Devilzsidewalk wrote:what's German community service payment? In the US, community service means you committed a low level crime and now you have to pick up trash on the side of the highway in an orange mesh vest.
it's not the same as community service in America is. it's an alternative to serving for the military. here in Germany all men are supposed to serve for the military for 9 months and if you don't want to join the forces you can choose to serve for your country by different means. ususally you work at retirement homes, hospitals, schools etc.
however, the tendency has been over the last years that only about 50% (if at all) of all men have to serve for their country. it's a dumb idea to begin with to be forced to join the army because it's basically a complete waste of money. oh and our new government ruled to shorten the length once again. from 2011 on you only have to serve for 6 months which makes it an even dumber concept.