Newcomers Guide 2023

WELCOME

TO HESSEN,

Welcome to Hessen, dear Newcomers. Many things may still seem strange and unfamiliar to you, but I am sure that you will soon feel comfortable and at home in our beautiful state in the heart of Germany and Europe. With its comprehensive information and many helpful tips, the present Newcomers Guide will surely contribute significantly to helping you. And I am certain that the Hessian people will make every effort to facilitate your arrival, because internationalism and cosmopolitanism are not only lived day by day in our state, they are a firm element of our Hessian identity.

Our state is one of the strongest economic regions in Europe. In Frankfurt, the largest city in Hessen, this is particularly noticeable. Here is one of the most significant financial centers on the continent, characterized by numerous international players in the financial sector, such as banks, insurances and investment companies, the Deutsche Börse, the European Central Bank or the Deutsche Bundesbank. Frankfurt is both nationally and internationally a major traffic hub, an attractive convention and trade center, a leading service and industrial location and a significant location for science and culture. All this makes the city and the RhineMain region so exciting and beyond that ensures an outstanding quality of life.

I wish you much pleasure in discovering the great diversity that our state has to offer and a successful and rewarding time in Hessen.

Boris Rhein Minister President of Hessen

Newcomers Guide digital

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FRANKFURT

The heart of the Rhine-Main region, the very center of Germany, financial titan, transportation hub. This modern, multicultural metropolis can look back on a long and eventful history.

FRANKFURT IN NUMBERS

TRAFFIC

About 81,000 people are employed at Frankfurt airport. It is the biggest employer in Germany – and in terms of population Frankfurt’s smallest residential district.

ZOO

In the pandemic year 2020, the zoo still attracted 376,563 visitors – compared to 824,691 the prior year.

SOCCER

In the 2022/23 season, the Eintracht Frankfurt football team has 31 players from 16 different countries – that’s multi-cultural!

HISTORY

Between 1562 and 1792, ten Emperors were crowned at the coronation altar in the Imperial cathedral.

SKYLINE

18 out of the 20 highest skyscrapers in Germany are situated in Frankfurt.

FESTIVALS

The Museumsuferfest is amongst the biggest festivals in Europe. Every day, an average of about 600,000 visitors come: only about 390,000 visitors come to the Oktoberfest in Munich.

SHOPPING

The Zeil, Frankfurt’s pedestrian shopping street, is one of the five most frequented shopping streets in Germany.

TRANSPORT

Frankfurt’s central station was opened on 8/18/1888. The first train left the station at 4.47 a.m.

SPORTS

The J.P. Morgan Corporate Challenge Run in Frankfurt, with approximately 70,000 runners, has the largest numbers of participants in the world.

FINANCIAL CENTER

65,500 bank employees work at 256 banks and financial institutions in Frankfurt.

WIESBADEN

The capital of the State of Hessen and a long-standing spa town. Located between the Rhine River and the Taunus hills. Countless old townhouses and villas, not to mention expansive parks and glorious boulevards.

WIESBADEN & RHEINGAU IN NUMBERS

FUNICULAR RAILWAY

The last mountain railway of its kind in Germany is the Nerobergbahn in Wiesbaden, which was inaugurated in 1888; it is driven by waterpower.

SPORTS

The world’s biathlon elite gather every year in August for a shooting competition in front of the Wiesbaden Kurhaus before racing through the city center on rollerskis.

BUILDINGS

Probably the oldest stone house in Germany stands in the Rheingau village of Oestrich-Winkel. The “Graues Haus”, is thought to have been built around 1075.

FESTIVAL

The Rheingau Music Festival takes place at extraordinary settings: Since 1987, international stars and talented young classical musicians have given almost 200 concerts each season at more than 20 venues.

WINE

Schloss Johannisberg was the world’s first Riesling vineyard. Wine has been made here since 1200, and Riesling since 1720.

UNIVERSITY

The 1,300 students at Hochschule Geisenheim University study almost exclusively the fields of viticulture, oenology, and the wine industry.

TOURIST MAGNET

The Rüdesheimer Drosselgasse is just two meters wide, but it’s visited by around 3 million people each year, who come for the wine merchants or souvenirs.

FILM SET

When the movie “The Name of the Rose” was filmed at Kloster Eberbach monastery, Sean Connery was served wine from the year of his birth in 1935. He didn’t finish it – it was “too sour” – and chose to drink whisky instead.

DARMSTADT

Located in southern Hessen, the city is a scientific hub with its University of Technology, a further three higher education establishments and over 30 scientific institutes. It is also well known as center of Jugendstil architecture (Mathildenhöhe).

DARMSTADT & ODENWALD IN NUMBERS

ART NOUVEAU

The newly listed Art Nouveau World Heritage Site can also be combined with swimming: Darmstadt’s Art Nouveau-style public baths were built in 1907–9 with two indoor swimming pools.

RESEARCH

Darmstadt is the only city in Germany and one of only seven worldwide after which a chemical element is named: It’s the 110th element, “Darmstadtium” (Ds.).

LIVING

It was in Darmstadt that Friedensreich Hundertwasser created the Waldspirale, or “forest spiral”, with precisely the same number of trees as residents in the 105 apartments.

HOLIDAYS

Germany’s biggest Halloween festival takes place every year at Frankenstein Castle, the most northerly of a series of forts on the edge of the Odenwald.

CRAFT

The statue of Count Franz I zu Erbach-Erbach fell miraculously from its plinth in 2005 and broke. The Count once brought ivory to Erbach, exhibited at the German Ivory Museum.

TOWN HALL

Two halved “8s” in Gothic characters reveal the year of construction of Michelstadt’s town hall. The building was constructed by unknown master builders in 1484.

WORLD HERITAGE

The Messel Pit has revealed tens of thousands of fossils from the Eocene period, while around 3,000 new finds emerge every year from the volcanic lake.

LEISURE

Speeds of up to 40 kilometers an hour can be reached on the summer toboggan run on Kreidacher Höhe, offering a 1,000meter-long descent.

BAD HOMBURG

The mountains offer many a marvellous view and are sprinkled with beautiful towns such as Bad Homburg (old Spa), Kronberg (the Opel Zoo) and Königstein (castle).

BAD HOMBURG & TAUNUS IN NUMBERS CASTLE

Victoria Empress Frederick, Queen of Prussia and daughter of Britain’s Queen Victoria, settled in Friedrichshof Palace. Now Schlosshotel Kronberg, it boasts an impressive park with a valuable collection of trees.

SPORTS

Bad Homburg is the cradle of golf in Germany. The first German golf club was created here between 1889 and 1891.

HISTORY

The Saalburg is the world’s only Roman fort to be comprehensively reconstructed. Kaiser Wilhelm II had the idea back in 1897.

FELDBERG

The legendary Feldberg races took place in the Taunus between 1904 and 1954. They lured hundreds of thousands of automobile and motorcycle fans to the steep, winding roads.

OPEN-AIR MUSEUM

Four-hundred years in just a few hours – it’s a journey you can take at the Hessenpark with more than 100 original buildings from the 17th century to the 1980s.

NATURE

The Taunus Nature Park is Germany’s only nature park connected to a city center (Frankfurt) via a subway line.

ZOO

From a humble start with just three elephants in 1955, the Opel Zoo has gone on to house around 1,600 animals and 220 species.

SPRINGS

There were once more than twenty mineral and medicinal springs bubbling up in the town of Bad Vilbel.

PARK

The Main-Taunus “Arboretum” offers different forest formations from Central Europe, Asia Minor, Japan, the Himalayas, China and North America.

THE REGION IS

THE CITY

W here to live in F rank F urt r hine - m ain

“The Frankfurt Rhine-Main region is one of the most powerful economic regions in Germany and, indeed, in the whole of Europe. Located in the centre of Germany and in the heart of Europe, Frankfurt Rhine-Main is not just Frankfurt, and there is much more to the region than finance and trade fairs. The region is diverse and is made up of numerous towns and municipalities which come together to form the Metropolitan Region Frankfurt Rhine-Main with around 5.8 million inhabitants. Many successful international companies have a base here, particularly in the automotive sector in Eschborn and the pharmaceutical sector in Höchst and Darmstadt. There are also some very successful local companies who are global leaders in their field,

particularly in Hanau, the Main-Kinzig-Kreis and the Wetterau-Kreis. Creative industries are housed in Mainz and Offenbach, Darmstadt is home to the European Space Operations Centre and Frankfurt airport is one of the busiest hubs in the world.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is also very international and offers a very high standard of living. The world is at home in our region, and the region is very cosmopolitan with its many international clubs and communities. People from 180 different nations live here, either in the large cities, or in towns in the countryside, and this is one of the unique features of the region. Wherever you are, you have the best of both worlds and everything is within easy reach, whatever your mode of transport.

Cosmopolitan and diverse – the towns and cities in Frankfurt Rhine-Main have masses to offer – be it arts or architecture, history or hospitality, parks or playgrounds. Much awaits for you to discover.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is very green. Surrounded by the hills of the Taunus and Vogelsberg to the North, and Odenwald and Spessart to the South, the region has a lot to offer with its interesting hiking and bicycle trails, its beautiful lakes and, of course, the Main river which flows through some of the main cities and towns in the region.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is rich in history. A few relics from the Romans can be found in Frankfurt, Mainz and Saalburg, and even the Celts left their mark in Glauburg and the Taunus. Quite a few towns in the region feature half-timbered houses dating back to the 14th century, while the centre of Wiesbaden has retained its charm as an old spa town, along with various other spa towns dotted around the region. The Frankfurt skyline, ‘Mainhattan’, can be seen from many towns and viewing points in the surrounding areas. In the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, old and new stand side by side. The region has managed to retain its historic character while looking towards the future. It has many renowned universities and research institutes, and Frankfurt am Main is home to the world’s largest internet exchange point.

In the summer, Frankfurt Rhine-Main is buzzing with music festivals and wine fests throughout the region, including the Rheingauer Festspiele, the Museumsuferfest along the Main in Frankfurt, the Hochheimer Weinfest and the Jazz Festival in Idstein.

Whatever you are looking for, you can find it in the region, and that is what makes Frankfurt Rhine-Main so special. Frank-

furt is enriched by the numerous opportunities that the other cities, towns and municipalities in the region have to offer. However, there is one thing that they all have in common –Apfelwein – the traditional regional drink made from apples, which dates back to the Middle Ages. It is still one of the most

popular drinks in the region, and is also one of the first specialities that newcomers to the region discover. Whether you are in the Odenwald, in Offenbach or Frankfurt-Sachsenhausen, in the Taunus, the Wetterau or Wiesbaden, make sure you try this very unique regional speciality!”

Text:

Rouven Kötter

(Deputy Director, Frankfurt Rhine-Main Regional Authority)

“In a city like Frankfurt one finds oneself in a strange situation, strangers crossing each other point to all corners of the world and awaken the desire to travel.”

JOHANN WOLFGANG VON GOETHE, POETRY AND TRUTH IV, 18

FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN IS NOT JUST FRANKFURT

The Frankfurt Rhine-Main region boasts over 460 towns and cities, and a population of 5.8 million. Each of the towns has its own history and cultural heritage – together they create a vibrant and highly diverse region.

The Frankfurt Rhine-Main region is decidedly cosmopolitan in outlook, but also remains rooted in its heritage and history. Frankfurt is an urban metropolis but there are many forests and hills in the surrounding region. The towns, cities and villages in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region are each

unique in their cultural offerings, schools and universities, sports, shopping and architecture. Taken as a whole, the region offers a perfect balance of work and leisure, making it simply a great place to live.

Nestled between the major cities are hundreds of municipalities, each of which is extremely proud of its own local history. Down through the centuries, the region has evolved into a colorful and vibrant mosaic with something for everyone.

FRANKFURT

For newcomers to the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region it is becoming increasingly popular to live in Frankfurt. If you value convenience, a short distance to the office, and great bistros and restaurants around the corner, then Frankfurt is the right choice. The most popular residential areas are Westend, the Diplomatenviertel, the Holzhausenviertel, parts of Sachsenhausen and the Dichterviertel. There are, however, other areas that are equally worth considering, such as Nordend, Bornheim and Bockenheim. These areas are less expensive but are just as unique in character. If you consider moving to Frankfurt, you will likely have to opt for an apartment rather than a house.

Frankfurt, the largest city in the region, is a melting pot of cultures, languages and lifestyles. The imposing skyline strikes newcomers first. Frankfurt’s high-rise buildings conjure up images of Manhattan, leading locals to sometimes refer to the city as “Mainhattan”. The modern skyline is made up of several high-rise buildings that are more than 200 meters high, including one of Europe’s tallest skyscrapers, the 259-meter Commerzbank Tower. Despite the city’s impressive glass facades, the major international airport and bustling main railway station, Frankfurt’s population of 759,000 makes it one of Europe’s most manageable metropolitan cities.

FRANKFURT SPECIALSKYSCRAPERS

Frankfurt is Germany’s most cosmopolitan city, with foreigners making up more than one-quarter of the population; the city is open-minded, tolerant and diverse. Meaning Frankfurt is somewhere where newcomers can settle in quickly and feel at home. After all, people from around 180 different countries live together here. It’s also flourishing as Germany’s number one city for international professionals – with 144 foreign banks, 127 international airlines, 85 consulates, and 59 foreign chambers of commerce or trade missions

Bring Hessen home

Original Souvenirs · Regional

Specialities

We are your supplier for traditional pottery

“Made in Germany”, apple wine and regional specialities. From it’s beginnings in 1989 as a garage shop, Bembeltown has developed its portfolio of handcrafted pottery, regional products and specialities from local farmers and distillers. We are also a proud partner of “Wetterauer Landgenuss”, the premium label for regional products from the Wetterau. Today Bembeltown is located in Frankfurt and Friedberg. We customize our handmade pottery for your company or events. Besides pottery, we have a large selection of apple wine and regional specialities. We create your individual gifts from Frankfurt.

Oktoberfest in Frankfurt

You don’t have your dirndl or lederhosen yet? Bembeltown also has a wide selection of Oktoberfest dirndls and lederhosen to rent or to buy. Stop by and find your original Oktoberfest outfit.

based here. In fact, more than 3,000 foreign companies are located in Frankfurt and the immediate vicinity. It is headquarters for the European Central Bank and home to Deutsche Börse, the German Stock Exchange, making it one of the globally leading centers of finance and commerce, a status that will no doubt grow in the post-Brexit world of Europe.

Frankfurt’s cultural life is known for its diversity. The city is home to countless museums of world repute, many of which are strung along the North and South Main River embankment like so many pearls on a strong. It also has a very lively art scene. And it likewise has a great range of restaurants, wine bars, bistros and beer gardens. On warm summer evenings, people converge on the river banks to sip a cool beer, or a glass of cider, or even a spritz on board one of the tavern-boats.

FRANKFURT’S DISTRICTS

The affluent Sachsenhausen district, known in the local lingo as Dribbdebach or “the other side of the stream”, is known for its quaint cobble-stoned streets lined with chic restaurants, pubs and cider taverns, not to mention the museums on this side of the river embankment. Alt-Sachsenhausen is often the first tourist stop in Frankfurt, where rowdy and boisterous behavior is not uncommon once the sun goes down. The main shopping street, Schweizerstrasse, offers an eclectic mix

Events and Workshops

Looking for a fun, creative event for small or large groups? Join one of our “Paint your Bembel” workshops. These workshops give you an opportunity to create your own bembel painting with the option to include apple wine tastings at the same time. We also serve “Haddekuche” (Frankfurt ginger bread) and pretzels. Our workshops and tastings take place either in a traditional cider cellar in Friedberg, in our showroom in Frankfurt or we bring the event to you!

Just half an hour east of Frankfurt you cross the Bavarian border and enter the beautiful countryside of Churfranken, one of Germany’s most romantic regions. Small villages with half-timbered houses, the picturesque town of Miltenberg with the oldest guesthouse in the country, steep vineyards with fantastic views, award-winning food, wines, beers and spirits as well as warmhearted, authentic people ensure outstanding hospitality. No matter if you explore Churfranken on a hike in the Spessart or Odenwald forest, on a scenic bikeride along the Main river or relaxing on a river cruise – it perfectly balances out a week of hard work in the city.

www.miltenberg.info | www.churfranken.de

of boutiques, cafés and eateries. Apartment rental prices in Sachsenhausen are high, but many are willing to pay a premium for the stylish old flats and in this leafy neighborhood.

Bornheim, northeast of the city center, was nicknamed the “jolly village” in the 19th century because it was home to many an inn and brothel.Today the central shopping artery and the district’s backbone Berger Strasse, a lively cosmopolitan road flanked by boutiques, bric-a-brac shops, cafes and department stores. On Wednesdays and Saturdays there are markets in the pedestrian zone: the Am Uhrtürmchen square. Apartment rental prices tend to be more reasonable than in Sachsenhausen, and many young professionals, university students and families live in Bornheim.

Nordend houses a large crowd of young professionals who love its diversity, its cosmopolitan flair, with its arthouse cinema and plenty of bars and cafes. This district is also known for its Bohemian mix of stores and restaurants, its Günthersburgpark, which caters to BBQs and concerts in the summer, not to mention the more stately Holzhausenpark that defines its border to Westend.

Westend is regarded as the most exclusive address in Frankfurt. Many business professionals choose to live in the

highend apartments here and then walk to work in Frankfurt’s central banking district. Thanks to student protests in 1968-70, many of the turn of the 20th century villas were saved from demolition so that Westend has become a mixture of high-rises and mansions that now house apartments. Westend is also home to Grüneburgpark, a vast stretch of parkland perfect for jogging, sports and picnics, as well as the Palmengarten, the municipal botanical garden with an exquisite collection of plant specimens. Many foreign consulates are also nestled between the attractive villas.

Bockenheim is a slightly lower market version of Nordend, and was once the student district in town. Leipzigerstrasse serves as the quarter’s main artery, featuring an array of shopping possibilities, international cuisine, icecream shops, and many other temptations. The district stands out for its multicultural feel and urbanity.

THE TAUNUS FOOTHILLS

The Taunus foothills are frequently referred to as “Frankfurt’s living room,” a title earned because so many people choose to live in the green world of the Taunus foothills and commute in and out of Frankfurt. The area is dotted with picturesque towns, many of them with excellent restaurants, interesting historical exhibits, and entertaining leisure activities. Over the last 50-odd years the area has developed from a series of sleepy farming villages into prosperous centers, each with its own identity. The largest community in the Taunus is Bad Homburg with 53,000 residents; other prime locations include Königstein, Kronberg, Hofheim and Oberursel.

Bad Homburg

Located in at the top of the plain leading to the Taunus hills, Bad Homburg is the most important town in the Hochtaunus district. Bad Homburg has a long and illustrious history that stretches back to the Roman Empire.In the mid-1800s, Bad Homburg developed into an internationally-fashionable spa town. A stroll through the Spa Park will remind guests of the elegance of the by-gone era. There you can see the famous spring waters, the Russian Chapel, the Thai Temple and the famed Bad Homburg Casino. Bad Homburg’s surrounding woods offer a wide range of recreational activities, such as hiking, tennis, golf, horseback riding or simply relaxing at one of the many spas. Two bilingual schools are located nearby: accadis International School directly in Bad Homburg and the new King’s College Frankfurt in nearby Friedrichsdorf.

Königstein

Königstein is located at the foot of the Feldberg – the highest peak in the Taunus range. Depending on where you live, the altitude in Königstein is between 200 meters and 700 meters above sea level. Considered one of the most exclusive communities in the Taunus area, Königstein is home to many of Frankfurt’s bankers. Looming over the old core village is Königstein Castle, which was first built in 1215 but was partially destroyed by French troops in 1796. The castle today provides the backdrop for concerts and other cultural events. Other small communities that have been incorporated into Königstein include Falkenstein, Mammolshain and Schneidhain.

View of the city of Kronberg from Königstein.

A great place to work and enjoy life

Vibrant Eschborn

Our city offers a wide range of leisure activities that make life here so pleasant. The charming surroundings and the internationality of the inhabitants from 120 different nations characterise the city. The excellent connections to the River Main, the Taunus and the FrankfurtRhineMain metropolitan region make Eschborn a place worth living in and explain why global players as well as local businesses feel at home in our city.

Discover what a smart city has to offer and enjoy the culture and social life in Eschborn. We‘re looking forward meeting you!

Visit

A warm welcome to the district of Offenbach

Diversified, creative and close to nature: Made up of 13 municipalities, the district of Offenbach offers locals and visitors a vast cultural and recreational programme held in the pulsating metropolitan region of FrankfurtRhineMain. Those in need of a break have many options available to them, like a leisurely stroll along the River Main or an evening at a rustic apple wine pub. And if even that is too much activity for you, then simply take some rest in one of the many beautiful oases of green, for example the ´Mühlheimer Steinbrüche` or the `Langener Waldsee`. Seligenstadt with narrow streets affected by half-timber, pitoresque corners and impressive monuments invite the visitors to a historical expedition.

Dreieich with five very different districts offers a variety of cultural monuments. The most recently built of all districts, Buchschlag, with its garden city like housing estates from the early 20th century is exceptional. The “Villenkolonie Buchschlag” (colony of mansion houses) is characterised in part by outstanding cultural monuments. The district Dreieichenhain is member of the “Fachwerkstrasse” (Half-timber road). The old town together with the medieval castle area

are listed monuments and marked by their historic franconian half-timber houses within the former city walls. The visitor experiences, whether he enters the beautiful half-timber ensemble via the upper or lower gate, a memorable voyage into the past.

The residential town Heusenstamm was mentioned for the first time in 1211. Passing through the Baroque-red town gate which today is the home of the museum of local history, you arrive directly in Heusenstamm’s idyllic old town at the Baroque square in front of the church St. Cäcilia. St. Cäcilia was built between 1739 and 1744 by Balthasar Neumann. Its architectural predominance is highlighted by the surrounding buildings. Leaving the square the Schlossstrasse with its gable fronted houses - former farmhouses (Hofreiten) - leads to the castle. The castle Schönborn (1663-1668), an impressive building from the Renaissance with a grand Baroque garden, today accommodates part of the city council. Walking through the castle’s main entrance the visitor arrives at the ruin of the former water castle (from 1211).

The old town of Seligenstadt within its former fortification is listed and takes the visitor on a fas-

cinating journey to experience its over 1100 year old history. Highlights of the Einhard-City Seligenstadt are the monastery, founded in 1828, the Einhard-Basilica, sanctified in 1840 and thus oldest church in the Kreis Offenbach as well as the Kaiserpfalz from the era of the Staufen. Many carefully restored architectural treasures characterise the old-franconian half-timber town by the river Main. The historic market square impresses with its precious and fully preserved houses to which in comparison the “new” town hall from 1823 appears almost modern. The so-called “Einhardhaus” built in 1596 catches the visitor’s attention with its broad gable façade, the rich half-timber ornaments and the Rhenish oriel which is decorated with wonderful wood carvings. Despite the surrounding monastery walls the visitor looking left onto the Freihof-square has a wonderful view over the entire monastery of the former Benedictine abbey and the towers of the Einhard-Basilica. Fascinating are also the Baroque garden of the monastery, a demonstration of the restored mill and the historically important Einhard-Basilica, which was built in 1830 Carolingian era by Einhard, the chancellor of Charlemagne.

CONTACT

Kreis Offenbach

Werner-Hilpert-Straße 1

63128 Dietzenbach

www.kreis-offenbach.de

www.standortplus.de

Kronberg

The jewel of Kronberg is undoubtedly the Schlosshotel, which was built by Empress Victoria, the eldest child of Queen Victoria of England and wife of Kaiser Frederick, the heir to the Prussian throne. Today, the Schlosshotel is one of the best hotels in the region. The restaurant is also a favorite not only of many locals but also out-of-town guests. Kronberg is considered one of the region’s most exclusive – and expensive – communities. The town has an excellent public transportation connection to Frankfurt – just 25 minutes by LRT to Frankfurt main train station. Unsurprisingly, it is one of the locations of choice for the upper echelons of the international community.

Hofheim

Hofheim is increasingly becoming one of the leading communities in the Main Taunus region. Located halfway between Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, Hofheim‘s population of 41,000 is rising steadily. While it doesn’t have a castle like Königstein, Hofheim can boast a picturesque old town with half-timbered houses, numerous street cafés and quaint shops. There is a frequent LRT link to Frankfurt, and many more international families now live here because of the proximity to the International School Frankfurt ISF in nearby Sindlingen. Hofheim also offers nice leisure activities, such as the thermal spa park and the Hof Hausen Golf Club.

Oberursel

Oberursel is the second largest town in the Hochtaunus district, with 47,000 residents. Not quite as exclusive as some of the other Taunus communities, Oberursel has its share of restored half-timbered houses in the historic center. One of Oberursel’s advantages is that it is home to the Frankfurt International School. Many parents choose to live in close proximity to FIS, thereby saving on commuting time and also allowing their children to take full advantage of the many extra-curricular activities at the school.

Idstein

Idstein is a quaint town of cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses with 27,000 inhabitants located just off the A3 Autobahn between Limburg and Wiesbaden. The former residency of the Nassau royalty, Idstein offers a range of day-trip attractions such as the medieval Hexenturm, ruins of old Roman fortifications and the ornate interior of the Unionskirche. If you are a golfer, you should take a look at the 36-hole Golfpark in Idstein which offers one of the most inexpensive club memberships in the region. Idstein is also host to an annual jazz festival, which attracts thousands of visitors.

OTHER MAJOR CITIES

Wiesbaden

Elegant and beautiful, Wiesbaden is without a doubt one of the most attractive cities in Germany. Wiesbaden is sometimes referred to as the “Nice of the North” and rightfully so – considering the many mansions, the historic Kurhaus, the famous Casino and the magnificent State Theater. Wiesbaden has been well known as a great spa city since

Anyone exploring the Hochtaunus region can follow the trails of the Celts, the Romans and the lords of the castles, experience the incomparable nature by bike or on foot or simply enjoy a view of the scenic countryside that ’s sure to make the soul soar Have fun!

You are always rewarded with impressive views when you hike in the Taunus

Römerkastell Saalburg Roman Fort (UNESCO World Heritage Limes)

Panoramic view from the Großer Zacken

taunusdiehoehe Taunus. Die Höhe.

© Hendrik Eifert; Taunus Touristik Service; HA Hessen Tourismus/Roman Knie

And e best ing is: a of is can be found right on Frankfurt’s drstep.

ancient times. But it was during the mid-1800s that the city developed a reputation as an international and cosmopolitan spa city. At the time, J. W. von Goethe, Johannes Brahms and Fyodor Dostoyevsky, as well as various royal families frequented Wiesbaden. Wiesbaden is known for its elegant hotels, its 27 hot springs and its mild climate and park-like setting – they continue to make it a popular resort and conference center, attracting visitors from far

FIND IT IN FRM –LIVING

Finding accommodation in larger towns and cities can be quite challenging. In the smaller towns and the countryside, it tends to be more affordable. Whatever you decide on, you should be able to find something to suit your taste. The public transport network in the region is well-developed and it generally does not take long to get from one place to another, so it is worth considering all options. After you have applied for an apartment, we recommend that you take all of the required documents to a viewing to give you a head start over other applicants. On our website we have a list of the most common abbreviations found in housing advertisements, so hopefully this will help to get you started!

www.find-it-in-frm.de/en

and wide. Today, Wiesbaden is also the capital of the State of Hessen and thus home to many governmental offices.

The Rhine River and wine are inseparably linked with Wiesbaden. Numerous producers of German sparkling wine (Sekt) are located in and around Wiesbaden. Nearby, the Rhinegau winegrowing region, with its distinctive wines and culinary delights, also awaits discovery. Each summer, the Rhinegau music festival highlights spectacular performances set against the backdrop of the ancient vineyards.

One of the focal points of Wiesbaden is the Kurhaus, an elegant concert hall and congress center set in the midst of a beautiful park. you like to shop, head for the antiques quarter, elegant retail arcades or the boutiques along Wilhelmstrasse. And in the historic city center, stroll along the cobblestone streets where small shops and boutiques are nestled between half-timbered houses.

Darmstadt

Frankfurt Rhine-Main has a royal lineage – which starts in Darmstadt, due south of Frankfurt. It was here that Queen Victoria’s grandson, the Grand Duke Ernst Ludwig of Hessen, married his second wife, Eleanor, in 1905. To mark the occasion, the city bestowed the gift of the 48-meter-high Wedding Tower (Hochzeitsturm) on the couple. The tower forms the pinnacle of the Mathildenhöhe – the birthplace of the German Art Nouveau movement. Today, Darmstadt is home to many international families: The city is headquarters for the European Space Agency and the international pharmaceutical and chemical giant Merck. In addition, a state-funded international school is located in nearby Seeheim-Jugenheim (www.schuldorf-bergstrasse.de). The quality of life in Darmstadt is heightened by the many leisure activities in the surrounding areas. The Odenwald, with its softly undulating range of mountains, is well known as a weekend getaway. And the Bergstrasse, one of Germany’s most balmy winegrowing regions, offers many a wine festival and culinary delight.

Offenbach

Offenbach’s appeal lies in being just on Frankfurt’s doorstep but very much having an identity of its own. The LRT and trams whisk you to Frankfurt’s CBD – if you do not work in one of the creative industries based in Offenbach that is. Offenbach was once the center of the German leather industry, the vestiges of the industrial past can be seen throughout the city. The city boasts the greatest diversity of nations among its inhabitants of any German city. Thanks to the new harbor district along the Main River, Offenbach is now becoming more trendy ... especially for young families priced out of Frankfurt. Apartment rents in Offenbach are lower than in neighboring Frankfurt, but the older stylish apartments with high ceilings are now fast becoming more expensive.

Bad Vilbel

Located on the northern border of Frankfurt, Bad Vilbel is well known for its mineral waters and spa park on the banks of the Nidda River. With a population of 36,000, it is the largest city in the Wetterau region and has become a popular residential community, thanks to good transportation

Büsing Palais in Offenbach

SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW

SECURE YOUR PLACE NOW

LEADING IB WORLD SCHOOL

LEADING IB WORLD SCHOOL

A world of opportunities since 1961

A world of opportunities since 1961

Education in English for students age 3 – Grade 12 | Exceptional exam results and university placements | Highly-qualified faculty

Education in English for students age 3 – Grade 12 | Exceptional exam results and university placements | Highly-qualified faculty

Cutting-edge facilities | Accelerated math, science and language learning | Extensive programs in athletics and the arts | Leadership and service learning opportunities | Outdoor Learning Program

Cutting-edge facilities | Accelerated math, science and language learning | Extensive programs in athletics and the arts | Leadership and service learning opportunities | Outdoor Learning Program

BRITA In Taunusstein: A Global Family

One of the world’s leading companies in drinking water optimisation, BRITA, has been headquartered in Taunusstein since the 70s. BRITA is currently expanding its headquarters at the site. The so-called BRITA Campus comprises the headquarters of the international familyowned company with all administrative functions as well as research and development. In a joint interview, Taunusstein’s mayor Sandro Zehner and BRITA CEO Markus Hankammer talk about the importance of clear decisions and the location advantages of a small urban town.

necessary talents, including the very rare ones in IT or in e-commerce and digital marketing.

You currently have employees from 25 different countries working in Taunusstein. How do people feel about living here, what do they say about the region?

I know that our employees who live in Taunusstein particularly appreciate the closeness to nature, the peace and quiet, the opportunities for children, the great leisure activities and of course the somewhat more affordable real estate. They like to spend time in nature or go for walks after or before work. Guests from abroad, especially from gigantic cities, starting with Paris and London, but of course especially from China or Japan, are thrilled every time.

and cultural facilities – including the Limes as a Unesco World Heritage Site – soon a comprehensive fibre-optic network and innovative mobility concepts such as our app-based on-demand shuttle EMIL. At the same time, we have all the advantages of a rural area here. No matter where you live in Taunusstein, you never need more than a five-minute walk to be in the countryside. Half of our district consists of forest. Directly adjacent to a shopping and medical centre, we have a nature reserve with a rare butterfly species. There is a diverse and lively landscape of associations here, and thus also a wide variety of points of contact for new residents of Taunusstein to quickly arrive socially and get involved in sports, creativity or volunteer work.

Mr Hankammer, BRITA has over 2.000 employees worldwide. Why are you staying loyal to Taunusstein, where your father, its founder, moved the company already in the 70s?

First of all, we are a family business that stands by its roots. It’s not for nothing that at the beginning of our new corporate strategy we say “We are BRITA”, also worldwide in German, and then continue: “a global family. This is not a contradiction for us, internationality and local – in our case Taunusstein – roots. Quite the opposite, in fact, because especially in Asian countries, for example, the combination of family business and “quality and engineering from Germany” is highly valued. At our headquarters, we also have an environment in which we as a company speak directly with the mayor and administrative leaders and meet at eye level.

This is the only way we can offer a working environment that is state-of-the-art in every respect. That is very important, because after all, we are fighting hard like everyone else to find the

Mr Zehner, in addition to BRITA, there are some international companies in Taunusstein, such as Institut Fresenius or Tectronic GmbH. And as mayor, you are always in talks with companies about relocating or expanding: what expectations do they have of you?

In Germany we have high standards and sometimes lengthy procedures when it comes to the development or expansion of commercial areas – often difficult to understand, especially for companies from other countries. The decision-makers appreciate the fact that in Taunusstein they can talk directly to me as mayor about possibilities and that my colleagues in site development accompany and support them closely in the preparation and during the entire process with the responsible authorities.

The airport is about 50, the motorway 15 kilometres away - why is it worth taking the short distance to the hubs instead of living directly in Frankfurt?

In short: Taunusstein offers many of the advantages of large cities, such as leisure

Mr Hankammer, when you return from trips abroad, what do you particularly appreciate about your home town?

The feeling of familiarity, the smaller dimensions, the vastness, the greenery, the open-minded and helpful people.

Thank you for the interview.

Taunusstein

More than half of Taunusstein’s urban area consists of forests, fields and meadows. In between are the ten districts with an openair swimming pool, art gallery, Römer Kastell and over 200 clubs. 30,000 inhabitants live in the “city in the green”, which lies between the Rheingau, Wiesbaden and the Hochtaunus.

Taunusstein mayor Sandro Zehner and BRITA CEO Markus Hankammer (Photo: @Brita)

connections to Frankfurt by both car and LRT. During the summer months, Bad Vilbel hosts an annual summer theater festival (Burgfestspiele) against the backdrop of the ruins of its moated castle. The bilingual European School RhineMain, which is fully accredited by the EU, has about 1,600 students and is located in the Bad Vilbel suburb of Dortelweil.

Hanau

Birthplace of the Grimm brothers, Jakob and Wilhelm, Hanau is located on the northern banks of the Main River, just 20 km east of Frankfurt, Hanau is one of the areas where the Huguenots settled in the 17th century and the French influence is most evident in the gardens of the Philippsruhe Castle, which is one of the first examples of Versailles’ influence in Germany. Not far away on the park promenade is Wilhelmsbad, a huge leisure park that dates back to the 18th century. Hanau was largely destroyed during World War II, and many of the buildings are therefore new. Indeed, many members of the US military were stationed here –in barracks that have since been transformed into green housing estates. Hanau offers good shopping with all the major chains as well as boutiques, restaurants and cafes. Don’t miss the theatrical presentations of Grimm’s fairytales (Märchenfestspiele) performed every spring/summer at the Amphitheater next to the Philippsruhe Castle park.

Regionalpark RheinMain

Exploring the urban landscape

To enhance the value of the free space, the RhineMain Regionalpark has the task to protect and develop these landscape areas, which are vital) for a good lifestyle.

Recreation areas and points along the regional park routes invite to linger or tell interesting stories about certain landscapes.

The routes lead the visitors past agricultural landscapes, idyllic „landscape islands“, industrial heritage sites, historical Gardens and parks as well as important sites from the early history to the present time.

ADVERTORIAL

The regional park routes lead through the extraordinarily varied Rhine-Main landscape. To discover them, you have to take the walking or cycling routes through the regional park. The routes are marked with a red triangle and already cover more than 550 km. The regional park uses wooden steles to mark attractions and provide a wide range of information on history and the landscape. The detailed leisure maps can be used to plan the next bike tour. They also provide a good overview of the area.

Between Frankfurt am Main and the large number of nearby towns and municipalities, the region still boasts a number of large green expanses. Fields, meadows and woodland areas extend far into the core area around Frankfurt and provide local inhabitants with recreation opportunities right on their doorstep .

The aim is to raise people‘s awareness of the environment and nature in this part of Germany and to awaken a child‘s spirit of discovery.

All of this in a contrasting landscape, side by side with picturesque natural spaces.

Further information can be found at: www.regionalpark-rheinmain.de

Hanau, Schloss Philippsruhe

A WELCOMING CULTURE IS OUR USP

BY FRANKFURT‘S LORD MAYOR PETER FELDMANN

Facts and figures only tell half the story, however. No one feels at home only because “their” city is higher up the rankings than others. Well-being has to do with arriving, with slotting in, with the feeling of being welcome.

Hamburg has its port, Munich the Oktoberfest. And Frankfurt? Most recently, the British Economist Group confirmed that we’re the convincing overall package. The best German big city in the global rankings of most livable metropolises, placing 7th worldwide.

Frankfurt has a strong tradition in just that. Frankfurt is a genuine “newcomer’s city”. A commercial city at the heart of Europe that knew as long ago as the Middle Ages that prosperity and narrowmindedness are mutually exclusive. Only if you feel welcome will you open your heart, and your wallet. Which is why rolling out the red carpet for expats has always been key. The Newcomers Network and the Newcomers Festival are visible signs of this welcoming culture, one that is quite unprecedented in Germany.

This welcoming culture, this very special “Frankfurt spirit”, is our USP. It is what makes us a metropolis, despite our relatively small footprint and modest number of inhabitants compared to New York, London, or Paris for example. To put it in a nutshell, others have larger downtowns, we have a larger circle of friends.

We scored strongly with our infrastructure, our healthcare facilities, and the quality of life. Which makes us so appealing. And that specifically is also why we’re such a magnet for expats – the elixir of life for any and every pulsating, creative metropolis.

And more interesting. Because the reasons that prompted people to come to Frankfurt are as varied as are they themselves. An expat from the USA is just as welcome here as is a nurse from the Ukraine who along with her two children has fled the war. It is a city for all of us. In this sense:

“The best German big city in the global rankings of most livable metropolises, placing 7th worldwide.”

DER LANDSCHAFT EINEN SINN –DEN SINNEN EINE LANDSCHAFT

SCHÖNE AUSSICHTEN

Entdecken Sie die überraschend grünen Perspektiven auf die Landschaften des Rhein-Main-Gebietes. Über 550 km Regionalpark Routen laden ein zum Wandern und Radfahren.

Mit unseren kostenlosen Freizeitkarten finden Sie gut ans Ziel. Planen Sie Ihren nächsten Ausflug zu den vielfältigen Erlebnispunkten in der Landschaft und informieren Sie sich über unsere Website unter www.regionalpark-rheinmain.de

WETTERAU Weizen und Windräder

TAUNUSHANG Hofgüter und Grafengärten

FRANKFURT

FLÖRSHEIMER WARTE Wein und Flugrouten

MAINSPITZE Stadtpanorama und Logistik RÜSSELSHEIM Wälder und Industriegeschichte

HANAU Märchen und Technologien

OFFENBACH Hafengarten und Wetterpark

HELENA A.-RIFFER

She is both a big city girl, being born and partly raised in Frankfurt AND a down to earth nature lover, who likes to rough it at a campsite in rural parts of Scandinavia. Hobbies include dining out in the various ethnic restaurants Frankfurt has to offer, Kayaking, camping, hiking and going out to dance. She loves her (well fed maybe even fat) cats and her teaching job at the European School RheinMain. While she is married and lives in Frankfurt, her second home is back in Sweden, where parts of her family lives and where she studied to become a teacher. She also studied in London and Frankfurt, so she keeps many international friends.

Heimat (Home) means: A place which stimulates and at the same time relaxes you

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left back:

My cat

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: Falafel w. Hummus

The most exotic place in the world I’ve ever been to: While I want to say Indonesia, I feel like the lonely campsite on an island in the middle of a Scandinavian fjord is more exotic to some people.

My first day here … I will rephrase it to say: My first day BACK here was exciting and homely at once: New and old, scary and comfortable at the same time. Does that make sense?

The strangest German word I learnt:

Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz: It turns out, there is an infinite ammount of nouns allowed to string together in the German language. I love it!

Driving in Germany, getting around:

I am terrified to drive in Frankfurt. I learned driving in Sweden, where there are wide roads and hardly any traffic. Here it´s just hectic and wild. I get around my town on my bike, which I also take to school every day.

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2010

RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Picknick Café in Bornheim

2 / Ong Tao Vegan in Nordend

3 / Frankfurter Kanu-Verein 1913 e. V.

Mainova AG Your energy partner from Frankfurt

Mainova AG is the leading energy service provider in Frankfurt am Main and an energy partner for private and corporate customers all over Germany. Around 3,000 employees ensure that more than a million people are reliably supplied with electricity, natural gas, heat and water every day. Since 2022 Mainova has procured exclusively 100 percent clean power for all household customers. Mainova is also a capable partner for corporate customers. Its customers include such big-name companies as Frankfurt Airport, the German Football Association Academy and Europe’s biggest computing centres based in the Rhine Main Area.

More than just electricity and natural gas

In addition to electricity and natural gas, Mainova offers its customers a wide portfolio of innovative energy services in the fields of generation, digitalisation and mobility. For local authorities, for example, the irrigation of green areas can be optimised and dryness counteracted with digital solutions. For corporate customers Mainova offers, for example, the possibility of generating solar electricity on their own roof and using it directly on site. Mainova is also advancing the expansion of public charging infrastructure for electric vehicles on a large scale in the whole Rhine-Main Area.

Of course, Mainova also provides private customers with the right wallbox for their home. Be inspired by the innovative solutions of Mainova AG: mainova.de

CONTACT

Mainova AG

Solmsstraße 38

60486 Frankfurt am Main

www.mainova.de

GETTING SETTLED

h ousing : h o W to F ind the right place F or you

The first task newcomers face is finding somewhere to live. Housing in Frankfurt Rhine-Main is not expensive by international comparison, but you will need to be prepared to hunt to find the right place.

Housing is probably the most essential issue when you first move to the Rhine-Main region. Newcomers face numerous, sometimes unsettling questions. Will I be able to maintain my quality of life? What will I get for my money? Which location is suitable to meet my requirements? Answers to these questions are needed quickly. If you are well informed – and have a bit of luck – your house hunting experience in Germany should go smoothly.

Before you begin your house hunt, take a hard look at your disposable income and set yourself a budget. The reality in Germany is that most people spend up to one-third of their gross salary on rent. Statistically, about six out of 10 Germans

rent their home – and the figure is higher in major urban areas. The rent you pay reflects the location, the standard and age of the building, as well as the market value. The more convenient the apartment/house (i.e. proximity to public transportation or shopping districts or schools), the higher the rent.

In terms of cost of living, Frankfurt and its environs consistently rank in the middle of the international tables. Based on a basket of goods (groceries, transportation, accommodation, schooling and entertainment), Frankfurt is considered significantly less expensive than London or Paris. In terms of rents in the Rhine-Main region, housing tends to

be equally priced in Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, and most towns in the Taunus region (Bad Homburg, Bad Soden, Kronberg, Königstein and Hofheim). Newcomers should be aware that apartments in Germany are usually rented empty rather than furnished. Most apartments will therefore not have a stove, light fixtures, a dishwasher or a washing machine. Tenants are expected to have their own. Landlords in the RhineMain region have become accustomed to renting to expatriates, and increasingly apartments and houses are fitted with built-in kitchens as well as bathroom equipment. Another alternative is to rent furniture: Two companies which offer this, are www.lyght-living.com and www.in-lease.com

Rent is classified as either Kaltmiete (you pay for heating, maintenance costs and other utilities separately), or Warmmiete (heating and other costs are included in the rent). Electricity is contracted directly by the tenant from the local utility. Although your utility bill will be based on your usage, you should ask the landlord what the previous tenants paid, so you can get a rough estimate of the additional monthly payments. There are restrictions on increasing the rent, but

RISING HOUSE PRICES

Thanks to historically low interest rates and a robust economy, the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region has seen a sharp rise in house prices in recent years. Like the other six big German cities, prices for both real estate ad rental units in Frankfurt and the surroundings have shot up. Rental units in Frankfurt now average about € 17,80 per sqm, but prices can be appreciably higher for a prime address in Westend, Nordend, Bockenheim and Sachsenhausen. Real estate prices have also increased significantly. Luxury apartments in choice locations can now cost as much as € 12,000 per sqm, while the average price for Frankfurt is around € 7,500.

