The flagship series · 12 guides

Survival German

The German you need to actually live in Germany — from registering your address to the residence permit, the supermarket, the doctor and getting around. Each guide explains how the process really works, the exact phrases you’ll use, and a dialogue and quiz to practise.

Start here

Work through them in order, or jump straight to whatever you’re facing this week. Every part is written in plain English for newcomers — no prior German required.

PART 1

The Anmeldung: Registering Your Address

Book the appointment, bring the right forms, and walk out officially registered.

Read the guide →PART 2

Opening a Bank Account

Choose the right bank, prove your address, and get your Girocard.

Read the guide →PART 3

Going to the Doctor

Insurance, appointments and referrals — see a doctor without the stress.

Read the guide →PART 4

Renting an Apartment

Kaltmiete vs Warmmiete, deposits, and the documents that win you a flat.

Read the guide →PART 5

At the Ausländerbehörde

Get or extend your residence permit — the process, papers and phrases.

Read the guide →PART 6

Phone & Internet Contract

Prepaid vs Vertrag, contract terms, and getting connected at home.

Read the guide →PART 7

Kita & School

Vouchers, waitlists and catchment schools — enrol your kids the right way.

Read the guide →PART 8

Electricity & Utilities

Meter readings, providers and monthly payments — set up your Strom.

Read the guide →PART 9

The Supermarket & Pfand

The bottle-deposit system, bagging fast, and paying like a local.

Read the guide →PART 10

Post Office & Packages

Missed deliveries, the Packstation, and sending parcels.

Read the guide →PART 11

Small Talk & Social Rules

Sie vs du, quiet hours, Sundays — the unwritten German etiquette.

Read the guide →PART 12

Public Transport & Deutschlandticket

U-Bahn, S-Bahn, tickets and the flat-rate nationwide pass.

Read the guide →

Who this is for

Anyone moving to or living in Germany who has to deal with German offices, forms and everyday situations — expats, international students, new arrivals, and anyone tired of standing at a counter not knowing what to say. We give you the process and the words, so you walk in prepared.

Want to rehearse these situations out loud before the real thing? Book a friendly native tutor on italki and practise until it feels easy.

Practise with a tutor on italki →

Ready to build your own sentences? The German Grammar Essentials workbook makes the grammar simple, with exercises and answers.

Get the workbook — $9