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Welcome to Merzig
The city with more possibilities!
The "Integration durch Qualifizierung (IQ)" Network
First Steps in Merzig: Information for Immigrants
Chinese Amharic Bengali
Kurmanci Italian Pashto
Thai Russian 2
Imprint
Published by: Kreisstadt Merzig/Teilprojekt “IQ Merzig“ in IQ Landesnetzwerk Saarland Brauerstraße 5 66663 Merzig
Editing Group 1st Edition: Caroline Gisch, Giusy Grillo, Heike Wagner, Tatjana Wiegant
Editing Group 2nd Edition: Caroline Gisch, Giusy Grillo, Radostina Kikillus, Heike Wagner, Tatjana Wiegant
Adaptation to simple language (1st Edition): Susanne Franz M.A. Text
Adaptation to simple language (2nd Edition): Caroline Gisch
This folder was created with the kind support of the internet platform "MakeitinGermany".
1. Edition, November 2014 2. Edition, December 2016
The "Integration durch Qualifizierung" (Integration through Qualification) program aims to provide assistance. Through this program, migrants should have a better chance at finding work. Throughout Germany there are therefore groups and experts implementing the program. The Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs supports the program together with the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and the Federal Employment Agency.
The IQ program is financed by:
In cooperation with 3
Dear Merziger,
In the past months, many people have come to Merzig. You have also moved to Merzig. I am pleased about this. Welcome!
You received this folder when you registered at the Bürgerbüro. The folder should help you better understand life in this town.
You can also use this folder to file important documents. That way, you'll stay on i top of things and know where to find the documents.
We have compiled some information for you in this folder: • How can I find a job? • Where can I learn German? • Where can I shop? • How can I open a cash account? • Where can I find support for my family? • What happens if I am sick? • How can I find an apartment? • How can I become a German citizen?
You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.merzig.de www.bamf.de www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/wnd/deindex.htm www.make-it-in-germany.com These websites provide important information about living and working in Germany and Merzig.
To know what is going on in Merzig, you can read the newspaper "Neues aus Merzig" (News from Merzig). "Neues aus Merzig" is delivered to your house or apartment every Wednesday. The paper is free.
On the following pages you will also find counselling centers that you can go to in person. You can get information and find answers to your questions there. It is best to take the folder with you to these counselling centers. You can put your documents in the folder.
Some of the information in the folder can also be found in another brochure. This brochure is called Bürgerbroschüre (residents' brochure). You can get the Bürgerbroschüre at the Rathaus (town hall). Ask for the brochure at the town hall's main office.
I wish you a good start in Merzig! Your Mayor Marcus Hoffeld 4
Contents
Right of residence and obligation to register ...... 5
Working in Merzig: Work permit and recognition of your foreign occupational qualification ...... 6
Looking for work ...... 10
Learning German ...... 12
Becoming a German citizen ...... 14
Advice on living in Merzig...... 15
Shopping in Merzig ...... 16
Money: A bank account ...... 18
Family life in Merzig: Childcare, kindergarten, school ...... 19
Leisure: What you can do in your free time in Merzig ...... 21
If you ever get sick ...... 22
The right to vote ...... 23
Getting around in Merzig ...... 24
Insurance ...... 25
Living in Merzig ...... 27
Important telephone numbers ...... 29
5
Right of residence and obligation to register
You have just moved to Merzig and registered at the Bürgerbüro (residents' office). Information on the Bürgerbüro can be found in another brochure. That's the Bürgerbroschüre. Take a look in there on page 8.
It is important to register. All persons living in Germany must be registered. Registration is mandatory. In other words:
If you move to another municipality, you must register with the TIP Einwohnermeldeamt (residents' registration office) within 7 days.
In order to register, you will need the following: • A valid identity card (e.g. identity card or passport). • Your birth certificate. • If you are married, you need your marriage certificate. • If you are a late repatriate, you will need your registration certificate.
