Chapter 5Family

This material is for foreign citizens who are going to Germany soon or are already there. Here you can find information about living and working in Germany and get answers to the most frequently asked questions. The topics are: Marriage, living with children and multilingualism.

Marriage
To get married in Germany you need to register at the register office in your place of residence. You need some documents to register: your registration card, your ID or passport and your birth certificate. If you have children you also need to bring the children’s documents. You need to have these documents translated into German. They need to be signed and authenticated by a notary to show that the translations are correct. Same-sex couples in Germany are also able to marry, with all rights and obligations of marriage. For example, they may adopt children like heterosexual couples can, if they meet the necessary requirements. More information here plus the PDF download.

Living with children
You should see an obstetrician regularly during pregnancy.  A midwife has similar responsibilities. Many women also attend prenatal classes. They will give you lots of tips here to prepare you for the birth. And you will get to know other pregnant women. After the birth of the child you receive a parental allowance. Before the kids go to school thez can go to a child day-care centre. But zou have to register them early. More information here plus the PDF download.

Multilingualism
More than 21 per cent of people living in Germany come from another culture. Many are multilingual: they speak not only their language of origin but one or more others as well. Many people who come to live in Germany learn German as a foreign or second language. The ability to speak several languages is an important skill in today’s world. For children, good German language skills are essential when they go to a German school. But also the family language or language of origin is important and should be supported. More information here plus the PDF download.