Frankfurt City Guide
City Guide: Frankfurt
www.dwellworks.com
The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks GmbH and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. This publication contains a considerable amount of information – addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses – and our inclusion of lists of any service providers is intended as a courtesy and not a guarantee or endorsement of those individuals. Please also note we can take no responsibility for the lines or contents of the links. While the Company undertakes measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it will maintain updated information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.
Dear Assignee, Dwellworks GmbH in Frankfurt and your Dwellworks Destination Services Consultant warmly welcome you to Germany. We hope this Welcome Package provides you with useful and interesting information about your new destination. We suggest you take the time to look through the information and to familiarise yourself with the topics in this Guide. We hope the information helps you settle down to life in Germany. Some topics will not be completely relevant to your situation, but make interesting reading nonetheless. Please note that the information in this booklet is a guide only. Regulations and requirements are subject to change. According to German law Dwellworks is not allowed to give legal advice. Therefore, information given in this guide is based on our longstanding experience. We wish you a successful and rewarding time in Germany.
Your Dwellworks Team
Provided by Dwellworks GmbH Head Office: Dreieichstraße 59, 60594 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Tel.: +49 (0) 69 - 61 09 47 0 Fax: +49 (0) 69 - 61 09 47 40 www.dwellworks.com E-Mail: Info@dwellworks.de
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Contents City Profile...............................................................................................4 Housing in Frankfurt ................................................................................5 Insurances ..............................................................................................7 Education................................................................................................9 Children’s Activities ............................................................................... 13 Learning German .................................................................................. 14 Everyday Shopping ............................................................................... 15 Public Transportation ............................................................................ 16 Postal Services ..................................................................................... 17 Pets....................................................................................................... 18 Public Holidays ..................................................................................... 18 Social Life ............................................................................................. 19 Museums .............................................................................................. 24 Annual Events and Highlights ............................................................... 25 Conversions .......................................................................................... 26 Useful Websites .................................................................................... 27 Important Telephone Numbers in Frankfurt ........................................... 28
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City Profile Frankfurt is a versatile and culturally diverse city. The population is almost 690.000, of which a quarter has a non-German passport. In addition, there are commuters, who come on week days to Frankfurt in order to work in one of the 570.000 jobs the city provides. Today, Frankfurt is one of the world’s most important international stock exchange and finance centres. The reason for this is that there are around 370 domestic and foreign credit institutes, the German Federal Bank, the European Central Bank and the stock-exchange. Germany’s fifth-largest city has an impressive skyline (locally called “Mainhattan”), an excellent transportation system and the third largest continental airport in Europe (“Gateway to Europe”). Each year, around 2.7 million people come to Frankfurt to attend the Frankfurt trade fairs. In particular, the Book Fair and the IAA (the international motor show) are known all over the world. Frankfurt has many museums, galleries, theatres and more than 50 cinemas and numerous other attractions. Besides cultural entertainment, Frankfurt also offers a wide range of different cafés, bars and clubs. There are also leisure activities for the whole family like the botanical gardens, the zoo and other municipal parks. Living in Hesse Hesse, with its capital Wiesbaden is located in the heart of Germany, surrounded by six regional states. It is the fifth largest regional state of Germany with a population of approx. 6 million people. 40% of the Hesse area is woodland and 45% is agriculture. Hesse offers an undulating landscape with a low mountain range, green hills and soft valleys, a perfect holiday attraction for active people. A wide range of leisure activities is on offer: Windsurfing and sailing on the Edersee, hang-gliding and gliding on the Wasserkuppe, skiing and tobogganing on the Feldberg in the Taunus, in addition to horse riding, golf, tennis, bicycling and last but not least fishing. Numerous castles and ruins on the steep slopes of the river Rhine, the hills of the Odenwald and the delightful scenery along the Bergstrasse are well worth a visit. The most famous stretch of the Rhine, from near Wiesbaden to Koblenz, can be explored by car or viewed from a river boat trip. Hesse’s economic strength is considerably higher than that of other German states. A characteristic feature of industry in Hesse is the variety of sectors and company sizes: more than 90% are small and medium-sized enterprises, many of them offering technological proficiency. The most important industrial sectors in Hesse are the chemical industry, automobile industry, electrical and electronics industry and mechanical engineering.
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Housing in Frankfurt Registration with the Utility Providers Electricity
The local electricity company should be contacted to state the move-in date and check whether the previous owner or tenant has cancelled his registration. When registering, there may be a fee. Normally, a pre-payment amount will be charged every one or two months, and these are adjusted at the end of the year according to usage. The easiest forms of payment are direct debit or standing order. Water, Sewage and Garbage Collection (see also page on garbage separation) The tenant normally pays for water, sewage and garbage collection to the landlord. In case he has to register directly, the tenant needs to contact the respective local utility company directly to register. Snow Clearing and Cleaning of Communal Areas According to house rules which are attached to the lease agreement or put in the communal staircase, tenants are sometimes held responsible for the cleaning of the communal areas of the house and for the snow and ice removal during the winter. It is advisable to ask your landlord if you are responsible for snow and ice clearing. If the tenant is required to be responsible for snow removal during the winter, then he is liable for any damage which may be caused by his neglect to remove the snow. TV/Radio Registration In Germany all TV sets, radios, PC’s, including those in cars, have to be registered . Registration forms for the Rundfunkbeitrag can be obtained from all post offices and banks, downloaded from the internet: https://service.rundfunkbeitrag.de or via fax: 0185-99950105. The mailing address of the Rundfunkbeitrag is: ARD, ZDF und Deutschlandradio, Beitragsservice in 50439 Köln Contact addresses of local companies in charge of utilities: FES – Frankfurter Entsorgungs- und Service GmbH
MAINOVA AG Solmststr. 38 60623 Frankfurt ServiceLine: 0800 - 1 14 44 88 (without charge) www.mainova.de E-Mail: service@mainova.de
FES Service Center Liebfrauenberg 52-54 60313 Frankfurt Tel: 0180 - 3 37 22 55-0 www.fes-frankfurt.de E-Mail: services@fes-frankfurt.de
SÜWAG Energie AG Schützenbleiche 9-11 Frankfurt Tel: 069 – 3 10 70 http://www.suewag.com E-Mail: info@suewag.de
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Classified Advertisements Local newspapers offer a range of classified sections on accommodation either to rent or to buy however the main source is the internet. A further option is to place an advertisement oneself. Below are some contacts to look for or place advertisements: Frankfurter Rundschau (www.fr-online.de) Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung ( www.faz.net) – Friday and Sunday editions Das Inserat (www.das-inserat.de) – several editions throughout the week
Immobilien Scout (www.immobilienscout24.de) Basic abbreviations used in classified ads : 1-ZKB
1 Zimmer, Küche, Bad (1 room, kitchen, bathroom) 2 Zimmer, Küche, Bad, Balkon (2 rooms, kitchen, bathroom, balcony)
2-ZKBB 3-ZW Atelier
3-Zimmer Wohnung (3-room apartment)
Studio Apartment Dachgeschoss (attic) Erstbezug (first letting) Einbauküche (fitted kitchen) Erdgeschoss (ground floor)
DG EB
EBK EG KM Lux.
