Living at the MDC in Berlin-Buch Guide for New Scientists at the MDC

Living at the MDC in Berlin-BuchGuide for New Scientists at the MDCIntroductionLiving inGermanyLocalAuthori-tiesEnjoyinglife inBerlinScienceandResearchLivingat theMDCnumbersandfurthercontactsTaxesSocialSecurity

Table of Contents Seite 2 von 36TABLE OF CONTENTSTable of Contents .................................................................................................................................................. 21 Introduction........................................................................................................................42 Living in Germany..............................................................................................................52.1 Preparations at Home ....................................................................................................................... 52.2 What to do first in Germany............................................................................................................ 52.3 Accommodation ................................................................................................................................. 62.4 Money / Bank Account...................................................................................................................... 92.5. Kindergarten/School ...................................................................................................................... 113 Local Authorities ..............................................................................................................123.1 Registration Offices......................................................................................................................... 123.2 Recognition of Degrees and Achievments..................................................................................... 143.3 Car ..................................................................................................................................................... 144 At the MDC ......................................................................................................................164.1 What to organize first ..................................................................................................................... 164.2 The MDC homepage (www.mdc-berlin.de) ................................................................................. 164.3 Information about Berlin-Buch ..................................................................................................... 174.4. Sports ............................................................................................................................................... 175. Enjoying Life in Berlin....................................................................................................185.1 Important papers and web-links for Berlin ................................................................................. 185.2 Public Transport.............................................................................................................................. 185.3 Shopping in Berlin........................................................................................................................... 205.4 Libraries in Berlin ........................................................................................................................... 216 Taxes ................................................................................................................................226.1 Income Tax ....................................................................................................................................... 236.2 Church Tax....................................................................................................................................... 257 Social Security and Accident Insurance...........................................................................257.1 Health and Care Insurance ............................................................................................................ 267.2 Pension Scheme................................................................................................................................ 287.3 Unemployment Insurance............................................................................................................... 287.4 VBL ................................................................................................................................................... 297.5 Accident Insurance.......................................................................................................................... 298 Science and Research in Germany...................................................................................308.1 Competencies of the Federal Government and the "Länder"................................................... 308.2 Higher Education............................................................................................................................. 308.3 Research Institutions....................................................................................................................... 328.4 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) ................................................................................... 322

Table of Contents Seite 3 von 368.5 Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)................................................................... 328.6 Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH).................................................................................... 339. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information................................................3310 Bibliography ...................................................................................................................3510.1 General............................................................................................................................................ 3510.2 Scientific System ............................................................................................................................ 3510.3 Social Security................................................................................................................................ 3510.4 Taxes................................................................................................................................................ 363

Seite 4 von 361 IntroductionDear Colleague,We would like to welcome you to the Max Delbrück Center forMolecular Medicine (MDC) in Berlin Buch.Living abroad, far away from home is an importantand interesting experience for everybody. Such a sabbaticalleave and life in another cultural sphere is also, however,accompanied by some challenging experiences. We want youto feel welcome in Germany and at the MDC in Berlin Buchand we wish your stay to be happy and pleasant.Since the foundation of the MDC in 1992, theinstitute has in a short time gained an excellent reputation in the international biomedicalresearch community. A parallel and very positive development has been the increasingnumber of foreign nationals that have been attracted to work at the Buch campus. From thetotal staff of about 850 people now employed, more than 150 come from outside of Germany.In order to be able to better represent and help this large international group withinthe MDC we want to help you wherever we can and we try to represent the interests of foreignscientists and staff. In specific, we would like to know of any problems you have encounteredin order to take appropriate steps to improve the situation. We are therefore encouraging youto contact one of us at any time.Please, find enclosed an information brochure from the MDC about the institute,Berlin and life in Germany in general. The information has been collected on the basis of thecurrent law codes and information leaflets of the responsible authorities, ministries and theEU. As the laws are subject to change we will regularly revise the Internet version of thisbooklet. We cannot, however, accept liability for the correctness of the contents, although thedata has, of course, been collected with due care. We would be grateful if you could inform usabout your practical experiences as well as help us with suggestions, comments andcorrections. Your help enables us to update the Internet version on a regular basis.Additionally we would like to draw your attention to an interesting handbook forforeign guests in Germany published by the German Government Representative forMigration, Refugees and Integration and to www.deutschland.de published by he Press andInformation Office of the German Federal Government.If you have suggestions or comments we would be happy to discuss them with you. Letus assure that we will do our best to help you settle down at the MDC and in Berlin as easilyas possible.Yours sincerely,Sylvia SibilakContact person in the personnel departmentRoom 4029, MDH 33494

2 Living in Germany Seite 5 von 362 Living in Germany2.1 Preparations at HomeContact a German embassy or consulate in your home country regardingany current entry and residence requirements. You can also contact theGerman Embassy in the country you are working at the moment. 1 As a ruleit takes several weeks for a visa to be issued, and therefore should be appliedfor in a timely manner.Foreign scientists require a multiple entry visa for the Federal Republic of Germany.Exceptions are citizens from EU countries, the EWR countries Iceland, Norway,Liechtenstein, from Switzerland, and Japan, Canada and the USA. They do not require a visato enter Germany, but they must apply for a residence permit from the foreigner registrationoffice after arriving in Berlin (3.1.) and register with the local authorities (see Ch. 3). It isimportant not to apply for a tourist visa but for a multiple entry visa which enables you andif necessary, your family, to stay for a longer period of time. A visa for Germany normallyalso includes free travelling to the other EU-countries.Your scientific host will help you with all internal MDC procedures. You should check intime with the staff administration of the MDC to find out whether they need any specificdocuments from you so that you may bring these papers along with you. These can includethe obvious documents such as your residence permit or income tax card (see chapter 3), butalso include other ones such as your university diplomas. The administrative offices usuallyask for German translations of your university diploma, birth and marriage certificates.Therefore it is best to bring a certified translated copy of these documents with you ratherthan have translations done on the spot. We advise you to contact Mrs. Sibilak who is responsible for all new foreign guests atour institute beforehand. She can help and assist you and answer all the questions youmight have before departing. 00 49-30-94 06-33 49 / e-mail: sibilak@mdc-berlin.de2.2 What to do first in GermanyHere is a checklist for the most important things you should do after arrival:1. Go to the MDC administration (contact person in the personnel department: SylviaSibilak, room 4029 in Max-Delbrück-House, 31.1.) to be registered (either by contract orguest registration) (see 3.1.)2. Go to the residents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) to receive a Berlinregistration (address see 3.1.)3. Open a bank account (see 2.4)4. Organize a health insurance (see 5.1)5. Go to the foreigners’ registration office (Ausländerbehörde) to receive a residence permit(Aufenthaltsgenehmigung) (address see 3.1.) or have this organized by our contact personin the personnel department, Mrs. Sibilak1 Example: As a Chinese citizen working in the USA at the moment you do not have to go back to China tocontact the German embassy. You can contact the German embassy in the States as well.5

2 Living in Germany Seite 6 von 362.3 Accommodation2.3.1 ACCOMODATION ON THE MDC CAMPUSThe MDC has three guesthouses:Guesthouse 8 - Gate HouseThe Gate House has 8 rooms in apartments available, equipped withthree bathrooms and one kittchen. The room rates per night rangefrom 27,00 to 35,00 .Guesthouse 54 – Hans-Gummel-HouseThis Building offers 15 rooms, among them 6 single and 9 twin bed rooms.All rooms are furnished. With the exception of 3 single rooms all other rooms have a bath(shower and toilet). In addition two fully equipped kitchens as well as a washing machineand dryer for common use are available.The room rates per night range from 25,00 to 43,00 .Guesthouse No. 61 - Salvador-Luria-HouseThis Guesthouse has 29 furnished rooms in 8 apartments available. Each apartment isequipped with a commonly used kitchen and at least one bathroom.The room rates per night range from 27,00 to 35,00 .All guesthouses are equipped with washing machines and dryers and are situated on theCampus. The price per room depends on the size of the room, and if you use it as a single or adouble room. MDC can make a 25% reduction on request. If you want to reserve a roomthere, please contact Mrs. Warmbrunn who manages the guesthouses.BBB GmbH +49-30-9489-3720Mrs. Warmbrunn Fax: +49-30-9489-3140Robert-Rössle-Str. 10e-mail: warmbrunn@bbb-berlin.de13125 Berlin Her office is in the Arnold Graffi House(building D85), ground floor, room 004.If you have reserved a room you will find your key after arrival at the porter’s entrance (mainentrance to the MDC-Campus) in the Robert-Rössle-Straße 10. Here you receive an envelopewith your name on it and useful information. You can stay in a guesthouse up to six monthafter arrival to the MDC. Please leave your room in an acceptable state and do not leave any personal belongings.2.3.2 LOOKING FOR ACCOMMODATION IN BERLINLooking for inexpensive accommodation in Germany can be difficult and time-consuming,especially in big cities and university towns. If you do not have the opportunity to look foraccommodation before you start your fellowship, you should consider staying in one of theMDC-guesthouses for the first few weeks. The research group you are going to join will help6

