifunctional cash dispensers of your bank. Moreover, you can use this card to withdraw
money from all cash dispensers in Germany for a small fee Most of the shops offer direct
payment by cash card. EC card can be used to withdraw money from cash dispensers in most
European countries for a small fee.
Besides your bank account, you may open a savings account. In Germany you hardly receive
interest on your bank account, so that it is worthwhile to open an additional account for your
savings. Interest rates currently amount to 1-5% depending on the kind of account and the
bank. Most commonly used banks in Germany are:
Berliner Bank
Citibank
Deutsche Bank24
Berliner Volksbank (Branch in Buch, Wiltbergstraße 9)
Dresdner Bank
or one of the direct banks, such as:
Ing-Diba
Netbank
Comdirect
www.berliner-bank.de
www.citibank.com
www.deutsche-bank.de
www.berliner-volksbank.de
www.dresdner-bank.de
www.ing-diba.de
www.netbank.de
www.comdirect.de
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2.5. Kindergarten/School
All children aged 6 to 15 have to attend school in Germany. First they are enrolled at the
Grundschule or elementary school (grades 1 to 4). After the fourth grade or a further two year
transition period (only in some Länder), pupils switch to one of the following secondary
schools: the Hauptschule where they can obtain the basic school-leaving certificate (up to
grade nine or ten), the Realschule with the intermediate school-leaving certificate at the end of
grade 10 and the Gymnasium which leads to the Abitur, the university entrance qualification
at the end of grade 12 or 13. In addition, there is the comprehensive school (Gesamtschule),
which is organised not according to subject preference, but to individual ability and combines
the various types of schools.
At German schools, classes are only held in the morning between, i.e. 8.00 and 01.00 p.m. in
elementary schools and between 8.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. in the other schools. Only
comprehensive schools offer all day classes. School attendance is free of charge. There are a
few fee-charging private or foreign schools, most of which are very expensive.
Children from 3 to 6 years of age may voluntarily attend kindergarten. In Berlin, mostly there
are sufficient places in kindergartens for all children between the age of 8 weeks and school
age. Usually they are open continuously from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (sometimes even 6 p.m.). The
fees depend on the income of the parents. BBB-Management GmbH has established a
Campus-Kita in collaboration with SEHstern e.V. in House 61 at the campus. Please contact
Ms. Kabutz, ph 94 06 35 46, or campussterne@sehstern-ev.de to get more information, or
click at http://www.sehstern-ev.de.
Nannies (Tagesmutter), who care for your child individually, can be found through newspaper
ads or the youth welfare office. Baby-sitters, who care for your child for a few hours during
the day or in the evening, can best be found by word of mouth. You should ask both
neighbours and colleagues if they can recommend a trustworthy sitter.
Information about kindergartens and the necessary voucher can be obtained from the youth
welfare office (Jugendamt) at the local administrative authority of the respective city district.
For Berlin-Pankow it is Bezirksamt Pankow:
Youth welfare office
Frau Richter
Fröbelstraße 17, Haus 5
10405 Berlin
: 0 30/9 02 95 5751
while information about schools can be obtained from the general school office Berlin at:
http://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/ or from the school office of your city district, for Pankow:
Amt für Schule und Sport Pankow
Fröbelstraße 17, Haus 9
10405 Berlin
: 0 30/90295-5295
or at: http://www.berlin.de/ba-pankow/verwaltung/schule/index.html
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For the enrolment of your children at a school or kindergarten you have to contact the
administration of the chosen school or kindergarten. There you can also inform yourself about
the class to which your child will be assigned and whether additional German lessons are
offered for children from foreign countries. For additional information concerning the school
education of your children (Europe Schools with classes in different languages, recognition of
certificates etc.) please contact Mrs. Sibilak.
3 Local Authorities
3.1 Registration Offices
The first thing you should do at the MDC is to be
registered in the personnel department. This will either be
done by contract or by guest registration. You should ask
your research group if you would work as a guest or as an
MDC-employee. They or Mrs. Sibilak (who is also your direct contact
person) should also help you with filling in the guest registration form or making a date for
signing the respective contract.
You can also contact the colleagues at the Personnel Department directly:
Martina Bockhardt, Sonja Loboda, Martina Kühn, Bianca Maass, Katrin Jacoby,
Barbara Wiskow;
HvH (Building 84), rooms: 1214-1218; ph.: 2602, 2127, 2179, 4241, 2275, 3075
As soon as you have found accommodation in Germany you have to register with the
residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). The German registration regulations
require registration for everyone who changes residence within Germany. You have to inform
the registration office whenever you change your address and, as well, when you leave
Germany.
Presenting your passport at the residents' registration office you will receive a Berlin
registration (Anmeldebescheinigung – please pick up the necessary form in the office of Mrs.
Sibilak and an income tax card (see section 3.1.2.), which you have to hand over to the MDC
administration (personnel department) in case you get a work contract. The registration office
is situated in the town hall (Rathaus or Stadthaus) or special Sevice Offices (Bürgeramt) of
the district you live in: http://www.berlin.de/buergeramt/. If you live near the MDC you may
go to the Bürgeramt Karow, three bus stops from MDC:
Bezirksamt Pankow von Berlin
Bürgeramt Karow
Achillestraße 53
13125 Berlin
ph: (030) 94 87 88 75
Mondays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays/ Thursdays
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesdays/Fridays
8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
In addition, all members of the European Union will receive an unlimited residence permit for
Germany here, after they have filled in the application form. All citizens of other than EU
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countries have to apply for a residence permit after entering Germany. The forms (Antrag auf
Erteilung einer Aufenthaltsgenehmigung - Application for a Residence Permit) can be
obtained either from the MDC or the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) at
http://www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/. The residence permit is based on the
multiple entry visa in the passport. Scientists who are allowed to enter Germany without a
visa must also apply for a residence permit.
The Foreigners’ Registration Office limits the length of the residence permit in order to see,
after a period of time, if reasons still exist to extend the permit.
You have to bring along:
• your passport
• 2 passport photographs (biometric)
• a confirmation of your host institute (i.e., MDC), that you are a fellow there
• the registration certificate of the residents' registration office (Anmeldebescheinigung)
• proof of health insurance
• application for a Residence Permit (pick up the necessary form in the office of Mrs.)
The Foreigners’ Registration Office in Berlin has the following address:
Landeseinwohneramt Berlin
- Abteilung Ausländerangelegenheiten -
Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 24
13353 Berlin
: Mondays / Tuesdays 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Thursdays
10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
We recommend to arrive early at the Foreigners’ Registration Office, as crowds are the norm
and waiting numbers are required to process applications (Waiting numbers are available after
7:00 a.m.) or by appointment via Mrs. Sibilak.
You do not have to go there personally. You can organize this with our contact person
in the personnel department, Mrs. Sibilak, MDH, room 4029, 3349, e-mail:
sibilak@mdc-berlin.de. She will send your passport with the other necessary documents
via the institute to the Foreigners’ Registration Office.
