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Argentina
in Service
Discover your path to Germany. Find contact information and services provided by German institutions in Argentina Preparation Courses at Goethe-Institut Whether you're looking for information on language courses, or simply want to know what to expect when moving to a new country? The expert advisors of the Goethe-Institut are here to help.
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Back to Germany
Back to Germany Have you lived abroad and now want to return to Germany? Welcome back! Find out here what employment subject to social security contributions means and what support you may be entitled to if you become unemployed, provided you have worked in Germany before. On this page On this page Social security Health and disability care insurance Pension insurance Unemployment and unemployment benefits If you are a skilled professional returning to Germany after a longer stay abroad, your prospects of getting a foot back on the ladder are excellent. If you have been seconded to a post abroad, your company will probably refer you to a relocation agency that will give you all the information you need and take care of the most important work. However, if you are planning your return by yourself, there are a few points to consider. Our " Jobs " section has answers to many important questions around issues such as applying for a new job in Germany, social security and the German tax system. For information on family reunification , schools, kindergarten or flat hunting, please consult our " Living in Germany " section and our " Study & vocational training " section. You can obtain advice on open questions or placement support in the run-up to your return and an individual returnee information package from the Federal Employment Agency (BA) here (External link) . Social security If your job in Germany is subject to social security contributions, your employer is required to
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Driving licence and mobility
Driving licence and mobility Did you obtain your driving licence outside Germany? Find out here whether and how you can use it in Germany, as well as how to get around safely by bus and train, bicycle, or e-scooter. On this page On this page Driving a car: Is my driving licence valid in Germany? What else should I be aware of when driving in Germany? How do I use car-sharing and lift-sharing platforms? Reach your destination by bus and train Getting around by bike and e-scooter Driving a car: Is my driving licence valid in Germany? If you hold a driving licence issued in your home country, different rules apply in Germany depending on the country where you originally obtained your driving licence. Driving licences issued in the EU, Liechtenstein, Norway and Iceland: Your driving licence is valid without restrictions. You do not need to have anything amended or exchanged. Driving licences issued in another country: You can use your driving licence to drive in Germany for six months (from the time you register your place of residence in Germany). An official German translation of your driving licence is also required for almost all countries of origin. After this six-month period, you will then need a German driving licence. Whether you will need to take another driving test in Germany to obtain a German driving licence depends on the country in which you obtained your driving licence. Your local Driving Licence Authority (Fahrerlaubnisbehörde) or Driving Licence Office (
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Do I need to know German?
Do I need to know German? Your everday life in Germany will be easier once you learn German. Find out here why German language skills are important. On this page: On this page: German language skills for certain professions German for students and trainees German language skills as a visa requirement Language skills to receive the Opportunity Card German for spouses How is German language proficiency measured? Learning German is one of the most important steps you can take to prepare for life in Germany. It will help you settle in more quickly and make it easier for you to find new friends. For some purposes, such as work or study, it may even be necessary for you to demonstrate a certain level of German. Proof of a particular level of German is also often required when applying for a visa : German language skills for certain professions Healthcare professions: If you plan to work in the health sector in Germany, e.g. as a nurse or doctor , knowledge of the German language is essential. Level B1 or B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is required, depending on the federal state in which you wish to work. Regulated professions: You will need to obtain recognition in order to practise a regulated profession in Germany, such as teaching or law. These and many other regulated professions also require a knowledge of German. Further information on the recognition procedure and language certificates can be found on the " Anerkennung in Deutschland (
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Child care
Child care Every child is entitled to childcare in order to receive individual support. Find out here what types of childcare exist. Early support for children in child daycare facilities is an important contribution to equal opportunities. Children can build relationships with their peers and benefit from age-appropriate educational programmes. Early childhood educators support and accompany them in this process. Through a variety of offers, activities and different pedagogical approaches, they promote the social, emotional, physical and intellectual development of the child in a comprehensive and individual way. Alongside the individual support for children provided by childcare services, they are often the most important factor in enabling parents to return to or enter the labour market. There are many factors that determine where and at what age your child receives childcare. We have listed the different childcare options here: Day nursery: a place for your children The word Kindertagesstätte (or Kita for short) is an umbrella term for different types of childcare. In a nursery (Kita), your children will be looked after and cared for by early childhood educators for all or part of the day. Since there is a wide variety of pedagogical approaches, the concepts often differ from one nursery to another. Children aged zero to three are often looked after in crèches (Kinderkrippe). There are also nurseries with groups of different ages. You can visit any nursery in person
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Integration courses
Integration courses In Germany, integration courses are official language courses and orientation courses. They are a great option for learning more about the German society. On this page On this page What is an integration course? Who can participate in an integration course? How to find an integration course Special services for families and women What is an integration course? Integration courses cover everyday topics such as work and professions, shopping, television or childhood education. Participants also learn how to deal with administrative offices, how to write emails or letters and how to carry oneself properly in job interviews. You will learn about culture, politics and living together in Germany, as well as the values German society is based on. The orientation course usually consists of 100 lessons, while the language course entails 600 lessons. Special courses are offered for women, parents or adolescents and adults up to the age of 26, among others. At the end of each course, all participants take a final examination free of charge. Who can participate in an integration course? The integration courses are intended for anyone who is new to Germany and whose German language skills are not yet adequate enough for dealing with the demands of everyday life. Whether you are free to attend a course or if the course is mandatory for you depends on your country of origin and your level of fluency in German. Here is where we have compiled the most important regulations
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Contact us
in Service
Contact us Do you have any questions concerning work and life in Germany? Feel free to ask our experts via email or our phone hotline. Email Chat Hotline
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Politics, democracy, freedom
Politics, democracy, freedom You are moving to Germany and would like to know more about the country’s political system? This page provides you with an overview of the topic. Key facts at a glance Population 83.6 million Form of government Parliamentary democracy Capital Berlin Currency 1 euro (EUR) = 100 cents Safe and secure Since its founding, the Federal Republic of Germany has been a very politically stable country. The division of state authority prevents the abuse of power and legal security. This means, that the laws and the independent jurisdiction are reliable. Germany is one of the safest countries in the world. It is ranked 20 th out of 163 countries in the Global Peace Index (External link) of 2025, and in the Corruption Perceptions Index (External link) of 2024 Germany is one of the fifteen countries most resistant to corruption. To preserve domestic peace and stability, the federal government invests a lot in security research. In case of emergency, there is a network of security authorities and rescue services ensuring the population’s safety and providing emergency services on a high technological and organisational level. Democracy Since the German nation state was founded in 1871, Germany has had a long history. There were many challenges, including the world wars and the dictatorship of the national socialists. The Federal Republic of Germany was founded in 1949, and it learned its lessons from its history. The 76-year-old Basic Law and a stable democracy
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Learning German
Learning German The German language is an important key to successfully settle down and to feel comfortable in Germany. We will show you what options you have to learn German – either in Germany or in your home country. Do I need to know German? Language classes Integration courses
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Settling
Settling Here you can find information about everyday life in Germany. The section provides information on leisure activities, integration and settling in Germany. Leisure Find out how you can make a new life for yourself in Germany and get used to living and working here. Useful everyday knowledge What are the post office opening hours? How does waste sorting work? These FAQs tell you everything you need to know about everyday life in Germany.
Do you have any questions?
Receive advice on your opportunities to work and live in Germany. Expert support is offered for questions regarding job search, visas, recognition of qualifications and learning German.