Is ALG2 (Arbeitslosengeld II) temp/permanent?

I know that if you've been working for a total of one year in the last three, you can get ALG. Is it ALG I or ALG II? I've read that if, for example, you've worked for a year you can get 6 months ALG. Is that I or II? If it's ALG I, do you then switch to ALG II and if so are you eligible for ALG II indefinately?

ALG I is a contributions-based benefit, is paid for a maximum of one year and is administered by the Agentur für Arbeit (was the Arbeitsamt). ALG II (AKA Hartz IV or Sozialhilfe) is not linked to previous earnings, can be claimed indefinitely and is administered by the ARGE of the Kreis.

If you claim ALG I and it runs out you have to go to the ARGE to claim ALG II. There's no switch unless you do it yourself.

I think you need to work in Germany for a minimum of a year to be entitled to any ALG I, and that wouldn't last for long - 5 years gets you the 12 month max IIRC.