Quick instructions for the most intimidating situations in your first year in Germany. The golden rule: never panic, and never ignore letters!
A letter from ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice comes to everyone who registers (Anmeldung) at an apartment.
Do not ignore it! Fill out the reply form (Antwortbogen). If you live alone or with family, you must pay 18.36€ per month. If you rent a room (WG) and someone else is already paying, provide their Beitragsnummer on the form.
A letter in a yellow envelope with a handwritten delivery date (Zustellungsurkunde) is an official notification from a court or government agency.
Open it immediately! The date on the envelope starts the countdown for an appeal (usually 14 or 30 days). Keep the yellow envelope itself; it serves as legal proof.
A letter from a law firm (e.g., Frommer Legal) demanding ~900€ for illegally downloading a movie via Torrent.
Never pay immediately and do not sign the enclosed Unterlassungserklärung document! Contact a copyright lawyer (Anwalt für Urheberrecht). They will draft a modified declaration and significantly reduce the fine.
Germany has strict rules for taking sick leave.
Immediately (before the start of your workday) notify your employer (Krankmeldung). Usually, on the 3rd day of illness, you need a doctor's note (Krankschreibung/eAU), but some companies require it from day 1. The doctor sends the eAU directly to your insurance, you just need to ensure your employer can download it.
The card was lost or stolen along with your wallet.
First, report the loss/theft to the police (Polizei) to get a certificate (Verlustanzeige). Take this certificate, your passport, and a new biometric photo to the Ausländerbehörde to order a new card. You will need to pay a fee (about 30-60€).