2 Living in Germany Seite 7 von 36you to arrange this. There are different ways to find accommodation if you want to stay for alonger period in Berlin:You can try to contact agencies directly via Internet to see their offer, e.g. if you intend tolook for a room or a flat in Berlin-Buch you should contact www.ewg-pankow.de or for a flatin Karow contact http://www.allod.de/VWG04.htmEWG Berlin-Pankow eGAllod. GmbHArkonastraße 45-49 Achillesstraße 5513189 Berlin 13125 Berlin-Karow 47 70 06-0 942 00-10Fax: 47 70 06 11 Fax: 942 00-128You can also go through the ads for apartments in the local newspapers where you will findan extensive advertisement section, usually on Saturdays and Sundays. Use the followinglinks:- http://mopoimmo.berlin1.de/- http://www.BerlinOnline.de/markt/immobilien/.html/index_wm.html- http://www.immobilienscout24.de/- http://www.immowelt.de/- http://www.immobiliensuche.de/- http://www.berliner-wohnungen.de/- http://www.rooms-in-berlin.com/ (furnished rooms and flats)You can also advertise in the paper yourself. In Berlin there are also special ads in the mainbuildings of the universities mostly by young people offering their furnished flats or theirrooms in shared flats (Wohngemeinschaft - WG) for a limited timespan. You can find thosestudent rooms or "WGs" through small ads, but also through notice boards (Schwarze Bretter)at the universities, usually to be found in cafeterias (“Mensa”), at heavily frequented locationsand in the institutes. They are accessible to all students and employees and you can look for orpost notes. Or try to find a “WG” by Internet:- www.wgcompany.de- www.die-wg-boerse.de- www.studenten-wg.de- www.wg-gesucht.de- http://www.sedoparking.com/wohngemeinschaft.deIn shared flats several persons live together in one flat, which means that each one has his orher own room and that both bathroom and kitchen are used jointly. Shared flats are mostlyinhabited by young people and students, and they provide a good opportunity to get intocontact with other people living in Berlin. The "WGs" normally choose their flatmatesthemselves.About 10,500 rooms all over Berlin are offered by the Association for Student Affairs(Studentenwerk). Prices range from 150 to 280 . The standard of rooms may differ widelyand you will not be able to choose the location as it will be assigned to you by theStudentenwerk. Click at www.studentenwerk-berlin.de/wohnen or contact the infopointBehrenstraße 40/41 in 10117 Berlin, 20245-0, infopoint@studentenwerk-berlin.de.7

2 Living in Germany Seite 8 von 36 The suburbs / districts in close vicinity to Berlin-Buch (belonging to PANKOW) are Karow(belonging to WEISSENSEE) (highly recommendable), PANKOW, BUCHHOLZ andPRENZLAUER BERG.2.3.3 HOUSING EXPENSESIn Berlin the price per square metre amounts to about 5.00 to 10.00. The information aboutthe level of rent charged mostly refers to the basic rent (Kaltmiete) which means that youhave to pay extra for electricity, water, heating and waste disposal. In contrast, theseadditional costs (Nebenkosten) are normally included in the rent for furnished flats(Warmmiete). When you read descriptions of apartments, pay attention to the additionWarmmiete/warm (including additional costs) or Kaltmiete/kalt (excluding additional costs)respectively.In Germany you can rent furnished, partly furnished or empty flats. Flats are rarely offeredwith furniture. To learn more about the price level in Berlin click at:http://www.stadtentwicklung.berlin.de/wohnen/mietspiegel/If you own a radio and/or television, you have to pay dues to the Gebühreneinzugszentrale orGEZ. Registration forms are available at the post office or at:http://www.gez.de/door/service/anmeldung_privat/index.html2.3.4 ACCOMMODATION ADVERTISEMENTSAdvertisements for accommodations are often difficult to understand, because they are full ofabbreviations. Here are the most important ones:5ZKDB: (5 Zimmer Küche, Diele, Bad) 5 rooms, kitchen, corridor, bathroomZH: (Zentralheizung) central heatingEBK: (Einbauküche) Complete kitchen400,- + NK: (400 Kaltmiete plus Nebenkosten) 400 basic rent plus additional costsKM or k: (Kaltmiete) basic rentWM or w: (Warmmiete) all-inclusive rentWfl.: (Wohnfläche) size of flat in square metresG-WC: (Gästetoilette) separate toiletOG: (Obergeschoß) upper floorTG: (Tiefgarage) underground car parkOH: (Ofenheizung) heating by oven / coal, i.e. no central heatingGEH: (Gasetagenheizung) heating by gas, mostly additional costs The letters IMM or RDM signify "Immobilienmakler" (real estate agent) and "RingDeutscher Makler" (Association of German real estate agents). This means that you must paya fee of up to two months' rent upon signing the lease.If a phone number is indicated, you can call the landlord or estate agent directly. In case oflanguage difficulties ask a colleague of your research group or Mrs. Sibilak to help youarranging a viewing appointment.8

2 Living in Germany Seite 9 von 362.3.5 LEASEWhen you rent a flat, you generally have to make a deposit of about 2 to 3 months rent. Putthis security for rent on a blocked diposit account (Mietkautionskonto) to make sure that itwill be returned to you with interest when you move out, provided that you leave the flatwithout damages. The lease should specify the exact terms regarding the deposit. The tenancyhas officially begun when both you and the landlord have signed the lease. Your signaturelegally binds you to the terms of lease. Therefore it is essential to read the document verycarefully before signing, including the small print. (Let your German friends help you!!!)The lease specifies, in particular, the amount of rent and additional costs payable, the periodof notice to be given upon termination of the lease (usually 3 months), payment for anynecessary repairs, responsibility for renovation, length of lease and terms of rent increase.Furthermore, the lease may contain additional arrangements (e.g. use of the garden, carparking facilities etc.). Should you intend to keep domestic animals, you must obtain thepermission of the landlord beforehand.The lease also lays down the general house rules, which, among other things, stipulate thatbefore 7 a.m., between 1 and 3 p.m. and after 10 p.m. all unnecessary noise must be avoided.They also regulate which jointly used areas (staircase, entrance area, basement) have to becleaned by each tenant and in which intervals the cleaning has to take place. However, a thirdparty usually does cleaning today.If you do not understand parts of the lease or if you feel that unusual conditions are imposed,you should ask your German colleagues for assistance and advice. In case of doubt you mayalso contact the German Tenants' Association (Deutscher Mieterbund - DMB), which cangive you information on legality. You can also obtain information on leases from the DMBDeutscher Mieterbund: http://www.mieterbund.deBerliner Mieterverein e. V. Landesverband im Deutschen MieterbundWilhelmstr. 7410117 BerlinTel: 0 30/2 26 26-0Fax: 0 30/2 26 26-161/162eMail: bmv@berliner-mieterverein.deWeb: www.berliner-mieterverein.deBefore you move into the rented accommodation, you should make an appointment with thelandlord to check the apartment with him for any defects (scratches, stains, wear and tear,damage etc.). All this should be put down in writing, even if damages appear to be very slight.Otherwise you may be charged for repairs or your deposit will not be repaid to you in fullwhen you move out because it is assumed that the respective damage has been caused by you.The landlord must sign the list of defects and damages and both parties keep a copy.2.4 Money / Bank AccountIn Germany it is still common to pay in cash for food or minor items.In department stores, clothes shops and restaurants or for larger amountspayment by credit card or cash card is generally accepted.You need to open a bank account with a local bank, Sparkasse or post office as soon aspossible to receive your income or the installments of your grant and to carry out regular9

2 Living in Germany Seite 10 von 36payments, such as rent, electricity, etc. The different banks offer more or less the sameservice, but as the fees vary considerably, a comparison is worthwhile. Meanwhile, there aremany banks, which offer internetbanking, which is cheaper and allows you to handle yourbank transactions by computer.We advise our guest scientists at MDC-Buch to open a bank account at the BerlinerSparkasse:Berliner Sparkasse (www.berliner-sparkasse.de)Filiale Wiltbergstraße 5 Achillesstr. 5313125 Berlin-Buch 13125 Berlin-Karow(self-service only)opening times: Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.Fridays9 a.m. to 1 p.m.If you expect frequent remittances from or to your account in your home country, it isworthwhile to ask your home bank whether it cooperates with a specific bank in Germany.This could shorten and cheapen the transfer of money to the bank abroad. When you open abank account, you have to present your passport or identification card and the Berlinregistration (see chapter 3.1). A bank account offers you the possibility to:deposit and withdraw money at any timearrange a standing order ("Dauerauftrag") for regular payments at a fixed amount (e.g.rent), effecting that a specified sum is transferred regularly at certain datestransfer money to another account with a transfer form ("Überweisung")you can authorise someone to withdraw money from your account("Einzugsermächtigung"); this is relevant for regular payments of differing amounts, suchas electricity bills or telephone invoicesGenerally, you will receive an EC Card with which you can withdraw money from allmultifunctional cash dispensers of your bank. Moreover, you can use this card to withdrawmoney from all cash dispensers in Germany for a small fee Most of the shops offer directpayment by cash card. EC card can be used to withdraw money from cash dispensers in mostEuropean countries for a small fee.Besides your bank account, you may open a savings account. In Germany you hardly receiveinterest on your bank account, so that it is worthwhile to open an additional account for yoursavings. Interest rates currently amount to 1-5% depending on the kind of account and thebank. Most commonly used banks in Germany are:Berliner BankCitibankDeutsche Bank24Berliner Volksbank (Branch in Buch, Wiltbergstraße 9)Dresdner Bankor one of the direct banks, such as:Ing-DibaNetbankComdirectwww.berliner-bank.dewww.citibank.dewww.deutsche-bank.dewww.berliner-volksbank.dewww.dresdner-bank.dewww.ing-diba.dewww.netbank.dewww.comdirect.de10