If you plan to reside in Germany for a relatively short period of time, it may be more advantageous for you to choose to live in a fully furnished flat (möbliert). Thanks to the large international community living in the area, furnished apartments are not hard to find in Frankfurt. Such apartments are not cheap, but if you do the math, you may find it cheaper to pay the extra monthly fee to live in a furnished apartment for a few months or years compared with the costs of buying new furniture, etc.

utilities can be increased at any time. Utilities are netted across the year into two instalments (i.e. your heating bill will be the same in winter and summer) and adjusted by the landlord.

The housing market in the Frankfurt and Rhine-Main region is tight, so if you are on a budget, don’t expect to have a wealth of choices. Indeed, apartments in Frankfurt’s

FrankfurtRheinMain International Office

Welcoming newcomers to the FrankfurtRheinMain region

vocational training, as well as the German job market. Khaled speaks German, English and Arabic.

Sarina Heer is responsible for communications and social media. She keeps you up to date with what is going on in the region, sharing FRM’s charm, and helping newcomers discover FRM. Sarina speaks German, English, and Spanish.

Amanda Ife is responsible for communications and external relations. She is our English native speaker and is the contact for strategic partners in the region. She is originally from Ireland and knows first-hand the initial steps that new arrivals have to take before they can settle in. Amanda speaks English, German, French and Modern Greek.

The FrankfurtRheinMain International Office

We are convinced that there is no better place to live and work in Germany than FrankfurtRheinMain! Germany’s best place – find it in FrankfurtRheinMain.

The FrankfurtRheinMain (FRM) region is unique: It has a strong economy with great job prospects. It offers great quality of life as well as cultural diversity. It has a well-developed infrastructure with short travelling distances within the region. FRM is in the best location, right in the heart of Europe with direct access to major road networks and railway lines as well as the largest international airport in Germany. It is also very international: People come from all over the world to live and work here, and quite a few never turn back. It is one of the best places to live and work in Germany, and whatever you are looking for, you can find it in FrankfurtRheinMain.

The FrankfurtRheinMain International Office welcomes everyone from abroad to the region. It is very important to us that newcomers feel at home in FRM and we are happy to help you find your feet. Our team supports you before and after you arrive, providing professional advice on working, studying and living in FRM, as well as guiding you in the right direction for other services. The office is part of the FrankfurtRheinMain Regional Authority, and, as a public authority, we offer our services free of charge.

Find it in FRM

Our website, www.find-it-in-frm.de/en, provides a comprehensive overview of everything

you need to know for your first steps here, whether you are planning from abroad or have just arrived in the region. You will find useful information on a wide range of topics such as entry requirements, language courses, vocational training, finding a job and healthcare, as well as a list of abbreviations found in housing adverts. There is also some information for families on childcare and schools, as well as tips on activities, clubs and societies, culture and international communities.

In addition, we provide information on the most important contacts and services for newcomers to FRM. You will find links to relevant local authorities and websites, such as the Federal Employment Agency or the Chamber of Commerce. On our interactive map you can look for various services and contacts such as consulates, international and bilingual schools and childcare, German courses and universities. You can also search for services within a 15-minute radius on foot, by bicycle or by car. In short, we help newcomers find the right place to go depending on their needs and where they live.

Our Team

Our team at the FrankfurtRheinMain International Office is happy to help with advice and support by email, telephone or personal appointment. Make use of our professional service from our experienced, multilingual team and get all the information you need – impartial advice free of charge!

Khaled Fakha is our certified career counsellor and expert on matters relating to the recognition of professional qualifications and

It is very important to us that everyone from abroad feels welcome in “Germany’s best place”, and we hope that they will feel at home in FRM.

Our opening hours can be found on our website. Please make an appointment for personal advice.

beautifully restored buildings dating from the turn of the 20th century are rare and landlords ask for – and get – a premium rent. In general, apartments here are solidly built and in good condition, with modern insulation and plumbing.

If you choose to live in Frankfurt, you will likely have to live in an apartment. If you have your heart set on a house, then you are better off looking in the outlying areas, such as the Taunus. There are three different types of houses in Germany: a terraced house (called Reihenhaus, abbreviated RH); a semi-detached house (called Doppelhaushälfte, abbreviated DHH); and a standalone house (called an Einfamilienhaus, abbreviated EFH).

There are no rules on size or layout. Houses with three bedrooms tend to be the norm. Houses are measured in square meters rather than the number of bedrooms. A house of approximately130 sqm living space is considered average, and a house of 260 sqm very spacious.

The Contract

rental contract negotiation, etc. The depth of service and fees varies.

The best way to look for an apartment is to consult one of the many real estate websites. Since most of the ads posted online show pictures of the rooms, building from the outside, view and surrounding area, apartment hunting online may help you make a decision more quickly. The leading national real estate portal is immobilienscout24, followed by immowelt and immonet.

CONTRACT DETAILS

❚ name of tenant and landlord

❚ what you are renting (address, size, fit-out)

❚ the amount of monthly rent

❚ any regulation of rent increases

❚ commencement date

❚ utilities, specified individually

❚ number of new occupants

In most cases, rent contracts are a pre-printed version of the document recommended by the Tenants Society of the State of Hessen (Mieterbund Hessen). Note that most rental contracts stipulate that the tenant renovates the apartment – returning it to its originalstate – when the lease expires and prior to departure. Make sure the contract specifies this, i.e. what needs to be redecorated or repaired.

The duration of all rental contracts is unlimited and can be cancelled at three-month’s notice. There are, however, some exceptions to the rule. German rental law is complex, and it is important to know your rights and responsibilities. It is advisable to have the contract checked by your companyor a lawyer. If you do have trouble with your landlord, you might want to consult an attorney or one of the several tenant advisory centers in the region, which offer legal advice and representation. The membership fee of € 50 – 70 also includes legal insurance. There is a three-month waiting period after you join before the legal insurance takes effect.

DEUTSCHER MIETERBUND

Landesverband Hessen e.V. | Adelheidstraße 70 65185 Wiesbaden | T: 0611 4114050 | info@mieterbund-hessen.de | www.mieterbund-hessen.de

HOW TO APARTMENT HUNT

When looking for a property, it always helps to dress for the occasion. Due to the shortage in the housing market, landlords often choose between several candidates. Don’t be offended if you are asked to document your financial stability (including a copy of your employment contract and three months of pay stubs). This is common practice.

If you are lucky enough to have a relocation agent, then the search will go more smoothly. Relocation agencies generally know the market inside out and can save you the hassle of contacting real estate agents by pre-screening the market,

❚ other terms and conditions

❚ details of the landlord’s bank account and the day the rent is due

❚ condition of the property when you moved in

❚ an inventory of what the rent includes

❚ landlord’s consent to you keeping pets

❚ the deposit to be paid and when it should be paid.

You can also consult the classified ads in a local newspaper. The main local newspapers (Frankfurter Rundschau, das inserat, Wiesbadener Kurier, Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung) all have a special real estate section – usually on Friday/Saturday, which can also be found in their online version. The housing section can be found under Immobilien/ Mietgesuche/Mietwohnungen. If you are looking for a flat share then check out the nationwide search engine www. wg-gesucht.de

FIND IT IN FRM –ARRIVING

A residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) is issued according to the purpose of stay. Various options are available including an EU Blue Card and a job-seekers visa. When visiting the Immigration Authorities (Ausländerbehörden), it is best to ensure that a German speaker is on hand to help, as the authorities do not offer their services in English and some of the terminology is quite complex. You will find a list of Immigration Authorities in our region on our website and on our interactive map. This way you can find the right place to go, depending on where you live.

www.find-it-in-frm.de/en

Whether you look for a property in the newspapers or online, the majority of homes for rent are advertised by real estate agents (Immobilienmakler). As of June 2015, the real estate agent’s fee (usually two months’ rent plus 19 percent VAT) is paid by the landlord and no longer the tenant. When house hunting, make sure to get detailed descriptions of the

properties and an exact address before you go on a visit – it is not uncommon for the same property to be listed with several agents.

REGISTRATION

Germany, you‘ll soon discover, is a very well-run country. But bureaucracy is a price for keeping a well-run opera tion. Your very first duty is to let the local authorities know where you live. This registration involves going to your local registry office (Meldestelle, Bürgerbüro or Einwoh nermelderamt) or the local town hall (Rathaus) and filling out a form in which you provide your new address. It is a painless process that usually goes very quickly. Registra tion is required of all residents in a community. Failure to register within three months of moving will earn you a fine, the amount depending on how long you’ve been residing at the unregistered address. Moreover, everyone is required to register new whenever they change address, unless that change only entails moving from one flat in a property to another.

RESIDENCY AND WORK PERMITS

Citizens of the EU, as well as Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, are permitted to work and live in Germany without a work or residence permit. Non-EU citizens nor mally need to first get a visa before travelling to Germany, and then must apply for a residence permit (Aufenthalt serlaubnis) at the local Aliens Office (Ausländerbehörde) in order to stay and work. As of 2011, the residence permit is a wallet-sized plastic card with a biometric photo. There are different types of residence permits: limited (Aufenthaltser laubnis) or unlimited (Niederlassungserlaubnis). The local Aliens Office is the point of contact for matters related to residence permits.

In recent years, Germany has increased efforts to attract more international workers. There are simply not enough young Germans entering the workforce, and in some sectors, such as health care or engineering, there is an acute shortage of qualified staff. Recently, the German Federal government enacted a series of immigration laws designed to make it

easier for highly-skilled workers to come to Germany. Thanks in part to these changes, the OECD recently praised Germany for having one of the lowest barriersto immigration for highly-skilled Labor. Here is an overview of the major changes:

Documentation

All non-EU residents in Germany (including children and infants) must appear in person at the local Aliens Office to be issued their own residence permits. When you file your application, make sure you take all the required documents with you.

Fees for registration range from € 60 – 250, and credit cards tend not to be accepted.

The entire process will likely take three to four months, and there will be long gaps during which you will not hear from your case worker. Your chances of obtaining work and residence permits are good if you are from Andorra, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Japan, Canada, Monaco, San Marino or the USA, because Germany has special bilateral agreements with these countries.

Recognition of qualifications

Certain professions in Germany are regulated, meaning that only those who hold a particular qualification are entitled to work in that occupation. This includes doctors and attorneys, as well as various trades and over 350 occupations.

PROFESSIONAL HELP FROM RELOCATION AGENCIES

There has been a steady growth of relocation companies in the Rhine-Main region. Some agencies are small operations with only a few consultants, while the larger shops have 10 – 30 employees. You can also consult European Relocation Association (EuRA) www.eura-relocation.com for a list of their members in Germany. EuRA also has a comprehensive accreditation system. Companies that satisfactorily meet audit standards are awarded the EuRA Quality Seal.

BS relocation services

Clemensstraße 6–8

60487 Frankfurt am Main www.bs-relocation.com

Cheryl Koenig Relocation Services Group

Ritterlingstraße 1, 65719 Hofheim www.ckrsgroup.de

CityLink Relocation

Sebastian-Kneipp-Str. 41 60439 Frankfurt am Main www.clr.de

Clapham GmbH Relocation Service

Frankfurter Straße 1, 65830 Kriftel www.clapham.de

Crown Relocations

Eisenstraße 2–4, 65428 Rüsselsheim www.crownrelo.com

Dwellworks GmbH

Dreieichstraße 59 60594 Frankfurt am Main www.dwellworks.com

ESCAMINAL Relocation

Kurt-Schumacher-Straße 59 61191 Rosbach v. d. Höhe www.escaminal.de

ICUnet AG

Bettinastraße 52–54 60325 Frankfurt am Main www.icunet.ag

Professional Organizing Relocation Consult GmbH Brunnenstraße 4, 65812 Bad Soden www.proforg.com

Progedo Relocation

Alfred-Herrhausen-Allee 3–5 65760 Eschborn www.relocation.de

Relocation Assistance

Heinrich-Busold-Straße 13 61169 Friedberg

www.reloc-assistance.com

Santa Fe Relocation Services Schulstraße 53 65795 Hattersheim

www.santaferelo.com

Taunus Relocation Services

Römerstraße 7 61352 Bad Homburg

www.taunus-relocation.com

UTS GmbH & Co. KG

Wilhelm-Leuschner-Straße 41 60329 Frankfurt am Main

www.uts-germany.de

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE ALIENS OFFICE

❚ Employment contract and a statement from your prospective employer saying the position could not be filled by a German or EU citizen.

❚ Photocopies of your qualifications/academic certificates

❚ At least one biometric color passport photograph

❚ Proof of health insurance

❚ Proof that you have the financial means to support yourself (usually the employment contract will suffice)

❚ Proof of housing (i.e., the rental contract).

The Federal government has now funded several programs to make it easier for foreigners to have their qualifications recognized, allowing them to work in these regulated professions. Visit the website www.recognition-in-germany.de for more details. Another resource is the IHK Foreign Skills Approval (www.ihk-fosa.de) which is administered by the local chambers of commerce.

CONSULAR NOTIFICATION

Germany does not require its foreign residents to register with their own national consulates, nor do most of the consulates. Nevertheless, it‘s a good idea as there are advantages to being registered. Aside from helping out with any emergencies that might come up, the local consulates can serve as valuable resources for their citizens: for instance, they often maintain lists of lawyers and healthcare providers.

CHOOSING A RELOCATION AGENCY

The range of services on offer to assist in international relocations is extensive, but not all of the services will be applicable to every expatriate. There are full-service relocation agencies with offices worldwide that offer pre-departure services, assistance with visa and work-permit applications, packing and shipping of your household goods and arrival (destination) services. However, there are other companies that offer a less comprehensive range of services, or who concentrate on providing certain specialist services – visa and work permit applications, international shipping, home search, school search, etc. Choosing the right relocation agency, as with choosing other services, depends on your needs. Though many agencies will tailor their packages to suit the requirements of each newcomer and any accompanying family members, they have to know what is needed before they can do so.

WHAT IS OFFERED? Look-see visits

These pre-location familiarization trips are intended to give newcomers a chance to see the destination first-hand, look for accommodation, visit schools, etc. Such “look-see” visits can really help you get your bearings ahead of arrival.

WELCOMECENTER HESSEN

The primary contact and consulting center for international professionals as well as for Hessian companies interested in employing international qualified workers.

You are new to Hessen and need information about:

• working and living in Hessen,

• learning the German language,

• vocational training and continuing education,

• how to craft a German-style resume,

• skilled Immigration Act and visa,

• ways of recruitment and employment,

• getting academic and professional qualifications recognized

• long-term commitment,

• which authorities, institutions and associations might be of assistance to you.

We offer advice in German, English, Spanish and Kiswahili. Our service is free of charge. We give advice in person, by telephone, via e-mail and video consultation.

We are looking forward to welcoming you in Hessen!

BEST RIVERSIDELOCATIONS

Blaues Wasser

Pop-Up Location & Open Air Sweet Spot

Franziusstraße 35, Tel. 069 / 26910829, www.blaueswasser.net

ƒ Wed – Sun

5 p.m. – midnight

Only in good weather!

B Bus 31 Intzestraße

Deluxe dining in an openair restaurant on the riverside. Take the sun on the terrace or enjoy drinks while lounging.

Freigut

Food and drinks on board ship, Sachsenhausen

Schaumainkai/ Eiserner Steg 1, Tel. 069 / 5325 9420, www.freigut-frankfurt.com

ƒ Summer Lounge: April – October: Tue – Fri 5 p.m. – midnight, Sat/ Sun 2 p.m. – midnight

B Linie 15/16 Schweizer/Gartenstraße

Event ship on the Main with snacks for promen aders. Great skyline view.

Gerbermühle

Restaurant on south bank, Oberrad

Gerbermühlstraße 105, Tel. 069 / 689777944, www.gerbermuehle.de

ƒ Mon – Sun 11.30 a.m.

– 10 p.m.

B S 1/2/8/9 Mühlberg Hotel with city history. Beautiful summer garden for lovers of fresh air, with a view of the Main and the skyline.

Licht- und Luftbad

Riverside city park

Niederrad

Niederräder Ufer 10, Tel. 069/67733653, www.lilu-frankfurt.de

ƒ Mon – Sun 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. Cafe in summer: Sat/Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. B Linie 12/15/19/21

Heinrich-HoffmannStraße/Blutspendedienst

Open-air bath on an isthmus. Small café in verdant meadows. Don’t miss the Mainblick lookout.

MainNizza

Riverside restaurant, City Untermainkai 17, Tel. 069 / 26952922, www.mainnizza.de,

ƒ Mon – Sun 11.30 a.m.

– midnight B U1-5,8, Tram11/12/14

Willy-Brandt-Platz

Public gardens on northern bank of the river for walks amongst fig trees and exotic plants.

Sommerhoffpark

Historical park Bahnhofsviertel Gutleutstraße 1, B S 3-6, Tram 11/14/21 Galluswarte Old landscape gardens in Gutleutstraße created in 1803, inviting green lawns, rose beds and playgrounds.

Weseler Werft

Historical wharf district Ostend Eckhardtstraße, B S1-6, 8/9, Tram 14 Ostendstraße Green area alongside heritage wharf cranes connects the Main and Ostend, with view of European Central Bank.

Yachtklub

Houseboat bar

Sachsenhausen

Deutschherrnufer 12, Tel. 0170 / 9645615 (messages only), https://yachtklub.de

ƒ Wed – Fri from 4 p.m., Sat/Sun from 2 p.m. club-nights (Fri & Sat): 10 p.m. – 4 a.m.

B Tram 18 Frankensteiner Platz

House boat on the Main at Sachsenhausen, with a view of the skyline, party nights, concerts, tapas and cakes.

School Visits and Advice

Some destination cities have a large array of schools to choose from and impartial advice on what are likely to be the best schools can go a long way in helping children be happy at the destination. Information on the academic and extra-curricular aspects of each school, as well as inside knowledge about their good and bad points, can be helpful in reading between the lines of the schools’ glossy brochures.

Home Finding

Finding suitable housing in a new city can be time-consuming and frustrating. The problems of language and a lack of knowledge on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords are difficult to overcome, but a good home-finding service can make the process almost enjoyable. The time you have to find your new home will almost certainly be short, so it is essential that the home-finding service begins setting up appointments for you well before you arrive. Some home-finding services are run by estate agents, which can have pros and cons. On the positive side, they should have a good range of properties on their books, but on the negative side you will be restricted to what they have available.

Keep a Written List

With the massive amount of information that you receive on arrival in a new city, much of it is likely to go in one ear and out the other. So write it down for easy reference. Such lists should include contact details of doctors and dentists who speak your language, hospitals, ambulance service, your consulate and other essential services.

Networking Assistance

Setting up a new circle of friends is an important aspect of settling successfully into an expatriate posting. Agencyarranged invitations to cocktail parties, expat spouse associations, clubs and other places where you can meet people can ease the initial difficulties of breaking into established social circles and making friends and business contacts.

MOVING WITH CHILDREN

Even if your household goods have arrived on time and your home search has gone smoothly, making sure your children feel at home is key. There is much that can be done to assist a child with the stress of relocation. Allowing the children to participate in the moving process, providing continuity between the old and new homes, and offering maximum parental support can help children to enjoy the move.

Letting Children Participate

Studies show that children are less fearful of an international move if they can participate in the process. Keeping children informed throughout the relocation, and possibly involving them in the decision on whether to accept the assignment, will help them to feel more secure. Children can participate if parents give them tasks, such as organizing household belongings to take to the new country or finding information on fun things to do in the new city. On packing day children can even help pack soft items such as toys. Their

boxes can be loaded into the container last, so that they are the first things the child will see when household goods are unpacked. At the new home, the child can continue to participate by putting away their unpacked things or helping to decorate their new room.

Providing Continuity

Children crave stability and continuity in their lives. Prior to leaving the old home, parents should encourage children to gather photos and contact details on their friends. This will allow the kids to keep in touch with old friends, which only helps them transition to their new home, but is useful if the family later repatriates. And it is comforting for the children to take their favorite toys and books along with them. On arrival in Frankfurt Rhine-Main immediately look for local opportunities for them to pursue their hobbies.

Extra Support from Parents

It may not always be easy to do, but parents need to find plenty of time for the children on arrival in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. Parents are the primary source of continuity in the children’s lives, so the more upbeat and encouraging you are, the easier it is for the kids to get over the heart-wrenching move. Why not set out to discover your new surroundings together? Discover local stores, parks, clubs, etc.

GETTING MARRIED IN GERMANY

If you become smitten with love during your stay in Germany, there is a chance you’ll want to get married. Getting married here starts with presenting yourself at the local Registry office (Standesamt), which is usually located at the Town Hall (Rathaus). Though it’s not absolutely necessary, it’s clearly better if both parties appear together. As this office is quite busy with would-be newlyweds, you

should reckon on spending a bit of time waiting and getting through the preliminaries.

Getting married involves a good deal of paperwork if you wish to have your marriage recognized both here and in your home country. And depending on your and your partner’s nationality, there are different rules for different countries. It’s therefore not possible to list here what exactly you’ll need to present at the Registry office.

STRONGER TOGETHER

Manager / Vertriebsspezialist (m/w/d) B2B Elektrotechnik

2001 in Neu-Isenburg gegründet, hat sich Chip 1 als führender Distributor für elektronische Bauelemente positioniert. Wir sind mit Büros in Europa, USA and Asien mit über 300 Mitarbeitern an mehreren Standorten vertreten. Du willst dabei sein? Dann werde Teil unseres internationalen Teams! Weitere offene Positionen zu besetzen …

Deine Mission:

Weil du absoluter Profi in Sachen Customer Relations bist, setzen wir ganz auf dein kommunikatives Können. Ob via Telefon oder bei Bedarf auch persönlich –du pflegst dein Netzwerk, gewinnst neue Kundschaft hinzu und überzeugst im Vertrieb mit deiner mitreißenden Art.

Unsere Must-Haves für Dich:

• Vollzeitanstellung

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Wir suchen perspektivisch Mitarbeitende, die diese Tätigkeit in folgenden

Sprachen ausführen können:

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Über den QR Code gelangst Du auf unsere Karriereseite.

Weitere Positionen sind zu besetzen ...

Sales / Account

ANARA KARAGUL

Her home town is Almaty, Kazakhstan. She holds an MBA degree from Oxford SAID Business School, has almost 20 years of work experience in finance, 15 years of living in 6 different countries and lifelong passion for kitesurfing. Today, together with her colleagues at Horbach Expats she is providing multilingual and holistic financial planning to fellow expats. She believes that people should have freedom to move and feel at home wherever life takes them.

A kitesurfer with an Oxford MBA

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2021

Heimat (Home) means:

Home is where the heart is. Mine is now definitely here, in Germany!

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left back:

During my expat journey I learned to leave behind practically anything. Those are just things. I even left my passport once and managed to fly out with an invalid one … But I would like to settle down one day and even get couple of those nice dust collectors again.

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: I am on a keto diet – only cause it allows lots of cheese

The most exotic place in the world I’ve ever been to: Bali Spa in Cologne. This combination of Balinese ambience and totally naked white people – just priceless! Even Buddha statues were blushing.

My first day here …

It was more like a night actually. Jumped out of plane from Singapore and went to have a glass (or three) of Riesling with my girls.

The strangest German word I learnt: abgeebbt. Its short but still strange. Love the double b.

Google the German word of your favorite animal species: Delphin. Same as in my language! German language is not that scary!

The song of my life, the movie of my life, the book of my life :

‘’Imagine’’ by John Lennon – imagine all the people sharing all the world…

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Grüneburgpark in Frankfurt

2 / Winebank in Frankfurt

3 / Frankfurt Airport it has direct flights to almost everywhere I want to go!

Experiencing Frankfurt Airport

Fraport Visitor Center. Airport Tours. Visitors’ Terrace

For more information: FRA-Tours.com/en

GETTING

CONNECTED

In today’s digital age, one of the first things you’ll want to do is get connected –to the Internet, to the folks back home, to new colleagues, to the news. So getting your telecoms right is key.

If you have been in Germany more than 24 hours, you’ve probably seen a pink letter “T” adorning the one or other LED screen or billboards. The “T” is for Telekom, as in Deutsche Telekom. The once state-owned monopolist is today one of the major corporations offering all the telecoms services you could ever wish for, from wireless communications to business solutions. The two other big telcos are Vodafone and Telefonica, and are less prominently visible – after all, together they hold less of a market share than does Deutsche Telekom. The latter is certainly the giant in the German market, and offers all-in services ranging from landlines and cell phones through to Internet connections.

That said, the German market for telecommunication is one of the most open and deregulated in Europe … meaning that there is a dizzying array of choices. Once you get acquainted with the system, you will find it reliable and easy to use. But with so many choices, it is easy to get confused by all the shrill marketing claims.

CHOOSING A PROVIDER

You’ve found your new home, and now it’s time to get connected (along with a few other tasks). To have a land line phone installed in Germany there are two basic options:

1. You can go down to one of the local Telekom customer service centers in most larger cities and fill out the necessary forms. The basic installation charge is € 70 for phone and Internet. Who you buy the handset from is entirely your choice.

2. You can order your phone services from one of the other telcos – such as 1&1, Vodafone, or Telefonica (02) and many others. Because Telekom still enjoys a monopoly on the so-called “last mile” of telecommunications service, these private resellers basically offer the same products as Telekom, but sometimes at better rates, or additional services. In addition, some of these providers offer bundled DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) and or VDSL (ultrafast DSL) connections.

The monthly rates for a landline in Germany start around € 20 for a basic call service. Many providers offer flat rates for calls to land lines or designated numbers abroad, but this often does not cover calls to cell phones or internationally as a whole.

Ordering your phone can be a quick process. The most popular types of lines are DSL or VSDL. DSL tends to be bundled with other services, using the pitch: “For just an extra € 5, you can get an Internet flat rate with your DSL line.” For the techies out there, this is called the “double play” (telephone & Internet connection), “triple play” (phone, Internet and television) or “quadruple play” (phone, Internet, tele-

vision and cell phone service). DSL is also the most popular choice for Internet connections in Germany. The latest VDSL and fiberoptic lines get you Internet at speeds of up to 500 Mbit/s for downloading and 25 Mbit/s for uploading, and packages often include IP telephony and TV services.

If you want to buy the fastest package, first check to see whether it is available in your street. Again, private resellers (such as 1&1 or Vodafone) offer slightly better rates for Internet access. Remember to shop around before you sign up because many providers will waive initial set-up fees and throw in a free router or wireless LAN.

If your home is wired for cable, you can connect to the Internet through a cable modem and set up a landline using Hessen’s cable provider Unity-media. Before you sign up for this service, be sure to check with your landlord or the facility manager to make sure that the building in which you live supports this service. Many older buildings from the 1950s

Frankfurt is the city with the second highest density of data centers in Europe and has the world‘s largest internet hub.

Frankfurt, a natural launchpad into both corporate Germany and Europe

A Newcomer Story

Back in November 2017, Debjit D. Chaudhuri, or “Debu” to his friends, was appointed a “Business Ambassador” by the City of Frankfurt. It was a natural initial highpoint in his professional life that had seen him arrive in “Mainhattan” as a newcomer in late 1998, with no real intention of staying, and like so many before him, swiftly put down strong roots.

Debjit started out in business life not by studying business and going on to get an MBA (he

About Hessen Trade & Invest:

Hessen Trade & Invest (HTAI) is the economic development organization of the State of Hessen. We offer expanding companies a unique and strategic combination of investor consulting, business-location marketing, foreign trade support as well as technology and innovation promotion. HTAI also supports organizations already located in Hessen in developing their business activities in the European market. Moreover, our services include comprehensive advice on EU funding and collaboration programs. We don’t just guide companies during the relocation process – our work starts beforehand, and never truly ends. Ready to start your own success story in Hessen like Debjit? Our network is at your disposal!

got the latter later) but by graduating in Physics, and then working for a time in his native India. It was not long before his excellence took him to Silicon Valley, where out of nowhere his boss summoned him one day and stated with a smile, or so he remembers: “Debu, you’re off to debut in Germany.” Hardly a welcoming prospect, Debjit thought at the time, trading California’s sun for what he expected would be months of dreary rain. He assumed after a year or two in Europe he’d be back in his Pacific paradise. Only for things to turn out differently.

How it All Began

So it was that Debjit founded the German arm of Indian IT giant Infosys, which has long since been one of the world’s largest consulting companies. As the national Infosys MD he put his shoulder to the wheel, and before long had developed a team of no less than 1,500 consultants. From the base in Frankfurt, they were soon not just supporting German blue chips, with half of the 30 DAX-listed big players on his books, but countless European corporates, too. Debjit had essentially locked into what is typical of Frankfurt businesses: The city’s location and mindset make it the natural launchpad into corporate Germany and from there into Europe, too.

By the time Debjit went solo in 2010, Infosys was serving customers in Spain, Italy, Sweden, and the Netherlands, for example. And the first project he then became involved in was equally pan-European and locked into a new trend: He co-founded the Elpis, a social networking platform for individuals, communities and corporations to convert good ideas into pragmatic action, to eliminate carbon emissions and to deal with other pressing sustainability issues.

Three years on saw Debjit go one step further and become CEO of ValueWerk, a Frankfurt-based multi-family office for well-known global investors, managing investments in Germany in start-ups, SMEs, and real estate. There,

he acts as the crucial interface between two continents, two countries, and two cultures, bringing Indian capital to Germany and familiarizing German corporations with the Indian scene. In other words, it took Debu only slightly more than a decade to morph from consultant into a typically Frankfurt businessman. The city has been an ideal launchpad for the project, given the number of other family offices, banks and investment funds on his doorstep. “I have come to realize that I am not a visionary and there is no way I can predict the future. So I invest in the megatrends I witness here on a daily basis, and I invest in the right people. In fact, Frankfurt is forever buzzing with new ideas, possibly a reflection of its great mix of people. We’re even home to one of the first digital technology funds.” Along the way, Debjit has been a supervisory board member of various companies, among them, for example, savedroid, a bespoke software developer based in, no surprise there, Frankfurt.

There’s more to Debjit than just business, though. Like so many other locals he’s a keen football fan – and today no less than co-owner of the football club FC Bengaluru United. And a highly active member of Rotary International, which means he’s also always busy organizing social projects in Germany and India, primarily in the area of child education.

and 1960s are wired for cable, but do not have the required infrastructure for Unitymedia products.

If you can do without Internet access at home (or if your home is wired for cable), you might want to think about getting a flat rate for your cell phone and not getting a land line at all. For a monthly flat rate, you can call as much as you like into the German land line network and your service provider’s cell phone network. Prices start at € 30 per month, with such a service being offered by several providers.

With all these options, make sure that you get all of your contracts in writing and read the fine print. And refrain from signing up for any servicesat a shopping mall or over the telephone. There is a good chance they will get your order wrong.

Wi-Fi

You’ll find that an ever-increasing number of cafes, restaurants, and hotels offer free Wi-Fi. As does Frankfurt Airport. When travelling you’ll discover that many Lufthansa flights, and most of the high-speed trains also offer Internet hot spots, some of which are pay-as-you-use. There are also free hotspots at numerous different places in Frankfurt.

Flat rates

If you often call friends and family in a particular country, then look into getting a flat rate for that country, or failing that you can opt for a global flat rate such as Vodafone’s World. It’s always best to compare prices first, for example here: https://www.verivox.de/dsl-vergleich/

Roaming Fees Within the EU

After a decade of price caps, the EU has finally required mobile phone providers to abolish extra roaming fees for intra-European calls as of June 2017. The „Roam Like at Home“ rule eliminated roaming charges within the 28 countries of the European Union. There are, however, two exceptions. There is still a surcharge for data roaming. And if most of your telephone use occurs abroad rather than at home, your provider may impose roaming charges. All the EU member states are covered by this new rule, as well as Iceland, Norway and Liechtenstein. What happens after Brexit, no one knows.

MOBILE PHONING

One of the best ways to begin getting an overview is to go to a telecommunications shop that offers more than one service provider. These are stand-alone shops in retail areas or shops inside other shops. For instance, big electronics stores will have a booth inside where you can order phone services from several providers. If you are willing to do without a subsidized cell phone, you can also purchase a pre-paid card either from one of the providers or from a discount supermarket such as Aldi and Lidl. They offer rock-bottom prices such as 3 GB data plus unlimited calls and texts in Germany for only € 8 every four weeks. This is often the fastest and cheapest way to get mobile phone service in Germany.

Television Services

Your new apartment or house may already be wired with cable or a satellite receiver. In some cases, cable television

Be Inspired

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Hudson Yards at Hilton Frankfurt City Centre

Hochstraße

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Cocktail Special

When ordering our signature Manhattan cocktail, you enjoy a second one for free.

Valid until September 30 of 2023, this voucher cannot be redeemed in cash. This voucher cannot be used in conjunction with any other offers, discounts or promotions and can only be redeemed once. No reservation needed. Please bring the original voucher with you

fees are included with your apartment’s facility management fee. If not, call your local cable company and they will let you know if your building is wired. Cable TV companies in Frankfurt Rhine-Main offer a number of non-German services, including CNN, BBC World Service, French TV5 and Al Jazeera.

To receive satellite television, you must buy and install your own satellite receiver. They are available at many retail outlets and will allow you to receive all of the major German cable channels, plus numerous other foreign stations. If you get reception from the Astra and Hotbird satellites, you can receive the following “free” English-language news and information stations: CNN, Eurosport, Sky News and BBC World.

Remember that regardless of which programs you want to watch, all homes are charged the Rundfunkbeitrag, a license fee – the charge is the same for everyone and is € 18.36 a month. The money is used to run the high-quality public TV and radio channels in Germany. You will not need to own a TV to be charged the fee – having a PC connected to the Internet suffices. For the details, please visit: www. rundfunkbeitrag.de/welcome/englisch/index_ger.html

If your home is wired for cable, you can also get foreign-language programming through Hessen’s cable provider unitymedia. There are no less than 14 language packages, covering a total of 80 TV channels; the language packages do not, however, include English, but do feature French and Turkish for example.

All the major streaming services such as Netflix, Amazon‘s Prime Video and iTunes are available in Germany ... and in most cases in the original languages. You might find that

The world of construction.

An engineering company with international employer DNA.

tional projects to small-scale project sections or consulting, we offer all the requisite services in-house. For our teams and future employees, this means exciting, varied challenges at work. We get projects up and running, nationally and internationally, with passion, precision and proficiency.

The projects we take on are as diverse as our clients and open the door to the rich and creative world of construction. The extraordinarily wide range of services thereby offers a unique development potential for our employees. Whether it’s new challenges, additional complexity or a stay abroad, anyone looking for something new will find it at Julius Berger International.

ADVERTORIAL

The atmosphere at Julius Berger International is open and congenial. Our welcoming culture is one of our strengths as a company and we always look forward to new faces.

For more information, visit: www.julius-berger-int.com/en/careers

CONTACT

Julius Berger International GmbH Abraham-Lincoln-Strasse 44 | 65189 Wiesbaden

Cathrin Diel | Human Resources +49 (0)611 1390 3838

With over 300 employees and located in Wiesbaden, Julius Berger International is one of the largest engineering firms in the Rhine-Main metropolitan region.

We realize complex construction projects on behalf of our clients – from major interna-

Our Team is made up of over 23 nationalities. Individual training and developing expertise are particularly important to us. The close cooperation within the Julius Berger Group enables us to offer our employees countless opportunities and options.

cathrin.diel@julius-berger.com

the selection of films is not the same as in your home country, which has to do with geo-blocking by different providers. The EU is moving to relax this restriction within member countries in 2018. To circumvent this, some users set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) through a provider such as expressvpn.com, which essentially convinces the streaming service that you are located in the same country as is it.

USING THE POSTAL SYSTEM

The market for postal services in Germany has been deregulated, meaning that private companies are allowed to deliver both letters and packages. For private individuals sending a normal letter, the German postal service however remains the best option, which runs a quick and efficient system. If you are not at home when a delivery is made, your postman may leave it with the neighbors, or take it to the nearest post office or drop-off point. You can usually collect it there the next day – present a valid picture ID to prove you are the person to whom the package or registered mail is addressed.

To send packages weighing more than two kilos, you might consider using one of the private competitors which often have better rates than Deutsche Post’s DHL. The major private postal companies are TNT Post (www.tnt.com), Hermes (www.myhermes.de) and GLS (www.gls-germany. com). In particular, Hermes has a good network of drop-off

points for packages, such as supermarkets, news agents, dry cleaners, etc. If you want to compare postal prices from several different suppliers, a helpful website is www.posttip.de

Electricity

When moving into a new apartment in Germany, most people keep the same electricity provider used by the previous tenant. In the Frankfurt area this is often Mainova. Be sure to take a look at your electricity meter and write down its status at the time you move in. Otherwise, the electricity company may estimate your bill for the first month based on the previous tenant’s habits.

Utilities have been deregulated in Germany, and there are many different providers. If you want to use a different provider than that of the previous tenant, contact a power company by phone. To compare prices, visit the German-language website www.verivox.de or www.check24.de/stromgas.

Much like the rough-and-tumble world of telecommunications, it is also „buyer beware“ when it comes to choosing an energy provider. Many energy companies offer you a cheap rate in the first year and then increase rates in the second. Contracts typically run for 12 months, so make note of the renewal deadlines. Once you have made your choice, you sign the contract, and the energy company will take it from there.

Betten & Bettsysteme

Matratzen & Lattenroste

Zudecken & Kissen

Bettwäsche & Frottierwaren

GETTING HEALTHCARE

d octors , medicine , hospitals and emergencies

Newcomers will find that one of the world’s best healthcare system awaits them. Choose between statutory or private health insurance depending on your needs and financial resources.

Universal health care coverage is one of the great benefits of living and working in Germany. The quality of health care in Germany is high, with general practitioners’ surgeries and hospitals tending to boast cutting-edge technology. There are numerous specialist medical practices, too.

Just like every other developed country in the world, Germany‘s health care system is seemingly in a constant state of reform. Increased life expectancy and a consistently low birth rate have created difficulties for the country‘s vaunted health care system. The public health system is under financial strain with insurance premiums continuing to rise and the list of fully-covered services getting ever shorter. At the

same time, co-payments for prescription drugs and routine medical procedures continue to increase.

The first important point to remember is that health insurance is mandatory for all residents. You must have valid health insurance to be legally employed in Germany. In addition, self-employed freelancers, artists, musicians and dependent family members must all be registered for health insurance. If you require a visa before arriving in Germany, you will have to show proof of adequate health insurance before your visa application is approved. Students must also be registered for health care coverage, but at a substantially reduced rate.

EU citizens are permitted to remain on their home health insurance policies, but it is important to remember that insurance benefits could differ significantly from those in Germany.

In Germany you have two main choices when it comes to medical insurance. About 90% of the German population is enrolled in the state-regulated public health insurance system (Gesetzliche Krankenversicherung or GKV). The major advantage of the public system is that unemployed dependents (i.e. spouse and children) are insured at no additional cost. The remaining 10% of the population have chosen to be enrolled in private health insurance from a German company (Private Krankenversicherung or PKV). The quality of care is admittedly better, but premiums are not capped and family members must be separately insured.

STATE-REGULATED HEALTH INSURANCE (GKV)

Public health insurance in Germany is based on the principle of solidarity, which means that everyone‘s premiums are based on the same percentage of income. The current rate is 14.6%, and the lowest rate charged per month is € 153,53, the highest € 706,28. If your gross salary is higher than € 4.837,50 monthly (as of 2022), then you will pay the maximum monthly premium. If your salary is lower than the threshold, then your premium is proportionately less. Premiums are deducted directly from your wages and transferred

to your insurance company of choice. The vast majority of medical bills are paid directly by the insurance company, so patients do not incur any expenses for treatment or have to submit paperwork for reimbursement. There are currently over 100 different GKV companies in Germany. All GKV providers in Germany are non-profit associations which administer the government health insurance plan. Some are very large, for instance the TK, AOK, Barmer, and Debeka, with millions of members whereas others have just a few thousand insured. This does not mean that the basic benefits are different – all public health insurance providers must abide by the same government regulations.

As part of an effort to foster more competition, the GKV insurance companies are now permitted to offer bonus plans, reduced fees, special programs for dental work and other services. This means that, depending on your preferences, you can now select the most suitable insurance company for your needs.

When you first enroll in the GKVs, there will be no health questions about pre-existing medical conditions and there is no waiting period. The general minimum period of membership with any provider is 18 months, and after that you can change providers within the GKV and still pay approximately the same monthly premium.

In general, the quality of medical care is quite good for members of the public health insurance plan. There are

co-payments between € 5

10 for each prescription medicine, although this is waived for children. Furthermore, you are required to pay € 10 per day for the first 28 days of a hospital stay. Furthermore, you may be required to pay small additional fees for routine blood tests, etc.

Basic dental treatments are included in the GKV plan, but you will have to pay for any more complicated treatments such as bridge work or orthodontics. Some coverage is provided for optical lens for spectacles, but only as of a certain severity.

The most obvious advantage of the GKV system is that non-working dependents (i.e. spouse and children) have the same level of coverage as the insured individual at no additional cost. Many people choose to insure themselves and their families through the state-regulated system and then purchase supplemental private insurance in order to have access to superior coverage, such as a private hospital room, homeopathy, vision products and better dental coverage.

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE (PKV)

If your gross yearly salary is higher than € 64.350 (2022), you can choose to enroll in a private health insurance program. Self-employed, civil servants and other professionals can also choose to enroll in a private health insurance program. Your employer is required to contribute the same amount

Treat your body & soul

they would have paid under the public system, which usually amounts to about half of the monthly premium.

There are currently about 45 private health insurance companies serving the German market and there are a wide range of options available. Generally speaking, private health care premiums for individuals under 35 years of age tend to be lower than in the public system. Premiums in the private system take into account an individual‘s income, state of health, age and other coverage options.

Because the scope of services from private insurance companies is not regulated by the state, the PKVs offer more extensive coverage which can be adapted to an individual‘s needs. Private health insurance programs also offer better dental coverage, vision products and other medical treatments. Additionally, there is a larger pool of physicians to choose from, since many medical professionals prefer to treat privately-insured patients.

When deciding between the private and the public health care systems, it is important to weigh up the costs and benefits. The major disadvantage of the private system is that non-working spouses and family members must be separately insured. Also, PKV members must initially pay for treatment costs and then submit paperwork to the insurance company for reimbursement. Finally, the decision to enroll in a PKV cannot be easily reversed: You will be not permitted to switch back to the public system unless your salary falls below the monthly threshold.

Leave

it all behind, relax and recharge

Choose from three ELEMENTS fitness and spa locations in the Frankfurt region and enjoy effective workouts and rejuvenating relaxation. Comprehensive fitness combined with an extensive spa offer is waiting for you at our fitness studios at Eschenheimer Turm, in Eschborn and at Henninger Turm. After a hard day at work, it’s all about relaxing and recharging for ELEMENTS member Johanna. “I make sure to take time for myself two nights a week. I love doing a hard workout and then rewarding myself with some time at the spa. Taking time for myself really makes a difference. At ELEMENTS, I can really relax and unwind.”

What do all three ELEMENTS studios have in common? The latest equipment, an extensive class offer and excellent trainers make sure you get the most out of your workout. Our exclusive spa landscape has everything you need to regenerate after your workout. Saunas set at different temperatures, pools and relaxation spaces invite you to relax in style. And, if you really want to pamper yourself,

you can also book a massage. Our services turn every trip to the studio into a vacation for the senses!

PRIVATE HEALTH INSURANCE FROM AN INTERNATIONAL PROVIDER

In the past, it was quite popular for newcomers to use international health insurance policies offered by insurers within the EU but outside of Germany – mostly based in the UK – because they catered to the specific needs of expats and they were less expensive. However, the German health insurance reform of 2009 required international insurance companies to comply with the German insurance code. Most of these policies failed to clear this legal hurdle and were withdrawn from the German market. This issue has become even more complicated, because some of the German regulations may be in violation of EU law. The issue revolves around whether Germany will recognize European directives for cross-border selling of health insurance for non-Germans seeking a residence permit.