For those who are accompanied by their families it is necessary to do the same procedure for
their spouses and children. Parents and single parents must apply for residence permits for all
their children living in Germany. Children from citizens of the EU and the EEA countries
Iceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein are exempt from these rules until the child’s 16th year.
However, children over 16 must have a residence permit.
When applying for a residence permit for your spouse, you will have to present your marriage
certificate. Parents are asked to bring their passports and marriage certificate as well as the
passports, birth certificates and two passport pictures of every child requiring a residence
permit. Please note that an official translator must translate the certificates into German.
Every child applying for a residence permit requires a waiting number at the Foreigners’
Registration Office. However, it is also possible to have everything arranged with assistance
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of Mrs. Sibilak. After at least 60 months of working in Germany you are entitled to apply for
an unlimited settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). For information in detail contact
Mrs. Sibilak or click at
http://www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/niederlassung.html
3.2 Recognition of Degrees and Achievments
A degree, which has been acquired abroad, is not automatically recognized in Germany. The
Federal Republic of Germany has concluded of bilateral “Agreements on Equivalences in the
Field of Higher Education” with a number of foreign countries. These agreements regulate the
recognition of studies, examinations and degrees and the public use of foreign academic
degrees and titles.
Try
http://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft-und-forschung/berlinerhochschulen/anerkennung_von_studienabschluessen.html
to learn more about the details. In principle you can keep your degree after you have finished
your study at a University that is officially recognized according to the law in the country of
origin. Your host institute has already accepted your qualification as part of the hiring
process. For further information visit the Internet at:
www.anabin.de or http://www.kmk.org/zab/home1.htm.
You may get assistance in Berlin at:
Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Wissenschaft,
und Forschung Berlin
Beuthstraße 6-8
10117 Berlin-Mitte
: 030/9026-7
Fax: 030/9026-5001
3.3 Car
Driving licenses from other EU- or EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) -
countries are accepted throughout Germany. It is your decision if you have it replaced by a
German document or not. If you come from another than the above mentioned countries you
have to obtain a German driving license.
http://www.berlin.de/labo/fuehrerschein/dienstleistungen/staatenlisteauslandsfs.html
You have to convert the national driving licence into a German driving licence after six
months at latest at the local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle), which can usually be
found in the town hall or district hall (Kreisverwaltung).
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In Berlin you will have to contact:
Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten Berlin - Referat Fahrerlaubnisse,
Führerscheinbüro
Puttkamerstr.16 - 18
10958 Berlin
: (030) 90269 – 0; Service 90269-2300
Mondays 07:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Fridays 07:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.
You should apply for the German driving license in good time (at least 3 months before
expiry of the set term of six months), because processing takes time. Otherwise you will
violate German law for driving without a valid license. All additional information including
necessary documents is available at:
http://www.berlin.de/labo/fuehrerschein/dienstleistungen/fuehrerscheinumschrausland.html
It might be that you have to pass the German driving test with a practical and a theoretical
part (traffic rules). It can be done in other languages as well. Costs may add up to
approximately € 100.00 for the theoretical examination (including teaching materials in
English) and € 24.00 for every driving lesson of 45 minutes. You can contact a driving school
to determine whether your knowledge is sufficient. If not you will be required to take some
driving lessons.
If your stay in Germany is not temporary - a stay of more than one year will certainly be
considered as such - your car must be registered in Germany. For this you have to go to the
local motor vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle), where you can also
obtain the necessary forms. Details are listed at:
http://www.berlin.de/labo/kfz/dienstleistungen/kraftfahrauslgebrzul.html
Following documents are necessary:
• your passport
• your driving license
• the car registration papers from your own country and your car's old license plates
• a cover-note from the car insurance company of your home country ("Deckungskarte der
Versicherung")
• a statement from the Federal Motor Vehicle Office (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) that your car
has not been registered in Germany before
Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten
Referat Kraftfahrzeugzulassung
Jüterboger Straße 3
10965 Berlin (Kreuzberg)
: Mondays / Tuesdays/Wednesdays 07:30 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.
Thursdays
08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.
Fridays
07:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.
Please click at: http://www.berlin.de/labo/kfz/dienststelle/index.html for more details.
After that you are required to do the following:
• go to the Technical Control Board (TÜV) where they check if your car is road proof
• have an exhaust emission test ("Abgassonderuntersuchung - ASU") made at the TÜV or at
a garage
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Technische Prüfstelle für den Kraftfahrzeugverkehr beim TÜV Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.
08 00-88 38 88 38
12681 Berlin, Beilsteiner Straße 63-85, 549954-0
12103 Berlin, Alboinstraße 56, 7562-0
13053 Berlin, Indira-Gandhi-Str.100,
10589 Berlin, Ilsenburger Straße 29-31, 344 66 07
and others at: http://www.tuv.com/de/standortsuche.html?dienstleistung=92
The fees for registering your car, including the costs for obtaining the number plates will
amount to app. € 50,00. The costs for TÜV and ASU total about € 80,00. When you register
your car in Germany, you will be charged with a motor vehicle tax; the amount charged
depends on the type of car. If you intend to take out a German car liability insurance you
should request proof of the period of your accident-free driving from your insurance agency
in your home country.
4 At the MDC
4.1 What to organize first
After registering at the MDC (see 2.2) you will need to organize the following
things for your work:
• MDC card
• e-mail-account
• Mensa card
• medical check up (Dr. med. Stephan Christ at: http://www.arztpraxischrist.de/html/profil.htm)
and introduction to the safety officers
To organize all this, your secretary and Mrs. Sibilak, will help and assist you. You can find
her in House 31.1, Max-Delbrück-House, room 4029, Phone: 3349, e-mail: sibilak@mdcberlin.de
4.2 The MDC homepage (www.mdc-berlin.de)
The MDC homepage contains a lot of useful information for your work at the
MDC and for your daily life. At http://www.mdc-berlin.info/de/
you may get important information concerning:
• Administration / Internal Information
• Research Areas and Research Groups
• Library: http://www.mdc-berlin.info/de/infrastruktur/library/index.html
• Language Courses at the MDC, news, First steps for newcomers, events, job
announcements
• Meetings and Seminars
• Guided tours
• Internal forms
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4.3 Information about Berlin-Buch
The Buch you encounter today began as a little village in the region Barnim more than 600
years ago and was owned by the dukes of Röbell and Voss. They had their castle right in the
center of Buch of which the church, the park and the farmhouse still exist. The turn of the 20 th
century brought decisive changes. The Berlin Magistrate as the new owner built the biggest
hospital complex with more than 5000 beds. The city's head of town planning, Ludwig
Hoffmann, was responsible for Buch's unique architectural features.
To provide living room to the steadily increasing population the so-called "Kolonie Buch"
was constructed at the same time. Now you can find the "Röbellweg" there. This is now one
of the best housing areas in Buch. After the incorporation in 1920 Berliners tired of the city
center moved to the idyllic surroundings. In 1967 the construction of bigger living colonies
started. Today, Buch has almost 14,000 inhabitants – almost twice as many as in 1945 and
four times as many as at the turn of the century.