2 Living in Germany Seite 11 von 362.5. Kindergarten/SchoolAll children aged 6 to 15 have to attend school in Germany. First they are enrolled at theGrundschule or elementary school (grades 1 to 4). After the fourth grade or a further two yeartransition period (only in some Länder), pupils switch to one of the following secondaryschools: the Hauptschule where they can obtain the basic school-leaving certificate (up tograde nine or ten), the Realschule with the intermediate school-leaving certificate at the end ofgrade 10 and the Gymnasium which leads to the Abitur, the university entrance qualificationat the end of grade 12 or 13. In addition, there is the comprehensive school (Gesamtschule),which is organised not according to subject preference, but to individual ability and combinesthe various types of schools.At German schools, classes are only held in the morning between, i.e. 8.00 and 01.00 p.m. inelementary schools and between 8.00 a.m. 2.00 p.m. in the other schools. Onlycomprehensive schools offer all day classes. School attendance is free of charge. There are afew fee-charging private or foreign schools, most of which are very expensive.Children from 3 to 6 years of age may voluntarily attend kindergarten. In Berlin, mostly thereare sufficient places in kindergartens for all children between the age of 8 weeks and schoolage. Usually they are open continuously from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. (sometimes even 6 p.m.). Thefees depend on the income of the parents. BBB-Management GmbH has established aCampus-Kita in collaboration with SEHstern e.V. in House 61 at the campus. Please contactMs. Kabutz, ph 94 06 35 46, or campussterne@sehstern-ev.de to get more information, orclick at http://www.sehstern-ev.de/kinderbetreuung_campus_buch.html.Nannies (Tagesmutter), who care for your child individually, can be found through newspaperads or the youth welfare office. Baby-sitters, who care for your child for a few hours duringthe day or in the evening, can best be found by word of mouth. You should ask bothneighbours and colleagues if they can recommend a trustworthy sitter.Information about kindergartens and the necessary voucher can be obtained from the youthwelfare office (Jugendamt) at the local administrative authority of the respective city district,for Berlin-Pankow it is Bezirksamt Pankow:http://www.berlin.de/ba-pankow/verwaltung/jugend/kita.htmlYouth welfare officeFrau RichterFröbelstraße 17, Haus 510405 Berlin: 0 30/9 02 95 5751while information about schools can be obtained from the general school office Berlin at:http://www.berlin.de/sen/bildung/or from the school office of your city district, for Pankow:Amt für Schule und Sport PankowFröbelstraße 17, Haus 910405 Berlin: 0 30/90295-529511

3 Local Authorities Seite 12 von 36or at: http://www.berlin.de/ba-pankow/verwaltung/schule/index.htmlFor the enrolment of your children at a school or kindergarten you have to contact theadministration of the chosen school or kindergarten. There you can also inform yourself aboutthe class to which your child will be assigned and whether additional German lessons areoffered for children from foreign countries. For additional information concerning the schooleducation of your children (Europe Schools with classes in different languages, recognition ofcertificates etc.) please contact Mrs. Sibilak.3 Local Authorities3.1 Registration OfficesThe first thing you should do at the MDC is to beregistered in the personnel department. This will either bedone by contract or by guest registration. You should askyour research group if you would work as a guest or as anMDC-employee. They or Mrs. Sibilak (who is also your direct contactperson) should also help you with filling in the guest registration form or making a date forsigning the respective contract.You can also contact the colleagues at the Personnel Department directly:Martina Bockhardt, Sonja Loboda, Martina Kühn, Bianca Carstens, Katrin Jacoby;HvH (Building 84), rooms: 1214-1218; ph.: 2602, 2127, 2179, 4241, 2275As soon as you have found accommodation in Germany you have to register with theresidents' registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). The German registration regulationsrequire registration for everyone who changes residence within Germany. You have to informthe registration office whenever you change your address and, as well, when you leaveGermany.Presenting your passport at the residents' registration office you will receive a Berlinregistration (Anmeldebescheinigung – please pick up the necessary form in the office of Mrs.Sibilak or click here) and an income tax card (see section 3.1.2.), which you have to hand overto the MDC administration (personnel department) in case you get a work contract. Theregistration office is situated in the town hall (Rathaus or Stadthaus) or special Sevice Offices(Bürgeramt) of the district you live in: http://www.berlin.de/buergeramt/. If you live near theMDC you may go to the Bürgeramt Karow, three bus stops from MDC:Bezirksamt Pankow von BerlinBürgeramt KarowAchillestraße 5313125 Berlinph: (030) 94 87 88 75 Mondays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.Tuesdays/ Thursdays11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Wednesdays/Fridays8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.12

3 Local Authorities Seite 13 von 36In addition, after entering Germany an ”Antrag auf Erteilung einer Aufenthaltsgenehmigung”(Application for a Residence Permit) is generally required. The form can be obtained eitherfrom the MDC or the Foreigners’ Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde) athttp://www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/. The residence permit is based on themultiple entry visa in the passport. Scientists who are allowed to enter Germany without avisa must also apply for a residence permit.The Foreigners’ Registration Office limits the length of the residence permit in order to see,after a period of time, if reasons still exist to extend the permit.You have to bring along: your passport 2 passport photographs (biometric) a confirmation of your host institute (i.e., MDC), that you are a fellow there the registration certificate of the residents' registration office (Anmeldebescheinigung) proof of health insurance application for a Residence Permit (pick up the necessary form in the office of Mrs.Sibilak or click here)The Foreigners’ Registration Office in Berlin has the following address:Landeseinwohneramt Berlin- Abteilung Ausländerangelegenheiten -Friedrich-Krause-Ufer 2413353 Berlin: Mondays / Tuesdays 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.Thursdays10.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.We recommend to arrive early at the Foreigners’ Registration Office, as crowds are the normand waiting numbers are required to process applications (Waiting numbers are available after7:00 a.m.) or by appointment via Mrs. Sibilak. You do not have to go there personally. You can organize this with our contact personin the personnel department, Mrs. Sibilak, MDH, room 4029, 3349, e-mail:sibilak@mdc-berlin.de. She will send your passport with the other necessary documentsvia the institute to the Foreigners’ Registration Office.For those who are accompanied by their families it is necessary to do the same procedure fortheir spouses and children. Parents and single parents must apply for residence permits for alltheir children living in Germany. Children from citizens of the EU and the EEA countriesIceland, Norway, and Liechtenstein are exempt from these rules until the child’s 16th year.However, children over 16 must have a residence permit.When applying for a residence permit for your spouse, you will have to present your marriagecertificate. Parents are asked to bring their passports and marriage certificate as well as thepassports, birth certificates and two passport pictures of every child requiring a residencepermit. Please note that an official translator must translate the certificates into German.13

3 Local Authorities Seite 14 von 36Every child applying for a residence permit requires a waiting number at the Foreigners’Registration Office. However, it is also possible to have everything arranged with assistanceof Mrs. Sibilak. After at least 60 months of working in Germany you are entitled to apply foran unlimited settlement permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis). For information in detail contactMrs. Sibilak or click athttp://www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienstleistungen/niederlassung.html3.2 Recognition of Degrees and AchievmentsA degree, which has been acquired abroad, is not automatically recognized in Germany. TheFederal Republic of Germany has concluded of bilateral “Agreements on Equivalences in theField of Higher Education” with a number of foreign countries. These agreements regulate therecognition of studies, examinations and degrees and the public use of foreign academicdegrees and titles.Try http://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/studium/anerkennung/fuehrungausl.html to learnmore about the details. In principle you can keep your degree after you have finished yourstudy at a University that is officially recognized according to the law in the country of origin.You may click at the following links to get more information about the rules and regulationsin Berlin:http://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/studium/anerkennung/faq.htmlhttp://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/studium/anerkennung/formausl.htmlhttp://www.berlin.de/sen/wissenschaft/studium/anerkennung/abschluesse.htmlYour host institute has already accepted your qualification as part of the hiring process. Forfurther information visit the Internet at:www.anabin.de or http://www.kmk.org/zab/home1.htm.You may get assistance in Berlin at:Senatsverwaltung für Bildung, Wissenschaft,und Forschung BerlinBeuthstraße 6-810117 Berlin-Mitte: 030/9026-7Fax: 030/9026-50013.3 CarDriving licenses from other EU- or EEA (Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein) -countries are accepted throughout Germany. It is your decision if you have it replaced by aGerman document or not. If you come from another than the above mentioned countries youhave to obtain a German driving license.http://www.berlin.de/labo/fuehrerschein/dienstleistungen/staatenlisteauslandsfs.htmlYou have to convert the national driving licence into a German driving licence after sixmonths at latest at the local driving license office (Führerscheinstelle), which can usually befound in the town hall or district hall (Kreisverwaltung).14

