Schadenfreude

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Source: http://stephaniemcmillan.org/2009/04/22/schadenfreude/

German bureaucrats love Schadenfreude (pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others). 

If you are in the process of applying for a residence permit at the local Auslaenderbehoerde in Goettingen (or anywhere else in Germany for that matter) and are assigned Mr. Waldmann, I'm very sorry.  Mr. Waldmann will never disclose the full list of documents you need to bring him in order to process the application.   He has you come in over and over.  Maybe it's a compliment, and he just enjoys the company of non-German nationals?

Here's how it works:

Call or send an email requesting an appointment at your local foreign office.  In Goettingen, email: auslaenderstelle@goettingen.de.  If you email, they will not answer if you only write them once.  You have to write them 2-3 times - and you'll probably get a response within 10 days.  If you call, you'll probably try calling 6-10 times to speak with someone.  Either way, they will request your presence in the office about two weeks out.

Visit 1
Me: Here are the documents you asked me to bring
Waldmann: But you also need to bring two photos
Me: Okay.  I'll bring photos.  Are there any other documents that I need to get my permit?
Waldmann: No

Visit 2
Me: Here are the two photos
Waldmann: But you also need to bring 100 EUR
Me: Okay.  Here's a credit card.
Waldmann: No, you need to bring cash.
Me Okay.  I'll bring cash.  Is there anything else I need to bring?
Waldmann: No

Visit 3
Me: Here's the cash
Waldmann: But you also need to bring documentation of health insurance
Me: But you didn't tell me before
Waldmann: Shrugs

Source: http://www.datingish.com/749224284/please-remove-the-growth-that-is-my-husband/



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