TRAVEL HEALTH INSURANCE

The German public health insurance system is valid within 27 EU countries (plus Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) but provides limited coverage. If you need emergency medical care while traveling to another EU country and are covered by the state-regulated insurance plan, you will be required to pay the medical costs yourself and then submit all the receipts to your German insurance provider. But you will only be reimbursed for the amount

that the German system would have paid for the treatment – sometimes only a fraction of the actual costs.

If you wish to be covered for medical expenses within the EU, or if you plan to travel to non-EU countries, you should purchase a travel insurance policy before your departure – if you are an ADAC member you will find they have good offers.

NURSING CARE INSURANCE

Regardless of whether you are a member of the public or private health care insurance plan, you will also be required to pay into the German government‘s mandatory long-term nursing care plan (Pflegepflichtversicherung). This nursing care insurance covers a certain portion of the costs of personal nursing needs, such as feeding and bathing, for those people who become substantially disabled. The cost is an additional 3.4 percent without kids and 3.05 percent with kids of your gross salary (up to a maximum of € 147,54 at 3.4 percent per month) in the GKV, and your employer will pay half up to € 75.

DENTAL CARE

Dental care in Germany can be excellent, but it‘s also expensive. For major dental work involving bridges, crowns or orthodontics, you must get a cost estimate (Heil- und Kostenplan) and present it to your insurer prior to treatment. Otherwise, you could be faced with an expensive bill to be paid out of your

own pocket. For those belonging to the state health insurance plan, you may have to pay between 50 percent and 100 percent for dental work if you do not have supplemental dental insurance. Those with private insurance will fare much better, but it pays to take a close look at exactly what is covered.

Avadent Dental Clinics

Avadent stands for a new generation of dentistry. And for lifelong dental health. As a leading provider of dental care in the Taunus and the Rhine Main region, Avadent offers all specialist areas. Whether general dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, prophylaxis, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, pain and functional diagnostics, implantology, dentures, oral surgery, periodontology, sleep medicine, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, plastic and aesthetic facial surgery or anesthesia, the best possible care is offered here. And

that according to the latest scientific standards and with innovative device technologies.

AVADENT BAD HOMBURG

Am Mühlberg 6 – 8 | 61348 Bad Homburg, Telephone 06172 307777 | info@avadent.de

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 30 a.m. –9 p.m., Saturday 7.30 a.m. – 2 p.m.

AVADENT KÖNIGSTEIN

Hauptstraße 15 | 61462 Königstein, Telephone 06174 955770 | info@avadent.de

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 30 a.m. – 9 p.m., Saturday 7.30 a.m. – 2 p.m. by appointment

AVADENT FRIEDRICHSDORF-KÖPPERN

Bachstraße 3 | 61381 Friedrichsdorf-Köppern, Telephone 06175 1360 | info@avadent.de

Opening hours: Monday to Friday 7 30 a.m. – 9 p.m.

VISITING A PHYSICIAN

Soon after enrolling in a health care plan, you will receive a health insurance card (Gesundheitskarte) with a microchip and passport photo, which resembles a credit card. You will be asked to present this card every time you visit a health care provider. For most treatments, including all basic care and check-ups, you needn’t pay any additional fees.

There are two basic possibilities for visiting health care providers – you either make an appointment (Termin) or drop in during the open visiting hours (Sprechstunde). The times for these visiting hours are almost always posted, either on the front door or gate of the doctor’s building or online.

Open visiting hours tend to fall within the standard working day, so you might need to take time off your job to see a health care provider. No employer is allowed to deny you time off to see a doctor or dentist if you are sick or in great pain. This right is guaranteed by law.

* Gültig bei Vorlage dieser Anzeige bis 30.06.2023 und nur am Standort Frankfurt/Main. Pro Person nur ein Gutschein einlösbar. Nicht kombinierbar mit anderen Rabattaktionen. Nicht einlösbar auf Bücher. Keine Barauszahlung.

CHOOSING A DOCTOR

While many people initially choose a health care provider near their home or workplace, a better strategy is to ask friends or colleagues for a recommendation. Doctors’ personalities and approaches to patients can vary widely. Remember that the German system does not require you to stay with any one doctor so if you’re dissatisfied, you can always seek treatment with another, and even get treatment for the same ailment if you feel your first doctor is not doing a good job.

With most health problems, you’re strongly advised to go to a general practitioner first and only then seek treatment with a specialist – if your regular doctor believes you need it. Your general practitioner will give you a referral (Überweisung) for the appropriate specialist if necessary and, in many cases, also recommend a few good specialists.

ENGLISH-SPEAKING DOCTORS

Potentially, one of the most frustrating aspects of living in a foreign country is not being able to communicate with your doctor in your own language. Most doctors in Germany have a basic command of English, but not all receptionists. Nevertheless, in most offices there should be at least one employee who can handle the details of your visit. If you are looking for English-speaking doctors and dentists in the Rhine-Main region, you should contact:

American International Women‘s Club of the Taunus maintains a list based on members‘ experiences, but to access the list you should be a member. www.aiwcfrankfurt.org

The US Consulate also maintain lists at de.usembassy.gov/ medical-assistance/#doctor

PHARMACIES

Almost any medicine you’ll need can be found at your friendly local pharmacy (they are called Apotheke). In fact, even most non-prescription medicines can be found only at the pharmacy, too. Vitamins and various non-medicinal health aids can be picked up at supermarkets or beauty and health-care shops. If you’re in a health insurance program, the prescription medicines are subsidized – if you are enrolled in the state system, you’ll have to make a co-payment of € 5-10 per medicine, whereby prescription medicines are free for children.

If your local Apotheke doesn’t have the medicine in stock, they will order it, and it will usually be delivered at the latest within the next 24 hours. While the pharmacies tend to close at 6.30 p.m., there are emergency dispenser services – each Apotheke has a display informing you where the next allnight dispensary is. There, you will have to ring a bell to be served; typically, there is a window in the door through which the medicines will be issued.

HOSPITALS

Should you need to go to hospital, your doctor will arrange a bed and find a specialist on the staff to consult you. Of course, none of this holds true in the event of an emergency, when you get admitted without previous notice. According to the specific health plan you’re in, you can find yourself in anything from a single to a four-bed room. Most hospitals do not automatically provide gowns, towels or toilet articles for in-patients.

AFTER-HOURS TREATMENT

Should you suddenly need treatment outside the regular working hours for most doctors, try calling your own doctor: He may have a recorded message telling you how he can be reached. If this fails, you should call the Emergency Service (Ärztlicher Notdienst). These emergency telephone numbers depend on where you live. These services offer considerable advice as to what you should do and, in some cases, even dispatch a physician to your home. However, if your problem appears to be very serious, even life threatening, you should call the police or the fire department.

HAVING A BABY IN GERMANY

For the last few decades, Germans have been worried about declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy and the obvious demographic problems caused by these two trends. For that reason, they’ve instituted a raft of generous programs to encourage couples to have children and multiply. In addition to excellent care, pregnant women and new mothers receive additional benefits related to health care and prenatal care. One of the most outstanding benefits is 14 weeks of paid maternity leave – six weeks before the expected birth and eight after. The government also provides a number of other benefits to new parents, including the possibilityof taking a maximum of 14-month postnatal

leave. During this time the parent who stays at home with child can receive a monthly allowance (Elterngeld) equal to 67% of the last net salary, but there are limits on the maximum amount. More importantly, the stay-at-home parent is protected from dismissal during this period. In addition, the government provides monthly allowances (Kindergeld) for each child.

BIRTH CERTIFICATES

Should you have a new member of your family while living in Germany, you’ll need to register your baby with two countries. First of all, the birth must be registered with the

German authorities. The hospital can register the birth. They advise that you bring the passports of both parents as well as your marriage certificate – if there is one.

The hospital will then take care of registering the birth. However, you’ll have to ask where the birth was registered, then go there to pick up the birth certificate (Geburtsurkunde).

One interesting quirk about registering your new baby is that there are certain restrictions on what a child’s first name can be. German law requires that the first name be clearly distinguishable as either male or female. This means that unisex names are out. If you really have your heart set on an unusual name, German authorities may require you to prove that the name is common in your home country.

Roger Rinker Morningshow Host at Radio Frankfurt

"Frankfurt is such a lovely place in the heart of Europe. It‘s difficult to decide which place is my personal hotspot in town. I love celebrating in Alt Sachsenhausen (drinking an Apfelwein, or two, or three…), I really enjoy walking along our Museumsufer in Sachsenhausen or sitting on the Freigut boathouse there. I am often at the Lohrberg. I like the view and I’m obsessed with the Frankfurter Schnitzel from the Lohrbergschänke. But I think my personal hotspot is our soccer stadium – the home of Eintracht Frankfurt. I love the energy of the fans in the Waldstadion (Deutsche Bank Park). But I also like to be there for concerts of international superstars.

Frankfurt is awesome! There is always something new!"

After you’ve registered the birth of the child with the German authorities, you’ll almost certainly want to register your new child with your own consulate or embassy. You’ll need the German birth certificate when doing so. It’s essential to note that there are a number of forms contained in the birth certificate, and you should bring along the one designated Abstammungsurkunde with an “EC” in the upper right-hand corner. You’ll also need your passport (of both parents if you’re both citizens of the country for which you’re seeking citizenship for the child) and your marriage certificate. These procedures are fairly standard for most countries, though details can differ. For instance, the US Consulate insists that you appear in person with the new baby, as the authorities are required to actually see the child and parents. Finally, you’ll have to drop by the Registry office (Standesamt) again and register your new bundle of joy as a new resident at your address.

Just because your child is born in Germany does not automatically mean that the child will acquire German citizenship. The laws pertaining to citizenship are complex, but generally speaking, a child will acquire German nationality if one of the parents is a German national. If neither parent is German, it is still possible for the child to acquire German citizenship at birth if at least one parent has legally lived in Germany for more than eight years and also has a permanent residence permit.

ILARIA MAGRINI

She‘s from Italy but currently living in Frankfurt, where she traveled to fulfil her dream to become a game developer and work in the game industry. A bookworm and coffee drinker, she spends her weekend exploring the local places with her friends and coworkers, enjoying the time together in a city that is pulsing with life, full of discoveries while learning about the new culture she is living in. She believes that there is no challenge that is too difficult to overcome: effort and willingness can help you achieve everything.

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2022

Heimat (Home) means:

Might sound cheesy but, as I moved a lot since I was a child, now I can say that home for me is an undefined and abstract concept.

I might feel at home while listening to songs that can shelter me during cloudy days, or friends that can keep my heart warm and my head free from worries in the most difficult times. We can feel at home in the most unexpected place or with the most unexpected people.

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: My favorite food or sweet here in Germany is indeed bread, surprised? Let me explain.

In Italy the bread is really traditional: different ways of baking it and different flours but nothing really out of the box. My first day here in Frankfurt I was astonished by the amount of ways they fill the bread: you are able to find it with cheese, fruits and cream.

I know that we are not talking about traditional German first courses but, for me, athey are worth mentioning! And well, the watermelon drink, do I really have to say more?

Driving in Germany, getting around.

Everybody falls into stereotypes, if I ever had some second thoughts of blending into German culture, I’ve got to admit that the idea was quickly laid to rest by my first time on public transport: people have the habit of keeping the metro doors open for the ones that are rushing in, how can your day not improve when you see this simple act of kindness?

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Lokalbahnhof, a pub in Marktplatz, Offenbach. The boss of this place always wears an Indiana Jones hat and the girl that works there likes to knit in the quiet moments of the service, do I really need to say more to convince you it is a super weird but totally worth it place?

2 / The Main, Offenbach side of the river (because we do it better), chatting with my friends and coworkers. Seeing the sunset, watching stars while talking about chill topics like the vastness of the universe.

3 / Sandwich truck, a couple of tram station from Hugo Junker Strasse. There you’ll find the best veggie burger of your life, even if you are not vegetarian or vegan it is surely worth a try, I promise.

Traveler of worlds and terrible singer, in constant pursuit of discovery

Dental problems?

Our team of specialists will help in any case.

Instead of just one dentist who takes care of everything, at Avadent you have a personal dentist at your disposal who will advise you, plan your treatment and carry it out in cooperation with our specialist experts. Your advantage: a family dentist who knows you – plus a team that masters every dental challenge with great expertise and always has your holistic well-being as its top priority.

AVADENT BAD HOMBURG

Am Mühlberg 6 – 8, 61348 Bad Homburg, Telephone 06172 307777, info@avadent.de

Opening hours: Monday to Friday: 7.30 a.m.9 p.m., Saturday: 7.30 a.m. - 2 p.m.

AVADENT KÖNIGSTEIN

Hauptstraße 15, 61462 Königstein, Telephone 06174 955770, info@avadent.de

Opening hours Monday to Friday: 7.30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Saturday: 7.30 a.m. - 2 p.m. by appointment

AVADENT FRIEDRICHSDORF-KÖPPERN

Bachstraße 3, 61381 Friedrichsdorf-Köppern, Telephone 06175 1360, info@avadent.de

Opening hours Monday to Friday: 7.30 a.m.9 p.m.

Dr. med. dent. Christina Barghoorn

Dr. med. dent. Joachim Wegener

Dr. med. dent. Sima Khameh Var Dr. med. dent. Ute Jensen

Eva-Maria Geise Ghayath Mahfoud Linda Brandtstäter

Mika Kauschmann Nicole Denfeld

Dott. Dr. med. Georg-Michael Henrich

Dr. med. dent. Michael Hanke

Dr. med. dent. Sabine Hanke

Stephan Schmidt

Dr. med. dent. Caroline Wüstner Dr. med. dent. Scharareh Moaeri-Schmitt

Prof. Dr. med. dent. habil. Jörg Meyle

Dr. med. dent. Mareike Bücking

Dr. med. Annette Kirschsieper-Heinrich

Panagiotis Iatrou

GETTING

EDUCATED

GERMAN SCHOOL SYSTEM

German schools represent more than just an opportunity for your child to learn a second language and experiencea foreign culture. Enrolling your child in a German school can help integration of both the child and you into the community. What’s more, the public education System is tuition free.

Academically, the German school System has a good reputation. The main complaint about the German system concern the short hours (in primary schools, it is common for children to finish school at noon), the lack of flexibility, and lack of programs for gifted and remedial children. In Germany, the school system is the responsibility of the respective state government and in response to the above

shortcomings the State of Hessen has instituted a series of educational reforms. As a result, the high school curriculum was restructured and afternoon classes were introduced. The other significant reform involved substitute teaching. Hessen passed legislation so that classes will not be cancelled (and students sent home) due to a lack of human resources in schools. With students spending longer days in school, many schools are now offering hot lunches. Organized sports teams and other extra-curricular activities are still not offered at most German schools but are rather the domain of innumerable clubs (Vereine). It bears noting that the German school system expects parents to be active participants in their child’s education. Particularly at the primary and middle school level,

Newcomers will want to find the right school for their kids. Or the right uni. There’s a great choice available, both public and private.

s chools , colleges , and unis in F rank F urt r hine - m ain

parents should expect to spend an average of one hour daily helping their children with homework.

Kindergarten

Germany has an excellent network of pre-schools ... after all, the idea of the kindergarten first arose here, invented by German educator Friedrich Fröbel in 1840. Kindergarten starts as early as age three and continues until age five. It is not a part of the regular public school system and so is not free. Tuition is often based on income, though fees are usually not expensive. Kindergarten in Germany stresses a child‘s social development and concentrates on structured play, arts and crafts, music and coordination skills. Children are not taught “learning ready” skills such as the alphabet and counting. Kindergartens are often run by churches, social organizations, or private companies.

Grundschule

All children aged 6-10 must attend a primary school (Grundschule). Here they are taught basic skills like reading, writing and arithmetic, as well as local history, geography and biology. In contrast to some other countries, students also have religion classes. In addition to their homeroom teacher, they have separate teachers for music and sports. Students are assigned up to 30-60 minutes of homework daily.

In the child‘s final year (4th Grade) in the Grundschule, parents and teachers come together to evaluate the child’s

next level of schooling. If a child has the academic aptitude to warrant university education, he or she will move directly onto high school (Gymnasium). Those students who need another two years to can attend middle school (Förderstufe) after which they can choose between the Gymnasium and intermediate schools (Hauptschule or Realschule). This is one of the most nerve-wracking times for parents whose children are not initially offered a place in the university track, but remember, the teacher recommendations are not written in stone and can be appealed.

Hauptschule

The lowest track in the German education System is the general school (Hauptschule). It Starts with the fifth grade and goes through to the ninth grade. A Hauptschule is a school where students prepare for occupations that require vocational training and continue learning basic subjects, as well as English. After a student completes the Hauptschule, he or she can go on to a vocational college, which usually lasts about two years.

250 academic libraries are available to the 58,000 Frankfurt students for research in all subject areas.

Realschule

A Realschule is more advanced than a Hauptschule. Here students learn the basic subjects that will prepare them for a mid-level job in business or a technical trade. If a student has performed well at a Realschule, he or she can also transfer to a Gymnasium.

Gymnasium

This school is the highest level of secondary education in Germany and prepares students to enter university. Gymnasium lasts 8 – 9 years and students learn German, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geography, Biology and History. Students are required to take a foreign language starting in 5th Grade. This is usually English, but Latin or French are also offered. A second foreign language can be added in 7th Grade and a third in 9th Grade. Students specialize in certain subjects in their final years.

In their last year, students take week-long exams in order to obtain their Abitur, or high-school-leaving certificate, qualifying them for university admission.

Gesamtschule

The comprehensive school (Gesamtschule) combines all three high school types. First introduced in the 1960s, this type of school allows students to switch between different tracks without changing buildings.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS

International schools are accustomed to dealing with children from all over the world and with varied linguistic backgrounds. One advantage of the international education system is portability and continuity of the curriculum, which helps prevent learning gaps if the family moves to another international assignment or returns home. And as private schools, they can often afford better facilities, extensive extracurricular activities and longer hours; in some cases up

to 6 p.m. You pay for this privilege: Tuition fees can run to well over € 22,000 a year for high school. German taxpayers, however,can tax deduct up to 30 percent of these fees as extraordinary expenses up to a maximum amount of € 5,000.

In recent years, a number of bilingual (German-English) private schools have opened in Frankfurt Rhine-Main. If a private school is classified as an “alternative school” (Ersatzschule), then it has been certified by the state educational authority. The school must adhere to the same regulations and curriculum as a German school. Such schools, however, are also sometimes permitted to offer equivalent international classes and diplomas. In return, the state provides generous subsidies to these schools and as a result, tuition is in the order of € 300 – 1,000 a month. If a private school is classified as a “complimentary school” (Ergänzungsschule), it is not required to follow state curriculum regulations. Traditionally, most international schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma have been classified as complimentary schools. Because the state provides no subsidies, these schools are funded almost exclusively by tuition fees.

INTERNATIONAL AND BILINGUAL SCHOOLS IN FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN

European School Frankfurt

The European School Frankfurt (ESF) is one of the 14 official schools across Europe that are jointly administered by the European Union. This school was built primarily for the children of employees of the European Central Bank (ECB), which is headquartered in Frankfurt. Located in Praunheim, the ESF offers four language sections (German, English, French, Italian) and provides a multicultural, multilingual and multi-denominational curriculum from kindergarten (age four) to 12th Grade. Graduates earn the European Baccalaureate degree, which allows them to study at universities in any EU country and is also recognized around the world. Children

TRILINGUAL GANZTÄGIG INDIVIDUELL

The trilingual primary school with a unique atmosphere.

whose parents work for the ECB (or other EU institutions) pay no tuition, while others (so-called Category II or III) tuition varies according to the category and the school level (Pre-Primary, Primary, Secondary). Consult the website for more details. For parents who are not part of the ECB community, it is very difficult – if not impossible – to enroll their child in the English or German track of this school.

EUROPEAN SCHOOL FRANKFURT

Praunheimerweg 126 | 60439 Frankfurt am Main www.esffm.org

European School Rhein-Main

Founded in 2012, the European School RheinMain (ESRM) is the first privately funded European School. Fully accredited by the EU, the school is located in Bad Vilbel, just outside Frankfurt. The school follows the European School curriculum leading to the European Baccalaureate, which is officially recognized in Germany, all EU member states and beyond. ESRM is a full-day school whose teachers are native speakers specifically trained in the European School curriculum. Since the first Baccalaureate graduating class in 2016, 226 students have completed the European Baccalaureate program with excellent results. The Baccalaureate graduation rate is usually above 95%. From pre-primary to 12th Grade, the school has a complete English section and a complete German section. There are a minimum of two parallel English and two parallel German classes in each grade. Spanish as language 1 (mother tongue) and French as language 1 and 2 (first foreign language) are available in all grades leading to the European Baccalaureate. Currently, the school is operating at near full capacity with more than 1,500 students. The school facilities are well equipped and modern, including a four-pitch sports hall, one of the largest in Germany. The vast majority of graduating students choose to continue their university studies in the UK, US or Ireland. ESRM is open to all students and moderate school fees apply.

EUROPEAN SCHOOL RHEIN-MAIN

Theodor Heuss Straße 65 | 61118 Bad Vilbel www.es-rm.eu

Fintosch Multilingual Primary School

The school concept of the Multilingual Primary School of Fintosch unites the International Primary Curriculum (IPC) with the Hessian education and upbringing program. Furthermore the International Primary School of Fintosch is located in Frankfurt Westend and open all year round with a day care option up to 7 p.m. The entry level (Early Year 1) starts from the age of 5. The teaching is done in small classes with up to 20 students in English and German. Especially the joy of learning plays a central role. With its motto “Fintosch feels like family,” the school aims to give pupils a child-friendly and caring environment while promoting multicultural harmony. The building also houses an international kindergarten and a nursery.

FINTOSCH MULTILINGUAL PRIMARY SCHOOL

Schumannstraße 4-6 | 60325 Frankfurt/Westend www.fintosch.com

Learn German with the VHS

We offer German courses at all levels as well as certified integration courses and examinations. As a beginner or advanced learner, you can practise and improve your language skills like grammar, conversation, vocabulary, writing, etc.

Building bridges between India and Frankfurt

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is a renowned international business school with a vibrant campus in the trendy central Frankfurt neighborhood of Nordend. Its more than 3,000 undergraduate, Master, and MBA students and roughly seventy professors come from all over the world, making the School a cosmopolitan place - very much like Frankfurt itself.

The School hosts more than a dozen research centers. One of the latest additions is the Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence (IGC). As a think tank, research center, and network, it connects people and organizations interested in business relations between India and Germany. The IGC fosters a deeper understanding and more robust

business ties between Germany and India. It supports and engages in research, community-building, student mobility, and leadership development.

Business Diplomacy Today

We live in a dynamic world where the spheres of business, government, and society converge. Today, every business leader must be a savvy player in the public arena. Geopolitical events, new regulations in other markets, natural disasters, changing public perceptions, etc., impact a company’s future, even if they happen far away.

The Indo-German Centre at Frankfurt School sponsors and presents Business Diplomacy Today, a podcast that addresses contemporary international relations and geopolitics, looking at the issues from a business perspective. It helps business leaders anticipate changing political and societal trends, build and leverage political networks and take a proactive stake in societal and political matters that influence their business environment.

Germany and India are the largest stable democracies in Europe and Asia. The center and its members believe in the value of free trade and intellectual exchange between these two like-minded countries. The Indo-German Centre for Business Excellence aims to become the preeminent nonpartisan academic institution dealing with Indo-German business relations.

The IGC offers plenty of opportunities for the Indian expat community in Frankfurt and the Rhine-Main region to engage through its events, such as the flagship Annual Conference, workshops, and gatherings. Individual and institutional membership provides preferential access to the activities of the center and the ability to shape the institution’s course.

Frankfurt School Adickesallee 32-34

60322 Frankfurt am Main

www.frankfurt-school.de

The Indian Ambassador in Germany, Parvathaneni Harish (left) with Frankfurt School President and IGC Chairman Nils Stieglitz.

Panel at the Inaugural Annual Conference of the Indo-German Centre.

Frankfurt International School

Frankfurt International School (FIS), founded in 1961, is one of the largest and oldest international schools in Europe, with a student population of over 1,800 from more than 60 countries. It employs nearly 300 well-qualified and experienced faculty and staff from 20 different countries. The school is organized into four school divisions: the Primary Division age 3 to Grade 1, the Elementary Division Grades 2 – 5, and the Upper School Grades 6 – 12, all of which are in Oberursel. FIS operates another division in Wiesbaden for students age 3 to Grade 8.

FIS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges and is a founding member of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB). FIS is known for its excellent college placements and exceptional IB exam results. It takes an inquiry-based approach to learning utilizing the Primary Years Program and the IB DiplomaProgram. English is the language of instruction, but German is mandatory. English as a second language is taught as well as Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Spanish and French. Mandarin is offered as an after school option.

FIS is committed to educating the whole child. Therefore, it offers a well-rounded curriculum with strong academics, athletics, performing arts and visual arts programs as well as a broad range of extra-curricular activities, clubs and service projects. The school operates an advanced information technology support system and also carries an inventory of

devices for use by elementary and primary school students. High school students benefit from a dynamic 1-1 laptop learning program. The excellent facilities include three outdoor athletic fields, separate divisional buildings as well as a Science, Design-Technology, and Performing Arts Center. The recently opened Stroth Center for Learning and Athletics provides an outstanding addition to the campus.

Further strengths of the school are the deep commitment to the family as an integral part of the school community and its exceptional leadership. The latter has been recognized through two international educational awards given to the Head of School and the Wiesbaden principal in recent years.

FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

An der Waldlust 15 | 61440 Oberursel www.fis.edu

Frankfurt International School –Wiesbaden Campus

The Wiesbaden Campus of Frankfurt International School has its own special atmosphere. As on the main campus in Oberursel, just 30 minutes away, students receive the same challenging, well-rounded and child-centered education with a sound mixture of rigorous academics and enriching extra-curricular activities. It offers an international curriculum to children age 3 to Grade 8 following the International

Baccelaureate Programm. After Grade 8 students are welcomed at the main campus where they can graduate after grade 12 with the internationally-recognized International Baccelaureate Diploma. The division enjoys an excellent reputation in Germany and abroad given the expertise of its teachers and leadership and the quality of education it provides.

With just over 200 students, the educational journey at the Wiesbaden Campus takes place in a smaller, close-knit community. The fact that all students are known by name and that many of the faculty have been there since the inception of the school over 25 years ago, gives the campus a familyfeel. Through the low faculty to student ratio, exceptional care and attention is given to every student.

Families will find a purpose-built school building, a spacious sports hall, library and media center, playground, outdoor learning space and playing field. This year, a new building will be completed which will enable a greater focus on the STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics) subjects, thus ensuring that FIS Wiesbaden offers a distinct educational experience within the overall mission at Frankfurt International School.

FRANKFURT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL –WIESBADEN CAMPUS

Rudolf-Dietz-Straße 14 | 65207 Wiesbaden

www.fis.edu

ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main

ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main (ISF) is a well-established Pre-School through Grade 12 international school in the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main region. The school was established in 1995 and is part of the global SABIS® Network of schools that operates in 20 countries on five continents. SABIS® schools provide students with a top-quality education that prepares them to meet the challenges of a changing world.

This comprehensive educational program helps students to develop a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, a love of lifelong learning, and the ability to adapt to and lead change. Designed around three core pillars—academic excellence, life skills, and personal well-being, an ISF education aims to provide students with a holistic school experience, combining our proud tradition of academic excellence with outstanding programs to develop character, skill and grit.

Nationally and internationally, ISF students achieve consistently above average academic results, on their US High School Diplomas, as well as on their external exams. Unlike most other International Schools who only offer one college –preparatory curriculum, ISF allows its high school students to select between the CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Program (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as paths to admission to universities in Germany and around the world. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to sit Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Exams, as well as the CollegeBoard PSAT and SAT Exams.

ISF complements its high academic standards with an active and engaging Student Life Organization® (SLO®), allowing students to take part in a rich program of activities and sports and gain important life skills. SLO® is run by students for students and gives students the opportunity to develop and practice skills such as leadership, communication, cooperation and problem solving.

ISF graduates are accepted to the world’s finest colleges and universities, and they go on to distinguish themselves as respected professionals and global citizens.

Join the ISF community! We look forward to welcoming you!

ISF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

FRANKFURT RHEIN-MAIN

Straße zur Internationalen Schule 33

65931 Frankfurt-Sindlingen T: +49 (0)69 954 319 710 info@isf-sabis.net www.isf.sabis.net

Metropolitan School Frankfurt

Metropolitan School Frankfurt (MSF) is a fully accredited international school offering a comprehensive educational program for students aged 3 – 18 years of all nationalities. MSF was founded in 2007 and is the only International Baccalaureate (IB) World School and Cambridge IGCSE school in the city of Frankfurt offering the IB Primary Years Program, the Cambridge International Education (CIE) Program beginning in 6th Grade and culminating with the IGCSE exams in grade 10, and the IB Diploma Program in 11th and 12th Grade. Since its foundation, MSF achieves close to 100% pass rate in the IB Diploma results. Currently, MSF has enrolled more than 670

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The European School RheinMain at a glance

students from 55 countries. English is the primary language of instruction. German is offered for native speakers and also as an additional language for beginners and intermediate level students. Additional modern languages include French and Spanish, beginning in grade 6. Primary and secondary students can join extracurricular clubs that offer a range of sport and art-related activities. The school day begins at 8.30 a.m. and ends at 3.30 p.m., with before and after-school programs. MSF’s facilities include modern classrooms, science and computer labs, and performing and visual arts studios. In addition, the school has a modern cafeteria, two libraries, and a large sports and assembly hall. MSF has recently added a rooftop pitch for outdoor physical education classes.

METROPOLITAN SCHOOL FRANKFURT

Eschborner LandStraße 134 – 142

60489 Frankfurt am Main (Rödelheim)

www.m-school.de

Founded in 2012, ESRM is an all-day school in close proximity to Frankfurt. It is the first private European School. We are a non-profit organization fully dedicated to our students and their education. Our goal is to reach as many students as possible from different socio-economic backgrounds. We set the highest standards to meet the great need of multilingual education.

We are a caring school on many different levels – with an extensive support department, we ensure that neurologically diverse students are successful in mastering the school curriculum. As a sustainable school and with our newest initiative, the Tiny Forest, we also ensure that we care for our environment and give back to the community. Our school currently houses ca. 1700 students from 60 different nationalities. The students learn in a pre-primary (for the ages 4 – 6), primary (grades 1 – 5) and secondary school (grades 6 – 12). Upon leaving the school, our graduates obtain the prestigious European Baccalaureate diploma.

The European Baccalaureate is recognized as a highschool leaving diploma in the European Union and widely across the world. We have had a stunning performance of above 99% pass rate in the past years.

In September 2021 the European School RheinMain opened successfully an International Baccalaureate (IB) branch in its Secondary School and named this the International School RheinMain. Currently ISRM is offering the Middle Years Program 1-4 and the number of students is steadily rising. In contrast to the European School, all of the subjects except for the second language are taught in English at ISRM and having a third language is not an obligation.

To give you a feel for our school register for our school tours online: www.es-rm.eu

CONTACT

European School RheinMain gGmbH

Theodor-Heuss-Straße 65

61118 Bad Vilbel, Germany

Mail: info@es-rm.eu

T.: +49 6101 - 505 66 0

Strothoff International School

Strothoff International School (SIS) is a private, multilingual all-day school for children from Kindergarten to 12th Grade (ages 3-19). Founded in 2009, the school is located in Dreieich, only 9km south of downtown. As an International Baccalaureate World School, SIS follows the IB curriculum and is the only school in the Rhein-Main region to offer all three IB programs (PYP, MYP and DP). Students learn in a friendly, motivating, concept-driven and inquiry-based environment, taught by an international faculty who inspire students to achieve excellent academic results. In August 2020 the school launched its brand-new, refurbished Tandem-Kindergarten where children are taught in German and English simultaneously, empowering them to switch between languages naturally.

STROTHOFF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Frankfurter Straße 160-166

63303 Dreieich

www.strothoff-international-school.com

SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt

In Germany’s most culturally diverse and vibrant region, SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt offers children consistent bilingual education right from the start. SIS does not only talk about interculturality, they live it: Teachers teach in their mother tongue – and thus offer ideal conditions for cultural and linguistic immersion as the basic principle of language and culture acquisition. In a safe and supportive school atmosphere, SIS encourages and promotes the intellectual and personal development of children according to their strengths and interests.

SIS stands for a continuous education from preschool to college – one of the major advantages of their bilingual educational concept. SIS Frankfurt is being built up sustainably and step by step.

SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt currently provides a primaryschool with reception program. The school will grow with its students so that higher grades will be added annually. Eventually, a nine-year secondary school will be established. Throughout all grade levels, subjects are taught in German and English. In general, students are

not required to be bilingual prior to joining the school, however, an individual consultation with the principal is always required.

SIS Swiss International School is a state approved private school. It is financed by a combination of tuition paid by parents and state subsidies. SIS feels that it is important for as many families as possible to benefit from their bilingual program. Therefore, the tuition fees are income based.

SIS SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FRANKFURT

An den drei Hasen 34 – 36 | 61440 Oberursel www.swissinternationalschool.de/en-GB

BILINGUAL SCHOOLS (ENGLISH-GERMAN)

accadis International School Bad Homburg

Established in 2004 and located on a newly constructed school campus just north of Frankfurt, accadis International School Bad Homburg is an expanding bilingual co-ed school with currently over 550 students from 2 – 18 years of age, re-presenting over 50 nationalities. Classes are offered from preschool through to secondary school in a multilingual and international setting. accadis ISB encompasses a bilingual preschool for children aged 2 to 5, a bilingual elementary school which includes a primary class for 5-year-olds, as well as a bilingual secondary

SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt

Bilingual Primary School with Reception Programme

• Primary School with Reception Programme (all-day from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

• Classes in German and English, according to the curricula of the state of Hesse

• International and familial school atmosphere @sisgermany

school. The preschool curriculum is adapted to the educational and methodical developments in the early learning phase. As a state-recognized “alternative school” (Ersatzschule), the elementary and secondary school up to Grade 10 adhere to the Hessen state curriculum combined with an international curriculum. The school offers the Cambridge IGCSE Examinations at the end of Grade 10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grades 11 and 12. The IB Diploma enables students to study in Germany as well as at universities worldwide. Instruction takes place bilingually in English and German. From Grade 5 onwards Spanish is added as a further language. Furthermore, elementary and secondary students can join extracurricular activities in both sports and arts. accadis ISB also offers an after school student care program and a homework–learning–activities club. The facilities on the state of the art campus include spacious and bright classrooms, science labs, modern music rooms as well as a sports hall with outdoor football pitch. Recently, additional building extensions featuring a modern library, two Art rooms, an IB Learning Suite dedicated to Grade 11 and 12, a Drama room with stage equipment as well as additional classrooms providing more space for the growing Elementary and Secondary School were opened. The school is strongly focused on technology. The state of the art learning environment includes Smartboards in each classroom, Google Chromebook laptops, school-wide high-speed Wi-Fi and a 3D printer.accadis ISB is just a short walk from accadis Hochschule, where university students can choose from a variety of management programs. Please contact the Admissions Office for more information at www.accadis-isb.com.

SÜDCAMPUS BAD HOMBURG

Am Weidenring 52 – 54

61352 Bad Homburg admissions@accadis-isb.com

VISITOR ENTRANCE SÜDCAMPUS

BAD HOMBURG

Am Weidenring 56

61352 Bad Homburg www.accadis-isb.de

Erasmus Frankfurter Stadtschule

Launched in 2006, the Erasmus Frankfurter Stadtschule is a private, trilingual (German, English and Spanish) kindergarten, elementary and secondary school. The school’s intercultural curriculum incorporates progressive didactics

and the immersion teaching method (one person – one language) to achieve language acquisition. All three languages are used to teach subjects such as mathematics, science, music and art. The curriculum is based on the Hessen state guidelines. The private, all-day “G9 Gymnasium”, is a nineyear secondary school culminating in an Abitur diploma at the end of 13th Grade. In 2017, the Erasmus moved into its new campus located very close to the European Central Bank headquarters.

ERASMUS FRANKFURTER STADTSCHULE

Sonnemannstraße 9-11 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main www.erasmus-schule.eu

ibms International Bilingual Montessori School

Located directly across the Senckenberg Natural History Museum in Frankfurt’s Westend district, ibms is a bilingual (English/German) preschool and primary school that follows the Montessori teaching principles.The preschool program includes “Nido”, or “The Nest” (18 months to 3 years), and a nursery school known as “Children‘s House” (3-5 years). The primary school consists of the Reception Class (5-7 years) and Primary 2-4 up to 4th Grade (7-10 years).

In preschool teaching takes place bilingually in 8 groups with 2 educators in each group. In primary school, classes are supervised by two teachers (native English and German speakers).

Opening hours of the preschool are 7.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and primary school from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sports and art activities are included in the Montessori worktime. Numerous activities (e.g workshops, class trips) also take place at the school‘s own country house in the Spessart.

IBMS INTERNATIONAL BILINGUAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Senckenberganlage 20 – 22 | 60325 Frankfurt am Main | www.ibms-frankfurt.com

Kids Camp Bilingual Primary School

Kids Camp offers bilingual education (German-English) to its primary school students. The school is open to both English speakers and to children without a bilingual background. Class size is limited to 20, with two teachers for each language. Kids Camp also offers extracurricular activities daily from 7.30 – 8:30 a.m. and 3.30 – 5 p.m., as well as a program of activities during

A Trusted Advisor on all Business Issues Ein verlässlicher Berater in Wirtschaftsfragen

The ultimate address for all economic matters –The rightful claim of CCI Frankfurt! They count as members more than 100,000 companies from industry, trade and the services sector. CCI is totally committed to the great diversity of economic interests and matters in the Hochtaunus and Main-Taunus districts of Germany, as well as the City of Frankfurt. The Service Centre of CCI Frankfurt is the first authority to approach when economic matters in the FrankfurtRheinMain area are concerned. The staff of the Service Centre are dedicated to their advice and information services – and this in seven languages! The customer-orientated team establishes the contacts with all the business areas within the CCI Frankfurt Centre. The staff give sound advice concerning all matters of setting up a business and corresponding financial operations. Moreover, information relating to training and further education is also included in the extent of the advice rendered by the Service Centre at Schillerstraße 11. Furthermore, individual company guardianship is just as much part of the activities of CCI Frankfurt as advising public administrations and legislative bodies, drawing up expertizes for courts and conducting examinations for business and commercial professions and further education.

As a self-governing body within the economy, CCI Frankfurt maintains a wide variety of services for their member companies. The profound knowledge of the full-time experts, as well as the experience and skills of the voluntary economic specialists, is available to everyone. This is evidenced by the special departments of CCI as well as by the CCI Training Centre and the Innovation Consulting Service Hessen. And all this is backed by the extensive range of CCI services as well as by the services of bodies closely related to CCI such as the Economic Juniors and the Frankfurt Real Estate Exchange.

At the same time CCI Frankfurt am Main is the leader in representing interests and opinions relating to all commercial and economicpolitical matters of their district.

They represent the concerns and matters of their members at a city, district and country level. Based on the social market economy, the consistent promotion of the economy ranks among their most important aims. CCI Frankfurt is the information and communication centre of the entire region and advises individual companies in all financial and settlement matters.

IHK Frankfurt für ihre zugehörigen Mitgliedsbetriebe ein vielseitiges Dienstleistungsangebot. Das Expertenwissen der hauptamtlichen Fachleute sowie die Erfahrung der ehrenamtlichen Wirtschaftspraktiker steht allen zur Verfügung. Dies spiegelt sich in den Fachabteilungen der IHK sowie im IHK-Bildungszentrum, bei der IHK- Innovationsberatung Hessen wieder. Ergänzt wird das Leistungsspektrum der IHK von den Angeboten IHKnaher Einrichtungen wie den Wirtschaftsjunioren und der Frankfurter Immobilienbörse.

Die erste Adresse in Wirtschaftsfragen zu sein – das ist der Anspruch der IHK Frankfurt am Main, der mehr als 100.000 Unternehmer aus Industrie, Handel und Dienstleistung angehören. In den Kreisen Hochtaunus und MainTaunus sowie in der Stadt Frankfurt setzt sich die IHK für die vielfältigen Interessen der Wirtschaft ein.

Das Service-Center der IHK Frankfurt ist die erste Anlaufstelle für Fragen rund um Wirtschaft in FrankfurtRheinMain. Die Mitarbeiter des Service-Centers stehen für qualifizierte Beratung und Information – und das in sieben Sprachen. Das kundenorientierte Team vermittelt zu allen Geschäftsbereichen der IHK Frankfurt den Kontakt ins Haus. Die Mitarbeiter helfen dabei insbesondere bei Fragen zur Existenzgründung und der entsprechenden Finanzierung weiter. Auch Auskünfte zur Aus- und Weiterbildung gehören zum Beratungsspektrum des Service-Centers in der Schillerstraße 11.

Eine individuelle Firmenbetreuung gehört genauso zu den Aufgaben der IHK Frankfurt wie die öffentlich Verwaltung und die gesetzgebende Körperschaften zu beraten, Gutachten für Gerichte zu erstellen sowie Prüfungen für kaufmännische und gewerbliche Berufe und Weiterbildungen abzunehmen. Als Selbstverwaltungsorgan der Wirtschaft unterhält die

Die IHK Frankfurt am Main ist sowohl Interessenvertretung als auch Meinungsführer in wesentlichen wirtschaftlichen und wirtschaftspolitischen Fragen ihres Bezirks. Sie vertritt die Belange ihrer Mitglieder auf Stadt-, Kreis-, und Landesebene. Auf der Grundlage der sozialen Marktwirtschaft gehört die nachhaltige Förderung der Wirtschaft zu ihren wichtigsten Zielen. Sie ist Informationsund Kommunikationszentrum der gesamten Region und berät einzelne Unternehmen in Finanzierungs- und Ansiedlungsfragen.

CONTACT

Frankfurt am Main Chamber of Commerce and Industry Börsenplatz 4

60313 Frankfurt am Main

Telephone +49 69 21971280

Telefax +49 69 2197-1288

info@frankfurt-main.ihk.de frankfurt-main.ihk.de

Opening hours:

Mon – Thur 8.30 a.m. – 5.30 p.m., Fri 8.30 a.m. – 4 p.m.

VALERIIA SLIUSAR

She was born in Ukraine by the sea and studied constriction in Kiev. In 2018 she and her husband moved to Frankfurt because of his job. At first, she thought she could just relax and rest, but she soon realized that idleness does not make her happy. She started learning German and found what she was looking for. She went through a lot in those 4 years: the pandemic, 3 moves, the birth of her daughter, and now all the Ukrainians are going through a war in their homeland. However, some things have remained stable and help her move forward: the support of her family, the job she loved, and the many friends she has met here.

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2018

Heimat (Home) means:

Homeland means history. History that connects you to your country, you land, your real family and gives you the strength to be who you want to be.

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left back:

My mom’s handkerchief. Unfortunately, she is no longer with us.

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: I love pickled cabbage. To my joy, there is no problem with it in Germany, even if it tastes different.

The most exotic place in the world I’ve ever been to: Old town Jaffa in Israel stole my heart.

My first day here …

Frankfurt immediately struck me as a well-planned and conventional city. We checked into a hotel right in the center, meet up with a childhood friend who already lived here and went walking around the Zeil, buying drinks for crazy money at the Kiosk.

This is the App on my phone, which I can not live without – tell us why:

I would really like to get the phone out of my life, but I have to use messengers to communicate with my family.

The song of my life, the movie of my life, the book of my life (which describes my life, me, rather than simply favorite):

Nina Simone “Ain’t got No, I got Life”

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Waldstadion the home of Eintracht Frankfurt (Deutsche Bank Park)

2 / “Wochenmarkt” in Nordend

3 / Ernst May‘s „New Frankfurt” architecture from the 20ies

the school holidays. As a state-recognized Ersatzschule, Kids Camp teaches the Hessen state curriculum, supplemented by additional subjects, such as computer training, literature and theater. Kids Camp also offers nursery, bilingual kindergarten and bilingual preschool in Frankfurt and the Taunus area.