3 Local Authorities Seite 15 von 36In Berlin you will have to contact:Landesamt für Bürger- und Ordnungsangelegenheiten Berlin - Referat Fahrerlaubnisse,FührerscheinbüroPuttkamerstr.16 - 1810958 Berlin: (030) 90269 – 0; Service 90269-2300Mondays 07:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.Fridays 07:30 a.m. - 12:00 a.m.You should apply for the German driving license in good time (at least 3 months beforeexpiry of the set term of six months), because processing takes time. Otherwise you willviolate German law for driving without a valid license. All additional information includingnecessary documents is available at:http://www.berlin.de/labo/fuehrerschein/dienstleistungen/fuehrerscheinumschrausland.htmlIt might be that you have to pass the German driving test with a practical and a theoreticalpart (traffic rules). It can be done in other languages as well. Costs may add up toapproximately 100.00 for the theoretical examination (including teaching materials inEnglish) and 24.00 for every driving lesson of 45 minutes. You can contact a driving schoolto determine whether your knowledge is sufficient. If not you will be required to take somedriving lessons.If your stay in Germany is not temporary - a stay of more than one year will certainly beconsidered as such - your car must be registered in Germany. For this you have to go to thelocal motor vehicle registration office (Kraftfahrzeugzulassungsstelle), where you can alsoobtain the necessary forms. Details are listed at:http://www.berlin.de/labo/kfz/dienstleistungen/kraftfahrauslgebrzul.htmlFollowing documents are necessary:your passportyour driving licensethe car registration papers from your own country and your car's old license platesa cover-note from the car insurance company of your home country ("Deckungskarte derVersicherung")a statement from the Federal Motor Vehicle Office (Kraftfahrtbundesamt) that your carhas not been registered in Germany beforeLandesamt für Bürger- und OrdnungsangelegenheitenReferat KraftfahrzeugzulassungJüterboger Straße 310965 Berlin (Kreuzberg): Mondays / Tuesdays/Wednesdays 07:30 a.m. to 02:30 p.m.Thursdays08:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m.Fridays07:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m.Please click at: http://www.berlin.de/labo/kfz/dienststelle/index.html for more details.After that you are required to do the following: go to the Technical Control Board (TÜV) where they check if your car is road proof have an exhaust emission test ("Abgassonderuntersuchung - ASU") made at the TÜV or ata garage15

4 At the MDC Seite 16 von 36Technische Prüfstelle für den Kraftfahrzeugverkehr beim TÜV Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. 08 00-88 38 88 3812681 Berlin, Beilsteiner Straße 63-85, 549954-012103 Berlin, Alboinstraße 56, 7562-013053 Berlin, Indira-Gandhi-Str.100,10589 Berlin, Ilsenburger Straße 29-31, 344 66 07and others at: http://www.tuv.com/de/standortsuche.html?dienstleistung=92The fees for registering your car, including the costs for obtaining the number plates willamount to app. 50,00. The costs for TÜV and ASU total about 80,00. When you registeryour car in Germany, you will be charged with a motor vehicle tax; the amount chargeddepends on the type of car. If you intend to take out a German car liability insurance youshould request proof of the period of your accident-free driving from your insurance agencyin your home country.4 At the MDC4.1 What to organize firstAfter registering at the MDC (see 2.2) you will need to organize the followingthings for your work:MDC carde-mail-accountMensa cardmedical check up (Dr. med. Stephan Christ at: http://www.arztpraxischrist.de/html/profil.htm)and introduction to the safety officers To organize all this, your secretary and Mrs. Sibilak, will help and assist you. You can findher in House 31.1, Max-Delbrück-House, room 4029, Phone: 3349, e-mail: sibilak@mdcberlin.de4.2 The MDC homepage (www.mdc-berlin.de)The MDC homepage contains a lot of useful information for your work at theMDC and for your daily life. At http://www.mdc-berlin.info/de/you may get important information concerning:Administration / Internal InformationResearch Areas and Research GroupsLibrary: http://www.mdc-berlin.info/de/infrastruktur/library/index.htmlLanguage Courses at the MDC, news, First steps for newcomers, events, jobannouncementsMeetings and SeminarsGuided toursInternal forms16

4 At the MDC Seite 17 von 364.3 Information about Berlin-BuchThe Buch you encounter today began as a little village in the region Barnim more than 600years ago and was owned by the dukes of Röbell and Voss. They had their castle right in thecenter of Buch of which the church, the park and the farmhouse still exist. The turn of the 20 thcentury brought decisive changes. The Berlin Magistrate as the new owner built the biggesthospital complex with more than 5000 beds. The city's head of town planning, LudwigHoffmann, was responsible for Buch's unique architectural features.To provide living room to the steadily increasing population the so-called "Kolonie Buch"was constructed at the same time. Now you can find the "Röbellweg" there. This is now oneof the best housing areas in Buch. After the incorporation in 1920 Berliners tired of the citycenter moved to the idyllic surroundings. In 1967 the construction of bigger living coloniesstarted. Today, Buch has almost 14,000 inhabitants – almost twice as many as in 1945 andfour times as many as at the turn of the century.The district may be well known mainly for its good medical care, but Buch has more to offer:from the reconstructed castle church to the Bucher Forest. You find some hints for shopping,medical care, education, restaurants, culture and sports etc. that may be interesting and usefulfor you at http://www.berlin-buch-gesundheitsregion.de orhttp://www.berlin-buch-gesundheitsregion.de/e_html/regional.html.4.4. SportsSwimming pool BuchWolfgang-Heinz-Straße 41 9 49 40 26• Opening Times:• Mo: 06:30 - 22:00• Tue: 06:30 - 08:30 and 16:00 to 19:00• We: 06:30 to 22:00• Th: 06:30 to 08:30 and 14:00 to 18:00• Fr: 06:30 to 22:00MDC-soccer, MDC-volleyball: there are twofiels near the keep-fit trail on the MDCcampus. Feel free to establish a team.Jogging on Campus: Keep-fit trailOffice-Massage at the MDC: 25 min full bodymassage (you stay vested) for 14 Karsten Falkner0177 8280339info@fit-ohne-ende.deParticipation at Berliner Firmenlauf (6 kmwith other MDC colleagues through the Cityof Berlin), once per yearAdditional sports offers made by SV BerlinBuch e.V (Aerobic, tennis, volleyball, basketball,gymnastics, athletics, fitness, Badminton atc.)SV Berlin-BuchKarower Chaussee 169c13125 BerlinDr.Jochen Malz030 - 9 49 78 25sjcbuch@gmx.dewww.svberlin-buch.deThey are still looking for soccer players,always Fridays 8 p.m.Hobi HochseilklettergartenHobrechtsfelder Dorfstr. 30a16341 Panketal OT HobrechtsfeldeBernd Schmieglitz03338 - 762575info@hobi-klettergarten.dewww.hobi-klettergarten.deThermal massage at Relax-Studio Karow notfar from the MDC: 40 min (you stay vested)for 8 or:5 x 40 min: 35,00 EUR10 x 40 min: 60,00 EURFor more information concerning all sport ormassage offers, contact: Dana Lafuente9406-249017

5. Enjoying Life in Berlin Seite 18 von 365. Enjoying Life in Berlin5.1 Important papers and web-links for BerlinHere you find English language web-links from various Berlinorganizations and individuals:For a survey about all Berlin Medias click:http://userpage.chemie.fu-berlin.de/adressen/berlin-info.html Berlin's official home page has an extensive English section. The site includes a virtualtour of Berlin, some information about administration, political structures or culture sceneand a hotel databaseClick: www.berlin.de/english Berlin in English is the subtitle of Metropolis Magazine, the only English language printperiodical in Berlin at the moment. Although not all the content of the print version hasbeen brought online, there are a number of interesting articles, tips and unseful addresses.Click: www.zitty.de Based in London the TimeOutNet web site offers events and general information onBerlin together with similar information covering a number of other major cities.Registration is necessary, but the site is free of charge.Click: www.timeout.com/berlin www.berlin-info.de is a bilingual site for tourists planning to visit Berlin. It includes a citymap, information about the districts, a hotel database and a lot of links One of the early online starters from Berlin was the German Historical Museum. This sitenot only has an English section but also contains extensive museum links for your surfingpleasure.Click: www.dhm.de Berlin's three universities, the Technical University, The Free University and theHumboldt University are all online with most of the faculties represented. The UdK(Universität der Künste) is also online with an English entry point:Click: www.tu-berlin.de/engwww.fu-berlin.de/enwww.hu-berlin.dewww.udk-berlin.dePapers with broad advertisement and information sections for Berlin are:www.zitty.dewww.zweitehand.dehttp://www.berlinonline.de/tip/5.2 Public TransportBerlin and the surrounding areas are divided into three tariff zones(A, B and C).Train tickets are available for two tariff zones (AB or AC) orthe entire tariff zone (ABC).ABvalid within the Berlin city limits (and designated train stations in the state ofBrandenburg)BCvalid in the areas outside of the S-Bahn ring and in the surrounding areas18

5. Enjoying Life in Berlin Seite 19 von 36ABCValid in the entire tariff zonesGuests who stay longer than a month in Berlin are advised to purchase a Monatskarte (monthticket for Zone A, B), because it is cheaper than buying single tickets. With this ticket you canuse all of the public transportation options without limitations. For online ticket information (Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) click:http://www.bvg.de/index.php/de/Bvg/Index/folder/211/name/Tarif%FCbersichta) Standard fareWith this ticket you can use the trains and buses 2 hours after cancellation. You can transferas often as you wish as long as the direction of your travel remains the same.If you want to take a bike with you, you have to buy an additional ticket for it.Single ticket 2,10 (AB) – bike 1,50 2,40 (BC) – bike 1,70 2,70 (ABC) – bike 2,00b) Short Distance TripAs short distances in the entire VBB network the following designations are recognized:3 stations with the U and S-Bahn, the RB-trains or 6 stations with the bus.Only train-to-train transfers are allowed. If you want to take a bike with you, you haveto buy a concessionary ticket for it. Short distance 1,20 – bike 1,00c) Day TicketIf you move around in Berlin a whole day by all possible means of public transport, you canbuy a day ticket which allows you to travel around by bus, tram, U-Bahn, S-Bahn andregional trains in the area of Berlin until 03:00 a.m. the day after cancellation.Single ticket 6,10 (AB) – bike 4,40 6,00 (BC) – bike 4,50 6,30 (ABC) – bike 4,70c) Monatskarte (normal month pass):It is advisable to buy a month pass, because this is much more effective and less expensivethan buying single tickets if you often use public transport.You can purchase this month pass either monthly or subscribe for a year. A subscriptionentitles you to pay for 12 months for the price of 10. If you pay the amount for a whole year atonce, you can enjoy another reduction. You can apply for a subscription at the main stations(like Alexanderplatz, Bahnhof Zoo, Friedrichstraße, Hauptbahnhof).Standard - price per month(in 10 instalments per year)reduction price if you pay onlyonce for a whole yearZone AB Zone BC Zone ABC70,00 71,00 86,00 670,00 685,00 830,00 19