Kaltmiete (rent excl. heating or utilities ) Luxuswohnung (luxury apartment )
Miete z.Z. Möbl. Nachm.
Miete zur Zeit (current rent – may be raised for new tenant)
Möbliert (furnished) Nachmieter (new tenant) Neubau (new building) Nichtraucher (non-smoker) (basement apartment)
NB NK NR
Nebenkosten (maintenance costs for heating, garbage etc.)
Souterrain Teilmöbliert
(partly-furnished, usually with fitted kitchen and bathroom) Umlagen/Kaution (additional costs/security deposit)
U/Kt. Warm
heating, sometimes utilities included
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Insurances Personal Liability Insurance ( Privat-Haftpflichtversicherung ) a) Vehicle: An unlimited third party liability insurance policy is compulsory for all cars/motorized vehicles in Germany. Safe drivers are rewarded by reductions of the premiums. In order to benefit from this, please provide your insurance record from your previous insurance company. b) Private: This insurance is optional, but highly recommended. Many landlords will demand proof of liability insurance before signing a lease contract, since it covers cases of liability for injury or damage to other persons or their property. Basic or standard coverage is EUR 5-10 million against injury or damage and EUR 1 million against damage to rented property. Some insurances offer special premiums for singles. c) Animal owner: Dog liability insurance is strongly recommended. Home Contents Insurance (Hausratversicherung) Household Insurance, covering the contents of your home against fire, water damage, theft, vandalism and hail is not required by law in Germany. But it is recommended, and some landlords demand it. It is advisable to insure your home for € 700 per square meter of living space, since otherwise, you may be underinsured, and the insurance company may not pay 100 % in case of damage. Legal Insurance ( Rechtsschutzversicherung ) Covers any legal costs you encounter up to a certain limit. And, if you want to counter sue, it will cover the payment as long as there is a reasonable chance of winning. Legal insurance can be purchased for different purposes, such as for the entire family, the job, traffic infractions or the lease of your home. Recommendable English speaking independent insurance brokers* offering services in different ways (in person, via email, on-line or phone): Hoesch and Partner (offices in Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart, and Munich) Matthias Heil Rüsterstr. 1, 60325 Frankfurt Tel.: 069 - 71 70 7-0 Fax: 069 - 72 73 75 E-Mail: info@hoesch-partner.de / Website: http://www.hoesch-partner.de/home.html Competence Exclusive E.K. (offices in Cologne, Aachen, Bonn, Leverkusen, and Düsseldorf) Claus Edam Klosterstr. 6, 50181 Bedburg
Tel.: 02272 - 4 07 58 34 Fax: 02272 - 4 07 58 35 E-Mail: cedam@ce-expat.de / Website: www.ce-expat.de
Services of these brokers are offered free of charge and include not only initial consultation but also the development and presentation of tailored solutions, negotiations of conditions with insurance and financial institutions, as well as applications, claim settlements, cancellations or changes of policies.
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*Brokers may also provide contracts with state health insurance. If not, please contact the insurance company directly. Recommendable English speaking state health insurance providers offering services in different ways (in person, via email, on-line or phone):
TK – Techniker Krankenkasse Carmen Dücker and Jan Müller Rhonestr. 7, 60528 Frankfurt
Tel.: 069-6 64 48-937 Fax: 069-6 64 48-939 E-Mail: carmen.duecker@tk.de / Website: www.tk.de Barmer GEK Ralf Köhler Mainzer Landstr 293, 60326 Frankfurt Tel.: 0800 - 33 20 60 47-1506 (inside Germany) Tel.: 069 - 216 71 47-1506 (from abroad) Fax: (49) (0) 800 33 20 60 47-1090 (inside Germany) Cell: 0151 - 18 23 43 70 E-Mail: ralf.koehler@barmer-gek.de, Website. www.barmer-gek.de
Please note that the information in this brochure is a guide only. Regulations and requirements are subject to change. By German law Dwellworks is not allowed to give legal advice. Therefore, information given in this guide is based on our longstanding experience. Dwellworks GmbH does not assume any liability for the completeness and accuracy of the statements made. Especially no liability is assumed for all legal, fiscal or other consequences as a result hereof.
