Schwäbisch Gmünd Welcome Pack

Älteste Stauferstadt

Schwäbisch Gmünd

Welcome pack Inhalt

4 Residence in Germany • What is a residence permit? • What is an EU Blue Card? • What is a settlement permit? • What is a permanent EU residence permit? • Language and integration courses 7 Living in Schwäbisch Gmünd • Looking for accommodation • Tenancy agreements • Waste disposal in Germany • Being a good neighbour 9 Health/Doctors • Medical checks for children • Doctors in Schwäbisch Gmünd 14 Children and family • Early childhood education in Germany • Parents 16 Education in Germany • The school system in Germany • Childcare from school age • Vocational training in Germany • Studying in Germany 18 Work and career • Work permits • Recognition of foreign professional and educational qualifications • Help to find a job or an apprenticeship • Professional further education in Germany • Entrpreneurs and self-employment in Germany • Working life and rights at work • Unemployment in Germany

21 Mobility and transport • Getting around with your own vehicule • Getting around by train or bus 23 Banks and banking in Germany 24 Insurance • Statutory insurance schemes in Germany • Private insurance schemes in Germany 26 Leisure • Things to do in Schwäbisch Gmünd • Are associations typically German? • Volunteer work: a matter of honour • The Schwäbisch Gmünd music school 28 Institutions/ Contacts • Activities for children and adolescents • Information services • Immigrant organisations/Foreign associations • Religion Welcome to Schwäbisch Gmünd!

It is my pleasure to welcome you as a new citizen in our town and I am sure that you will soon feel happily at home here. In order to make the first steps in your new town slightly easier, we have drawn up this guide, which should help you answer the most important questions about living in Schwäbisch Gmünd. We have also dealt with the specific particulari- ties of our town and federal state, Baden-Württemberg. Should you have any questions which the town council can help you with, please contact the advisory staff at the immigration office, known as the Ausländeramt in German. They deal with immigration matters, asylum procedures, visa applications and letters of invitation for visitors.

I am more than happy to invite you to take part in a guided tour of the town, as this is the best way to settle down in your new hometown. You will receive a voucher for this when you register either at the town hall, immigration office or the district authorities.

I wish you a good start and a lovely time in Schwäbisch Gmünd.

Yours sincerely, Lord Mayor

Richard Arnold Residence in Germany

Residence in Germany What is a residence permit?

Source: Federal Office for Migration and A residence permit is a document Refugees (www.bamf.de) which is granted to individuals who:

If you would like to make Germany your • would like to do vocational training new home or if you have already moved in Germany to Germany, the provisions contained in • would like to work in Germany the German Residence Act are particu- • are entitled to stay in Germany under larly important. international law or for humanitarian/ political reasons The basic conditions governing your • have immigrated to Germany for right of residence in Germany depend family reasons on whether you are a citizen of the • foreign nationals and former Germans European Union (EU), the European who want to return to Germany Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, • hold a permanent right of residence whether you come from another count- from another Member State of the ry or whether you are immigrating as an European Union ethnic German repatriate. A residence permit is issued for a limited If you are not a citizen of a Member period of time. It can also be extended. State of the EU, the European Eco- Generally, it will be taken into account nomic Area (EEA) or Switzerland and whether the concerned individual has you would like to stay in Germany taken part in an integration course, in permanently, you will need a residence accordance with regulations. title. This is called an Aufenthaltstitel in German. In addition to your visa for In principle, foreign nationals from third entry and subsequent residence, there countries (countries outside the EU, the are three different residence titles for EEA and Switzerland) are only allowed long-term residence in Germany: to work in Germany (see Work permits) if this is explicitly indicated in their • a residence permit residence permit. The free movement of • a settlement permit workers generally applies to EU citizens • a permanent EU residence permit and citizens from EEA states, as well as Switzerland. Residence in Germany

What is an EU Blue Card? What is a settlement What is a permanent EU permit? residence permit?

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit, A settlement permit is a permanent A permanent EU resident permit is also initially generally given for a four-year residence permit. It also allows you to an unlimited residence title. Holders period and available to citizens of third work in Germany. of this permit have the right to seek countries who have a university degree employment. or equivalent qualifications. This enables As a rule, you must have had a resi- them to take on employment on the dence permit for five years and also ful- The issuing conditions are closly based basis of their qualifications. A further fill further conditions in order to obtain on those of the settlement permit. prerequisite is that the individual can a settlement permit. For example, an- Unlike the settlement permit, the supply proof of employment through yone wishing to apply for a settlement permanent EU residence permit allows which a minimum annual salary of permit must make their own living and the holder to travel within the European two-thirds of the annual contribution secure the financial independence of Union, by granting the holder the right assessment ceiling for general pension their family members, have sufficient to a limited residence title in other insurance (EUR 47,600 in 2014) will German skills and not have a criminal Member States. It is not allowed to be earned. For professions which are record. In certain circumstances, a sett- grant both of these unlimited residence particularly in demand in Germany, lement permit can be granted without titles to one person. Foreign nationals the salary limit has been lowered to 52 the time-related conditions. This applies with a specific legal status in Germany, percent of the contribution assessment to highly qualified immigrants, for for example those who have been ceiling (EUR 37,128 in 2014). instance. granted refugee status, cannot obtain a permanent EU residence permit. Individuals who hold an EU Blue Card and who can prove that they have You will need to prove that you been in qualified employment over a have sufficient German skills to get a period of 33 months and that they have settlement permit or a permanent EU paid (compulsory) contributions to the residence permit. You can get these do- statutory pension insurance scheme cuments by completing an integration or comparable benefits are granted a course and passing the final exam (see permanent settlement permit. Provided Language and integration courses). that the individual concerned can demonstrate that his/her language skills If you are not sure of the type of resi- are at level B1, the settlement permit is dence permit which applies to you or granted after a period of 21 months. You the type of residence and work permit can find out how language proficiency that you have, please contact the immi- is graded with the Common European gration office: Framework of Reference for Languages. Ausländeramt Husbands or wives who accompany Ausländerangelegenheiten, Asylangele- you or who move to Germany after you genheiten, Visumverfahren, Besuchsein- are not required to show proof of Ger- Advice and support: ladungen man language skills. Married partners of Waisenhaus EU Blue Card holders immediately have Migrationsberatung: Waisenhausgasse 1-3 the right to seek employment. Stadtteilzentrum Ost 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Buchstraße 145/1 Tel.: (07171) 603-355 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Tel.: (07171) 68745 Fax: (07171) 30513 [email protected] Residence in Germany

Language and integration courses

One important requirement to feel at home in a new environment is the abili- ty to make yourself understood. For this reason, all immigrants can/must take enrol on an integration course.

Language courses for Language courses for adults children and teenagers

The integration course is a language Children aged 3 to 6 are given lan- course, which deals with important to- You can find information about guage classes in every kindergarten in pics of everyday life, and also an orien- integration courses here: Schwäbisch Gmünd. tation course, which will help you famili- See Early childhood education arize yourself with the history, culture www.gmuender-vhs.de and system of values of German society. School age children and teenagers www.kolping-bildungswerk.de should go to a preparatory class first. You will also find valuable information See School system on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugee’s home page (www.bamf.de/ In addition, there are also many catch- EN/Willkommen/willkommen-node. up lessons and intensive language html). On this website, you will also find courses, which you generally have to detailed information about integration pay for. courses. You can also find self-study courses on the internet. Some of them are free, If you decide to enrol on an integration for example at: course, you will be charged a reduced www.dw.de/deutsch-lernen/s-2055 fee of €1.20 per teaching module. Par- ticipants who receive unemployment benefits II (Arbeitslosengeld II) (see Un- employment), can apply for exemption from payment.

