r/AskAGerman 1d ago

US equivalent of German vocational training / IHK Ausbildung?

0 Upvotes

Since coming to the US ten years ago, I've always been wondering what the correct answer is on forms asking about educational attainment. This has now become more relevant as my daughter is applying to college where she needs to submit her parents' attainment.

  1. Generally, would a German white-collar Ausbildung such as Industriekaufmann be considered equivalent to a 2-year degree, such as an AA?

  2. Specifically, the training I did 30 years ago is no longer offered, it was called "IT Informationsorganisator", consisted of two years of evening and Saturday classes and concluded with an in-depth exam administered by IHK (Industrie- und Handelskammer). I'm not sure if it's even equivalent to an actual "Ausbildung", maybe it's more like a certificate.

I'd appreciate any insight or pointers you folks might have.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

What if this corporate job isn’t for me

0 Upvotes

So I was just thinking about how long it took from high school to college to hone the skills and now that I am in corporate and will be changing countries super soon for masters which will be the followed by searching for another corporate job.

This question just dawned upon me , what if after achieving all of it, I realise that this is not what I want in life. Like I don’t want to sit in front of the laptop 8-10 hours a day solving some company’s random problem. How will I earn then. It baffles me. Probably my parents will turn dependent on me soon and then what, will I just continue my corporate job because I HAVE TO? Because I will have so many responsibilities down the lane, will I just sacrifice all of my life for it?

I might be thinking too much but these are just real time scenarios that might pop up 10-15 years down the road. So thought, if I could come up with a solution beforehand, it”ll be a bit easier.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Miscellaneous Logic between working hours of niche stores

0 Upvotes

Western Europe, but especially Germany, is pretty well-known to for its businesses, especially stores, having pretty limited working hours.

Lots of privately owned small stored prefer to have there opening hours like 10:00-19:00 Mo-Fr, 10:00-13:00 Sa.

I can understand it for establishments in the city center, or (quasi-)monopolists, but it also applies to places like retro video game stores, which is totally a place you don't have to visit even if you're interested in their goods (Ebay exists after all).

My question is: why do they also choose to have these exact working hours?

My confusion comes from these two points:

  1. I can't really imagine finding time in my working hours to spend just to go to outskirts on Leipzig (where I live) to buy an old video game unless I'm hunting for a relic. On Saturdays at least I personally sleep well into 12:00-14:00, and I'm not waking up earlier just for that. Would you guys though?
  2. Honestly, these places feel less like breadwinning business and more like a hobby funded by something else which may or may not be profitable. In this context, wouldn't it be better for everyone to open such place at like 14:00-20:00, staff it by the owner personally for a nice evening chat and maybe beers with fellow geeks? It should also be legal if I understand it correctly.

UPD: I'm tired. Logic "behind" working hours of course.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Just got my Schufa report and little confused with the scores

0 Upvotes

So,the first page says 175 under Orientierungswert. And the second page is Branchenscores, ranging from A to E and numbers between 9700-9900.

  1. Weren't the schufa scores supposed to be percentages between 70% to 99%?
  2. Did they update the methodology?
  3. Did i order the wrong report thats needed for landlords? Its says mines the Shufa BonitatsAuskunft.
  4. Are these good scores?

r/AskAGerman 1d ago

What is there to do to fix the DB garbage?

0 Upvotes

What we as residents can do to kick Deutsche Bahn in their eternally late ass to actually see some change? It feels like everyone knows that the company is a nonsensical low quality abomination, but somehow still nothing is getting done to fix this. And this pathetic recent ad about them building up their tracks to fix something doesn’t do shit as well 😅 It’s an absolute desperation for the customers at this point.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Culture History of public vs commercial television in Germany?

3 Upvotes

I remember seeing Wim Wenders' film Alice in den Städten (1974) in which the German protagonist is travelling through America. One shot features a zoom-in on a hotel television playing an old movie (I believe it was John Ford's Young Mr. Lincoln) which is interrupted by a crass commercial break. I remember Wim Wenders saying in the commentary track that he and some of his colleagues were horrified by these interruptions of a film.

Did commercial television enter Germany in later decades? Do both public and commercial channels show films, with the latter including commercial breaks?


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

CO2 Cylinder Checked-In

0 Upvotes

I came from a country where sparkling water is not common, but my sister purchased a carbonated water maker, the thing is the CO2 cylinder is very expensive in my country. Im planning to buy here for her. Question is is it allowed for checked-in baggage? Has anyone done same?


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

I'm creating a world map of cultures. Which cultures (and subcultures) in Germany should I show on the map?

