Residence permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis)
A temporary residence permit issued for a specific purpose such as studying, working, or family reunification.
What it means in plain English
Residence permit. A temporary residence permit issued for a specific purpose such as studying, working, or family reunification.
Common confusion
An Aufenthaltserlaubnis is the legal residence permission itself, not just the plastic card you later carry. For students, it is also different from the D-Visum you use to enter Germany before your longer-term residence status is issued or extended locally.