Everyday life

Frequently asked questions

• When are German offices, authorities and stores open or closed?

  Offices and authorities are closed on saturdays and sundays. Stores are open on saturdays, but sometimes shorter than on weekdays. On sundays stores are closed, with the exception of kiosks, snack bars and restaurants. Bakeries are sometimes open for a few hours on sunday morning. In general every store defines its own opening hours. Usually they are written down at the door of the store. If the store has a website, you can check the opening hours there as well. In Germany there are public holidays. On these days stores, offices and authorities are closed. Some public holidays differ among the federal states.

• Is there WIFI in Initial reception facilities?

  The social welfare authorities have established a wifi infrastructure in the initial reception facilities. Refugees can use the wifi for free to stay in touch with friends and family.

• Where can I learn something about social life?

  General information about social life in Germany can be found in this brochure, for example. The brochure is intended to provide you with orientation; it is not a question of laws or binding rules. In the integration courses you will also learn about the culture and customs in Germany or Bremen. Also within Germany the customs differ. In Bremen, for example, it is customary to greet people at any time of day with “Moin”.  

• What are "public holidays"?

  On public holidays you normally do not have to work or go to school. The public holidays are different in each federal state. An overview of the public holidays in Bremen can be found here.

• What other holidays are there?

  The intercultural calender shows the holidays of the different religions in Bremen. There are also explanations for the holidays. Only on the public holidays you normally do not have to work and the stores are closed. On the other holidays you usually have to work.