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Education Childcare
The most popular childcare options for full-time working parents are au pairs, all-day babysitters and in-home care providers. Several agencies in Frankfurt offer assistance in finding the appropriate child-care. Babysitter- und Tagespflegevermittlung Day-care and babysitting agency, 3-4 days notice required Zeil 29-31 60313 Frankfurt Tel: 069-55 94 05 E-Mail: info@btv-frankfurt.de pme Familienservice Private organisation, works with employers in helping their employees to find childcare Mainzer Landstr. 46 60325 Frankfurt Tel: 069-9 20 20 80 www.familienservice.de E-Mail: frankfurt@familienservice.de Expatbabies Private organisation helping expats with babies to settle into life in Frankfurt www.expatbabies.com Kindergarten Most children in Germany go to a kindergarten between the ages of three and six, although it is not compulsory. The law guarantees a place for every child, however finding vacancies in a kindergarten can be difficult. Therefore, flexibility may be required when choosing a kindergarten. It may not be possible to send one’s child to the nearest kindergarten. Children can usually attend half-day or all day. If you would like to send your child to a public kindergarten, registration for Frankfurt runs centrally through www.kindernetfrankfurt.de. Montessori-Kinderhaus, Anna-Schmidt-Schule Private German pre-school
Gärtnerweg 29 60322 Frankfurt Tel: 069–95 50 05 0 www.anna-schmidt-schule.de E-Mail: info@anna-schmidt-schule.de International Bilingual Montessori School Westendstr. 45 60325 Frankfurt Tel: 069–74 56 46 www.ibms-frankfurt.de E-Mail: office@ibms-frankfurt.com Taunus International Montessori School (TIMS) Full-day programme for three to six year olds Zimmersmühlenweg 77 61440 Oberursel (Taunus) Tel: 06171-91 33 0 www.tims-net.de E-Mail: info@tims-net.de
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The European School RheinMain Theodor-Heuss-Str. 53-63 E/F 61118 Bad Vilbel Tel: 06101-528 411 www.es-rm.eu E-Mail: info@es-rm.eu
Schooling Staatliches Schulamt Frankfurt am Main State Education Authority Stuttgarter Str. 18-24 60329 Frankfurt Tel: 069-3 89 89 01 www.schulamt-frankfurt.de E-Mail: poststelle@f.ssa.hessen.de International Schools The Frankfurt International School (FIS)
FIS is organised into five school divisions: the Primary Division, the Elementary Division, the Middle School and the High School in Oberursel, and the International School Wiesbaden (ISW) which operates as a branch of FIS at a separate campus in Wiesbaden. The main (Waldlust) campus in Oberursel, about 15 kilometres from downtown Frankfurt, houses the Elementary School starting with grade 2, the Middle School and the High School. The Primary Division, with classes from pre-primary through grade 1, is located closer to the center of Oberursel on the Marxstrasse campus. FIS is recognised as an allgemeinbildende Ergänzungsschule and a registered test center for the International Baccalaureate Organisation, the University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate for IGCSE, and the American College Board (SAT). English is the primary language of instruction and English as a Second Language (ESL) support is available for all students who need it. German courses, at a variety of levels, are available in all grades and required of virtually every student. Non-native German speakers in the High-School who have reached a pre-established proficiency standard may opt out of the German program in favour of one or more additional languages including French or Spanish. FIS takes great pride in offering one of the finest interscholastic athletic programs to be found among international schools worldwide. The sports facilities include two large multi-purpose gyms, a fitness/weight room, a meeting and area and a spacious outdoor playing field. FIS operates the largest private bus service in Germany. It makes more than 225 stops in the greater Frankfurt area. The International School Wiesbaden (ISW) ISW offers a balanced program of academic studies and extra curricular activities which aim at helping students of all nationalities develop self-awareness and a love of learning for children aged 3 to 12. The academic program at ISW follows the established curriculum of FIS with appropriate adjustments for the particular groupings and available resources. Presently, ISW also offers a half-day Playschool program for three year old children (not currently available at the FIS Primary Division). ISW takes every opportunity to enhance its students exposure to German language and culture. German is taught at all levels pre- primary upwards. French is the second language to students from Grade 6.
