GET REGISTERED Germans take registration very seriously. The law in Düsseldorf entails registering within one week of a move. If renting, the landlord can be required to confirm occupancy. Leaving […]
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FINANCIAL TRAP My employers wished to know which church I belonged to. I enquired what business it was of theirs and why they were asking. To pay tax to either […]
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FORGETFUL RESIDENT Foreign residents are required to ensure they stick to the rules with their papers in good order. Identification should also be carried on their person at all times […]
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LUCKY TRANSLATION It was after work one late afternoon. The weather was marvellous. I was cycling to swim in the outdoor pool in Lörick. Since I lived in Oberkassel, my […]
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GOLF IN RUHR Golf courses can be discovered all across the Ruhr Metropolis for lovers of the sport. Greens generally present the high quality that is to be expected in […]
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ICE SKATING IN RUHR The people of Ruhr, it seems, adore ice skating. Halls and centres have been built over the years across the whole region. The list includes Bochum, […]
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LACROSSE IN RUHR One of the oldest sports in the world, lacrosse was apparently invented by indigenous American Indians. Following its introduction to students, the game gained popularity globally. Three […]
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SKIING IN RUHR The longest indoor ski slope in the world is located in the heart of the Ruhr Metropolis and is open all year round. The Alpincenter in Bottrop […]
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SPORTS CLUBS IN RUHR The level of interest in active sports in Germany is reflected by the number of clubs, Vereine. For expats who wish to enjoy sports and keeping […]
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SWIMMING IN RUHR Hundreds of swimming opportunities are available to expats in the Ruhr Metropolis. Style, age and condition vary greatly as do size and number of pools. Most are […]
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ORGANIC IN RUHR Healthy organic food has a many decades long tradition in Germany in general and specifically in the cities of the Ruhr Metropolis. The term Bio, is short […]
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FOODS IN RUHR The hefty regional kitchen was never designed to please calorie counters. A traditional local diet includes much meat, thick sauces, potatoes and vegetables. However, late spring sees […]
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BEVERAGES IN RUHR Tap water in Germany is perfectly safe to drink. Bottled water is popular as sparkling water, Mineralwasser, which is carbonated and still water, Stilles Wasser, which is […]
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KIOSKS IN NEUSS Kiosks are a longstanding tradition in Germany and are invaluable to local residents at certain times. Tucked into side streets or off main roads, they are able […]
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HOSPITALS IN RUHR Hospitals, Krankenhäuser, in the Ruhr form part of the relatively well-funded, combined public and private German health care setup. This is supported by high taxes from the […]
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FIRE BRIGADE IN RUHR The fire department, Feuerwehr, runs an emergency response service 24/7 across the Ruhr Metropolis. They are responsible for any crisis in domestic properties, industry parks, business districts […]
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AMBULANCE IN RUHR Several organisations respond with ambulances in the Ruhr Metropolis. They are the fire department, Feuerwehr, Arbeiter-Samariter-Bund, German Red Cross, the Johanniter-Unfall-Hilfe and the Malteser Hilfsdienst. The number […]
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POLICE IN RUHR The police department is in the hands the state with an organisational structure that gives responsibility to dozens of regional police authorities, Kreispolizeibehörden. Local police stations, Polizeiwache, […]
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GAS IN RUHR Natural gas is easier on the environment than other fossil fuels, releasing up to fifty percent less emissions. Large players on the gas market in Germany include […]
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ELECTRICITY IN RUHR Renewable energy including solar and wind generation or an atomic opt out is highly complex in Germany. Following deregulation and consumer activity, many suppliers offer electricity but […]
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