Jobcenter Letter Translator
Translate Jobcenter letters into plain German, English, or Ukrainian. With objection templates and glossary of 60+ terms. Free.
Understanding Jobcenter Letters — Bureaucratic German Translated
Letters from the Jobcenter represent some of the most impenetrable bureaucratic German (Amtsdeutsch) that German bureaucracy has to offer. Approval notices, hearing letters, sanction notices, integration agreements — all in language that even native speakers often cannot understand. Our Jobcenter Letter Translator identifies the letter type and explains in clear German, English, or Ukrainian what it says and what you need to do.
Bürgergeld — Basics (SGB II)
Since January 2023, Bürgergeld (citizen benefit) replaced the former Hartz IV (Arbeitslosengeld II). It is granted under Book II of the Social Code (SGB II). Standard rates 2026:
- Single persons: EUR 563/month (standard needs level 1)
- Couples (per partner): EUR 506/month (level 2)
- Adults under 25 in parents' household: EUR 451/month (level 3)
- Adolescents 14–17: EUR 471/month (level 4)
- Children 6–13: EUR 390/month (level 5)
- Children 0–5: EUR 357/month (level 6)
Additionally: housing costs (KdU, § 22 SGB II) — rent + heating at a reasonable level. Reasonableness limits are set individually by each municipality.
Important Letter Types from the Jobcenter
- Approval notice (Bewilligungsbescheid, § 41 SGB II):Tells you how much Bürgergeld you receive and for what period (approval period: 12 months, § 41 para. 3 SGB II).
- Hearing letter (Anhörungsschreiben, § 24 SGB X):Before the Jobcenter makes a burdensome decision, it must hear you. Deadline: usually 2 weeks. Always respond!
- Sanction notice (Sanktionsbescheid, § 31a SGB II):Benefit reduction for breach of duty (e.g., missed appointment). Since 2024: max. 30% reduction (Federal Constitutional Court ruling 2019). Objection within 1 month (§ 84 SGG).
- Integration agreement (Eingliederungsvereinbarung, § 15 SGB II):Contract between you and the Jobcenter about duties and support measures. Since Bürgergeld: "Cooperation Plan" with less sanction pressure.
- Reclaim notice (Rückforderungsbescheid, § 50 SGB X):Repayment demand for overpayment. Check whether the reclaim is justified!
Your Rights
- Objection: Against any notice within 1 month (§ 84 SGG). In writing, by fax, or dictated at the Jobcenter.
- Lawsuit: At the Social Court, free of charge (§ 183 SGG). Deadline: 1 month after objection notice.
- Legal aid: Free legal advice for low-income persons (§ 1 BerHG). Applied for at the local court.
- Interpreter: The Jobcenter must ensure communication — insist on an interpreter at appointments.
Special Rules for Immigrants
Bürgergeld entitlement exists for persons with a residence permit and work authorization (§ 7 para. 1 SGB II). Excluded: EU citizens in the first 3 months (§ 7 para. 1 sentence 2 no. 1 SGB II), asylum seekers (who receive benefits under AsylbLG), students (§ 7 para. 5 SGB II). Ukrainian refugees with § 24 AufenthG have been entitled to Bürgergeld since June 2022.
What Our Translator Provides
- Letter type detection: What kind of letter did you receive?
- Plain-language translation in German, English, and Ukrainian
- Deadline calculation: When must you respond?
- Objection templates for download
- Glossary: 60+ technical terms from Jobcenter letters explained