Subletting is legal in Germany, but there are some restrictions. You should know about these before actually going for the sublet contract. You can learn more about the rules for subletting in Germany here! Upon having the green light for subletting your apartment, you will need a sublet contract. Discover more about sublet contracts in Germany in this blog post!
A written contract is normally not required for an apartment sublet in Germany. However, it is a good idea to have everything written down in paper to avoid any misunderstandings in the future.
Sublet contract draft
Most sublet contracts in Germany contain the same basic information. Make sure your contract clearly states the following details:
The names of the main tenant and its subtenant
The exact address of the apartment (street name, number, building, etc.)
Start and end dates of the sublet
The rent to be paid and any extra costs (such as for internet, water, electricity)
How to pay for them (e.g. directly into a bank account or via a money transfer).
Which rooms can be used
How many keys were given
How much deposit was paid
What condition the rented flat is in
House rules regarding things like smoking and pets
Signatures of both parties
You can download a free subletting contract template here!
Cancelling a sublet contract
The German rental law states that the subtenant must give a notice period of atleast three months to the main tenant if they wish to move out before the end of the previously agreed date and it must be done before the third day of a particular month.
On the other hand, if the main tenant wishes to cancel the contract, they can only do so by giving the subtenant a minimum notice period of six months unless they have a good reason to end the contract earlier (for example, if the subtenant did not pay the rent or is not abiding to the rules of the contract).
Liability
After the sublet, the main tenant is still the only one who has the main contract with the landlord. Therefore, the main tenant is fully liable towards the landlord for the whole rented apartment or room in case of a breach of contract or damages to the property. Any damage by the main tenant or the subtenant will lead to the main tenant being responsible for them. The main tenant is also required to cover the subtenant’s share of the rent if they refuse to pay.
Anmeldung
Remember, even if you are a subtenant of an apartment, you still have to register your address at the registration office. By not doing so, you may have to pay fines, which you obviously do not want to!
Are you new in Germany and you have lots of questions concerning Anmeldung in Germany? Check out our YouTube video to get your questions answered!
Germany is the land of bureaucracy! So, if you are an international and are having troubles with your landlord regarding some misunderstandings due to language barriers, do not worry, it is not your fault! Booka Local can help you deal with such issues by acting as a bridge between your landlord and you. Simply book a helper here with minutes!
You have just arrived in Germany and you are asking yourself: Why am I being asked to make a portfolio for renting an apartment? Am I expected to be interviewed? Am I going to check an apartment with 70 other potential tenants? And why do some people have to brag about getting their Anmeldung done? Well, we have your 5 most asked questions about Anmeldung in Germany answered in this blog post!
„When I moved from Hong Kong to Berlin, a lot of people said to me ‚Congratulations! You have just moved from one place with serious housing problems to another place with serious housing problems.‘ Like, seriously?“ – Mei Chi Lo, CEO & founder of Booka Local.
We all have like thousands of questions in mind when we first landed in Germany. Let’s talk about the most popular questions every new international might have about Anmeldung in Germany!
Question #1: What’s wrong with airbnb?
First, it’s not cheap if you are to stay for a long time. Okay, if you are rich, then it’s probably not a problem for you. But the second thing is, in Germany, there’s a term you need to learn before knowing how to order a beer, that is, Anmeldung.
Anmeldung means registration. Most internationals simply use this word to refer to the process when you register a new address in Germany. This term also means browsing like a 1000 apartments, sending 500 applications, viewing 100 apartments with 80 other people, receiving 50 rejection messages, 30 scam emails and finally finding one apartment that allows you to do Anmeldung.
So, what’s wrong with airbnb? Well, most of the apartments there do not allow you to do Anmeldung.
Question #2: What happens if I don’t register my address?
We are in Germany. No rules are set to be ignored.
Anmeldung is needed for all sorts of important things, like, opening a bank account, getting your tax ID, extending your visa, basically your whole life in Germany depends on it. If you fail to register your address or are late for doing so, you might have to pay heavy fines, so beware!
