Meldepflicht (Requirement to register)

In German law, there are many "Meldepflichten". This means that residents are required by the state to register at various governmental agencies.

Residency

You will need to register at the local "Einwohnermeldeamt" when you move to a city or when you change your residence.

Civil status (Personenstand or Zivilstand)

You will need to register for births, marriages and death. If you die, this notification will need to be taken on by someone other than yourself. This is taken care of at the local "Standesamt". You will find that you will receive a "Familienbuch" (family buch), which you keep as a copy of the events in your family's life. For example, my shows who my wife is and when my kids were born.

Sickness

If you have an infectious disease or serious food poisoning, that needs to be registered. You will probably be talking with a doctor if you fall in this category, but you should know that the sicknesses must be registered at the "Gesundheitsamt" (health services).

Business

If you want to operate a business in Germany, it needs to be registered. I will have to do a series of articles on this topic, because it is quite large. But, if you are considering starting a business in Germany, you will want to have a lawyer (Rechtsanwalt) and a good accountant (Steuerberater) help you out. If you are employed then your employer will register with the proper authorities that you are employed.

Work related injury

Your employer is responsible for having work insurance. If you are self-employed, get insurance.

Vehicle

Most of your needs will be served at the Straßenverkehrsmat. That is where you will get your driver's license and where vehicles are registered. You will also need to have you car inspected regularly to ensure that it is in good enough condition to be driving on the streets. You will see stickers on your license plate that show when your TÜV Inspection has expired. You will then need to go to a local TÜV Inspection station and have your car certified. Some car dealerships and mechanics will offer to do this for you, too.

Accidents

When you have a vehicle accident, this need to be registered with the police.