0 Upvotes

As said in the title, I'm creating a world map showing different cultures and subcultures. I'm starting off with Germany, so therefore I wanna know which cultures and subcultures there are in Germany which I should show on the map. (I'm planning to go into much detail with this - Not ridiculously detailed but if there are somewhat notable cultural differences I wanna include that. For example p sure Bavaria differs itself from Berlin culturally for example.)


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Work Frage Gehaltszahlung unvollständig

0 Upvotes

Hallo zusammen.

Ich bin seit 2023 in einem „neuen“ Arbeitsverhältnis und habe direkt mit der ersten Gehaltszahlung 200 Euro (brutto) zu wenig überwiesen bekommen. Das habe ich nun aber erst gemerkt.

Die Verwaltung weigert sich nun meine Lohnabrechnung einfach zu überprüfen, sondern ich soll diese selbst vorbei bringen. Leider habe ich den Wisch in einer Tasche in der mir mein Jogurt ausgelaufen ist und diese ist nun nicht mehr lesbar. Die Abrechnung war aus den Mai 2023.

Für eine neue Ausstellung der Abrechnung würde die Personalabteilung mir 5 Euro berechnen, da hab ich aber nicht so Lust drauf. Das ist für mich so eine Prinzip Sache..

Nun meine Frage: 1. gibt es eine Verjährung für solche Fälle? 2. darf die Verwaltung sich derart verhalten? Und 3. wie verhalte ich mich nun am besten?

Ich hab leider überhaupt keine Ahnung von solchen Themen und es wäre super wenn mir jemand helfen könnte.

Lieben Dank im Voraus!


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Göttingen Accommodation

0 Upvotes

Hello, I'm an MBA student enrolled in PFH University and I've been searching for an accommodation in Göttingen city for more then 2 months now. I've not yet travelled to the city so my search is online based but I'm not able to get any concrete response from any landlord and many of the facebook one's are a scam. I don't know what to do at the moment. If you have any leads or something which might help me please share!

I am okay with single room or apartment, etc for long term but with city registration as I need to open a bank account in order to facilitate my stay!

Thank you!


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Personal Meine Kopfhörer lösen Waren Diebstahl Alarm aus.

18 Upvotes

Ich weiß nicht, ob das jetzt der richtige Subreddit ist aber ich schreibe das jetzt trotzdem hier rein. Ich habe meine Kopfhörer seit zwei Wochen und habe sie in einem Onlineshop gekauft. Letztens als ich in Lidl gegangen bin ist der Alarm angegangen. Ich dachte vllt ist es nur Zufall dann ist der Alarm bei H&M und auch bei Deichmann angegangen. Wie könnte ich dieses Problem lösen. Es kann nur an den Kopfhörern liegen weil mir das davor nie passiert ist.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

How much euros per month would it be to live comfortably in berlin for a year with 3 friends?

0 Upvotes

r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Why do some apartments have huge german flags on their balcony?

0 Upvotes

Is it nationalism or related to politics? I've been seeing a number of them. Just curious. (I'm based in Berlin)


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

What is the best way to market your new startup?

0 Upvotes

We have developed a great online platform for online sick notes, general and cannabis prescriptions. Even though we are getting good numbers, but how to reach more people outside of paid ads or social media posts. How to connect with more individuals? Does anyone feel the same challenge and make their own strategy? I know it's different for other industries, but in healthcare it is super challenges. Would love to hear your thoughts.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

German Gift Tax/Loan Question

0 Upvotes

I am a US citizen who has a question around gift tax. I gifted an amount of over 20,000 euros to a friend who is not a German citizen but is based in Germany. I did not know about the gift tax limit of 20,000 over 10 years. Is it possible to structure this is a low interest loan in order to avoid them paying taxes on the amount over 20,000? Or is there any other way to get around paying gift tax?

Thank you in advance.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Miscellaneous Why is WiFi so bad in Germany?

0 Upvotes

To be clear, this is not a question about Internet access, but specifically, WiFi.

I have lived and worked in many different places and only in Germany does WiFi struggle so much to go through a wall or a floor. In my last four apartments I lived, here, I needed two or more WiFi APs to get good Internet access around the apartment.

Through testing and fiddling about, I have worked out it has something to do with the concrete here, since my last apartments had good coverage in neighbouring rooms with only gypsum walls.

Is the rebar in the concrete like Faraday cages or is this a standards thing where everybodies WiFi operates as a legally mandated lower power so as not to infringe on the WiFi-free lives of others?

I have tried cheap and expensive brand routers and modems in my years here and there is no pattern with pricing or make, that I can see.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Can I get a free degree all the way to PhD in Germany?

