Laws vs. Freedom

[andypaul]

What is required now for family reunification in Germany is basic level in German. But to come to that level means that my gf needs to go from Eastern Samar either to Manila or Cebu for a language course. At least when we want to make sure that she receives that level.

That new rule has been introduced because we have many Turkish woman coming from rural areas to Germany, and a lot of them lives in Turkish quarters in Germany, without any knowledge of German.

But its ridiculous and against the fundamental right of marriage to have that requirement even BEFORE she comes here.

And it is ridiculous to have that requirement when the partner is German.

Anyway, we know that we have a rocky road before us, but as it is the way to our paradise, it doesn't really matter. I just sometimes get angry that the government robs us of many month of happiness. How can they dare?

Many of us have had obstcales which seemed impoosible but somehow they get sorted and im sure you two will.

Im sure you both talking both text and speech will help her greatly if in german and isn't there a german channel on some of the cable channel companies? Im sure i saw it last time i was there but not sure if all areas have it.

Although of course the wife had her schooling which helped we found plenty of books, mp3 and computer software which helped with her english (big difference as you know between philglish and english)
Although im sure she may need courses later im sure she can get a head start

Taking a detached view i can see the logic of ensuring all applicants proving they can speak the nations official lanuage.

A program today had a man who before the para medics could provide medical care had to contact a interpretor as the man spoke such poor english ( his house was burgarled so was not a tourist)

In the UK translation services are diverting money from core services wheter it be the NHS, or printing books, leaflets in about 9 seperate languages in my area and the council provding helplines in all the same langages as well. Im sure taxes could be slighty lower or services slighty better if the money not required for these services which would benefit many not the few.

I know you will both beat it and soon be togther

[uli43]

Many thanks, Andy, yes, I have no doubt, we will overcome the obstacles. It just looks like a huge wall, when you start. But we will go step by step.

Yes there is "Deutsche Welle" TV in Phils. We also already bought a language course, on CD, she is working hard on it. And there are other ways. She will also try to find someone speaking German in her area.

Nevertheless, there is a risk in doing it on your own.

Official language courses - "Goethe-Institut" in Manila - take 15 weeks and cost between 4,000 and 6,000 php.

I still cannot accept that our laws put these obstacles in our way.

In practice, this comes close to a denial of the right to marry the person you want to marry. It's a kind of interference of the government in private life which is unacceptable in liberal societies.

[andypaul]

Many thanks, Andy, yes, I have no doubt, we will overcome the obstacles. It just looks like a huge wall, when you start. But we will go step by step.

Yes there is "Deutsche Welle" TV in Phils. We also already bought a language course, on CD, she is working hard on it. And there are other ways. She will also try to find someone speaking German in her area.

Nevertheless, there is a risk in doing it on your own.

Official language courses - "Goethe-Institut" in Manila - take 15 weeks and cost between 4,000 and 6,000 php.

I still cannot accept that our laws put these obstacles in our way.

In practice, this comes close to a denial of the right to marry the person you want to marry. It's a kind of interference of the government in private life which is unacceptable in liberal societies.

Out of intrest how many germans (i know you dont know an exact figure) and fillpinas meet up?
As in the UK its quite common to see brits and phills about especially in london, was in Ealing broadway this afternoon and every second couple seemed to be brit/phill and loads of Phills i presume there due to the Hospital and its just a few stops from Earls court.

Also the basic level of German required from what you can see what does that require learning? Enough to hold a basic conversation or a little bit more? ie lots of grammar? Also is it speaking, reading, writing or listening?
If you have a link that may be easier, sorry for all the questions

As i mentioned before i can see this possiibly coming in to act in the UK as both major parties will want to look tough on imgration and visas etc. Mr brown how new PM has had as a guest your Chancellor over and i think i saw her shoot past me the other day in Mayfair if she is still in the UK in a nice Beamer with a huge police escort.

I have mentioned on here before my wife took an English compentcy exam before she arrived which helped her a great deal once here both in skills learned and as a qualfication for when applying for Jobs.

It will not cost the goverment anything to implement as English exams already exist and they will just ask to see prove of the certificate like they do with the test. Already Medical staff and students have to take the exams to prove what level their english is at.