Migrants who leave voluntarily, unlike deportees, are not detained by police during the night, and can plan for their future in good time.
While deportees receive a multi-year re-entry ban, those who leave voluntarily get some financial assistance. The amount is higher the earlier they decide to leave.
SZ reports that the "start-up" cash for a family of five, if they decide to leave before their asylum claim is rejected, can be €4,200 (£3,580; $4,383). That is in addition to the basic financial support that most migrants get from the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
This year Germany refused entry to 20,000 migrants at its external borders.
In early 2017 Germany plans to launch a new development programme targeting migrants, to help them reintegrate in their home countries.
The first countries of origin to be targeted will be Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kosovo, Serbia and Albania, SZ reports. Germany has allocated €150m - spread over three years - for reintegration projects, to help voluntary returnees.
The largest groups seeking asylum in Germany in January-October 2016 were: Syrians (38%), Afghans (18%) and Iraqis (13.5%).

www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-38449841