An application (Antrag) is an official request to a public office or authority. With an application, you are saying: “I would like to receive something.” This can be money, a permit or a document. Usually you fill in a form for this. This is called submitting an application (einen Antrag stellen). The verb is to apply for (beantragen). Important: you only get many benefits if you submit an application yourself. The authority usually does not contact you on its own.
Where you will see the word
You will read the word Antrag almost everywhere you deal with public offices. Typical examples:
- At the immigration office (Ausländerbehörde): you apply for a residence permit (Aufenthaltstitel) or for an extension.
- At the family benefits office (Familienkasse): you apply for child benefit (Kindergeld).
- At the driving licence office (Führerscheinstelle): you apply to exchange your foreign driving licence.
- At the Jobcenter or the Federal Employment Agency (Agentur für Arbeit): you apply for support, for example money to live on.
Forms often say “Antrag auf …” (application for …) at the top. The person who submits the application is called the applicant (Antragsteller or Antragstellerin). Today you can also submit many applications online. Which applications are possible online differs depending on the federal state and the city. Some offices also require an appointment.
What you should do
- Find out which office is responsible. If in doubt, ask.
- Get the right form. You can get it at the office or on the office’s website.
- Fill in all fields completely and clearly. Sign wherever a signature is required.
- Include all the documents listed in the form, for example your passport, rental contract or pay slips. Usually you send copies. Only hand in originals if the office explicitly asks for them.
- Make a copy of the whole application for yourself. Write down the date you submitted it.
- Wait for the answer. The office will later send you a decision letter (Bescheid).
Pay attention to deadlines. Some applications must be submitted by a certain date. Some benefits are only paid retroactively for a limited time. So if you are too late, you may lose money. You should apply to extend your residence permit in good time, that is, before the old permit expires. If you are still missing documents, ask the office whether you can already submit the application and hand in the documents later. If you do not understand something, ask at the office or at an advice centre for migrants.
Examples
- “Please submit your application to extend your residence permit in good time before it expires.”
- “We have received your application dated 3 March. We are now reviewing it.”
- “Unfortunately, your application is incomplete. Please submit the following documents.”
Related terms
- beantragen: The verb for Antrag. “Ich beantrage Kindergeld” means: I am applying for child benefit.
- Formular: The form, on paper or on a website, where you fill in your application.
- Bescheid: The office’s written answer to your application. It says whether your application was approved or rejected.
- Widerspruch: An objection. You use it to challenge a decision if you do not agree with it. There is a deadline for this, which is stated in the decision letter.
- Anmeldung: With a registration (Anmeldung), you are not asking for something. You are fulfilling an obligation, for example telling the office your new address.
- Heiratsantrag: In everyday life, this is a marriage proposal, asking someone if they want to get married. It has nothing to do with public offices.