You will find the Bürgerbüro: Kreisstadt Merzig, Bürgerbüro Neues Rathaus Brauerstraße 5 66663 Merzig 06861 85 100
You need a residence permit for your stay in Germany. You can obtain this residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde (immigration office).
The following residence permits exist: • visa • residence permit • EU Blue Card • settlement permit • permanent residence permit EU
If you are a citizen of these countries, you do not need a residence permit: • a country belonging to the European Union (EU) • a country belonging to the European Economic Area (EEA) • Switzerland
The address of the Ausländerbehörde is: Landesverwaltungsamt - Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Schlesierallee 17 66822 Lebach 0681 501 00
6
Working in Merzig: Work permit and recognition of your foreign occupational qualification
For citizens of the following countries • European Union (EU) • Iceland • Liechtenstein • Norway • Switzerland
You can apply for work in Germany without a permit. This means that you do not need a visa or residence permit to enter the country and to work.
When entering Germany, you need a valid identity card or a valid passport.
For citizens of other countries
You need a visa if you are not from Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, the Republic of Korea, New Zealand or the USA.
You get this visa in your country of origin. You must apply for a visa before entering Germany. In your country of origin, you must go to a German embassy or consulate general.
Whether you need a visa to enter the country or not, you need a “Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Beschäftigung” (residence permit for employment) to be able to work.
You can get this permit at the following address: Landesverwaltungsamt - Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Schlesierallee 17 66822 Lebach 0681 501 00
TIP Make an appointment and let us advise you in person. 7
You have a degree from a German higher education institution
You have studied at a university in Germany and you have a degree from a German university.
However, you have not yet found a job that matches your degree.
If you would like to apply for work in Germany, you can obtain a residence permit from the Ausländerbehörde. This permit is valid for 18 months. During this time, you may search for a job. Since you need money to live during this time, you may accept any job.
You can get this permit at the following address: Landesverwaltungsamt - Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Schlesierallee 17 66822 Lebach 0681 501 00
EU Blue Card
The EU Blue Card is a residence permit. You can get the EU Blue Card: • If you have a degree from a German university and if you have a job in your profession. • If you have a degree from a foreign university. This degree must be comparable to a German degree. In addition, you must have a job in your learned occupation in Germany.
You can also find information on the Internet. You can take a look here: www.bluecardeu.de
Notes
8
If you have learned an occupation abroad
You learned an occupation abroad. You may work in your occupation in Germany if: • Not enough people are working in this occupation in Germany. You can find out which occupations you can apply for here: www.arbeitsagentur.de • You have a job offer. • Your qualification in your occupation is comparable to a German qualification. You need recognition for that. You must already apply for this recognition in your country of origin.
Training in Germany
If you have not yet learned an occupation and have not studied, you can obtain a residence permit. For this you have to learn an occupation in Germany. If you want to learn an occupation in a company, you need a permit from the Federal Employment Agency. If you want to learn an occupation at a university of cooperative education or at another institution, you do not need a permit from the Federal Employment Agency.
For residents with a refugee background
Whether you are allowed to work in Germany depends on your residence permit.
Persons with a residence permit If you have a residence permit, you can work in Germany.
But: Often the Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency) must issue you with a i permit to work, so ask the Ausländerbehörde for personal advice.
Persons with a tolerance or temporary residence permit If you have a tolerance or a temporary residence permit, you may not simply work in Germany. There are many different regulations as to whether you are allowed to work in Germany.
Therefore: Make an appointment with the Ausländerbehörde and get iadvice in person.
Landesverwaltungsamt – Zentrale Ausländerbehörde Schlesierallee 17 66822 Lebach 0681 501 00
9
Recognition of your vocational qualification or school leaving certificate
All over the world there are many different names for similar occupations. German companies often do not know the name of your foreign vocational qualification. The company will then read the name of your vocational qualification in your application, but it still will not know what you can do.
Therefore: you need a recognition of your occupational qualification TIP and your school-leaving qualification.
