What is Wichteln

Was ist Wichteln / What is Wichteln

“What are you going? Wichteln? What is Wichteln?” – This question often comes up in November, when foreign mothers receive the letter from school. It can also come from the kindergarden (rather unlikely), sports club or even from work.

What is it meant? Wichtel is a gnome who secretly does good. In the modern version, gifts for Christmas are supposed. The specialty of this way of giving gifts is secrecy or accident.

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German idioms about talking

Idioms are one of the most interesting and difficult parts of a foreign language. Some are briefly mentioned in textbooks but more often ignored as grammar and basic vocabulary are preferred.

I make German idioms lists with a specific meaning – in this post with meaning “taking”, that is expression ´associated with the communication process. One group of such expressions turned out to be too large. I moved it separately to the second part

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German. False participles

geschlossene Tür – from schließen, so Gestiefelte Kater – from stiefeln and beanzugter Mann – from anzugen, really?

There is an original form of adjectives in German. They have a connection with nouns, but pretend that they are formed from verbs and have the form of participles. There are not many of these words, but they are among the very common ones.

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Test Leben in Deutschland (Orientierungstest) in English. 1. Constitution

Test Leben in Deutschland is one of the two basic tests for foreigners in Germany. Some time ago in Germany it was decided that people wishing to live in the country should have a certain minimum knowledge of the history and social structure of the country. The basis was the research that some of the people who want to obtain citizenship (and have received it) are not familiar with the Constitution (Grundgesetz) and / or do not accept it in the part that contradicts their Religion. This minimum knowledge was expressed in special courses (Orientierungskurs), which were added to the integration courses.

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Renovation cost in Germany. Who pays

Who pays renovation cost in Germany? A rumor somehow reached me that tenants are no longer obliged to make repairs. What surprised me was that it would be too simple. The clause on apartment renovation at the entrance and / or exit and regular repairs during the lease term is included in all standard lease agreements.

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German school cone (Schultüte). How to make

Schultüte selbst basteln / How to make german school cone

In my opinion, self-made German school cone look better than purchased ones. But still, you need to spend reasonable time and reasonable money on creating a cone. Otherwise, just buy and not rack your brains. In the last week before the Einschulung, ready-made Schultüte are very inexpensive.

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Benefits for families in Germany

In this post about benefits for families in Germany: Kindergeld, Kinderzuschlag, Elterngeld, Landeserziehungsgeld, Familiengeld, Baukindergeld. The latter is practically irrelevant. However, according to the plans of the government, and all the rest may not be relevant.

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