Ankommen (meaning “Arrive”) is a free smartphone app from the German government aimed at helping asylum seekers feel at home in their new country. It includes German customs and values, along with a language course, asylum application information and tips on work or study options.
The app has been developed with the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees, the Federal Employment Agency, the Goethe Institute, and radio and TV broadcaster Bayerischer Rundfunk. They say the app will have regular updates to reflect changes in policy or major events.
A section on gender equality was added to the app following the recent attacks on women in Cologne.
This is just one of a number of apps that have been launched to help refugees in Germany, including one just for Dresden, where there have been numerous anti-migrant protests.
Germany has an open-door policy for refugees, and took in over a million asylum seekers last year. A large number are fleeing from war and persecution in countries like Syria and Afghanistan.
Ankommen is available now on Google Play and will be coming soon to iOS.