You can ask for advice. You can obtain this advice, for example, from the "Servicestelle zur Erschließung ausländischer Qualifikationen" (Service Agency for the Assessment of Foreign Qualifications).
The address is: Servicestelle zur Erschließung ausländischer Qualifikationen SEAQ Saar saar.is saarland.innovation&standort e. V. Franz•Josef•Röder•Straße 9 66119 Saarbrücken 0681 9520 456
You can also find information on the Internet.
You can also take a look here: www.saar•is.de Take a look at "Welcome Center" → "Anerkennung ausl. Abschlüsse“ (Recognition of foreign qualifications)
You can also take a look here: www.anerkennung•in•deutschland.de
www.bq•portal.de 10
Looking for work
If you want to find work, you can look for jobs here:
Newspapers
“Der Wochenspiegel”: This paper is delivered to every home every Wednesday. “Der Wochenspiegel” is free. You can look for vacancies in the Wochenspiegel. You can also look on the Internet:
www.wochenspiegelonline.de Look under "Kleinanzeigen" → "Jobbörse"
"Saarbrücker Zeitung": This newspaper is published daily. Every Saturday you can look for vacancies in the "Saarbrücker Zeitung". The paper costs money. However, you can also look on the Internet:
www.saarbruecker•zeitung.de Look under "Karriere".
Internet
There are many websites where you can find vacancies and apprenticeships. You can have a look here:
www.jobboerse.arbeitsagentur.de
www.planet•beruf.de
You can also get information on other websites, for example: www.ausbildung.net www.stepstone.de www.monster.de 11
Job applications
Once you have found a suitable job, you must apply to the company. An application must have a certain style. An application consists of: • your letter of application • your curriculum vitae • your certificates
To apply, you must write a letter. The letter is also called a letter of application. The letter of application says: • Which job are you applying for. • Why you would like to do this work. • What occupation you have learned or if you have studied. • If you already have experience in your occupation.
In addition to the letter of application, you must write a curriculum vitae. The curriculum vitae says: • What your name is. When and where you were born. Where you live. • Which schools you visited and when you visited them. Where you went to school. • Which occupation you have learned. When and where you learned your occupation. • If you studied. When and where you studied. What degree you have. • If you have worked before. When and where you have worked before. You also need a photo of yourself for the curriculum vitae. Through the curriculum vitae, the company can see what you did at what time.
In addition to your curriculum vitae and letter of application, you will also need your certificates. With your certificates, you prove your qualifications to the company.
You can send your application by post or online. Whether you send your application by post or online depends on the company.
Be sure to check this out before you write your application. You can also do this on the Internet. You can take a look here, for example: www.bewerbungsdschungel.com
On-site consultation: You can get advice in Merzig here: • Migration Advisory Centers. The addresses are on page 15. • Jobcenter Merzig•Wadern • Agentur für Arbeit
You can also find out more about "Working in Germany" on the Internet: www.make•it•in•germany.com → Look under „Jobs“ 12
Learning German
Would you like to learn German? Merzig has various offers available:
Integration courses with and without alphabetization
An integration course consists of: • a language course and • an orientation course In the language course people learn German. In the orientation course people learn things about Germany. The courses are for all newcomers to Germany. A check is done to see if you are allowed or required to participate in the integration course. Participation in the integration course depends on where you come from and how well you already speak German: • If you are a citizen of the European Union (EU): You can take an integration course if you want to learn German or if you want to improve your German. However, you do not have to attend the course. • If you are not from the European Union (EU): You may take an integration course. • If you do not speak German very well yet: You may have to attend an integration course.
The Ausländerbehörde can tell you whether you do or do not have to take an integration course. The address of the Ausländerbehörde is on page 5. i
There are different rules for late repatriates. If you are already a German citizen, then other rules apply. You can find out more here: www.bamf.de Take a look at → "Welcome to Germany" → "Learning German" → "Integration Courses"
On-site advice: In Merzig there are two course providers who offer integration courses: CEB Akademie Volkshochschule im Landkreis Merzig•Wadern e.V. Industriestraße 6/8 • 66663 Merzig Gutenbergstraße 14 • 66663 Merzig 06861 9308 35 06861 829 100
You can participate in an integration course with these course providers. You will also receive various applications there. Applications are important if you want to take a course. 13
Language course "Mama lernt Deutsch" (Mama learns German)
There is the language course "Mama lernt Deutsch". This course is for all mothers and fathers.