KINDERTAGESSTÄTTE

Heuhohlweg 20 | 61462 Königstein im Taunus www.kidscamp-koenigstein.de

KINDERKRIPPE

Am Erdbeerstein 10a | 61462 Königstein im Taunus, Schneidhain | www.kidscamp-koenigstein.de

Obermayr International School

Obermayr International School is a private, state-recognized school, which follows the Hessen school curriculum and incorporates language immersion methods. The Frankfurt campus comprises a bilingual (German-English) primary school, junior and senior high school. The school leaving certificates are the Abitur and the optional “Hessisches Internationales Abitur” (HIAP). The aim of the school is education and learning in the spirit of European integration. Classes are taught by both German and English native speakers. School is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m./4 p.m. followed by an extensive variety of after-school activities until 5 p.m./6 p.m. The school is situated on a 38,000 m2 green campus within easy reach of Frankfurt and also offers nursery, kindergarten and pre-

school facilities. Frankfurt Rhine-Main has been the home of Obermayr schools and kindergartens for over 60 years.

OBERMAYR INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Am Weißen Stein | 65824 Schwalbach www.obermayr.com

PbG – Private bilinguale Ganztagsschule

Starting 2020/2021 the school fee for attending the all-day school is € 390 per month. This includes school attendance Monday to Thursday until 2.45 p.m., Friday until 1.15 p.m. In addition, there is a fee for meals and for material allowance, which includes school materials, entrance fees, travel costs, etc. The afternoon courses and the AGs – which take place on Wednesday – can also be booked. There is a monthly fee of € 100 for this. Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays include different courses until 4 p.m., the pick-up time is until 5 p.m. Selectable AGs take place on Wednesdays in the same time frame at the beginning of the school year. The pick-up time is until 3 p.m. on Fridays. This additional school time can be booked for the entire school year at the beginning of the year. The one-time registration fee is € 800, plus a deposit of € 800, which will be repaid after the end of school.

PBG – PRIVATE BILINGUALE GANZTAGSSCHULE

Langenbeckstraße 5 | 65189 Wiesbaden www.pbg-wiesbaden.de

LEARN GERMAN

Phorms Frankfurt

Phorms Frankfurt is a private, bilingual and state-approved school with two campuses. Phorms Frankfurt City was established in 2007, offering a primary school with reception in the heart of Frankfurt. Phorms Taunus Campus is situated twenty minutes from Frankfurt amongst the green fields of Steinbach/Taunus. The campuses are available via daily chartered school bus. It comprises a day care center, primary school with reception and secondary school. Both campuses are proud of their excellent teaching in English and German by native speakers with a focus on science subjects and the development of leadership skills. The curriculum is based on the Hessian state guidelines, but is supplemented by the Cambridge International programmes for primary and secondary education. Phorms is also characterised by small class sizes and individual support as well as a varied afternoon and vacation programme. School fees are based on family income.

PHORMS CAMPUS FRANKFURT CITY

Fürstenbergerstraße 3 – 9

60322 Frankfurt am Main

PHORMS TAUNUS CAMPUS

Waldstraße 91

61449 Steinbach/Taunus

www.frankfurt.phorms.de

State International School

Located in Seeheim-Jugenheim (nr. Darmstadt), this is Hessen’s first public international school. The primary and high schools represent a pilot project in Germany – a public school where the language of instruction is English. Opened in 2005, the SISS is located on the campus of the Europaschule Schuldorf Bergstraße and is part of this large German comprehensive school. It follows the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), incorporates intensive language programs in German and is designed to prepare students

FIND IT IN FRMSTUDYING

If you would like to study in our region, we recommend that you contact the international offices of colleges and universities to make sure you meet the requirements. Whether you are looking at an international degree course taught in English or a course taught in German, most courses will require a qualification for university entrance (Hochschulzugangsberechtigung). If you hold a school-leaving certificate from abroad, you will have to check whether it is recognised for entry to higher education in Germany. For courses taught in German, a good knowledge of German is essential. You will find more information as well as a list of international offices of colleges and universities in our region on our website and on our interactive map.

www.find-it-in-frm.de/en

for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), as well as for either the IB diploma, or the Abitur. The school offers a full day care program (7.30 a.m. – 6.00 p.m.), meals and extracurricular activities. Because the school is publicly owned, there is no tuition to pay, but rather a € 300 monthly fee for after-school care. Currently, 350 children are enrolled (160 in primary and 180 in high school), but with the completion of the new high-school building the school has places for up to 600 students.

STATE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Sandstraße 92 | 64342 Seeheim-Jugenheim

www.schuldorf.de

BILINGUAL PRESCHOOLS AND KINDERGARTENS

Fintosch International

Toddler School and Kindergarten

Fintosch offers daycare and kindergarten for children between the ages of 3 months to 6 years with two locations in Frankfurt Westend and Bockenheim. Both locations are easily accessible via public transport and are open throughout the year from 7.30 a.m. to 7 p.m. The educational philosophy of Fintosch is to apply an integrated learning approach to promote the child‘s social, emotional and cognitive growth. Fintosch has 11 different groups for babies, toddlers and kindergartners. Each baby group has a capacity of 10 children, toddler groups accommodate 15 children and in the kindergarten groups there are up to 25 children. The main language is English and 1 hour German will be educated every day. The classrooms are individual newly designed and in addition there is a separate sports room. In August 2017, Fintosch launched a Multilingual PrimarySchool with small classes up to 20 students and the entry level (Early Year 1) starts from the age of 5.

FINTOSCH INTERNATIONAL TODDLER SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN

Schumannstraße 4 – 6 | 60325 Frankfurt/Westend and Gräfstr. 47 – 51 | 60486 Frankfurt/Bockenheim

www.fintosch.com

K.I.D.S. Kindergarten e.V.

K.I.D.S. is a private, international, multi-cultural, bilingual (English/German) kindergarten, which was initiated by parents in 1993. It is located next to Grüneburgpark and has a large garden adjacent to the premises. The kindergarten can accommodate up to 20 children in a mixed-age group of three- to six-year-olds and provides a happy and stimulating environment. The current cost is € 240 per month. The kindergarten day is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and a hot meal is provided.

K.I.D.S. KINDERGARTEN E.V.

Sebastian-Rinz-Straße 22 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main www.kids-kindergarten.de

Le Jardin Nurseries & Kindergartens

Le Jardin offers a multilingual (German-English, German-French and German-Spanish) learning environment of

nurseries and kindergartens. It maintains seven nurseries in Frankfurt, which are partially financed by sponsors(mostly banks and financial services companies). The nurseries have 10 children per group, ranging from 2 months to 3 years of age, and each group has three to four staff members. Le Jardin also operates three bilingual kindergartens in Eschersheim, Rödelheim and Frankfurt Westend. The kindergartens have two sections, each with 20 children ranging from 3 to 6 years of age, and with three staff members per section. Care is offered from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. all year round, with a break over Christmas. The kindergarten monthly fee is € 247, while the nurseries cost € 297 (incl. food, beverages and hygiene articles). Parents are required to pay a security deposit of € 500, which is later reimbursed upon the child’s departure. While both kindergartens are open to all applicants residing in Frankfurt, the seven nurseries prioritize the children of parents who work for supporting companies.

LE JARDIN NURSERIES & KINDERGARTENS

Trakehner Straße 7 – 9c | 60487 Frankfurt am Main www.le-jardin.eu

Pebbles Daycare Centre

Pebbles Daycare Centre caters to children aged 7 months to 6 years. The elementary educational philosophy of the Pebbles

nursery, kindergarten and preschool combines various concepts. These include Montessori, Reggio, multilingual encouragement, motor skills and early learning of music. A regular day program forms the framework for creativity, variety and activity. Pebbles is situated in Schwalbach – togetherwith the Obermayr International School – on a 38,000 m2 green campus within easy reach of Frankfurt. Daycare is provided from Monday to Thursday from 7.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Fridays until 5 p.m. Frankfurt Rhine-Main has been the home of Obermayr schools and kindergartens for over 60 years.

PEBBLES DAYCARE CENTRE

Am weißen Stein | 65824 Schwalbach www.obermayr.com

Taunus International Montessori School

TIMS offers an English-language preschool program for children ages 1-6 years. The school, which has up to 64 children from approximately 20 different countries, has been serving the international community since 1973. TIMS is located in a spacious and bright new building featuring a library, playground, large gym, children’s kitchen and a garden. TIMS is centrally located and easy to reach from both downtown Frankfurt and the Taunus area. The children focus daily on their Montessori class work, which includes reading, writing,

math, geography, and culture, as well as nature, sports, yoga, music, arts and crafts and after school activities. Opening hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

TAUNUS INTERNATIONAL MONTESSORI SCHOOL

Zimmersmühlenweg 77 | 61440 Oberursel

www.tims-frankfurt.com

BILINGUAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Over the past several years, public schools in Germany have begun to intensify their bilingual offerings. At the primary level, teachers from each language section often share the classroom. At the secondary level, classes such as history or biology are taught in foreign languages … sometimes even by a native speaker. German is the main language of instruction, but if your child has German language skills, this could be an interesting alternative to a private international school.

Goethe Gymnasium

The Goethe Gymnasium is a traditional German junior and senior high school, but with a keen international focus. Starting in 6th Grade, students may choose to take part in the English/German bilingual track with courses such as Geography, Social Studies, History and Biology are taught entirely in English. Students completing their schooling are awarded the Abitur plus IB certificates or US Advanced Placement exams.

GOETHE GYMNASIUM

Friedrich Ebert Anlage 22 | 60325 Frankfurt am Main www.gg-ffm.de

OTHER GERMAN HIGH SCHOOLS WITH BILINGUAL CLASSES INCLUDE:

Kaiserin-Friedrich-Schule

German-English

Auf der Steinkaut 1-15

61352 Bad Homburg

www.kaiserin-friedrich.de

Freiherr vom Stein Schule

German-Italian

Schweizer Straße 87

60594 Frankfurt am Main

www.freiherr-vom-stein.de

Liebigschule

German-French

Kollwitzstraße 3

60486 Frankfurt am Main

www.liebigschule-frankfurt.de

Ziehenschule

German-French

Josephskirchstraße 9

60433 Frankfurt am Main

www.ziehenschule-online.de

Mühlbergschule (primary school)

German-Italian

Pavillonanlage Länderweg

Seehofstraße 45 | 60594 Frankfurt am Main

www.muehlbergschule.de

Textor Schule (primary school)

German-French

Oppenheimer Landstraße 15

60594 Frankfurt am Main

www.textorschule.de

FRENCH SCHOOL

Lycée Français Victor Hugo de Francfort

Parents wishing to enroll their children in the French educational system will find a great opportunity tucked away in the northwest corner of Frankfurt. Three schools are housed on this education campus: the preschool (école maternelle), the primary school (école élémentaire) and the high school (lycée). About 1,000 students are enrolled in the private, tuition-based school. Although approximately 70 percent of the students are French or binational, as many as 26 nationalities are represented in the three schools. Annual tuition fees range from € 3,945 in preschool to € 4,860 in high school. The school has Ersatzschule status, which means that 60% of the classes are taught in French

and 40% in German. Students who graduate from the Lycée earn not only the French Baccalauréat but also the German Abitur if they choose the “Abibac” diploma track. A prerequisite for primary school entry is sound knowledge of French.

LYCÉE FRANÇAIS VICTOR HUGO DE FRANCFORT

Gontardstraße 11 | 60488 Frankfurt/Rödelheim

www.lfvh.net

CHINESE SCHOOL

Huayin Chinese Language School

Founded in 1997, the Huayin Chinese Sprachschule serves as a supplementary Saturday school for parents who want their children to learn Chinese language and culture. The school offers classes on saturday from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m and tuesday to thursday from 15.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. for preschool children up until 6th Grade. Currently, 40 teachers preside over 500 students. With a broad range of culturaland language courses, the school seeks to accommodate both native Chinese-speaking children as well as native German-speaking children. Semester fees are € 85 – 115. Language classes for adults are also available through the school.

STAUFFENBERGSCHULE

Arnsburger Straße 44 | 60385 Frankfurt am Main www.huayin-school.de

PGY Chinesische Schule

This Chinese school was founded in 2015 by parents and currently offers Chinese language classes on Saturdays at the International School Frankfurt (ISF) in Sindlingen.

PGY CHINESISCHE SCHULE

Straße zur Internationalen Schule 33 65931 Frankfurt am Main | www.pgy-schule.de

JAPANESE SCHOOL

Japanese International School

The Japanese International School, a non-profit organization accredited by the Japanese Minister of Cultural Affairs, is funded by the Japanese government and Japanese multinational companies. It is a private school that charges tuition. The school offers the Japanese National Curriculum from 1st-9th Grade. The school year starts in April and runs until March. In December, the 9th graders prepare for the entry test to upper-level Japanese schools either in Japan or abroad.

JAPANESE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Langweidenstraße 8-12 | 60488 Frankfurt am Main www.jisf.de

KOREAN SCHOOL

Korean School (Leibnizschule)

This Korean school is located within the Leibnizschule high school. It serves as supplemental school for Koreans living in Frankfurt and attending German or international schools. Classes take place on Saturday for all children from kindergarten to 13th Grade.

KOREAN SCHOOL

Gebeschusstraße 22-24 | 65929 Frankfurt am Main frankfurtschool.korean.net

RUSSIAN SCHOOLS

Alexander-Puschkin-Schule

The non-profit association, Slowo e.V., which runs three bilingual kindergartens, a Russian preschool and a Russian Saturday school in Frankfurt, opened a full-day, Russian-German bi-

lingual primary school in 2013. The curriculum is based on the Hessen state standards, with classes taught in both German and Russian. The school also offers afternoon activities until 5 p.m. The one-time entry fee is € 300 and school fees are € 250 per month, plus € 200 for afternoon supervision until 5 p.m.

ALEXANDER-PUSCHKIN-SCHULE

Stresemannallee 30 | 60596 Frankfurt am Main www.alexander-puschkin-schule.org

HIGHER EDUCATION

The 12 public institutions of higher education in Hessen are located in Darmstadt, Giessen, Frankfurt, Fulda, Kassel, Marburg, Offenbach and Wiesbaden and include five universities, five universities of applied sciences and two universities of music and art. All the institutions welcome internationalstudents. While the standard working language is German, increasingly courses are being offered in English. At the Bachelor’s level, a strong command of German is mandatory. But many Master’s degrees are now offered in English.

University study in Hessen is tuition-free for both German and international students. There is an administrative charge of up to € 300 per semester, but this includes a public transportation ticket. For more information, consult www.study-

in-hessen.de. The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) has an excellent English language website providing detailed information about international programs in Germany. For more information, click www.daad.de.

German universities recently underwent a major set of reforms as required by the EU-mandated Bologna process. Among other things, universities have introduced internationally recognized Bachelors and Master’s programs in all academic disciplines. At the same time, both the Federal and State governments have increased funding. In Frankfurt, the endowed Goethe University has constructed brand new campuses in Westend and Riedberg (north of the city) over the last several years. The Goethe University has 16 academic faculties ranging from life sciences to humanities and social sciences. It offers a large variety of Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctoral programs in both German and English. Currently over 48,000 students are matriculated, including 6,000 international students, in the 16 faculties and various centers of excellence.

In addition to the public universities, there are a range of internationally-oriented programs from private universities. Here is a brief overview of your options in higher education.

EBS Business School, EBS Law School

EBS Universität für Wirtschaft und Rechtis a private university for business studies and law with two faculties: EBS Business School and EBS Law School. As an EQUIS-accredited institution, EBS

SIS Swiss International School Frankfurt

International bilingual school culture in the city of diversity

SIS Frankfurt has been shaping its everyday school life since August 2020. The growing school allows close care for each child in a safe and supportive school atmosphere. It promotes the intellectual and personal development of the children according to their

strengths and interests. Students learn and socialize in a stimulating, bilingual all-day school environment. They are taught and supervised by German- and English-speaking staff members who alternate teaching with an equal number of hours. Teachers only use their mother tongue when communicating with the students, which offers ideal conditions for immersion as the basic principle of language and culture acquisition. SIS Frankfurt also aims to teach children tolerance and open-mindedness, independent thinking and the ability to act responsibly.

Welcome to SIS Frankfurt

SIS Frankfurt currently offers a primary school with reception programme. The school is going to grow with its students adding one level per year until students will be able to graduate with the German Abitur and optionally with the International Baccalaureate (IB)

Diploma. Secondary school will open for the 2023/24 school year. Teaching and learning at SIS Frankfurt is based on the curricula of the federal state of Hesse, while the principles of SIS’ own educational concept are also implemented. SIS Frankfurt is an all-day school with early morning care, lunch and afternoon activities.

An den drei Hasen 34-36 61440 Oberursel

info.frankfurt@swissinternationalschool.de

Business School offers bachelor and master degree programs, as well as a range of management development courses. EBS also offers four part-time master and executive MBA programs leading to an academic degree.EBS Law School in Wiesbaden also offers a traditional law degree with a focus on business law. Several years ago, EBS suffered an image problem following allegations of financial mismanagement against its former president and a subsequent investigation by the Hessen state government. In 2016, EBS was sold to the SRH Holding in Heidelberg which operates numerous private universities, training facilities and hospitals in Germany.

EBS BUSINESS SCHOOL, EBS LAW SCHOOL

Gustav-Stresemann-Ring 3 | 65189 Wiesbaden www.ebs.edu

Fresenius University of Applied Sciences

Founded in 1848 and registered as a university in 1971, the Hochschule Fresenius University of Applied Sciences has over 11,000 full- and part-time students in Idstein, a town northwest of Frankfurt, and at partner campuses in Berlin, Cologne, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and New York. The Hochschule Fresenius offers a wide range of vocational training, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and international programs in cooperation with universities in the UK, Europe, the USA and China. These courses are taught entirely in English. The university also offers an MA in Economics and Intercultural Communication, which is taught in German but designed for non-native speakers.

FRESENIUS UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES

Limburger Straße 2 | 65510 Idstein www.hs-fresenius.de

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management

Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is an AACSB and EQUIS-accredited private business school. Its mission is to advance and promote sustainable international business practices in finance and management through education, research, training and advisory services. With an emphasis on research and practical experience, the Frankfurt School trains students to become responsible business experts, professionals and executives. The program portfolio at the Frankfurt School is designed not only for students, but also for business professionals and executives who aim to deepen their expertise, enhance their skills, and expand their networks across industriesand countries. Students benefit from classes led by internationally renowned professors, interactive teaching methods and individual coaching, customized to enable students to reach their career goals. Through international modules and electives, students gain insights into international management issues by taking courses at one of numerous partner universities abroad. Frankfurt School is an inspiring platform for discussion and fruitful discourse between faculty and fellow students.

FRANKFURT SCHOOL OF FINANCE & MANAGEMENT

Adickesallee 32-34 | 60322 Frankfurt am Main www.frankfurt-school.de

Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS):

Applied sciences, high internationality and lived diversity mark the Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences (Frankfurt UAS). Questions from the practice receive scientifically sound answers and these research results find their way directly back into society. Partnerships with approximately 200 institutions of higher education worldwide show, that the Frankfurt UAS is well networked. Different people study, teach and work at the campus Nibelungenplatz. The institution profits immensely from the extensive cultural diversity of our international location. Four faculties offer over 70 innovative, diverse and application-oriented degree courses with technical, economic-legal and social orientation, which result in the internationally recognized Bachelor or Master degrees. In addition, demanding, interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research is conducted in extraordinary subject combinations. In the dialog with partners from the economy, associations and institutions, the Frankfurt UAS is an innovative development partner in order to generate new solutions. The close connection of research and teaching with the practice qualifies students for a successful entry into attractive professions and marks them by quickly settling into everyday working life. They are trained to become personalities, who take on social responsibility. An extensive and manifold continuous education program allows intensive profession-accompanying and life-long learning. These strengths are underlined with the claim of our University ‘Wissen durch Praxis stärkt’ (Knowledge is reinforced through practice).

www.frankfurt-university.de

Goethe Business School

Founded in 2004, Goethe Business School (GBS) is the center for management at Frankfurt’s Goethe University.Currently, GBS offers a part-time Master’s program in finance, with an option to specialize in financial or risk management. The pro-

gram is taught in English and takes place on weekends over a 22-month period. GBS also offers a wide spectrum of open enrollment and customized corporate education programs.

GOETHE UNIVERSITY, HOUSE OF FINANCE

Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 3 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main | www.goethe-business-school.de

Institute for Law and Finance (ILF)

The Institute for Law and Finance at Goethe University in Frankfurt offers a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program leading to a Master of Laws (LL.M.) Finance degree. The program is conducted entirely in English and overcomes the traditional separation of the academic disciplines of law and business/economics. It teaches aspects of both law and business/economics. Aimed at students with a degree in Law, Business or Economicsas well as an interest in combining theoretical knowledge with practicaltraining in law and international finance, the LL.M. Finance program also incorporates a two-month internship at public and private institutions which support the ILF. Scholarships are available. Since 2014, the ILF also offers a one-year full-time program in English specialized for Asian students leading to a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Finance degree. The curriculum also includes German language and Advanced Business and Legal English courses as well as a Management Training program.

GOETHE UNIVERSITY HOUSE OF FINANCE

Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 3 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main | www.ilf-frankfurt.de

Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program

The Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA program, based in Vallendar (about one hour from Frankfurt by car), is a joint EMBA between Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University in Chicago and Germany´s WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management. The program starts in mid-September every year and lasts 21 months, plus a Master’s thesis. Classes are offered in part-time modules. The requirements

for admission include fluency in English, a minimum of eight years of professional experience (with substantial managerial experience) and full-time employment.

KELLOGG-WHU EXECUTIVE MBA PROGRAM

Burgplatz 2 | 56179 Vallendar

www.kellogg.whu.edu

Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen (THM)

The Technische Hochschule Mittelhessen is the 4th biggest university of Applied Sciences. In addition to its programs taught in German language, the THM also offers two internationally oriented business programs:

The Master of Business Administration is a part-time executive program offered at the Friedberg campus. It is designed for professionals of various academic fields who want to gain a sound knowledge of business and management while also pursuing their careers. The program consists of 10 courses spread out over 15 months. Lectures take place every two weeks in Friedberg (Friday evening and all-day Saturday). Tuition is 14,100 euros, payable in three installments.

The Master of Arts in International and Digital Marketing is a 3-4 semester, full-time program. The course is designed to qualify students, who already have a bachelor’s degree in business administration or economics, for leading positions in international companies. In addition to the core subjects in marketing, one of the key assets of the program is its focus on strategic management, sales expertise.

Both master programs have an international network of eight partner universities worldwide and are accredited by the Central Evaluation and Accreditation Agency (ZEvA). They have been designed according to the concept of "applied sciences" and great importance is attached to improving analytical techniques and soft skills. Although the language of instruction in both programs is predominantly English, a basic knowledge of German is needed to complete the courses.

I love the Palmengarten in Westend Frankfurt and am extremely fond of the new Butterfly Exhibit there. Incredible to watch these amazing creatures in the natural flower habitat.

TECHNISCHE

HOCHSCHULE MITTELHESSEN (THM) THM BUSINESS SCHOOL

Wiesenstr. 14 | 35390 Giessen | Tel: 0641/309 2707 www.mba-school.de, www.thm.de, www.master-international-marketing.de

ADULT EDUCATION

The Volkshochschule (VHS) Frankfurt am Main is the largest provider of adult education in the Rhine-Main region and one of the first places many newcomers turn to learn German. The VHS offers the full range of German classes, from beginner to advanced, as well as many other specialized classes. The courses are relatively inexpensive, class size can be larger than at a private language school. The VHS, which is a municipal college partially subsidized by the city of Frankfurt, also offers a wide range of courses in German such as arts and crafts, health, sport, computing, business skills, social skills ... and much more. For further details consult the website at https://vhs.frankfurt.de

Throughout the Rhine-Main region, there are other VHS institutions, including Wiesbaden, Darmstadt, Hofheim, etc.. More information at www.volkshochschule.de.

Sandrina Kunz, Radio Host „Drive Time Show“, Radio Franfurt

The natural choice for business

Pulsating, vibrant cities with the beauty of pristine nature at your doorstep. A highly qualified English-speaking workforce ready to move forward with you. And our unwavering commitment.

As a government agency, we provide support to international companies across a range of major industry clusters, throughout the entire process of setting up shop here. It’s your choice:

Prefer a bustling metropolis or a dynamic smaller city? Either way, we will help you hit the ground running.

Where? Frankfurt RheinMain, naturally.

FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH

International Marketing of the Region is the official point of contact for companies moving to the area from outside Germany.

frm-united.com

ROYA HEMATINIERAAD

She grew up in Abdanan, a small and beautiful city surrounded by the Zagros mountains in western Iran. Right after graduating, she moved to Tehran, the capital of Iran, and gained several years of experience in road construction and civil engineering. She arrived in Germany at the end of 2018 when she eventually found a job opportunity at an international engineering firm in Wiesbaden. She was very excited but also a bit wary coming from a completely different culture; she cannot believe how her last three years have been full of happiness, love, and freedom. Apart from the international vibe of Frankfurt and Wiesbaden, she also enjoys the countryside, like spending time in the vineyards of Rheinhessen and Rheingau and their wine festivals in summer and autumn.

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2019

Heimat (Home) means:

Home is where the heart is. Iran will always be my home, with my family being there. Now I also call Germany my home, where I‘m building my future and having my family and friends.

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left back: carpets, saffron and persian wit

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: I‘m a foodie, and I love trying new food. But I am not sure I will get used to Handkäs mit Musik.

The most exotic place in the world I’ve ever been to: Austrian alps. I love the mountains.

My first day here … ... was lovely because I arrived at my sister‘s home. After a long time, I have been able to see my niece and nephew again.

The strangest German word I learnt: Eichhörnchen

Driving in Germany, getting around. I was surprised by how much the people care about the signs and regulations. In Tehran, this plays less of a big role. Driving here in Germany is more enjoyable and efficient.

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / At the Rhein River

2 / Spielbank Wiesbaden in Wiesbaden

3 / Rüdesheim

BUSINESS SCHOOLS

We focus on careers!

Delivering German excellence in management and finance education

Empowering managers across all industries

Providing thought leadership for the business world

www.frankfurt-school.de

ISF International School Frankfurt Rhein-Main

ISF has been offering top quality education in Frankfurt for the last 27 years.

School Director Corina Rader shares what is exciting about the school.

Tell us about how you became a Newcomer to the Frankfurt area.

I am very familiar with being a newcomer as I have held leadership positions abroad working with American, German, Swedish, British, and International curricula. On top of my work experience, I am a graduate of international education from Nido de Aguilas International School of Santiago, Chile.

I joined ISF as Director in January 2020 when I moved here with my family from Sweden, where I was working as Head of School, although I’m originally from the US.

I have three daughters, and my first contact with ISF was when I was looking for a school for them. I actually chose ISF as the best school for them, and it was only during the enrollment process that I heard about the position as Director!

So why did you choose ISF? What makes it a great school?

As a parent, I was looking for a school that developed the whole child – a school that was both strong academically and offered opportunities for students to learn life skills and follow their passions. ISF is very strong in all of these areas. On the academic side, the school has a strong and structured curriculum with various international and local pathways to university success. To cater to students’ personal development, the school has the ISF Sports Academy, which is focused on creating a set of healthy habits around physical exercise and movement, and the Student Life Organization (SLO®), where students have the opportunity to collaborate with their peers and lead many important initiatives within our school and community.

I first went into education because I had a dream of making a difference for our younger generations. I found ISF to be a school where I could make this dream true, where I could imbue a love of lifelong learning, inspiring and influencing champions of a just and sustainable world. I am grateful to work as a School Director at ISF, where I am surrounded by passionate educators and students who are enthusiastic about their education and future ambitions.

What does ISF offer?

Targeted support of each student is at the heart of the teaching and educational philosophy of ISF, which is based in the Sindlingen district of Frankfurt. The school’s 47,000-square-meter campus includes a theatre, various sports fields and running track, indoor swimming pool (the only school with a pool), cafeteria, science

labs, art and music facilities, and modern, wellequipped classrooms. Students from more than 40 nations study at ISF and are taught by around 100 teachers who are equally diverse in their backgrounds. What is valued by many families is our international environment, high standards and expectations, and a teaching faculty that take care to ensure that all students realize their full potential.

Nationally and internationally, ISF students achieve consistently above average academic results, on their US High School Diplomas, as well as on their external exams. Unlike most other International Schools who only offer one college –preparatory curriculum, ISF allows its high school students to select between the CollegeBoard Advanced Placement Program (AP) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme as paths to admission to universities in Germany and around the world. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to sit Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) Exams, as well as the CollegeBoard PSAT and SAT Exams.

As part of the global SABIS® network, ISF benefits from cutting-edge research and development in education technology. Digital learning and teaching methods that make meaningful use of technology are firmly anchored in everyday school life at ISF and make it possible to convey content interactively, identify individual learning deficits, and support students in closing gaps. In the same way, education technology offers great opportunities to promote gifted students and supports them in preparing for exams. Digital learning tools to bring lessons to life

through video, audio, and "expert voices" that can be brought into the classroom. Additional digital resources make learning interactive and personally adaptive to the individual learner’s progress.

Technology not only enhances students’ learning experience at ISF, but also makes it easier for teachers to continually monitor progress and grade performance. As a result, monitoring learning levels becomes more transparent. This enables ISF teachers to provide targeted support and individually-adapted materials to close learning gaps. The school supports this process through teacher-led study buddy and study group sessions or peer tutoring, where older students support younger ones. Academic support is a core role played by the Student Life Organization® (SLO®) at ISF.

Tell us more about what ISF offers outside of academics?

ISF isn't just about academics. It is about community, friendship, and learning life skills in a safe and secure environment surrounded by support to lift you up, should you stumble or fall. The SLO®, which is run by students for students, offers just that. Every student can get involved, for example running one of the nine departments, taking on a prefect role for their class, or taking part in some of the huge variety of activities from drama and dance to robotics club, debate team or charity projects. And if there’s a club that we don’t offer yet, students can help to set it up! We encourage our students to support each other and take responsibility for their school experience as well as their learning.

We also offer our very own ISF Sports Academy. In line with our continuous commitment to excellence, ISF offers high-quality sports program with full utilization of our impressive sports facilities where students can participate in extracurricular and competitive sports. We aim to teach our students how to live a healthy life, which includes social, emotional, mental, and physical health. The ISF Sports Academy helps students discover the joy of healthy habits through the sports we offer, with the goal of creating a lifelong habit of exercise and movement.

How can Newcomers find out more?

We enjoy talking to new families about the school and love welcoming new families to ISF. Feel free to reach out to our admissions department by making an online appointment, sending us an E-mail, or giving us a call. All contact details are on our website at https://www.isf.sabis.net.

CONTACT

International School

Frankfurt Rhein-Main

Straße zur Internationalen Schule 33

65931 Frankfurt-Sindlingen

T: +49 (0)69 954 319 710

info@isf-sabis.net

www.isf.sabis.net

School Director Corina Rader

GETTING

AROUND

p ublic transport

,

F lying , cycling and driving

Frankfurt Rhine-Main may be a large region, but it is one where you can get around swiftly and often in an eco-friendly way. Moreover, the parklands, lakes, and hills are all easily accessible.

The network you will probably make the most use of during your stay here is the RMV, the German acronym for the Rhine-Main Transport Authority. This extensive network comprises streetcars, buses, subways and aboveground LRT. The RMV website (www.rmv.de) has multilingual information and boasts a trip planner, network maps, and articles on special events in the area and how to get to them.

The system is efficient and reliable. Though not exactly cheap, the cost/benefit ratio for the services is great. A ride from downtown (Konstablerwache) to the airport costs less than € 5 and takes under 30 minutes, for example.

SUBWAYS – THE U-BAHN

The fastest way of traveling within the city of Frankfurt is the subway or U-Bahn. There are nine U-Bahn lines, and they cover most of Frankfurt, from Südbahnhof in the South even out to the foot of the Feldberg in Hohemark in the North. The lines are designated by numbers, as in U1, U2, all the way up to U9.

LRT – THE S-BAHN

The S-Bahn network is designed to connect Frankfurt to the cities that orbit it, most notably Darmstadt, Wiesbaden, Friedberg and Hanau. It thus serves most of the suburbs

in all cardinal points. In fact, two S-Bahn lines each go all the way to Wiesbaden (one track runs north of the River Main, the other south) and Offenbach, the town that borders Frankfurt to the east, and onwards through to Hanau, while the route to Darmstadt connects the leafy towns of Neu-Isenburg and Langen along the way.

STREETCARS – THE STRASSENBAHN

Frankfurt has boasted a streetcar (Straßenbahn) network since 1872, and the system is highly popular to this day. At one time, one streetcar route actually ran down the middle of the Zeil pedestrian area, its bell ringing to keep people off the tracks. It typically connects downtown to districts closer in and not served by the subway. During demonstrations or large festivals in the city, the one or other Straßenbahn line may be temporarily closed. One special streetcar is itself destined for festivities – the party ‘cider streetcar’ known as the Ebbelwoi Express (www.ebbelweiexpress.de)

BUSES

The local bus system also takes you to areas that the rapid transit trains do not. Some of them stop at every street or so, and like streetcars get you very close to your doorstep. Today, Frankfurt boasts a large number of bus lanes which ensure that the morning bus is faster than the commuters who have opted to use their own car in the rush hour.

In the wee hours of the morning, buses are the only form of public transportation available. A number of special night buses ply the streets between midnight and dawn, designated by “N” before their number. These buses do not service regular bus stops. To find out which stops these buses use, look for signs with an “N” surrounded by stars or click www.nachtbus-frankfurt.de. In addition, on weekends and the night preceding public holidays, special night buses leave from Konstablerwache in Frankfurt City every half hour between 1.30 and 3.30 a.m.

RMV TICKETS AND PASSES

You can either buy your tickets for individual trips at the many ticket-dispensing machines or by App on your smartphone – or buy a travel pass valid for periods of one day/ week/month or even an entire year. The ticket machines have touchscreens and are multilingual. You simply tap in you destination or the destination code, select the type of

Frankfurt‘s S-Bahn tunnel is the busiest route in Germany.

Nine S-Bahn lines connect the city with the surrounding area.

Level Up with Crytek

Join us on our adventure to push boundaries and be at the forefront of the gaming industry. Be inspired and inspire others with our collaborative environment led by our people. This ethos of ours has made us a world-renowned video game developer & publisher who is not afraid to go above and beyond.

Our culture is different and we mean that. Not because there’s beanbags and table tennis, but through our friendly, communal aspect of creation. Passionate people from all walks of life pour their personalities into our products making them truly unique and special.

The company culture you can enjoy is wide and varied to include everyone. From regular social events bringing new and old Crytekkers together, to company trips for gaming conventions, to all the Crytek clubs where you can meet new people, explore your hobbies or even find a new one guided by resident experts. All of which can be done remotely as we’re committed to flexible working for an environment that fits you and your workstyle.

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ticket you want (adult, child, day ticket, etc.) and then pay the amount displayed.

As regards travel passes, the golden rule is: The longer the period, the better the deal. Passes can be purchased at any RMV counter (opening hours vary according to the station), at selected ticket machines and at many news kiosks. Most RMV passes are transferable, which allows you to lend them to friends or family members when you do not need them. In addition to being a better buy, the weekly, monthly and yearly passes have another advantage: After 7 p.m. weekdays and all day on weekends, one adult and all children under 15 can travel free with a passholder.

In Frankfurt Rhine-Main a modified honor system is in place for travel on public transport. That means you buy your ticket or pass before you climb aboard, and you usually do not have to present it for inspection. The exception is with buses, where after 8 p.m. you have to board at the front of the bus and show your ticket or pass to the driver as you enter. However, be warned, freewheeling is not a good idea: Teams of ticket inspectors travel around the system and do spot checks for valid tickets or passes. This first happens once the train or bus has started rolling, so there is no way to escape being caught. The on-the-spot fine for not having a valid ticket is € 60. If you cannot pay right then and there, you will be handed a ticket with your fine listed on it and where you can go to pay that fine. If you do not pay within the period listed, you will get a notice at your address (that is why ticket inspectors insist on seeing your passport or some form of personal identity) with an increased fine.

If you were not able to buy a ticket as the ticket machine at your station was not working, inform the inspector. You will be sent to the payment office, where this will be verified and the fine waived – so make a note of the machine number or station.

RMV RESOURCES

The RMV network extends through the entire region, from Marburg to Erbach and from Limburg to Fulda. Tickets are valid for all modes of transport and for all services operated by the companies affiliated with the public transport network. RMV offers numerous special rates and group tickets, so it pays to take a good look at the ticketing options. A good place to start is the RMV website (www.rmv.de), which is multilingual and offers a wealth of maps, timetables, news and even suggestions for weekend outings.

RMV also operates 28 Mobility Centers and Info Points throughout the region, where staff members can answer questions regarding public transportation, including Park & Ride and CarSharing options and where you can buy your weekly, monthly or annual travel passes.

BIKE SHARING SERVICES

There are three main bike-sharing services operating in Frankfurt Rhine-Main, Deutsche Bahn’s “Call a Bike” service, Byke, and Nextbike. The “Call a Bike” and nextbike systems use fixed drop-off points, so if you leave the bike somewhere else you are liable to pay a penalty. In all three cases, you register with the service provider, provide credit-card details, and then find your rental bike using an app (or for those without a smartphone by ringing the relevant hotline). Once you

DO YOU KNOW OUR

rmv-frankfurt.de/night

Around the clock. Every day and every night. Night-time transport in Frankfurt.

have found the bike you want, you either dial the number printed in the red circle on the cover of the lock or scan a QR code. on the bike to unlock it. And off you pedal. Prices vary from € 1 for 20 minutes or 30 minutes, and day passes between € 3 – 15.

E-SCOOTERS

Since the summer of 2019, e-scooters have been permitted on German roads and bike paths. There are already four rental firms operating in Frankfurt Rhine-Main: Tier, Voi, Lime, Bolt (the brand is denoted by the color of the e-scooter). In each case, you download the relevant app, enter your creditcard details, and then use the app to find an e-scooter near you ready for use. And off you zip, at max. 20 km/h. Typically you pay € 1 for the rental,and then a certain rate per minute “scooted”. Note: You must not ride on them in tandem! When you’re finished place the e-scooter on the pavement curbside, leaving space for people to get round it, and making certain it is not in a row with more than four others. Local teams pick the e-scooters up at night and recharge them.

TAXIS

Of course, public transport or cyclesare not the only way of getting around. The two leading forms of private transport are taxis and private automobiles. Most newcomers may find taxi fares somewhat pricey compared to fares back home. But remember that for that extra money you get to travel in a comfortable late-model Mercedes. The standard starting charge for a taxi is € 3.50, with an additional charge of € 1.75-2.00 per kilometer. Taxi stands are found outside all major rail stations, as well as at major business points such as Alte Oper (Old Opera House), in front of the Börse (Stock Exchange), at Hauptwache or Konstablerwache, and, of course, at the airport. Taxis aren’t supposed to stop on the street to pick up passengers, though some will. Calling to order a cab is much more effective than trying to hail one. Cabs you order by phone will usually arrive within five or ten minutes. Taxi call numbers for Taxi Frankfurt are 069 23 0001 and 069 23 0033.

CAR SHARING

Determined to help shape the future of urban mobility, Germany‘s major carmakers established a car sharing service that is available in most major cities. SHARE NOW, which is jointly owned by Mercedes-Benz and BMW, offers a variety of small city cars, such as Smarts. Usage is generally calculated on a time basis, starting at 19 cents a minute for the smallest car.

Customers must register ahead of time, pay a registration fee and receive an electronic chip by post. Via a smartphone app, they can locate the closest vehicle. When the journey is finished, the user only needs to park and get out. The bill is then sent by email to their phone. More information at www.share-now.com. There are two other main alternative car-sharing operators in Frankfurt Rhine-Main which use similar systems: book-n-drive, with a fleet of over 1,000 vehicles (www.book-n-drive.de) and stadtmobil (rhein-main.stadtmobil.de/privatkunden).

GETTING AWAY – RAIL TRAVEL

Deutsche Bahn is the German national railway system. Frankfurt happens to be one of its key interchange points, with Frankfurt’s Main Railway Station (Hauptbahnhof) its key hub. This huge, impressive structure is the busiest train station on the European continent; and you can catch trains here for most towns in Frankfurt Rhine-Main as well as highspeed connections to all the major cities in Germany and throughout Europe. There are many business travelers and holidaymakers who will vouch for the fact that it is not only cheaper, but also faster and more convenient to take the train rather than to fly to many destinations in Germany and neighboring countries. Why? Because after you have calculated the time it takes to get to and from airports, the time required to check-in, drop off/collect your baggage and pass security, as well as any departure delays, a medium-distance train will probably get you where you are going more quickly. Plus, the comfort of rail travel, especially in first-class, certainly exceeds that of short-haul planes – and is far more environmentally friendly into the bargain.

Frankfurt Airport: An Amazing Place to Visit

Frankfurt Airport is an ideal day trip destination for the whole family. And the interactive Fraport Visitor Center is the perfect place to begin a fascinating voyage of discovery at one of the world’s largest air travel hubs. This 1,200-square-meter multimedia exhibition in Terminal 1 is chockful of surprises and amazing innovations that introduce you to the airport and its secrets. Unusual perspectives and hands-on interactive exhibits make the time fly by. Whether you choose to go on a thrilling virtual roller coaster ride through the subterranean automated baggage conveyor system or use “smart windows” to watch the action on the apron in real time, we bet that you and your loved ones have never before experienced the airport this vividly.

And if you’re hungry for even more, we recommend that you go on a bus tour with live narration. You’re plunged right into the action out on the airport apron, competently explained by guides who share exclusive insider knowledge with you.

You can round out your day by going out on the Visitors’ Terrace in Terminal 2 with comfortable seating. The spectacular panoramic view of planes landing and taking off will make you long for distant lands!

Experience the fascination of the airport! Tickets are available at FRA-Tours.com/en.

CONTACT

Fraport Besucherservices

besucherservice@fraport.de

Telefon: 069/69070291

Sights & Events (FRA-Tours.com/en)

A lot of people seem to have reached this conclusion, as rail travel on key routes can get very crowded. For that reason, it is strongly suggested that you reserve a seat during peak travel periods (you must reserve at least 24 hours before departure; a reservation cost € 4,50 per person per journey in the second class). Peak periods include Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and the afternoons at the start of and evenings at the end of holidays. If you do not reserve, you are likely to find yourself joining others sitting or standing in the aisles. Deutsche Bahn also runs an excellent, multilingual website (www.bahn.de) complete with travel planner, special fares, and special deals.

REGIONAL BUSES

Private companies are permitted to offer regional bus services – but only for trips longer than 50 kilometers. Bus prices tend to be significantly lower than the same trip by train, but the travel time is longer, and the services usually only run between medium to large cities. Most of the buses offer free WiFi so you can while away your time by surfing the Net, and bookings are done exclusively on the Internet. In Frankfurt, the regional buses stop at the brandnew Fernbusterminal on the south side (Südseite) of the main train station and behind the InterCity Hotel Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof Süd. Most buses also stop at the Frankfurt Airport. Busses from here head not only for German but for many European destinations, too, with Eurolines heading as far afield as Istanbul.

FRANKFURT AIRPORT

Serving almost 70 million passengers annually, the Frankfurt Airport is one of the most busiest airport on the European continent. Frankfurt Airport has two terminals, with a third under construction. Terminal 1 is dominated by Lufthansa, as well as by the other airlines in the Star Alliance. It connects by automated monorail “Skyline” to Terminal 2, with its ultra-modern architecture, hosts many international carriers. To save yourself some time, make sure to determine the correct terminal (1 or 2) before you depart for the airport.

There are two train stations at the airport that offer a wide range of local,regional, national and international connections. The regional station, located beneath Terminal 1, (via Level 0 and the Airport City Mall), is served by LRT and regional express trains. You will need just over 10 minutes to get from here to Frankfurt’s main train station (Hauptbahnhof).