As a more extensive form of support, another language course called “Ger- man for professional purposes” is also offered. In this course, you can learn German for professional purposes and gain insight into the working world by completing a work placement which lasts several weeks. You will need a good grade at the final exam of your integration course in order to apply for this course. This course is free. Living in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Looking for Tenancy agreements accommodation

The central location of Schwäbisch if you sign an agreement with them. A tenancy agreement regulates all the Gmünd is ideal for work, shopping and However, appointments, advice and flat details of the tenancy and is legally education in addition to the scenic, viewings must be free of charge. binding for both you and your landlord. attractive environment and the wide This is why you should always read the array of things to do in your free time. Commissioning an estate agent tenancy agreement very carefully befo- This town therefore guarantees a high You can also use the services of re signing it. The following information quality of life. You can easily reach Stutt- professional estate agents to look for in particular must be clearly indicated: gart in approximately 30 minutes. accommodation. However, they will charge you a fee if you sign a tenancy 1. how much the rent is If you are looking for a flat or a house in agreement or a contract of sale. This 2. additional/utility costs Schwäbisch Gmünd, there are several generally amounts to two months’ rent 3. how much the security deposit is possibilities to find the right place to plus value-added tax (19%) for tenancy rent or buy. agreements. For example, if you’ve If applicable, the following information signed a tenancy agreement and the must also be indicated: Looking in the newspaper monthly rent without utility bills is €500, • the amount of the commission if you Both daily newspapers in Schwäbisch your agent can charge you up to €1190 have concluded the tenancy agree- Gmünd (the “Remszeitung” and the for their commission. When buying ment with an agency-whether tiered “Gmünder Tagespost“) publish many property, the commission generally rent (also known as Staffelmiete in property ads for rent or sale in the amounts to three to six percent of the German) is charged. Staffelmiete is rent weekend edition. These newspapers are purchase price plus value-added tax. which is automatically increased on a published every Saturday. You can find the addresses of professio- regular basis. You can also find ads in the free weekly nal estate agents in the yellow pages or • the length of the tenancy (for a fixed newspapers, which are the “Gmünder on the Internet. term or an unlimited period) Wochenblatt“ and the “Gmünder An- • any obligations on the tenant to refur- zeiger“. These newpapers are published Help from the housing office (VGW) bish the accommodation every Wednesday. Our local housing offices, called the Vereinigten Gmünder Wohnungsbau- 1. How much should my rent be? If you’ve found a flat or a house that gesellschaft mbH (VGW), can provide If you are not sure whether your rent you are interested in, you need to you with information about accommo- corresponds to the average rent in contact the landlord or seller. Telephone dation. Schwäbisch Gmünd , you can compare numbers or email addresses are often www.vgw.de it with local rent prices here: indicated in the ads so that you can www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/7239- contact them directly. Sometimes, box Additional information can be Mietspiegel.html numbers or code letters are indicated in found at: these ads. In this case, you must send a www.bauverein-gmuend.de 2. What are additional costs/utility letter to the newspaper, which will be www.svg-eg.de bills? forwarded to the landlord or seller. Do www.siedlungswerk.de/geschaefts- In addition to rent (known as Kaltmiete not forget to mention the relevant box stelle/siedlungswerk-schwaebisch- in German), you must also pay for water, number in your letter. gmuend.de heating and sewage disposal. As a rule, you have to pay a fixed amount for Looking for accommodation on Real estate listings provided by the additional costs every month and paid the Internet Schwäbisch Gmünd town council: in advance. At the end of the year, you Nowadays, many flats and houses are www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/3599- will receive an invoice with which you advertised on the Internet. If you’ve Immobilienboerse.html will be reimbursed or have to pay the found accommodation which has been difference, depending on what you advertised by a professional estate have consumed. To get electricity, you agency, they may charge you a fee will generally have to sign a contract directly with a local electricity supplier. Living in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Tenancy agreements

The Schwäbisch Gmünd utility services What is a handover certificate? You can find more detailed information offer information here: www.stwgd. A handover certificate confirms the con- about waste collection dates and de/4993-Service.html dition of the accommmodation when recycling when you register with the you moved in. You may sometimes have registration office, the regional advice In addition to utility bills for water, hea- to sign a handover certificate in addi- offices or the immigration office. ting and sewage disposal, landlords can tion to your tenancy agreement. This (see www.goa-online.de). charge their tenants additional costs is known as an Übergabeprotokoll in such as council tax, the use of the lift, German. Read the handover certificate a caretaker, insurance and communal carefully and check the details yourself lighting. However, these costs must be before signing such a certificate. Other- Being a good neighbour indicated in the tenancy agreement. wise, your landlord could later make you In Germany, there are statutory provi- If you want to check which costs your responsible for defects that you did not sions which stipulate that there should landlord is allowed to charge you as a take note of. be no disturbing noise from 10 pm to 6 tenant, we recommend having a look am. This is known as Nachtruhe in Ger- at the website of “Stiftung Warentest”, man. House rules are very common and a German consumer organisation in- this will be indicated in your tenancy volved in investigating and comparing Waste disposal agreement. services and goods in an unbiased way: www.test.de/Betriebskosten- District administrations usually regulate abrechnung-So-finden-Sie-die-Feh- waste disposal matters in Germany. ler-4234442-0 If your landlord doesn’t register for Public broadcasting fee you, you must arrange to register with 3. What is a security deposit the waste management company in Information about the public broad- A security deposit provides security to Ostalbkreis (known as the Gesellschaft casting fee: your landlord if he/she needs to pay for im Ostalbkreis für Abfallbewirtschaftung www.rundfunkbeitrag.de/informati- any repairs if you leave the accommoda- mbH or GOA) as quickly as possible. onen/buergerinnen_und_buerger/ tion in a bad condition when you move You will get more detailed information index_ger.html out. In Germany, a security deposit must as well as a “Welcome pack“ when you be paid if you have signed a tenancy register at the registration office, the im- agreement. Your landlord may use your migration office or the regional advice deposit to settle any rent arrears if you office. It is forbidden to dispose of your do not pay your rent regularly. Your waste unofficially. landlord must return your deposit with interest. If no damage has been made In Germany, waste is recycled in order to the accommodation or if there are to avoid growing garbage heaps. no outstanding payments at the end of In Schwäbisch Gmünd, paper and your agreement, your landlord must pay cardboard are disposed of in a blue bin, the deposit to you, with interest. which is made available by the GOA free of charge. Special biological waste The security deposit may amount to a bags (e.g. for fruit and veg leftovers) maximum of three months’ rent without can be purchased at the town hall, the utility bills (also known as Kaltmiete in regional advice offices, the immigration German) and it must be mentioned in office or in GOA sales offices. the tenancy agreement. The deposit Other recyclables such as juice boxes, may be paid in three instalments. The aluminimum or plastic packaging go first instalment must be paid at the into the yellow bin. Glass as well as beginning of your tenancy agreement hazardous waste (e.g. paint or mede- and the other instalments must be paid cines) must be disposed of separately. in the following months. Health/Doctors

Medical checks for children

In Germany, every child is entitled to eleven medical check-ups, which are covered by health insurance. These check-ups, known as the “U1 to J1 check-ups“, are compulsory in Baden-Württemberg. They help diagnose disorders and diseases from an early age, which could affect the normal, physical, mental, emotional and social development of your child. This means that a doctor will check whether your child is developing normally.

