Staying in Germany short-term without registering

I'm planning on renting a room or a flat for 9 - 12 months next year, whilst keeping my flat in the Uk and continuing to be based tax wise in the Uk. I would be spending around half my time in the germany and half in the Uk.

I have read that it is no longer necessary to acquire a residence permit but will it be necessary for me to register with the police? I would rather not do so to avoid any beurocracy with tax situations etc. Also if I do have to register my adress, will I have to show proof of health care?

Hope somebody can help.

Given your plans to stay short-term, you will probably be able to slip in and out again under the radar. I'd do my best to leave no paper trail: pay your rent and everything else in cash and don't leave your German address in writing anywhere. Should you find you can't get around registering, it's not with "the police" per se - you simpy go to the Meldeamt and sign a few papers. Nobody asked me about health care that I can recall, but then again it's been a while...