The long-distance train station (Fernbahnhof), which is located beneath the super-sleek office/hotel complex The Squaire, offers links to the German and European high-speed railway networks. This station provides daily connections to 220 different destinations, such as Brussels and Amsterdam. The station is linked to Terminal 1 via the AIRail Terminal connector building and also offers check-in services.

The cost of parking at the airport terminals is staggered –up to 30 minutes costs you € 1 up to an hour € 5.00 and then upwards by increments of € 5.00 to a maximum of €  35.00 for a day or € 210.00 for a week. If you book in advance online, the price for a week can be as little as € 66.00. From downtown Frankfurt, the airport can be reached in about 15 minutes by car, and a taxi costs € 30.00 – 40.00 depending on traffic and the time of day.

Innovative, urban and green

Top international companies beside nature reserves, forward-looking mobility concepts and a 2,000-year-old Roman fort, a prestigious museum and a professional football team: the ten districts that make up Taunusstein offer contrasts and variety to meet the most diverse of demands.

30,000 inhabitants now live in the “city in the countryside”, which lies between Rheingau, Wiesbaden and Hochtaunus – some 50 kilometres from Frankfurt Airport. The Aar valley and its fields, meadows and floodplains crisscross the large districts. Storks, rare butterfly species, deer and wild birds live here in close proximity to the people. About 50 per cent of the urban area consists of forest, traversed by cycle paths and hiking trails.

Local recreation areas, leisure activities and culture are just as much a part of Taunusstein as strong companies. Internationally successful organisations such as Institut Fresenius, tetronik

GmbH and BRITA Wasserfilter capitalise on this location in the centre of Europe, in the heart of Germany and part of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. Featuring co-working space, a business incubator, a regional employer platform, and high-speed internet, Taunusstein combines the advantages of a big city with the fresh air and open fields of the countryside.

Those who wish to get a sneak preview can download the “Discover Taunusstein” (Entdecke Taunusstein) app free of charge for iOS or Android and get to know the city and surrounding nature by taking various multimedia tours.

The “Taunus Connect” regional platform created by the Taunusstein economic development agency brings employers and employees together far beyond city boundaries. It serves as a centralised source for pooling jobs, health management offers, available commercial space and virtual showcases for marketing campaigns: www.taunus-connect.de.

CONTACT

Robert Rustler

Managing Director StaTa GmbH

Location development, economic development, city marketing

65232 Taunusstein, Germany

T: 06128 9371-105

M: robert.rustler@stata.gmbh

www.taunusstein.de

The Frankfurt Airport seems to be in a constant state of construction and expansion, and now there are more than 300 shops, restaurants and cafes. Sparkling high-end shops can be found throughout the airport, as well as restaurants, cafes, bars, barbers and dry cleaners. There is also a post office with late and early opening hours, numerous bank and currency exchange services, and a last-minute travel market.

www.frankfurt-airport.com/en

FRANKFURT-HAHN AIRPORT

This regional airport, which is actually located 120 kilometers from the Frankfurt city center, experienced explosive growth thanks to Ryanair. Getting to Hahn Airport takes approximately 90 minutes by shuttle bus, which departs from the Frankfurt main train station and costs € 16 – 19 one way. There are also bus connections to Hahn from Mainz and Wiesbaden. The airport offers low-priced long-term parking, costing € 4 – 7 a day and € 28 – 40.00 per week. To get the lowest parking rates, you must reserve your parking spot over the Internet (well ahead of time).

www.hahn-airport.de

DRIVING THE AUTOBAHN

You have almost certainly heard a great deal about the legendary German Autobahn … and are either champing at the bit to get yourself onto this high-speed race course or facing the prospect with great trepidation.

While many stretches of the Autobahn have no speed limits, other areas do, and you are obligated by law to observe these limits. Remember: You can lose your license for a month or more if you are caught driving more than 30 km/h above the speed limit. Authorities are particularly strict about you keeping to the speed limit in road construction sites and many sections of the Autobahn post temporary speed limits during particularly bad weather, at times as low as 60 km/h.

On the unrestricted segments of the network, you will see most cars cruising along at 120–160 km/h, with some high-powered vehicles exceeding these speeds, while government traffic experts recommend 130 km/h as a safe speed to drive on unrestricted sections.

TRAFFIC REGULATIONS

Many German traffic regulations may differ from those in your home country,so it is essential to familiarize yourself with the basic rules and to get acquainted with the international road signs. One main difference is the rule on right of way. Unless otherwise posted, vehicles entering an intersection from the right have right of way. Also be aware that pedestrians have right of way as soon as they step onto a zebra crossing. Beware of cyclists riding on the bike paths, particularly when you are making a right turn; they, too, have right of way.

Your first impression may lead you to believe that Germans park anywhere they please, even on the sidewalk. In fact, parking is generally permitted along the streets, unless there is a sign to the contrary. Signs will show whether parking or waiting is allowed or not, and whether you must park with two or four wheels on the sidewalk, or with a Parkscheibe: a cardboard disc, available at filling stations, which you must use in marked areas of limited but unmetered parking to indicate at what time you parked. In some districts of Frankfurt, such as Sachsenhausen reserve parking for locals (Anwohnerparken). If you live in the district you can apply for a Bewohnerparkausweis. It costs you € 50 for two years and can be applied for online. If you are uncertain of the details, as the website is in German, write an email to bewohner-parken@stadt-frankfurt.de, or go to the Ordnungsamt responsible (Am Römerhof 19, 60486 Frankfurt), taking a credit-card, your vehicle papers and proof of residence with you.

CONTACT ME CARD – “The ultimate business card”, Manager Magazin June 2022

In December 2021 Mario von Kelterborn together with Julia Schlecker founded their start-up CONTACT ME CARD in Frankfurt. CONTACT ME CARDs are digital business cards which transfer contact data via QR code or NFC chip. They are made of premium steel. Both founders share what‘s exciting about this new concept of business cards.

Tell us about how you came up with the idea of CONTACT ME CARDs.

“You never have a second chance to make a first impression” this was the initial idea behind. We both enjoy meeting new people and networking for new ideas or for our charity projects. Business cards can be your most important tool to impress other inspiring people. We as persons want to be kept in mind with our enthusiasm and most important we want our contact profiles to find their way in the smartphone of our interlocutors. With our CONTACT ME CARDS we reinvent business cards and address exactly these topics/ opportunities.

Can you explain how CONTACT ME CARDs work?

You buy or get (by the way it is also an excellent present!) a CONTACT ME CARD. In order to activate a card, one needs to scan the QR code or read the NFC chip, register and save all the contact data one wants to transfer. It is possible to save multiple profiles, i.e. business/private and/ or different languages. To download contact details the other person also needs to scan the QR code or read the NFC Chip. No app is needed. It

all happens contactless and there is no longer a need to hand-over a business card and especially the data does not need to be typed which is often a source of error.

What is special about CONTACT ME CARDs?

For each profile it is possible to add not only a photo and social media accounts, but also weblinks such as a promotion video, products, docu ments, research or events. Anything which is really important for the cardholder, can be saved on the card and shared countless times. Data can be edited realtime online. Worlwide unique is a Link in Bio option. In sum I can transfer much more and always accurate content than via paper business cards. And compared to purely digital solutions like LinkedIn it also is a haptic and emotional experience. Our CONTACE ME CARDs convince with a combination of functionality, innovation, sustainability and design and are the perfect icebreaker for any conversation. For companies they mean an innovative push in the company public appereance.

You mentioned sustainabilty, could you please describe this in more detail? Absolutely. 80% of all paper business cards are thrown away within one week which means tons of paper waste taking into account that about 140 billions of cards are produced within one year. 7 millions trees are cut down yearly in order to produce business cards. So each and everyone should keep this in mind when producing paper cards for the next time. Our CONTACT

ME CARDs are the smarter and greener alternative – and last long.

How

do I get a CONTACT ME CARD and what is the price?

Under www.contactmecard.com the cards can be ordered. Available are company cards with a unique design, personalised cards with company name or logo or pre-produced so-called lifestyle cards with various designs. We are about to sample our lifestyle cards at various POS, at the moment they are available at August Pfüller Modehaus in Goethestrasse and the Museum of Communication. The price starts with 99 Euro.

Again here it makes sense to compare the absolute price with the price for producing paper cards. On average companies spend 190 Euro per employee. So companies with 100 employees can save up to 47.000 Euros over 3 years and save up to three trees per year.

We are looking forward to many Newcomers to contact us. Let‘s make the world a bit greener together!

CONTACT

Contact Me Card

Taunustor 3

60310 Frankfurt am Main +49 175 5480088

www.contactmecard.com

GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS

c ross - cultural issues , setting up a business , holding meetings

THE WORKING DAY

You may already be aware that Germans are not the workaholics of popular legend: an eight-hour day is much more the exception than the rule in this country where the average work week only runs to 37.7 hours. Nevertheless, while they are at work, people here are generally expected to really work. Rarely will you find German colleagues taking long lunch hours and chatting casually with office colleagues. For example, the typical working day in Germany starts earlier than in most countries – and ends earlier. Don´t be too

shocked if your company expects you to start at the ungodly hour of 7 30 a.m., though an 8.30 a.m. start is probably more common.

At the other end of this early-bird arrangement lies the good news: You’ll ordinarily get off at a time which many staff around the world would consider mid-afternoon. Depending on the length of the lunch break, you and your colleagues may be heading home as early as 4.00 p.m. or 4.30 p.m., while 5.00 p.m. is a common time for the office exodus.

Many newcomers to Frankfurt Rhine-Main are attracted by the countless business opportunities or are posted here by their companies. Understanding the business culture of Germany is, therefore, something essential to both career success and enjoying life in general here.

By the way, the German lunch break is usually just that … a 30-minute break during which colleagues collectively head over to the company cafeteria. Most large companies offer subsidized meals for their employees and provide a hearty three-course lunch. Indeed, many employees consider it to be their major meal of the day.

With such a schedule, it is a hit-or-miss proposition whether you will reach someone at the office after 4.30 p.m., so any important business should be taken care of well before this time. Furthermore, this last call for any business should be cut by at least an hour on Fridays, when most workers avail themselves of the opportunity to extend their weekend into most of Friday afternoon.

Perhaps it is because the workday ends earlier than in the Anglo-Saxon business world that more often than not, your German colleagues will head straight home at the end of the day and not be inclined to go out for a beer in the local pub.

SLOW, STEADY AND DETAILED

Germans have managed to maintain their reputation for high-quality work even under the pinch of shorter working time – because of their tradition of thoroughness. When Germans work, they usually work hard. But thoroughness takes time – even for a people so well-schooled in it. Many foreigners get dismayed by how long this thoroughness can take here.

There are exceptions to every rule, but it would be a fair statement to say that the Germans are risk averse. If you come

from a “just do it” business culture, you may become frustrated by this propensity to weigh up at all sides of an issue before making a final decision. This frustration can also come up within your own company when you’re involved in a project where you feel that enough information has been gathered to reach a decision and press ahead with the next phase.

The upside of this delayed process is that when a decision gets taken, much of the next stage of the transaction (working out the details) will have already been handled.

Working or doing business in Germany entails a good deal more than just shifting your daily schedule forward an hour or two and making extraefforts to keep your nose to the grindstone. There is a certain specific character to German business and whether you enjoy your work here and are successful at it may depend on your adapting to this culture.

On normal working days, around 460,000 people are transported through Frankfurt Central Station. Over 300,000 commuters turn our Main metropolis into a city of millions during the day.

FRANKFURT FOOD PARADISES

Fressgass

Elegant shopping and elegant dining City, B 1-6/8/9, U1-3/6/7 Hauptwache; U6/7 Alte Oper

Eating out and shopping, higher end prices. Right in the modern centre with old-town flair.

Schweizer Straße

International eateries rubbing shoulders

Sachsenhausen, B

U1-3/8 Schweizer Platz

Great variety of eating places next door to each other. Local businesses, not chains.

Kleinmarkthalle

Retail fruit and vegetable market

Altstadt, Hasengasse 5, kleinmarkthalle.de, X Mon – Fri 8 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat

8 a.m.– 4 p.m., B S1-6, S8-9, U1-3/6-8 Hauptwache

New York has Chelsea Market, Frankfurt has the Kleinmarkthalle. Assorted local food at 60 stalls.

Oeder Weg

Fashions, delicatessen and eateries

Nordend, B U1–3/8 Eschenheimer Tor Snacks, meals and sweets from across the world, alongside fashion boutiques, delicatessen and everyday needs.

TASK-MASTERS AND PROBLEM-SOLVERS

Just as “thorough” is something of a mantra here, another word you will hear quite often is “Ordnung”, as in structure, or order. Germany, you will soon find, is a country with a raft of rules and procedures that govern many aspects of the economy, politics and even social spheres. Germans do not generally find these rules confining, but rather an accepted set of common beliefs and practices which make life more predictable. In German business culture, this is reflected in adherence to prescribed rules with a relatively low degree of flexibility and spontaneity.

As opposed to those cultures which are relations-oriented, German society is resoundingly task-oriented. Germans tend to focus on achieving the task at hand. This, coupled with their well-defined structures, means that inter-personal relationships can play a secondary role in business dealings. In terms of project management, Germans tend to focus on task-oriented aspects such as timetables, milestones and budgets. If you do come from one of the more relations-oriented societies, you will have to adjust.

Related to task-orientation is the fact that Germany is a problem-oriented society. Germans tend to approach most tasks as problems. In the business context, this means they often wait for something to manifest itself as a problem

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and then set themselves to solving that problem. Which, of course, means the process of problem-solving can be quite intense indeed.

All of which reflects another aspect of the German character – Germans tend to be reactive rather than proactive. Neither risk-takers nor pioneers, they rarely define a problem looming on the horizon and then stalk a solution to it the way some Asians or North Americans would. When problems arise, they mobilize vigorously to solve them, but are not always the first to take the initiative.

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60386 Frankfurt am Main 069 219 78-0 kompassfrankfurt.de

The Germans are, however, great advocates of procedure – they always want to know the rules of the game and want to see these rules on paper – or at least clearly stated. One American consultant who worked on a number of key projects with big German companies reported encountering difficulties in the first day or two because he had failed to make a clear statement of exactly how the project was going to proceed. Few Germans take kindly to the notion of allowing a project, or much else, to develop organically. They much prefer the security of a set plan or contract.

Germans see contracts as the final word, the end of negotiations. When they start work on a project, the contract for that project is like holy writ. For many peoples, especially those from Asian cultures, the contract may be just the beginning of serious negotiations. Many top people in German companies still express frustration or irritation with clients from Middle Eastern and Asian firms who the Germans feel are trying to rejig signed contracts – something the Germans have difficulty dealing with.

BUSINESS MEETINGS

The issue of negotiations is probably a good place to look at the nature of business meetings in Germany. The rules here are simple: Germans like to “get down to business” rather quicklyand dispense with any special rituals.Small talk, for instance, is kept to a minimum in German business meetings. The style here is to get down to brass tacks quickly. Germans also do not like digressions in their business discussions. Demonstrations, including video and other media,

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Bad Nauheim–healthy and green city

With a connected and active community

are very popular, however, and you may be treated to some of these multimedia presentations which show a company’s products or abilities.

Meetings here are certainly not slategray, stuffy affairs. Though German business meetings tend to be a little on the formal side, cordiality and humor are appreciated and employed. For instance, a range of soft drinks, mineral water, and juices will invariably be placed on a table at the start of a meeting, and coffee and tea will also probably be served.

Moreover, laughter and smiling are considered quite fitting here, in roughly the same situations they are considered so in North America or Britain. Germans like to laugh, and they can laugh loudly when they find something very funny. But a North American sense of familiarity or comedyclub banter during a business discussion is not encouraged.

Small talk itself does play an important role in Germany, even in a business context. But in the business world, it is largely confined to lunch and dinner. Common topics are families, vacations, places they have visited, maybe the arts. Many top German businesspeople are well-informed with a broad range of interests and knowledge, and they can call on this store of topics for their small talk.

With around 33.000 inhabitants Bad Nauheim is an attractive location for small and medium enterprises. This comprises mainly of a strong service sector, including medical services, technology and research as well as a promising IT-sector with a focus on software engineering. We are leaders in the fields of cardiology, rheumatology and sports medicine. This includes the Kerckhoff-Clinic which is considered one of the world’s leading institutions for heart disease.

We pride ourselves with future oriented city policies which adress the most important issues of our time. Our smart city strategy has been ranked top 5 in Germany and we are international pioneers in sustainable city development. Part of this is a supportive enviroment for innovation and adequate infrastructure for co-creating and coworking.

Featuring the largest Art Nouveau Ensemble in Europe we have an attractive city center with many boutique shops and inviting restaurants. The large parks and city forest are all within walking distance. Our educational sector has an international alignment with high quality childcare and a variety of schools.

Logistically well integrated in the north of the Rhine-MainRegion between Frankfurt and Gießen. There is a direct access to the A5. In addition to good long-distance connections there are also regional train connections and well developed bus routes in the city.

CONTACT

Municipality of Bad Nauheim

Nina Kazem-Seiffert

Phone: +49 6032 343 247

Mail: nina.kazem-seiffert@bad-nauheim.de www.bad-nauheim.de

Be aware that appointments are made for most situations and should generally be made with a fair amount of lead time, say one or two weeks to be safe. Appointments at short notice are the exception, and calling up a day or two before you need a meeting is a real dice shoot – with the dice heavily loaded against you.

However, it is not at all necessary to have a local contact or intermediary to schedule meetings and conduct business, as in some cultures. Germans are pretty open and above-board about most of these matters. Again, it is the task and the outcome that are important, not who you know.

Business meetings, written proposals and tasks-orientation – these are all part of the focuson-facts mentalitythat is so prevalent here. Objective facts are considered essential in decision-making and problem-solvingin Germany. In business negotiations, this means that successful decision-making is based more on rationality, logic and analysis of information than on intuition and personal connections. If you make a proposal in a meeting, you had better be ready to back it up with solid facts and examples.

GERMAN CORPORATE STRUCTURE

The basic German business structure is highly hierarchical with strongly defined roles. Responsibility within a firm is clearly defined. Once Germans have their roles within the company context, they endeavor to stay within those roles – and adhere to the rules. That is why it is so difficult to get workers – from salespeople in a big store, guards at a building, tellers at a bank, clerks in an office, all the way up through those in middle or even upper management positions – to perform some activity that falls outside their defined roles. Germans certainly have no problem with moving up to a higher job, but while still within a specific job, they don’t like to move outside the parameters of that post.

The best people for any business.

Successful companies need strong, successful personalities.

Combine theory and practice for law, business and economics graduates. Acquire excellent interdisciplinary training in law and finance. Study in a major European as well as global financial center and participate in interesting internships in banks, law firms, financial services or regulatory bodies.

Also, management in German companies is still much more a top-down than a bottom-up affair. Senior management makes its decisions and passes them down the chain of command; those below are generally empowered to carryout policy rather than formulate it. Or to put it another way, senior management makes the strategic decisions, while line management is responsible for operational day-to-day management. And then the work teams carry out these operational decisions.

While those hierarchical structures do command a great importance in the majority of German firms and the chain of command typically moves in a resolutely vertical direction, a sense of “teamwork” is also very important within the German business world.

The proper term for German “teamwork” is probably “consensus-seeking”. While many Germans have a strong sense of individualism, this is usually coupled with a keen sense of responsibility for “the good of the community or group.” Many business decisions, for example, are evaluated not only for their financial benefits to the company,but also those of its employees. The structure of much German business decision-making requires consensual input from both employers and employees, which makes for longer-lasting solutions.

SMALL STUFF COUNTS, BIG-TIME

An adjunct of this “the good of the group” mindset is that punctuality is quite important in Germany. Arriving even five or ten minutes late for a meeting is considered disrespectful. Meaning if you are running late for an appointment, it is best to notify the person in charge.

Keep in mind that it’s not just the expertise and skills you brought along with you which will ensure you success in your business here in Germany. A good way to maximize your chances for success is to learn some of the small but important German customs that cross over into office life.

For instance, when you have a birthday here, you’re the one who throws the party – even in the office. You’ll be expected to provide finger food such as rolls, cold cuts and maybe small cakes or cookies, perhaps pretzels. Quaffs for the party would include the obligatory bottle(s) of sparkling wine and juice or mineralwater for those abstaining. How much you buy depends on how many are in your core group. (Go easy on the sparkling wine, as you want the staff to get some work done that day, but each person in your group should get at least one small plastic cup of the bubbly to toast you.)

FIND IT IN FRM –WORKING

If you are looking for work in our region, you will quickly discover that German language skills are not just a bonus but often a requirement. German courses are on offer from various language institutes, but it is important to check that official qualifications are included. Your professional qualifications from abroad may also have to be recognised, in particular for regulated professions such as nursing or engineering. It is worth looking at small and medium-sized companies which may have interesting vacancies, as well as the large, international corporations. You will find more tips on our website and relevant services on our interactive map.

www.find-it-in-frm.de/en

SEAN BRAGANZA

He came to Frankfurt in 2018. Since then, he has trained to be a group/ personal fitness trainer (until the pandemic foiled his plan), dabbled in nutrition advice and Vlogging, modelled for photographers and fashion, mixed cocktails for crowds big and small, and organized plenty a private event here in Frankfurt. While he is now Product Owner at Crytek during the day, every night is different.

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE 2018

Heimat (Home) means:

A place to sleep, shower and train. Home to me is only something I come back to at the end of the night or on a Sunday; life is too short to be lived inside.

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left behind: A lust for life.

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: This one’s simple – fresh meat, straight from the animal, bloody and uncooked. Here, there or Germany.

The most exotic place in the world I’ve ever been to: This cocktail bar I was at a few weeks ago; Antony’s it was called. It’s been a while since a place managed to introduce me to so many new flavors all in one evening –everything before that is a blur.

My first day here …

My first day was cold. I was severely underweight and didn’t think to bring my winter wear; September turned out to be quite chilly.

The strangest German word I learnt: bzw

This is the App on my phone, which I can not live without: Spotify, because music.

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Harry’s New York Bar, the Jazz Keller

They have some great jazz concerts on the daily.

2 / A Mook Group restaurant (M-Steakhouse, Ivory Club etc.) If I fancy eating a real meal outside.

3 / A Turkish supermarket

For the widest variety of meat you can find in Frankfurt.

”Of Portuguese descent, born in India, raised in Qatar, and left it all behind a long while ago to start from zero wherever the wind blew. That just happened to be Frankfurt.“

NATIONALITY

Indian, from Qatar/Portugal

The Frankfurt Economic Development GmbH advises, supports and mediates

Our goal is to create growth and jobs in Frankfurt. We offer active company consulting and pursue cluster-related settlement strategies.

We are the consulting and service center for business in Frankfurt and for foreign investors. We support the necessary steps - from the first contact to the opening of a business in Frankfurt. We offer quick access to well-grounded information and the right institutions and contacts – regardless of company size and industry. We provide information on necessary administrative processes and support smooth market access.

Economic data, industry knowledge, market analyses - we provide customized information on Frankfurt’s economic structure and key industries. Our project managers for specific industries provide an accurate picture of Frankfurt’s market situation and the qualities of the location.

We are the mediator between business and politics. We communicate your needs to the political authorities. We make recommendations

on economic and location policy measures and develop proposals to secure Frankfurt’s economic future.

We initiate networks and industry meetings and provide you with access to associations, organizations, communities, existing networks and professional consultants. And if we don’t know the right contact person, we know someone who does.

Our team is available especially for small and medium-sized businesses and craft enterprises. The business consultants are specialized in solving all types of location problems. Our project managers from the International Business Communities department are available to assist foreign investors. They provide information on the necessary steps and approvals for moving to Frankfurt, provide information on German labor and tax law, recommend specialist attorneys and assist with approval procedures.

We work for our Frankfurt am Main and your success!

GETTING

MONEY

b anking , F inances , and taxes

Having a bank account is essential to your existence in Germany. You cannot pay the rent without one, or get paid by your employer. One of the first things you need to do when you begin your new life here is to go down to the local bank and open an account.

Individuals can choose between three types of banks: large commercial banks; full-service savings banks (Sparkassen) and credit cooperatives (Kreditgenossenschaften). The latter are the smallest of the three, with their offices located in the neighborhoods of towns. To open an account at a bank, make sure to take along your passport, and your residence permit or comparable documentation.

THE GIRO OR CURRENT ACCOUNT

The most common and convenient account is the current account or checking account (Girokonto), which allows you to put in and take out money as you need it. The banks will even extend you a credit line, which can amount to thousands of euros, depending on your regular monthly income. Most banks charge you a monthly management fee for your current account, usually billed quarterly. If you come from a country where current or checking accounts are absolutely free, you may find this practice strange.

These fees and additional charges differ from bank to bank and can sometimes tally up to € 200 a year. Also, since

Even in the global digitized world, each country has its own specifics when it comes to banking and finance. It is therefore important for newcomers to familiarize themselves with the German system.

some of the additional charges are hard to detect at first glance, shopping around for the best offer can prove a tad difficult. Your best shopping guide in this regard is the magazine Finanztest, published by Germany’s leading consumer guardian, Stiftung Warentest. Early each year, Finanztest puts together a detailed list of various banking charges. In addition, more consumer-oriented banks and most direct banks now offer free current accounts and online banking.

INTEREST BEARING ACCOUNTS

There are options for earning higher interest on your savings, as long as you do not need ready access to your money. Such accounts include fixed-term deposits and money market accounts, and the terms can run from one month to five years. The longer you keep your money in these accounts, the higher the interest you earn on them.

One very important point to keep in mind: you do not automatically receive your money with higher interest when the fixed term runs out. To get the entire lump sum, you have to give official notice before the expiration of the term. Some banks will send you a written reminder of the impending end of the term and your required notice period, but others expect their customers to keep track of all these details themselves. If you do not hand in the official notice form by the appropriate date, the account is either rolled over for another fixed period or converts to a lower interest-bearing account, with all the aforementioned restrictions.

DIRECT BANKING

Direct banks represent a welcome, consumer-oriented trend in the German banking sector. These are no-frill institutions that have made their mark by enticing investors with higher interest on savings and even current accounts. These higher interest payouts come with a slight disadvantage, however. Direct banks cut costs by reducing service personnel and retail branch offices, you cannot expect the full service you get with the more traditional institutions. Fittingly, direct banks tend to draw customers who conduct their banking via the Internet.

Generally speaking, direct banks offer the best interest rates on current accounts. Depending on each customer,the many advantages at first sight of choosing a direct bank over a traditional one may vanish when taking a closer look. While many direct banks do not charge any management fee some charge up to € 10 per month or only pay high

In the middle of Frankfurt, in the center of the banking district, “FOUR Frankfurt” will be Germany‘s most spectacular high-rise ensemble by 2024.

interest to clients who keep a certain minimum amount in their accounts.

When choosing your direct bank, you should also make sure that some of your bank’s ATMs are located in your neighborhood or near your office. Some direct banks have very few ATMs, meaning that the fees charged to withdraw from another bank’s ATM (sometimes more than € 4) may represent a more substantive sum than those incurred for having an account with a traditional bank.

DIRECT DEBITS, CHECKS AND BALANCES

Most payments in Germany are made via direct debit from one account to another. As of 2014, all transfers within Europe must be completed using both the IBAN (International Bank Account Number) and the BIC (Bank Identifier Code). This is the requirement in Germany, as well as in 32 other European countries as part of the EU‘s Single European Payment Area (SEPA).

The IBAN, which is essentially your account number, contains up to 34 alphanumeric characters. The BIC, which is the identifying code for your bank or financial institution, contains 12 alphanumeric characters. Both codes can be found on your bank statement or on the back of your Maestro/ EC card.

REGULAR PAYMENTS

For payments of ongoing bills, such as utilities, insurance payments, rent, telephone, tax remittances, certain membership fees and magazine subscriptions, it is in many ways highly advisable (and convenient) to set up a standing order. There are two types: Einzugsermächtigung, which gives your billing party the right to debit your account directly

at regular intervals; or Dauerauftrag, which specifies a set amount to be credited to the billing party at a frequency you determine.

The advantage with these systems is that you never have to worry about missing a payment (for instance, if you are away on holiday or emergency leave). A standing order can save you from a penalty fee for late payment or, worse, the embarrassment and extreme inconvenience of having a utility switched off for non-payment. The latter can be particularly painful, as it could entail additional fees for both suspending and reinstalling the service!

Of course, the Einzugsermächtigung, by giving the billing party the right to determine to draw from your account, is also dangerous if misused by irresponsible parties. You should therefore exercise extreme caution when granting this power. Reputable, established companies are fine, as are all government agencies and utilities.

MAESTRO CARD

Shortly after you open your current (Giro) account, you will be sent a bank card. This bank card was formerly known as an EC Card, but is now more precisely called a Maestro Card. You will also be issued a PIN number, which in most cases you cannot choose. The Maestro Card can be used to make electronic payments and to withdraw money from ATMs in Germany and throughout Europe. It serves as an acceptable form of payment at any business displaying the Maestro symbol,as well as in many shops and offices that do not display it.

Thanks to its lower fees for retailers, the Maestro Card enjoys almost universal acceptance in Europe and has proven to be much more popular than credit cards. It is a direct debit card, meaning that the payment is deducted directly from your current account, (although it can sometimes take up to a few days before a transaction is processed). If you have overdrawn your current account, you will automatically be

A new generation at DEININGER CONSULTING: The future of personnel consulting lies in research

Thomas Deininger is stepping down as the head of DEININGER CONSULTING as of July 1 and passing the reins to his managing partner and longstanding employee Joy Edwin Thanarajah. Deininger founded the personnel consulting firm for executive talent that bears his name, based in Frankfurt, in 1981 and has been instrumental in shaping it ever since.

He began developing the markets in Eastern Europe in the mid-1990s, and the company has also been operating successfully in Asia since 2004. Thomas Deininger led the group to become a successful international player with branches in Berlin, Delhi, Düsseldorf, Frankfurt, London, Mumbai, Shanghai and Warsaw.

“By passing the baton to the next generation, I am creating long-term prospects for my company. I am confident that Joy Edwin Thanarajah, who understands our corporate culture excellently, is the best person to lead our longstanding brand into the future,” says Deininger, who will continue to provide his expertise at the company in the role of senior partner.

Thanarajah has worked for DEININGER CONSULTING for 15 years, the last 18 months of them in the position of managing partner. He specializes in identifying and placing skilled workers and executives for hidden champions in the medium-sized business sector, especially the mechanical and industrial engineering and insurance industries. After working at an international market research firm and a German personnel consulting firm, he embarked on a study program in business administration at DEININGER, a role in which he made a key contribution to the evolution of the company’s in-house research center, which was founded back in 2002. The center is highly regarded in the industry and is a unique part of the firm’s search methodology. Thanarajah also serves as the vice-president of Deutsch-Asiatischer Wirtschaftskreis DAW e.V., a Frankfurt-based nonprofit that advances ties between the German and Asian business sectors, and has a wide network of contacts with German companies in Asia.

charged at your bank’s predetermined annual interest rate (Überziehungskredit). There are no service fees if you use the Maestro Card to make a purchase outside of Germany but still within the Euro zone of the EU.

TAXES

As is the case in most countries, the German tax system is complex. There is a maze of deductions, special exemptions, tax breaks for families and much, much more. If you think you are entitled to get some money back, and most taxpayers are, you should seek professional advice from an income tax association (Lohnsteuerverein) or a tax consultant (Steuerberater). For their services they will charge you either a flat fee or a fee based on your total income – but this can be deducted as an expense in the next year on your tax return.

Taxation of an individual’s income is progressive, meaning the higher the income, the higher the rate of tax payable. An individual is liable for income tax on money earned as an employee or as a self-employed person. Like many European countries, Germany has a relatively high income tax rate. But this is the price you pay for good roads, quality public schools, great healthcare, tuition-free public universities and a broad array of social programs. Tax rates for an individual start at only 14 percent, whereby the 42 percent top tax bracket is reached if your annual taxable income exceeds € 57,052. Absolute top earners have to pay an additional 3 percent – if their income exceeds € 277,826 for single persons or € 555,652 for couples.

Shortly after you register with the German authorities, you will be issued a Tax Identification Number (Steueridentifikationsnummer). This number must be used in all correspondence with tax authorities and also entered on your income tax return. The filing deadline is the end of May of the year following the tax year concerned, but it is possible to get an extension. Annual income tax returns can also be submitted online using the Elster service (www.elster.de).

RETIREMENT, UNEMPLOYMENT AND NURSING CARE INSURANCE

Generally speaking, social welfare contributions are shared just about equally between employer and employee. The biggest chunk of total social welfare contributions pays for your retirement insurance (Rentenversicherung), which represents 18.6 percent of your monthly income (2022; half paid by you and half by your employer). Unemployment insurance (Arbeitslosengeld) amounts to 2.4 percent of your gross wage, while nursing care/long-term care insurance (Pflegeversicherung) represents 3.05 percent.

SOLIDARITY SURCHARGE

CONTACT

Joy Edwin Thanarajah Managing Partner

Hamburger Allee 4

60486 Frankfurt am Main

+49 69 79204106

joy.edwinthanarajah@deininger.de

www.deininger.de

“I’m looking forward to further expanding on DEININGER’s international alignment. These days, with crises all around us, it is also especially important for companies to find people who also embrace a new leadership culture. We have been working with medium-sized international companies and large corporate groups for years, and we have a wealth of experience in finding modern leadership figures who can withstand crises and provide support during generational changes,” Thanarajah notes

The enormous job of merging the two halves of the country after German Unification was in part financed by this solidarity tax (Solidaritätszuschlag), which is a surcharge of 5.5 percent of your income tax bill. Since Jan. 1, 2021, the tax is only levied if your income tax or PAYE bill exceeds € 16,956 p.a. for single persons or € 33,912 p.a. for couples. all corporations and individuals. The surcharge is capped at exactly €62,127 for single persons or double that for couples. Above that figure there is transition zone where the tax rate is 11.9% of your income tax before it drops again to 5.5%.

NACHHALTIGKEITSKOMPASS

GRÜN IST DAS NEUE COOL!

Haben Sie den Dreh schon raus? Gut leben und dabei bestens leben. Unser Nachhaltigkeits-Kompass zeigt Ihnen einfache Wege: Besser leben. Gut wohnen. Richtig anlegen. Testen Sie uns:

SPECIAL UKRAINE

A look at history helps to better understand the attack on Ukraine. “Only those who know their past can shape the future” said the German publicist and politician August Bebel (1840 – 1913). Here is a brief overview of Ukrainian history.

The Ukraine, with more than 40 million inhabitants today, is the second largest country on our European continent after Russia. In the immediate vicinity of Russia, Belarus, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, the small Republic of Moldova and the Black and Azov Seas, Ukraine has many borders. Like its neighbouring countries Russia and Belarus, it traces its state tradition back to the medieval Kiev Empire. Since its demise after being attacked by the Mongols in the 13th century, the area has alternately belonged in whole or in part to the dominion of Poland-Lithuania, to the Habsburg monarchy or to the Russian Tsarist Empire. After the Russian October Revolution of 1917, the Ukrainian People’s Republic was founded. It was the first attempt to constitute Ukraine and give it state independence. But already in February 1918 Kyiv was in the hands of the Red Army and only a year later the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic was proclaimed. The territorial borders were the southwestern Tsarist Krai and Little Russia with the governorates of Kharkov, Poltava and Chernihiv. With the founding of the Soviet Union in 1922, Ukraine was one of the founding members. When the UN was founded, at Stalin’s

instigation, the Soviet republics of Belarus and Ukraine also became members. In 1954, Chruschtschow subordinated Crimea, which had previously belonged to the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, to Ukraine. After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Ukraine regained sovereignty and has now received international recognition. In exchange for Ukraine’s relinquishment of Soviet nuclear weapons stationed on its territory, Russia, the United States and Britain guaranteed the country’s autonomy and existing borders in the 1994 Budapest Memorandum. In February 2014, Russia annexed Crimea and started a war in eastern Donbas, which has been under Russian control ever since. On February 21, 2022, Russia recognized the People’s Republics of Donetsk and Lugansk, proclaimed by pro-Russian separatists, as independent states. Three days later, the smouldering border conflict escalated with the Russian attack. Around 11 million people from Ukraine have fled abroad since then. According to an evaluation by the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF), around 1 million refugees were registered in Germany by the end of August 2022.

DEAR READERS,

I was a somewhat naïve Pakistani youth aged 19 when, thanks to a Soviet engineering scholarship in 1974 I landed up via Moscow in Ukraine, then still part of the Soviet Union.

I graduated in Metallurgy in Donezk, now a fiercely fought over city in East Ukraine. Back in Pakistan my prospects were anything but rosy: The Russians had just invaded Afghanistan, people who like myself had studied in a Soviet republic such as Ukraine came under general suspicion.

In other words, “grand politics” drove me from my home and in 1987 I took up a position with a Pakistani trading company in Moscow. I became lucky and perhaps also thanks to a skill for taking risks and what with the upheavals in the “grand politics” I managed to be so successful in business that in 1996 I was able to acquire the dying historical steel mills in Donezk. It was there that in 1980 I had done my internship for my Master’s in Engineering and prepared my PhD thesis.

Over the last 20 years, I have had good fortune personally and in business in Ukraine, despite all the confusion of “grand politics”. I myself have never been active in politics, and for good reason. Nevertheless, my life seems to have been driven by it. I ran newspapers that were a thorn in the flesh of “grand politics”, and in that beautiful, historical country Ukraine, “grand politics” was something everyone constantly felt was determining their lives.

In the final instance, my family and I were again driven out by “grand politics”: This time from my home, Ukraine. On the morning of February 24 of this year the windowpanes of our home in Kiev shattered: War had arrived.

Since that time, I, my wife Kamaliya, and our daughters, have been on the road throughout Europe drawing attention to the fate of millions of Ukraine refugees and the suffering back home. With our CARE FOR UKRAINE Foundation we have since the beginning of the war transported many tons of relief supplies directly to where they are needed.

My appeal to you, dear Reader, is simple: Do not forget us. Please do not close your eyes and not see the suffering of your Ukrainian neighbors. And do not abandon us in favor of “grand politics”.

“Modern politics is at bottom a struggle not of men but of forces,” said Henry Adams.

Let us together counteract these forces that repeatedly influence our lives to such a degree. By remaining human beings and above all by showing real human kindness wherever it is most needed. And towards those who need it most – well away from all “grand politics”.

I thank you most sincerely!

Your Dr. Zahoor

“Please do not close your eyes and not see the suffering of your Ukrainian neighbors.”

CARE FOR UKRAINE –KAMALIYA ZAHOOR FOUNDATION

THE MISSION IS TO SAVE THE UKRAINIAN PEOPLE

Since the beginning of war in Ukraine in February 2022, the Kamaliya Zahoor Foundation has focused its activities on providing humanitarian and medical aid to people in Ukraine. The foundation uses its own funds and also raises donations from donors all over the world to supply humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Ukraine. In Ukraine, the organization utilizes its manpower and logistics system to deliver the aid directly and timely to where it is needed the most.

CARE FOR UKRAINE – KAMALIYA ZAHOOR FOUNDATION is a not-for-profit organization founded by a British entre-preneur Dr. Mohammad Zahoor. Its sister Foundation KAMALIYA FOUNDATION was launched in 2014 as a foundation focused on orphanages, internally displaced children, children with Down syndrome and intensive care unit of Institute for Pediatric Cardio Surgery Center, Kyiv. Over 8 years, the foundation has successfully realized these projects.

How is CARE FOR UKRAINE Foundation different from other charities?

• Critical humanitarian aid portfolio currently missing or insufficient in Ukraine.

• Fast customs procedures at the border.

• Availability of warehousing infrastructure in Poland and Ukraine.

• Thorough control over packaging of critical aid supply at the warehouse in Poland.

• Vast logistics network across Ukraine through partner organizations.

• Direct delivery to the end users in vulnerable regions.

• Strong cooperation with international aid organizations to maximize efficiency in aid supply.

CONTACT!

Any individual, organization or public body can donate to CARE FOR UKRAINE. Donations can be made public or remain anonymous at donor’s discretion. A donation can be made via simple national or international bank transfer, following standard banking procedures in a given country or payment area. If you are interested in teaming up with us, feel free to contact our staff!

www.care-for-ukraine.com

Since the beginning of the war we have been on site with our teams in Poland, on the Ukrainian border and in Ukraine itself: to provide people with urgently needed things: food, medicine, blankets, transport options, but also with psychological help.

THE VOICE OF UKRAINE

Kamaliya Zahoor is a popular Ukrainian singer, actress and model. She is also a mom of twin daughters and the active and engaged founder of CARE FOR UKRAINE Foundation.

choc-a-bloc. No petrol. And when we stood in line on a bridge in Vinnytsia I saw the rockets impacting. They destroyed the bridge, not to mention the cars on it. Terrible images. I then started taking 13 or 15-year-old kids with me in my car. I first drove young girls to the Romanian border, and then to the Hungarian border. We drove in convoys, including a lot of mothers with their babies. For us as a family it was already clear by then: We’ve got to do whatever we can for these people!”

Your husband Zahoor, a successful businessman in Ukraine, and you have together founded a charity organization?!

Kamaliya: “Correct, but we were active from Day One and long before we gave the foundation a name. All my husband’s projects are frozen, trade has been stopped. But all our staff are still being paid their salaries and no one has been fired. Thanks to our good network we have from the outset had a good infrastructure (such as warehouses at the Polish border) and good contacts to the authorities that we were immediately able to use to get relief goods to Ukraine and distribute them there.”

You’ve also huddled up in private, too...

Kamaliya: “Yes, of course. We’ve created space wherever we could, huddled up closer. At the moment, 16 refugees are lodging with us in our home in Hampstead, England, alone! For all the protracted arguments, I did not manage to persuade my mother to leave the country. And my father is also still there and responded resignedly to me by saying he was at home there: ‘If God believes my time has come then that is his will.’”

Since February, you have been hosting charity events all over Europe to raise support for Ukraine. You’re also very active with your own CARE FOR UKRAINE Foundation. How much money have you raised to date? And what is it used for?

Dear Kamaliya, in the West you were Mrs. World 2008, the Ukrainian singer best known internationally, and something like the “Ukrainian Lady Gaga” before the war. One day in February all that changed...

Kamaliya: “It was four in the morning of February 24. At the time we didn’t know whether we were dreaming or the windows of our bedroom in Kiev really were clattering. Suddenly everything changed. Beforehand, my husband had played it safe and ensured our daughters were well away from Kiev, although many poo-pooed the idea of an invasion. I stayed in Kiev for quite a few more days, until the parachute troopers landed and Zahoor begged me to flee. The streets were all

Kamaliya: “We started out working without an organization. We travelled to numerous different countries, met the decision-makers, and managed to drum up a large amount of relief goods, including four C-130 aircraft that at the beginning of the invasion flew humanitarian aid from Pakistan to Ukraine. Not to mention tons of relief goods from Poland for families that were suffering. All my charitable activities exclusively serve to support Ukrainians suffering from the war. At one of the last benefit concerts in Belgium my CARE FOR UKRAINE foundation alone raised more than 177,000 Euros for families in the Ukraine that have suffered from the war. The evening took the guise of an auction that ended with my speech. The key items

auctioned off were donated by renowned artists, sculptors, and designers such as Raf Simons, Peter Stockmann and Arne Quinze, for which I am very grateful. The event, held in the legendary Flying Group at Antwerp Airport, was organized by Belgium real estate magnate Ignace Meuwissen and sponsored by Rolls Royce Motors and Rothschild. A further 70,000 Euros was raised at a private charity dinner in the home of Arne Quinze, one of Belgium’s most famous modern sculptors, artists, and architects. What is more, we have already spent more than one million Euros on setting up accommodation for refugees from Ukraine in Germany. 750 families can now live there. And they are mainly mothers, children, and older people.”

How has your art been changed by the war? Have you included new songs in your repertoire since the war began?

Kamaliya: “I recently presented a video for the song “War”. The other thing is a musical premiere of “I will wait for you”. My team and I plan to release one song a month. We need to all remain strong and fight for our freedom and inde-

pendence! My songs strengthen our fighting spirit and give those hope who are now located far away from their home country.”

Do you have any time for your family given all the charity work?