Are there any exemptions for Anmeldung in Germany? Learn about it here!
Question #3: I need Anmeldung asap! What can I do?
Everyone asks this question. One popular option is short-term service apartments or something similar that allows you to register the address. Simply google something like “short term rental with Anmeldung in berlin”. There are plenty of options there. Although they are more expensive than long-term rental apartments, you can at least cross out “Anmeldung” from your checklist.
Question #4: There’s no available appointment slot???
In order to register an address, you have to make an appointment at Bürgeramt. You do not need to stick to the one in your neighbourhood. You can go to any other ones in the same city. However, unfortunately, it can be very hard to book an appointment online. It can be completely full. „Two years ago, I even called the Bürgeramt near me and told them I needed an appointment but it’s all full on the online system. Surprisingly, they simply asked me to send them an email and then they sent me an appointment slot within a short time. I was lucky. This method is not guaranteed. But you can try“ – Mei Chi Lo. You can also check the Bürgeramt‘s website every morning at 8 am because they normally add new slots.
Alternatively, you can subscribe to Booka Local’s email notification. When the team spots an available spot on Bürgeramt’s website, you will get notified. It may not be as good as refreshing the website every 5 mins like a robot, but at least you can sit back and enjoy your life.
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Okay, so imagine you have successfully booked an appointment at Bürgeramt. One last thing is, make sure you prepare all the documents you need. You don’t want to miss any piece of paper and get sent away. You will need to book ANOTHER APPOINTMENT if you fail to give them everything they need. For the complete list of documents you need, you can check our blog post about Anmeldung documents here! Get it done and don’t mess it up!
Question #5: Do I need to speak German at the appointment?
It’s very hard to say, mostly yes. Most people would bring someone with them to translate if they do not speak German, because the officers at Bürgeramt mostly do not speak English. Or yes, if you are lucky. What is good with bringing a German-speaking person with you is that, if there’s something wrong with your documents, at least you know what went wrong. If you do not know anyone who can go there with you, check out this link and you can book a local helper at Booka Local.
Do you have more questions about Anmeldung in Germany or other German bureaucratic topics? Send them to us and along with answering your questions, we‘ll make sure we get them covered in our next blog post to help others!
GREAT NEWS! We are now on YouTube and we make Life-in-Germany related videos. Make sure you subscribe to us here to stay updated!
A German CV (Lebenslauf) is an absolute must when you are in Germany, whether it is for studying or work purposes. It is always better to give your German employers a CV in a style they are already familiar with to increase your chances of getting noticed. While German CVs are not too different from those of other countries, it is important to keep in mind that they have their own nuances. Although it does not have a specific version, we created a general guide on how to write a German CV:
Personal Information
This section requires your personal details. Make sure to add the following:
Full name (First and last name)
Address
Date of birth
Nationality
Marital status
Contact information (Email & Telephone number)
Passport-size photo
Profile – a short description of yourself and your skills / experience / qualifications
Education
In this section, you will write the details about your studies focusing on your secondary and tertiary education. Make sure to include the name of your university and degree/s earned; it is also helpful if you mention modules that have relevance towards the position you are applying for. Students normally add more details about their modules when applying for internships.
Find more about the things you should consider while applying for an english internship here.
Work Experience
Here you will list your previous work experience in reverse chronological order, starting with the most recent one. Make sure to add the following:
Name and location of the company
Dates
Title of the position
Division, department
Key responsibilities
Other skills/achievements
This section will include:
Foreign languages (also specify the level)
IT Skills
Other certifications
Other tips on how to write a German CV:
A German CV should be maximum 2-pages long
Do not lie and keep it factual
List only the experience, skills and qualifications that are relevant to the position
Keep it simple and use the same font throughout
Bullet points are recommended instead of long paragraphs
Check it several times to eliminate any error
Adjust your CV for different positions
German CVs do not really have a section for hobbies
Here are some online German CV creators that can be useful to you:
It is quite important to have a German driving licence if you are in Germany for a long period of time.