You can find all of the “U check-ups“ in the following table.

Compulsory check-up Age of child Costs

U1 Immediately after birth Covered by your health insurance scheme (newborn’s first check-up) U2 3 – 10 days old Covered by your health insurance scheme U3 4 – 6 weeks old Covered by your health insurance scheme U4 3 – 4 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U5 6 – 7 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U6 10 – 12 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U7 21 – 24 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U7a 34 – 36 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U8 46 – 48 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme U9 60 – 64 months old Covered by your health insurance scheme J1 12 – 14 years old Covered by your health insurance scheme

Recommended check-up Age of child Costs

U10 7 – 8 years old Not covered U11 9 – 10 years old Not covered J2 16 – 17 years old Not covered Health/Doctors

Doctors in Schwäbisch Gmünd

This list is based on a survey carried out by the town council of Schwäbisch Gmünd. This only includes information about doctors who answered the questionnaire. You can find more doctors in the Yellow Pages at: www.gelbeseiten.de › Ärzte › Schwäbisch Gmünd.

Doctor Address Contact details Other languages

1. General practitioners Tatjana Bastian Heidenheimer Str. 12 Tel.: (07171) 86862 Russian Viktor Bastian Fax: (07171) 8709577 Susanne Freitag Moselstr. 1 Tel.: (07171) 81810 English, italian Jens Freitag Dr.med. Ulrike Fuchs Kornhausstr. 3 Tel.: (07171) 929670 English, Romanian, Fax: (07171) 929671 French www.dr-ulrike-fuchs.de Johannes Gantner Paradiesstr. 25 Tel.: (07171) 30048 English, French Fax: (07171) 30241 Dr. med. Thomas Hückmann Ackergasse 9 Tel.: (07171) 2721 English, French, Fax: (07171) 939597 Croatian, Spanish Dr.med. Axel Menden Eutighoferstr. 24 Tel.: (07171) 30478 English Fax: (07171) 62200 Dr. med. Mariora Opris Königsturmstr. 6 Tel.: (07171) 39103 Romanian, Croatian Fax: (07171) 944154 Dr. med. Klaus Riede Mörikestr. 3 Tel.: (07171) 5859 English, Spanish Fax: (07171) 2171 Dr.med. Hannelore Ritter Marktplatz 10 Tel.: (07171) 929563 English Fax: (07171) 929564 www.dr-med-ritter.de Dr.med. Ursula Schmidt-Dogru Kamillenweg 5 Tel.: (07171) 9804293 English, French, Turkish Tel.: (07171) 9986936 Fax: (07171) 4048562 Dr. med. Michael Scholze Weilerstr. 22 Tel.: (07171) 989098 English Dr. medic. D. Theodorescu Antiberstr. 4 Tel.: (07171) 63532 English, French, Romanian, Dr. medic N. Theordorescu Fax: (07171) 939408 Russian, Turkish Dr. Lippert Health/Doctors

Doctors in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Doctor Address Contact details Other languages

2. Gynaecologists

Dr. med. Thomas Heigel Weißensteiner Str. 40 Tel.: (07171) 30431 English www.dr-heigel-praxis.de Dr. med. Gabriela Mahler Baldungstr. 17 Tel.: (07171) 2135 English, French www.frauenaerztin-dr-mahler.de Dr. Jan Stefan Pietruszka Bocksgasse 17 Tel.: (07171) 68915 English, Polish Fax: (07171) 37567 www.frauenarztpraxis-gmuend.de Dr. Abalghasem Resaei Bocksgasse 38 Tel.: (07171) 929820 Arabic, English, Kurdish, Fax: (07171) 929821 Persian, Turkish www.resaei.de Dr. med. Brigitte Rothaupt Kalter Markt 27 Tel.: (07171) 2434 English Fax: (07171) 37947 www.frauenarztpraxis-rothaupt.de Dr.med. Heike Thimm Sebaldstr. 19 Tel.: (07171) 1046740 English, Turkish Fax: (07171) 939801 www.dr-thimm.com

3. Paediatricians/ Child and adolescent psychotherapists 3.1. Paediatricians

Dr. med. Hubert Lakner Hintere Schmiedgasse 45 Tel.: (07171) 1835131 English www.kinderarzt-lakner.de Dr. med. Bernd Neukamm Königsturmstr. 18 Tel.: (07171) 81819 English Fax: (07171) 989605 www.dr-bernd-neukamm.de Dr. med. Elisabeth Spengler- Weißensteiner Str. 33 Tel.: (07171) 5588 English, French, Turkish Gräbner Fax: (07171) 30877 www.kinderaerztinnen-hdg.de Dr. med. Ute Bihler

3.2. Child and adolescent psychotherapists

Dr. med. Jorinde Bär Hauffstr. 3 Tel.: (07171) 186790 Chinese, English, Fax: (07171) 18679-11 French, Polish www.praxis-baer-gmuend.de Dipl. Psych. Reinhild Goethestr. 52 Tel.: (07171) 181151 English, French, Sporleder-Kirchner Regina Wiedemann Milchgässle 12 Tel.: (07171) 1044844 English Fax: (07171) 1044844 Health/Doctors

Doctors in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Doctor Address Contact details Other languages

4. Surgeons/Casualty surgeons/Orthopaedic surgeons

Hubert R. Buchstaller Uferstr. 30 Tel.: (07171) 5266 English Fax: (07171) 181864 Dr.med. Ralph Dalferth Uferstr. 48 Tel.: (07171) 66367 English, Turkish Fax: (07171) 37898 www.orthopaedie-dr-dalferth.de Dr. med. Heribert Keller Oberbettringer Str. 1 Tel.: (07171) 1045980 Dr. med. M. Belser Fax: (07171) 10459855 Dr.med. H. Zehender www.orthopaedie-gmuend.de Dr.Carsten Kurock Bocksgasse 2 Tel.: (07171) 61415 English, French, Fax: (07171) 929178 Turkish, Romanian www.kurock-scriba.de

5. Eye doctors

Dr. med. Hans Pasler Ledergasse 16-20 Tel.: (07171) 30848 English, Italian, Polish, Fax: (07171) 405994 Russian

6. Ear, nose and throat specialists

Dr. med. Ingo Buchsteiner Hintere Schmiedgasse 3 Tel.: (07171) 5545 English, French, Turkish Fax: (07171) 929779 Dr. med. Elmar Schmid Hintere Schmiedgasse 3 Tel.: (07171) 5545 English, French, Italian, Fax: (07171) 929779 Russian, Spanish, Turkish www.hnoschmid.de

