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South Africans in Germany

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General school information

School Information

The German School system is quite unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in a number of ways Types of schools There are different types of schools to choose from in Germany. The main system is Public schooling, but if There are different types of schools to choose from

Take note that Home Schooling is not allowed.

German Vocational training

The German Vocational Training System

An Ausbildung is a form of vocational training or apprenticeship where a student attends school and works simultaneously. The student gains both theoretical and practical knowledge at the same time.The training usually starts in September every year, but can start at other times as well. Types of Vocational training Dual

Interested in doing Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany?
Germany is one of the best providers of Vocational Training.

German Vocational training

Study in Germany

Types of learning institutions Hochschule is the name for higher education. Under this, you can get the following institutions.  Fachhochschule – University of applied sciences.  Technische University – Technical University  University – for academics. They offer doctoral and research programs Hochschule does not mean “Hoërskool” or “Secondary School” Where to

All the information you need to know about finding and enrolling at German Universities.

Recognition of studies

Recognition of studies

Depending on the situation, it might be necessary to have either your Matric/Grade 12 or South African degree or other qualifications and experience formally recognised in Germany. You will typically need this if you want to further your studies in Germany, want to work in a regulated profession or have your

It might be necessary to have your Matric/Grade 12 certificate or SA Degree formally recognised.
You can find all the information on the links provided.

Prep Course for University

“If you want to study in Germany as a non-EU international student, you must first check if your previous qualification is recognized at German universities. Every school-leaving certificate attained in your country must be compared and translated into German qualification terms otherwise it won’t be recognized. There is a limited list of foreign qualifications assessed to be equivalent to German qualifications.

Many foreign students who have no prior information on the German education system, run out of excitement fearing this marks the end of their dream to study in Germany. However, German universities have a solution for you called Studienkolleg.”

GRE Tests

“GRE Subject Tests are an excellent way for you to demonstrate your knowledge in specific subject areas and to help strengthen your graduate school application.
Subject Tests are available in 7 disciplines:
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology.
if you’re majoring in, or have extensive background in one these disciplines, you should consider taking a GRE Subject Test in addition to the GRE revised General Test.” – Prometric

 

The German Education System at a glance

The German Educational System from the Apprenticeship Toolbox

Source: https://www.apprenticeship-toolbox.eu/germany/education-system-and-vet-system-in-germany

Recipes

South African Recipes

Click here to submit your recipe Seasonal recipes Resources on the web Ina Paarman Pinterest – on the Braai Jan Braai Watertand resepte vir oud en

German Cuisine and Recipes

Many will describe German food as hearty, heavy and unrefined. Comfort food comes to mind, as many dishes are based on starch. But I think

Making your own Biltong

Making your own Biltong

There are many recipes and tips on the internet on how to make your own biltong.We want to share some basics here as well as some tips from our FB members You will need the following: Suitable Meat Spices and vinegar Suitable place to hang the meat to dry  Step 1 – Buy suitable meat The best cuts are sirloin or fillet.In Germany you can ask for Silverside( Tafelstück or Tafelspitz) or Topside (Schale) .You

Cooking and baking substitutes

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Meat

German meat cuts are different from those in South Africa. South Africa tends to follow the British way of cutting meat.Below is a explanation of the

Fish

Rewe has a very good page about seafood. Where to buy fish and seafood If  you would like to buy seafood or fish online try

Substitutes and Food Info

Many South African products can be bought online. For those items you cannot find in Germany, most have a substitute. We list our substitute suggestions here,

Substitutes – Drinks

Looking for Milo, Horlicks, Frisco, Ricoffy or Lime Cordial?  We compiled a searchable list of substitutes for some of the popular hot and cold drinks

Substitutes – Other Products

Here is a list of substitutes and translations for general food and kitchen items like cling film, maize meal, custard and biscuits    Related content

Frozen products

Here is a list of suggestions for ready-made pasty (dough) products and some translations. Related content Inspiration

Baking ingredients

For all of the passionate bakers out there! We have thoughtfully compiled a comprehensive list of alternative ingredient options that can be used for baking

Types of Sugars

Here is a list of suggestions for types of sugars, as well as some translations. Related content

You can use the search function to search for ingredients you need to find substitutes for.

One of the things to keep in mind is that the baking powder in Germany is single-acting. The baking powder in South Africa is double acting.

Bran is called die Kleie and can be bought in supermarkets.

