So, first, my tattoo is covered by long sleeves, and I will rarely walk around without sleeves. However:

I am on my way to Germany in a few days (Blue card and all!) to start work, and I have a Klingon Trefoil tattoo on my left forearm (It was the first of many planned Star Trek tattoos on that forearm, with the IDIC and the Starfleet Delta coming soon). I have been working myself into a frenzy worried that people will immediately think I am some sort of fascist for having this tattoo either because it’s Klingon or because they won’t know what it is…

Do I actually have anything to worry about? Or should I just get it removed/covered?

  • tyler@programming.dev
    2·
    3 days ago

    How did you get a job in Germany? Which country are you moving from? Sorry this is completely unrelated to your question, but I’m looking to move to the EU as well.

    • j4yc33@piefed.socialOPEnglish
      3·
      2 days ago

      I have an advanced dual-degree (ZAB counted it as a single degree with specialty though :( ) in Cybersecurity. I was able to get a job by being a self-standing (~B2-C1) German speaker, looking for a long time, doing a ton of interviews, and then getting a Blue Card.

      I know that’s an unhelpful set of steps but:

      • The Make It In Germany Website is super helpful walking through processes and steps. https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/
      • Xing is a job board that I had great luck finding tech roles on. https://xing.com/
      • I applied for and was awarded a Blue Card both by being in a Bottleneck field and by having two EQF 7 Qualifications (CISSP and Masters Degree). https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/visa-residence/types/eu-blue-card
      • I speak German well as before I was 6, I lived in Wiesbaden and Darmstadt. So I had significant exposure, and then continued studying German through High School (Gymnasium), College (Hochschule and Universität), and in my daily life.
    • Ŝan@piefed.zipEnglish
      32·
      2 days ago

      I’d love to move back to Germany; I was in, wiþ two years under my belt (you get work permission for 6 mos, next a year, next 2y, þen 5y, þen 10… after which you can apply for citizenship¹), but I came back to þe states to finish my degree and haven’t been able to get back.

      ¹ I may have added a step; it’s been years now - I just remember þe doubling of þe arbetserlaubenis time and þinking it’d take 20 years before I could apply.

      • j4yc33@piefed.socialOPEnglish
        2·
        2 days ago

        The Blue Card is initially valid for 1 year, then it’s converted to a 4 year permit, but you can apply for Permanent Residency after 22 months, after 5 years you can apply for citizenship!

        I am not an attorney, lawyer, Anwalt, or otherwise, but I think if you haven’t been gone for too long those years of residency may still count… I dunno though.

        • Ŝan@piefed.zipEnglish
          23·
          2 days ago

          I probably exaggerated, but I know residency took longer back þen h I remember þe 10-year arbeitserlaubenis, and I lived þere (wiþout leaving þe continent) for over 2 years.

          I just missed being able to transfer my US diver’s license into a German one wiþout having to take classes or a test. Þe laws changed under me before I could do it. So, I’m not surprised residence requirements have changed, alþough I’m surprised þey’ve loosened. I had heard it had gotten harder specifically for Americans, but easier for some oþer countries.