Kamaliya: “Always! Family is key! At the moment I concentrate mainly on my daughters, my husband, and my music. Zahoor is a man who has supported me and my Ukraine from the very beginning. I am so deeply grateful from the bottom of my heart to him for the help he has given our Ukrainian people. And in our hearts we are all connected to everyone who supports the work of our foundation www.care-forukraine.com. My great thanks!”

FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN SUPPORTS ALL REFUGEES FROM UKRAINE

The administration of the city of Frankfurt, many companies and the population support refugees from the Ukraine with many offers and initiatives. Here are 5 good offers and internet links. (As of August 24, 2022, the services offered are subject to change)

More Information: www.bahn.de

More Information: www.kultur-frankfurt.de

More Information: www.frankfurt.de

More Information: www.frankfurt-hilft.de

More Information: www.newcomers-network.de

“This year has become a turning point for each of us.”

VIRA

She is an attractive, well-educated Ukrainian woman from Kyiv. Yep, Ukrainian women are like that. She had a perfect life in her motherland. Working as a professor in the University for 10 years and then taking care of her family while on maternity leave. Meeting friends and traveling around Ukraine, enjoying being a mom… But who said that would last forever? Some people think that they may rule the world and take control of other people’s lives. These people simply don’t know Ukrainian women.

IN RHINE-MAIN SINCE March 2022

Heimat (Home) means: A place where you had a safe and happy childhood.

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left back: my daughter :)

My first day here …

… was a complete mess for me. I simply wanted to take a bath and to stay in bed, but people kept on coming and bringing essential things: clothes, dishes, meals. They told funny stories just to distract me from my thoughts. I was confused and touched by the help and kindness of these people. Only now I understand how important it was not to stay alone those days.

The strangest german word I learnt: Die Wohngemeinschaft. OMG, I learnt it for a week, but I’m still making spelling mistakes.

This is the App on my phone, which I can not live without – tell us why:

Facebook and Instagram. Latest news not only from friends, but also from the business environment is there.

Driving in Germany, getting around.

I travel with the 9-euro ticket a lot. And the most astonishing thing was on my way to Marburg. In the middle of the way the train suddenly split in half. The first part of it continued its way to the Marburg, the other one changed the destination point to Guiessen. I was in the second part. What a surprise! The same as with German verbs whe they suddenly split and the prefix moves to the end… a nightmare! :)

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT

Everything is possible. Just don’t be afraid of changes. Not only for taking responsibility of a child, but neither of crossing the border under the bombs.

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Because it’s about more than just money.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022 and for a moment time suddenly seemed to stand still, Michael C. Wisser, CEO of the family-run WISAG company, decided to act quickly: “We must all send a clear signal at this time and demonstrate our solidarity with the people of Ukraine.” A short time later, on March 15, the WISAG House in Frankfurt opened its doors and has since been a home for more than 150 families who have fled Ukraine and sought refuge and safety in the House.

As a family-run company with its roots and headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, WISAG sees the need to show social responsibility and to help people in distress. The WISAG House has already welcomed several newborn babies, including Daniil, who, as yet unborn, had a very rough passage during the escape from Ukraine. He was born shortly after reaching Frankfurt.

Partners who support the WISAG House include Die Arche, the Fraport Skyliners basketball team, the European Central Bank

and the Boston Consulting Group. This has additionally led to the creation of the “Classroom for Ukraine” project in Frankfurt, which provides education for Ukrainian children who have not yet found a place in a German school. Besides being provided with food and board, the families can also take part in sporting, musical and educational activities.

It is to be hoped that the WISAG House for refugee families from Ukraine and numerous other social projects, such as those undertaken with Die Arche or the Fraport Skyliners, will inspire others – whether from the worlds of business or politics or from the public at large – to further engagement. “We need more initiatives of this kind!”, insists WISAG CEO Michael C. Wisser.

ABOUT THE WISAG GROUP

The WISAG company, which was founded in Frankfurt am Main and has its headquarters in that city, is an owner-managed service provider specialising in three areas of business: Facility Service, Industry Service and Aviation Service.

”We must all send a clear signal at this time“

What it means for the Frankfurt-based family-run company WISAG to assume responsibility in times such as these

”Engaging in and living social responsibility is a project close to WISAG‘s heart and is part and parcel of our DNA.“

MICHAEL C. WISSER, CEO OF THE WISAG GROUP

It offers a wide range of services in the fields of commercial, office and residential real estate as well as in the industrial and aviation sectors. WISAG combines the creativity, flexibility and pragmatism of a midsize company with the advantages of a large family-run group. With just under 50,000 employees at more than 250 locations, the WISAG Group operates in both Germany and other countries. The company was established by Claus Wisser in Frankfurt in 1965 and is now headed in the second generation by Michael C. Wisser.

5,000 courses from Art to Zen

CONTACT

WISAG GROUP

Jana Eggert, Corporate Communications

Herriotstraße 3

60528 Frankfurt am Main

jana.eggert@wisag.de www.wisag.de

www.karriere.wisag.de

Why not learn a new skill or take up a new interest and at the same time meet new people?

We offer courses in almost every field: arts, politics, psychology, health, sport, languages, IT, business and social skills, basic education and school leaving certificates. Or you could take part in one of our guided walks and get to know Frankfurt!

Visit

Fotos: Jakob Erll

GETTING

ACQUAINTED

erman culture , customs and clarity

A big part of a successful stay anywhere is simply enjoying the country and its people. One giant step towards realizing that goal in Germany is to get a good grasp of German culture and customs. In talking about German “culture”, we don’t just mean opera, concerts, serious novels, and deep-thinkingphilosophers. We’re using the term broadly to include things such as eating and drinking, sports, holidays and just chilling out and having fun.

Germans are understandably proud of their achievements in the arts and you will find no shortage of “highbrow culture” offerings in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region. While lovers of “serious” music should, for example,keep an eye

out for the fantastic Rheingau Musik Festival which takes place each year in the late summer, here we want to focus on the broader picture. What better place to start than to ask what makes Germany uniquely German? This can be a hard question to answer these days, as Germany itself is a melting pot and has thus taken on board the influences of many other cultures over the last half century. Yet there are still elements that make life in Germany different from what you’ll see in most other places.

Forget that old prejudice that Germans don’t know how to have a good time. The fact is Germans love having fun –at the right time and place. Germans are strong believers in

Getting by in a new culture centers on absorbing the new, local practices inside and outside the office. When you have a handle on them, your new life in Germany will be that extra bit more enjoyable.

the adage that there’s a right time and place for everything. When they work, they work hard. When it is time to play, they play hard. And as you’ll soon learn, if you haven’t already, there are plenty of opportunities for that in Germany. Afterall, standard work contracts here provide 25 – 30 days of paid holiday, to be broken up or taken at one go, it’s up to you.

A popular strategy is to maximize the amount of consecutive free days by scheduling vacations around weekends and the many official holidays. Thus, May and June – when a string of bank holidays occur – are the most popular vacation times for Germans.

GOOD ETIQUETTE

You are well advised to familiarize yourself with some of the basic customs and etiquette in Germany. You may very well find some aspect of German behavior somewhat strange at first, but do not worry, over time you will work out the positive side to why things are the way they are. Simply make an honest and good-natured effort, and it will help to make your stay more enjoyable.

The legacy of their painful history has made the Germans a somewhat cautious people. They are preoccupied with security. One side to this need for security is a certain initial reserve in relationships. Clearly, Germans are not as gushing or forthcoming as many other nationalities. For this reason, some consider Germans to be cold or unfriendly, whereas

this is actually a reflection of their wanting to be cautious before proceeding further in relationships. Once you’ve actually become friends with Germans, you’ll soon find them to be very good and very loyal friends indeed.

One good way to gain and keep friends here is to learn the customs and etiquette that guide daily life. Arising from such factors as its history,geography and population density, Germany has developed a tight network of customs and rules of conduct that may seem quaint or unexpected to people coming from other cultures. But adopting (if only partially) these rules and customs quickly will make your stay here so much more pleasant.

Around 70% and over 2,000 halftimbered houses in the old town were destroyed during the war. With the reconstruction of the “New Old Town”, Frankfurt has had its heart back since 2018.

Taunus Wunderland

Taunus Wunderland was established in 1966 as a ‚Fairytale Park‘. However, ever since it was taken over by the Barth family in 1998, this special family park has continued to thrive and grow constantly, with new attractions and a planned park enlargement in the very near future. The current park extending over 4 hectares is located in the middle of the beautiful Taunus countryside, with a new additional 35,000 m² park expansion planned. The park is divided into four themed areas, which are based on individual members of the unique „Muckle“ character family and offers, beyond educational samples of local flora and fauna, more than 50 exciting attractions for children between the age of 3 and 12. It is our personal motivation to create unforgettable experiences for the whole family – offered at the highest level of perfection. Our special Taunus Wunderland success is based on the passion and engagement of the Barth family owners of the park, who have been a traditional showman family for over 5 generations. Plus, of course, the talents of our many members of staff. With more than 150 employees from a multitude of nations, we take the responsibility of being an attractive employer within the Rhine-Main economic region very seriously. As a family-run business, we are proud to offer all nationalities and their families unique professional perspectives and the opportunity to actively participate in the thrilling new vision and plans of the Barth family moving forward.

GOOD DAY!

A large portion of the German rules of etiquette are as good as universal. Some of it involves simple common sense. No custom is so infinitely subtle (as in some cultures) that you have to be constantly hyperalert so as not to offend others. German thoroughness comes to bear here, too: You‘ll find that Germans say Danke! (“Thank you”) and Bitte! (“Please/Gladly”) quite a bit. A lot of this very obvious politeness can be formulaic, but if you offer your thanks and pleases with a bit of feeling, you‘ll often find you get a smile with the reply.

Let us start with the area of personal relationships. Those close relationships can take some time to develop. In fact, many Germans – especially those who are older and more traditional – always keep those outside of a tight circle at arm’s length. For that reason, you‘ll find that many people here will always address acquaintances or colleagues as “Frau Müller,” “Herr Schmidt” – even people they‘ve known for years, often folks with whom they‘ve shared the same building for many years.

CONTACT

Taunus Wunderland

Haus Zur Schanze 1

65388 Schlangenbad

Germany

T.: +49 6124 4081

taunuswunderland.de/en

Speaking of addressing people, one key point of good etiquette here is wishing everyone in your building or in your office Guten Morgen/Guten Tag/Guten Abend (Good Morning/Afternoon and Good Evening). You should also use those greetings (without the names generally) when entering small shops and businesses although not at supermarkets or department stores. Not to do so is seen as being a tad impolite and will probably influence the kind of service you get. These basic greetings are also still accepted behavior when getting into an elevator where you work, and then you should add a “Wiedersehen” (Goodbye) when you or someone else steps out of the elevator.

YOU CAN SAY YOU TO ME

Closely aligned to this formality is the obligation to use the “Sie” form of address with people you don‘t know that well. This holds true for both work and social situations. Most Germans still feel somewhat uncomfortable using or being addressed by “Du” with those they are only casually acquaintedwith. It‘s always safest to wait until your German colleague or acquaintance (especially if they are older than you) suggests that the two of you can switch over to the “Du” basis. These days, it can happen within weeks rather than months or years, as was often the case in the past.

After you have developed friendly relationships with people here, you may find yourself invited to their homes. Germans like hosting others and the rules of etiquette are rather uncomplicated. For instance, it is always advisable to bring along a small gift when invited to someone’s home. Flowers, a bottle of wine, or some small souvenir from your homeland are considered most appropriate. Do inform your hosts beforehand if you have any special nutritional requirements. Germans, as a rule, tend to be very fond of pork, and alcoholic beverages can be a key element of most dinner parties. That said, everyone is happy to adjust the menu to welcome guests, so simply let them know beforehand to avoid embarrassment and enable them to have some fruit juice ready along with the welcoming sparkling wine, for example.

Another subtle difference that can cause uneasiness, especially when you’re invited to someone’s home, is the matter of the toilet door. In complete contrast to many other societies, Germans prefer keeping that door closed when not in use. Leaving it open can be very offensive to some Germans.

RIGHT TIME, RIGHT PLACE

As you have probably gathered, Germans tend to believe strongly in the concept of a right place and right time for everything. Which also implies a wrong place and wrong time. For many people here, a wrong time to phone someone at home is after 10 p.m. Newcomers will often get unexpected nasty responses when they make this gaffe. If you do want to call someone after that hour, ask beforehand. Some Germans have no problem receiving calls up ‘til midnight, but do check about this first.

Likewise, try not to simply drop in on people, even friends, unexpectedly.This practice which still survives in many cultures as a sign of affection and trust is seen as an imposition here. One exception is if there is some real emergency, and these friends or acquaintances are the only ones who can help. But that notion of “We were in the neighborhood, so we thought we would...” is not very popular here.

Another point about the right time: Try not to give a birthday present before the actual day, as that is considered to bring bad luck. If you can’t be there, it’s better to give your present after the day. This applies for both friends and business colleagues.

While on the subject of birthdays, again be aware that the birthday girl or boy is responsible for throwing their own party. In the private realm, this usually simply entails inviting a group of friends along to a café or pub and treating them to drinks and a light snack. More important birthdays sometimes call for taking the group to a nice restaurant. While you should certainly expect a gift from everyone there, you’re expected to pick up the tab for the celebration.

The above primarily addresses the question of how to maintain good relations with people you’re already on a friendly or social basis with. There are other things that are important for people that you have just met for the first time, such as in a business context.

Always look people right in the eye, be it your boss, a subordinate or an executive at the company you’re doing business with. The deferential looking down when meeting people of a higher rank that works so well in many cultures is viewed negatively here. Some might even take it as a sign of dishonesty.

Speaking of dishonesty, be sure you’re being sincere when giving compliments. Germans are like everyone else, they love

getting compliments. But they’re also unusually attuned to what they feel is false flattery. Mild, friendly exaggeration is fine, but too much of it and people may start to distrust you in general.

One further tip on making someone’s acquaintance here, be it in a socialor a business context: Most Germans appreciate a firm handshake on introduction, especially from males. It is not uncommon in the business meeting to shake everyone’s hand at the table. And that deferential limp handshake that some cultures favor does not make a very good impression here.

Remember that there are two sides to etiquette, and just as you may do something that will inadvertently offend Germans, some German behavior might rub you up the wrong way. So the best thing you can do is prepare yourself for this and expect it as part of the experience of being abroad.

THE PUB CULTURE

Pub-hopping is a favorite activity throughout German society, and can be a good way to meet new people or solidify relations already begun. Representatives of various nationalities make their way to their favorite Kneipe or pub regularly. By the way, beer is the most favored of beverages here. Germans have for decades been at or near the top of the charts for per capita consumption of the golden brew. It certainly won’t hinder your social life if you enjoy a pint –even if it is alcohol-free!

NOT RUDE, BUT HONEST

One thing to prepare yourself for is the slap of candor: Germans can be rather blunt when they offer stern advice or criticism. Frankness is seen as a virtue here, and locals rarely go out of their way to cushion criticism in rhetorical bubble-wrap.

Frankfurt famous specialities: Handkäs, Apfelwein, Frankfurter Kranz and Grüne Soße

Advice and instructions can sometimes be a bit blunt. Some newcomers assume that they’re being addressed in a stern or condescending way because they’re foreigners, but this is generally not the case. Bluntness is simply widespread here, but it is not meant malignantly.

The mere act of walking down a busy street or in the aisles of a crowded shop or exhibition hall can turn into an annoying experience for many newcomers. Germans have two ways of dealing with strangers who share a crowded public space with them: They either ignore them entirely by star-

ing straight ahead (with the occasional unintended bumping that this invites) or they stare at the others as if there is something wrong with them. Again, these two forms of behavior are quite common here, so do not take it personally.

One last take on customs and etiquette here in Germany: You now should have an idea how to comport yourself with friends, people in your building and neighborhood shops as well as business associates. Most people you’ll encounter here don‘t fit into any of the above categories. Still, there are rules on how you should handle strangers that will also make your adjustment to life in Germany easier.

Firstly, most public transport maintains special seats for the elderly or infirm, which are designated as such. If you happen to have planted yourself in one of these seats (which is perfectly permissible when the vehicle is not crowded), do give up the seat without being asked to by the elderly or infirm (which should include obviously pregnant women).

And now something that may sound like strange advice: Do not be overly friendly to strangers. As this is not a common practice here, some people may take you for unbalanced or think you’re out to get something from them. With total strangers, it is best to stay on the safe, slightly cool side of courtesy.

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Find your residential property in the Rhein-Main area.

Furthermore, don’t lean on strangers’ cars or loiter in front of the house of people you don’t know. In the former case, the owners may become enraged as the car is a near sacred object in Germany, and in the latter case, people may

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Taking the time to understand your needs, taste, and preferences is how we formulate bespoke strategies that transform your vision into a reality. We genuinely enjoy aligning buyers with the perfect property, whether it’s an investment or a home. All of our team members were hand-chosen for their superior industry knowledge, excellence in customer service, and consistency in delivering next-level results. Together, we’ve earned a reputation for developing and maintaining fruitful, long-term relationships with our elite clientele.

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think you’re up to no good loitering in front of their homes. So don’t get upset if you are waiting for a friend or colleague who does live there and someone else from the building approaches you and asks what you’re doing there. This is a standard measure of precaution taken by many people here. If asked, just smile and tell them whom you‘re waiting for.

When the warm weather sets in you may notice as you stroll in parks, alongside rivers or small lakes that a number of people here like to sunbathe nude. This will undoubtedly be a shock for many coming from more reserved countries. Beware: It is considered very impolite to ogle at the nude sun-bathers, so do not linger, let alone stare at these sun worshippers.

If you make an honest, good-natured effort, most people here will readily forgive your early faux pas. Before long, doing the proper German thing will become almost second nature. In fact, it’s not uncommon that when you go back home for a visit, old friends and relatives may remark how “German” you’ve become. In fact, it won’t be long before you’ll pick up some of the other, less important rules that we haven’t covered here. Always bear in mind that German society is not held together by a series of hard-to-decipher and harder-to-follow rules. Most customs are out in the open and not that difficult to either grasp or emulate. Germans pride themselves on being guided by reason, and you, too, will probably agree that most of the new dos and don’ts that you need to learn are all pretty reasonable.

FRANKFURT SPECIALTIES

Apfelwein

Hesse’s “national” drink, similar to French cidre and English cider.

Bethmännchen

Golden, baked marzipan and rose water balls, authentic only with three almond halves.

Frankfurter Kranz

Delicate ring-shaped cake with butter cream, brittle and confiture. Decorated with candied cherries.

Frankfurter Würstchen

Thin boiled pork sausage, especially good with potato salad, bread and mustard.

Grüne Soße

Cultural heritage: green sauce made from seven specific herbs, traditional at Easter, excellent all year round.

Haddekuche

“Hard cake”: diamond-shaped biscuits, with similar flavour to gingerbread.

Handkäse

Acid curd cheese, marinated with caraway seeds, vinegar and oil, also with onions. Good with bread and butter.

CULTURE & MORE

Below we have compiled an overview of some of the main attractions the region has to offer you and your family. It does not claim to be complete, but simply to whet your appetite to go out and find out for yourself what suits you best.

GENERAL OVERVIEW OF CULTURE OF THE REGION

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is so diverse that it’s often difficult to get a grasp of the many cultural offerings. One of the few

organizations providing a comprehensive overview is the KulturRegion Frankfurt Rhine-Main, a nonprofit organization of 46 different municipalities and counties from the region. The KulturRegion coordinates a wide range of programs under the slogan “Culture in the Region – Culture for the Region.” The projects range from industrial heritage (Route der Industriekultur Rhine-Main) to parks and public gardens (GartenRhineMain) to the history of democracy (Geist der Freiheit). Each spring, KulturRegion also organizes an international theater festival for young audiences (Starke Stücke). The in-

Frankfurt Rhine-Main offers a great range of choices when it comes to spending your leisure time in a rewarding manner – be it museums, culture, sports or theme parks. There’s something for everyone.

m useums , music and leisure - time marvels in and around F rank F urt

dustrial culture festival (Tage der Industriekultur) is a nine-day event held each summer that offers access to historical, desolate and/or out-of-service industrial sites. The annual program “Museen und Sonderausstellungen” showcases exhibitions in about 90 museums in the region. www.krfrm.de

MUSEUMS

Jewish Museum Frankfurt (Jewish Museum Frankfurt)

Two permanent exhibitions enable you to experience more than 800 years of Jewish life in Frankfurt.

Museum Judengasse

Experience Jewish life in medieval and early modern times –in the midst of the foundations of the first Jewish ghetto in Europe. The Judengasse in Frankfurt used to be one of the most important centers of Jewish life in Europe. The permanent exhibition presents that history with a special focus on everyday Jewishlife in the early modern era. The archaeological remains of five houses from Frankfurt’s Judengasse make up the very core of the museum.

The exhibition in the Museum Judengasse provides different views of everyday Jewish life in the early modern era. How did the inhabitants of the Judengasse live? Who lived in the houses whose foundations you can now view in the

museum? What did Frankfurt’s Jews live on? What kind of relationship existed between them, the Frankfurt Council, and the Emperor?

In the midst of the preserved ruins, the exhibition lets objects that were once made or used on site speak for themselves. One room is devoted entirely to the music and literature that emerged, was read, or printed here.

You would like to book an exclusive tour of the Museum Judengasse or the Old Jewish Cemetery? Please write an e-mail to the museum: Besuch.JMF@stadt-frankfurt.de.

MUSEUM JUDENGASSE

Battonnstraße 47 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main Tel: +49 (0)69 212 70790 www.juedischesmuseum.de

Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

The new Jewish Museum Rothschild-Palais

The second part of the permanent exhibition is situated in the renovated Rothschild Palais. The history of Jewish life in modern Frankfurt, ranging from the emancipation of around 1800 to the present, is narrated here on three floors comprising 14,000 square feet in all. The exhibition concentrates on specific topics, with a particular focus on the wide range of Jewish traditions as well as everyday family life. This is an aesthetic mixed-media presentation consisting on the one hand of everyday and ritual objects, photographs,

Frankfurt Rhein Main

FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH International Marketing of the Region is the site-marketing corporation for the FrankfurtRheinMain Region, which is comprised of 34 districts, cities, municipalities, and associations as well as the state of Hesse. Throughout Germany, this structure is unique due to its multi-state representation across three states borders: Hesse, Bavaria, and Rhineland-Palatinate.

The corporation’s mission is to inform foreign companies about the regional advantages, promote FrankfurtRheinMain’s international competitiveness, and its perception abroad. FrankfurtRheinMain serves as the main local point of contact for all inquiries regarding regional foreign direct investment.

paintings, and contemporary art, and on the other of media installations, digital applications, and interactive stations. There are also room-sized media installations on the Rothschild family’s living environment and everyday objects owned by the family of Anne Frank. A special gift, the “Museum to Go,” enables visitors to digitally collect individual aspects of the exhibition and take them home with them.

JÜDISCHES MUSEUM FRANKFURT

Bertha-Pappenheim-Platz 1 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main | Tel: + 49 (0) 69 212 70790 www.juedischesmuseum.de

Opening hours: Tue – Sun 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Städel Museum

A must for art lovers, the Städel is one of the leading art museums in Germany and one of the most frequented in Frankfurt. More than 700 years of European history are represented in a collection of 2,700 paintings, 600 sculptures and 100,000 prints and drawings by artists including Dürer, Holbein, Cranach, Rembrandt, Vermeer, Monet, Van Gogh, Cézanne, Matisse and Picasso. Look for Tischbein’s famous painting of Goethe on vacation in Tuscany (strangely with two left feet).

STÄDEL MUSEUM

Schaumainkai 63 | 60596 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0) 69 605098200 | www.staedelmuseum.de

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thur 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

SCHIRN Kunsthalle

Located directly on the Römerberg in downtown Frankfurt, SCHIRN Kunsthalle hosts outstanding temporary exhibitions. Since 1986 nearly 200 exhibitions have passed through its halls on everything from Vienna Art Nouveau and Expressionism through to the latest cutting-edge contemporary art and photography. Much of what is on display intends to be divisive and explosive, the idea being to encourage cultural discussion about important contemporary issues.The Schirn also has an extensive program for children and young people.

SCHIRN KUNSTHALLE

Römerberg | 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0) 69 2998820 | www.schirn.de

Opening hours: Tue, Fri – Sun 10 a.m. – 9 p.m., Wed, Thu 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.

Museum of Modern Art

CONTACT

FRANKFURTRHEINMAIN GMBH

INTERNATIONAL MARKETING OF THE REGION

Unterschweinstiege 8

60549 Frankfurt am Main

E-Mail: info@frm-united.com

www.frm-united.com

Frankfurt’s most modern museum is perhaps also its boldest. The MMK Museum für Moderne Kunst was designed by Viennese star architect Hans Hollein and is home to changing exhibitions that show all aspects of modern art after 1945. The MMK also has a permanent collection of world repute, among the 5,000-plus items are prime examples of US Pop Art. The MMK expanded its exhibitionspace by 2,000 square meters in theTaunusTurm high-rise office building in the banking district. In partner-ship with real estate developer Tischman Speyer and others, MMK gained new exhibition space. A third annex has also been created in the former city Customs Office (Zollamt).

MUSEUM FÜR MODERNE KUNST

Domstraße 10 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0) 69 212 30447 | www.mmk.art

Opening hours: Tue, Thu – Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., Wed 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Senckenberg Museum

Located in Frankfurt/Westend, the Senckenberg Museum is one of Germany’s largest museums of natural history. The museum has permanent exhibitions on the evolution of our planet over millions of years as well as of biodiversity today. Senckenberg is also a research institute and its new discoveries in biology, paleontology and geology are presented at the museum, while kids will love the dinosaur collection and the pig-swallowing snake. This museum also has a permanent exhibition of some of the fossil finds discovered at the UNESCO World Heritage listed Messel Pits in South Hessen.

SENCKENBERG MUSEUM

Senckenberganlage 25 | 60325 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0)69 754 20 museumfrankfurt.senckenberg.de

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thur, Fri 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Wed 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat, Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Goethe House

No visit to Frankfurt is complete without a stop at the birthplace of the city’s most famous son: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Few of the furnishings in the house actually belonged to the great man himself – indeed, nearly all of the original furniture was sold by the Goethe family over the years, and the house itself was badly damaged in World War II. But the Goethe House does provide a fascinating window into life in the 18th century among the burghers of Frankfurt and is also home to an excellent collection of Goethe artifacts.

GOETHE HOUSE

Großer Hirschgraben 21 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main | Tel: + 49 (0) 69 138 800 frankfurter-goethe-haus.de

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun and public holidays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

DEUTSCHES ROMANTIK-MUSEUM

Großer Hirschgraben 21 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main | Tel: + 49 (0) 69 138 800 www.deutsches-romantik-museum.de

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri – Sun and public holidays 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Thu 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Frankfurt Historical Museum

The Historical Museum Frankfurt is one of the biggest city museums in Europe. The award-winning museum is located in the heart of Frankfurt’s historic old town and consists of the historic “Saalhof” and the new exhibition complex, opened in 2017. Frankfurt’s oldest museum displays a wide range of topics, from the city’s history to the present day and the future. Special exhibitions and the City Lab are dedicated to current issues, creating space for the many varying views and perspectives of Frankfurt’s citizens. The barrier-free and family-friendly museum makes a visit enjoyable for everyone. Guided tours through the House of Golden Scale (“Goldene Waage”), one of the city’s most beautiful timber-framed buildings from the Renaissance era, are a special museum highlight.

FRANKFURT HISTORICAL MUSEUM

Saalhof 1 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: +49 (0)69 212 35154 www.historisches-museum-frankfurt.de

Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

With the „House of the Golden Scales“, one of Frankfurt’s most splendid merchant residences has been resurrected in its war-torn historic center. Here the Historical Museum displays Frankfurt domestic culture from 400 years ago.

Travel through time.

The Frankfurt Museum. historisches-museum-frankfurt.de

Ein Museum der Stadt Frankfurt am Main

The numerous bank towers — creatively interpreted — in the Historical Museum’s modern scale model of Frankfurt illustrate how strongly trade and finance still shape the ‘Metropolis on the Main’ today.

Frankfurt Young Museum

The Frankfurt Young Museum is part of the Frankfurt Historical Museum, developing and presenting exhibitions especially for children on topics of local historical and cultural relevance. It offers not only direct access to authentic historical objects, but also a hands-on learning experience. Every exhibit encourages visitors to play an active role. Touching, testing, trying out: independent thinking and an autonomous learning environment are central to the Young Museum. Come and explore our exhibition or workshop areas!

FRANKFURT YOUNG MUSEUM

Saalhof 1 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0)69 212 35 154

www.junges-museum-frankfurt.de

Opening hours: Tue – Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

German Filmmuseum

This is one of the few museums in Europe dedicated exclusively to the medium of film, showcasing its past and present, its aesthetics and its influence in a multitude of ways through permanent exhibits, as well as through a variety of topical exhibitions and screenings in its own cinema. The museum, incorporated into Deutsches Filminstitut (with its collections, archives, film festivals, scholarly projects and library), offers visitors an exceptional venue for intensive engagement with the moving image.

DEUTSCHES FILMMUSEUM

Schaumainkai 41 | 60596 Frankfurt am Main

Tel: + 49 (0)69 961 220 220

www.dff.film

Opening hours:

Tue – Thu, Sat, Sun 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Fri 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

German museum for architecture

A museum devoted completely to architecture, and itself a prime example of how exciting (post-) modern architecture can be is to be found in this turn-of-the-20th-century villa on the South Bank of the River Main. The museum has a permanent exhibition showing the evolution of architec-

ture from the primordial hut to the present, and features regularly changing exhibitions on trends and movements in architecture or the oeuvre of individual architects.

DEUTSCHES ARCHITEKTURMUSEUM

Schaumainkai 43 | 60596 Frankfurt am Main

The Museum at Schaumainkai 43 is currently closed. You can find us at guest locations and at DAM OSTEND at Henschelstraße 18 | 60314 Frankfurt

Tel: + 49 (0)69 212 38 844

www.dam-online.de

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri noon – 6 p.m., Wed noon – 7 p.m., Sat, Sun 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Freilichtmuseum Hessenpark

This reconstructed village gives visitors a unique insight into life and work in Hessen through the centuries. Numerous half-timbered homes and historical buildings from Hessen’s villages were moved to the Hessenpark in Neu-Anspach and carefully restored. The park also connects to hiking trails through the Taunus Mountains. Open daily from March to October.

FREILICHTMUSEUM HESSENPARK

Laubweg 5 | 61267 Neu-Anspach

Tel: + 49 (0)6081 5880

www.hessenpark.de

Opening hours: March – October:

Mon – Sun 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.

November – February:

Sat, Sun, Public Holidays 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PERFORMING ARTS, FILM & MUSIC Opera

If you’re an opera fan, then you are in the right place. Frankfurt Rhine-Main is home to four different opera companies which offer a wide range of performances, premiers, revivals and recitals. The Oper Frankfurt operacompany has the most extensive schedule, with performances held in the purpose-built opera house on Willy Brandt Platz. Wiesbaden’s Staatstheater, which is housed in an ornate theatre in the Kurpark, covers classical opera, modern music and dance, and contemporary plays. Each season offers a wide-ranging program that includes more than 20 new operas, plays, ballets and youth concerts. To the south, the Staatstheater in Darmstadt puts on more than 40 productions annually. Thanks to a massive renovation, the main hall seats over 1,000, with three other halls serving small performances.

OPER FRANKFURT AM MAIN

Untermainanlage 11 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main

www.oper-frankfurt.de

HESSISCHES STAATSTHEATER WIESBADEN

Christian-Zais-Str. 3 | 65189 Wiesbaden

www.staatstheater-wiesbaden.de

STAATSTHEATER DARMSTADT

Georg-Büchner-Platz 1 | 64283 Darmstadt

www.staatstheater-darmstadt.de

Schauspiel Frankfurt

Schauspiel Frankfurt is the largest dramatic theater in the Rhine-Main region and is considered one of the most prominent production theaters in Germany. The theater has four venues (Schauspielhaus, Kammerspiele, Box and Bockenheimer Depot) and works with leading German and international directors. The Schauspiel presents selected plays with English surtitles every month.

SCHAUSPIEL FRANKFURT

Neue Mainzer Straße 17 | 60311 Frankfurt am Main www.schauspielfrankfurt.de

the countless stories I remember. A place offering succor for the mind, calming any and all nerves. FORTUNA IRGENDWO – COMING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!

FORTUNA IRGENDWO

Hanauer Landstraße 192 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main www.fortuna-irgendwo.de

Opening hours: Fri – Sat 9 p.m. – 4 a.m.

Gibson

From Gibson Club to: The Club Formerly Known as Gibson. The time has finally come: After 1.5 years of the pandemic, the Gibson Club celebrates its exclusive reopening on July 2nd & 3rd, 2021. True to the new motto #TheirNightIsOurDay. With a lot of creativity and expertise, the Gibson Club has created a completely new, fine club concept at the highest level, which perfectly masters the balancing act between excellent Gibson entertainment and official requirements.Until the return to “normality”, the club appears with its temporary naming and logo: The Club Formerly Known as Gibson. For an completly new club feeling. New and with immediate effect: Exclusive table reservations for every club visit: Thanks to complex renovation work, all guests can enjoy such an extraordinary club experience despite strict requirements. Gibson Entertainment like never before brilliant line-ups, more performers, cool walking acts, international DJs, new design, and a spectacular light show.

GIBSON

Zeil 85 – 93 | 60313 Frankfurt am Main

Reservation: gibson-club.de/book-a-table/

Opening hours: Thur 9 p.m. – 4 a.m., Fri, Sat, before bank holiday 11 p.m. – 5 a.m.

English Theatre Frankfurt

The English Theatre is one of Frankfurt’s oldest and most important international cultural institutions. Located in the Commerzbank’s“Gallileo” building at Gallusanlage 7 (corner of Kaiserstraße), the 300-seat theater imports shows, actors and directors from London and other English-speaking countries. It usually presents six top-rated theatrical productions annually, ranging from contemporary plays, comedies, thrillers and musicals, plus other shorter engagements. The theater also hosts a Young Drama Club, which gives students a chance to perform and stage plays under the guidance of professional directors.

ENGLISH THEATRE FRANKFURT

Gallusanlage 7 | 60329 Frankfurt am Main www.english-theatre.de

Fortuna Irgendwo

Here everything is different. Sounds different. Tastes different. Tastes of freedom, joie de vivre, and the sound of the sea. Fortuna Irgendwo is Frankfurt’s maritime recreation venue, with innumerable crazy and playful details. Portugal, Italy, the French Riviera and Greece inspired the colors chosen: the walls reflect the sea with all its colorful facets. Captain Ardi Goldman comments: Stories as comfort for the soul – that is the thrust of both Peter Pan or Alice in Wonderland: Saving the soul, the child in us all. Here, in Fortuna Nirgendwo, I want to tell all

Internationales Theater Frankfurt

The 160-seat theater in Frankfurt’s Zoo Passage offers a wide array of foreign language performances throughout the year. The theater is home to regular productions in German, English, French, Turkish as well as Spanish, Italian and Russian on a sporadic basis.The selection ranges from drama, music and dance theater, to concerts, readings and even art exhibitions.

INTERNATIONALES THEATER FRANKFURT

Hanauer Landstraße 5–7 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main

www.internationales-theater.de

Astor Lounge

The ASTOR Film Lounge offers all film fans a special experience with five cinema screens, state-of-the-art cinema technology, visitor-friendly service and exceptional comfort: welcome drink, cloakroom, leather armchairs with variable backrests and movable seats, generous row spacing and, in the boxes, comfortable armchairs with a reclining position at the push of a button. In addition, a service takes care of the guests directly at their seat. Relax and enjoy – in your ASTOR Film Lounge MyZeil!

ASTOR FILMLOUNGE

Zeil 106 | 60313 Frankfurt am Main

www.frankfurt.premiumkino.de/

Astor Filmlounge

CineStar Metropolis

Home away from home – that’s how many newcomers would describe their favourite multiplex cinema: Located opposite Eschenheimer Turm, CineStar Metropolis offers Frankfurt’s largest range of undubbed films. Native speakers and friends can indulge in original English versions of all genres – action, romance or comedy, you name it. Apart from other original language versions, CineStar Metropolis is a specialist for live broadcasts, e.g. from Metropolitan Opera New York or Bolshoi Ballet Moscow. Along with rockumentaries, Anime specials, and previews, the watch list is endless.

CINESTAR METROPOLIS

Eschenheimer Anlage 40 | 60318 Frankfurt am Main www.cinestar.de

Filmforum Höchst

Filmforum Höchst has earned a reputation as one of the best art house film theatres in the region. The small theater specializes in European cinema, ranging from special themes, countries, filmmakers, film classics, documentaries

39 MUSEUMS, ENDLESS DISCOVERIES

Are you dreaming of a unique journey of discovery?

Welcome to the Museumsufer Frankfurt, one of the most important museum locations in the world. Use your MuseumsuferCard to discover our 39 museums as often as you want. Enjoy permanent and special exhibitions in Frankfurt and the surrounding area for 12 months. Both large institutes such as Schirn and MMK with their special exhibitions and insider tips such as the Kuhhirtenturm in Sachsenhausen, the Eintracht Frankfurt Museum at the stadium and the German Leather Museum in Offenbach are included.

The MuseumsuferCard costs only 89 EUR for 1 year or as a family card only 150 €. You can get them at the ticket office in all museums or online at www.museumsufercard.de

and shorts. Throughout the year, Filmforum Höchst organizes film festivals such as Cuba in Film, Africa Alive or Verso Sud. Special guests are often invited to discuss the content of the films with the audience. Films are shown in their original version with German subtitles, but during festivals they are often shown in English.

FILMFORUM HÖCHST

Emmerich-Josef-Str. 46a | 65929 Frankfurt am Main www.filmforum-höchst.com

FESTIVALS

Museumsuferfest

Held every August, the Museumsuferfest is an international gala of food, music, theater and museum exhibitions straddling both banks of the RiverMain. This three-day festival first saw the light of day in the late 1980s to highlight Frankfurt’s unique museum embankment. Over the course of the festivities, museums open their doors free of charge to thousands of visitors from all over the world – in fact in 2018, the open-air party attracted some 1.8 million visitors. One highly popular event are the Chinese dragon boat races on the river – many corporations enter teams – another the concerts on the 10 or so stages on both sides of the river. The festival is normally held in late August.

www.museumsuferfest.de

Jazz Festival in Idstein

The Hessen Jazz festival in Idstein is traditionally held the first weekend of the state’s summer school vacation. Shows are held on 12 stages throughout the city and all Jazz styles are represented – Blues, Swing, Fusion, Modern, etc. Activities for children and other events about jazz complete the program.

www.idstein-jazzfestival.de

Weilburger Schlosskonzert

The classical music concerts in Weilburg Castle mark one of the highpoints of Hessen’s cultural summer. The series of around 40 concerts from June to August are performed in the opulent and extremely acoustic Renaissance hall of the Weilburg

Also included:

❚ Night of the museums: Every year in spring, the night of the museums takes place and you are invited.

❚ Museumsuferfest: Your MuseumsuferCard is also valid during the Museumsuferfest, which takes place every year at the end of August.

❚ art kaleidoscope: You get the culture magazine for Frankfurt and Rhine-Main every three months, free of charge, directly in your mailbox.

CineStar Metropolis

Castle, the castle church or the conservatory (Orangerie). The patron of the concert series has traditionally been Grand Duke Jean of Luxembourg, the great grandson of the last Duke of Nassau, in whose castle the concerts are performed. www.weilburger-schlosskonzerte.de

Rheingau Musik Festival

What started out as a small series of classical music concerts in 1988 has grown into an internationally-recognized summer musical event across nine weeks, from June to September. More than 100 concerts are staged at nearly 40 different locations throughout the Rheingau – one of Germany’s most beautiful winegrowing regions – including Kloster Eberbach, Schloss Johannisberg and Schloss Vollrads. Classical music remains the main attraction, but in recent years the festival has embraced cabaret, jazz and readings. Many of the performances are also accompanied by extraordinary culinary offerings that are, of course, served with excellent regional wine. www.rheingau-musik-festival.de

PARKS & GARDENS

Regionalpark RheinMain

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is defined by its diversity and while each of the cities and towns has its own cultural heritage, there have been numerous regional projects over the past years to instill a sense of belonging. One excellent example of this cooperative spirit is the Regionapark RheinMain. Now, over 15 years since it was first launched, Regionalpark RheinMain has evolved into a comprehensive network of parks, gardens, art installations, lakes, picnic areas, castles and much more. The park stretches out along 190 kilometers of well-marked routes and incorporates both new and existing attractions. Two of the many highlights include the former US Army airfield in Bonames (converted into a park) and a winding bike trail along the historic Hohe Straße. www.regionalpark-rheinmain.de

Taunus Information Center

The Taunus hills are often considered Frankfurt’s playground. The Taunus offer a wide range of recreational activities year round – hiking mountain biking, cross-country skiing, walking and mountain climbing. The Taunus is also a treasure trove of history, including the Saalburg Roman fort, castles and quaint villages with half-timbered houses. The quiet vistas of the Taunus, with its geological formations and diverse wildlife, can make the hustle and bustle of Frankfurt seem very distant. A great place to start is the Taunus Information Center at Hohemarkstraße 192 close to the subway stop. taunus.info

Palmengarten

Founded in 1868, the Frankfurt Palmengarten in the Westend district is the region’s premier botanical gardens with a wide selection of tropical plants, marvelously stylish greenhouses, and exhibitions. The large complex allows one to stroll through the world’s tropical regions at one’s leisure. The plants are arranged largely according to their natural hab-

39 MUSEUMS, ENDLESS DISCOVERIES

MUSEUMSUFER CARD

→ single or family card

→ 39 museums

→ a whole year

→ 89 € / 150 €

The admission to the Night of the Museums and the Museumsufer Festival is included.

The MuseumsuferCard is not transferable, and is only valid in combination with genuine identification.

Deutsches Romantik-Museum

itats, such as rain forest, mangrove, monsoon and savannah. Guided tours and lectures are held regularly and exhibitions on botanical matters are arranged in the galleries throughout the year. For the kids, there are several playgrounds and a functioning miniature train. The garden is open daily.

PALMENGARTEN

Siesmayerstraße 63 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main www.palmengarten.de

Aboretum Main Taunus

Located on a former military airfield, the Aboretum is one of the most successful post-Cold War conversion projects in the region. The airfield was originally built by the German Luftwaffe, but the US Army used the facility after World War II and then eventually returned it to the German government. The 76-hectare plot nestled between the towns of Schwalbach, Sulzbach and Eschborn was then converted into an arboretum to ecologically compensate for the Frankfurt Airport expansion plans. What resulted is an expansive nature park with a collection of over 600 trees, bushes and plants from Europe, Asia and North America. The Arboretum also features horseback riding trails and ecological nature walks.

www.hessen-forst.de/aboretum

The Deutsches Romantik-Museum presents unique originals with innovative exhibition forms that make it possible to experience the Romantic period as a key epoch. It is the first museum in the world dedicated to the Romantic era as a whole. In dialogue with the Goethe-Gallery and the neighbouring Goethe-Haus, manuscripts, graphic art, paintings and everyday objects are on display. The Deutsches Romantik-Museum offers a multimedia - in the Romantic sense synaesthetic - realisation of ideas, works and constellations of people. Goethe himself is put in a new light. Guests are invited to embark on a varied search for the dazzling phenomenon of romance. Spread out over two floors of the museum, the exhibition introduces a major epoch in the history of German culture in 35 installations. Each display focusses on selected objects from the collections of the Freies Deutsches Hochstift. Visitors can stroll along the trail of Romanticism and get to know its ideas, works and constellations of people.The stories told by the installations relate to and complement one another. They show Romanticism in all its facets: as an epoch in the history of culture, an aesthetic programme, a frame of mind, or simply a feeling.

FRANKFURT CITY LIBRARY SERVICE

The city library is a public institution of the city of Frankfurt am Main responsible for the provision and indexing of a complex, up-to-date collection of print and non-print media designed to meet the manifold needs and demands of the residents of the city.

The assortment

The assortment includes non-fiction and specialized books from all fields of knowledge, fiction, literature for children and young people, ebooks, epaper, newspapers and journals, items in different languages, sheet music and audio-visual media.