The district may be well known mainly for its good medical care, but Buch has more to offer:
from the reconstructed castle church to the Bucher Forest. You find some hints for shopping,
medical care, education, restaurants, culture and sports etc. that may be interesting and useful
for you at http://www.berlin-buch-gesundheitsregion.de or
http://www.berlin-buch-gesundheitsregion.de/e_html/regional.html.
4.4. Sports
Swimming pool Buch
Wolfgang-Heinz-Straße 41
9 49 40 26
Opening Times:
Mo: 06:30 - 22:00
Tue: 06:30 - 08:30 and 16:00 to 19:00
We: 06:30 to 22:00
Th: 06:30 to 08:30 and 14:00 to 18:00
Fr: 06:30 to 22:00
MDC-soccer, MDC-volleyball: there are two
fiels near the keep-fit trail on the MDC
campus. Feel free to establish a team.
Jogging on Campus: Keep-fit trail
Office-Massage at the MDC: 25 min full body
massage (you stay vested) for 14 €
Karsten Falkner
0177 8280339
info@fit-ohne-ende.de
Participation at Berliner Firmenlauf (6 km
with other MDC colleagues through the City
of Berlin), once per year
Additional sports offers made by SV Berlin
Buch e.V (Aerobic, tennis, volleyball, basketball,
gymnastics, athletics, fitness, Badminton atc.)
SV Berlin-Buch
Karower Chaussee 169c
13125 Berlin
Dr.Jochen Malz
030 - 9 49 78 25
sjcbuch@gmx.de
www.svberlin-buch.de
Abenteuer Kletterpark Panketal
Hobrechtsfelder Dorfstr. 30a
16341 Panketal OT Hobrechtsfelde
03338 - 7061349
info@kletterpark-panketal.de
www.kletterpark-panketal.de
Thermal massage at Relax-Studio Karow not
far from the MDC: 40 min (you stay vested)
for 8 € or:
5 x 40 min: 35,00 EUR
10 x 40 min: 60,00 EUR
For more information concerning all sport or
massage offers, contact: Dana Lafuente
9406-2490 or click at: http://www.mdcberlin.info/en/infrastruktur/Sports/index.html
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5. Enjoying Life in Berlin
5.1 Important papers and web-links for Berlin
Here you find English language web-links from various Berlin
organizations and individuals:
For a survey about all Berlin Medias click:
http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/adressen/berlin-info.html
• Berlin's official home page has an extensive English section. The site includes a virtual
tour of Berlin, some information about administration, political structures or culture scene
and a hotel database
Click: www.berlin.de/english
• Berlin in English is the subtitle of Metropolis Magazine, the only English language print
periodical in Berlin at the moment. Although not all the content of the print version has
been brought online, there are a number of interesting articles, tips and unseful addresses.
Click: www.zitty.de
• Based in London the TimeOutNet web site offers events and general information on
Berlin together with similar information covering a number of other major cities.
Registration is necessary, but the site is free of charge.
Click: www.timeout.com/berlin
• www.berlin-info.de is a bilingual site for tourists planning to visit Berlin. It includes a city
map, information about the districts, a hotel database and a lot of links
• One of the early online starters from Berlin was the German Historical Museum. This site
not only has an English section but also contains extensive museum links for your surfing
pleasure.
Click: www.dhm.de
• Berlin's three universities, the Technical University, The Free University and the
Humboldt University are all online with most of the faculties represented. The UdK
(Universität der Künste) is also online with an English entry point:
Click: www.tu-berlin.de/menue/home/parameter/en/
www.fu-berlin.de/en
www.hu-berlin.de
www.udk-berlin.de
Papers with broad advertisement and information sections for Berlin are:
www.zitty.de
www.zweitehand.de
www.tip-berlin.de
5.2 Public Transport
Berlin and the surrounding areas are divided into three tariff zones (A, B and C).
Train tickets are available for two tariff zones (AB or AC) or the entire tariff zone (ABC).
• AB
valid within the Berlin city limits (and designated train stations in the state of
Brandenburg)
• BC
valid in the areas outside of the S-Bahn ring and in the surrounding areas
• ABC
Valid in the entire tariff zones
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Guests who stay longer than a month in Berlin are advised to purchase a Monatskarte (month
ticket for Zone A, B), because it is cheaper than buying single tickets. With this ticket you can
use all of the public transportation options without limitations.
For online ticket information (Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) click here.
a) Standard fare
With this ticket you can use the trains and buses 2 hours after cancellation. You can transfer
as often as you wish as long as the direction of your travel remains the same.
If you want to take a bike with you, you have to buy an additional ticket for it.
• Single ticket
€ 2,30 (AB) – bike € 1,50
€ 2,70 (BC) – bike € 1,80
€ 3,00 (ABC) – bike € 2,10
b) Short Distance Trip
As short distances in the entire VBB network the following designations are recognized:
3 stations with the U and S-Bahn, the RB-trains or 6 stations with the bus.
Only train-to-train transfers are allowed. If you want to take a bike with you, you have
to buy a concessionary ticket for it.
• Short distance € 1,40 – bike € 1,10
c) Day Ticket
If you move around in Berlin a whole day by all possible means of public transport, you can
buy a day ticket which allows you to travel around by bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn and
regional trains in the area of Berlin until 03:00 a.m. the day after cancellation.
• Single ticket
€ 6,30 (AB) – bike € 4,50 € 6,60 (BC) – bike € 4,90 € 6,80 (ABC) – bike € 5,10
c) Monatskarte (normal month pass):
It is advisable to buy a month pass, because this is much more effective and less expensive
than buying single tickets if you often use public transport.
You can purchase this month pass either monthly or subscribe for a year. A subscription
entitles you to pay for 12 months for the price of 10. If you pay the amount for a whole year at
once, you can enjoy another reduction. You can apply for a subscription at the main stations
(like Alexanderplatz, Bahnhof Zoo, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof).
Standard - price per month
(in 10 instalments per year)
reduction price if you pay only
once for a whole year
Zone AB Zone BC Zone ABC
72.00 € 73.00 € 88.50 €
690.00 € 700.00 € 855.00 €
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d) Ausbildungsticket (student month card)
If you are a student you can buy the cheaper ticket, which is available at all BVG ticket
booths and in the train stations. To apply for a Ausbildungsticket you need a:
• passport
• passport photo
• student ID-card
• Registration of a university (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)
Trainee/student ticket - Berlin AB 52.00 €
Berlin BC 55.00 €
Berlin ABC 66.50 €
f) Job – ticket (Firmenticket)
All employees of MDC have the possibility to order a job ticket (Firmenticket). Please refer to
Mrs. Güttler, room 1205 in building 84, 2 nd floor, ph: 25 77 to get an application form
“Bestellschein für das Firmenticket”. You may choose the tariff zones as necessary. Children
up to 6 years and luggage are uncluded.