On-site advice: Catholic family education centre "Haus der Familie" Merzig e.V. Hochwaldstraße 13 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 6032
Caritasverband Saar•Hochwald e.V. Migrationsdienst • Bahnhofstraße 47 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 9397515
CEB Akademie Industriestraße 8 • 66663 Merzig•Hilbringen • 06861 93080
Language course for young people
The course is for all persons between 12 and 27 years.
On-site advice: Jugendmigrationsdienst (JMD) des Internationalen Bundes (IB) Torstraße 28a • 66663 Merzig • 06861 790889
Learning German on the Internet
You can also learn German on the Internet. You can do this at the Goethe Institute, for example. Some exercises are free, others cost money.
You can look on the Internet: www.goethe.de Have a look under "German Language"
Notes 14
Becoming a German citizen
Would you like to get a German passport? That means you would like to become a citizen.
You can apply for citizenship if • you have been living in Germany for 8 years • you have an unlimited residence permit • you have the Zertifikat Deutsch • you can work and care for your family
To obtain a German passport, you must submit an application. Forms are available at the Einbürgerungsstelle (naturalization office). You can also obtain information at the Einbürgerungsstelle.
Naturalization costs money.
This is the address: Einbürgerungsstelle Landkreis Merzig•Wadern Bahnhofstraße 44 66663 Merzig 06861 80300
On-site advice: You can also seek advice from the migration counselling centers. The addresses are on page 15.
Notes 15
Advice on living in Merzig
Do you have a question or issue? Do you need answers and support for your life in Merzig?
There are counselling centers for immigrants. These are "Migrationsberatungsstellen" (Migration Counselling Centers). You can get support from the migration counselling centers. You can ask your questions there and get help. The consultation there is free of charge and confidential. You can go directly to the migration counselling centers or make an appointment by telephone.
On-site advice: Counselling center for those with migration backgrounds who have just come to Germany. You will get help with your first steps in your new country: Caritasverband Saar•Hochwald e.V. • Torstraße 24 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 912070
Counselling center for people with a migration background who have been living in Germany for more than three years (regional integration support). Here you will find help if you have further questions about your life in Germany. You can get help with, for example: • looking for work • looking for a vocational training position The address is: Caritasverband SaarHochwald e.V. Bahnhofstraße 47 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 9397510
On-site advice: Migrationsberatung für erwachsene Zuwanderer (Migration counselling for adult immigrants - MBE) is counselling for adults only. It offers help in the first years after coming to Germany. It is for persons with a secure residence status. You can get help with, for example: • first Steps in Germany • problems in the Family • dealing with authorities • personal problems The address is: SWSM Sozialwerk Saar Mosel gGmbH Schankstraße 15 • 66663 Merzig • 0151 14945591
On-site advice: The Jugendmigrationsdienst (Youth Migration Service - JMD) offers counselling for immigrants between the ages of 12 and 27. You can get help with, for example: • advice on living in Germany • support during occupational training • support for living in Germany • recognition of Certificates • job orientation • recognition of job qualifications
The address is: Internationaler Bund e.V. • Torstraße 28a • 66663 Merzig • 06861 790889
16
Shopping in Merzig
Shops in Merzig
Merzig has a lot of shops. For example, there are shops for food, clothes, toys, books or newspapers. In almost all shops you can shop from Monday to Saturday. However, the shops have different opening times. Almost all shops in Merzig are closed on Sunday. There are various shops, for example, in the pedestrian zone in Merzig and in the Rieffstraße business park. There are also shops for food from abroad. In the Schankstraße, there is food from Russia and food from Asia. There is food from Turkey in the Trierer Straße. In the Bahnhofstraße, there is food from the Arabian region.
