The highest-ranking law in our country is the constitution, which in Germany is called the "Basic Law" (Grundgesetz). It contains all the most important and elementary principles of how we live together; all religious communities are also subject to these principles:

We live in a democracy.

• All German citizens – both male and female – decide together who is to govern our country.

Germany is a constitutional state governed by the rule of law.

• The state and all its inhabitants must obey the law.
• If anyone commits a crime, the state will make sure that the person is punished. The judiciary decides what is lawful and unlawful; this also applies within a marriage, and to all forms of behaviour towards children.
• In Germany, a marriage is only valid if the matrimonial vows have been taken in the presence of a representative of the state (registrar).
• We do not have torture, corporal punishment or the death penalty in Germany.
• All persons are equal before the law.
• Men and women have the same rights and obligations before the law and in society.
• Every man and woman is permitted to express his or her opinion openly without fear of being imprisoned or persecuted as a result. There is also no press censorship. But this does not mean that people are permitted to make discriminatory statements or behave in a discriminatory manner, for example in a sexist, racist, xenophobic (hostile to foreigners) or anti-Semitic fashion.

Tolerance and respect

• Tolerance and respect towards other persons are principles that rank very high in Germany. Article 3 of the Basic Law states that no person shall be favoured or disfavoured because of sex, parentage, race, language, homeland and origin, faith, or religious or political opinions. No person shall be disfavoured because of disability.
• Such behaviour as harassing/molesting or taking hold of a person – either male or female – without this person’s approval is not tolerated here in Germany and will always be punishable by law.
• Religion is a private affair in Germany. Everyone is allowed to decide in what he or she believes. Religious communities do not take precedence over the state. There is a clear separation between churches and religious communities and the state.
• Men and women are permitted to wear whatever clothing they like. A number of professions may, however, have special dress regulations.
• Women may decide for themselves how far they wish to cover their bodies with clothing. If at all, such decisions are only governed by the rules of society which may vary from location to location. The way in which a woman clothes her body does not provide permission for others to grasp or take hold of her.

Equal rights

• Every grown-up male and female is allowed to decide for himself or herself whom he or she is to marry. Such a decision may not be punished by anyone. It is also legally permitted for a marriage to be divorced.
• It is equally normal to lead a married or unmarried existence.
• In Germany, everyone is free to decide his or her own sexual orientation. Homosexuality is permitted; homosexual couples are permitted to marry, just like men and women.

You can read more in your own language about the rights of women in Germany under the following links:

Nur Mut! Handlungsmöglichkeiten für Frauen in Gewaltbeziehungen (auf deutsch) (PDF, 5MB, Datei ist barrierefrei)

Hilfetelefon - Gewalt gegen Frauen

„Geh deinen Weg! Deine Rechte als Frau in Deutschland“

You may find an overview of the regulations contained in the Basic Law under the following links:

Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany

Grundrechte (deutsch-arabisch / deutsch-englisch)

Persons with special protection requirements

There are advice centres for persons with special protection requirements throughout Schleswig-Holstein. All the necessary bodies to contact are listed together under the following link:

Special protection requirements

Background information that is important to know:

• The concept ‟refugee” in Germany is not considered to be an insult. We use this word to refer to all persons who flee to us from their own country in search of protection. We wish you a warm welcome here!
• Every child must go to school in Germany. Here we have the legal obligation to attend school; in Schleswig-Holstein, this obligation is for nine years.
• As a rule, people shake hands when they meet or greet each other. Embracing another person, patting him or her on the back or other forms of bodily contact are only common amongst persons who are good friends.
• It is not uncommon in Germany for persons who are fond of each other or in love to behave affectionately in public, e.g. to hold hands while walking or to exchange a kiss. You should accept this as normal behaviour, even if you decide for yourself that you will not exhibit such private behaviour in public. This applies both to a friendly, partner-like relationship between man and woman, and also to men who are fond of or in love with other men and to women who are fond of or in love with other women.
• Punctuality is an important principle in Germany. It is considered impolite to keep someone waiting. If it turns out that you will arrive late, it is advisable to telephone and let the other person know that you have been delayed. This applies both to the work environment and to one’s private circle of friends.
• Civil servants and state employees are not permitted to accept presents or gifts. It is sufficient to express your thanks verbally, even if you feel you have a particular reason to be grateful. Even small presents may be construed as an attempt to bribe officials.
• Most shops in Germany are open from 08.00 to 18.00 hours; supermarkets frequently remain open until 20.00 hours or later. Many fillings stations are also open overnight. All shops, with the exception of fillings stations, are generally closed on Sundays and public holidays.
• A poultry sausage may also contain pork. You can check whether this is the case in the list of ingredients to be found on all packaging.
• You may only travel by train or bus if you have a valid ticket. Train tickets must be purchased on the platform before commencing the journey; bus tickets may be obtained either in a booking office or directly from the bus driver.

In Germany, smoking is only permitted at places which are specially marked for this purpose. In restaurants, institutions and other public buildings smoking is forbidden. Special areas are set aside for this purpose in railway stations and at public transport stops.

Work

• As a rule, we work five days per week; most people are free on Saturdays and Sundays.
• People who work are entitled to receive a suitable wage or salary in return; they must surrender part of this (“taxes”) to the state. People are protected at their workplace in a number of ways. Work-breaks are mandatory, it is only permitted to work continuously without a break for a certain period of time, and if the work is dangerous, e.g. because you have to work on the roof, then the boss must ensure that you are safe while working.
• There is a legally guaranteed minimum level of wages in Germany. All employers are obliged to pay their male and female workers an hourly rate of at least €8.84.

read more here

Environment

• People in Germany are accustomed to behave in an environmentally friendly manner. They do not waste energy unnecessarily and they separate their rubbish to prevent pollution. You should therefore also follow the basic rules governing how to air your living accommodation, pay attention to house rules and obey the instructions on how to separate waste. More information may be found under the following link:

Living in an apartment or flat

Further interesting and important tips may be found here:

Refugee Guide