What can you do yourself?

There are a number of things that are important for you to know when you want to work in Germany.

There are 3 relevant checklists:

1. Before you start work make sure: 

• Get to know about the working conditions in Germany:

Learn about you pay

Learn about your working conditions

• Get to know about health insurance in Germany: 

Learn about health insurance
Bring the A1 Form

• Where to get help

Find out who can help you and where you get more information 

2. At the workplace make sure  

• You get a contract. 
• Do not sign anything you do not understand. Ask someone to translate or explain. 
• Do not sign any empty documents, for example contracts or working time records.
• Record your working time and your piecework. 
• Control your payslip on a monthly basis. 
• Make sure that you have health insurance. 

3. If you have problems make sure

• If you have a contract, read it carefully. 
• Check your working time record, and see if your wage is correct.
• Ask your colleagues if they have the same problems, and try to clear with the employer if there is a mistake.
• If you think there is a mistake – contact the us. 

Useful documents for consultation: 

• Your contract is a very important document. 
• Recorded working hours.
• If necessary A1 certificates/health insurance/health notifications.
• Other signed subcontracts, if any, e.g. rental subcontracts, agreements on contractual penalties, etc.
• Very important: exact address of the workplace/place of residence.
• If applicable names of colleagues.

If you do not have a contract you can 

• take photos of your working place.
• write down the address and company name.
• write down the address of your colleagues, they could be important witnesses. 
• if there are problems, claim your demands to your employer and contact your union, council centre.
• write a letter of demand.