Market in Merzig
You can also buy food at a market. At the market you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, sausage and eggs. The market takes place on different days of the week. The market takes place every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday in front of the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall). The market takes place in the morning. This is the address: Altes Rathaus Poststraße (in the pedestrian zone) 66663 Merzig
Flea market/second-hand store: Buy used things cheaply
You have just arrived in Germany. Now you need a lot of things. There is a flea market for that. Another name for the flea market is jumble sale. At the flea market you can buy used things cheaply. For example, you can buy crockery, clothes or a bicycle. Sometimes there are small pieces of furniture. The market takes place every Thursday in the Markthalle Merzig. This is the address: Markthalle Merzig Brauerstraße 10 66663 Merzig You can read about when a flea market or jumble sale will take place in "Neues aus Merzig". "Neues aus Merzig" is a newspaper that is delivered to homes every Wednesday. The paper is free. 17
You can also buy used clothes, furniture and electrical appliances in shops.
These are the addresses of the shops: Der andere Laden Poststraße 70 • 72 66663 Merzig
CEB Möbelbörse Industriestraße 6 • 8 66663 Merzig•Hilbringen
Sometimes people ring the doorbell, too. They really want to sell you something and talk a lot. Sometimes people tell lies, too. Always think about whether you actually need the things. It is better if you say no and do not i buy anything. Do not sign anything either. A lot of people just want your money.
You can also find out more about shopping on the Internet:
www.make•it•in•germany.com Have a look under "Living in Germany" → "Shopping"
www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/wnd/deindex.htm Take a look at "Living in Germany" → "Shopping".
Notes 18
Money: A bank account
If you want to live in Germany for a longer period of time, you will need an account with a bank or a savings bank. Many things in Germany are not paid for with cash. For example, your salary will be paid into your bank account.
You also do not always pay with cash either. For example, the rent for your apartment will be deducted from your account. The costs for electricity and water will also be deducted from your account.
Therefore, it is important to have an account with a bank. It is best to open an account as soon as possible in your place of residence.
If you want to open an account, you will need: • your valid identity card • your registration confirmation
Notes 19
Family life in Merzig
Childcare, kindergarten and school
Children older than 8 weeks can go into childcare in Germany. The children are looked after in a nursery. The children play and eat there. The nursery costs money.
From the age of 3, children in Germany can go to a kindergarten. The children learn, play and eat there. The kindergarten costs money.
Children from the age of 6 go to school in Germany.
Normally children in nursery, kindergarten and school are only looked after in the morning. But there is also the possibility for children to be looked after in the afternoon. The children can be looked after in after-school care or in a voluntary all-day school. The after- school care and the voluntary all-day school cost money.
The costs for the nursery, the kindergarten, the after-school care and the voluntary all- day school may be covered by the district youth welfare office.
Let the Jugendamt (Youth Welfare Office) advise you on this. If you can't find a place to i take care of your child, you can also seek advice from the Jugendamt.
On-site advice: Kreisjugendamt MerzigWadern • Bahnhofstraße 44 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 80 160
Merziger Familienpass (Family Pass)
The Familienpass is a document that you must apply for. The Familienpass lets you visit, for example, the swimming pool or a museum for less money. You will also receive a subsidy for the nursery and kindergarten.
You will find further information on the following topics from page 23 onwards in the Bürgerbroschüre: • You and your husband or wife work. Who can take care of the small child? • How can you register the child for the nursery? • How can you register the child for the kindergarten? • How can you register the child for school? • Where can you apply for a Familienpass?
You can also find out more on the Internet: www.merzig.de Look under "Leben in Merzig". 20
Money for children and parents
In Germany you get money for your children under the age of 18. The money is called Kindergeld (child benefit). If your child is over the age of 18 and is still in school, is doing an occupational training or is studying, then you will get child benefit until your child is 26 years old. You must always apply for child benefit. You can make an application here: Familienkasse Saarbrücken Hafenstraße 18 • 66111 Saarbrücken • 0800 45 555 30
You can also seek advice from the migration counselling centers. The addresses are on page 15.