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ISW occupies a spacious, purpose-built two storey campus, with superb views of the countryside. The excellent school facilities include bright and airy classrooms, special music and art rooms, a well-equipped gymnasium, an ever growing library and a state of the art computer laboratory. There is also a large enclosed playground. ISW operates a bus service in the mornings and afternoons for its students to the surrounding areas. There is also a school nurse on the campus to take care of the children’s medical and health needs. ISW is located 40 kilometres from Frankfurt in Naurod, a suburb of Wiesbaden. ISW is within easy reach of all motorways and Frankfurt Airport. The International School Frankfurt-Rhein-Main (ISF) ISF founded by the city of Frankfurt, the State of Hesse, and multi-national corporations offers world-class education from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 13. ISF offers its students three options for their route to university: ISF High School Diploma - Grade 12, US Advanced Placement Exams - Grade 12, British AS/A-level Exams - Grade 13. The School offers a great variety of sports to enrich daily school life. The students can participate in the Extended Day child care programme. After the obligatory registration they can occupy themselves in special rooms or play under adult supervision. This service is offered in the mornings before classes start and in the afternoons when classes have finished. ISF is located in Sindlingen, the Western end of Frankfurt near the freeway A 66. The following are the contact details for International Schools in the Frankfurt area. Frankfurt International School (FIS) Oberursel campus, private co-educational day school An der Waldlust 15 61440 Oberursel (Taunus) Tel: 06171-20 24-0 www.fis.edu E-Mail: monika_hahn@fis.edu Frankfurt International School (FIS)
“Primary School” Alfred-Lechler-Str.10 61440 Oberursel (Taunus) Tel: 06171-202 4-500 www.fis.edu E-Mail: patricia_gordon@fis.edu International School Wiesbaden (ISW, belongs to FIS) Wiesbaden campus Rudolf-Dietz-Str. 14 65207 Wiesbaden-Naurod Tel: 06127-99 40 0 www.fis.edu E-Mail: helga_kutzner@fis.edu
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International School Frankfurt (ISF) Private coeducational day school Straße zur Internationalen Schule 33 65931 Frankfurt Tel: 069-34 82 97 -0 www.isf-net.de E-Mail: info@isf-net.de Lycée Francais de Francfort French-language nursery and primary school Gontardstr. 11 60488 Frankfurt Tel: 069-74 74 98 0 www.lycee-francais-francfort.com E-Mail: lyceefrancfort@hotmail.com Metropolitan school Frankfurt Primary School - international Baccalaureate Eschborner Landstr. 134-138 60489 Frankfurt Tel: 069-96 86 40 50 www.m-school.de E-Mail: office@m-school.de Strothoff International School Offering education for 3 to 18 year olds Rhein-Main Campus Dreieich Frankfurter Str. 160-166 63303 Dreieich Tel: 06103 80225-00 E-Mail: office@strothoff-international-school.de
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Children’s Activities German families often spend their free time and vacations together. There are also opportunities for children to attend camps or other vacation activities that do not include their parents. Mainspiele, the first two and a half weeks of the summer school holidays in Hesse offer different activities for children at the Museumsufer in Sachsenhausen, Opernplatz and Taunusanlage. Frankfurt is full of activities for children. Listings of the numerous playgrounds can be obtained at the city-information in the local town halls. Frankfurter Kinderbüro Information on children’s activities, playgrounds and projects. English spoken, Monday – Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Schleiermacherstr. 7 60316 Frankfurt Tel: 069-21 23 90 01 www.frankfurter-kinderbuero.de E-Mail: info@frankfurter-kinderbuero.de Freizeitpark Lochmühle Lochmühle Leisure Park, over 900 different animals, pony rides, miniature golf, carousels, playgrounds and water games 61273 Wehrheim
Tel: 06175-79 00 60 www.lochmuehle.de
E-Mail: info@lochmuehle.de Taunus Wunderland Amusement park with a fairy-tale theme Haus zur Schanze 1 65388 Schlangenbad-Wambach Tel: 06124-40 81 www.taunuswunderland.de E-Mail: info@taunuswunderland.de Opel Zoo Zoo with Elephants, giraffes, zebras and monkeys, playgrounds for children Königsteiner Str. 35
61476 Königstein Tel: 06173-7 97 49 www.opel-zoo.de E-Mail: info@opel-zoo.de Palmengarten
Botanical Garden, numerous green-houses, special exhibitions of local and tropical flowers and plants throughout the year. A great place to take children, playgrounds with climbing frames and slides, waterfalls, a large lake with boats, miniature train etc.
Siesmayerstr. 61 60323 Frankfurt Tel: 069-21 23 39 39 www.palmengarten.frankfurt.de
E-Mail: info.palmengarten@stadt-frankfurt.de Zoologischer Garten – Zoo Frankfurt Zoo with famous for its rare species Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 60316 Frankfurt Tel: 069-21 23 37 35 www.zoo-frankfurt.de (English version available) E-Mail: caroline.liefke@stadt-frankfurt.de
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Learning German Being able to understand and communicate in German will help immensely to become familiar with life in Germany. Numerous institutions in Frankfurt offer courses such as ‘German as a Foreign Language’, to learn German for general conversation or for business purposes. Instruction is given by native speakers who often apply the ‘total immersion’ system, in which only German is spoken in class. It is essential to obtain comprehensive information from different suppliers in order to meet individual needs and to find out which school, kind of instruction and level would be appropriate. Goethe-Institut Official world wide non-profit organisation, active in the promotion of the German language and culture, day and evening courses Diesterwegplatz 72 60594 Frankfurt Tel: 069-9 61 22 70 www.goethe.de E-Mail: frankfurt@goethe.de Berlitz Sprachschule Commercial and expensive language school Biebergasse 6-10 60313 Frankfurt Tel: 069-2 99 24 70 www.berlitz.de/frankfurt Inlingua Private language school offering day and evening courses for all levels Kaiserstr. 37 /Ecke Gallusanlage 60329 Frankfurt Tel: 069-2 42 92 00 www.inlingua-frankfurt.de E-Mail: frankfurt@inlingua.de IKL Business Language Training
Leipziger Str.51 60487 Frankfurt Tel: 069-75 60 73-90 www.ikl.com (English version available) Lehrerkooperative Local teachers’ initiative offering good value lessons
Kasseler Str. 1a 60486 Frankfurt Tel: 069-9 70 63 60 www.lehrerkoop.de (English version available) E-Mail: info@lehrerkooperative.de
TEC Institute (Teaching Effective Communication) Professional training programs, in particular for expatriates Großer Haingraben 9 65779 Kelkheim/Taunus
Tel: 06195-97 80 90 Fax: 06195-97 80 99 www.tec-institute.de E-Mail: frankfurt@tec-institute.de
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Everyday Shopping Opening Hours