If you want to live in a sparsely populated area that is most likely in a remote city or village, getting proper public transportation services may be hard.
In such a case, getting a driving licence and buying a vehicle will be necessary.
In this post, we will highlight everything you need to know about getting a German driving licence.
Is your foreign licence valid in Germany?
Citizens of EU countries can use driving licences from their respective country. Visitors from non-EU countries can use their original document if it is translated by recognized automobile authority.
This privilege is valid for the first six months, after which drivers are required to transfer their documents in a process known as “Umschreibung”.
How and where to register for a driving licence
After six months of using your foreign non-EU driving licence, you need to apply for the Fahrerlaubnisbehörde or German Driving Licence. Log on to MeldeBox to find a registration office near you.
The office will determine whether you can receive a licence transfer or recommend a test for you. You might want to familiarize yourself with the traffic signs and rules before your test.
Documents needed for a successful licence transfer
Your passport or ID card
A borderless 35 x 45 mm photo
A valid foreign driver’s licence
Proof that you completed a first-aid course
Proof that you are a resident of Germany.
40 euros cash to pay for the licence fee if tests aren’t required.
You might have to wait for up to six weeks before your licence is ready.
How you can get hold of a German driving licence
If you want to get your first driving licence, here is what you need to do:
Register at a “Fahrschule” or driving school. There is a higher chance of finding an instructor who is familiar with your language in big cities.
Take the “Erste Hilfe” or first aid course.
Visit an ophthalmologist or optician for the “Sehtest”
To be able to drive category C vehicles (lorries) or D (buses), additional documents need to be provided. Find more about licence categories on BMVI.
What is the cost?
The cost is largely dependent on the number of sessions that your instructor feels are ready to prepare you as a driver. As such, it may go beyond 1000 euros.
Do you have more questions about this topic? You can ask us privately or ask the public in our Quick Question community.
There are numerous reasons why you should visit Germany and one of them is its wonderful places.
You will love the marvelous cuisine, fabulous cities, medieval villages, castles, exciting festivals, the exquisite beaches, gorgeous mountain sceneries, wine and historic destinations.
There is something for everyone!
If Germany wasn’t on the list of places you would love to visit, this post might help change your mind about the country.
Here are the some best places to visit in Germany in 2021:
Mecklenburg-Vorpommern
This is a magnificent region in the northern reaches of Berlin.
It is also known as Meckpom, and can be accessed cheaply and quickly by bicycle, car or train.
Consider cycling from Berlin to the town so as to experience the lush feeling of the greenery along the road.
The town consists of elegant infrastructure, with a few camp grounds and resorts spread out along the route.
The sparsely populated state is a perfect way of getting away from the busy city life and breathing fresh air as you let your mind take you to new places.
2. Füssen and Neuschwanstein Castle
Germany has its fair share of special castles. This particular castle gives an unhindered view of the Bavarian Alps.
A guided tour can help you explore the interior of the castle, and horse-drawn carriages can be provided for that extra appeal.
In Füssen, you will love the Altstadt’s pedestrian-oriented streets that are bordered by lustrously colored structures. The frescoes and cobblestone in the environment make the old town come alive. Take your time to enjoy the 700-year-old traditions in cafes and restaurants within the area.
3. Bodensee
Bodensee is a popular and excellent summer retreat that offers numerous events and activities to visitors from all over the world.
You can take a boat ride to enjoy the beauty of the land and water. Most rides offer meals and drinks onboard.
If you like water sports, then you will love what the Bodensee has in store for you! You can go for a canoe ride close to the shore, or if you are adventurous, venture out to the open waters for a quick windsurfing run.
We recommend that you stay in the Landhotel Bodensee or Bodensee Yatchthotel Schmattmaier as you enjoy the summer.
4. Rothenburg
Rothenburg is located on the Romantic Road, a legendary location in Germany. The medieval city is the perfect example of a fairytale town. This should definitely feature on your bucket list.