If you are parents, you can get money. The money is called Elterngeld (parental allowance). You can get Elterngeld, • if you come from the European Union, or • if you have a residence permit, or • if you have a settlement permit. Elterngeld is paid for the first few months after the birth of your child. You must apply for Elterngeld. You can make an application here: Ministerium für Soziales, Gesundheit, Frauen und Familie Elterngeldstelle • Hochstraße 67 • 66115 Saarbrücken • 0681 501 00
You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.familien•wegweiser.de Look under "Elterngeld"
www.bmfsfj.de Take a look at "Familie" → "Leistungen und Förderung" → "Das Elterngeld"
You can also seek advice from the migration counselling centers. The addresses are on page 15.
You can find out more about "Elterngeld & Kindergeld" on the Internet:
www.familienleben•merzig•wadern.de
www.saarland.de/familie.htm
www.familien•wegweiser.de
21
What you can do in your free time in Merzig
Do you have free time? Would you like to do sports, go to the cinema or go to a concert? Or would you like to see something of the surrounding area? You can find more information in the Bürgerbroschüre starting on page 44.
Notes 22
If you ever get sick
If you are sick, see a doctor or health care professional.
In Germany you do not usually have to pay extra for this, as there is health insurance for it. More information on health insurance can be found on page 25. But you have to be insured, otherwise you will not be treated. The doctor will tell you if you do have to pay money.
There are many doctors and pharmacies in Merzig. There is also a hospital. You can find more information in the Bürgerbroschüre starting on page 40.
You can also find information on the Internet on "Visiting the doctor, sickness and health insurance."
www.make•it•in•germany.com Take a look at "Life" → "Health"
www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/wnd/deindex.htm Take a look at "Living in Germany" → "Health"
Notes
23
The right to vote
Would you like to participate in political life? There are several possibilities, depending on your nationality: • If you are a German citizen, you may participate in elections for Merzig, for the federal state of Saarland, for Germany and for Europe. • If you are a citizen of the European Union and have been living in Germany for at least 3 months, you may participate in elections for Merzig and for Europe.
Zuwanderungs• und Migrationsbeirat (The Immigration and Migration Advisory Board)
Several people work together as a group in the Zuwanderungs• und Migrationsbeirat. The group takes care of people who have recently come to Merzig. The group helps these people to better understand life in Germany. The Zuwanderungs• und Migrationsbeirat also helps Germans to better understand immigrants.
You can become a member of the Zuwanderungs• und Migrationsbeirat. You will have to be appointed by the city council. This vocation is every five years. However, you can also simply participate in the advisory board's meetings. You can then state your issue.
You can obtain information from the Integration Officer: Kommunale Integrationsbeauftragte der Kreisstadt Merzig Brauerstraße 5 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 85380 • [email protected]
You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.merzig.de Take a look at "Rathaus" → "Ortsrecht" → "Satzung über die Bildung eines Zuwanderungs- und Migrationsbeirates " (Statute on the Formation of an Immigration and Migration Advisory Board)
Other advisory boards in Merzig
There are other advisory boards in Merzig: • There is an advisory board for people with disabilities. That is the Behindertenbeirat. • There is an advisory board for old people. They are called seniors. That is the Seniorenbeirat. • There is a safety advisory board in Merzig. That is the Kriminalitätspräventionsbeirat. • There's an advisory board for young people. That is the Jugendbeirat.
You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.merzig.de Look under "Rathaus" → "Stadtpolitik" → "Beiräte"
You can also consult page 16 in the Bürgerbroschüre. 24
How to get around in Merzig
If you do not have your own car, you can travel by bus or train. You can also take a taxi. But a taxi is usually expensive.
