Life situations for citizens

Are you about to become or have you recently become a parent? A new baby brings a few administrative tasks with it: birth certificate, custody declaration and much more. To help you keep track of everything, we have compiled information for expectant and new parents here.

For many people, family is a very important area of their life. Marriage, partnerships and families can have all sorts of constellations. They can include adoptive and foster children, and can be based on LGBT parenting or patchwork family structures. Family structures can also evolve into lone parents with children if a couple separates or a partner dies. Names are changed, certificates are issued – there is a whole lot of bureaucracy involved.

Are you just about to finish school or are you in vocational training? From starting school to completing school, on to vocational training or a university degree, learning for life is the goal, combined with having performance and certificates recognised, to guarantee the best possible job opportunities.

Many hands make light work! There are numerous options here offering advice and help to make sure that you find the right job for you. You will also find answers to questions about topics like self-employment, further education and much more.

Are you looking for a new place to live or have you just moved? Or would you like to build a house? Your own home, whether it is rented or your property, is very important to us as people. This section provides information, contact details and answers to questions relating to the topics of building, buying property, and housing.

Whether it’s our weekly shop, petrol for the car or our wages, we all pay taxes and social insurance contributions. Every euro we pay in tax finances state expenditure, for example on social protection and national security. This section gives you an overview of the most important topics, places to seek advice, and services related to taxes, social insurance contributions and charges.

Papers, please! Germany has an identification requirement. This means that people over 16 must have a national identity card or a passport. There are also many other identity papers, documents and certificates that you can apply for, change or have certified.

Do you want to live and work in Germany? Are you looking for information on topics like asylum and refugee protection? Do you want to study in Germany? You’re looking in the right place. This section provides information and advisory services for people from other countries.

Whether with your own vehicle, bicycle or public transport - mobility is of great importance in our society. We offer you information about vehicles, driver's licences, road traffic or subsidies for certain types of mobility.

Having your say and playing a part – would you like to do something useful and make a valuable contribution to society? There are lots of ways to get involved, with voluntary work and voting just two examples.

People can have very different ideas of what constitutes leisure and a fulfilling private life. Many people enjoy festivals and events, others enjoy spending time with animals, and there are endless other options.

Would you like to go abroad? For how long and where? There are many different options, from short holiday breaks to longer stays abroad to moving to a new country.

What health care options exist and what assistance is available in cases of disability, illness, and need for care?

Who receives social benefits? Am I eligible and, if so, how do I apply? Social benefits include all cash benefits, services and benefits in kind that are granted to private households or individuals by the government, public entities or private companies to cover their needs and reduce social risks.

What are your rights as a consumer? What does consumer protection mean? What options are available when a dispute cannot be resolved privately? Options range from out-of-court proceedings and dispute arbitration to criminal complaints and lawsuits

Whether financially, socially or through an accident, anyone can find themselves in an emergency situation or crisis. Here you will find counselling and services to help you find your way out of crises and emergencies. This section also offers information about disaster response and counselling for victims.

The environment is everything that surrounds human beings and has an effect on us. How can we protect nature as well as plant and animal species, and not least the climate?

Financial security and provision for old age, illness and disability. What services, compensation, support and assistance exist?

When a person dies, their relatives and loved ones face many questions: What support can be expected? Is there a will? What formalities have to be taken care of?