Moving to germany?

Question

Moving to germany in January, husband is a contractor for the military and we cannot find any information on housing. I don't think I can use a military site because we are not military. Can anyone help us? we are afraid to jump into going with our 3 children and not having a clue where we will live.

Answer 1

actually, as a contractor you can utilize military family housing, it's just that the rules differ from Active Duty and you will be limited in your choices. I know for Japan, for instance, civilians only get a small percentage of housing units set aside for them.

contact the housing office for the base you will be at and ask for information. they will be more than happy to tell you what you are and are not entitled to.

Answer 2

Hi. Where about in Germany are you heading for? I have lived in the Aachen area for 20+ years. (Take a look at your map, find Cologne (Köln), turn left towards the Dutch border.)
You can call up all sorts of info on the individual cities in the area you are aiming for- most of the web sites will include real estate agents ( immobilien).
I know it's short notice, but if you can a few words of German under your belt before you move, that will make your life a bit easier. While most Germans take English as theri first foreign language in school, there are some really interesting ideas as how to pronounce it ( just think of all the Americans who have chopped away at French in high school, only to discover to their dismay,when they get to France, that no one can understand them). Your local Berlitz school will probably be of help, or the Goethe Institut, which is a cultural center that also gives language lessons ( or did, at any rate, back when I needed them).
School for the kids will be no problem. German elementary schools are very very good, and you'll find parent participation is almost a requirement.
Does the company that your husband will be sent from have any liaison officers or departments for this? If they are used to sending people abroad, they may also have a helpline.
Please feel free to email me with further questions. you'll find my address under my profile page.
Lynn

Answer 3

Call the housing office of the military post/base you are going to and ask for assistance. You can also call your local or closest post/base for the branch of service he will be contracted by and ask for a contact person or numbers for housing where your going. Just tell them your husband will be working for them and projected arrival date. You may find someone in housing that can use the DSN lines to assist you with the calls to Germany. (That depends on how helpful the personnel are in the office.) They should be able to e-mail you the information on apartment or homes. Listing are available of properties approved by the housing office, also request the delivery of clothing closets for your bedrooms when you find something.
German apartments and homes don't have built in closets like US homes. Don't forget the time difference, you will need to wake up early to conduct business.
Worst case scenario ask housing to reserve temporary lodging for two weeks for the family or you will do this with the information they give you. DO THIS BY EARLY NOVEMBER!
You can try to find a home within two weeks of your arrival. I hope this information helps you. Enjoy Germany and travel to all the great spots near once you settle in.
I enjoyed my four years there, just left a few weeks ago. www.enjoytours.com (great bus trips at great rates!), from all over Germany to where ever you want, US personnel love this company!