Share your recipe with us

Add your Recipe

You can easily add your favourite recipe to our extensive collection, which will be proudly published on our website. Check out the mouth-watering recipes already featured on our page. For each recipe, you can include up to two tantalizing pictures that will make everyone’s taste buds tingle.

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The most important topics for daily life in Germany

Seasons and Events

We took the time to carefully craft individual pages for every single month of the year. On these pages, you will find an abundance of knowledge regarding what is currently in season, the exciting public holidays and festivals to look forward to, as well as valuable information about the weather.

Germany month by month

We created a page for each month so you can find out what food is in season, what public holidays and festivals you can look forward to and

House and Home

If you are looking for a place to rent, have a look at the information on our page relating to Schufa, types of housing and where to look for accommodation.

Housing in Germany

Types of Housing Flat – Wohnung / Apartment. Atlbauwohnung – An old building, that might be protected Dachgeschosswohnung – penthouse but usually with slanted walls Einliegerwohnung – Granny flat Entangewohnung – Apartmentbuilding Loft Maisonette – duplex apartment Penthouse Souterrainwohnung – basement flat Terrassenwohnung – must have

Finding a place to stay

Finding a place to rent is almost like doing a job interview. You have to “advertise” yourself and you will have to go for interviews. The best is to go prepared!  You will need at least the following documents: A Schufa report (credit report), proof

Schools and Studies

Enroll at a University or Hochschule (Technical University). 

Schools and Studies

General school information Take note that Home Schooling is not allowed. German Vocational training Interested in doing Vocational Training (Ausbildung) in Germany?Germany is one of the best providers of Vocational Training. German Vocational training All the information you need to know about finding and enrolling

Finance

Income Tax, pensions, SARS, Social Insurance, Forex and Financial planning

Finance

The most important financial topics for daily life in Germany Income Tax Information about taxes and where to find assistance Pensions How does the German state pensions work, what can you do to supplement your pension Foreign Exchange- ZAR to EUR Foreign exchange rules to buy Euros with South African Rands SARS Income Tax in South Africa SARS Tax Residence in South Africa Social Insurance Health and long-term care insurance Financial planning How to find

Driving

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

Shopping

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

Sport

Also see our Entrepreneurs Corner Forum 

Freelancing in Germany

You can set up your own business in two ways, one is to work as a freelancer or as a self-employed entrepreneur (Gewerbe).  If you want to work as a freelancer in Germany, you will need to apply for a Residence permit for the purpose of freelance employment.

What we love about Germany

We conducted a survey on our Facebook page to inquire about the things that people adore about Germany.

What we love about Germany

We asked members of our Facebook page what they loved about Germany.  Those that made the list were: Feeling Safe Quality of life Easy access to the rest of

Local Town Offices

Once you have established a residence in Germany, it is imperative that you promptly register at your local Bürgeramt. This is a critical step in becoming fully integrated into your new community and ensuring that you are in compliance with all relevant government regulations. Don’t delay – make sure to take care of this important task as soon as possible.

Registering at the Local Town Office

If you plan to stay in Germany for longer than 3 months, you will need to register at your local Bürgeramt (Town office).This is called a Meldepflicht and is compulsory. More about the law

Health

We added some links about medical aid

Legal Matters

Information about the following topics:  German laws and regulations, Police Clearance Certificates, Estate planning, Funerals, Television licenses, Downloading Music and Movies, and Legalising Documents

Legalities

German Laws and Regulations Where to find information about the laws in Germany. How to report a crime and emergency numbers Estate planning Wills and Testaments Television Licenses Paying your television licence,

Useful Apps

Here are some helpful apps that can simplify your everyday life in Germany.

Useful apps

Having the correct information available when you need it is priceless.  Here are some apps that can make your life easier in Germany. Note for most we did not add links to the apps, as it is a lot of work to maintain for all operating systems. Use the search function to search the apps Integration Integreat app – Digital Integration platform Arrive App from the Bundesagentur für Arbeit Residence card Ausweisapp2 – Use it to

Entertainment

Movies, Internet, Mobile and Television

Entertainment

Menu Item The most important topics for daily life in Germany Internet, TV and Mobile Internet and mobile providers. TV Channels Going to the movies What you need to know about going to the movies in Germany

Outdoors

People from 3rd world countries can apply to do volun

Outdoors

Most South Africans love being outside the house. This can sometimes feel like a challenge in Germany, but I have learned very quickly that you need to embrace all kinds of weather conditions.Most Germans will tell you that there is no bad weather, just bad clothes. The best outdoor activity is, of course, braaing with friends, but please be aware of the rules.

Other sources on the web