French Terms and Glossary of German Immigration: Words and Concepts to Know

L'immigration to Germany is a subject that touches on various aspects of German society, including economics, culture and politics. Understanding the jargon associated with immigration can be useful for a successful search for an immigration opportunity in the country. This glossary aims to provide an overview of the most important terms and concepts related to immigration to Germany.

Immigration status in Germany

Visit immigration status in Germany vary considerably, depending on several factors such as the immigrant's country of origin, skill level, type of work and length of stay. Understanding these different categories is essential to navigating the German immigration system effectively. Here is a more detailed list of terms relating to immigration status in Germany.

Aufenthaltstitel (Residence permit)

A residence permit ("Aufenthaltstitel") is a document issued by the German authorities allowing a foreigner to reside in Germany for a defined period. This permit may be subject to various conditions, notably concerning employment and study.

Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Residence permit)

This is a form of residence permit generally issued for a limited period. It can be extended under certain conditions.

Niederlassungserlaubnis (Permanent residence permit)

This status allows a person to stay in Germany for an indefinite period. It offers more freedoms, such as access to any job.

Aufenthaltsverbot (Residence ban)

This is a measure taken against individuals for reasons of public safety or order, preventing them from staying in Germany.

Duldung (Tolerance)

This is a temporary "toleration" status that prevents a person from being deported, but does not confer an official right of residence. People with "Duldung" status have strict restrictions on employment and movement.

Geduldete (Person in Duldung)

The term "Geduldete" refers to a person with Duldung status. These are often individuals awaiting a decision on their asylum application, or who cannot be deported for humanitarian reasons.

EU-Bürger (EU citizen)

European Union citizens have the right to live and work in Germany without needing a residence permit, under the principle of free movement within the EU.

Aussetzung der Abschiebung (Stay of deportation)

This status is often granted for humanitarian or personal reasons, and temporarily suspends a person's expulsion from Germany.

Beschränkte Aufenthaltserlaubnis (Limited residence permit)

This is a residence permit that is limited to a specific region of Germany or to a specific type of job.

Asylberechtigte (Asylum seekers)

These are individuals who have been granted asylum, generally because they have been persecuted in their country of origin.

Abschiebung (Expulsion)

This is the formal process of removing a foreigner from Germany, usually because he or she has no right to stay in the country.

Fiktionsbescheinigung (Fiction certificate)

This is a temporary document that extends a person's legal stay in Germany while their application for a residence permit is being processed.

These are just some of the many terms associated with immigration status in Germany. Each term can have specific legal implications, and it's always a good idea to consult an expert in the field. immigration for personalized advice.

Asylum and Refugees in Germany

L'Germany is one of the main destinations for asylum seekers and refugees in Europe. The country has a long history of welcoming people fleeing persecution, war and violence. The German asylum system is complex and governed by a set of laws, regulations and specific terms. Here is a detailed list of terms related to asylum and refugees in Germany.

Asylbewerber (Asylum seeker)

An "Asylbewerber" is a person who has officially applied for asylum in Germany. The application is examined to determine whether the person qualifies for refugee status.

Asylverfahren (Asylum procedure)

This is the legal process during which the authorities assess a person's asylum claim. It can take several months, and often involves interviews and the provision of supporting documents.

Flüchtling (Refugee)

A "Flüchtling" is a person who has been recognized as a refugee under the 1951 Geneva Convention. They are entitled to international protection and special benefits in Germany.

Anerkennung (Recognition)

This is the term used to describe the fact that a person has been officially recognized as a refugee or beneficiary of another form of protection.

Subsidiär Schutzberechtigte (Subsidiary protection)

This is a status granted to people who do not meet the strict criteria for refugee status, but who nevertheless risk serious harm, such as torture or the death penalty, if they return to their country of origin.

BAMF (Bundesamt für Migration und Flüchtlinge)

The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees is the government agency responsible for asylum processing and immigration management in Germany.

Dublin-Verordnung (Dublin Regulations)

This is a European regulation which determines which EU member state is responsible for examining an asylum application. The principle is that the application must be processed in the first EU country in which the applicant arrives.

Abschiebung (Expulsion)

This term refers to the act of removing a person from German territory, often after an asylum application has been rejected.

Resettlement

This term refers to the resettlement of recognized refugees to a third country where they can enjoy lasting protection. Germany participates in various resettlement programs.

Anker-Zentren (Arrival, decision and repatriation center)

These are centers where asylum seekers are accommodated on arrival in Germany, and where asylum procedures are accelerated.

Quotenflüchtling (Quota refugee)

These are refugees who are admitted to Germany under international agreements or national quotas.

Sicherer Herkunftsstaat (Safe country of origin)

A term used to designate a country where, in principle, there is no persecution, torture or violence. Asylum applications from such countries are generally processed more quickly and are less likely to be accepted.

Each term may have specific legal implications and is subject to legislative and policy changes.

Programs and Courses in Germany

Education in Germany offers a variety of programs and coursescovering a wide range of academic and professional fields. Whether you're an international student looking to further your studies in Germany, or a resident looking to broaden your skills, it's useful to know what terms and options are available. Here is a detailed list of terms and programs often encountered in the German education system.

