The number of refugees coming to Germany is rising. DW has put together information on how to apply for asylum, find accommodation, work, and health care, learn the language, and understand the way Germans tick.
Those who can prove that they are persecuted in their home country for political, religious or ethnic reasons, or those whose lives are threatened by war, have good chances of getting at least a temporary permit to stay in Germany.
Depending on their status and residence permit, refugees may look for work and apply for their families to come to join them in Germany.
One of the keys to settling in is learning the language and finding friends - and understanding the way German society works.
Have a look at the photo gallery below for a short overview.
10 things to know when you come to Germany
When you first come to Germany as a refugee, there are a number of things that you need to remember. Not everything is as clear as it may seem: There are laws and social norms that need to be adhered to.
Image: picture alliance
Respect differences
German society is built on respectfulness and tolerance. Everyone is allowed to pursue their own religious, sexual and other preferences, provided they don't infringe anyone else's rights in the process. Homosexuals are respected just as people of different faiths - or indeed of no religious faith at all.
Image: Fotolia/Sebastian Krüger
Respect women's rights
In Germany, women have the same rights as men. Often they are just as successful as men in their careers. They can dress however they please - be that reserved or a little more racy. Nobody will take offense at this. Violence against women is forbidden. This applies just the same in marriage.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa
No work without a work permit
In contrast to some countries in the Middle East and Africa, working without a work permit in Germany is against the law. If someone is caught working in this situation they can be fined or even imprisoned.
Image: picture-alliance/ZB
Taxes have to be paid
The tax system in Germany is pretty complicated. But still, avoiding paying tax here is illegal. According to the law, it is considered a "theft against the community." Paying taxes is an obligation, just like voting is a right. Foreigners that work in Germany have to pay taxes.
Image: Fotolia/Joachim B. Albers
No violence towards children
Hitting children in Germany is a criminal offense. Corporal punishment is not accepted as a way of raising kids, neither at home nor at school. In fact, German law states: "Children have a right to a violence-free upbringing. Physical and psychological punishment and other degrading treatment is forbidden."
Image: DW/R. Azizi
Look after the environment
Protecting the environment is important to most Germans. A lot of money has been invested in cleaning up rivers and improving air quality. Recycling's important, too: garbage is carefully separated before being thrown out. Paper, plastics, food refuse and other unrecyclable garbage should all go in different, color-coded bins. Keep chucking plastic in the bin for paper, and someone may complain.
Image: Fotolia/DragonImages
Kids have to go to school
School-age children can't just stay at home, or go to work. When a child reaches six years of age, he or she needs to be registered at a school and start heading to classes. Schooling generally takes at least 10 years from then on in Germany. An exemption from going to school on religious grounds is not allowed.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/B. Pedersen
Not too loud!
Even if you are catching up with friends that you haven't seen for a long time, being too loud in your apartment annoys your neighbors. This is especially an issue at night time in Germany. Generally, you have to keep pretty quiet from 10pm in the evening to 6am the next morning.
Image: picture-alliance/dpa/P. Pleul
Supermarket prices are set
Negotiating a lower price is something that some people enjoy and is part of daily life in many countries. But this isn't the way things are done in Germany, neither in supermarkets, nor in most shops. You can always look online for bargains!
Image: Fotolia/G. Sanders
Keep your distance
In many cultures, hugging, kissing or giving gifts to local kids in the neighborhood is normal. In Germany, it all depends on what the parents of the kids have allowed. Children shouldn't be approached in this manner, no matter how friendly they are to strangers.
