German Words Explained

Die Einkommensteuer

January 16, 2008 By Graham 2 Comments

Einkommensteuer is a form of tax that is paid on income in Germany.

One of the main forms is Lohnsteuer which is taken directly out of your wages, but other forms of income such as dividends, rent, interest and some pensions are also taxed in this way.

There is a Freibetrag which is the amount you can earn without paying tax on it. How much this is depends on your tax class.

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 the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Disclaimer: this podcast is a simple explanation for non-native speakers. For tax advice, please contact a Steuerberater.

Filed Under: German Words Explained, Podcasts, Tax Tagged With: einkommenssteuer, income tax

Die Lohnsteuerkarte

January 9, 2008 By Graham Leave a Comment

The Lohnsteuerkarte is an A5 piece of card that you receive when you first register in Germany.

The card contains your name and address, but also your tax class, the number of children you have and your confession.

When you start work, it is important to give it to you employer as soon as possible, so that the tax can be deducted from your wages correctly.

If you leave your job during the year, the card is returned to you with a printout of the tax paid. Otherwise, at the end of each year you receive the printout from your employer to enable you to complete your tax return.

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 the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Disclaimer: this podcast is a simple explanation for non-native speakers. For tax advice, please contact a Steuerberater.

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

Heilige Drei Könige

January 2, 2008 By Graham 3 Comments

Heilige Drei Könige is celebrated on 6th January. In some areas of Germany it is a public holiday.

The day celebrates the arrive of the three wise men from the east in Bethlehem. In the Evangelical Church it is known as Epihanias – similar to the English name of the day in some countries “Epiphany”.

On this day, groups of children known as Sternsinger go from door to door and sing a song or recite a poem or prayer. They then write in chalk above the door C+B+M and the number of the year with three crosses, eg. 20*C+M+B+08. These letters stand for the latin phrase Christus mansionem benedicat, meaning “God protect this house”.

The Sternsinger also collect donations for childrens’ charities.

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