Civil service in Germany

Ø 1) Read the text and compare the system of civil service in Germany with that of other countries.

The public employees of Germany are put into two classes, namely ordinary employees (Angestellte) and Beamte. This distinction does not exist in most other national bodies of law. The original idea was that whoever represents the state by doing official duties, such as issuing official documents or making official decisions, should have a special kind of employment with the state.

The status of Beamte is enjoyed by the staff of public authorities and civil services, and also by policemen, soldiers and officers, most teachers and other professionals, and by holders of political offices such as mayors, ministers, etc. However, for holders of political offices the status of Beamte is not permanent and is only applicable for their period in office.

There are 4 professional tracks for Beamte, depending on their education: lower service, middle service, upper service, and senior service. One does not become a Beamte by signing a contract, but rather by receiving a diploma of appointment. The first task is to swear the oath to uphold the federal constitution and the constitution of the federal state. To become a German Beamte, each applicant, regardless of which career he/she chooses (lower, middle, upper or senior service), should complete the preparation service lasting one to three years. Usually, the preparation service ends with several oral and written exams and a written work. Then applicants have a probation time. It usually lasts three to five years. Only after probation a person becomes a Beamte for life and thus has the status of an official civil servant.

German Beamte have a special health plan, an index-linked pension of 71.5% of the last salary, and most importantly, the impossibility of losing the job (basically, the state may only terminate employment in cases of serious felonies). One notable disadvantage is that Beamte, unlike all other public or private employees, don’t have the right to strike. Furthermore, the salary and working week are defined by law and not by negotiations between employers and unions. As a result, the usual working week for public employees is 38.5 hours whereas for Beamte it is 40 to 42 hours.

Beamte suffer from an image problem within Germany. A study conducted by the German Civil Service Federation stated that 61% of the German population thought that Beamte are “lazy, lethargic, inflexible, stubborn or corrupt.” Other common points of contention among the German public were that Beamte are paid excessive salaries and cannot be released from their positions for any other reason than engaging in a criminal act or being unable to work.

Ø 2) Answer the questions on the text:

a) What is the difference between an “Angestellte” and a “Beamte” in Germany?

b) How can one become a “Beamte”?

c) What are Beamte’s job benefits?

d) Are there any disadvantages in the job of Beamte?

e) Typical Beamte are considered to be important in Germany, aren’t they?