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What does "Jobcenter" mean in English?

Last updated on 9 April 2024

The Jobcenter is a German public institution responsible for providing employment and social services to people living in Germany. The literal translation of “Jobcenter” in English is “Job Center.”

What is “Jobcenter”?

The Jobcenter plays a crucial role in the German social security system, especially for those who are unemployed or have insufficient income to support themselves and their families. It is relevant to both Berlin and Germany as a whole because it offers services such as job placement, career counseling, and financial assistance under certain conditions. This assistance is known as “Bürgergeld” (Citizen’s Allowance), which replaced the former “Arbeitslosengeld II” (Unemployment Benefit II), also colloquially known as “Hartz IV.” The Jobcenter is also responsible for funding vocational training and German language courses to improve employability[5].

More information about “Jobcenter”

Each city or region in Germany, including Berlin, has its own local Jobcenter offices to cater to the residents of that area. For example, in Berlin, there are several Jobcenter locations, each responsible for different districts or “Bezirke” within the city[2][6]. The services provided by the Jobcenter are crucial for integrating unemployed individuals back into the workforce and ensuring they have the necessary support during their job search. Additionally, the Jobcenter offers digital services, allowing individuals to apply for benefits, communicate with their advisors, and manage their appointments online[9][10].

Here are some additional terms that are related to “Jobcenter”:

  • Bürgergeld: The financial assistance provided by the Jobcenter to individuals who are unemployed or do not earn enough to support themselves and their families[5].
  • Agentur für Arbeit (Employment Agency): A separate institution that works alongside the Jobcenter to provide employment services, but primarily focuses on individuals who have recently become unemployed and are eligible for “Arbeitslosengeld I” (Unemployment Benefit I)[7].
  • Hartz IV: The former name for the financial assistance provided to long-term unemployed individuals, now replaced by “Bürgergeld”[5].

The Jobcenter is an essential institution for maintaining social security and employment opportunities in Germany, offering a wide range of services to support individuals in their professional and personal development.

Sources

[1] https://www.jobcenter-ge.de [2] https://service.berlin.de/jobcenter/ [3] https://www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus [4] https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-mitte/ [5] https://handbookgermany.de/en/jobcenter [6] https://www.in-berlin-brandenburg.com/Berliner_Bezirke/Mitte/Aemter/JobCenter.html [7] https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en/about-us [8] https://www.in-berlin-brandenburg.com/Berliner_Bezirke/Aemter/JobCenter.html [9] https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld/online-services-im-ueberblick [10] https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/arbeitslos-arbeit-finden/buergergeld [11] https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/eservices [12] https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-mitte/service/kontakt/standorte/ [13] https://berlinjobcenterhelp.com/contact/ [14] https://www.berlin.de/ukraine/en/arrive/applying-for-social-benefits/ [15] https://www.arbeitsagentur.de/en [16] https://integreat.app/potsdam-mittelmark/de/locations/jobcenter-standort-brandenburg-an-der-havel/ [17] https://www.berlin.de/jobcenter-reinickendorf/service/aktuelles-und-veranstaltungen/jobcenter-digital-services-1200802.php [18] https://www.jobcenter-sbk.de/en/we-for-you/our-locations/ [19] https://jobcenter-stade.de/e-services [20] https://www.movingto-berlin.com/important-public-institutions-berlin/