Glossary

Plain explanations of the German terms used in the steps.

A

Abmeldung
Cancelling the current address registration when moving out of an address or leaving Germany for good.
Anmeldung
Reporting a new address in Germany to the responsible municipal office (Bürgerbüro/Meldebehörde) after moving there.
Arbeitstagekonto
A record of the number of full or half days that non-EU students may work in a calendar year; going beyond this limit is subject to approval by the responsible authorities.
Aufenthaltstitel / Aufenthaltserlaubnis
The official residence permit that allows people from outside the EU to stay in Germany for a set period and purpose (e.g. studies).
Ausländerbehörde
The local immigration office that handles matters such as residence permits for foreign nationals; in Munich, the Servicestelle für Zuwanderung und Einbürgerung (SZE) within the KVR does this.

B

Bürgerbüro
A local municipal service office for everyday citizen services such as address registration.

F

Fiktionsbescheinigung
A temporary document showing that a person continues to stay in the country legally while their residence permit application is being processed.
Führerschein-Umschreibung
Converting a foreign driving licence into a driving licence that is valid in Germany.

I

Immatrikulation
Official enrolment at a university.

K

Krankenkasse
A statutory (gesetzliche) health insurance provider; a completed insurance registration is usually required before university enrolment.
Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR)
The Munich city department that runs many administrative services, such as address registration, driving licences and immigration matters.

M

Meldebescheinigung
The official confirmation of address registration, showing that the Anmeldung has been completed.

R

Rundfunkbeitrag
The public broadcasting contribution in Germany, paid once per household (regardless of the number of people or devices).

S

SCHUFA
A private credit agency in Germany that rates people's creditworthiness and payment reliability; it is often requested in rental applications.
Sperrkonto
A blocked bank account used to show sufficient funds in a student visa or residence permit application; money can be withdrawn from it in regular monthly amounts.
Steuer-ID (Steuerliche Identifikationsnummer)
A unique 11-digit tax identification number that stays the same for life in Germany; after the Anmeldung, the BZSt sends it automatically by post.
Steuernummer
A separate tax number issued by the Finanzamt (tax office) that can change depending on the situation; it is not the same as the Steuer-ID.

W

Werkstudent
A person who works within certain weekly hour limits while keeping student status; a form of employment that usually comes with an advantage on social insurance contributions.
Wohnungsgeberbestätigung
A document in which the landlord or the person letting the home confirms in writing that the tenant has moved in at that address; it is required for the Anmeldung.
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