Department stores and retail shops in the city centre are usually open Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. or 9.30 a.m. to 7.00 p.m. or 8.00 p.m. or even 10 p.m. Smaller stores in the suburbs often close at 6.30 p.m. while major grocery stores are open to 8.00 sometimes 10.00 p.m. Smaller stores may also close for lunch. Saturday opening hours are generally from 9.00 a.m. or 9.30 a.m. to between 4.00 p.m. and 10.00 p.m. Exceptions are the grocery stores and shops at the main railway station and the airport. They have extended opening hours into the late evening and are also open for business on Sundays. Shops at petrol stations are an expensive choice, should beverages, food or magazines be needed urgently out of business hours. Shopping Areas The main shopping mile in Frankfurt is the Zeil, a pedestrian area stretching from Hauptwache to Konstablerwache with big department stores, clothing shops and various other shops, offering a wide variety of goods. Just a few minutes away from Hauptwache is Goethestr. with its designer boutiques and exclusive jewellery stores. Parallel to Goethestr. is ‘Fressgass’ (Grosse Bockenheimer Strasse) which offers a wide range of specialty shops and restaurants. Shopping in the suburbs is more leisurely and multicultural with a neighbourly feeling. It is easy to find Turkish, Greek and Italian markets, Thai and Indian shops. Japanese, Korean, Arabian or African produce can also be easily purchased. Flohmarkt Frankfurt – traditional Flea market, where you can get old and new, useful and useless things in a multicultural ambience. It takes place every Saturday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. along the south bank of the Main River from the Holbein Steg to the Eiserner Steg. Fresh Food Markets Fresh food markets are very popular. Fresh produce, direct from farmers is available, as well as regional and international specialties. + Bockenheimer Markt , Thursdays at Bockenheimer Warte + Bornheimer Wochenmarkt , Wednesdays and Saturdays, Am Uhrtürmchen in Berger Strasse + Dornbusch Markt , Tuesdays, Carl-Goerdeler-Str. + Erzeugermarkt, Thursdays and Saturdays, Konstabler Wache + Gallusviertel , Fridays, Galluswarte + Höchster Markt , Tuesdays and Saturdays, Marktplatz Höchst
+ Schillermarkt , Fridays, Hauptwache/Eschenheimer Tor + Südbahnhof , Tuesdays and Fridays, Sachsenhausen
An unbeatable variety of fresh food from around the world can be found in the popular Kleinmarkthalle, the biggest daily food market in Frankfurt, Hasengasse 5-7 in the city centre,
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Public Transportation Public Transportation in the Frankfurt Area
The public transport network in Frankfurt is excellent and an efficient alternative to avoid the time-consuming annoyance of driving in crowded streets and finding parking spaces. The U- and S-Bahn (both Inner-city underground and commuter trains), trams and busses are co- ordinated by the RMV (Rhein-Main-Verkehrsverbund), website www.rmv.de (also English version available) Services operate from approximately 5:00 a.m. to 1:15 a.m. on weekdays and on most routes until 2:15 a.m. at the weekend. Tickets Tickets can be bought at the green automatic vending machines, located at each station, at any RMV-Counter, kiosks (no single tickets) or from bus drivers. The fares are based on numbered zones, Frankfurt is Zone 50. A single ticket is valid for one hour and includes transfers but not breaks or return journeys. Children aged 6-14 years pay less and children under 6 years travel for free. For destinations only a few stops away a short trip ticket (Kurzstrecke) might be the less expensive option. Short trip destinations cover only a few kilometres and are listed on every automatic vending machine. Passes Weekly (Wochenkarte) , monthly (Monatskarte) and annual (Jahreskarte) passes are available. 24-hour day passes are also available. Some passes are transferable to somebody else. A subscription for the annual season pass is a worthwile option as the pass is valid for 12 months, but costs the price of 10 months. Tickets must be purchased before starting the journey. It is not possible to purchase tickets in the U- or S-Bahn or tram. If caught without a valid ticket, a fine of € 40.- is payable on spot. Most inspectors speak English. More information can be obtained at one of the RMV ticket counters throughout the region or at the RMV travel information center (Verkehrsinsel) located at the Hauptwache, near the
department store Kaufhof in Frankfurt. Mobilitätszentrale Frankfurt Hauptwache Verkehrsinsel, An der Hauptwache 60313 Frankfurt Monday- Friday 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Saturday 9.30 a.m.-6. p.m. www.traffiq.de E-Mail: info@traffiq.de
German Rail The railway system (DB - Bahn AG) in Germany is very efficient and practical. The major cities are connected by Intercity Express (ICE) and Intercity (IC) trains. Regional trains operate in the smaller cities and towns. A number of different types of train tickets and passes are available. Contact for information: 24-hour information hotline: Tel: 11 86 1 Timetable information hotline (free of charge): Tel: 0800-1 50 70 90 Questions about transport in general: 01805-19 41 95 www.bahn.de (English version available)
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Taxi Taxis can be ordered by phone or hired at taxi ranks. Waiting time will also be charged. In case a taxi is needed early in the morning it is advisable to order it the evening before. Contacts: Taxi-Zentrale
Tel: 069-23 00 01 Tel: 069-25 00 01 Taxifunkzentrale “Taxi 33”
Tel: 069-23 00 33 Tel: 069-79 20 20
Postal Services The German postal service is quite reliable and efficient though rather expensive compared to other countries. Domestic letters should normally be delivered within one day. Stamps can be purchased at the post office, at vending machines outside the post office and often in newspaper stores. The public post boxes are yellow. Most post offices open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., some smaller offices may close for lunch. Main post offices have extended opening hours. Below a list of the main post offices in Frankfurt:
Post office at the main station: Monday - Friday 7.a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. -4 p.m. Post office City, Goetheplatz 6: Monday - Friday 9.30 a.m.-7.00 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Post office City, Zeil 90: Monday - Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday - Saturday 10 a.m.- 9 p.m. Post office Frankfurt Airport: Terminal 1, arrival hall B Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday – Sunday 11 a.m. – 6 P. m.
The Deutsche Post publishes its rates and restrictions in a booklet called ‘Service- Informationen’, which is available at all post offices. The same information in English is provided at the Deutsche Post’s website : www.deutschepost.de (English version available). Look for “prices and facts survey”.