The libraries

The collection comprises approximately 790.000 items to which access is guaranteed by the extensive library system consisting of the central library, the music and media resource centre, the central children’s and youth library, 4 area library service centres, 12 branch libraries, 2 mobile libraries and the centre for the School Library service which supports over 100 individual school libraries.

Visitors

CONTACT

DEUTSCHES ROMANTIK-MUSEUM

Großer Hirschgraben 21

60311 Frankfurt am Main www.deutsches-romantik-museum.de

The city library is the most frequented public institution in Frankfurt. The library has about 50,700 library patrons from within the Rhine Main area, many of the active users are children and young people. Within the library this young target group is particularly encouraged with a highly developed user-defined programme of events and activities. Further priority is given to event library work with lectures, discussions and music, literacy and educational activities and community work in the branch libraries. www.stadtbuecherei.frankfurt.de

CHILDREN’S ACTIVITIES

Schloss Freudenberg

Built at the turn of the 20th century, this Neo-Classical mansion cultivates the art of perception. Located near Wiesbaden, the manor provides the perfect setting for a unique experience – and not only for children. More than 80 interactive “experience” stops awaken your senses: It is all about touching, smelling, thinking and discovering. One of the highlights is undoubtedly the Dark Bar, where drinks and food are served in complete darkness by blind waiters. This unique concept has inspired other similar venues in Germany and worldwide. Outdoors, the enchantment continues with an Aeolian harp, played by the winds, a stone labyrinth and numerous playgrounds.

SCHLOSS FREUDENBERG

Freudenbergstraße 224 – 226 | 65201 Wiesbaden

www.schlossfreudenberg.de

Opel Zoo

The Opel Zoo is a long-standing favorite among families in the region. Thanks to reasonably-priced annual family passes, many parents have visited the zoo more times than they care to remember. The zoo, which is located between Königstein and Kronberg, offers spacious habitats for elephants, giraffes, zebras and monkeys. In addition, there is a petting

zoo and a play area, which smaller kids are bound to enjoy. A great place to spend the day.

OPEL ZOO

Am Opel-Zoo 3 | 61476 Kronberg im Taunus www.opel-zoo.de

Freizeitpark Lochmühle

At Freizeitpark Lochmühle, a vast array of rides spin about, fly through the air and otherwise give kids a thrill. This is a large family-owned amusement park with countless playgrounds, petting zoos and water games. Pony rides and some of the attractions are at an additional price to the general admission price. There are also large picnic and grill areas, which have to be reserved in advance. Open daily from March to October and located in Wehrheim (off the B 456).

FREIZEITPARK LOCHMÜHLE

Lochmühle 1 | 61273 Wehrheim lochmuehle.de

Taunus Wunderland

One of the most popular amusement parks in Hessen is Taunuswunderland in Schlangenbad just outside Wiesbaden. This privately-owned park, spread over 40,000 sqm, has all the activities that guarantee a good time for the children. The park offers a white-water roller coaster, a fairy-tale for-

BERNARDO ALMEIDA

Bernardo comes from Lisbon, Portugal originally. He had an eclectic academic process, starting first as a Law student before switching to Psychology, where he is still working on his thesis in Work and Organizational Psychology. After a brief stint in recruitment for a tech agency, he came to Germany to work at Crytek, where his lifelong fascination with games and the games industry in general was put in practice as an in-house recruiter.

Heimat (Home) means:

Friends and Stories

A thing I brought from home, which I’d never have left behind: My first d20 die

My favorite dish, food, sweet – home or Germany: shepherd’s pie

My first day here … was the culmination of a life-long ambition of working in the games industry.

The strangest German word I learnt: “Mal”, to express an amount. Strange word because both the spelling and pronunciation in Portuguese means “Evil”.

This is the App on my phone, which I can not live without:

rif (Reddit is Fun). A fun, mostly ad-free version of Reddit. Very useful for anyone with diversified interests.

Tell us how it feels to drive in Germany, what is different, what is funny.

Nothing much is different. I don’t drive much but it honestly feels like being home, especially in Frankfurt.

MY TOP 3 FRANKFURT RHINE-MAIN TIPS

1 / Hafenpark near the European Central Bank

2 / The riverside area of Offenbach-Sachsenhausen

3 / Friedberger Anlage, city

»Full-time Recruiter, Part-time Game Master, all around Storyteller«

The Deutsches Romantik-Museum presents unique originals with innovative exhibition forms that make it possible to experience the Romantic period as a key epoch.

KARSTEN GREVE, ANDREA UND CARL-L. VON BOEHM-BEZING, DIRK IPPEN, DR. CHRISTOPH GRAF DOUGLAS UND BERGIT GRÄFIN DOUGLAS U. V. A.

est, a petting zoo (with kangaroos!) and plenty of other attractions for the entire family. There are several restaurants on site, but you can also bring your own lunch and enjoy it in the picnic area. The park is open daily from March to October.

TAUNUS WUNDERLAND

Haus zur Schanze 1 | 65388 Schlangenbad

www.taunuswunderland.de

WELLNESS RESORTS & SPAS

Taking the Waters

Dating back to the Roman era, the European tradition of thermal baths is alive and kicking in Frankfurt Rhine-Main. Whether you wish to spend a few hours in a spa to relieve stress or dedicate several weeks to invigorating your body and soul, the region has more than 30 thermal springs and health resorts for you to choose from. To make a day of it, try one of the three largest spas in the region: Rhein Main Therme in Hofheim (www.rheinmaintherme.de), the Taunus Therme in Bad Homburg (www.taunus-therme.de) or the Titus Thermen in Frankfurt (www.frankfurter-baeder.de). If you want to getaway for the weekend or longer, there are also numerous spas in peaceful, smaller towns, which offer special packages.

Kur-Royal in Bad Homburg

In the great European tradition of taking the waters, Bad Homburg is known internationally as a famous spa town. It has a casino, beautifully landscaped gardens and the majestic Kaiser Wilhelms Bad. Built in 1890, the bathhouse has had its share of royal visits – including King Edward Prince of Wales, Bismarck and the King of Thailand. Today, you don‘t have to be royalty to enjoy a relaxing day at the spa. The Kur-Royal Day Spa offers 15 different types of treatments, therapies and massages ... all amid luxurious settings and high vaulted ceilings.

KUR-ROYAL DAY SPA

Kaiser-Wilhelms-Bad im Kurpark

61348 Bad Homburg v. d. Höhe www.kur-royal.de

GUIDED TOURS

Find a comprehensive list of tour guides with indication of languages available: www.frankfurter-gaestefuehrer.de

FRANKFURTER STADTEVENTS

+49 (0)69 97460-327 | info@frankfurter-stadt events.de | www.frankfurter-stadtevents.de | twitter.com/ffm_stadtevents | www.facebook. com/pages/Frankfurter-Stadtevents

ASTOR Film Lounge Frankfurt

come drink, ASTOR Film Lounge is popular among film buffs in Frankfurt. Guests can order food and drinks straight to their seats or enjoy cocktails at the bar. Supplemented with parking facilities directly in the building, guests can expect a comfort that they have not been able to experience in cinema before.

The ASTOR Film Lounge combines the special ambience of traditional film theatres with innovative technology and the comfort of modern premium cinemas. A cinema as you will prefer for a relaxed movie night. The ASTOR Film Lounge – great cinema experience with many OV films for Frankfurt …

The ASTOR Film Lounge in the MyZeil brings the advantages of enjoying a film in a cinema closer to the people – via exceptional service and comfort. Offering comfortable, spacious seating, a good range of original version movies, free cloakroom and wel-

At ASTOR, the focus is on the visitor as a guest. In an elegant atmosphere, they can enjoy a stress-free and relaxed evening. Equipped with perfect cinema technology and comfortable armchairs, the ASTOR Film Lounge convinces visitors that cinema is the place for which films are made and where they develop their magic. In front of the large screens, guests enjoy the exceptional service – and immerse themselves completely in the film.

Zeil 106

60313 Frankfurt am Main https://frankfurt.premiumkino.de/

TOURISMUS+CONGRESS GMBH FRANKFURT

AM MAIN

+49 (0)69 24 74 55 400 www.frankfurt-tourismus.de | twitter.com/visitfrankfurt | www.facebook.com/ infofrankfurt

ADRIANE DOLCE | Language: Italian +49 (0) 69 97781785 adriane@dolce.de www.viatour.de

FRANKFURT ON FOOT

Jodean Ator | Language: English +49 (0)1520 846 4200 info@frankfurtonfoot.com www.frankfurtonfoot.com

SCENIC ROUTES FOR DAY TRIPS

Bergstraße

Mountains, castles, woods and wines characterize the Bergstraße tourist route, where the almond blossom is in flower while the last snow still lies on the slopes of the Odenwald. The Bergstraße, which leads from Darmstadt to Heidelberg, is a paradise for walkers, canoeists and outdoors enthusiasts. Excellent wines are grown on the protected mountain slopes. Zwingenberg, Bensheim and Heppenheim are the best-known “Pearls of the Bergstraße” along the route. The ruins of the Frankenstein castle are where the English writer Mary Shelley found inspiration for her novel Frankenstein and where modern-day Halloween parties are held. In fact, nearly every city of import along the Bergstraße has its own mountain fortress (Weinheim even has two). Apart from the incredible view, nearly all of them have a restaurant serving food and some of the best Riesling in Germany. www.diebergstrasse.de

The German Fairytale Route

Thanks to the Brothers Grimm, who lived and worked in Hanau, Hessen has a close association with fairy tales. Maybe it was the deserted forest of Kaufungen where Hansel and Gretel lost their way? Didn’t Little Red Riding Hood come from Schwalm, where all unmarried women once wore red bonnets? And wasn’t the Dornröschenschloss Sababurg, in the heart of the deep Rheinhard forest, the ideal place for Sleeping Beauty to slumber for 100 years? To discover romantic destinations, castles and half-timbered houses, travel the German Fairy Tale Route through much of Hessen.

www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.com

Rüdesheim-Assmannhausen am Rhine

The picturesque city of Rüdesheim on the banks of the River Rhine is well known for its scenic vistas, steep vineyards and historic city center. Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2002, Rüdesheim boast numerous cultural attractions such as castles, fortresses, abbeys and well-preserved half-timbered houses. You can take a cable car to the landmark Germania statue and enjoy a panoramic view, walk the well-marked hiking routes that wind through the vineyards

Frauenbetriebe design

Leipziger Straße 5 D-60487 Frankfurt am Main +4969/7073183

www.frauenbetriebe-design.de

The Gutenberg-Museum

Come and visit us to experience the history of books and writing “live”: Two original Gutenberg Bibles are among the treasures of the museum In the reconstructed Gutenberg workshop we show hourly presentations of how printing was done in Gutenberg’s time at the reconstructed printing press

Changing special exhibitions show examples of historical letterpress printing, modern printing art and typography and draw the connection into the 21st century In the print shop, the museum ’ s educational department, anyone can can set and print and discover their creative side

Gutenberg-Museum

Liebfrauenplatz 5

55116 Mainz, Germany

T +49 (0) 6131 1226-40/-44 w w w.gutenberg-museum.de

Opening hours

Tuesday– Saturday 9am–5 pm Sunday 11am–5 pm

gne t u b g re

SOPHISTICATED FASHION FOR CASUAL INDIVIDUALISTS.

FRANKFURT BEST SELFIE SPOTS

Besucherterrasse

Flughafen Frankfurt

Terminal 2 B S 8/9 Flughafen

Visitors’ terrace airport: Interested in plane spotting? Fascinating view of aircraft handling, planes taking off and landing.

Bulle & Bär

City, Börsenplatz

B S1–6/8/9, U1–3/6/7/8 Hauptwache

Much-photographed sculpture at the stock exchange. The bull stands for rising share prices, the bear for falling.

Hammering Man

Westend, Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1

B U7 Messe

Sculpture at the exhibition centre, enormous silhouette of a worker, symbol of action and work.

Hühnermarkt

Altstadt B U4/5 Dom/Römer; Linie 11/12 Römer/Paulskirche

Picturesque square in the heart of the beautiful new old town with Stoltze fountain in the centre.

MyZeil

City, Zeil 106

B S1–6/8/9, U1–3/6/7/8 Hauptwache

Shopping centre with unusual architecture, a wild river bed made of glass without corners and edges.

Opernplatz City B U7 AlteOper Splendid photo shot with impressive Old Opera house and beautiful fountain.

Römerberg

Altstadt B U4/5 Dom/Römer; Linie 11/12 Römer/Paulskirche Frankfurt‘s municipal square. Great panorama photo opportunity with the Römer, probably the mostphotographed building in the city.

Tyrannosaurus Rex

Bockenheim, Senckenberganlage

B U4/6/7 Bockenheimer Warte

Gigantic dinosaur in park in front of Senckenberg museum

U-Bahn-Station

Bockenheimer Warte

Bockenheim

B U4/6/7 Bockenheimer Warte

Forceful entrance, with historical tramcar crashing into the ground, surrounded by broken paving stones and chunks of asphalt.

Willy-Brandt-Platz

City

B U1-3/8 Willy-Brandt-Platz

Gigantic Euro symbol to mark the former site of the European Central Bank.

towards Assmannshausen, or join the Ringtickettour with chairlift and boat tour. Among the museums is Siegfried‘s Mechanical Music Cabinet, which houses a collection of automatic musical instruments from several centuries. The Drosselgasse, a narrow street lined with wine gardens, is a good place to try the Rheingau Riesling and Pinot Noir wines. A special wine attraction is the RheinWeinWelt. In the old Asbach factory, just opposite the railway station is a wine bar boasting 160 different varieties ready to be tasted.

Rüdesheim is the home of Asbach brandy, which is traditionally added to the local coffee specialty to create so-called “Rüdesheimer Kaffee”. The city also hosts several events throughout the year: the Magic Bike Rally in June for Harley Davidson fans, the Rhine in Flames riverboat parade in July, the Wine Festival in mid-August and the“Christmas Market of the Nations”, where 110 exhibitors from 12 nations feature native foods, local mulled wine and handicrafts.

www.ruedesheim.de

Excursions by Boat

One of the delightful ways to see the German scenery is to cruise the Rhine on a boat. Trips range from one-hour rides to daylong tours, and depart from many locations along the Rhine and Main rivers, including Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Rüdesheim and many smaller towns inbetween. If castles are your thing, then take a cruise up the Rhine starting in Rüdesheim and see the famous Loreley – a cliff on the banks of the Rhine where, legend has it, a beautiful maiden sat upon a ledge and groomed her golden hair while her haunting songs led sailors to a watery death.

www.primus-linie.de or www.k-d.com

CASTLES, MONASTERIES AND RUINS Eberbach Monastery

In 1136, 12 monks began the construction of one of today‘s most impressive monastery structures in northern Europe. Having been dispatched by St. Bernhard of Clairvaux, they started viticulture in the Rheingau and obtained for their wines the highest bids at auctions. Today, the Eberbach Monastery is the seat of the largest wine estate in Germany (220 hectares). The former abbey became famous through the film adaptation of Umberto Eco’s novel “The Name of the Rose” (1985). Every year in September the movie is shown at its actual shooting location. Several times a month, the monastery offers tours and wine tastings, as well as numerous other events held in this heritage-protected site. The Eberbach Monastery and its museum are open daily, and the wine bar, restaurant and hotel offer many special arrangements.

EBERBACH MONASTERY

Kloster-Eberbach-Str. 1 | 65346 Eltville am Rhein kloster-eberbach.de

Seligenstadt

Seligenstadt is a perfectly preserved medieval town located about 25 miles southeast of Frankfurt along the Main River. The streets of this quaint town are lined with cobblestone, and 177 houses and buildings are listed on the German national historical registry. The landmark of Seligenstadt is the Einhardt

Basilica. Behind the basilica is an expansive cloister gardens with plants and herbs which were typically used by Benedictine monks at the time. One of the best ways to visit Seligenstadt is by bicycle; it‘s a leisurely 30 kilometer trip from Frankfurt. www.seligenstadt.de

Schloss Braunfels

The spires of the Braunfels castle stand as an imposing reminder of the town’s medieval history. This baroque castle is home to an extensive collection of artifacts from the period.

Public Holidays!

When it comes to enjoying quality leisure time in the great wide open, preferably engaging in sports, there’s no better time than during one of the official holidays. To help you know just how many there are, here’s an overview of the official holidays observed in Frankfurt Rhine-Main.

Neujahr (New Year’s Day)

January 1. This day is mainly spent recovering from the long night before. Some people still uphold the old German tradition of eating either carp or pork with sauerkraut on this day.

Karfreitag (Good Friday)

Good Friday falls any time between late March and late April, depending on when Easter is. Shops are closed!

Ostersonntag und Ostermontag (Easter Sunday and Monday)

The same as above, as Easter always comes two days after Good Friday. In Germany, Easter eggs often take the form of Chocolate bunnies or painted hard-boiled eggs. The latter then get hidden in your garden or in a park for the kids to hunt down.

In the summer, the castle hosts an international jousting tournament. A team of international stunt men reenacts the battle scenes and many sideline attractions contribute to transporting visitors back to the days of old. Open daily from April to October, sporadically the rest of the year.

SCHLOSS BRAUNFELS

Schloss 1 | 35619 Braunfels

www.schloss-braunfels.de

Römerkastell Saalburg

Just four kilometers outside Bad Homburg, Saalburg is a painstakingly reconstructed Roman fort that was part of the 615-kilometer-long defensive wall erected by the Romans to protect their empire – it runs from the Rhine to the Danube. Kaiser Wilhelm II excavated and reconstructed the site starting in 1898. The complex also includes a museum with archaeological artifacts.

RÖMERKASTELL SAALBURG

Saalburg 1 | 61350 Bad Homburg vor der Höhe www.saalburgmuseum.de

STREET FESTIVALS

Another favorite way for locals to amuse themselves is the Straßenfest (street or block party). These are pleasant events organized and sponsored by local governments and local businesses. Though these celebrations differ greatly in size

Tag der Arbeit (Labor Day)

May 1. The day is celebrated by trade union parades and rallies – and by everyone having a day off work. More and more, people dance till the early hours starting the evening before to mark the new month (Dancing into May!), but among them you will not find the participants in the May 1 cycle races …

Christi Himmelfahrt (Ascension Thursday)

A moveable holiday. This holiday takes place falls 40 days after Easter, and thus is held between the middle of May and beginning of June. In Germany, it doubles up as Father’s Day!

Pfingstsonntag and Pfingstmontag (Whitsun or Pentecost)

A moveable holiday. Always occurs in late May or early June, about 10 days before the next holiday.

Fronleichnam

(Corpus Christi)

A moveable holiday. Celebrated in all the Catholic or quasi-Catholic states (e.g., Bavaria, Hessen and the Rhineland area).

Tag der Deutschen Einheit (Day of German Unity)

October 3. This holiday celebrates German Unification in 1990. In addition to this full slate of official holidays, there are a number of days and celebrations that you cannot ignore if you either have children and/or care to fully experience Germany.

Weihnachtsfeiertage (Christmas)

December 25. and 26. In Germany

Christmas is traditional celebrated on the evening of the 24th of December. The following two days are spend by most people with family and friends.

Silvester (New Year´s Eve)

December 31. This is generally celebrated by going to parties or a favorite restaurant. (Many restaurants offer special meals and entertainment programs on this evening.) At midnight, fireworks are set off in the streets, while children twirl sparklers and flares about. The fireworks often last the better part of an hour, after which people return to what they were doing before midnight, or somehow find their way home.

and sprawl, they typically spread over several streets, sometimes a mile or so along riverbanks (such as Frankfurt’s famed Mainuferfest in August). These street parties typically feature stands hawking various kinds of food and drink, games, and public relations or informational services. The larger ones also feature amusements for the kids, and everything is accompanied by lively bursts of live and/or recorded music.

In Frankfurt Rhine-Main, the street festivals are typically held in summer when they can take advantage of the nice weather and assure the best turn-out. A special type of festival that occurs a little later in the year, as the first harvests start coming in, are the various wine festivals. These events take place primarily in small towns and villages in the wine-growing areas, especially in the Rheingau. The music, good cheer and food are similar to street festivals, though as the name suggests, most of the stands at a wine festival offer the latest wines, with many local vintners maintaining their own stands.

CHRISTMAS MARKETS

One of the most impressive and lively variations on street festivals is the Weihnachtsmarkt or Christkindel-markt (Christmas market). Actually,the Weihnachtsmarkt predates street festivals by several centuries; originally, they were markets set up in major towns to allow craftspeople to sell their wares before Christmas. This origin is preserved in today’s versions, where you’ll find numerous small stands offering a vast array of small and large crafts items. Fitting-

lyenough, the Christmas market is also where you’ll bag the best selections of and best buys on Christmas decorations (remember that Germans started the Christmas tree tradition). There are also stands selling pottery, woodcraft and hand-crafted jewelry. In addition, there are frequently rows of stalls selling various other wintry articles.

All this shopping and gazing invariably leaves you hungry and thirsty, so any self-respecting Christmas market includes a bounty of stalls offering Christmas season sustenance. A particularly popular drink is Glühwein, a sweet, hot mulled red wine. Many Christmas-season candies, cookies and gingerbread are also a standard part of Christmas markets. Seasonal sustenance of a more substantial variety is available in the form of potato pancakes or a thick, hearty broth that can be a light meal in itself (Common varieties include pea, lentil, Serbian bean, and goulash soup).

In this region, Frankfurt’s is the largest and most crowded. It starts at the little passageway north of the river fronting Historisches Museum, then runs up through the Römerberg, all the way to just below the Hauptwache. These Christmas fairs are such a deeply ingrained part of life that they even turn up in most small towns. They usually open in late November and run for about four weeks. But plan your visits carefully! Christmas markets usually close down a few days before Christmas, so if you run over to your local Weihnachtsmarkt on the 23rd or 24th with some last-minute shopping in mind, you are liable to get an unpleasant surprise.

F R A N K F U R T E R F R AU E N G U I D E APP!

Alte Oper Frankfurt – A concert hall as international as its location

More than 490,000 visitors to approximately 460 events a year, comprising classical music and entertainment, programmes for children, young people and families, conferences and one-off events: behind the historic façade of the former Frankfurt Opera House lies a vibrant concert and conference venue which, despite all its adaptability, features a clear artistic profile.

During the vacation seasons in spring, summer and at Christmas time, the podium of the Great Hall is regularly transformed into a stage for musicals and show productions that are successful worldwide and attract large audiences with their guest performances lasting several days.

Last but not least, the Alte Oper Frankfurt enjoys an excellent reputation far beyond the Rhine-Main region as a congress center with around 50 events a year. Large companies and event agencies appreciate the prestigious halls and salons of the house and organize international congresses and conferences, press conferences, glittering balls, gala evenings, company anniversaries or receptions here.

However: It is music that is at the core of the Alte Oper Frankfurt. And music is a universal language – and yet it cannot be understood completely without at least some words. This is why the Alte Oper Frankfurt addresses its communications not just at its German audience, but also to the many people of other nations who live and work in Frankfurt or come here to visit.

World stars of classical music, i.e. the most important international conductors, soloists, ensembles and orchestras, have been and continue to be regular guests at the Alte Oper Frankfurt and provide for musical magic moments. Beyond this, however, the Alte Oper sees itself as a center of programmatic work and distinguishes itself with its own thematic focuses: Every year, the season opens in September with a large-scale festival. Since the 2021/22 season, the motto will is „Fratopia“ - a homage to the city and at the same time a preoccupation with ideas for the future that affect society as well as the concert business. Newly conceived concerts bring audiences and performers closer together and provide immediate musical experiences. Other formats, such as the „Auswärtsspiele (Away game),“ also reflect the close relationship to the city of Frankfurt.

With short festivals lasting one or several days, the Alte Oper also draws attention to individual genres or themes and sees itself as a place of lively discourse.

Fans of entertainment will also find an attractive range of events at the Alte Oper. In addition to performances by renowned artists from the worlds of pop, jazz, chanson and world music, the program also includes fixed series such as the long-established JAZZnights, in which jazz legends such as Dave Brubeck, Branford Marsalis, Cassandra Wilson and Chick Corea have thrilled Frankfurt audiences. Since the 2021/22 season, the Alte Oper has been presenting an exceptional artist from the international jazz scene in residence, who will provide insights into his or her artistic work on several dates

In addition, the Alte Oper wishes to expand its offering for the large, non-German-speaking community in the city: This year marks the second season where visitors can book a guided tour of the venue in English. Additional offerings to bring together an international audience are also being planned. So: Take a look – and let yourself be carried away.

CONTACT

ALTE OPER FRANKFURT

Opernplatz, 60313 Frankfurt

www.alteoper.de

Tickets: 069 1340 400

© Alte Oper Frankfurt / Norbert Miguletz

& MORE SPORTS

s ports , health clubs , and spectator sports in F rank F urt r hine - m ain

Frankfurt Rhine-Main is one of the centers of German sport, with its football arena, Olympic sports hub, and countless indoor and outdoor opportunities to stay fit. And plenty of spectator sports to enjoy, too.

SPORTS FOR LIFE

As is true of most nations, more people in Germany tend to be fascinated by sports than there are active participants. Armchair experts abound, with the airwaves full of sports shows, sports reports and live broadcasts of sporting events. Yet there are countless active players. In fact, the German Football Association DFB has no less than seven million members, makingit the largest sports club in the world –and it is based in Frankfurt. Befitting for the nation that has won the coveted World Cup championship four times.

Football fever also spreads in Frankfurt when the local first-division side Eintracht Frankfurt plays – at the Commerzbank Arena situated between downtown and the airport. Frankfurt is likewise home to a first division women’s football side 1. FFC Frankfurt, which comes under the wing of the Eintracht sports club,and to FSV Frankfurt, a third division men’s side. Darmstadt and Wiesbaden both have strong 2nd division sides. So if you like football, there’s plenty to watch – or take part in. After all, it’s worth remembering that sports enjoy a social value over and above

its own virtues: Discussing sports is a good way to quickly integrate yourself into German society. Your colleagues in the office or the factory will often warm up to you faster if you display a working knowledge of the major sports events of the day …

If football is not your cup of tea, you certainly won’t be left out in the cold sportswise in Frankfurt Rhine-Main. After all, have you ever wondered why Germans repeatedly excel in international sporting events? One of the reasons is the great organized network of clubs that offers a wide range of activities at reasonable prices to everyone. Sports cut across social and occupational strata and joining a sports club in Germany is therefore a great way to make contact with people from all walks of life in a fun atmosphere.

The range of sports offered by these non-profit clubs is enormous – soccer, tennis, horseback riding, track and field, aerobics, swimming and, increasingly, international sports such as baseball, rugby and even American football. Fitness centers are a prominent part of the German landscape, and tennis and squash courts are available in many areas. As with all things, size and range of availability depends on where you live; small towns are often short on both size and availability.Many clubs allow you to work out several times before formally committing to a membership. Frankfurt’s largest sports clubs is the Turngemeinde Bornheim, founded in 1860 and locatedin the northeastern

neighborhood of Bornheim. It offers the traditional array of sports including hockey, football, golf, gymnastics, soccer, handball, basketball, weightlifting and swimming. Or you can also lean toward the wilder side, with activities such as Qi Gong, oriental dance, aquarobics for seniors, and even accordion lessons.

Membership fees vary greatly, depending on the type of sport, the size of the club and the quality of the facilities. But as a general guideline, individual memberships cost between € 100 – 250 per year – with discounts for students and children – a worthwhile investment. Family memberships are usually a good deal ... much cheaper than several individual memberships. It is important to note that once you become a registered member of a German sports club, you are automatically insured under that club’s policy should you become injured.

Green Frankfurt: 80% of residents have a park on their doorstep within a 300m radius. About half of the city‘s area is not built on.

BIKE, HIKE & RUN

Anlagenring (RUN)

Digitale Karte: bit.ly/2pxLt5x

Former city walls, now park area surrounding inner city. The zig-zag route follows the former baroque bulwarks.

Schwanheimer Düne (BIKE)

Digitale Karte: bit.ly/2Px1Rh4

Mediterranean feeling in Frankfurt through the Schwanheim Dunes – one of the fes inland dunes in Europe.

Wald-Walk (HIKE)

Digitale Karte: bit.ly/2qej9oz

Itinerary through the city woods and Oberwald bird sanctuary. See the Jacobi Pond, King’s Spring and the Peeing Tree.

WELL-KNOWN SPORT CLUBS

Eintracht Frankfurt

Commerzbank-Arena

Mörfelder Landstraße 362 60528 Frankfurt am Main www.eintracht.de

Frankfurter Turn- und Sportgemeinschaft 1847

Marburgerstraße 28 60487 Frankfurt am Main www.ftg-frankfurt.de

FTV 1860

Ravenstein-Zentrum Pfingstweidstraße 7 60316 Frankfurt am Main www.ftv1860.de

Polizeisportverein Grünweiß e.V. Frankfurt am Main

Max-Planck-Straße 6 65760 Eschborn www.p-s-v.de

Spiridon Frankfurt

Babenhäuser Landstraße 6 60559 Frankfurt am Main www.spiridon-frankfurt.de

Sportclub Frankfurt 1880

Feldgerichtsstraße 29 60320 Frankfurt am Main www.sc1880.de

Turngemeinde Bornheim

Berger Straße 294 60385 Frankfurt am Main www.tgbornheim.de

Turngemeinde Sachsenhausen

Babenhäuser Landstr. 6 60599 Frankfurt/Main www.tg-sachsenhausen.de

Below is a listing of several of the larger sports clubs in Frankfurt: For a full listing of the sports clubs available in your region, contact the local sports office (Sportamt) in the city or county government. In addition, the Sports Association of Hessen (Landessportbund Hessen) can provide you with more information about sports clubs throughout the state.

www.landessportbund-hessen.de

www.sportkreis-frankfurt.de

www.mainova-sport.de

CELEBREAK

Want to play football in Frankfurt but new to the city? Well, no problem! We organize football games open to anyone and everyone commitment free.

We are a community of footballers who started playing together in Winter 2018 in Frankfurt. And it was out of frustration at the lack of options to play football that CeleBreak was born.

There we were, just normal guys wanting to be able to always play football whenever and wherever. And with CeleBreak we want to make sure that everyone is able to play football in a way that fits their preferences and lifestyle. Which is why we offer pick up football daily whenever and wherever you’d like. We usually play easy 7v7 games with a focus on fun, good football and socializing after the games. Any level of player is welcome!

We developed a mobile app called “CeleBreak” in order to solve the organizational side of things – you sign up for a small fee and find a football game hassle-free. It’s a great way to meet new people with similar interests and quite simply just have a good runabout! The main purpose here is just to have a good time, and what easier way is there to make friends than by playing football together and having a beer together afterwards?

We hope to welcome you soon on the pitch too! Info: CeleBreak is available on the App Store and Google Play www.celebreak.eu

FITNESS STUDIOS

Moving up the cash ladder in fitness, one can choose from the trendier sports clubs throughout Frankfurt and the surrounding region. The great advantage of fitness studios is their flexible schedules and ultra-modern equipment (sometimes including a swimming pool and sauna). In addition, more and more fitness clubs offer “ladies-only” studios – with free babysitting. Monthly rates range from € 20 a month for a plain vanilla studio to € 125 and upwards for the highend studios such as Elements in downtown Frankfurt. Because Frankfurt can be such a transient city, many fitness studios also offer day rates. Nearly every major community throughout Frankfurt Rhine-Main region now boasts a fitness studio, so the best way to find one that suits your schedule and budget is to surf the web and arrange a trial visit.

WALKING AND HIKING

You do not have to go all the way to the Alps to go hiking or walking in Germany. The Hessen countryside also offers unbounded possibilities for nature lovers. The Hessen Tour-

Jetzt einschalten auf UKW/DAB+ und Kabel sowie im Internet unter www.radiofrankfurt.de

AUSSTRAHLUNG

IST ALLES IN MEINEM JOB.

Meine Stadt. Mein Sender.

Eike Knall, Travel Show Editor/Host

I love our restaurants in town.

My top 3 are: Rama V at Vilbeler Landstraße. I am obsessed with the authentic thai cuisine there. For me Rama V is one of the best restaurants in town and I love to eat there together with my family and friends.

Another culinary hotspot is Nico’s Kitchen in the Europaviertel. You can have breakfast there and of course you can go for lunch or dinner. Try the Rinderfilet. It’s so delicious!

And if you like Italian food you have to go to Alte Kanzelei near Mainzer Landstraße. I can’t get enough of their risotto with scallops. These are my top 3 - I don’t want to miss them.

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von:

istik Service has put together a dozen suggestions of hiking excursions across the region, such as in the Taunus Mountains, around Fulda or on the Bergstraße.

www.hessen-tourismus.de

AROUND THE FRANKFURT GREEN BELT

The Green Belt (GrünGürtel) is a 64-km-biking trail, encompassing a network of regional trails winding its way right round Frankfurt. Along the way, cyclists get a chance to visit dozens of historic sites, viewpoints, gardens, forests and playgrounds. The trail stretches along the Nidda River to the north before heading up over the line of hills stretching out from the Lohrberg and down to Offenbach, where it runs through parkland right until it reaches Höchst. For a free map of the green belt, contact the Environmental Office (Umweltamt). The Regionalpark RhineMain has likewise come up with a large number of appealing cycling trails.

www.umweltamt.stadt-frankfurt.de

www.regionalpark-rheinmain.de/routen-und-touren

BIKE TOURS IN HESSEN

Over the past decade, Hessen has built an extensive network of bike paths totaling 2,200 km from Reinhaldswald to the Odenwald. Detailed maps are available at newsagents or from the Hessen Tourism Association. If you want to go yet further afield, the German Federal Railway offers discounted weekend train tickets for biking tour groups.

www.radroutenplaner.hessen.de

GOLF

Germany’s first golf course was built in 1899 in Bad Homburg by an Englishman, the appropriately named R. W. Duff. With its hilly countryside and verdant landscapes, Hessen is ideal golfing country. More than 50 golf courses are now located in the state and several others are currently being planned or built. Golfing is becoming so popular that some clubs have a two to three-year waiting list. But many other clubs, particularly those located in more rural areas, are always on the prowl for new members. Guests who meet certain conditions are welcomed on many courses, and equipment can be rented almost anywhere. In addition, a number of public golf courses have been built, and some private clubs now offer economical green fees and less restrictive membership guidelines. Alternatively, you might want to spend a weekend at one of the resort hotels in the Taunus such as Hotel Georgenthal and play a round of golf on the championship course. For more information, contact the Hessen Golf Association (Hessischer Golfverband). www.hessischergolfverband.de

www.hofgut-georgenthal.de

WINTER SPORTS

Skiing and Snowboarding

Those who enjoy skiing can get in on top resorts across Europe at low prices by signing up with the Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports & Social Club e.V. The private, nonprofit organization schedules trips lasting between two and seven days from October to July. Members of this friendly

club meet regularly, both on and off the slopes, for social events and get-togethers. Alternatively, wait for the snow to come and head up the Feldberg to the cross-country trails or out into the Vogelsberg for the same or some good down-hilling. www.fscev.org

www.hsv-ski.de

RUNNING & ENDURANCE SPORTS

Given the countless great running trails in and around town, hardly surprisingly Frankfurt is home to Germany’s largest running club, Spiridon Frankfurt e.V. In the numerous towns and cities in Frankfurt Rhine-Main there are numerous running clubs. Many of the members compete in the local half-marathon or marathon. With its hills and plains, the region is ideal for road biking and has a long-standing history of major cycling events and clubs. One of the cycling clubs RV Sossenheim has produced many a national cyclist, and even Tour de France participants. And the region has also developed into a veritable paradise for triathletes, boasting three out-standing clubs. www.spiridon-frankfurt.de triathlon.eintracht.de www.mtv-kronberg.de/triathlon www.triathlon-darmstadt.de/verein www.rv-sossenheim.com

Over the years, Frankfurt has emerged as the host of four major endurance sports events:

JPMorgan Corporate Challenge

One of the great sporting events in Germany is the annual JPMorgan Corporate Challenge in Frankfurt. The 5-km race typically attracts more than 70,000 entrants from nearly 3,000 companies – making it the largest road race in the world. Participants come from throughout Germany to run in the race, which winds through downtown Frankfurt. Many major corporations use the event as a team building exercise. www.jpmorganchasecc.com

Frankfurt Marathon

For more experienced runners, the marathon is the ultimate running event. The Frankfurt marathon has taken place at the end of October every year since 1981, making it one of the oldest on the continent. It regularly attracts more than 10,000 participants – no doubt some come because the course is flat and thus ideal for running fast times. One glamorous particularityof this marathon: you’ll run the last few meters on a red carpet before crossing the finish line, located inside the Frankfurter Festhalle. It’s also possible to take part in other competitions, such as the marathon for inline skaters, the relay event, or the mini-marathon (4,2km) for children aged 10 to 16. www.frankfurt-marathon.com

Frankfurt IronMan

The pinnacle of triathlon achievement –the IronMan – attracts participants from all over Europe and beyond every July. Some of them are competing to qualify for the Hawaii event, some of them just want to finish the course, and the

elite want to be the next European Champion. Just under 3,000 take part, swimming in the lake in Langen, cycling round the Wetterau on a loop that has to be completed twice, and then racing the marathon downtown along the river embankment – where everyone gets cheered on by many thousands of spectators.

www.ironman.com/im-frankfurt

ESCHBORN FRANKFURT

This is a UCI WorldTour race held every year on May 1. Before the main event there are open races for youngsters, and amateurs and hobby cyclists – in 2022 over 6,300 keen cyclists participated. The pro race is shown live on local TV and covers 187.5 kilometers with an altitude difference of 3,222 meters to be overcome in climbing during the various loops up and down the Taunus hills, including the brutalMammolshainer ramp. In 2022, 11 UCI WorldTeams and 9 UCI ProTeams took part.

www.eschborn-frankfurt.de

SWIMMING

Nearly every town and city in Germanyhas its own swimming pool – either outdoor or indoor. These facilities range from municipal pools for families to luxurious water parks. If you live in Frankfurt, the best way to find a facility that meets your needs is to consult Bäderbetriebe Frankfurt to find out where to take a dip in one of the more than 90 pools in the metropolitan area. NB: Use of the swimming pools is free of charge for children aged 14 and younger.

www.frankfurter-baeder.de

If you’d rather swim in a more natural setting, there are dozens of lakes fit for bathing across the region. In Frankfurt Rhine-Main, the largest lake is the Langener Waldsee, where you can not only swim, but also go sailing and camping. Open daily from 8 a.m. – 8.30 p.m., from mid-June to mid-September.

www.waldsee-langen.de

AQUATIC SPORTS IN FRANKFURT

The Main offers a perfect playground for watersport lovers, either beginners or experienced. If you’re not yet comfortable with the German language, all the clubs mentioned below can offer their activities also English.

The easiest activity will be the Waterbike: very stable, thanks to the inflatable tubes on each side, these unusual bikes are very easy to ride, and are your best option if you want to discover the city from the river, but prefer to stay safe and dry. Infos: www.waterbike-germany.de – Bookings through frankfurter-stadtevents.de (search with keyword “Wasserfahrrad”) – Price: 69 € for a 2-hour ride

Stand-up paddle, or SUP, is very trendy, and that’s for a good reason: everyone can do it, regardless of your age or fitness condition. Take a beginner’s course with one of the SUP clubs in Frankfurt, find your balance on the board, learn the basic techniques, and enjoy the tour on the Main vith a view to the skyline. You got hooked ? Perfect ! Both clubs also do rentals so you can go paddling on your own. Infos: SUP-Verein, sup-verein.de (near alte Brücke) and www.mainsup.de (Rudererdorf) Course prices in both clubs: 49 € for 2 hours.

Interested in trying your best downward dog on the water ? Then SUP Yoga is for you ! Check the Main-Sup website to book your SUP yoga course. Infos: www.main-sup.de – Course price: 35 € Close to Frankfurt, in Raunheim, you can try wakeboarding, at Wakeport. There is only one person at a time on the cable system, an operator will adjust the speed based on your skills, and give you all the relevant instructions, so you can improve quickly. Infos: wakeport.de – Beginners session: 58€

TENNIS

While the popularity of tennis in Germany may have peaked in the glory days of Boris Becker and Steffi Graf, the sport still remains very popular. The German Tennis Federation boasts 1.8 million members, making it the largest in the world. Excellent tennis facilities can be found in most towns and cities and for all levels – youth, recreational and competitive. Most outdoor courts are available through sports clubs (Sportvereine), while many indoor facilities can be booked on an hourly basis. The largest and most successful tennis academy in Germany is the Alexander Waske Tennis-University. Many of Germany‘s leading professionals have trained here, including 2018 Wimbledon champion Angelique Kerber,as well as Andrea Petkovic and Tommy Haas … to name but a few. The academy offers a full range of courses, including programs for juniors and amateurs. There are also summer camps and teambuilding events for

all skill levels and ages. More than 70% of the players have an international background, and the academyis well known for its holistic approach towards young, international tennis players.

www.tennis-university.com

SPECTATOR SPORTS

Eintracht Frankfurt

Frankfurt’s beloved football team, the Eintracht, has had its share of ups and downs. Over the past decade,the team has been relegated to the second division only to emerge like a phoenix from the ashes, win the German Cup in 2018 and qualify for the European League, where it promptly reached the semi-finals in 2019. In a country that’s almost as crazy about football as Brazil (it is easily the most popular spectator and participatory sport in Germany) attending an Eintracht match is an experience you will not want to miss. The team plays in the 52,000 seat Commerzbank Arena.Matches are attended by a true cross-section of Frankfurt – from familyfathers to the most ardent of fans.

www.eintracht.de

Fraport Skyliners

The Fraport Skyliners play in Germany’s first division basketball league. Their home court is the Fraport Arena in Höchst, which can accommodate up to 5,000 spectators. And they have regularly participated in the various European leagues. Tickets for home games sell out quickly, so be fast …

www.fraport-skyliners.de

Frankfurt Galaxy American Football

The Frankfurt Galaxy American football team was once a part of the World League, the American NFL’s fledgling European expansion league. After 15 years of ups and downs, the league was finally closed in 2007. But the most successful European team was undoubtedly the Galaxy, thanks to its extremely loyal fan base. The resurrected Frankfurt Galaxy is now part of the European League of Football, which features 12 teams from Austria, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Turkey. Its home games are played in the renovated PSD Bank Arena in Riederwald. The games typically attract up to 7,000 boisterous fans, complete with face painting, cheerleaders and tailgate parties.

www.frankfurt-galaxy.eu

FRANKFURT CITY @balanceyoga.frankfurt

MAINZ @balanceyoga.mainz

SACHSENHAUSEN @balanceyoga.sachsenhausen

DARMSTADT @balanceyoga.darmstadt

SC Hessen Dreieich

The football club SC Hessen Dreieich was founded in 2013 and its home base is the Hahn Air Sportpark Dreieich. People from 23 different nationsbring a mass of voluntary energy to bear in and around the club. In our six youth teams, children between 9 and 15 years old actively compete in various divisions. The Men’s team plays in Hessen’s top-flight football league – and is hellbent on winning it. Don’t miss out – come and visit us in Dreieich.

SC HESSEN DREIEICH E.V.

Am Bürgeracker 24 | 63303 Dreieich

+49 6103 7331 331 | kontakt@hessen-dreieich.de hessen-dreieich.de

www.hwk-rhein-main.de/ausbildung

Alle freien Ausbildungsplätze

www.lehrstellen-radar.de

RELIGION & MORE

r eligious services in F rank F urt r hine - m ain

International religious institutions provide newcomers with a link to a community of the like-minded and to life at home. In Frankfurt Rhine-Main there’s a place for all faiths.

For some newcomers, arrival in a new country is associated with sacrificing activities that define how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us. It need not be that way at all. The churches, mosques, synagogues, temples and other organizations listed below represent a strong and wellestablished commitment to families and communities of all faiths. Do not be surprised to discover that many of the spiritual activities you enjoyed at home can be continued here in Germany. Given that many people in the international community are here only temporarily, religious communities in Frankfurt Rhine-Main are attuned to the needs

of newcomers. Many offer a diverse and dedicated parish or congregation, which brings a very international element to services and observances.

