Dear community, I have received this letter from my municipality, and I am wondering if this activity requires from me to speak German? My level is very basic, and I can’t seem to find the valid reasons for refusal of it? Please advise.

by Space_Oddithey

17 comments

  1. Yes, the whole thing will be in German. You can try to refuse (that’s what the last sentnece is about) – try reasoning with them that you simply don’t speak adequate German to be able to fulfill this role.

  3. I would recommend calling the person who wrote that letter (Frau Elbers), by using the number on the right side top, with the Durchwahl for Frau Elbers instead of the 0 at the end.

    Explaining to her that you can barely speak German should be enough i would guess.

    Especially for small communal stuff, it is often possible to solve things just by talking to the person responsible.

  4. Bürgerpflicht – but can be denied if you have good reasons. Cities need to do this if they don’t have enough Wahlhelfer volunteers.
    Just call or email them.

  5. The most infuriating thing about this letter is the “Wah-lehrenamt”. Wtf

  6. The lack of language may actually be a good enough reason to release you from the duty. call, or mail them and ask.

    Worst case, you will have to stand there and check that people are alone in their voting booth, or that they are at the correct adress

  7. The most common accepted reasons for refusal are:

    * not being eligible to vote
    * family care that cannot be done while doing the job
    * urgent professional reasons (can be hard on a Sunday)
    * Being ill
    * having a disability
    * Being 66 and older at the date

    Low level of German is not specifically a reason to be exempt but you can talk to them and ask if they would reconsider because you think the language barrier makes things unnecessarily difficult for all involved.

    They “can” grant you the exemption but they don’t have to.

  8. Send them a poorly written email and tell them that you dont speak german

  9. Thank you all for your quick responses! I called the municipality, they said that I can fill the form stating the refusal reasons and drop it at the PO Box there

  10. Before you refuse, you should be aware that this can be easy money (50€ tax free) for just a few hours sitting around and a bit of counting.

  11. I’m pretty sure your reason will be accepted; little use to force people into something who then will not show up on election day.

    For your consideration: You’d be part of a team of 5-9 people, who are happy to help a fellow citizen contribute to the community. Good be a cool and very special learning experience and chance to meet new people.

    My experience: native German, worked at ~5 elections and always with nice people.

  12. Ich bekomme gerade Zustände bei der Trennung von Wah-lehrenamt…

  13. If you have nothing better to do that day I would just go. You’ll get some money, might be interesting and they can’t really blame you if you show up with bad German skills.

  14. You can refuse if there is an “important reason” for it. What that is isn’t defined specifically. So, tell them you don’t speak german and see what happens. If they still want you to do this, you kinda have to. Or you tragically get sick that day.

  15. As a “beisitzer” you dont have many duties. Normally you get a shift (eg from 8-13 or 13-18) and you may hand out the ballots. The “schriftführer” takes the notes and the “wahlleiter” is the one with 90% of responisbilities.
    The main aspect for a Beisitzer like you is to make sure everything is in order PLUS counting the votes afterwards.
    There isnt that much talking required for you. Mostly your Team around you have some knowledge already.
    I encourage you to make this experience once in your lifetime. Though sometimes bring, you fulfill a duty for democracy. (Plus you get to know other people and get to know your neighbors (if yu are in your own wahlbezirk). And there is like 20-30 bucks you get)
    I really like helping out at a vote day 🙂

  16. Acceptable reasons to decline are:
    Caring for your family makes it particularly difficult to perform your duties.
    Urgent professional reasons
    Illness
    Disability
    Not showing up carries a fine of €500-1000

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