Zone AB Zone BC Zone ABC
Standard - price per month 55.02 € 56.69 € 69.27 €
reduction price if you pay only 641.25 € 665.00 € 805.60 €
once for a whole year
The monthly price for a bike is around € 8.00 (AB)
For online timetable-information (Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) click:
www.fahrinfo-berlin.de/Fahrinfo/bin/ or www.vbb-fahrinfo.de or www.s-bahn-berlin.de/
For train information (within Germany) click:
http://www.bahn.de
For bus information (within Germany) click:
www.berlinlinienbus.de
5.3 Shopping in Berlin
Berlin is a shopping paradise, as there is nearly nothing that one cannot buy. Most of the
shops in the city are open from Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on
Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to at least 4:00 p.m., or even to 6.00 p.m. or 8.00 p.m. Several shops
outside of the city center have shorter shopping times.
Click at web-sites like http://www.berlin.de/special/shopping/ or
http://www.berlinonline.de/leben-und-leute/leben/einkaufen/index.php or rumble through
Prenzlauer Berg, Mitte or Friedrichshain to find the best shopping facilities for you.
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5.4 Libraries in Berlin
You can find a comfortable overview in German and English as well as interlibrary loan
facilities at www.voebb.de. MDC library shall be glad to show how it works. To get more
information about the MDC library click at:
http://www.mdc-berlin.info/en/infrastruktur/library/about/tour/index.html
Common online bookshops are:
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.bol.de/shop/home/show/
http://www.buecher.de/
http://www.extrabooks.de/
5.5 Post Office (www.deutschepost.de)
Post office locations near the MDC:
• Wiltbergstraße 23 (Buch)
• Achillesstraße 55, 13125 Berlin (Neu-Karow)
After hours location:
• Bahnhof Zoo
M - Sa: 6:00 a.m. – midnight, Su: 8:00 a.m. - midnight
• directly in the Flughafen Tegel
M - F: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sa, Su: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Postage rates:
In Germany and Europe
• standard letter (up to 20 grams) € 0.55
• compact letter (up to 50 grams) € 0.90
• big letter (up to 500 g) € 1.45
• post card € 0.45
Outside of Germany and Europe
• standard letter (up to 20 grams) € 0.75
• compact letter (up to 50 grams) € 1.45
• postcard € 0.75
Look for more at:
http://www.deutschepost.de/dpag/multiapps?xmlFile=1004909
5.6 Telephone
There are numerous companies in Germany, which offer telephone
services.
Major companies are:
Telekom
Vodafone
www.telekom.de
www.vodafone.de
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O2
Alice
E-plus
Simyo
www.o2.com
http://alice.aol.de
www.eplus.de
www.simyo.de
Check online for latest offers and prices. Most providers nowadays offer packages including
flat rate deals for DSL (high-speed internet access), mobile and regular phones including extra
packages for calling abroad. Check for best prices to the country you are calling on a regular
basis.
You will hardly find public telephones any more. However, some of them take coins, but
most phones take telephone cards. Telephone cards are available for € 5,00 and € 10,00. If
you plan on using public telephones often we recommend buying the € 10,00 telephone cards,
as they offer better calling rates than the € 5,00 cards. Telephone cards can be obtained from
the post office, gas stations and selected locations.
Calling cards can be an alternative for calling abroad. If you have a calling card you can call
worldwide from any telephone. The resulting fees are deducted from your bank account.
Different companies, such as callingcards.com, phonecardsmile, Verivox or pinsonsale offer
calling cards. You ought to select the provider whose offer serves your purposes and
intentions best.
The different companies can tell you how much international calls cost. We advise to compare
different companies and to look for any "hidden costs". It’s pretty much the same with Mobile
Phone Companies. Please, compare the “discounters” like simyo or easymobile and full
service of providers like Vodafone or O2.
6 Taxes
The question of whether or not you have to pay income taxes depends on the kind of your
contract. If you have a "real" work contract you have to pay regular taxes and
social security contributions. A Stipendium (fellowship), on the other hand, is an
established term laid down in the German tax law.
Scholarships are exempt from taxation under the following circumstances:
- award from public funds or via a public or non-profit agency (as far
as recognized according to German law)
- sponsoring research or academic or artistic training or continuing
education
- no higher than the amount required to fulfil the research task or to cover living and
training needs
- grant according to the regulations of the donor
- no quid pro quo requirement or employment of the recipient
- with reference to continuing education fellowships: first grant no later than 10 years after
completing training.
The final decision regarding this rests with the local tax authority, i.e. the German Finanzamt,
which is responsible for you. The exemption from taxes also means that you do not have to
pay social security contributions.
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6.1 Income Tax
If your research stay is based on an employment contract in Germany and will last more than
6 months you will basically be liable to taxation in Germany on your globally earned income
and assets. If you stay for less than 6 months, your income will be taxed in your own country
provided that you work for a foreign employer and the double taxation agreement assigns the
right of taxation in such cases to the home country. If one of these conditions does not hold,
your salary will be taxed in Germany. Agreements exist with some countries stating that
higher education teachers and researchers who come to Germany for a maximum of two years
to work on research in a public research institution may pay their taxes in their own country.
Details can be found in the double taxation agreements which exist in relation to the Member
States of the EU and certain other countries (Overview of countries with existing double
taxation agreements). The income tax you incur will be deducted from your salary at source.
At the end of each calendar year you may apply to the tax office in your place of residence to
have your income tax adjusted ("Lohnsteuerausgleich"). This may entitle you to a partial
reimbursement of tax paid. The necessary documents can be obtained from the local tax office
("Finanzamt") or town hall ("Rathaus"). Often, it is worth paying a tax accountant to help you
complete your tax return (see 6.1.3)
6.1.2 INCOME TAX CLASSES
When you register at the residents' registration office, you will receive your income tax card
(Lohnsteuerkarte). If not, the MDC can help you obtain this important card. The card will
state your marital status, number of children and the resulting tax classification as well as a
possible affiliation to a church (s. chapter 6.2). If you enter into a work contract you have to
hand the Lohnsteuerkarte over to the MDC personnel department at the beginning of your
stay. The host institution will pay the tax according to the classification. At the end of the year
the data is transmitted electronically to the tax office. Employees will receive a separate
printout of the electronic income tax certificate from the personnel administration for their
own documentation by March of the next calendar year. As the official district key is a
prerequisite for the entering of your tax data, the same is only possible by the aid of the tax
card. Otherwise the Personnel Administration will be obliged to register you under the
unfavorable tax class VI, which can only be offset following receipt of the current tax card.
Therefore, please make sure to give your income tax card to the MDC Personnel Department
as soon as possible. To get more information on the annual tax declaration see chapter 6.1.3.
The amount of taxes charged is determined by your income and family status. Depending on
your marital status and number of children, you will be assigned to a tax bracket
(Steuerklasse), which will be noted on your tax card:
• unmarried without children: tax bracket 1
• unmarried/divorced with children: tax bracket 2
• married couples, of which
• only one has an income: tax bracket 3
• both have roughly the same income: tax bracket 4 for both
• one earns more money than the other: tax bracket 3 for the one with higher
income, tax bracket 5 for the one with lower income
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Singles pay the highest tax-rates; families with only one income pay the lowest tax-rate. The
income of married couples will be assessed jointly in the tax declaration, which means that
you pay considerably less tax if only one has an income.
