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