5. Enjoying Life in Berlin Seite 20 von 36d) Ausbildungsticket (student month card)If you are a student you can buy the cheaper ticket, which is available at all BVG ticketbooths and in the train stations. To apply for a Ausbildungsticket you need a:passportpassport photostudent ID-cardRegistration of a university (Immatrikulationsbescheinigung)Trainee/student ticket - Berlin AB 50.50 (10 instalments per year) Berlin BC 53.50 Berlin ABC64.50 f) Job – ticket (Firmenticket)All employees of MDC have the possibility to order a job ticket (Firmenticket). Please refer toMrs. Güttler, room 1205 in building 84, 2 nd floor, ph: 25 77 to get an application form“Bestellschein für das Firmenticket”. You may choose the tariff zones as necessary. Childrenup to 6 years and luggage is uncluded.Zone AB Zone BC Zone ABCStandard - price per month 54.62 55.41 67.69 reduction price if you pay only 636.50 650.75 788.50 once for a whole yearThe monthly price for a bike is 8.00 (AB) For online ticket information (Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) click:http://www.bvg.de/index.php/de/Bvg/Index/folder/211/name/Tarif%FCbersicht For online timetable-information (Bus, U-Bahn, S-Bahn) click:http://www.vbb-fahrinfo.de or www.s-bahn-berlin.de/ For train information (within Germany) click:http://www.bahn.de/pv/uebersicht/die_bahn_international_guests.shtml For bus information (within Germany) click:www.berlinlinienbus.de5.3 Shopping in BerlinBerlin is a shopping paradise, as there is nearly nothing that one cannot buy. Most of theshops in the city are open from Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and onSaturday from 9:00 a.m. to at least 4:00 p.m., or even to 6.00 p.m. or 8.00 p.m. Several shopsoutside of the city center have shorter shopping times.Click at web-sites like http://www.berlin.de/special/shopping/ orhttp://www.berlinonline.de/leben-und-leute/leben/einkaufen/index.php or rumble throughPrenzlauer Berg, Mitte or Friedrichshain to find the best shopping facilities for you.20

5. Enjoying Life in Berlin Seite 21 von 365.4 Libraries in BerlinYou can find a comfortable overview in German and English as well as interlibrary loanfacilities at www.voebb.de. To get more information about the MDC library click at:http://www.mdc-berlin.info/en/infrastruktur/library/about/tour/index.htmlCommon online bookshops are:http://www.amazon.com/http://www.bol.de/shop/home/show/http://www.buecher.de/http://www.extrabooks.de/5.5 Post Office (www.deutschepost.de)Post office locations near the MDC:Wiltbergstraße 23 (Buch)Achillesstraße 55, 13125 Berlin (Neu-Karow)After hours location:Bahnhof ZooM - Sa: 6:00 a.m. – midnight, Su: 8:00 a.m. - midnightdirectly in the Flughafen TegelM - F: 7:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m., Sa, Su: 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.Postage rates: In Germany and Europe standard letter (up to 20 grams) 0,55 compact letter (up to 50 grams) 0,90 post card 0,45 Outside of Germany and Europe standard letter (up to 20 grams) 1,70 (also for air mail) compact letter (up to 50 grams) 3,00 (also for air mai) postcard 1,00 (also for air mail)Look for more at:http://www.deutschepost.de/dpag/multiapps?xmlFile=10049095.6 TelephoneThere are numerous companies in Germany, which offer telephoneservices.Major companies are:TelekomVodafoneO2www.telekom.dewww.vodafone.dewww.o2.com21

6 Taxes Seite 22 von 36AliceE-plusSimyohttp://alice.aol.dewww.eplus.dewww.simyo.deCheck online for latest offers and prices. Most providers nowadays offer packages includingflat rate deals for DSL (high-speed internet access), mobile and regular phones including extrapackages for calling abroad. Check for best prices to the country you are calling on a regularbasis.You will hardly find public telephones any more. However, some of them take coins, butmost phones take telephone cards. Telephone cards are available for 5,00 and 10,00. Ifyou plan on using public telephones often we recommend buying the 10,00 telephone cards,as they offer better calling rates than the 5,00 cards. Telephone cards can be obtained fromthe post office, gas stations and selected locations.Calling cards can be an alternative for calling abroad. If you have a calling card you can callworldwide from any telephone. The resulting fees are deducted from your bank account.Different companies, such as callingcards.com, phonecardsmile, Verivox or pinsonsale offercalling cards. You ought to select the provider whose offer serves your purposes andintentions best.The different companies can tell you how much international calls cost. We advise to comparedifferent companies and to look for any "hidden costs". It’s pretty much the same with MobilePhone Companies. Please, compare the “discounters” like simyo or easymobile and fullservice of providers like Vodafone or O2.6 TaxesThe question of whether or not you have to pay income taxes depends on the kind of yourcontract. If you have a "real" work contract you have to pay regular taxes andsocial security contributions. A Stipendium (fellowship), on the other hand, is anestablished term laid down in the German tax law.Scholarships are exempt from taxation under the following circumstances:- award from public funds or via a public or non-profit agency (as faras recognized according to German law)- sponsoring research or academic or artistic training or continuingeducation- no higher than the amount required to fulfil the research task or to cover living andtraining needs- grant according to the regulations of the donor- no quid pro quo requirement or employment of the recipient- with reference to continuing education fellowships: first grant no later than 10 years aftercompleting training.The final decision regarding this rests with the local tax authority, i.e. the German Finanzamt,which is responsible for you. The exemption from taxes also means that you do not have topay social security contributions.22

6 Taxes Seite 23 von 366.1 Income TaxIf your research stay is based on an employment contract in Germany and will last more than6 months you will basically be liable to taxation in Germany on your globally earned incomeand assets. If you stay for less than 6 months, your income will be taxed in your own countryprovided that you work for a foreign employer and the double taxation agreement assigns theright of taxation in such cases to the home country. If one of these conditions does not hold,your salary will be taxed in Germany. Agreements exist with some countries stating thathigher education teachers and researchers who come to Germany for a maximum of two yearsto work on research in a public research institution may pay their taxes in their own country.Details can be found in the double taxation agreements which exist in relation to the MemberStates of the EU and certain other countries (Overview of countries with existing doubletaxation agreements). The income tax you incur will be deducted from your salary at source.At the end of each calendar year you may apply to the tax office in your place of residence tohave your income tax adjusted ("Lohnsteuerausgleich"). This may entitle you to a partialreimbursement of tax paid. The necessary documents can be obtained from the local tax office("Finanzamt") or town hall ("Rathaus"). Often, it is worth paying a tax accountant to help youcomplete your tax return (see 6.1.3)6.1.2 INCOME TAX CLASSESWhen you register at the residents' registration office, you will receive your income tax card(Lohnsteuerkarte). If not, the MDC can help you obtain this important card. The card willstate your marital status, number of children and the resulting tax classification as well as apossible affiliation to a church (s. chapter 6.2). If you enter into a work contract you have tohand the Lohnsteuerkarte over to the MDC personnel department at the beginning of yourstay. The host institution will pay the tax according to the classification. At the end of the yearthe data is transmitted electronically to the tax office. Employees will receive a separateprintout of the electronic income tax certificate from the personnel administration for theirown documentation by March of the next calendar year. As the official district key is aprerequisite for the entering of your tax data, the same is only possible by the aid of the taxcard. Otherwise the Personnel Administration will be obliged to register you under theunfavorable tax class VI, which can only be offset following receipt of the current tax card.Therefore, please make sure to give your income tax card to the MDC Personnel Departmentas soon as possible. To get more information on the annual tax declaration see chapter 6.1.3.The amount of taxes charged is determined by your income and family status. Depending onyour marital status and number of children, you will be assigned to a tax bracket(Steuerklasse), which will be noted on your tax card: unmarried without children: tax bracket 1 unmarried/divorced with children: tax bracket 2 married couples, of which only one has an income: tax bracket 3 both have roughly the same income: tax bracket 4 for both one earns more money than the other: tax bracket 3 for the one with higherincome, tax bracket 5 for the one with lower income23