7. Other specialists 7.1. Urologists

Dr. med. Norbert Gildein Kalter Markt 16 Tel.: (07171) 5311 English Fax: (07171) 37956

7.2. Nuclear medicine/Radiology

Dr. med. Steffen Winter Weißensteiner Str. 33 Tel.: (07171) 1858770 English Fax: (07171) 1858771 Health/Doctors

Doctors in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Doctors Address Contact details Other languages

7.3. Neurologists

Dr.med. Jürgen Kirchmeier Kalter Markt 31 Tel.: (07171) 5656 English, French Fax: (07171) 929719 www.dr-kirchmeier.eu

7.4. Internal medicine / Cardiologists

Dr.med. Tanja Kaiser Kornhausstr. 3 Tel.: (07171) 5788 English, French Dr.med. Steffen Kaiser Fax: (07171) 37782 www.kaiserkardio.de Dr. med. Johannes-Marius Im Spagen 9 Tel.: (07171) 76296 English, French Diekmann Fax: (07171) 77206

8. Psychiatrists / Psychotherapy

Ali Reza Asadollah Weißensteiner Str. 33 Tel.: (07171) 79664-4200 English, Persian, Turkish Dipl. Psych. Elvira Wilhelmstr. 44 Tel.: (07171) 182000 English Bär-Haußmann M.sc. Claudia Bub-Elbing Steinäcker 10 Tel.: (07171) 928950 English Fax: (07171) 69659 Prof. Dr. Ulrich Elbing Steinäcker 10 Tel.: (07171) 928949 English Fax: (07171) 69659 Dr. phil. Jan Glasenapp Schwerzerallee 22 Tel.: (07171) 9979989 English Fax: (07171) 9979988 Dr. med. P. Scheidt Postgasse 5 Tel.: (07171) 931017 English Dipl. Psych. Andrea Sebaldstr. 19 Tel.: (0151) 75006197 Schultheiß Fax: (07171) 8079347 www.psychotherapie-schultheiss.de Children and family

Early childhood education in Germany

Every survey shows how interaction 5. In a crèche: children under 3, may with other children plays an important offer different options/types of daycare/ role for child development. Early opening hours (see point 1-3). childhood education in daycare centres particularly helps young children to 6. In a daycare centre: children aged 0 improve their language skills, as langua- to 14, looked after by trained childmin- ge and educational achievement are ders at home or in small groups. closely linked. This is why pre-school childcare programmes in childcare In addition, there are facilities such as a facilities are a good first step to be suc- special kindergarten for deaf children cessful at school. and a special kindergarten for mentally and/or physically disabled children. There are around 50 daycare centres/ kindergartens (known as Kitas in Pre-school childcare is at your expense. German) in total. They are operated by However, families with a low income the town authorities or independently. may receive financial support. These include daycare programmes with various educational orientations (e.g. forest kindergarten (known as You can find more information Waldkindergarten in German), Waldorf here: and Montessori kindergartens etc.), full- day childcare, facilities offering childcare Kita-Platz Koordination to several municipalities as well as a Tel.: (07171) 603-4046 daycare centre association‚ also known E-Mail: kita@schwaebisch- as Kindertagespflegeverein (PATE e.V.) gmuend.de in German. www.kita-gd.de

There is a difference between the following daycare options:

1. Learning groups: children from the age of 3 up until school age, up to 6 hours per day

2. Extended opening hours: children from the age of 3 up until school age, 6 to 7 hours per day

3. Full-day childcare: children from the age of 3 up until school age, open for more than seven hours, including lunch

4. Mixed age groups: generally children from the age of 2 up until school age, may offer different options/types of daycare/opening hours (see point 1-3). Children and family

Parents

Parents are the most important partners Parent assistants (EMUs) of early childhood and educational In addition, parent assistants (called institutions. Without their participation EMUs) work for education centres, and collaboration, things cannot be called Volkshochschulen in German. done properly. They are citizens who also have an immigrant background and work as Parents are expected to: volunteers to help other parents find • attend school events and to partici- their bearings in kindergartens and pate in parents’ evening or theme primary schools. They explain, accom- nights, for instance pany or translate for parents or provide them with support during pre-school • be engaged in school festivals and or school discussions, parents’ evenings events or in advice offices. EMUs have all taken a class about primary school or kin- • have conversations with teachers and dergarten and are obliged to maintain staff members who are involved in confidentiality. EMU support is free of their child’s education charge.

• find about their child’s development You can find more information here: Miriam Hepp Every class and every childcare group (07171) 92515-41, elects a parent representative. Every [email protected] establishment has a representative for or all parents. You can also contact this Volkshochschule, Münsterplatz 15. person if you have any questions, sug- gestions and/or worries. Application for child benefit You can find information about parent The child benefit application must representatives at your child’s school or be made at the office of the federal pre-school. The collective parent repre- family fund (Familienkasse), which is sentation body for the kindergartens in located in the local employment office Schwäbisch Gmünd can be found at: (Agentur für Arbeit). www.eltern-machen-stark.de. Information can be found at: www.arbeitsagentur.de/web/content/ You can contact the collective parent DE/BuergerinnenUndBuerger/Fami- representation body for public schools lieundKinder/index.htm through your child’s respective school. The collective parent representation Application for parental benefit body for state schools can be contacted Information about applying for the through the school which is concerned. parental benefit can be fount at: The regional parent representation www.l-bank.de/lbank/inhalt/nav/ body in Baden-Württemberg is the of- foerderungen-und-finanzierungen/ ficial parent committee that advises the alle-foerderangebote/fa-familienfoerde- Ministry of Education. It also represents rung/elterngeld.xml?ceid=100383 the interests of parents in the region. You can find more information at: www.leb-bw.de Education in Germany

The school system in Germany

All children living in Germany from the The German school system is designed Children with disabilities or special age of around 6 to 18 must go to to enable pupils to change from one needs must also go to school (Schul- school. This is called compulsory schoo- type of school to another. It also enables pflicht). They can either go to one of ling or Schulpflicht in German. pupils to continue their education after the schools mentioned above or they In Germany, the school system varies completing each stage if grades are can go to a school which is specialised from one Federal state to the other. In good enough. This means that pupils in children with special educational Baden-Württemberg, children attend who have attended school at secondary needs. If you have any related questions, primary school (Grundschule) for four level I for 6 years can continue their you can contact the state education years. Then, they can either go to secon- schooling and obtain their Abitur in authorities by email at: poststelle@ssa- dary school for six years at secondary order to study in higher education. gp.kv.bwl.de level I (Realschule, Werkrealschule or Gemeinschaftsschule) or for 8 to 9 years at secondary level II (Gymnasium or Realschule + 3 years of study at Gymna- sium).