However, your spouse will only be taken into consideration if she/he has accompanied you to
Germany or if she/he is living in your home country of European Community without an
income of her/his own.
Children will also be noted down on the tax card. You may either receive an allowance
(Kindergeld) for your children or you are granted a certain sum, which is exempt from taxes
(Kinderfreibetrag). The tax office will check which solution is more profiting for you when
you hand in your tax declaration at the end of the year.
The sum exempt from tax is € 2,184.00 per year per child for single parents and € 4,368.00
for married couples. This amount will be indicated on your tax-card. For this you have to go
to the Einwohnermeldeamt (see 3.1). The amount of child allowance is € 184.00 per child per
month for families with up to two children. For larger families, the amount of child allowance
will be € 215.00, starting with the fourth child. Foreigners living in Germany with their
children and with a “Niederlassungserlaubnis” or “Aufenthaltserlaubnis” according to §§ 17,
18 or 19 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz are entitled to this allowance as well. You have to apply for
the child allowance at the family pay-office (Familienkasse) of the local job center
(Arbeitsamt) or at the personnel department of MDC.
6.1.3 ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF INCOME TAX
The German tax laws are fairly complicated and difficult to understand.
It might therefore be a good idea to buy a guide for tax regulations or
(in special cases) to consult an accountant (Steuerberater) whose fee
can amount to € 200,00 or more. Search for at:
http://www.dstv.de/suchservice/
Another, much cheaper, possibility is to ask for help at the following address:
Lohnsteuerhilfeverein Quadriga e.V.
Berliner Straße 3
13187 Berlin-Pankow
: 0 30/4 85 39 83
Fax: 0 30/48 63 77 43
www.quadriga-ev.de
The following part of this brochure can only cover the basics regarding this issue.
After the close of a calendar year you have to fill in a tax declaration for the annual
adjustment of income tax (“Einkommenssteuererklärung”) and forward it to the local tax
authority (Finanzamt), which also issues the necessary forms. It is advisable to take the time
to submit a tax declaration since some part of your tax payments is usually reimbursed. You
may also send in your tax declaration after your return to your home country. It should reach
the tax authority two years later by December 31, at the latest, preferably as early as possible
because the refunding will be sooner. After the tax authority has checked it, you will receive a
tax notification (Steuerbescheid) stating the amount of money, which will be returned to you.
In very special cases it may occur that you have to pay additional tax. A tax declaration is
particularly worthwhile if you did not work for a whole calendar year here or at home because
your lower annual income is taken into account. If your spouse did not have an income (of
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more than € 400,00 per month) your income will be divided among the both of you so that
you pay considerably less tax. (For married couples there is the regulation of the so-called
Ehegattensplitting: the income of both spouses is assessed jointly in the tax declaration.)
In the tax declaration you can declare special costs, which will reduce the tax burden (von der
Steuer absetzen). Particularly important in this respect are the so-called Werbungskosten, like
driving to and from work, keeping two households (doppelte Haushaltsführung), a private
health insurance, liability insurance, a private third-party insurance for a car registered in
Germany, books or other equipment privately purchased for your work or a business or job
search. With your tax declaration a lump sum of € 920.00/year of these Werbungskosten will
automatically be exempt of tax, even if your expenses were lower. If your expenses were
higher you have to prove all costs (e.g. with receipts, train tickets, etc.).
That means that you have to collect receipts during the year.
If your family remains in your home country or you still have a flat there you can declare
costs for keeping two households: deductible from tax are additional living expenses in the
first three months (Verpflegungsmehraufwendungen) and costs for journeys home and
accommodation in the first two years. For example, you can put forward expenses for
journeys from your host institute to your family once a week by car (currently € 0.40 per
kilometre between host institute and the residence of your family) or the charges for plane or
train tickets (you have to retain the original tickets or receipts!).
6.2 Church Tax
Together with the income tax the German government collects church tax (Kirchensteuer) for
the major churches in Germany (which is about 9% of the income tax). You have to indicate
your affiliation to a church when you ask for your tax registration card.
Church tax is paid by those affiliated to the Roman-Catholic Church, the Lutheran or
Reformed Protestant Church, the Jewish Parish or some free Protestant churches. You do not
have to pay if you belong, for example, to the Anglican Church or Orthodox Church or if you
have no affiliation with a church. In case of doubt, you can ask the residents' registration
office which issues the tax card.
7 Social Security and Accident Insurance
Information about the German social system: www.bma.de
If you have a work contract, you have to pay social security contributions in Germany. If you
have a Stipendium, you are exempted from that. But you should at least take out a (private)
health insurance.
The European Commission has issued the "Community Regulation on Social Security" which
states the claims and transferability of social benefits within the European Union. These rules
are also relevant for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Community Rules state two
basic rules:
1. Principally, you are insured in the country in which you are working.
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2. Principally, you are subject to the laws of one single member state only.
Furthermore, Germany has signed social security agreements with similar conditions with the
European countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Hungary, Japan
(without health insurance) and Norway as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia,
Poland, Serbia/Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland. Similar agreements have been signed
with Israel, Marocco and Tunisia and, for pension alone, with Chile, Canada and the USA.
In Germany, there are legally fixed contributions to the social insurances (health insurance,
care insurance, pension scheme and unemployment insurance). The employer and the
employee each pay half of the contributions which amount to about 42% of the gross income.
As soon as your contract has begun, the MDC will take the steps necessary for your enrolling
in the insurances. After joining, you will chose a health insurance and be given a social
security card, a copy of which you have to hand over to the MDC, personnel department, Mrs.
Wagner.
You can receive further advice from the following institutions:
Health Insurance
Care Insurance
Unemployment insurance
and Child allowance
Pension scheme
http://www.dvka.de/
http://www.gesetzlichekrankenkassen.de/index.html
http://www.pflege-deutschland.de/pflegeversicherung.html
http://www.arbeitsagentur.de/
http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-bund.de/
7.1 Health and Care Insurance
7.1.1 STATUTORY OR PRIVATE INSURANCE?
If you have a work contract your salary determines whether you can
choose between a statutory and a private insurance. With a Stipendium
you can only take out a private insurance with basic service, comparable with a Travel
insurance.
If you have a gross salary of more than € 49,500.00 per year, you have the free choice
between a statutory and a private health insurance (Versicherungspflichtgrenze).
Please note that you may not be allowed to join a statutory health insurance in Germany, once
you have joined a German private insurance. But a regular private insurance might be more
expensive than the special one for foreigners. You should keep this in mind if you think about
staying in Germany after your fellowship. This rule is of no relevance if you remain insured in
your home country or earn less. All statutory unsurance companies get 15,5 % of your
monthly gross income. 7,3% is paid by the employer; 8,2% will be deducted from your gross
salary. Statutory health insurance companies can charge their members extra fee of 8.00 € per
month up to 2% of the insurable income.