6 Taxes Seite 24 von 36Singles pay the highest tax-rates; families with only one income pay the lowest tax-rate. Theincome of married couples will be assessed jointly in the tax declaration, which means thatyou pay considerably less tax if only one has an income.However, your spouse will only be taken into consideration if she/he has accompanied you toGermany or if she/he is living in your home country of European Community without anincome of her/his own.Children will also be noted down on the tax card. You may either receive an allowance(Kindergeld) for your children or you are granted a certain sum, which is exempt from taxes(Kinderfreibetrag). The tax office will check which solution is more profiting for you whenyou hand in your tax declaration at the end of the year.The sum exempt from tax is 1,824.00 per year per child for single parents and 3,648.00for married couples. This amount will be indicated on your tax-card. For this you have to goto the Einwohnermeldeamt (see 3.1). The amount of child allowance is 154.00 per child permonth for families with up to two children. For larger families, the amount of child allowancewill be 179.00, starting with the fourth child. Foreigners living in Germany with theirchildren and with a “Niederlassungserlaubnis” or “Aufenthaltserlaubnis” according to §§ 17,18 or 19 of the Aufenthaltsgesetz are entitled to this allowance as well. You have to apply forthe child allowance at the family pay-office (Familienkasse) of the local job center(Arbeitsamt) or at the personnel department of MDC.6.1.3 ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF INCOME TAXThe German tax laws are fairly complicated and difficult to understand.It might therefore be a good idea to buy a guide for tax regulations or(in special cases) to consult an accountant (Steuerberater) whose feecan amount to 200,00 or more. Search for at:http://www.dstv.de/suchservice/Another, much cheaper, possibility is to ask for help at the following address:Lohnsteuerhilfeverein Quadriga e.V.Berliner Straße 313187 Berlin-Pankow: 0 30/4 85 39 83Fax: 0 30/48 63 77 43www.quadriga-ev.deThe following part of this brochure can only cover the basics regarding this issue.After the close of a calendar year you have to fill in a tax declaration for the annualadjustment of income tax (“Einkommenssteuererklärung”) and forward it to the local taxauthority (Finanzamt), which also issues the necessary forms. It is advisable to take the timeto submit a tax declaration since some part of your tax payments is usually reimbursed. Youmay also send in your tax declaration after your return to your home country. It should reachthe tax authority two years later by December 31, at the latest, preferably as early as possiblebecause the refunding will be sooner. After the tax authority has checked it, you will receive atax notification (Steuerbescheid) stating the amount of money, which will be returned to you.In very special cases it may occur that you have to pay additional tax. A tax declaration isparticularly worthwhile if you did not work for a whole calendar year here or at home becauseyour lower annual income is taken into account. If your spouse did not have an income (of24

7 Social Security and Accident Insurance Seite 25 von 36more than 400,00 per month) your income will be divided among the both of you so thatyou pay considerably less tax. (For married couples there is the regulation of the so-calledEhegattensplitting: the income of both spouses is assessed jointly in the tax declaration.)In the tax declaration you can declare special costs, which will reduce the tax burden (von derSteuer absetzen). Particularly important in this respect are the so-called Werbungskosten, likedriving to and from work, keeping two households (doppelte Haushaltsführung), a privatehealth insurance, liability insurance, a private third-party insurance for a car registered inGermany, books or other equipment privately purchased for your work or a business or jobsearch. With your tax declaration a lump sum of 920.00/year of these Werbungskosten willautomatically be exempt of tax, even if your expenses were lower. If your expenses werehigher you have to prove all costs (e.g. with receipts, train tickets, etc.). That means that you have to collect receipts during the year.If your family remains in your home country or you still have a flat there you can declarecosts for keeping two households: deductible from tax are additional living expenses in thefirst three months (Verpflegungsmehraufwendungen) and costs for journeys home andaccommodation in the first two years. For example, you can put forward expenses forjourneys from your host institute to your family once a week by car (currently 0.40 perkilometre between host institute and the residence of your family) or the charges for plane ortrain tickets (you have to retain the original tickets or receipts!).6.2 Church TaxTogether with the income tax the German government collects church tax (Kirchensteuer) forthe major churches in Germany (which is about 9% of the income tax). You have to indicateyour affiliation to a church when you ask for your tax registration card.Church tax is paid by those affiliated to the Roman-Catholic Church, the Lutheran orReformed Protestant Church, the Jewish Parish or some free Protestant churches. You do nothave to pay if you belong, for example, to the Anglican Church or Orthodox Church or if youhave no affiliation with a church. In case of doubt, you can ask the residents' registrationoffice which issues the tax card.7 Social Security and Accident InsuranceInformation about the German social system: www.bma.deIf you have a work contract, you have to pay social security contributions in Germany. If youhave a Stipendium, you are exempted from that. But you should at least take out a (private)health insurance.The European Commission has issued the "Community Regulation on Social Security" whichstates the claims and transferability of social benefits within the European Union. These rulesare also relevant for Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The Community Rules state twobasic rules:1. Principally, you are insured in the country in which you are working.25

7 Social Security and Accident Insurance Seite 26 von 362. Principally, you are subject to the laws of one single member state only.Furthermore, Germany has signed social security agreements with similar conditions with theEuropean countries Iceland, Liechtenstein, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, Turkey, Hungary, Japan(without health insurance) and Norway as well as Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia,Poland, Serbia/Montenegro, Slovenia and Switzerland. Similar agreements have been signedwith Israel, Marocco and Tunisia and, for pension alone, with Chile, Canada and the USA.In Germany, there are legally fixed contributions to the social insurances (health insurance,care insurance, pension scheme and unemployment insurance). The employer and theemployee each pay half of the contributions which amount to about 42% of the gross income.As soon as your contract has begun, the MDC will take the steps necessary for your enrollingin the insurances. After joining, you will chose a health insurance and be given a socialsecurity card, a copy of which you have to hand over to the MDC, personnel department, Mrs.Wagner.You can receive further advice from the following institutions:Health InsuranceCare InsuranceUnemployment insuranceand Child allowancePension schemehttp://www.dvka.de/http://www.gesetzlichekrankenkassen.de/index.htmlhttp://www.pflege-deutschland.de/pflegeversicherung.htmlhttp://www.arbeitsagentur.de/http://www.deutsche-rentenversicherung-bund.de/7.1 Health and Care Insurance7.1.1 STATUTORY OR PRIVATE INSURANCE?If you have a work contract your salary determines whether you canchoose between a statutory and a private insurance. With a Stipendiumyou can only take out a private insurance with basic service, comparable with a Travelinsurance.If you have a gross salary of more than 48,150.00 per year, you have the free choicebetween a statutory and a private health insurance. (www.beitragsbemessungsgrenze.com)Please note that you may not be allowed to join a statutory health insurance in Germany, onceyou have joined a German private insurance. But a regular private insurance might be moreexpensive than the special one for foreigners. You should keep this in mind if you think aboutstaying in Germany after your fellowship. This rule is of no relevance if you remain insured inyour home country or earn less.26

7 Social Security and Accident Insurance Seite 27 von 367.1.2 COVERAGE OF THE STATUTORY HEALTH INSURANCEThe statutory health insurance covers medical and dental treatment, granting free choiceamong the approved medical doctors, as well as medicines, bandages, remedies, hearing aid,etc. In addition, you are entitled to all necessary hospital treatments. For the first visit to adoctor or a dentist every quarter of a year every adult above the age of 18 must pay the socalled“Praxisgebühr” of 10,00. The doctor then can give you a referral to a specialist ifnecessary to avoid a second payment.The patient has to make a co-payment of 5.00 – 10.00 for prescription drugs, 10.00 perday (max. 28 days per year) for stays in hospital and a certain part of the expenses fordentures, crowns, etc.The statutory health insurance is a family insurance, which covers non-working spouses (upto a salary of 400.00 per month) and children without additional contributions.In case of sickness, you have the right to full continuation of wages ("Lohnfortzahlung") forup to 6 weeks. At the end of the 6 weeks you get a sickness benefit, amounting to 70% ofyour gross salary, but maximum of 90% of the net income, from your health insurance.If you are ill, you have to see a doctor by the third day of your illness to qualify for thesickness benefit and inform the MDC immediately (first day of sickness). Do not forget your health insurance card, which is absolutely necessary for anyexamination and treatment in Germany.The doctor will examine you and will certify that you are unfit for work and the expectedlength of absence. You have to send one part of the attestation to your health insurance andthe other part to your host institute. In case you become ill during your holidays, pleaseinform the personnel dept. because this must receive special consideration.Within the EU and in some other countries (see above) the insurance is also valid during shortstays outside Germany (e.g.vacation). This does not apply to all countries, e.g. not to Israel,Liechtenstein, USA and Canada.7.1.3 COVERAGE BY THE PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCEIn contrast to the statutory health insurance, the contributions to and coverage by the privateinsurances are not legally bound. The amount of the contributions does not depend on thesalary, but on age, sex and risk of illness. In addition, the coverage of the insurance is fixedindividually and contributions depend on the choice of services you wish to incorporate.Normally, the minimum standard corresponds to the coverage of the statutory healthinsurance. Often the coverage of private health insurances is more comprehensive than that ofstatutory insurances and there is no need to make any co- payments.Please note that some of the insurance companies demand a health certificate from a Germandoctor. Without this certificate you will have to wait for some months until all or some partsof the coverage, e.g. artificial teeth/denture or birth come into effect.The following insurance companies offer a special tariff for foreigners: Hanse Merkur,COLONIA Krankenversicherung, Deutsche Krankenversicherung (DKV), CentralKrankenversicherung and Vereinte Krankenversicherung. (Frau Wagner or Sylvia Sibilakshall be glad to answer questions and give assistance.)27