Higher education entrance qualification

Vocational upper secondary school 3 years Secondary II level

Intermediate school leaving certificate

General education Secondary modern Comprehensive Upper secondary secondary school school school school 6 or 5 years 6 years 6 years 8 or 9 years Secondary I level

Primary school

level 4 years Primary

Vocational schools General education schools Primary school and secondary level II provided this applies at the comprehensive school at the respective location Education in Germany

Childcare from school Children’s sport school Studying in Germany age (KiSS)

In principle, any type of school may The Schwäbisch Gmünd children’s If you want to study in Germany, you offer full-day school services. However, sport school aims to provide a basic will need to have a qualification which not every school provides such services eduacation for children between the entitles you to study at the institution for registered pupils. ages of four and ten that is diverse, of your choice. This certificate will promotes health and covers various generally be an Abitur certificate or a Some primary schools have a nursery sport disciplines. The children’s sport Fachhochschulreife certificate, which before and after lessons. All primary school concept has been sucessfully you can get after graduating from se- school pupils can take part in these acti- implemented in Baden-Württemberg condary school at secondary level II by vities from 7 am to 2 pm at the latest. for years. The KiSS is not a school in the passing an exam (see The school system traditional sense, with its own building, in Germany). Pupils who come to Germany and who but rather a high-quality course system. cannot speak German should attend The task of the children‘s sports school An Abitur certificate allows you to study preparatory classes. These intensive is to provide children with with an at university, at a cooperative state classes will help them learn German. age-appropriate, attractive sports and university or at a university of applied You can find more information here: exercise program that gives them the sciences. Geschäftsführender Schulleiter opportunity to learn the joy of move- Tel.: (07171) 38010 ment and sport. Admission into the KiSS A Fachhochschulreife certificate allows E-Mail: schulleitung@rauchbeinschule- is generally possible at any time, as long you to study at any institution of higher gd.schule.bwl.de as spots are available! education apart from universities.

As a rule, adolescents who have already You can find the particular requirements obtained a school certificate in their for each degree, how to apply to uni- home country, but who are not 18 yet Vocational training in versity and the subjects that are offered and want to begin a vocational training on the following website (http://www. course must generally attend a voca- Germany studis-online.de) or on other platforms. tional preparatory class in a vocational Universities and technical colleges A lower secondary school (secondary training school (see Recognition of also offer individual advice to first-year level I) certificate is a minimum require- foreign professional and educational students. ment for vocational training positions qualifications and Vocational training in (see The school system in Germany.) Germany). International offices at higher education The majority of all vocational training institutions are provided for students courses are organised within the State schools and private schools from abroad. Passing a C1 level German German “dual system“. This means that The vast majority of children in Germa- test is an important requirement (see EU those who attend these courses apply ny go to a state school. These schools Framework of Reference for Languages: to companies for on-the-job training. are free of charge. There are also private https://europass.cedefop.europa.eu/en/ The course mainly involves practical schools, which generally charge tuition resources/european-language-levels- work in a company as well as theoretical fees. cefr) elements which are taught in a vocational training school. At the end of the You can find detailed information In Schwäbisch Gmünd, there is a course, apprentices take an exam at the about the school system in Schwäbisch University of Education Chamber of Industry and Commerce Gmünd at: (www.ph-gmuend.de) (See die Industrie- und Handelskam- www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/3943. and a University of Design mer at: www.ihk.de) or the Chamber of php (www.hfg-gmuend.de). Crafts (See die Handwerkskammer at: Tel.: (07171) 603-4010 www.hk.de) depending on their choice E-Mail: [email protected] of career. There is also an array of other sarah-lisa.knoedler@schwaebisch- training courses, particularly in the gmuend.de health sector. Work and career

Work permits Recognition of foreign professional and educational qualifications

EU citizens You have the right to have your profes- Educational qualifications Citizens from EU Member States have sional and educational qualifications The German Central Office for Foreign access to the German labour market. evaluated in order to assess their Education (also known as the ZAB in This is known as the”free movement of equivalence with a comparable German German: www.kmk.org/zab.html) is workers“. This does not apply to citizens qualification, regardless of nationality. in charge of applications for foreign from Croatia, as it is a new EU Member This is known as the Anerkennungsge- qualification assessments which are State. These citizens need an EU work setz in German. necessary in order to gain access to the permit to gain access to the labour German labour market. They can give market until July 2015. They are only al- Regulated and non-regulated professi- you detailed information about the lowed to work after they have received ons in Germany documents you will need to have your this permit. There is a difference between regulated qualifications assessed. Since there is a and unregulated professions in Germa- fee for this process, it is advisable to first EU work permits are given for a period ny. Regulated professions are professi- check whether your institution of higher of one year, unless you are working for a ons that cannot be practised without education in your home country is reco- shorter period of time. The permit beco- a state approval of your professional gnized as an institution of higher educa- mes invalid as soon as your contract of qualifications. These include professions tion in Germany, as this is a requirement employment is terminated. in the health sector (doctors, nurses) as for the assessment of your documents. See Work permits well as professionals in the social and You can do this by consulting the fol- education sector (teachers, educators, lowing website: www.anabin.de (www. Exceptional cases psychologists etc.). kmk.org/zab/zeugnisbewertungen). The free movement of workers also You can find more detailed information applies to citizens from other European at: Particular information for EU citizens countries which have made a special www.anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. If there are any differences between agreement with the EU. This includes your professional qualifications and citizens from Norway, Iceland and Liech- In the case of non-regulated professions the equivalent German qualifications, tenstein. (for example, work in retail), having your you have the possibility to make up for qualifications assessed will help your these differences by completing your Non-EU citizens employer here in Germany to have a degree with any other qualifications Citizens from countries that do not be- better understanding of your professio- or experience that could be taken into long to the European Union (EU) need nal qualifications. account. a residence permit in order to obtain a If you have a non-regulated job, you work permit. The immigration office and can find out which office is in charge Support for the recognition of educa- the employment agency grant these of recognizing your qualifications by tional qualifications: citizens the right to work in Germany. consulting the following website: www. IN VIA Jugendmigrationsdienst You may be granted a work permit after anerkennung-in-deutschland.de. Franziskanergasse 2 the evaluation of the situation and evo- 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd lution of the German labour market in Tel.: (07171) 64955 addition to the assessment of your case. Fax: (07171) 182783 E-Mail: [email protected] www.invia-drs.de Work and career

Help to find a job or an Professional further Entrpreneurs and apprenticeship education in Germany self-employment in Germany

If you’re looking for an apprenticeship Professional continuing and further Self-employed individuals and entrepre- or a job, employment agencies are your education is very important in Germany. neurs are important in Germany. If you most important contact. You can con- For many professions, it is necessary want to work on a self-employed basis, tact them and make an appointment, if to get other qualifications after your you have to be well prepared and have need be. degree. These qualifications can either sufficient funds. be obtained in your company or exter- nally in a further education and training Advice services: Agentur für Arbeit (Arbeitsamt) insitution. You can contact: Dienststelle Schwäbisch Gmünd • Your employer Industrie- und Handelskammer Goethestraße 18 • Employment agencies Ostwürttemberg 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd • Further education and training institu- Tel.: (07171) 1044-0 tions (see: www.schwaebisch-gmuend. Ludwig-Erhard-Straße 1 Fax: (07171) 1044-240 de/4767-Erwachsenenbildung. D-89520 Heidenheim html?id=652l) Tel.: (07321) 324-0 Fax: (07321) 324-169 In Germany, you are expected to have www.ostwuerttemberg.ihk.de a lot of initiative if you’re looking for (Stichwort: Existenzgründung) an apprenticeship or a job. Jobs are advertised in the newspaper and on the Internet. Companies also advertise jobs Kontaktstelle Frau und Beruf and apprenticeships on their website. Ostwürttemberg Keywords are “Jobs“ and “Career“. Carolin Morlock Geschäftsstelle Ostalbkreis Stuttgarter Straße 41 73430 Aalen Tel.: (07361) 503-1761 Fax: (07361) 50358-1761 [email protected]

