Bring originals and copies
At many government offices you need both, or you may at least be asked for them.
Essential language for appointments, forms, queue numbers, documents, and follow-up questions at government offices.
Short cues that help immediately in a stressful real-life moment.
At many government offices you need both, or you may at least be asked for them.
If something is missing, make sure they tell you the exact document name or deadline clearly.
Especially with forms and appointments, that often saves time and avoids mistakes.
At the end of an appointment, you should know exactly what you need to do next, by when, and how.
Short scripts for common moments you are likely to face on site.
You are at the counter and want to state your appointment.
I have an appointment today at nine o clock for the registration.
Here are my passport and documents.
You want to understand what is still needed.
Which document exactly is still missing?
Can I send that later by email?
A field is unclear or the language is too difficult.
I do not fully understand this form. Could you help me briefly?
What do I need to enter in this field?
You already submitted something and need an update.
I wanted to ask about the status of my application.
Is there anything still missing from my side?
Short, useful lines you can actually say out loud.
I would like to register.
Hello, I would like to register at this address.
What documents do I need?
What documents do I need for the registration?
Where can I book an appointment?
Where can I book an appointment online at the citizens' office?
My residence permit is expiring soon.
My residence permit is expiring next month. Can I renew it?
I need a registration certificate.
I need a registration certificate for the bank.
How long does the processing take?
How long does the processing of my application take?
Here are my passport and documents.
Here are my passport and all the documents I have with me.
What is still missing for the application?
What exactly is still missing for the application?
Can I submit that later?
I do not have it with me today. Can I submit it later?
Could you explain that more simply, please?
My German is not that good yet. Could you explain that more simply, please?
Where do I need to pay the fee?
Where do I need to pay the fee for the application?
Can I pay here in cash or by card?
Can I pay the fee here in cash or by card?
I have an appointment at ten o'clock.
Hello, I have an appointment today at ten o'clock.
Do I need a certified copy?
Do I need a certified copy of the document for this application?
Core nouns and terms that come up again and again in this situation.
registration
I need to do my registration at the citizens' office.
residence permit
My residence permit needs to be renewed.
registration certificate
I need a registration certificate for the bank account.
appointment
I have an appointment at the immigration office.
queue number
Please take a queue number.
form
Please fill out this form.
application
You can complete the application online or on site.
case worker / clerk
The clerk is checking your documents now.
certificate / official confirmation
I need this certificate for my employer.
appointment confirmation
Please bring the appointment confirmation with you.
counter / desk
Please go to counter three with your documents.
certification
You need a certified copy for the application.
immigration office
The immigration office is only open by appointment.
fee
You can pay the fee directly at the counter.
Natural wording for the follow-up questions people ask all the time in this situation.
A strong sentence is: Which documents do I need to bring to the appointment?
Say: I do not have the document with me today. Can I submit it later?
Say directly: Could you please speak slowly or explain it more simply?
Phrases and vocabulary for tickets, connections, delays, and questions at machines or counters.
Phrases and vocabulary for ordering, allergies, special requests, and paying at a restaurant or café.
Phrases and vocabulary for signing contracts, changing plans, cancelling, and follow-up questions with mobile and internet providers.