Anruf•Linien•Taxi – AliTa
In Merzig there is the AnrufLinienTaxi. It is called AliTa for short. The AliTa is a mixture of taxi and bus. If you wish to travel with the AliTa, you must call 30 minutes in advance. This is the phone number: 06861 8299280 You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.saarpfalzbus.de • Enter "AliTa" in the search field
Bus and train
If you would like to travel by bus or train, you can find out about travel times on the Internet. You can look it up here: www.saarvv.de • Look under "Fahrplan"
You can also check prices if you are travelling by bus or train. There are different types of tickets. Which ticket you buy depends on how often and how far you travel. You can ask the bus driver which ticket you should buy. You can also find information on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.saarvv.de • Have a look at "Tickets"
Bicycle
You can also ride a bicycle. You can buy bicycles in shops or at the flea market. If you ride a bicycle, you must follow a few rules. You can find out about these rules on the Internet. You can have a look here: www.adfc.de • Take a look at "Verkehr & Recht" → "Sicher unterwegs"
Car
You may drive with your driving license in Germany if you are a citizen of: • European Union • Norway • Liechtenstein • Iceland If you come from another country, you may only drive for 6 months with your driving license. The period begins with your registration in Germany. After 6 months you need a German driving license. A driving test may be obligatory for that. That depends on the country you are from. Get personal advice at the Bürgerbüro.
On-site advice: Kreisstadt Merzig, Bürgerbüro (Neues Rathaus) Brauerstraße 5 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 85 100
25
Insurance
Maybe you will have an accident or get sick. Maybe you will break something somewhere by accident. There are insurance policies for such situations so that you do not have to pay for everything yourself.
Insurances that are mandatory
Some insurance policies are mandatory so that everyone is sufficiently insured.
Social security is mandatory. Social security includes: • Health insurance: If you go to a doctor, this insurance pays the doctor. It also pays for your treatment and medication. Only sometimes do you have to pay something yourself in the pharmacy. • Long-term care insurance If you have a serious illness and can no longer work and need care, then this insurance pays something towards your care. • Accident insurance This insurance pays for treatment − if you have an accident at work − if you have an accident on the way to work, or − if your work makes you sick. The insurance pays for the treatment so you can get back to work. • Unemployment insurance If you have worked for at least 1 year in the last 2 years, then this insurance can pay you a replacement wage for a certain period of time. But that depends on how high your wages were at that time. • Pension insurance If you no longer work after a certain age, this insurance pays you a replacement for your salary. However, the replacement of your salary depends on a number of things: − How long you worked in Germany. − What your wages were at that time.
Whether you have social security depends on whether you work or whether only your spouse works.
You have social security − If you have a job and your salary is a certain amount. − If you are not working, but your spouse is working and his or her salary is a certain amount. − If you're doing occupational training.
However, you must decide which insurance company you want be insured with. You will have to sign a contract. This applies to health insurance and long-term care insurance. 26
If you are a student, please check with the International Office. Take a look on the Internet. There you will also find people who can help you: www.unisaarland.de/international/profil/einrichtungen/io.html
You must take out social security if you are self-employed, i.e. if you have a business. You need health insurance and long-term care insurance. You can decide which company you take out insurance with. You can decide whether to take out statutory or private insurance. It is always important to compare so that you do not pay too much money. When you register your business, you will find out who is responsible for you.
That may be: • the Chamber of Crafts and Trades • the Chamber of Commerce and Industry • or other agencies You can find out about necessary insurance there.
Insurance that is voluntary
Private liability insurance If you break something somewhere without intention, then you need insurance so that you do not have to pay for the damage. If you have to pay for the damage yourself, it can be very expensive. In Germany, this insurance is called: Private liability insurance. You can decide where to take out this insurance. It is always important to compare so that you do not pay too much money.
Personal accident insurance You have accident insurance through your work. However, if you have an accident in your free time, you need private accident insurance. If you are seriously injured and are unable to work, the insurance company will pay a replacement for your salary.