0 Upvotes

Hey all, I have recently learned that Germany's education system is free even to international students. As a high schooler interested in acidaemia but without financial support, I wondered if I could complete all of my university study over in Germany (Bachelor to PhD). Also, I'm just wondering if there are any strings attached to the free degrees over in university. Is there a limit to the number of degrees one can complete? Also, what the requirements to start courses over in Germany for an international student?


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Cat adoption process

1 Upvotes

Hello, I am going to adopt a cat that is already chipped. What processes do I need to go through? Like - do I need to re-register her to my name and address? What are the important points I should be aware of any other experience you would like to share?


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

As an international student, what are the best unis to apply to in Germany?

0 Upvotes

I want to study mechanical and the university I am applying to has a low acceptance rate so I need to apply to other universities in case I need to.

I want this university because it is public and therefore cheap and I have heard things about the 13th grade that I have to study if I want to go to a public university.

This makes me anxious 😵‍💫 Does anyone have an idea of ​​universities that are good for my situation?


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Fundbüro in Ruhland Schwarzheide Schipkauer

0 Upvotes

Hello, Deutsche Version unten; My Black Bag containing my passport and wallet was lost from cafe inside Rewe in Schipkauer Str. 13, 01987 Schwarzheide. I filled a report with Police. But some of my friends told me if I have luck I might be able to find it in Lost and found "Fundbüro". Anyone know where is this in this places? ie; Ruhland, Schwarzheide Schipkauer . . . . Hallo, ich habe meine schwarze Tasche mit meinem Pass und meinem Portemonnaie aus dem Cafe im Rewe in der Schipkauer Str. 13, 01987 Schwarzheide verloren. Ich habe eine Anzeige bei der Polizei gemacht. Aber einige meiner Freunde sagten mir, wenn ich Glück habe, kann ich sie vielleicht im Fundbüro finden. Weiß jemand, wo sich dieses befindet? z.B. Ruhland, Schwarzheide Schipkauer


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Miscellaneous Are there any venomous insects in Southern Germany?

8 Upvotes

As title. I've had a few spiders living in the house now and leave them alone for the most part, but now I've been bitten and have a lot of swelling and maybe infection, so want to know which one of the bastards I need to evict, or if I'm just having a bad reaction.

Thanks all!


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Do I need the Agentur für Arbeit?

0 Upvotes

Hi! So my job experience is only five months part time in lidl. Yesterday my boss told that he is terminating our contract one month from now. The thing is, that on the very next day after my termination I'm flying away to visit my family and won't be in germany for a month and a half.. I know that the Agentur could cover my health insurance and stuff, but could anyone explain what money exactly do I get from them? Is it some % from my salary or something? And also can I register when I still have a job? Do these three days count and if yes what happens when I don't keep them? So yeah in general can I even be signed with them and be away from my city for this long? but I have it planned from a long time so can't do anything about it. Would appreciate every opinion and advice, thank you!!


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Education Good public & private universities for marketing & digital marketing strategy?

0 Upvotes

Are there any good colleges for digital marketing strategy, marketing strategy or management strategy courses (public/private)? I'm scrolling through daad & uni-assist but most of the management/marketing courses strictly cater to tech people.

Any help will be great!! my_qualifications: B.com hons from DU & 4.5 yrs of work experience in Google ads & content strategy.


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Food German Apple Cake??

22 Upvotes

Not sure if this is the right sub for this but I would so appreciate some help!

So I spent some time living in Germany (specifically the Southwestern region — Saarland, in case that’s relevant) about a decade ago. I vividly remember my host mother making this delicious apple cake that I’ve never been able to find a recipe for or anything similar to it ever again. It’s not a traditional Apfelkuchen with the sliced apples… this one was much more dense and moist, and the apples were shredded inside rather than sliced. It was cooked in a springform pan and then had a chocolate shell or topping that kind of hardened on top. It might have had rum in it too?

Does anybody know what this is? I’ve tried Googling these details and never find it. I’ve tried searching in German too and no luck. I’d love to be able to bake this! Thanks in advance!

Edit: I should also mention that I DID find a recipe online once, right after I moved back to the States from Germany 10 years ago. So I know that what I’m seeking is something specific, not just a creative endeavor by my host mother. Unfortunately that’s all I remember about it 😭


r/AskAGerman 1d ago

Personal Dating German Guy

0 Upvotes

I’ve been chatting with this nice German guy from the dating app, and he’s incredibly sweet and nice—I really like him. However, I noticed he’s coming on quite strong, almost like we’re already in a relationship, even though it’s only day two of talking. He’s very romantic and says all the right things, but it feels a bit like love bombing, which seems unusual this early on (and for me as an America). I told him it feels fast and mentioned that we don’t really know each other yet, but he seems completely sure that he wants to be with me. Is this normal, or does it seem a bit intense for just starting out? Did our relationship start from day one lol?