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Pets For information the Staatliches Veterinäramt (State Veterinary Office) can be contacted: Veterinärwesen Bundesamt für Naturschutz Ordnungsamt Information about importing exotic animals Kleyerstr. 86 Konstantinstr. 110 60326 Frankfurt 53179 Bonn Tel: 069-21 24 70 99 Tel: 0228-84 91-0 Fax: 069-21 24 70 27 Fax: 030-84 91-200 E-Mail: veterinaerangelegenheiten@stadt-frankfurt.de www.bfn.de (English version available) Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung Thielallee 88-92 14195 Berlin Tel: 030-84 12 0 Fax: 030-84 12 47 41 www.bfr.bund.de (also English version available)
Veterinarians Tierarztpraxis Nikolaus Woldering
Tierklinik Bockenheim
Darmstädter Landstr. 21 60594 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 61 84 51 Fax: 069 - 60 32 41 28
Animal Hospital – 24 Hours Emergency Service
Juliusstr. 12 60487 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 – 97 09 87 55
E-Mail: nikolaus_woldering@web.de
E-Mail: info@katzenklinik-frankfurt.de www.tierklinik-bockenheim.de
www.tierarzt-woldering.de
Public Holidays Additional holidays that vary from state to state: Epiphany, January 6 Ascension (also German Father’s Day) Corpus Christi (11 days after Whit Sunday)
Heilige Drei Könige Christi Himmelfahrt Fronleichnam Reformationstag Allerheiligen
Reformation Day, October 31 All Saints’ Day, November 1
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Social Life To get acquainted with life in Frankfurt, it is essential to take advantage of social and cultural opportunities. The city has a well-established expatriate community, offering orientation programs, welcome networks and lots of possibilities to socialize. To get first impressions of the city it is helpful to attend a sightseeing or walking tour through Frankfurt. City Sightseeing Tours / Guided Tours Tourismus und Congress GmbH Kaiserstr. 56 60329 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 21 23 88 00 Fax: 069 - 21 23 78 80 Daily tours in English and seven other foreign languages
www.frankfurt-tourismus.de E-Mail: info@tdf.frankfurt.de City Walking Tours Kulturothek Frankfurt An der Kleinmarkthalle 7 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 28 10 10 Fax: 069 - 28 10 70 www.kulturothek.de E-Mail: info@kultothek.de
Clubs and Organizations American Women’s Club of the Taunus (AWCT) Services, activities and help for all English-speaking women and biannual seminars for newcomers . Hollerberg 1 61409 Oberursel www.awctaunus.org E-Mail: awcttaunus@hotmail.com The British Club of the Taunus e.V. Communication website for British expatriates www.british-club.de E-Mail: contactus@british-club.de
English-Speaking Club Frankfurt Marjolein Aarnoudse, Tel: 0176-65 72 81 41
http://home.arcor.de/escffm E-Mail: escffm@yahoo.de FSC e.V. Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports Social Club e.V. Koselstr. 9
60318 Frankfurt am Main Tel: 0180 – 10 20 66 94 99
E-Mail: info@fscev.org Internet: http://fscev.org Deutsch-Französischer Stammtisch German-French club Neue Kräme 14
Frankfurt am Main Tel.: 069 – 52 85 55
www.franzoesischerstammtisch.de E-Mail: helmut.mihatsch@freenet.de
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Instituto Cervantes Frankfurt Staufenstr. 1 60323 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 71 37 49 70 Amt für Multikulturelle Angelegenheiten Office for Multicultural Matters, English spoken help in all matters of settling down in Frankfurt Lange-Straße 25-27
60311 Frankfurt am Main Telefon: 069 - 21 23 87 65 Fax: 069 - 21 23 79 46 www.stadt-frankfurt.de/amka/ E-Mail: information.amka@stadt-frankfurt.de
Beratungszentrum für ausländische Familien Social and psychological advice for foreign families Alfred-Brehm-Platz 17 60316 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 44 10 91 and 44 37 05 International Family Centre Social services and counseling for foreign families Falkstr. 54a and 56, 60487 Frankfurt, Tel. 069 - 77 20 31 Ostendstr. 70-74, 60314 Frankfurt, Tel: 069 - 94 34 44 0 Wiesenhüttenplatz 33, 60329 Frankfurt, Tel: 069 - 23 38 28
Bookshops British Bookshop Börsenstr. 17 60313 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 28 04 92 Fax: 069 - 28 77 01 www.british-bookshop.de E-Mail: info@british-bookshop.de Hugendubel Wide selection of English-language literature Steinweg 12, 2 nd floor 60313 Frankfurt
Tel: 01801 - 48 44 84 Fax: 01801 - 48 45 85 www.hugendubel.de Thalia Tituscurso 13 Frankfurt am Main - Nordwestzentrum 069 9511970 Thalia Gotenstr. 1 Frankfurt am Main - Zeilsheim 069 314257
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Entertainment There are plenty of interesting places to discover Frankfurt’s nightlife – an entertaining cultural landscape with two opera houses, various theatres, famous modern ballet companies, cinemas and also, English-language film, theatre and literature features. Below is a brief selection: Alte Oper Concert- and Congress centre Opernplatz 60313 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 4 04-00 Fax: 069 - 4 04-44 www.alteoper.de Oper Frankfurt (Städtische Bühnen) Municipal Theatre, with some guest performances in English Untermainanlage 11 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069-2 12 37 00 Ballet Frankfurt One of the world’s leading Ballet groups Untermainanlage 11 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 23 60 61 The English Theatre Frankfurt Several shows a year – thriller, musical and drama Kaiserstr. 34 60329 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 24 23 16 0 Fax: 069 - 24 23 16 14 www.english-theatre.org E-Mail: mail@english-theatre.org Internationales Theater Frankfurt