• Studium (University studies): This generic term covers everything to do with university studies, from bachelor's degrees to doctorates. Universities in Germany offer a wide variety of courses in fields such as science, arts and law.
• Ausbildung (Vocational training)A general term for vocational training that can be provided outside the university environment. It encompasses technical, commercial and craft training.
• Duales Studium (Dual Studies): This program combines academic theory and professional practice, enabling students to work in a company while pursuing their studies.
• Hochschule (University of Applied Sciences)This term covers universities and specialized colleges, where students can pursue studies leading to an academic degree.
• Fernstudium (Distance learning)A type of educational program that allows students to take courses online, often with a degree of flexibility.
• Sommersemester (Summer semester) and Wintersemester (Winter semester)The two academic semesters in Germany. The Sommersemester usually begins in April and ends in September, while the Wintersemester begins in October and ends in March.
• Vorlesung (Lecture)This is a type of course in which the teacher presents the academic material to a large audience of students.
• Übung (Exercises or Workshop)Smaller, interactive sessions that often complement lectures, allowing students to practice and ask questions.
• Prüfung (Examination)A formal test or evaluation that students must pass in order to earn credits or pass a course.
• ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System)Points system used in European universities to evaluate the workload of a course.
• Masterstudiengang (Master's program)Bachelor's degree: An advanced study program that generally follows a Bachelor's degree. It often focuses on research or professional expertise.
• Bachelorthesis/Masterthesis (Bachelor's/Master's thesis)Individual research project required to complete a Bachelor's or Master's program.
• Promotion (Doctorate)The highest level of university study, generally focused on original research and thesis writing.
• ErasmusA student exchange program between European universities, enabling students to spend one or two semesters at a partner university.
• Zulassungsbeschränkung (Numerus Clausus): A limit on the number of students who can be admitted to certain high-demand programs.

Each term and program may have specific requirements and may vary depending on the university or institution.

Visas and Permits in Germany

As one of the most industrialized and developed countries in the European Union, Germany attracts large numbers of people from all over the world for tourism, education and work. However, before being able to enter and stay in the country, it is often necessary to meet certain visa and permit requirements. Here is a detailed list of the terms and types of visas and permits generally required to enter and stay in Germany.

• Schengen-Visum (Schengen Visa)Short-stay visa for travel within the Schengen zone, including Germany, for up to 90 days.
• Nationalvisum (National Visa)Long-stay visa for those planning to stay in Germany for more than 90 days, e.g. to work, study or join a family member.
• Aufenthaltstitel (Residence permit)Official document issued to foreign residents for various reasons, such as study, work or family reunification.
• Arbeitserlaubnis (Work permits)Special authorization for non-EU nationals to work in Germany.
• Studentenvisum (Student Visa)Visa for international students wishing to study full-time in Germany.
• Blau Karte EU (EU credit card)A work and residence permit for non-EU nationals with specific skills, particularly in the fields of science, mathematics, engineering and technology.
• Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung (Certificate of free movement)Document for EU citizens confirming their right to free movement and residence in Germany.
• Anerkennung (Recognition of qualifications)Process by which professional qualifications acquired abroad are recognized in Germany.
• Fiktionsbescheinigung (Certificate of presumption)Temporary document issued when the residence permit is being renewed or processed.
• Niederlassungserlaubnis (Permanent residence permit)Permits foreigners to reside in Germany indefinitely. It can be obtained after a certain number of years of legal and regular residence in the country.
• Aufenthaltsgestattung (Temporary residence permit)Temporary document generally granted to asylum seekers while their case is being examined.
• Anmeldebestätigung (Registration confirmation)Document obtained after completing the compulsory registration process on arrival in a new town or district in Germany.
• Visumverlängerung (Visa extension)The process of extending the duration of a visa, generally carried out by the local immigration authorities.
• Duldung (Tolerance)A temporary document that suspends the deportation of a person in Germany without a valid residence permit.

Each type of visa or permit has its own conditions, restrictions and application procedures.

Families and family reunification in Germany

The notion of family is highly valued in Germany, and the legal system offers several options for family reunification, enabling separated families to reunite. This process can be complex, often involving administrative and legal procedures. Below is a list of key terms and concepts that are particularly relevant to families and family reunification in Germany.

• Familiennachzug (Family reunification)The process by which family members of German residents can join them in Germany.
• Ehegattennachzug (Family reunification for spouses): This type of reunification is specifically for married couples where one of the partners is already resident in Germany.
• Kindernachzug (Family reunification for children)This term refers to the process by which minor children to join their parents in Germany.
• Elternteil (Parent): In the context of immigration, this term is often used to indicate a parent seeking to join a child living in Germany.
• Lebenspartner (Life partner)In some cases, unmarried life partners may also be eligible for family reunification, although the conditions may be stricter.
• Aufenthaltserlaubnis für Familiennachzug (Residence permit for family reunification)The specific residence permit granted to family members coming to Germany for family reunification.
• Einkommensnachweis (Proof of income)Often necessary to prove that the family member already in Germany can support the newcomer.
• Integrationskurs (Integration courses)Some family members may be required to attend an integration course after arriving in Germany.
• Altersnachweis (Proof of age): Often necessary in the case of family reunification involving children, to confirm that they are indeed minors.
• Antrag auf Familiennachzug (Application for family reunification)The official form that must be completed and submitted to the German authorities to initiate the family reunification process.
• A1 Deutschtest (Level A1 German language test)A German proficiency test is often required for family members aged 16 and over who wish to join a parent or spouse in Germany.
• Bestandsschutz (Protection against change of status)In some cases, family members are protected against deportation or change of residence status, especially if the family has been in Germany for a long time.
• Ankerperson (Reference person)The family member who is already resident in Germany and for whom family reunification is requested.
• Aufenthaltsstatus (Residence status)The type of residence permit held by the person already in Germany, which may affect eligibility for family reunification.

Each case of family reunification can be unique, with regulations varying according to various factors, such as nationality, length of stay in Germany, and the type of residence permit held.