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7.1.2 COVERAGE OF THE STATUTORY HEALTH INSURANCE
The statutory health insurance covers medical and dental treatment, granting free choice
among the approved medical doctors, as well as medicines, bandages, remedies, hearing aid,
etc. In addition, you are entitled to all necessary hospital treatments. For the first visit to a
doctor or a dentist every quarter of a year every adult above the age of 18 must pay the socalled
“Praxisgebühr” of € 10,00. The doctor then can give you a referral to a specialist if
necessary to avoid a second payment.
The patient has to make a co-payment of € 5.00 – 10.00 for prescription drugs, € 10.00 per
day (max. 28 days per year) for stays in hospital and a certain part of the expenses for
dentures, crowns, etc.
The statutory health insurance is a family insurance, which covers non-working spouses (up
to a salary of € 400.00 per month) and children without additional contributions.
In case of sickness, you have the right to full continuation of wages ("Lohnfortzahlung") for
up to 6 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks you get a sickness benefit, amounting to 70% of
your gross salary, but maximum of 90% of the net income, from your health insurance.
If you are ill, you have to see a doctor by the third day of your illness to qualify for the
sickness benefit and inform the MDC immediately (first day of sickness).
Do not forget your health insurance card, which is absolutely necessary for any
examination and treatment in Germany.
The doctor will examine you and will certify that you are unfit for work and the expected
length of absence. You have to send one part of the attestation to your health insurance and
the other part to your host institute. In case you become ill during your holidays, please
inform the personnel dept. because this must receive special consideration.
Within the EU and in some other countries (see above) the insurance is also valid during short
stays outside Germany (e.g.vacation). This does not apply to all countries, e.g. not to Israel,
Liechtenstein, USA and Canada.
7.1.3 COVERAGE BY THE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE
In contrast to the statutory health insurance, the contributions to and coverage by the private
insurances are not legally bound. The amount of the contributions does not depend on the
salary, but on age, sex and risk of illness. In addition, the coverage of the insurance is fixed
individually and contributions depend on the choice of services you wish to incorporate.
Normally, the minimum standard corresponds to the coverage of the statutory health
insurance. Often the coverage of private health insurances is more comprehensive than that of
statutory insurances and there is no need to make any co- payments.
Please note that some of the insurance companies demand a health certificate from a German
doctor. Without this certificate you will have to wait for some months until all or some parts
of the coverage, e.g. artificial teeth/denture or birth come into effect.
The following insurance companies offer a special tariff for foreigners: Hanse Merkur,
COLONIA Krankenversicherung, Deutsche Krankenversicherung (DKV), Central
Krankenversicherung and Vereinte Krankenversicherung. (Frau Wagner or Sylvia Sibilak
shall be glad to answer questions and give assistance.)
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7.1.4 CARE INSURANCE
The long-term care insurance takes effect when you need regular care at home (because of age
or handicap). It is a compulsory insurance, which is concluded in combination with the health
insurance. The contribution is about 1.95 % of the gross salary. Even if you have a private
German health insurance you are obliged to carry long-term care insurance coverage.
Get more information at:
www.pflege-deutschland.de/pflegeversicherung.html or other guides.
7.2 Pension Scheme
As an employee you have to pay contributions to the pension scheme
("Rentenversicherung") in Germany. The contributions amount to 19.9 %
of the gross salary.
Your payments to the pension scheme are recognised in each EU and EEA country as well as
in the countries with social security agreements and your claims will be preserved. This
means that at the age of retirement you may apply for part of your pension in each of the
countries where you have paid into the pension scheme. Therefore, if you have paid
contributions to, for example, the pension schemes in Germany, France and Greece, you will
get a part of your pension from each of these countries. Thus, the pension payments will not
be transferred to another national pension scheme but you will get your money from each
pension scheme separately depending on the laws of each country.
When you apply for pension payments at home, you have to indicate that you have paid
pension contributions in other countries. This is necessary to ensure that your home insurance
organisation can inform the other pension organisations in order for you to receive your
payments from the other country. Since payments for a certain number of years are required
by the pension organisation in your home country, any time spent abroad is taken into
consideration.
When, after your stay in Germany, you return to a country without a social security agreement
you may claim reimbursement of your contributions. After a waiting time of 24 monthes you
can apply for the reimbursement at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund (Address s. Table
2). In this case you should inform your host institute because it can claim its part of the
contributions as well, for the question whether you are entitled to pension payments or
whether you get refunds does not depend on your nationality but on the country you are
staying in (principle of territory). For example, if you are a Polish citizen and you return to
Poland you are entitled to pension payments from Germany. But if you are a Polish citizen but
a resident of Hungary, you are entitled to a reimbursement of your contributions. You will
have to complete Form “V900”, available at: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/
7.3 Unemployment Insurance
The unemployment insurance is a compulsory insurance as well. The contributions amount to
about 3.0 % of the gross salary.
You may claim unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) if you have been employed and
paid contributions in Germany for at least 12 months within the last three years.
Employments before within other EC-contries may possibly consider. You will have to prove
this by completing a form (Nr. E301.) If you are unemployed and want to claim
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unemployment benefit in Germany you have to register with the local job center (Arbeitsamt)
three months before your contract ends and be at its disposal for arranging employment,
which means that you should be willing to take up any reasonable job and that you have to
report to the office regularly. In case these requirements are fulfilled, you will receive 60% of
your last net salary if you do not have children and 67% if you have children
(Arbeitslosengeld I).
You will receive earnings-related unemployment benefit for at least 180 days depending on
the contributions you’ve paid. After that you can apply for unemployment assistance
(Arbeitslosengeld II) the amount of which is related to your needs, which means that your
savings and the income of your spouse will be taken into account. Of course, you can only
apply for unemployment benefit in Germany if you have a valid residence and work permit.
But after the end of the fellowship this usually only applies to EU- and EEA-citizens.
Under certain circumstances you can transfer your claims for unemployment benefit to
another EU or EEA member state (or a country with social security agreement): For that you
must have been registered with the German job center for at least 4 weeks prior to your
departure. After your arrival in the country of your destination, you have to register with the
local job center within 7 days. After fulfilling these requirements you will get German
unemployment benefit for another three months (ask for form number E 303 at the German
job center).
Depending on the respective country, the contributions you made in Germany may be taken
into account by the country's unemployment insurance. If you return to a country that does not
have a social security agreement with Germany, it is not possible to receive German
unemployment payments there. The contributions cannot be refunded either.
7.4 VBL
VBL (Versorungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder) provides a supplementary occupational
pension for public sector employees in Germany. The contributions amount to 4% of your
gross salary. Your employer pays half. Basicly, VBLklassik is compulsory for all employees
of the Federal Government and Länder and a large number of municipal and church
employers, and also for MDC staff. Alternatively, employees working in scientific positions
in academia or research can be exempted fro the compulsory VBLklassik insurance if they are
expected to work less then 60 months in German public service sector. If this applies to you
and you have declared the exemption form VBLklassik (forms will be handed out by the
personnel department) you will be automatically enrolled in the voluntary VBLextra instead.