International theatre: unique mixture of foreign-language theatres such as English Pocket Theatre, Deutsche Bühne, Théatre Francais, Russkij Teatr, Teatro Italiano and Teatr Polski Zoo-Passage, Hanauer Landstrasse 7 60314 Frankfurt
Tel. 069 - 4 99 09 80 Fax: 069 - 94 31 95 81 www.ITF-Frankfurt.de E-Mail: info@Internationales-Theater.de Die Komödie
Comedy in German Neue Mainzer Str. 14-18 60311 Frankfurt
Tel. 069 - 28 43 30 Fax. 069 - 28 48 38 www.diekomoedie.de E-Mail: info@diekomoedie.de Fritz Rémond Theater im Zoo Drama and comedy in German with German TV and film personalities Alfred-Brehm-Platz 16 60316 Frankfurt,
Tel: 069 - 44 40 04 Fax: 069 - 49 50 969
www.fritzremondtheater.de E-Mail. info@fritzremond.de
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Künstlerhaus Mousonturm, Range of concerts, cabaret, performance art etc., sometimes in English and other languages Waldschmidtstr. 4 60316 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 40 58 95 0 Fax: 069 - 40 58 95 40 www.mousonturm.de E-Mail: info@mousonturm.de Tigerpalast – Internationales Variete Theater Varieté with international top-stars from around the world Heiligkreuzgasse 16-20 60313 Frankfurt
Tel: 069 - 9 20 02 20 Fax: 069 - 92 00 22 60 www.tigerpalast.de E-Mail: info@tigerpalast.de
Cinemas Some films are screened in their original language and with original soundtrack. The abbreviation OV after the title refers to original version and OmU original version with subtitles. Generally there are two kinds of cinemas: small arthouse theatres ( Programmkinos ) which show mainly non-mainstream and cult-films and the larger and more luxurious cinemas with the commercial programs. Please refer to the website www.kinoservice.de for an updated list of current movies. Below please find a small selection of cinemas in Frankfurt:
CineStar Metropolis Some films in English Eschenheimer Anlage 40 60318 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 95 50 64 01
Zeil Zeil 85/93 60313 Frankfurt Tel. 069 - 28 51 05
Berger Kinos Arthouse Cinema Berger Str. 177 60385 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 94 50 33-0
Astor Filmlounge Premium Cinema
Zeil Galerie, Zeil 60313 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 13 38 48 30 http://frankfurt.astor-filmlounge.de/ Kinopolis Main-Taunus-Zentrum 65843 Sulzbach Ticket-Hotline, 24 h: 069 - 3 14 03 14 www.kinopolis.mtz.de
Harmonie Arthouse Cinema some films in original language
Dreieichstr. 54 60594 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 66 37 18 36 Cineplex Cinema Center Mainzer Landstr. 681 65933 Frankfurt Tel. 069 - 38 98 51 55
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Useful Local Magazines for more Information There is a huge variety in Frankfurt’s restaurant, café and bar scene. Every taste is cared for. Due to the numerous places and quick changes in this field we would like to refer to local magazines or special Going-Out-Guides, which can be obtained in every newspaper or book shop. + Journal Frankfurt – published every two weeks, comprehensive information about entertainment (in German) + Prinz – ‘off the beaten track’ life and entertainment information (in German) + Fritz – published monthly for free, extensive event schedule (in German) + Internet calendar of events in English: www.frankfurt.de Sports, Clubs and Recreation Like most cities in Germany, Frankfurt offers a selection of organized sports and clubs. The best way to look for a club is to contact the Frankfurt Sports and Public Bath Authority (Sportamt: www.sportamt.frankfurt.de and Badebetrieb: www.bbf-frankfurt.de). They will provide information about the indoor and outdoor pools as well as the sports clubs in their area. The ‘Gelbe Seiten’, the local classified directory, provides most of the addresses of
private fitness clubs. Leisure Centres Panoramabad Swimming pool Inheidener Str. 60 60385 Frankfurt-Bornheim Tel: 069 - 46 23 40 E-Mail: info@bbf-frankfurt.de www.panoramabad-frankfurt.de
Stadionbad Swimming Pool Walter-Möller-Platz 2 Nordwestzentrum 60439 Frankfurt-Nordweststadt Tel: 069 - 95 80 50
Rebstockbad Swimming pool Zum Rebstockbad 7 60486 Frankfurt-Rebstock Tel: 069 - 70 80 78
E-Mail: info@bbf-frankfurt.de www.rebstockbad-frankfurt.de Sport Clubs and Associations Eintracht Frankfurt Frankfurt’s biggest sports club offers soccer, basketball, volleyball, tennis, table tennis, rugby, hockey, boxing, athletics, gymnastics, ballet and ice sports. Am Erlenbruch 60386 Frankfurt-Riederwald Tel. 069 - 9 55 03-0 Tel. 0180 - 5 06 03 03 ticket hotline www.eintracht.de Sport-Club Frankfurt 1880 Rugby, Hockey and Tennis with a strong expatriate membership Feldgerichtsstr. 29 60320 Frankfurt-Dornbusch Tel: 069 - 55 02 62 Fax: 069 - 5 96 26 98 www.sc1880.de E-Mail: secretariat@sc1880.de
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Museums Frankfurt meets every interest in arts – there are over 40 museums and ca. 50 private art galleries. Below is a selection: Deutsches Filmmuseum German Film Museum
Historisches Museum / Kronberger Haus Historical Museum Saalgasse 19 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 21 23 55 99 www.historisches-museum.frankfurt.de
Schaumainkai 41 60596 Frankfurt Tel. 069 - 21 23 88 30 www.deutsches-filminstitut.de/filmmuseum
Deutsches Architekturmuseum German Architecture Museum
Museum für Moderne Kunst Museum of Modern Art Domstr. 10 60311 Frankfurt
Schaumainkai 43 60596 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 21 23 88 44 www.dam-online.de