Caution: If you are a foreign national wishing to work on a self-employed basis, you must know that self-employment is regulated by the Residence Act and regulations on the free movement of workers. You should be fully aware of regulations if you come from a country outside of the EU. Work and career

Working life and rights at work

As a general rule, a full-time job dienst) is then transferred to his/her must notify the agency that you will amounts to 40 hours of work per week. bank account. You can calculate the dif- be unemployed no later than three However, it is legal to work up to 48 ference between your gross salary and months before the end of your contract hours per week. Shift work is very your net salary in detail with a salary of employment. common in many professions and areas, calculator (www.nettolohn.de). such as technical professions and crafts- See Statutory insurance schemes Contact details: manship, or even in healthcare, catering and retail. In some professions, you will Protection against unfair dismissal be required to work at weekends. In Germany, the Protection Against Un- Agentur für Arbeit (Arbeitsamt) fair Dismissal Act applies to companies Dienststelle Schwäbisch Gmünd It is also possible to work part-time. with more than ten employees. Special protection against dismall applies to Goethestraße 18 Contract of employment pregnant women, mothers who are 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Ein Arbeitnehmer schließt mit seinem in employment for up to four months Tel.: (07171) 1044-0 Employers conclude a contract of after the birth of their child, apprentices, Fax: (07171) 1044-240 employment with their employees. Your severely disabled individuals and mem- www.arbeitsagentur.de area of work, working hours, the numbers of the works council. ber of workdays and holiday entitle- ment, your salary, overtime regulations, In principle, the longer you work for If you are unemployed for more than the length of your probationary period, a company, the longer your statutory twelve months, you are entitled to basic the period of notice and what you period of notice is, if your employer unemployment insurance or unem- should do if you are ill are all aspects wishes to terminate your contract of ployment benefits II if needed . These which are regulated in this contract. employment. benefits are called Arbeitslosengeld II or Hartz IV in German. Contracts of employment are either Will my salary continue to be paid if permanent or temporary. I’m ill? Contact details: If you are ill, your employer will pay Social insurance contributions and your full salary for a period of six weeks. tax in Germany After that period, your health insurance Jobcenter Ostalbkreis Employers and employees pay nearly fund will pay 70% of your salary if you Geschäftsstelle Schwäbisch the same amount of social insurance are registered with a statutory health Gmünd contributions. Half of the contribu- insurance scheme. Different rules apply if tions for social insurance are paid by you have private health insurance. In that Bahnhofplatz 1 the employer and the other half is case, you should directly ask your insu- 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd deducted from the employee’s salary. rance company for more information. Tel.: (07171) 1048-0 Social insurance includes pension Fax: (07171) 1048-4190 insurance, unemployment insurance, www.jobcenter.ostalbkreis.de health insurance and a private nursing insurance. Your income is also subject to taxation. The salary mentioned in your Unemployment in Job centres are in charge of advising contract of employment is your gross Germany people who receive unemployment be- salary (Bruttoverdienst). Your employer nefits II and to help them get back onto will take a certain amount from your You must immediately notify the the job market. Job centres also help gross salary which will be paid to the tax employment agency that you are individuals on unemployment benefits authorities. This will cover the costs for unemployed if you have been working II to find an appropriate job. health insurance and pension insurance. as a permanent employee. If you are The employee’s net salary (Nettover- working as a temporary employee, you Mobility and transport

Mobility and transport

Mobility is a very important part of German society. We make a distinction between private transport (if you get around with your own vehicule) and local public transport.

Getting around with your own vehicule

In Germany, you must observe a few im- Vehicle registration in Germany Statutory insurance in Germany portant rules when driving your (own) In Germany, all vehicles must be regis- In Germany, you must have proof of vehicule. tered at your local vehicle registry (KfZ- third party liability coverage for all Zulassungsbehörde). The regional admi- damage or injury to another person, Is my driver’s licence valid in nistration of Ostalbkreis is in charge of car or object if you want to register a Germany? vehicle registry in Schwäbisch Gmünd. car. This insurance coverage is called A valid driver’s license issued by a Mem- You will need a vehicle registration do- KfZ-Haftpflichtversicherung in German. ber State of the European Union (EU) cument. This document is called a Fahr- This insurance covers damage made or the European Economic Area (EEA) is zeugbrief or Zulassungsbescheinigung to another vehicle if the policyhol- one of the basic requirements to drive Teil II in German. You will also need proof der has caused the damage. You are in Germany. Your licence can be used of insurance (see Private insurance). You free to choose whether you decide for six months after your arrival in Ger- will need to pay to register your vehicle to get other insurance policies, such many if it was issued by another country so you should bring some cash with as partially comprehensive insurance and you are residing at a valid address you. Once you’ve registered your vehicle, (Teilkasko) or fully comprehensive insu- in Germany. You can obtain a six-month you will receive a registration document rance (Vollkasko), which also insures any extension to your licence if you can called a Zulassungsbescheinigung Teil I. damage caused to your own vehicle. provide reliable proof that you will stay When driving, you should always have no longer than a year in Germany. In this document with you along with your other cases, you will need to exchange driver’s licence. You must also mount an your driver’s license for a German one official number plate to your car. at the driver’s licence registration office at the local authorities in Schwäbisch Tip: You will need electronic proof of Gmünd. The specific requirements to insurance (known as EVB in German) exchange your license vary depending delivered by an insurance company in on the issuing country. You can contact order to register your vehicle. You should the driver’s licence registration office for also ask what documents you will need more detailed information. to bring from your home country in order to take into account the number of years you’ve been driving without Driver’s licence registration having an accident. This can reduce the office in Schwäbisch Gmünd: amount you will need to pay for your insurance coverage. Oberbettringer Straße 166 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Tel.: (07171) 32-4317 Fax: (07171) 3258-4317 Mobility and transport

Getting around with Getting around by train your own vehicule or bus

Re-registration of vehicle after arrival: By train By bus In Germany, motor vehicles may only be Schwäbisch Gmünd is located on the You can travel by bus to get around in put into operation if they are approved train route between Stuttgart and Schwäbisch Gmünd. Stadtbus Gmünd for traffic on public roads, as stated in Nuremberg. In addition to long-dis- and Fahrbus Ostalb are the two bus § 3 (1) of the Vehicle Registration Ordi- tance trains, there are regional trains companies operating in Schwäbisch nance (FZV). Foreign vehicles are only to Stuttgart and Aalen at least every Gmünd. Both companies are members permitted in road traffic in Germany wit- hour and every 30 minutes during of the OstalbMobil alliance and cover hout a domestic registration for a period rush hour. You can get to Stuttgart in different routes so that the same tickets of up to one year if a regular location is approximately 45 minutes and it takes and prices apply for both companies. not established here (see § 20 FZV). The approximately 30 minutes to get to regular location of a vehicle is determi- Aalen. You can purchase tickets at the ned by its actual use. It is the place from counter in the station (opening hours: You can find all relevant informa- which the vehicle is directly used for pu- Monday to Friday, from 6:30 am to 6:00 tion at: blic road traffic and where it rests after pm, Saturdays from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm, the end of the operation. Therefore, the closed on Sundays and bank holidays), www.ostalbmobil.de users of foreign vehicles with their place ticket machines or on the Internet of residence / centre of vital interests in using the Deutsche Bahn website at www.stadtbus-gmuend.de Germany - as described by you - have www.bahn.de. the obligation to register their vehicles www.fahrbus-ostalb.de in Germany as soon as a regular location in Germany is established. If the vehicle is registered in Germany, the holding of the domestic vehicle is subject to motor vehicle tax.