You can also obtain information from the migration counselling centers. The addresses are on page 15.
You can also find out about "insurance" on the Internet:
www.make•it•in•germany.com Take a look at "Life" → "Insurance"
www.goethe.de/lrn/prj/wnd/deindex.htm Take a look under "Living in Germany" → "Insurance"
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Living in Merzig
Looking for an apartment or a house If you are looking for an apartment or a house in Merzig, then you can look in: • “Neues aus Merzig”: This paper is delivered to homes every Wednesday. It is free of charge. • “Die Woch”: This paper is delivered to homes every Saturday. It is free of charge. • “Wochenspiegel”: This paper is delivered to homes every Wednesday. It is free of charge. • “Saarbrücker Zeitung”: Every Friday, this newspaper publishes a real estate section. It costs money.
You can also look on the Internet: www.wochenspiegelonline.de Look under "Kleinanzeigen" → "Immobilien"
www.saarbruecker•zeitung.de Look under "Anzeigen" → "Immobilien"
There are also people in Germany who act as apartment brokers. These people are called estate agents. You can get help from a real estate agent. But that costs money.
Electricity and water You get electricity from the Stadtwerke Merzig (Merzig municipal utilities). Stadtwerke Merzig also supply you with drinking water. You must register with the municipal utilities and submit an application for your electricity and water. You will then have to sign a contract. Electricity and water cost money.
You can also find information on the Internet. You can take a look here: www.stadtwerke•merzig.de
You can find more information here: Stadtwerke Merzig GmbH Am Gaswerk 5 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 70 06 100
There are also other companies for electricity and water. You can find out more on the Internet. You can also obtain information from the migration counselling centers. The addresses are on page 15.
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Telephone, Internet and mobile phone There are many companies for a telephone connection. There are also many companies for the Internet and for mobile phones. It always costs money. You always have to apply for a phone, the Internet and a mobile phone. It is important to compare so that you do not pay too much money. You can obtain information from various companies on the Internet. But there are also phone shops in Merzig. You can ask there. If you do not have a German passport, you will need your registration certificate.
Television Television is available in Germany via antenna, cable, satellite or the Internet. Ask the landlord of your apartment how you can receive television. It always costs money.
You have to pay extra for certain programs on television. It does not matter if you watch these programs or not. This costs 17.50 euros per month. In certain cases, you can be exempted from the costs.
You can find out more on the Internet here: www.rundfunkbeitrag.de
Waste disposal The protection of the environment is important. To protect the environment, it is important • to avoid waste/garbage, • to separate waste/refuse and • to dispose of waste/refuse correctly.
Separate waste and dispose of it correctly There are different types of waste. For example, there is plastic, leftovers of food, paper or glass. For each of these varieties there are specific garbage cans: • organic garbage bin • composting facility • blue paper bin • bulky waste • yellow recycling bag • recycling container facilities • grey residual waste bin • recycling center
If you avoid waste and separate it properly, you can save money. You can also find out more on the Internet: www.merzig.de Take a look at "Leben in Merzig" → "Planen, Bauen, Wohnen" → "Entsorgung"
You can get advice in person: Betrieb für örtliche Abfallentsorgung, Abfall• und Wertstoffberatung der Kreisstadt Merzig Brauerstraße 5 • 66663 Merzig • 06861 85453 • [email protected]
iIf you move, you must unregister and reregister.
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Important telephone numbers
Important telephone numbers for emergencies, for the police or for the fire department can be found in:
"Neues aus Merzig”. "Neues aus Merzig" is delivered to your home every Wednesday. The paper is free.
The most important emergency number is 112. You can reach an emergency call center via this emergency number. The people in the emergency call center will ask you important questions. These questions are important so that people can help you.
Other phone numbers:
• Police 110
• Fire department 112
• Medical on-call service: 116 117
• Poison emergency call service 06841 19240
• Helpline for pregnant women in distress 0800 40 40 020
• Children and youth telephone 0800 1 11 03 33