Conditions are the same but you do not have to have accrued 60 months of contributions to
get benefit of it once you will retire.
Contact: www.vbl.de
7.5 Accident Insurance
Accident insurance is paid by the employer and covers accidents that occur at work or on your
way from and to work. Even if you have no contract with the MDC and are just registered as a
guest you are covered by the accident insurance of the MDC.
Any such accident has to be reported to the responsible for foreign guests, Sylvia
Sibilak or to our security engineer, Dr. Regina Dietl, MDH, room 5025, 3797
immediately.
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Your children are automatically insured at school or kindergarten as well as on the way from
and to it. Contact: www.dguv.de/
8 Science and Research in Germany
8.1 Competencies of the Federal Government and the "Länder"
The German system of science and research is determined by
federalism, i.e. there is a division of competencies between the Federal
Government on the one hand and the Länder (e.g. Bayern, Brandenburg,
Hamburg, Sachsen, Berlin) on the other hand:
The Länder have independence in matters of education and culture (Kulturhoheit): legislation
and administration regarding education and science are implemented by the individual Länder
themselves. Consequently, schools and universities are within their responsibilities. In the
area of education, the federal government is responsible for general outlines of laws for the
university system. In the field of science, the promotion of research, technological
development and the new generation of scientists is part of the competencies of the federal
government, represented by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research
(Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung – BMBF- http://www.bmbf.de/).
One of the common tasks of the Federal government and the Länder is to establish and
promote research institutions and projects of national importance, such as the Deutsche
Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, the Herrmann von Helmholtz
Association of National Research Centers (15 centers, one of which is the MDC), the
Wissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz to which the Forschungsinstitut für
Molekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) on the Campus belongs and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.
Another common task is the expansion and establishment of universities. The
Wissenschaftsrat (Scientific Council) has been set up by the Federal government and the
Länder as an advisory board. It does not offer direct research promotion, but gives
recommendations concerning the contents and structure of science and research, as well as the
development of universities, research and the establishment of universities.
Please, join the new nature network hub in Berlin offering jobs, blogs, news, etc.
http://network.nature.com/group/berlin
Additional information at:
http://www.bwg-berlin.de/start.html
http://www.innovations-report.com/
http://www.technologiestiftung-berlin.de/
8.2 Higher Education
8.2.1 UNIVERSITY
In Germany, there are 248 universities and comparable institutions (technical universities,
colleges). Universities are not only places of education but also places of independent basic
and applied research. With regard to the education the emphasis is on pure sciences.
Customary, the first obtainable degree is the Master of Arts or science ("Magister
Artium"/M.A., "Diplom"/Dipl.). In order to receive this degree, it is necessary to study at least
8 semesters (4 years), but generally it takes 10-12 semesters or more. Meanwhile, most of the
German universities offer a first bachelor-degree after three years, as is common in many
other countries (such as "B.A."/"B.Sc." in Great Britain or "Licence" in France). But only
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with a masters-degree is it possible to obtain a doctorate (Doktor, typically 3-5 years) and, in
a second step, to qualify for a professorship (Habilitation, typically 5-8 years).
Each university is divided into different sections. Older universities have faculties
(Fakultäten), which comprise several subjects (e.g. Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät - faculty
of natural sciences). Newer universities often have schools (Fachbereich), which only consist
of one subject area (Wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Fachbereich - school of economics). These
faculties and schools are further divided into seminars or institutes where the single subjects
are located (e.g. Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Historisches Seminar).
Here, you find the lecturers' offices and the administration for each subject. In addition, there
are the laboratories and the equipment for research.
The university is headed by the rector (Rektor) or president (Präsident), elected for several
years, typically, but not necessarily out of the body of professors. Besides the Rector, there is
the administrative director of the university, the chancellor (Kanzler).
The German universities are self-governing institutions, i.e. general questions of research and
teaching, course and examination contents, appointment of professors and other questions of
staff as well as the equipment of the institutes are decided by the academic Senat. This body is
composed of representatives of professors, staff and students. In addition, once a year the
students elect self-governing bodies within each institute (Fachschaft) and for the whole
university (Allgemeiner Studentenausschuß - AStA). These bodies represent the students at
meetings with the university administration and deal with social and cultural matters, such as
organising events and other activities.
German universities and further information at:
http://www.hrk.de/
http://www.hochschulkompass.de/hochschulen.html
http://www.studieren.de/
http://www.daad.de/deutschland/index.en.html
http://www.study-in-germany.de/
http://www.gate-germany.de/
http://www.euraxess.de/
http://www.studserv.de/
http://www.careercenter.hu-berlin.de/
8.2.2 FACHHOCHSCHULEN
The Fachhochschule (FH) is particular to Germany. It is a kind of polytechnic school, which
mainly offers courses in the area of engineering, business administration, design and social
welfare. Typically, the courses of studies are short, strictly organised and vocationally
oriented. The students are educated in small groups and curricula are job-oriented rather than
research-oriented.
Because of this, the final degree of the FH (Diplom) generally does not allow students to
embark on a doctorate at a German university. Nevertheless, this is possible in some other
countries, e.g. in the United Kingdom. Although the emphasis at the FH is on teaching,
research is also done there. Special attention is, however, given to applied research and
technological development.
You may find a list of German Fachhochschulen:
http://www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/hochschule.php?type=3
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8.3 Research Institutions
Besides the universities there are hundreds of non-university research institutions engaged in
basic and applied research. They belong to organizations like Max-Planck-Society, the
Helmholtz-Association, the Leibnitz Association, or the Fraunhofer Society. The MDC is one
of 17 research institutes of the Helmholtz-Association. All Helmholtz-Centers employ a staff
of about 30,000 and have an annual budget of around 3 billion euros. The research centers
cooperate closely with universities, research institutions and industrial research centers in
Germany and abroad. The Helmholtz-Association has offices in Bonn, Berlin, Brüssel, Peking
and Moscow.
Get more information at:
- Federal Ministry of Education and Research
www.bmbf.de, www.research-in-germany.de
- Helmholtz Association www.helmholtz.de
- Max-Planck-Society www.mpg.de
- Fraunhofer Society www.fraunhofer.de
- Leibnitz Association (FMP) www.wgl.de
8.4 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is the central self-governing organisation of science
and the humanities in the Federal Republic of Germany. Since the DFG was founded in 1920,
its statutes have assigned it to the continuing responsibility of promoting "science in all its
branches". The DFG supports research projects in every discipline, especially within basic
and applied research as pursued in the universities and technical academies. Particular
attention is given to promoting oncoming generations of researchers. In addition, it advises
parliaments and public authorities on scientific matters. On an international level, the DFG
has taken over the responsibility of representing German science in international
organisations.
The DFG has centers and offices in Peking, Washington, Moscow and Dehli
The overall budget of the DFG for 2009 was about € 2.2 billion. The general support of
research is mainly financed by the Federal Government (€ 1.44 billion) and the Länder
(€ 730 million).