More information Germany is the only country that does not have a general speed limit on the motorway. The recommended speed limit is 130km/h and you may come across signs that indicate the speed limit in certain areas. The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas. Outside of these areas and on B-roads, the speed limit is 100km/h. If you go over the speed limit and are caught, you will have to pay a fine, which may amount to a lot of money. Penalty points can also be added to your licence, depending on the offence. These penalty points are registered in the central index of traffic offenders. Your driver’s licence can be revoked if you get too many penalty points. Banks and banking in Germany

Banks and banking in Germany

In Germany, many financial transactions There are also different online banks. Loans are made without the use of cash. As If you want to make a large purchase a general rule, wages and salaries as If you already have a bank account in and you do not have sufficient funds to well as rent are paid by bank transfer Germany with one of these banks, you do so, you can apply for a loan from a to a (current) account. This is why you shouldn’t have any problems switching bank. Banks have no obligation to grant should set up a current account at a to another branch office when you are you a loan and they carefully consider bank so that you can withdraw cash here. When setting up a bank account, whether it is worth granting you a loan. from your account at the cashier’s desk try to find out the exact costs and Your bank will charge you fees and in- in the bank or at a cash machine. conditions involved, as these can vary a terest for providing the loan, which are lot from bank to bank. Ask your bank to often very high. It is advisable to weigh You can find the following banks In clarify what documents you will need up the pros and cons of taking out a Schwäbisch Gmünd (in alphabetical to bring in order to open an account. loan, as it may be a burden for you for order): You don’t necessarily need to open a several years. You should also check ca- savings account at the same bank and it refully if the offer is reliable beforehand. Baden-Württembergische Bank BW- is worth comparing interest and invest- You can get more information from the Bank ment conditions. German consumer advice centre (www. Ledergasse 14, 73525 Schwäbisch verbraucherzentrale.de). Gmünd Ask for professional help (e.g. from a debt counsellor) as soon as possible if Commerzbank AG you realise that you can no longer pay Bocksgasse 9, 73525 Schwäbisch off a loan. Gmünd

Deutsche Bank Debt counselling services in Ledergasse 8, 73525 Schwäbisch Schwäbisch Gmünd: Gmünd Bahnhofplatz 1 Kreissparkasse Ostalb 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Katharinenstr. 2, 73525 Schwäbisch Tel.: (07171) 32-4232 Gmünd Fax: (07171) 32-584232

Postbank Vordere Schmiedgasse 22-24, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd

Raiffeisenbank Mutlangen eG Ortsbank Großdeinbach Wetzgauer Str. 3, 73527 Schwäbisch Gmünd-Großdeinbach

Sparda Bank Kornhausstraße 21, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd

Volksbank Schwäbisch Gmünd eG Ledergasse 27, 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Insurance

Statutory insurance schemes in Germany

What is social insurance? The German pension insurance Long-term care insurance in Germany Social insurance in Germany is a statu- scheme Long-term care insurance will help you tory insurance scheme, which offers ef- In principle, employees must be insured if you cannot look after yourself in old fective and financial security. It supports by the statutory pension insurance age or because you have a severe illness you in the event of an accident, illness scheme. The pension insurance scheme and depend on nursing care. In additi- or unemployment. It also provides a ensures that you are financially secure on, long-term care insurance provides pension and care needs. This insurance in your old age. The pension age has financial advice and support to those scheme aims to guarantee everyone gradually been raised to 67. In 2029, who take care of them and their relati- stable living standards, provide support this age limit will apply to all those who ves. If you would like to claim benefits and a pension when people leave em- were born in or after 1964. However, from the long-term care insurance sche- ployment. The social insurance scheme there will also be exceptions: for examp- me, you must submit an application. is mandatory. The employer pays half of le, people who have paid in the pension If you have statutory health insurance, the contributions for the statutory social scheme for a particularly long time. The you are automatically a member of insurance scheme. The other half is paid pension insurance scheme will also the statutory long-term care insurance by the employee and is automatically support you if you are no longer able scheme. However, if you are insured deducted from his/her salary or wages. to work properly, for example, if you are with a private health insurance scheme, There are two exceptions: employees unable to work or you cannot do your you must take out an additional private pay slightly more than employers for job properly because of an illness or a long-term care insurance policy. their health insurance. On the other disability or if you are widowed or an hand, employers pay the full contri- orphan. Accident insurance in Germany bution for their employee’s accident The statutory accident insurance insurance. You are entitled to benefits Health insurance in Germany scheme helps you and your family cope from the different areas of the statutory The statutory health insurance scheme with health and financial problems that social insurance scheme by paying your helps you and your family if you are ill. are the immediate consequence of an contributions. In principle, the amount In addition, it pays for many healthcare accident at work or an occupational that you will have to pay for social costs and rehabilitation measures as illness. Accidents at work also include insurance depends on your income. This well. It also pays for costs linked to accidents on the way to and from work means that a certain percentage of your childbirth. If you cannot work for a or school. income will be deducted. However, if prolonged period of time because you your income is above a specific limit, are ill and therefore do not receive your your contributions for health insurance salary from your employer, the statutory and your pension will not increase. This health insurance scheme pays you is known as the “social security contri- sick pay as compensation. This form of bution ceiling“ or Beitragsbemessungs- compensation is called Krankengeld in grenze in German. German. Payment towards the statutory health insurance scheme is mandatory for employees up to a specific income level (known as the annual earning limit). If you earn more than this limit, you can decide whether you would like to be insured through the statutory health insurance scheme or through a private insurance scheme. Insurance

Statutory insurance Private insurance schemes in Germany schemes in Germany

Unemployment insurance in Germany In addition to the statutory insurance In Germany, if you are unemployed schemes, there are also many private through no fault of your own, you will insurance schemes in Germany. receive support from the government. These include: This is not limited to financial support. You will also have the possibility to Liability insurance consult the listings of vacancies made available to you by the Federal Employ- Home contents insurance ment Agency. If necessary, you can also take part in professional integration pro- Occupational disability insurance grammes (vocational training or further training, for example) and receive an Life insurance allowance if necessary. Vehicle insurance Unemployment benefits (this is mandatory if you have a car or a If you lose your job and you have been motorcycle. See Getting around by car) employed for at least twelve months and subject to compulsory insurance, Legal insurance you can apply for unemployment If you go to court, you have to pay benefits. The Federal Employment court fees and legal fees to pay for a Agency will check if you fulfill the lawyer. Legal insurance covers the costs, necessary conditions. You will receive depending on the range of benefits it unemployment benefits for a maximum provides. Legal aid and/or financial aid period of twelve months. If you are over for judicial proceedings are a special 50, you will receive these benefits for a type of benefits in the field of justice maximum period of 18 months. If you administration. Individuals who cannot are 58, you will receive these benefits afford to pay for court and/or legal fees for a maximum period of 24 months. may receive financial help, if they are See Unemployment in Germany considered eligible after evaluation.