It has appeared in several films.
Take some time to explore the ancient walls that feature magnificent architectural developments from the past. Once you are done, get to the top of the Town Hall Tower to reward yourself with an uninterrupted view of the gorgeous city and marvelous countryside.
5. St. Goar
St. Goar is a lovely summer destination. It is located on the banks of the Rhine River.
The adorable setup and friendly residents will melt your heart. You can walk to the train station, visit the Rhine Gorge, Rheinfels Castle or enjoy the romantic sceneries in the area.
While you can’t visit the Castle Katz, you can enjoy the beautiful view from afar. Take time to explore the Rhine on a boat. If you are lucky, you might get to watch the splendid fireworks display.
6. Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf can be undoubtedly considered as one of the best places to visit in Germany with its endless list of exciting activities. The city is brought alive by different cuisine and outdoor events.
It offers various Japanese traditions that blend in with the native customs. After getting a taste of Düsseldorf, you will want to visit Japan to experience the original inspiration of the exquisite dining.
While Düsseldorf offers all year round enjoyment, visiting over the summer will provide you with the best opportunities of touring the Rhine River, the gorgeous paths in Altstadt, and the longest bar in the world.
If you don’t mind, get yourself any of the local beers and enjoy delicious dishes as you watch people go about their daily routines.
Also, indulge in the Carlsplatz Market’s exciting goodies and stay tuned for the Medieval festival.
Munich was nearly flattened out during the war. Fortunately, it still has abundant locations that will make your vacation memorable.
Starting with the Marienplatz, right at the heart of the city, you can explore other ancient building, churches and gorgeous landmarks all over the city.
Visit the Old and New Town Hall, the Marina Column, and the Mariensaule. At the century-old Glockenspiel, you can listen to the chimes of the Dgures at noon.
If you love a good brew, Munich has plenty of it for you to try out. Also, consider visiting in October to experience the legendary Oktoberfest.
Visit Tripadvisor to have a better idea of the best things you can do in Munich this year.
8. Lindau
Lindau is a small but charming town. It has been standing since the 9th century and resembles a fantasy Bavarian lake countryside.
You will surely lose yourself once you get to the adorable passageways and streets. You can let your mind wander as you explore the harbor’s fantastic views.
Lindau is at times referred to as the “Garden of Eden”, given that it is located on the beautiful shores of the turquoise Lake Constance.
Visitors are treated to magnificent views of the lakefront cafes and medieval structures all around the area. If you love boat rides, head out to the water to get an amazing glimpse of the Alps, Switzerland and Austria.
9. Lübeck
Lübeck offers a reprieve to the hot sun experienced in most regions of central Europe.
It can be accessed easily from Hamburg and luckily, you won’t have to deal with crowding. Visit the town to get away from your normal schedule for a few days.
Start by visiting the Holstentor, an iconic landmark built in the early 15th century. There are other historic points that you can visit from here.
Notable historic centers include the Hospital of the Holy Spirit, the city hall, St. Peter’s church, St. Mary’s Church, and the European Hansemuseum.
Enjoy the fine marzipan that Lubeck offers. Get your treat from Café Niederegger and enjoy your vacation!
10. Weimar
Last but not the least in this list of best places to visit in Germany, we have Weimar. Weimar is a picture-perfect location in East Germany. It should be a must visit location for history lovers.
It is the origin of legendary artists such as Johann Wolfgang Goethe, Bach, and Nietzsche.
Some tourists visit the Buchenwald concentration camp to get a feel of the deep terror of the Nazi Regime.
Enjoy your vacation!
Are you new in Germany and need help with some paperworks? Book a local now to help you.
You have to move into a new apartment in Germany and you are wondering what are the things you should do before you can think of your new place as your home? We have selected the main things to do and made a list for you.
What should I do if I forgot my ticket at home and got fined on U-Bahn? How can I reduce the fine?
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