Contact: www.dfg.de
8.5 Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)
The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fosters academic relations with other
countries, especially by promoting the exchange of students and researchers. The DAAD
offers grants to German and foreign students, trainees, young researchers and lecturers. In
addition, it arranges long-term and short-term lectureships for German scientific lecturers at
foreign universities.
The exchange of university lecturers and researchers is promoted as well. Yet another task of
the DAAD is to inform interested persons and institutions about the possibilities of studying
and doing research in Germany and abroad, as well as keeping in contact with former fellows.
The DAAD is a joint institution of the German universities with an annual budget of almost
€ 348 million (2009).
Contact: www.daad.de
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9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information Seite 33 von 36
8.6 Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH)
The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes international cooperation between
scholars from abroad and specialist colleagues in Germany. The Foundation has built up an
international network currently numbering nearly 24,000 individuals in more than 130
countries who maintain intensive academic, cultural, political and economic contacts with
Germany.
In 2009, once again, the Foundation was able to grant 699 research fellowships, 87 research
awards and 8 AvH Professorships. There has been a stunning increase in the number of
applications to the Georg Forster Program, which is tailored to the needs of developing
countries.
The Humboldt Foundation again offered its foreign research fellows and award winners a
wide range of opportunities to continue academic work in their home countries and to
maintain contact with German partners in cooperation
Contact: www.avh.de
9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information
EMERGENCY NUMBERS for the MDC
In case of fire and medical help 3333 or 112 or 110
In case of emergency concerning electricity, water, gas
In case of emergency for dangerous chemicals
3339 (6:30 am to 5:30 pm)
2100 (5:30 pm to 6:30 am)
2378 (8:00 am to 4:00 pm)
66 3080 1 2378 (off-time)
In case of poisoning (0-) 3068-6788
In case of radiation accidents (0-) 8445-2171
(0-) 8445-3992 (after 4 p.m.)
Give precise information: what has happened, where did it happen, who is hurt!!!
GENERAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN GERMANY:
Police 110
Fire, accidents 112
OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS AT THE MDC:
Safety Group:
• Safety Officer and Radiation Protection Officer Mr. Kirsch (9406-) 2563
• Biological Hazards Officer Dr. Dietl (9406-) 3797
Reception of MDC (9406-) 2099
Post Office of MDC (9406-) 3828
Library of MDC (9406-) 3684
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9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information Seite 34 von 36
Contact person in the personnel department Sylvia Sibilak (9406-) 3349
TELEPHONE SERVICES (Telekom)
www.telefonbuch.de
Information
National 11833
International 11834
Information in English 11837
OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Police Station Berlin-Pankow 4 66 4–11 97 00
4 66 4–11 97 01
BVG-Customer Service
www.bvg.de -S-Bahn, Underground, Bus, Tram- (6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.) 01 80/5 99 66 33
Deutsche Bahn AG: Travel Information
www.bahn.de - Prices, Reservations, Ordering - 0180/5 99 66 33
Airport Hotline (www.berlin-airport.de)
Tegel (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF), Tempelhof (THL) 01 80/5 00 01 86
Telefon: Telekom Disturbance Acceptance 0 11 71
Central Lost Property Office
Platz der Luftbrücke 6
12101 Berlin 75 60 31 01
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10 Bibliography Seite 35 von 36
10 Bibliography
10.1 General
Ratschläge für den Deutschlandaufenthalt/Practical hints for your stay in Germany.
Zusammengestellt von der Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung. Bonn 1994.
Wegweiser durch Buch. Zusammengestellt von der GESOBAU Wohnbau Pankow
Wegweiser für ausländische Studierende. Akademisches Auslandsamt der Humboldt-
Universität zu Berlin, Internetversion:
www.international.hu-berlin.de/an_die_hu-en/wegweiser
Living in Germany. Guide for Visiting Scientists. Marie Curie Fellowship Association
(MCFA)
10.2 Scientific System
Bundesbericht Forschung 1996. Hg. v. Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft,
Forschung und Technologie. Bonn 1996. (The German and the abridged English version
"Report of the Federal Government on Research" is obtainable from: Bundesministerium für
Bildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Technologie, 53175 Bonn, Fax: 0228/573917):
www.bmbf.de
Studium in Deutschland. Informationen über das Studium an deutschen Universitäten für
Ausländer. Hg. v. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst DAAD, Bonn 1995. (Obtainable
from: DAAD, Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn): www.daad.de
Studium in Deutschland. Informationen über das Studium an deutschen Fachhochschulen für
Ausländer. Hg. v. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst DAAD, Bonn 1995. (Obtainable
from: DAAD, Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn): www.daad.de
10.3 Social Security
Die Gemeinschaftsbestimmungen über die soziale Sicherheit. Ihre Rechte bei Aufenthalten in
anderen Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union. Hg. v. Generaldirektion V der Europäischen
Kommission, Luxembourg 1995. (Obtainable also in other European languages from: Amt für
amtliche Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaften, L-2985 Luxembourg.)
Ihre soziale Sicherheit bei Aufenthalt in anderen Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union. Ein
Leitfaden. Hg. v. Europäischen Kommission. Luxembourg 1995. (Obtainable also in other
European languages from: Amt für amtliche Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen
Gemeinschaften, L-2985 Luxembourg.)
Soziale Sicherung im Überblick. Hg. v. Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Sozialordnung,
Bonn 1995. (Obtainable from: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Sozialordnung, Referat
Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, PF 140280, 53107 Bonn, 0228/5271111.)
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10 Bibliography Seite 36 von 36
10.4 Taxes
Doppelbesteuerungsabkommen. Textsammlungen. Beck'sche Textausgaben. München 1996.
Einkommen- und Lohnsteuer. Hg. v. Bundesministerium der Finanzen. Bonn 1995.
(Obtainable from: Bundesministerium der Finanzen, Referat Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, 53105
Bonn.)
Wichtige Steuergesetze mit Durchführungsverordnungen. Herne/Berlin 1996 (43. revised
edition).
Annexe: German Tax Law for fellowships
The German Income Tax Law (Einkommenssteuergesetz) §3 Abs. 44 says:
"Steuerfrei sind Stipendien, die unmittelbar aus öffentlichen Mitteln oder von
zwischenstaatlichen oder überstaatlichen Einrichtungen, denen die Bundesrepublik
Deutschland als Mitglied angehört, zur Förderung der Forschung oder zur Förderung der
wissenschaftlichen oder künstlerischen Ausbildung oder Fortbildung gewährt werden."
Voraussetzung für die Steuerfreiheit ist unter anderem, daß "die Stipendien einen für die
Erfüllung der Forschungsaufgaben oder für die Bestreitung des Lebensunterhaltes und die
Deckung des Ausbildungsbedarfes erforderlichen Betrag nicht übersteigen und nach dem von
dem Geber erlassenen Richtlinien vergeben werden."
Copyright: 1999 MDC
Update: March 2011
Questions and comments please to: Sylvia Sibilak, sibilak@mdc-berlin.de
36