7 Social Security and Accident Insurance Seite 28 von 367.1.4 CARE INSURANCEThe long-term care insurance takes effect when you need regular care at home (because of ageor handicap). It is a compulsory insurance, which is concluded in combination with the healthinsurance. The contribution is about 1.7 % of the gross salary. Even if you have a privateGerman health insurance you are obliged to carry long-term care insurance coverage.Get more information at:www.pflege-deutschland.de/pflegeversicherung.html7.2 Pension SchemeAs an employee you have to pay contributions to the pension scheme("Rentenversicherung") in Germany. The contributions amount to 19.9 %of the gross salary.Your payments to the pension scheme are recognised in each EU and EEA country as well asin the countries with social security agreements and your claims will be preserved. Thismeans that at the age of retirement you may apply for part of your pension in each of thecountries where you have paid into the pension scheme. Therefore, if you have paidcontributions to, for example, the pension schemes in Germany, France and Greece, you willget a part of your pension from each of these countries. Thus, the pension payments will notbe transferred to another national pension scheme but you will get your money from eachpension scheme separately depending on the laws of each country.When you apply for pension payments at home, you have to indicate that you have paidpension contributions in other countries. This is necessary to ensure that your home insuranceorganisation can inform the other pension organisations in order for you to receive yourpayments from the other country. Since payments for a certain number of years are requiredby the pension organisation in your home country, any time spent abroad is taken intoconsideration.When, after your stay in Germany, you return to a country without a social security agreementyou may claim reimbursement of your contributions. After a waiting time of 24 monthes youcan apply for the reimbursement at the Deutsche Rentenversicherung Bund (Address s. Table2). In this case you should inform your host institute because it can claim its part of thecontributions as well, for the question whether you are entitled to pension payments orwhether you get refunds does not depend on your nationality but on the country you arestaying in (principle of territory). For example, if you are a Polish citizen and you return toPoland you are entitled to pension payments from Germany. But if you are a Polish citizen buta resident of Hungary, you are entitled to a reimbursement of your contributions. You willhave to complete Form “V900”, available at: www.deutsche-rentenversicherung.de/7.3 Unemployment InsuranceThe unemployment insurance is a compulsory insurance as well. The contributions amount toabout 3.3 % of the gross salary.You may claim unemployment benefit (Arbeitslosengeld) if you have been employed andpaid contributions in Germany for at least 12 months within the last three years.Employments before within other EC-contries may possibly consider. You will have to provethis by completing a form (Nr. E301.) If you are unemployed and want to claim28

7 Social Security and Accident Insurance Seite 29 von 36unemployment benefit in Germany you have to register with the local job center (Arbeitsamt)three months before your contract ends and be at its disposal for arranging employment,which means that you should be willing to take up any reasonable job and that you have toreport to the office regularly. In case these requirements are fulfilled, you will receive 60% ofyour last net salary if you do not have children and 67% if you have children(Arbeitslosengeld I).You will receive earnings-related unemployment benefit for at least 180 days depending onthe contributions you’ve paid. After that you can apply for unemployment assistance(Arbeitslosengeld II) the amount of which is related to your needs, which means that yoursavings and the income of your spouse will be taken into account. Of course, you can onlyapply for unemployment benefit in Germany if you have a valid residence and work permit.But after the end of the fellowship this usually only applies to EU- and EEA-citizens.Under certain circumstances you can transfer your claims for unemployment benefit toanother EU or EEA member state (or a country with social security agreement): For that youmust have been registered with the German job center for at least 4 weeks prior to yourdeparture. After your arrival in the country of your destination, you have to register with thelocal job center within 7 days. After fulfilling these requirements you will get Germanunemployment benefit for another three months (ask for form number E 303 at the Germanjob center).Depending on the respective country, the contributions you made in Germany may be takeninto account by the country's unemployment insurance. If you return to a country that does nothave a social security agreement with Germany, it is not possible to receive Germanunemployment payments there. The contributions cannot be refunded either.7.4 VBLVBL (Versorungsanstalt des Bundes und der Länder) provides a supplementary occupationalpension for public sector employees in Germany. The contributions amount to 4% of yourgross salary. Your employer pays half. Basicly, VBLklassik is compulsory for all employeesof the Federal Government and Länder and a large number of municipal and churchemployers, and also for MDC staff. Alternatively, employees working in scientific positionsin academia or research can be exempted fro the compulsory VBLklassik insurance if they areexpected to work less then 60 months in German public service sector. If this applies to youand you have declared the exemption form VBLklassik (forms will be handed out by thepersonnel department) you will be automatically enrolled in the voluntary VBLextra instead.Conditions are the same but you do not have to have accrued 60 months of contributions toget benefit of it once you will retire.Contact: www.vbl.de7.5 Accident InsuranceAccident insurance is paid by the employer and covers accidents that occur at work or on yourway from and to work. Even if you have no contract with the MDC and are just registered as aguest you are covered by the accident insurance of the MDC.Any such accident has to be reported to the responsible for foreign guests, SylviaSibilak or to our security engineer, Dr. Regina Dietl, MDH, room 5025, 3797immediately.29

8 Science and Research in Germany Seite 30 von 36Your children are automatically insured at school or kindergarten as well as on the way fromand to it. Contact: www.hvbg.de8 Science and Research in Germany8.1 Competencies of the Federal Government and the "Länder"The German system of science and research is determined byfederalism, i.e. there is a division of competencies between the FederalGovernment on the one hand and the Länder (e.g. Bayern, Brandenburg,Hamburg, Sachsen, Berlin) on the other hand:The Länder have independence in matters of education and culture (Kulturhoheit): legislationand administration regarding education and science are implemented by the individual Länderthemselves. Consequently, schools and universities are within their responsibilities. In thearea of education, the federal government is responsible for general outlines of laws for theuniversity system. In the field of science, the promotion of research, technologicaldevelopment and the new generation of scientists is part of the competencies of the federalgovernment, represented by the Federal Ministry for Education and Research(Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung – BMBF- http://www.bmbf.de/).One of the common tasks of the Federal government and the Länder is to establish andpromote research institutions and projects of national importance, such as the DeutscheForschungsgemeinschaft (DFG), the Max-Planck-Gesellschaft, the Herrmann von HelmholtzAssociation of National Research Centers (15 centers, one of which is the MDC), theWissenschaftsgemeinschaft Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz to which the Forschungsinstitut fürMolekulare Pharmakologie (FMP) on the Campus belongs and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.Another common task is the expansion and establishment of universities. TheWissenschaftsrat (Scientific Council) has been set up by the Federal government and theLänder as an advisory board. It does not offer direct research promotion, but givesrecommendations concerning the contents and structure of science and research, as well as thedevelopment of universities, research and the establishment of universities.Please, join the new nature network hub in Berlin offering jobs, blogs, news, etc.http://network.nature.com/group/berlinAdditional information at:http://www.bwg-berlin.de/start.htmlhttp://www.innovations-report.com/http://www.technologiestiftung-berlin.de/8.2 Higher Education8.2.1 UNIVERSITYIn Germany, there are 248 universities and comparable institutions (technical universities,colleges). Universities are not only places of education but also places of independent basicand applied research. With regard to the education the emphasis is on pure sciences.Customary, the first obtainable degree is the Master of Arts or science ("MagisterArtium"/M.A., "Diplom"/Dipl.). In order to receive this degree, it is necessary to study at least8 semesters (4 years), but generally it takes 10-12 semesters or more. Meanwhile, most of theGerman universities offer a first bachelor-degree after three years, as is common in manyother countries (such as "B.A."/"B.Sc." in Great Britain or "Licence" in France). But only30

8 Science and Research in Germany Seite 31 von 36with a masters-degree is it possible to obtain a doctorate (Doktor, typically 3-5 years) and, ina second step, to qualify for a professorship (Habilitation, typically 5-8 years).Each university is divided into different sections. Older universities have faculties(Fakultäten), which comprise several subjects (e.g. Naturwissenschaftliche Fakultät - facultyof natural sciences). Newer universities often have schools (Fachbereich), which only consistof one subject area (Wirtschaftswissenschaftlicher Fachbereich - school of economics). Thesefaculties and schools are further divided into seminars or institutes where the single subjectsare located (e.g. Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Historisches Seminar).Here, you find the lecturers' offices and the administration for each subject. In addition, thereare the laboratories and the equipment for research.The university is headed by the rector (Rektor) or president (Präsident), elected for severalyears, typically, but not necessarily out of the body of professors. Besides the Rector, there isthe administrative director of the university, the chancellor (Kanzler).The German universities are self-governing institutions, i.e. general questions of research andteaching, course and examination contents, appointment of professors and other questions ofstaff as well as the equipment of the institutes are decided by the academic Senat. This body iscomposed of representatives of professors, staff and students. In addition, once a year thestudents elect self-governing bodies within each institute (Fachschaft) and for the wholeuniversity (Allgemeiner Studentenausschuß - AStA). These bodies represent the students atmeetings with the university administration and deal with social and cultural matters, such asorganising events and other activities.German universities and further information at:http://www.hrk.de/http://www.hochschulkompass.de/hochschulen.htmlhttp://www.studieren.de/http://www.daad.de/deutschland/index.en.htmlhttp://www.study-in-germany.de/http://www.gate-germany.de/http://www.eracareers-germany.de/http://www.studserv.de/http://www2.hu-berlin.de/kooperation/beruf-wissenschaft/careercenter/index.htmlhttp://www.unister.de/8.2.2 FACHHOCHSCHULENThe Fachhochschule (FH) is particular to Germany. It is a kind of polytechnic school, whichmainly offers courses in the area of engineering, business administration, design and socialwelfare. Typically, the courses of studies are short, strictly organised and vocationallyoriented. The students are educated in small groups and curricula are job-oriented rather thanresearch-oriented.Because of this, the final degree of the FH (Diplom) generally does not allow students toembark on a doctorate at a German university. Nevertheless, this is possible in some othercountries, e.g. in the United Kingdom. Although the emphasis at the FH is on teaching,research is also done there. Special attention is, however, given to applied research andtechnological development.You may find a list of German Fachhochschulen:http://www.studis-online.de/StudInfo/hochschule.php?type=331