Tel: 069 - 21 23 04 47 www.mmk-frankfurt.de Schirn Kunsthalle Schirn Art Gallery Am Römerberg 6 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 29 98 82 0 www.schirn.de Jüdisches Museum Jewish Museum Untermainkai 14-15 60311 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 21 23 50 00 www.juedischesmuseum.de
Museum für Kommunikation Communications Museum
Schaumainkai 53 60596 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 60 60 0 www.museumsstiftung.de
Städelsches
Kunstinstitut
und
Städtische Galerie Galery of Arts Schaumainkai 63 60596 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 60 50 98 0 www.staedelmuseum.de
Liebieghaus Museum of Ancient Sculpture
Naturmuseum Senckenberg Museum of Nature Senckenberg-Anlage 25 60325 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 75 42 0 www.senckenberg.de
Schaumainkai 71 60596 Frankfurt Tel: 069 - 21 23 86 17 www.liebieghaus.de
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Annual Events and Highlights There are plenty of events which will take place every year in Frankfurt, the following is only a rough guideline (www.frankfurt-interaktiv.de/frankfurt/adressen/feste): + “ Dippemess ” – Former traditional folk fair and now fun fair at the Festplatz am Ratsweg , carnival rides and pottery market, usually three weeks around Easter (www.dippemess.de) + Opernplatzfest – Summer Festival around the Alte Oper offering various international cuisine, one week in June (www.opernplatzfest.de) + Höchster Schlossfest – Höchst Castle Festival with medieval character in the old town of Höchst in June (www.schloss-fest.de) + Mainfest – Main Festival along the river embankment and the Römerberg with lots of stalls and fun fair, in July (www.mainfest.de) + Museumsuferfest – Museum Embankment Festival along the river embankment at the end of August, an annual highlight with numerous attractions and stalls along the river Main on both banks. During the Festival, the municipal museums open their doors (www.museumsuferfest-frankfurt.de) + Buchmesse – Frankfurt Book Fair, the largest publishing fair in the world with a specific theme every year, in October (www.buchmesse.de - English version available) + Frankfurt Marathon – another highlight with thousands of participants, and various stalls offer food and goods along the route (www.frankfurt-marathon.com - English version available) + Ironman – German Triathlon, participants from many different countries enjoy to swim for 3.8 km, to ride a bike for 180 km and to run for 42 km (www.ironman.de - English version available) + Rheingauer Weinmarkt – Rhinegau Wine Market along the prosperous ‘Fressgass’ , wide range of regional wines and Champagne combined with live entertainment for one week in September + Weihnachtsmarkt – traditional Christmas Market stretching from the Hauptwache to the Main River, opens the last weekend of November (www.weihnachtsmarkt.weihnachten-info.de - English version available)
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Conversions Weight 1 pound (UK/US) = 0,45 kilogram (kg)
1 kilogram = 2.21 pound
1 kg = 1000 grams (g) 1 ounce = 28.35 grams
1000 g = 1 kg
1 gram = 0.035 ounce
Volume 1 quart/ 2 pints (US) = 0.95 liter 1 quart/ 2 pints (UK) = 1,14 liter 1 gallon (UK) = 4.55 liter 1 gallon (US, liquid) = 3.8 liter 1 ounce (UK, liquid) = 0.03 liter 1 ounce (US, liquid) = 0.03 liter Length 1 mile = 1.61 kilometer (km)
1 liter = 1.06 quart (US) 1 liter = 0.88 quart (UK) 1 liter = 0.22 gallon (UK)
1 liter = 0.26 gallon (US, liquid) 1 liter = 35.2 ounce (UK, liquid) 1 liter = 33.8 ounce (US, liquid)
1 km = 0.62 mile 1 meter = 1.1 yard 1 cm = 0.4 inch 1 cm = 0.03 feet
1 yard = 0.9 meter
1 inch = 2.54 centimeter (cm)
1 foot = 30.48 cm
Temperature -10 degree Celsius (°C) = 14 degree Fahrenheit (°F) -10 °F = -23.33 °C 0 °C = 32 °F 20 °F = -6.67 °C 10 °C = 50 °F 50 °F = 10 °C 20 °C = 68 °F 80 °F = 26.67 °C 30 °C = 86 °F 100 °F = 37.78 °C For a direct converter please visit: www.onlineconversion.com (English version).
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Useful Websites
Institution
Website
Languages
Government Institutions
English, French, Spanish, Russian, Arabic English, French
Germany
Germany general info
www.deutschland.de
Federal Republic of Germany
www.bundesregierung.de
Information on German and foreign policies, country and travel information
English, French, Spanish, Arabic
Foreign Office
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
German Information Center Federal Statistics Office Cultural Institutions Goethe Institute
www.germany-info.org
English
News and current facts and figures on Germany
www.destatis.de
English
Information on politics, society, culture Information on current affairs, business and economics, culture and lifestyle, science and technology
www.goethe.de
English
Deutsche Welle
English and 30 more languages
www.dw-world.de
Social Clubs
Federation of American Women's Clubs Overseas Inc. Frankfurt Ski, Snowboard, Sports and Social Club e. V.
Network for American women living overseas www.fawco.org
English
International Ski and Sport club Global Network, voluntary social work Information on golf in Europe
www.fscev.org
English
Lions Clubs International Golf Europe
English and other languages
www.lionsclubs.org
www.golfeurope.com
English
Expatriate Information How to Germany
Extensive information for expatriates in Germany
www.howtogermany.com
English
TV and Radio Programmes Expatbabies
www.learn-german-online.net then go to TVand Radio
English
ExpatBabies helps parents of babies and toddlers and parents
www.expatbabies.com
English
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