Every type of insurance costs money. You can find more detailed You should carefully consider what information at: you really need before agreeing to an insurance contract. Liability insurance www.arbeitsagentur.de can also be very important. This insurance pays out damages if you or your underage children cause unintentional injury to another person or ruin/damage someone else’s personal property.

You can find more detailed information at:

www.verbraucherschutz.de. Leisure

Things to do in Schwäbisch Gmünd

Do you want to exercise? Or are you Are associations typically German? Schwäbisch Gmünd municipal library interested in playing an instrument with In Germany, many people volunteer in (Stadtbibliothek) other people? Are you more interested associations which they find interesting. With a media collection of approxi- in history, culture and politics? Or would In Schwäbisch Gmünd, there are count- mately 100,000 items, library visitors can you rather like to meet up with other less associations which are dedicated expect a varied and extensive range: citizens? to social or charitable work. You can novels, specialised literature, foreign become a member of an association literature, language courses, magazines No problem! Schwäbisch Gmünd has by paying a member fee in order to and newspapers as well as numerous many different activities to offer. Whe- participate in the association’s activities. films and CDs are available for you to ther you or your children want to be Associations are independently organi- view and borrow. You can search and engaged in unions or volunteer work, sed and funded. Association members do work at our internet stations and at enrol in courses or take part in other elect a president who represents their a workstation with a word processing activities in your free time, you will find interests and concerns outside of the program. an array of things to do in your free time association. This representative also ma- in the following list: nages the work within the association. More information: Spitalhof 1 Sports associations: Volunteer work: a matter of honour 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Stadtverwaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd The idea of volunteering is to work for Tel.: (07171) 603-4466 Amt für Bildung und Sport a few hours every week or every month E-Mail: [email protected] Waisenhausgasse 1-3 for free to help other people. However, www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd people who don’t want to be part of an Hours: Ansprechpartnerin: Corinna Schmiedle association can do things with others Tu to Fr 10:00 to 18:00 Tel.: (07171) 603-4012 or for others if they want to. People vo- Sa 9:30 to 14:00 Fax: (07171) 603-4019 lunteer for children, seniors, animals, the E-Mail: corinna.schmiedle@ environment, urban development and schwaebisch-gmuend.de many other things. Schwäbisch Gmünd The Schwäbisch Gmünd music school www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/5669- is honoured to have an above-average The local music school is an educatio- Sportvereine.html number of citizens who are involved in nal institution provided by the town volunteer work. of Schwäbisch Gmünd. This school Information about other associations: provides qualified musical education Stadtverwaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd Information about volunteer work: right from the start. Young children and Amt für Familie und Soziales Stadtverwaltung Schwäbisch Gmünd seniors alike can find different ways to Spital Amt für Familie und Soziales partipicate in musical activities at the Marktplatz 37 Spital local music school. 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd Marktplatz 37 Ansprechpartnerin: Inge Pfeifer 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd More information: Tel.: (07171) 603-5020 Ansprechpartnerin: Inge Pfeifer Städtische Musikschule, Schwörhaus Fax: (07171) 603-5099 Tel.: (07171) 603-5020 Erika-Künzel-Platz 1 E-Mail: inge.pfeifer@ Fax: (07171) 603-5099 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd schwaebisch-gmuend.de E-Mail: inge.pfeifer@ Tel.: (07171) 39021 www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/5619- schwaebisch-gmuend.de Fax: (07171) 39022 Vereine.html www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/5619- E-Mail: musikschule@schwaebisch- Vereine.html gmuend.de www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/5917- Musikschule.html Leisure

Activities for children and adolescents

Most associations offer special activities The local youth art school at the Volks- and courses for children and adole- hochschule (VHS) scents. You can find out more on the The local youth art school at the VHS associations’ home pages. offers a diverse programme full of creative activities for children, teenagers and The Schwäbisch Gmünd children’s young adults. The school offers painting, music school drawing, arts and crafts, photography Even children from the age of one can and dance courses and classes amongst enjoy the delights of music, movement other activities. This gives participants and language in age-appropriate the possibility to take part in artistic classes. and creative activities. Art teachers and freelance artists teach the courses. They The instrument merry-go-round offers essentially take place in the afternoon, children aged 6 to 10 the possibility to at the weekend and during school learn about a particular musical inst- holidays. The youth art school is open to rument or an entire family of musical all children, teenagers and young adults. instruments in a three-week program- It also particularly takes disadvantaged me. These little budding musicians will children and teenagers into considerati- then have the opportunity to try all the on regardless of background. different instruments themselves for six months. As a result, they learn how You can find more information here: these instruments are played and the Gmünder Volkshochschule VHS way these instruments sound in a very Münsterplatz 15 practical way. Then, they can choose 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd one themselves. www.gmuender-vhs.de www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/768- KinderMusikschule.html Costs: The music school, the youth arts school and associations will charge you member fees, tuition fees or registration fees for their activities.

Families with a low income are entitled to a reduced fee. You can ask for more information at the branch offices of these organisations or have a look at the “General Terms and Conditions – Reduc- tions“ page of their website. Institutions/Contacts

Information services Immigrant Religion organisations/ Foreign associations

Advice for immigrants In addition to the aforementioned The town of Schwäbisch Gmünd, also associations in Schwäbisch Gmünd, known as the town of churches and Canisius counselling centres many foreign citizens come together monasteries, has roots in religion and Family and educational counselling, in cultural and sports associations, self- faith, which go back several centuries. interdisiplinary early educational sup- help groups or religious associations to This open and tolerant tradition can port preserve the traditions and culture of still be felt in everyday life and society Heugenstraße 1 their home country. today. Several religious buildings and 73525 Schwäbisch Gmünd the spiritual mark that has been left on Tel.: (07171)180820 You can gain an overview of these buildings from the Middle Ages until Fax: (07171) 180825 associations and find more contact modern times illustrate the variety of E-Mail: canisius-beratungsstellen@ details at: religious communities in Schwäbisch franzvonassisi.de www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/5622- Gmünd. www.franzvonassisi.de Auslaendische_Vereine.html You can find more information at: Information and support www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/1114- If you are looking for advice or help or Religion.html if you have personal, family or professional problems or questions, you can Protestant church contact one of our information centres. Free churches You can find more detailed information here: Catholic church www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/87-Bera- tung-und-soziale-Hilfe.html Mosques and Muslim houses of prayer and www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/82- Christian Orthodox churches Hilfsdienste.html

Self-help groups Self-help groups and self-help organisations in the German healthcare system are of growing importance. They assist professional healthcare staff and help the ill, those affected and their relatives to cope with illnesses as well as the consequences of these illnesses.

You can find more detailed information here: www.schwaebisch-gmuend.de/85- Selbsthilfegruppen.html