8 Science and Research in Germany Seite 32 von 368.3 Research InstitutionsBesides the universities there are hundreds of non-university research institutions engaged inbasic and applied research. They belong to organizations like Max-Planck-Society, theHelmholtz-Association, the Leibnitz Association, or the Fraunhofer Society. The MDC is oneof 15 research institutes of the Helmholtz-Association. All Helmholtz-Centers employ a staffof about 24,000 and have an annual budget of more than 2.3 billion. The research centerscooperate closely with universities, research institutions and industrial research centers inGermany and abroad. The Helmholtz-Association has offices in Bonn, Berlin, Brüssel, Pekingand Moscow.Get more information at:- Federal Ministry of Education and Researchwww.bmbf.de, www.research-in-germany.de- Helmholtz Association www.helmholtz.de- Max-Planck-Society www.mpg.de- Fraunhofer Society www.fraunhofer.de- Leibnitz Association (FMP) www.wgl.de8.4 Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG)The German Research Foundation (DFG) is the central self-governing organisation of scienceand the humanities in the Federal Republic of Germany. Since the DFG was founded in 1920,its statutes have assigned it to the continuing responsibility of promoting "science in all itsbranches". The DFG supports research projects in every discipline, especially within basicand applied research as pursued in the universities and technical academies. Particularattention is given to promoting oncoming generations of researchers. In addition, it advisesparliaments and public authorities on scientific matters. On an international level, the DFGhas taken over the responsibility of representing German science in internationalorganisations.The DFG has centers and offices in Peking, Washington, Moscow and DehliThe overall budget of the DFG for 2003 was about 1.35 billion. The general support ofresearch is mainly financed by the Federal Government ( 780 million) and the Länder( 560 million).Contact: www.dfg.de8.5 Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst (DAAD)The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) fosters academic relations with othercountries, especially by promoting the exchange of students and researchers. The DAADoffers grants to German and foreign students, trainees, young researchers and lecturers. Inaddition, it arranges long-term and short-term lectureships for German scientific lecturers atforeign universities.The exchange of university lecturers and researchers is promoted as well. Yet another task ofthe DAAD is to inform interested persons and institutions about the possibilities of studyingand doing research in Germany and abroad, as well as keeping in contact with former fellows.The DAAD is a joint institution of the German universities with an annual budget of 247,8 million (2005).Contact: www.daad.de32

9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information Seite 33 von 368.6 Alexander von Humboldt-Stiftung (AvH)The Alexander von Humboldt Foundation promotes international cooperation betweenscholars from abroad and specialist colleagues in Germany. The Foundation has built up aninternational network currently numbering nearly 22,600 individuals in more than 130countries who maintain intensive academic, cultural, political and economic contacts withGermany.In 2006, once again, the Foundation was able to award 552 new fellowships and 61 researchawards. There has been a stunning increase in the number of applications to the Georg ForsterProgram, which is tailored to the needs of developing countries.The Humboldt Foundation again offered its foreign research fellows and award winners awide range of opportunities to continue academic work in their home countries and tomaintain contact with German partners in cooperationContact: www.avh.de9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further InformationEMERGENCY NUMBERS for the MDCIn case of fire and medical help 3333 or 112 or 110In case of emergency concerning electricity, water, gas 3339 (6:30 am to 5:30 pm)2100 (5:30 pm to 6:30 am)In case of emergency for dangerous chemicals2378 (8:00 am to 4:00 pm)66 3080 1 2378 (off-time)In case of poisoning (0-) 3068-6788In case of radiation accidents (0-) 8445-2171(0-) 8445-3992 (after 4 p.m.) Give precise information: what has happened, where did it happen, who is hurt!!!GENERAL EMERGENCY NUMBERS IN GERMANY:Police 110Fire, accidents 112OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERS AT THE MDC:Safety Group: Safety Officer and Radiation Protection Officer Mr. Kirsch (9406-) 2563 Biological Hazards Officer Dr. Dietl (9406-) 3797Reception of MDC (9406-) 2099Post Office of MDC (9406-) 3828Library of MDC (9406-) 3684Contact person in the personnel department Sylvia Sibilak (9406-) 334933

9. Telephone Numbers, Contacts and Further Information Seite 34 von 36TELEPHONE SERVICES (Telekom)www.telefonbuch.deInformationNational 11833International 11834Information in English 11837OTHER IMPORTANT TELEPHONE NUMBERSPolice Station Berlin-Pankow 4 66 4–11 97 004 66 4–11 97 01BVG-Customer Servicewww.bvg.de -S-Bahn, Underground, Bus, Tram- (6:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.) 01 80/5 99 66 33Deutsche Bahn AG: Travel Informationwww.bahn.de - Prices, Reservations, Ordering - 0180/5 99 66 33Airport Hotline (www.berlin-airport.de)Tegel (TXL), Schönefeld (SXF), Tempelhof (THL) 01 80/5 00 01 86Telefon: Telekom Disturbance Acceptance 0 11 71Central Lost Property OfficePlatz der Luftbrücke 612101 Berlin 75 60 31 0134

10 Bibliography Seite 35 von 3610 Bibliography10.1 GeneralRatschläge für den Deutschlandaufenthalt/Practical hints for your stay in Germany.Zusammengestellt von der Alexander von Humboldt Stiftung. Bonn 1994.Wegweiser durch Buch. Zusammengestellt von der GESOBAU Wohnbau PankowWegweiser für ausländische Studierende. Akademisches Auslandsamt der Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Internetversion www.hu-berlin.deLiving in Germany. Guide for Visiting Scientists. Marie Curie Fellowship Association(MCFA): www.dlr.de/PT/marie-curie/ratgebre.htm10.2 Scientific SystemBundesbericht Forschung 1996. Hg. v. Bundesministerium für Bildung, Wissenschaft,Forschung und Technologie. Bonn 1996. (The German and the abridged English version"Report of the Federal Government on Research" is obtainable from: Bundesministerium fürBildung, Wissenschaft, Forschung und Technologie, 53175 Bonn, Fax: 0228/573917):www.bmbf.deStudium in Deutschland. Informationen über das Studium an deutschen Universitäten fürAusländer. Hg. v. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst DAAD, Bonn 1995. (Obtainablefrom: DAAD, Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn): www.daad.deStudium in Deutschland. Informationen über das Studium an deutschen Fachhochschulen fürAusländer. Hg. v. Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst DAAD, Bonn 1995. (Obtainablefrom: DAAD, Kennedyallee 50, 53175 Bonn): www.daad.de10.3 Social SecurityDie Gemeinschaftsbestimmungen über die soziale Sicherheit. Ihre Rechte bei Aufenthalten inanderen Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union. Hg. v. Generaldirektion V der EuropäischenKommission, Luxembourg 1995. (Obtainable also in other European languages from: Amt füramtliche Veröffentlichungen der Europäischen Gemeinschaften, L-2985 Luxembourg.)Ihre soziale Sicherheit bei Aufenthalt in anderen Mitgliedstaaten der Europäischen Union. EinLeitfaden. Hg. v. Europäischen Kommission. Luxembourg 1995. (Obtainable also in otherEuropean languages from: Amt für amtliche Veröffentlichungen der EuropäischenGemeinschaften, L-2985 Luxembourg.)Soziale Sicherung im Überblick. Hg. v. Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Sozialordnung,Bonn 1995. (Obtainable from: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Sozialordnung, ReferatÖffentlichkeitsarbeit, PF 140280, 53107 Bonn, 0228/5271111.)35

10 Bibliography Seite 36 von 3610.4 TaxesDoppelbesteuerungsabkommen. Textsammlungen. Beck'sche Textausgaben. München 1996.Einkommen- und Lohnsteuer. Hg. v. Bundesministerium der Finanzen. Bonn 1995.(Obtainable from: Bundesministerium der Finanzen, Referat Öffentlichkeitsarbeit, 53105Bonn.)Wichtige Steuergesetze mit Durchführungsverordnungen. Herne/Berlin 1996 (43. revisededition).Annexe: German Tax Law for fellowshipsThe German Income Tax Law (Einkommenssteuergesetz) §3 Abs. 44 says:"Steuerfrei sind Stipendien, die unmittelbar aus öffentlichen Mitteln oder vonzwischenstaatlichen oder überstaatlichen Einrichtungen, denen die BundesrepublikDeutschland als Mitglied angehört, zur Förderung der Forschung oder zur Förderung derwissenschaftlichen oder künstlerischen Ausbildung oder Fortbildung gewährt werden."Voraussetzung für die Steuerfreiheit ist unter anderem, daß "die Stipendien einen für dieErfüllung der Forschungsaufgaben oder für die Bestreitung des Lebensunterhaltes und dieDeckung des Ausbildungsbedarfes erforderlichen Betrag nicht übersteigen und nach dem vondem Geber erlassenen Richtlinien vergeben werden."Copyright: 1999 MDCUpdate: May 2008Questions and comments please to: Sylvia Sibilak, sibilak@mdc-berlin.de36