Das Auswärtige Amt

July 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The Auswärtiges Amt is a term that is used to refer to the German Foreign office. It is a term that is often heard in films and news items, the proper name being Außenministerium.

Currently it has offices in both Berlin and Bonn and is responsible for the 145 embassies and 59 consulates in other countries around the world.

In crisis situations such as hostage dramas, the contact to the families in Germany is maintained via this part of the German government.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts Tagged With: , , ,

Das Bauamt

July 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The term Bauamt is the name given to a set of offices in local and area governments which have a wide variety of responsibilities.

One part is responsible for the maintenance of public buildings, but the part that most people will come into contact with is the part for giving planning permision (“Baugenehmigung”) to new buildings or changes to existing ones.

They also make sure that buildings are built to plan – and within the time allowed.

On arrival in Germany you are less likely to come into contact with this office, unless you are building a new house or extending an existing property.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts Tagged With: , , , , ,

Das Finanzamt

July 9, 2008 By Leave a Comment

The Finanzamt is the German tax office.

Normally, you only contact with the Finanzamt will be your annual tax return – the Einkommenssteuererklärung.

However, if you are self-employed then you will come into close contact with it as you are involved in Umsatzsteuer (VAT) for your business and taxes such as Lohnsteuer for your employees.

The Finanzamt also collects Church Tax on behalf of the churches and if you buy a flat or a house in Germany then they will also send you a bill for Grunderwerbssteuer (land purchase tax).

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts, Tax Tagged With: , , ,

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