Here you'll find a selection of videos and articles that may help refugees to understand better the German way of life. Several topics are depicted and connected to their Christian roots where possible in order to enable a dialogue with the refugees about our country and society. The videos and articles are ready for download, so you can use them for open cafés and other events for refugees.
We‘ll post new topics in the coming weeks, so you're welcome to come back for more.
Welcome
Welcome to Germany and to our website German Guides ("Deutschland-Begleiter"): We've put together some information just for you to help to get acclimated to Germany and to feel truly at home much faster.
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Opportunities opening up in the corona crisis
What opportunities is the corona crisis opening up for you? How can followers of Jesus Christ handle this crisis? And why is much of their response embedded in German culture?
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Social interaction in Germany is generally regulated by law. Nevertheless, there are lots of expectations and unwritten rules people abide to. Some of those you’ll find in this category.
Freedom and rules
Rules and regulations are a part of Germany: People usually abide by them and therefore are well-respected and considered very trustworthy.
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Trust and honesty
The topic of trust is really important. In Europe and in Germany people want to be able to trust each other, even those outside their extended family and/or clan. Therefore it is extremely important always to be honest.
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Social equality and greeting customs
Man and woman are equal before the law. This influences public behaviour as well as greeting customs.
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The family as a pillar of society
Find out more about family life in Germany as the family is the centrepiece of society. The roots of the family can also be found in the Bible, and the family is specially protected by Germany’s laws.
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Punctuality and appointments
Punctuality is a behaviour that will demonstrate that you value and respect your conversation partner, since no one likes to have to wait. This is especially true for appointments with government offices or job interviews.
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Separating rubbish in Germany
What’s special about rubbish? Why waste bins in Germany have coloured lids and what kind of rubbish goes in which bin.
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Saving resources
For people in Germany it’s important to act responsibly towards the environment. That’s why raw materials like water, electricity, heating or food are used as responsibly as possible. Find out how you can use resources sparingly.
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Sport as a leisure activity
Sport is a popular leisure activity in Germany. Find out how playing sport with others can help you make contacts and feel at home in Germany.
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Recognising trauma and seeking help
More people than you think have experienced trauma and need help. Even helpers without professional training can support such people and accompany them on their way to recovery. After all, there are signs of trauma you can see in yourself and others.
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Christian faith
In Germany and other Christian countries there’s freedom of religion. Even though the Christian faith may be practiced differently, some common foundations exist. Here you’ll learn more about those foundations and how the Christian faith has developed.
What you should know about Christian belief
More than half of all Germans feel that they belong to a church, a fact which reveals the notion that the Christian faith is a really important foundation in our society. Therefore we like to give you a brief overview of the Christian faith.
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The Reformation – Martin Luther and the world’s most powerful message
Martin Luther wanted to lead the Church back to its roots and the true Christian faith. Unintentionally, this initiated a Reformation that radically changed and has shaped both Germany and Europe.
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Celebrations and public holidays
Throughout the year there are special days to commemorate certain events. On some of those public holidays the shops stay closed. In this category you’ll learn more about German holidays and their meanings.
Christmas in Germany
Christmas remains very important for Germans, being for some the most important season of the year. Many Germans expect a lot from these annual festivities.
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Easter—a major festival in Germany
Easter is one of the most important festivals in Germany and also a public holiday. Find out more about Good Friday and Easter Sunday, and about the customs, traditions and background to the Easter festivities.
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Ascension Day—Jesus is received back into Heaven
In Germany Ascension Day is a festival with several meanings. Christians commemorate Jesus' ascension into heaven. Others celebrate "Father's Day".
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Pentecost in Germany
In Germany Pentecost is one of the festivities that gives us an additional public holiday. But in contrast to Christmas or Easter there are not many traditions associated with Pentecost. Find out more about Pentecost, its significance and its roots here.
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Public holidays in Germany
Special historically important events are celebrated as public holidays in Germany. Most people don’t have to work on those days and can spend time with their families.
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How families in Germany celebrate special occasions
Everybody is valuable and loved in God’s eyes. That’s why in Germany occasions such as birthdays, baptisms or weddings are celebrated and presents given to the person in question. Find out why these celebrations are so important and how you should respond to an invitation to attend.
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Carnival in Germany
“Helau” or “Alaaf” are some of the strange shouts you’ll hear in Germany during the carnival season. You’ll also see lots of people dressed up in costumes in the carnival regions where this colourful spectacle is an integral part of local cultural traditions.
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State and society
Germany is a democratic country so that every citizen can develop his/her personality and live a good life. Here you’ll learn about its foundations and how integration fits into that.
Integration—a key component of a successful life in Germany
Finding a new home in a strange country and becoming a recognised and appreciated part of society is a big challenge. Here you can find some advice on how to achieve this goal as quickly as possible.
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Education and schooling
Free schooling in Germany enables all children to get a good education and enjoy the same chances of a successful working life.
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