Some of the institutions go to great lengths to include the local German population alongside their international members. Many share their houses of worship with a German congregation, and that can sometimes mean there are dual services and clerics to meet the needs of both the German-speaking and non-German-speaking communities. What follows is a listing of English-speaking and foreign language religious services.

ANGLICAN EPISCOPAL SERVICES

Church of Christ the King Services: Sundays 11 a.m.; nursery service and Sunday School 10.45 a.m.; parish choir; Young Singers; senior and junior youth groups.

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING

Sebastian Rinz Straße 22 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main

www.christ-the-king.net

Church of St. Augustine of Canterbury

Services: Sunday 10 a.m., with Sunday School and Creche; Wednesday, 11 a.m. Eucharist and Healing Prayer

CHURCH OF ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY

Frankfurter Straße 3 | 65189 Wiesbaden

www.staugustines.de

BAHÁ‘Í SERVICES

Bahá‘í House of Worship

Services: The Bahá‘í House of Worship is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset to people of every religion. A devotional service is held every Sunday at 3 p.m. It is a 20 – 30 minute program, which consists of readings from the sacred texts

of various world religions. Sometimes it features music from the “House of Worship Choir”.

BAHÁ‘Í-HAUS DER ANDACHT

Eppsteiner Str. 95 | 65719 Hofheim

www.bahai.de

BAPTIST SERVICES

Bethel International Baptist Church

Service: Saturdays 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Youth Group (ages 12 – 15) meets every second Wednesday at 5 p.m. All servicesare held in English with simultaneous translation into German via headsets. Saturday school for children ages 3 – 11 is offered in parallel with the sermon.

ADVENTGEMEINDE

Eschenheimer Anlage 32 | 60318 Frankfurt am Main

www.adventgemeinde-ffm.de

Converge International Fellowship

Sunday Services: 5 p.m.

CONVERGE INTERNATIONAL FELLOWSHIP

Ahastraße 12 | 64285 Darmstadt

www.convergedarmstadt.com

Immanuel Baptist Church

Sunday Services: Bible study for all ages 11.30 a.m.; Prayer 12.10 p.m.; Worship 12.30 p.m. Weekday Services: Bible study for adults. This church is a member of the International Baptist Convention.

IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Friedrich Naumann Straße 25 | 65195 Wiesbaden www.ibc-wiesbaden.com

BUDDHIST SERVICES

Buddhistisches Zentrum Frankfurt

This Buddhist center has several other branches across Hessen, in Wiesbaden, Darmstadt, Giessen and Kassel. Contact the Frankfurt branch for more information.

BUDDHISTISCHES ZENTRUM FRANKFURT

Saalburgstraße 17 | 60385 Frankfurt am Main www.diamantweg-buddhismus.de

Internationaler Buddhistischer Kultur Verein

FO GUANG SHAN-ANDACHTSSTÄTTE

Hanauer Landstraße 11 – 13 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main | www.foguangshan.de

Soka Gakkai International-Deutschland

KULTURZENTRUM WALLDORF

Farmstraße 121| 64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf www.sgi-d.org

Jetsün Sakya Foundation e.V. Buddhistisches Zentrum Sakya Kalden Ling

JETSÜN SAKYA FOUNDATION E.V. Linkstraße 66 | 65933 Frankfurt am Main www.sakya-foundation.de

ROMAN CATHOLIC SERVICES

St. Leonhard‘s International English-Speaking Roman Catholic Parish

First Communion and Confirmation Classes; RCIA program (Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults). Baptisms arranged by appointment. Confessions upon request before Mass or by appointment.

HOLY CROSS CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN MEDITATION & SPIRITUALITY

Kettelerallee 45 | 60385 Frankfurt am Main www.stleonhards.org

St. Mary’s Parish of English-Speaking atholics

Mass: Sunday at 5.00 p.m. First Communion and Confirmation Classes; Baptisms and reconciliation by appointment.

ST. MARY’S PARISH OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING CATHOLICS

Wachenheimer Straße 58 | 65835 Liederbach am Taunus | www.st-marys.de

In addition to the St. Leonhard’s and St. Mary’s parishes, there are several other parishes catering to the non-English speaking international circles. For more information please contact:

PUNCTUM KATHOLISCHE KIRCHE FRANKFURT Liebfrauenstraße 2 | 60313 Frankfurt am Main www.punctum-katholisch.de

HINDU

Frankfurter Hindugemeinde e.V.

SRI KADPAHA VINAYAGAR TEMPEL Intzestraße 26 60314 Frankfurt am Main

Hinduistischer Kulturverein Inthumantram e.V.

Usual opening time of the temple is 6.30 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. Tuesday and Friday opening time of the temple is 6.30 p.m. – 8.30 p.m.

SRI NAGAPOOSANI AMMAN KOVIL

Adalbertstraße 61 – 63 | 60486 Frankfurt am Main www.ammankovil.de

Vishwa Hindu Parishad

VISHWA HINDU PARISHAD

Morsestraße 32 60486 Frankfurt am Main

INTERDENOMINATIONAL CHRISTIAN SERVICES

Atterberry Chapel Multicultural Christian Church

Sunday School every Sunday at 9.45 a.m., Sunday Worship Service every Sunday at 11.00 a.m.

ATTERBERRY CHAPEL MULTICULTURAL CHRISTIAN CHURCH

Rossittenerstraße 19 | 60487 Frankfurt am Main www.atterberrychapel.org

Church of the Nazarene

Services: Sunday 10.30 a.m. Nursery and children‘s Sunday school during Sunday services. Services are in German and English.

CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE

Hügelstraße 143 | 60431 Frankfurt am Main www.kirchedesnazareners.de

International Christian Fellowship (ICF) of the Taunus

ICF is a diverse English-speaking Christian community. Sunday Service: 10.30 a.m. with programs for children and youth.

EVANGELISCH-FREIKIRCHLICHE GEMEINDE (ICF)

Hohemarkstraße 75 | 61440 Oberursel

www.icf-frankfurt.com

MUSLIM SERVICES

There are several organizations catering to the local Muslim population in Frankfurt. The following groups coordinate Muslim activities and serve as access points into the community, starting with the central Friday mosque.

DITIB ZENTRALMOSCHEE FRANKFURT –

DITIB MERKEZ CAMII FRANKFURT

Münchener Straße 21 | 60329 Frankfurt am Main

www.ditib.de

Hamidiye Moschee Verein der Guten Sitten

HAMIDIYE MOSCHEE

Hinter der Schönen Aussicht 5

60311 Frankfurt am Main

African Muslim Association

AFRICAN MUSLIM ASSOCIATION

Sontraer Straße 15

60386 Frankfurt am Main

Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat Deutschland

Genfer Straße 11

60437 Frankfurt am Main

www.ahmadiyya.de

ALEVITE SERVICES

Alevitisches Kulturzentrum Frankfurt e.V. .

An der Steinmühle 16

65934 Frankfurt am Main

www.alevi-frankfurt.com

Shiite services

IMAM SADJAD KULTURZENTRUM E.V.

Orber Straße 49 – 51 | 60386 Frankfurt am Main www.imam-sadjad.de

Sunni services

ISLAMISCHER VEREIN TARIK BEN ZIAD E.V.

Mönchhofstraße 24a | 60326 Frankfurt am Main www.tarik-moschee.de

Deutsch-Islamischer Verein e.V. –Sunnitische Gemeinde Omar Moschee

August Schwarz Straße 33 – 35 60433 Frankfurt am Main www.omar-moschee.de

Islamische Religionsgemeinschaft Hessen

Postfach 10 05 45 35335 Giessen www.irh-info.de

Islamische Informations- und Serviceleistungen e.V. Wächtersbacher Str. 95 60386 Frankfurt am Main www.iisev.de

JEWISH SERVICES

Jüdische Gemeinde Frankfurt Westend-Synagogue

Westendstraße 43 | Gemeinderatssaal – 5. OG 60325 Frankfurt am Main | www.jg-ffm.de (Orthodox; services held in Hebrew)

In addition, there are three smaller synagogues in Frankfurt, but their services are limited to Shabbat, some high holidays and special occasions. The Frankfurt Jewish Community can provide more details and is also the main source of information for events and happenings within Frankfurt. For Shabbat and holidays there is a liberal service offered by the Egalitäre Minjanalso located at the Westend-Synagogue. There are two women’s groups which meet regularly: WIZO and the Jewish Women’s Club Jüdischer Frauenverein. The Jüdische Gemeinde Frankfurt also offers a broad spectrum of facilities and services for every age group.

EGALITÄRER MINJAN

This group meets weekly in the Westend Synagogue (left part of the building), Freiherr vom Stein Straße 30, alternating Fridays (6.30 p.m. Shi‘ur on the weekly Torah portion, 7.15 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat services followed by Kiddush) and Saturdays (11 a.m. Shabbat Shacharit services followed by Kiddush, 1.30 p.m. Shi‘ur on religious, political, cultural and socioeconomic topics.) Further information and schedules: www.minjan-ffm.de

SYNAGOGE BAUMWEG

Baumweg 5 – 7 | 60316 Frankfurt am Main www.jg-ffm.de/de/religioeses-leben/synagogen (Orthodox services held in Hebrew)

LATTER-DAY SAINTS (LDS) MORMON

There are 13 LDS (Mormon) congregations in Frankfurt Rhine-Main, two of which hold services in English.

Frankfurt 2nd Ward (English)

Sacrament meeting: Sunday at 9.30 a.m.

FRANKFURT 2ND WARD

Eckenheimer Landstraße 262 – 264 60435 Frankfurt am Main

Gemeinde Wiesbaden 2 (English)

GEMEINDE WIESBADEN 2

Arthur Zitscher Straße 7 | 63065 Offenbach

Additional info at www.mormon.org

LUTHERAN SERVICES

Trinity Lutheran Church

Sundays: Worship: 11 a.m. Children‘s Sunday School, Adult Bible Class, Youth Bible Class, Confirmation Class: 9.30 a.m. (September – May). Children are welcome in the service;

childcare is provided. The church also has an active music program. Sanctuary Choir rehearsals are Wednesdays from 7.00 p.m. – 9.30 p.m. Trinity International Concert Choir (TICC) rehearsals are Thursdays from 8 – 10 p.m. Handbell Choir Rehearsals are Wednesdays from 5.45 p.m. – 7.15 p.m.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH

Nibelungenallee 54 | 60318 Frankfurt am Main www.trinity-lutheran.de

WELS Civilian Chaplaincy in Europe

Services: 2nd and 4th Sunday of each month, 11 a.m.: Worship in Wicker (near Frankfurt) followed by Bible Study and Sunday School.

www.welseurope.net

METHODIST SERVICES

New Hope United Methodist Church Services and Fellowship: Sundays 10.15 a.m.

NEW HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Merianplatz 13 | 60316 Frankfurt am Main www.newhopegermany.umcchurches.org

KOREAN LANGUAGE CHURCHES

Frankfurt Korean Methodist Church

FRANKFURT KOREAN METHODIST CHURCH

Kaiser Sigmund Straße 50 60320 Frankfurt am Main

Grace Korean Church

c/o Pfingstkirchengemeinde

GRACE KOREAN CHURCH

Badener Str. 21

65824 Frankfurt am Main

https://frankfurtgracechurch.com

Hanmaum Korean Church

HANMAUM KOREAN CHURCH

Badener Str. 21 65824 Schwalbach

Korean Catholic Church in Frankfurt FFM

Bertramstraße 43

60320 Frankfurt am Main http://www.kkgffm.de

Koreanische Evangelische Gemeinde

Sondershausenstraße 51a

60326 Frankfurt am Main

OTHER CHURCHES & RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS

C3 Church Hanau

As one of over 500 C3 churches worldwide, this German-speaking contemporary church hosts English-speaking pastors from time to time, and many of the songs are sung in the original English. Services: Sunday at 11 a.m. with a children’s program, as well as ministry groups and small groups throughout the week.

C3 CHURCH HANAU

Josef Bautz Straße 12a | 63457 Hanau www.c3hanau.de

Christliches Zentrum Frankfurt (CZF)

German-English Church. Sunday Service: 10.30 a.m.

CHRISTLICHES ZENTRUM FRANKFURT

Salzschlirfer Straße 15 | 60386 Frankfurt am Main www.czf.de

Christ-For-All Evangelistic Ministries

Puetzer-Straße 96A

60488 Frankfurt am Main www.christ-for-all.com/frankfurt.htm

Comunidad Católica de Lengua Española

Thüringer Straße 35

60316 Frankfurt am Main www.misionfrankfurt.de

Deutsch-VietnamesischBuddhistische Gemeinde e.V.

Hanauer Landstraße 443

60314 Frankfurt am Main www.phathue.de

Gurdwara Sikh Center e.V.

Silostraße 64

65929 Frankfurt am Main www.gurdwara.de

Eglise Réformée Française

Sunday Services in French: every 1st Sunday of the month at 10.30 a.m. and 3rd Sunday at 4 p.m. Children‘s services simultaneously.

EGLISE RÉFORMÉE FRANÇAISE

Eschersheimer Landstraße 393

60318 Frankfurt am Main | www.efrg.de

Hafen Kirche

Sunday Services at 11.00 a.m. and Sunday Services for children 10.00 a.m.

Walter-Kolb-Straße 9 – 11

60594 Frankfurt am Main www.hafenkirche.de

True Community

An Open Invitation

Congrats! You’ve settled in Frankfurt. All the planning, preparing, packing, and goodbyes are behind you; now, new work begins: building your life and finding community here. Regardless of where you come from, we all run this race called life with others.

Take a moment to reflect on how everyday life is naturally lived out in community: you might work for an international corporation or be in charge of a regional team; you’re a part of a family even if you’re single; that affiliation to your favorite sports club helps you stay connected to like-minded fanatics. Even social media is geared toward helping you feel connected to the global community from your little corner of the world.

All the examples above address the external aspects of your life, so what about the internal? What satisfies your deepest desires to belong, that which goes way beyond your performance and all your doing? 2,000 years ago Jesus gave a simple invitation to a few fishermen: “Come, follow me.” Accepting this invitation would forever change their lives, bringing them into a fellowship greater than what their careers and their socioeconomic standing could offer them. Today Jesus is still calling out to those looking for true community. The question is, will you take Him up on His offer?

Hope City Church

HOPE CITY CHURCH

Kaiserstraße 70 | 60329 Frankfurt am Main

www.c3frankfurt.church

Iglesia Cristiana Latinoamericana (ICL) de Frankfurt am Main

Sunday Services in Spanish: 5 p.m.; Weekly prayer Thursdays

5.30 p.m.; Bible study Thursdays 7 p.m.

IGLESIA CRISTIANA LATINOAMERICANA

Oeder Weg 6 | 60318 Frankfurt am Main

www.iglesia-latina.de

Iglesia de la Comunidad Hispano Hablante de Alemania (I.C.H.H.A.)

Sunday Services in Spanish with children’s service: 4 p.m.

IGLESIA DE LA COMUNIDAD HISPANO HABLANTE DE ALEMANIA

Daimlerstraße 5 |64546 Mörfelden-Walldorf www.ichha.org

Kingdom Life Frankfurt

Salzschlirfer Straße 15

60386 Frankfurt am Main

www.kingdomlifefrankfurt.com

Philadelphia Gemeinde International e.V. Services: Sunday 10 a.m. (German and English)

PHILADELPHIA GEMEINDE

INTERNATIONAL E.V.

Am Industriehof 7 – 9 | 60487 Frankfurt am Main www.pgi-frankfurt.de

Svenska kyrkan i Frankfurt am Main/ Swedish Church in Frankfurt Services are held once or twice a month.

SVENSKA KYRKAN I FRANKFURT AM MAIN

An der Wolfsweide 54 | 60435 Frankfurt am Main www.svenskakyrkan.se/frankfurt

Unitarian Universalist

Services are held the 1st Sunday of the month from 2 p.m.

3 p.m.

CHURCH OF CHRIST THE KING

Sebastian-Rinz-Straße 22 | 60323 Frankfurt am Main | www.wiesbadenuu.weebly.com

Frankfurt Airport Chapel / Flughafenkapelle

Frankfurt am Main

At Frankfurt Airport, passengers have the opportunity to practice their faith while on their travels. A total of ten chapels and prayer rooms provide a place to pause and pray in both terminals.

Terminal 1

Concourse B, Gallery (Christian and Muslim)

Terminal 1

Concourse C, next to the counter 731 (Jewish)

Terminal 1 B

Level 2, near Gate B22 (Christian, Muslim and Jewish)

Terminal 1 Z

Level 3, Room of Silence (Undenominational)

Terminal 2 D

Level 3, near Gate D1 (Christian, Muslim and Jewish)

Terminal 2 E arrival area, Level 2 (Muslim)

CHURCH TAXES

When you sign up as a German taxpayer, you’ll see a line on the form asking for your religious affiliation. In Germany, the large established churches here receive support from the government, which collects taxes on the churches’ behalf from all registered church members.

So when you fill in a religion on this tax form, you’re granting the state permis-

sion to register you as a church member and subsequently charge you a church tax (Kirchensteuer).

This tax is levied as a nine percent surcharge on your tax bill, meaning that you pay nine percent of your income tax, not your income. The tax is automatically deducted from your salary and then given to the church of your choice.

If you don’t want to participate in this church-funding scheme, simply check off “none” (keine) when you register with the Tax Office. However, not being a tax-paying church member will deny you certain privileges. Most churches will deny you baptisms, church weddings or funerals if you’re not a tax-paying member of that religion.

BUSINESS CONTACTS

v olunteering , international clubs and business contacts in F rank F urt r hine - m ain

One great way to make new friends and find your feet in life outside work: Become a member or involved in one of the countless business associations, volunteer in a non-profit organization or join a club.

BUSINESS CONTACTS

A list of useful main business associations and clubs in the region

American Chamber of Commerce in Germany e.V.

Börsenplatz 13 – 15

60313 Frankfurt am Main

www.amcham.de

American-German Business Club Frankfurt e.V.

Platz der Einheit 2

60327 Frankfurt am Main

www.frankfurt.agbc.org

British Chamber of Commerce in Germany

www.bccg.de/rhine-main

Business and Professional Women –Frankfurt

Comeniustrasse 38 60389 Frankfurt am Main www.bpw-frankfurt.de

Club des Affaires de la Hesse e.V.

Cäsar-von-Hofacker-Str. 13 60438 Frankfurt am Main www.clubaffaires-hesse.de

Deutsch-Koreanischer Wirtschaftskreis c/o KPMG AG

The Squaire – Am Flughafen 60549 Frankfurt am Main www.korea-dkw.de

Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce and Industry (IHK)

Börsenplatz 4 60313 Frankfurt am Main www.frankfurt-main.ihk.de

Frankfurt Economic Development GmbH

Hanauer Landstraße 126 – 128 60314 Frankfurt am Main www.frankfurt-business.net

FrankfurtRheinMain GmbH –International Marketing of the Region

Unterschweinstiege 8 60549 Frankfurt am Main www.frm-united.com

German-Asian Business Circle

Robert-Bosch-Straße 32 63303 Dreieich www.daw-ev.de

German Australian Business Council e.V.

Postfach 12 01 43 60114 Frankfurt am Main www.gabc.eu

Hessen Trade & Invest GmbH

Konradinerallee 9

65189 Wiesbaden

www.htai.de

Konfuzius Institut Frankfurt

Dantestraße 9

60325 Frankfurt am Main

www.konfuzius-institut-frankfurt.de

Korea Trade Center (KOTRA)

Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage 49

60308 Frankfurt am Main

www.kotra-frankfurt.de

Marketing Club Frankfurt e.V.

Mainzer Landstraße 251

60326 Frankfurt am Main

www.marketingclub-frankfurt.de

Regionalverband FrankfurtRheinMain

Postfach 11 19 41

60054 Frankfurt am Main

www.region-frankfurt.de

Schweizerisch-Deutscher Wirtschaftsclub

Oberhöchstadter Straße 70

61440 Oberursel

www.sdwc-ffm.de

Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Germany

Eschersheimer Landstraße 44

60322 Frankfurt am Main

www.coeca.de

Vereinigung der Japanischen

Unternehmen in Frankfurt e.V.

Roßmarkt 13

60311 Frankfurt am Main

www.hojinkai.de

Wirtschaftsinitiative FrankfurtRheinMain

Holzhausenstraße 25

60322 Frankfurt am Main

www.die-wirtschaftsinitiative.de

Wirtschaftsjunioren Frankfurt, c/o IHK

Börsenplatz 4

60313 Frankfurt am Main

www.wj-frankfurt.de

CLUBS, NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS, AND ORGANIZED FUN

Much leisuretime life in Germany is spent in clubs or in non-profit organizations, dedicated simply to fun or to a good cause; they are known as Verein, or club. Many Germans flock into these officially registered clubs for any number of activities – or just to search for activities.

Most of the clubs are legal entities, and as such, have their own club statutes. Members generally have to pay minimal dues for their membership. In addition, many clubs allow non-members to participate in a specific event, sometimes even on a regular basis, with the payment of a modest fee for each event. There are many sports clubs, as described in the chapter “General Information II”, but sports are by no means the only organized activity, and among the hundreds of officially registered non-profit organizations in the Rhine-Main region you‘ll find clubs engaged in such pursuits as amateur theater (including the local group, FEST, or Frankfurt English-Speaking Theatre), cardplaying, business relations, conversing in English or some other foreign language, promotion of ethnic cultures, discussion of political or cultural affairs, shooting of guns, stamp collecting and trading, breeding dogs, etc., etc. In other words, if you so wish you’re sure to find some club to suit your needs.

CLUBS & VOLUNTEER GROUPS

The list below focuses on clubs or associations with a strong foreign element.

American International Women’s Club of the Taunus e.V.

Zimmersmühlenweg 62

61440 Oberursel

www.aiwcfrankfurt.org

American Football Verband Deutschland

Cronstettenstrasse 25

60322 Frankfurt

www.afvd.de

Amnesty International

Leipziger Straße 17

60487 Frankfurt am Main

www.amnesty-frankfurt.de

Asociación Peruana en Frankfurt

www.apecia.de

Australien Stammtisch

GINNHEIMER WIRTSHAUS

Am Ginnheimer Wäldchen 8

60431 Frankfurt am Main

www.australien-stammtisch.de

Baseball and Softballverein Bad Homburg Hornets e.V.

Usinger Weg 96

61350 Bad Homburg

www.hornets-baseball.de

Boy Scouts of America –Transatlantic Council

www.tac-bsa.org

British Club of the Taunus e.V.

Postfach 12 20

61402 Oberursel

www.british-club.de

Centro Argentino

Frankfurt e. V.

Postfach 16 02 07

60065 Frankfurt am Main

www.centro-argentino-frankfurt.de

Circulo Cultural Español e.V.

CIRCULO CULTURAL ESPAÑOL E.V.

Heddernheimer Landstraße 155

60439 Frankfurt am Main

Club des Alsaciens – Freunde des Elsass e.V.

Alt-Sossenheim 10

65936 Frankfurt

www.alsacemonde.de

Country-Freunde Rhein-Main e.V.

Berger Str. 277

60385 Frankfurt am Main

www.cfrm.de

Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft e.V.

Theodor-Stern-Kai 1

60596 Frankfurt am Main

www.debrige.de

Deutsch-Finnische Gesellschaft e.V. www.dfg-hessen.de

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CLOSE-UP MAGIC Show

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Deutsch-Französische Gesellschaft

Adickesallee 13

60322 Frankfurt am Main

www.dfg-frankfurt.de

Deutsch-französische Vereinigung (VDFG-FAFA)

www.vdfg.de

Deutsch-Hongkong Gesellschaft e.V.

Kreuzerhohl 5 – 7

60439 Frankfurt am Main

www.hongkong-gesellschaft.de

Deutsch-Ibero-Amerikanische Gesellschaft e.V.

Rodheimer Straße 4

61184 Karben

www.diag-frankfurt.de

Deutsch-Indische Gesellschaft DarmstadtFrankfurt/Main e.V.

Kasinostraße 3

64293 Darmstadt

www.dig-darmstadt.de

Deutsch-Indische Zusammenarbeit e.V.

Ordellstraße 43

60486 Frankfurt am Main

www.diz-ev.de

Deutsch-Italienische Vereinigung e.V.

Arndstraße 12

60325 Frankfurt am Main

www.div-web.de

Deutsch-Japanische Gesellschaft

Frankfurt am Main e.V.

Amelia-Mary-Earhart-Straße 8

60549 Frankfurt am Main

www.djg-frankfurt.de

Deutsch-Koreanisches Kulturinstitut e.V. (DKKI) c/o Dr. Sung-Soo Kim

DEUTSCH-KOREANISCHES KULTURINSTITUT E.V.

Rödelheimer Landstraße 16

60487 Frankfurt am Main

Deutsch-Ungarische Gesellschaft 1970 e.V.

Johanneswiesenweg 4

61267 Neu-Anspach

www.dug-frankfurt.de

English Language Teachers’ Association

Frankfurt/Rhine-Main-Neckar e.V.

Silcherstraße 21

61440 Oberursel www.eltaf.de

F.E.S.T.–Frankfurt English-Speaking Theatre www.festfrankfurt.org

Federation of German-American Clubs www.vdac.de

Francfort Accueil e.V. www.francfortaccueil.de

Frankfurt 1880 Rugby

c/o Sport-Club Frankfurt 1880 e.V.

Feldgerichtstraße 29

60320 Frankfurt am Main www.sc1880.de

Frankfurt Pirates American Sports Club

Gronauer Weg 10A

61184 Karben www.frankfurt-pirates.de

Frankfurt Scottish Country Dance Club

Wittelsbacherallee 6 – 12

60316 Frankfurt am Main www.frankfurt-scd-club.org

Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports & Social Club (FSC)

Waxy’s Irish Pub

Taubenstraße 11 | 60313 Frankfurt am Main www.fscev.org

Freundeskreis Frankfurt/Krakau e.V.

Hammarskjöldring 57

60439 Frankfurt

www.frankfurt-krakau.de

Freundeskreis Liebenswertes

Frankfurt e.V.

Bernhard-Mannfeld-Weg 24

60599 Frankfurt am Main www.frankfurt-liebenswert.de

Fulbright Alumni e.V.

Sandweg 81 60316 Frankfurt am Main www.fulbright-alumni.de

George Marshall Gesellschaft e.V.

c/o Main-Taunus-Kreis / Dr. Johannes Latsch Am Kreishaus 1 – 5 65719 Hofheim www.george-marshall-gesellschaft.org

German-American Community Choir e.V.

(c/o Uschi Kästle) Laurentiusstraße 11 A 60388 Frankfurt am Main www.gacc-frankfurt.de

German-American & International Women‘s Club Wiesbaden e.V. www.gaiwc-wiesbaden.com

German-Chinese Friendship Association

www.chinaseiten.de

German-Indian Round Table e. V.

www.girt.de

Harvard Club Rhein-Main e.V.

rhein-main.harvard-club.de

Japanisches Kultur – und Sprachzentrum

Roßmarkt 13

60311 Frankfurt am Main

www.japanisch-kulturzentrum.de

Korean German Network

c/o Euko GmbH

Trakehner Straße 7 – 9

60487 Frankfurt am Main

www.kgn2011.wordpress.com

Kroatische Kulturgemeinschaft e.V.

c/o Ivica Košak

Ernst Töpfer-Str. 4

65510 Idstein

www.rijec.hkz-wi.de

Mexikanisch Deutscher

Kreis Frankfurt e.V.

Postfach 110713

60042 Frankfurt am Main

www.club-mexico.de

Oxfam Shop Frankfurt

Merianplatz 5

60316 Frankfurt am Main

www.oxfam.de

Pickwicks English Speaking Club

Instituto Cervantes Frankfurt

Staufenstraße 1

60323 Frankfurt am Main

www.frankfurt.cervantes.es

ICF International Choir Frankfurt e.V.

Freiherr-vom-Stein Str. 8

60323 Frankfurt am Main

www.internationalchoir.de

International Kids‘ English Club e.V.

Wedekindweg 43

64293 Darmstadt

www.ikec.de

International Women‘s Club of Frankfurt

Postfach 102 226

60022 Frankfurt am Main

www.iwc-frankfurt.de

www.pickwicks.de

Rotary Club International (English-speaking)

frankfurt-am-main-international.rotary.de

Schweizer Gesellschaft Frankfurt

c/o Dr. Jürgen F. Kaufmann

Gartenstraße 134

60596 Frankfurt am Main

www.sgffm.de

Slowo e. V. Verein zur Pflege der russischen Kultur

Stresemannallee 30

60596 Frankfurt am Main

www.slowo-ev.org

Great hospitality offers for takeaway services or in restaurants

Major discounts with local retailers, online platforms, and shops

Roughly 100 great opportunities each month

No CITY CARD yet? Try it now for 3 months free of charge and without obligation:

Steuben-Schurz Gesellschaft e.V.

Siesmayerstr. 12

60323 Frankfurt

www.steuben-schurz.org

Taiwanesisch-Deutscher Frauenverein

Renoirallee 83

60438 Frankfurt am Main

Toastmasters Business Club Frankfurt

Hufnagelstraße 35

60326 Frankfurt am Main

www.toastmasters-bc-frankfurt.de

Union International Club e.V.

Am Leonhardsbrunn 12

60487 Frankfurt am Main

www.union-club.com

Deutsch-Koreanischer Wirtschaftskreis e.V.

THE SQUAIRE, Am Flughafen

60549 Frankfurt am Main korea-dkw.de

Yale Club e.V.

www.yaleclub.de

HELP & ADVICE – FOR MANY ASPECTS OF LIFE AS A NEWCOMER

AGAH – Arbeitsgemeinschaft der Ausländerbeiräte Hessen

Kaiser Friedrich Ring 31

65185 Wiesbaden

www.agah-hessen.de

Amt für Multikulturelle Angelegenheiten

www.amka.de

Frankfurter Anwaltsverein e.V.

Gerichtsstraße 2

60313 Frankfurt am Main

www.frankfurter-anwaltsverein.de

Frankfurter Rechtshilfekomitee für Ausländer e.V. c/o Evangelische Studentengemeinde

Siolistraße 7

60323 Frankfurt am Main

www.rechtshilfekomitee.de

IAF-Verband Binationaler Familien und Partnerschaften e.V.

Ludolfusstraße 2 – 4

60487 Frankfurt am Main

www.verband-binationaler.de

Frankfurt Psychotherapy Institute e.V.

Myliusstraße 20

60323 Frankfurt am Main

www.fpi.de

International Family Center

Hahnstraße 70

60528 Frankfurt am Main

www.ifz-ev.de

Mieterschutzverein Frankfurt (tenant’s protection association)

Eckenheimer Landstraße 339

60320 Frankfurt am Main

www.mieterschutzverein-frankfurt.de

Verbraucherzentrale Hessen e.V. (consumer protection association)

Große Friedberger Straße 13 – 17

60313 Frankfurt am Main

www.verbraucherzentrale-hessen.de

CITY TOURS FRANKFURT

Shopping-Tour (2,5 km / 30 Min., bit.ly/2Nw3VDl)

! Opernplatz @ Goethestraße

# Hauptwache

$ Schäfergasse

% Stephanstraße

^ Große Friedberger Straße & Zeil

* Hasengasse ( Kleinmarkthalle

BL Liebfrauenberg

Sachsenhausen Tour (5 km / 65 Min., bit.ly/2ptfVh6)

! Willy-Brandt-Platz @ Untermainbrücke # Schweizer Platz

$ Oppenheimer Landstraße

% Gartenstraße

^ Oppenheimer Platz & Schifferstraße /Brückenstraße

* Wallstraße ( Paradiesgasse

BL Kleine Rittergasse

BM Klappergasse

BN Dreieichstraße

BO Große Rittergasse

BP Elisabethenstraße

BQ Eiserner Steg

Kultur-Tour (3,5 km / 45 Min., bit.ly/2qeemDB)

! Paulskirche @ Römerberg # Schirn

$ Hinter dem Lämmchen

% Hühnermarkt

^ Dom & MMK

* Fahrgasse ( Alte Brücke/Portikus

BL Sachsenhäuser Ufer

BM Holbeinsteg

BN Willy-Brandt-Platz

SchweizerStraße

Walter-Kolb-Straße

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NEWCOMERS FESTIVAL

Once you’ve found your feet, you’ll no doubt really enjoy the Newcomers Festival which has been held annually since 2001 in September in the Römer, the Frankfurt Town Hall –testimony to the City of Frankfurt’s cosmopolitan outlook. The Newcomers Festival is a family-oriented fair of services and organizations for the expatriate community – you’ll be able to tour the booths of relocation companies, international schools, health insurances, etc. In the past few years the festival attracted no less than 5,000 visitors from 30 different countries – who were welcomed by a full range of fine exhibitors. In addition to the exhibition proper, visitors can indulge in the pleasures of the accompanying entertainment program, ranging from international musical dance groups to food & drink very much in the local style. The Newcomers Festival is also destined to help newcomers who are professionals to overcome the transitional phase and cultural differences, to integrate and get the most out of local life.

NEWCOMERS FESTIVAL 2023

Join us for the Newcomers Festival 2023 at Römerhallen, Frankfurt. Enjoy the hospitality of Frankfurt am Main and the region at this traditional Festival. Meet fellow Expats from all over the world. Learn more about the City and the Region, gather information about life, education and culture at over 60 information desks. We are preparing music, food and above all an excellent opportunity to connect with the City. Find out about schools and partners who can help you settling in. How about bringing your family and friends! Welcome to Frankfurt, we want you to become a part of the City and the Region we love. Registration for your free tickets will open a couple of months before the Festival in September 2023: www.newcomers-network.de

NEWCOMERS NETWORK

W elcome to the n e W comers n et W ork

We seek to make life in the Frankfurt-Rhein-Main region as easy as possible for Newcomers from all over the world. To this end, for 22 years now the Newcomers Network has been busy providing invaluable advice and tips, important contacts and information, recommendation on all the great things you and your family can do to enjoy life in the region – not to mention linking you up with the network of more than 120,000 other “expatriates” from over 180 different countries who now love living in FrankfurtRhineMain.

NEWCOMERS NETWORK WEBSITE

www.newcomers-network.de

Your initial entry point into the Newcomers Network will no doubt be online – meaning you can get in touch with us even before you become one of the countless new arrivals here. Simply click the Newcomers Network Website in advance as it provides practical information on a wide range of topics that you will need to know how best to handle to ensure you get off to a smooth start in your new home. Perhaps more importantly, here you can likewise find out about things relating to many aspects of life in your new home, such as health insurance, banking and finance, international schools, public transport, non-profit organizations, clubs, museums, theatres, tourism, sports and much more besides. Added to which, you can sign up here for the Newcomers Network’s “International Stammtisch”, a casual get-together which takes place every first Monday of the month. Of course you can also sign up here for our Newcomers Newsletter – it appears at irregular intervals and features any manner of relevant information and invitations.

NEWCOMERS GUIDE

The Newcomers Network also produces an immensely useful A4-format book: The Newcomers Guide. Divided into fourteen insightful and objective chapters explaining the ins and outs of life in FrankfurtRhineMain and with extra chapters providing general information on a variety of subjects the Guide is designed to enable English-speaking newcomers to get off to a good start in the region. Published annually since 2002, it has long since evolved into an essential reference guide that takes readers step-by-step through the process of embracing life in the region.

WELCOME TO THE NEWCOMERS NETWORK.

CONTACT

Newcomers Network GmbH

Ludwigstr. 33-37, 60327 Frankfurt/Main

T: +49 (0)69 247 41 2312, newcomers@relationing.de

www.newcomers-network.de

www.facebook.com/newcomersfra

Instagram: @newcomersfra

twitter: @newcomersfra

LinkedIn: @newcomersfra

The Pitch Club

The Pitch Club was founded in 2014 in Frankfurt by Stefan Maas and Daniel Kuczaj. The Pitch Club has become the most successful startup pitch event in the Rhine-Main region. In addition to the events, the Pitch Club offers many different services for startups, investors and corporates. In 2017, the successful and proven format of the Pitch Club edition was adapted to the recruiting sector with a spin-off into Pitch Club AG in May 2018 – the Pitch Club Developer Edition. Pitch Club AG is headquarterd in Frankfurt, has an office in Reutlingen and is led by its major shareholders, CEO Stefan Maas (Frankfurt) and CTO Benjamin Geng (Reutlingen). The Pitch Club Developer Edition matches innovative companies with preselected software developers.

Pitch Club Event –Startups vs. Investors

For more than eight years, Pitch Club offers innovative, preselected startups the opportunity to pitch their business model in front of experienced investors. Almost 50 % of the 252 startups have received funding – directly or indirectly – by participating at the Pitch Club edition. In total more than 44 million Euros of fundings have been raised so far. The event is supported by long-term partners Dentons, Deutsche Bank, Brainartist, Hessen Trade and Invest, among others. Further information under https:// thepitchclub.com/en/investors/

Pitch Club Company Builder

Do you have a good idea or want to build a digital product, such as a platform? You need the necessary expertise or resources? The

Pitch Club offers support in various fields in exchange for equity. Further informations about all the services for startups, investors and corporates visit https://thepitchclub.com/ en/company-building-von-der-idee-zum-erfolgreichen-unternehmen/

Pitch Club Investment Vehicle

After successfully launching two startups as co-founders with its Company Builder in 2021, Pitch Club is launching an investment vehicle at the moment. Together with experienced entrepreneurs from Frankfurt and the RhineMain region, the Pitch Club will not only offer a platform for successful startups, but also enter into joint investments in the future.

FUN

For founders from the Rhine-Main region, the “Frankfurter Unternehmernetzwerk” (abbreviation FUN) supports founders, not only with monetary resources, but with a hands-on investment approach. The FUN consists of successful entrepreneurs from a wide variety of industries. FUN was initiated by Stefan Maas and Dr. Sebastian Schäfer.

Pitch Club Developer Edition

At the Pitch Club Developer Edition established MNCs, but also SMEs and startups pitch their IT-projects and jobs in a relaxed and unconventional atmosphere in front of preselected software developers. Until August 2022, 959 companies during 94 Pitch Club Developer Editions have presented their jobs in front of 7265 developers. Further information under: www.pcde.io/en

Pitch Club DevLane

In addition, Pitch Club AG has launched its reverse recruiting platform “DevLane“ in 2021. With DevLane the company is now transferring the proven concept to an online-based platform. DevLane offers exclusive access to top-notch developers and gives companies the opportunity to present the company from the respective IT departments, in two- to three-minute pitch videos. The pitch videos themselves are created by developers from the respective departments. A detailed pitch deck provides further insight into the specialist area and offers exclusive information about the company and the IT jobs. In the shortest possible time, job interviews with the companies’ IT managers can be conducted in a targeted and efficient manner. Further information under: www.devlane.de

CONTACT

Pitch Club - Event, Company Builder, Investment Vehicle

Go Big GmbH

c/o TechQuartier

Platz der Einheit 2

60327 Frankfurt am Main

T: +49 (0)69 153259350

E: frankfurt@thepitchclub.com

I: www.thepitchclub.com

INTERNATIONAL

STAMMTISCH

On the first Monday of every month Newcomers Network hosts the “International Stammtisch”, a casual afterwork get-together for the international community in Frankfurt Rhine-Main free of charge! The “International Stammtisch” is invariably an informative, interesting and above all international evening – and is held in English. Hinging each time on a specific topic covering all the best the city has to offer, be it museums, culture, music, international clubs... Invites go out automatically with the Newcomers Network Newsletter. The International Stammtisch is a tradition for decades now. The idea is to include exciting new subjects as the respective monthly topic. The format chosen: an impulse presentation by an expert with the issues then put up for open discussion. Hotly debated subjects of late were, for example, digitization, education, and culture. Rather than staying in one fixed location, the event moves, familiarizing the participants with places they would probably not visit, such as Frankfurt School of Finance, a Basket Ball Match at Ballsporthalle, and other locations… and sometimes we just have pizza or go for a beer together.

Attendees are by no means just newcomers, as the topics tend to attract a broader audience, too. For instance, when the impulse presentation was on Hessen’s creative industry, many local web designers and creatives from the region also participated. And of course people bring along family, friends and guests. International Stammtisch is an initiative of the City of Frankfurt, the Frankfurt Chamber of Commerce, Deutsch-Britische Gesellschaft Rhein-Main e.V., the Regional Verband FrankfurtRhein-Main, Frankfurt School of Finance and Management, Amt für Multikulturelle Angelegenheiten, Wirtschaftsförderung Frankfurt and Newcomers- Network.de

INTERNATIONAL STAMMTISCH Meet & Mingle in Mainhatten!

On the first Monday of every month. www.newcomers-network-frankfurt.de/en/network/ Stammtisch.php

IMPRINT

Publisher: Newcomers Network GmbH, Ludwigstraße 33–37, 60327 Frankfurt am Main, Phone: +49 (0)69 97460-0, E-Mail: info@newcomers-network.de

Managing directors: Aroon Nagersheth, Dr Stefan

Söhngen, Stefan Wolff

Advertising Management: Melanie Hennemann , Tel. 069 97460-360; Antje Kümmerle (stv.), Tel. 069 97460-634, E-Mail: journal-anzeigen@mmg.de

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Tel. 069 97460-332, Viola Hacker (stv.), Tel. -326; E-Mail: marketing@mmg.de, Patrick Stürtz, Tel. 069 97460-340, E-Mail: vertrieb@mmg.de

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Editor in Chief: Aroon Nagersheth (V.i.S.d.P.)

Text contributions: Sebastian (CeleBreak) and Sandrine (Sup)., Dirk Fellinghauer

Translation: Gainestranslations, Hasengasse 10, 60311 Frankfurt am Main, office@gainestranslations.de

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PHOTOGRAPHS

© Photo copyrights stock.adobe.com: Cover: Mathias Weil / page 4: saiko3p, Prostock-studio, Zstock / page 5: StratfordProductions / page 6: Henryk Sadura / page 8: Mustafa / page 10: Happy Warthog / page 12: spuno / page 14: Mathias / page 16: Photodesign-Deluxe / page 18: Nikolay N. Antonov / page 20: travelview / page 24: kuegi / page 27: Maya-S-Fotografie / page 34: Frank Wagner / page 38: gpointstudio / page 40: refresh(PIX) / page 43: Igor, page 44: pololia / page 48: Mediteraneo / page 52: rh2010 / page 54: tippapatt / page 58: Mizkit / page 60: NDABCREATIVITY / page 70: WavebreakmediaMicro / page 74: master1305 / page 80: vegefox.com / page 83: GalakticDreamer / page 90: S Amelie Walter / page 94: Anita Gläßner / page 100: engel. ac / page 104: william87 / page 108: peopleimages.com / page 112: Coloures-Pic / page 114: nmann77 / page 115: opolja / page 118: Valentin Kundeus / page 120: Marko, Halfpoint / page 121: rangizzz / page 123: Stefano Garau / page 128: helmutvogler / page 130: Studio Romantic / page 133: rainbow33, ninami, page 134: Studio Romantic / page 135: fineart-collection / page 154: Sina Ettmer / page 158: StratfordProductions / page 160: snaptitude / page 164: lassedesignen / page 170: saiko3p / page 178: pressmaster / page 182: vegefox.com / page 184: Farknot Architect / page 186: maroke / page 198: christian cyfus-EyeEm page 3: Hessische Staatskanzlei, Sinah Osner / page 5: Schirn Kunsthalle Frankfurt, Norbert Miguletz / page 27: Frank Widmann / page 30: Tanja Nitzke / page 42: iStockphoto-Wilfried Besler / page 64: Frankfurt School of Finance & Management / page 76: Sandra Hauer / page 102: iStockphoto-Floortje / page 110: Marcel Schindler, @marcelsc_lipsryme on Instagram / page 132: visitfrankfurt-Holger-Ullmann / page 119 – 122: Care for Ukraine / page 152: iStockphoto-Sharon Dominick Photography 2015 / page 160: shutterstock-OSTILL is Franck Camhi / page 192: bigstockphoto-viewapart / page 194: bigstockphoto-Rawpixel.com

All other photos were provided by the respective companies, organizations, institutions or persons.

The publisher assumes no liability for them.

People from almost 200 nations call FrankfurtRheinMain

home,

everyone who would like to be part of our community is welcome. With its strong economy, great quality of life and cultural diversity,

is one of the best places to live in Germany. If you would like to discover the region, we are more than happy to help!