In this article, you'll uncover the alterations taking place in Germany during December 2023. Prepare to learn about the new deadlines for sending Christmas letters, adjustments in schools and kindergartens, increase in minimum wage in the care sector, extended 'brakes' on electricity and gas prices, and other intriguing developments.
Utility Bills and Unexpected Costs
As 2023 winds down, many renters in Germany will receive their utility bills for the year. But, beware, these figures might surprise you as they account for the increase in energy prices throughout 2022. If your bills aren't sent before December 31, 2023, consider yourself fortunate, as landlords typically lose the right to request additional payments due to delays. Verify every detail nicely and contact the tenant support group if any queries arise.
Deutsche Bahn's Winter Schedule
December 10 marks the beginning of the new long-distance train schedule for Deutsche Bahn. Some positive developments await travelers – the number of trains between key locations, such as Berlin and Munich, Hamburg and Magdeburg, Berlin-Wuppertal-Cologne, Magdeburg-Schwerin-Rostock, and Nuremberg-Jena-Leipzig, will increase. Additionally, more trains will be available on select routes, such as Berlin-Paris and Berlin-Brussels, thanks to partnerships with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). However, some prices will come at a premium, such as a steep increase in Flex tickets by approximately 5%, and an additional 3 euros to the Bahncard 25 annual price, now set at 62.90 euros.
Christmas Letter Deadlines
Get ready to mail your Christmas cards and packages to beloved friends and family in Germany. Keep these important dates in mind: deutschepost.de suggests sending letters by December 21 to ensure timely delivery by Christmas, and the deadline for parcels falls on December 20. Bear in mind that no guaranteed deadlines are provided for international shipments; however, it's always advisable to send your packages as early as possible. Most Deutsche Post branches will operate on December 23 and 30, but they will be closed on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve (as well as on public holidays). Employees will enjoy several days off during December: on December 25 and 26, both fall on Monday and Tuesday and are public holidays, while January 1 is an additional day off. On Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, businesses typically close early.
Stock up on groceries and supplies before the chaos ensues in supermarkets on Saturday, December 23!
School and Kindergarten Holidays
At long last, children, teachers, and support staff look forward to the upcoming holiday breaks after yet another demanding year. Keep in mind that school holidays commence on varying dates across Germany. For example, North Rhine-Westphalia opens them from December 21 to January 6. Other locations may begin the holidays a bit later.
New Year's Eve Fireworks Chaos
Prepare yourself for January 1, better known as Silvester in Germany, by familiarizing yourself with the traditions and expectations. On this notable night, Germans embrace the tradition of setting off fireworks, which can be seen on the streets and even launched from balconies. Last year, troublemakers in certain Berlin neighborhoods created disturbances with firecrackers, and such incidents occurred in other cities. A survey conducted by YouGov in November revealed that a majority of German residents oppose the use of personal fireworks. To keep your pets calm on this disruptive night, make sure they have a safe haven.
Minimum Wage Increase in the Care Sector
Workers in the care sector are in for a treat, as they will receive higher wages beginning in December. The values of minimum wages for different qualifications are as follows:
- Qualified caregivers will receive 18.25 euros per hour (previously 17.65).
- Qualified care assistants will earn 15.25 euros (previously 14.90).
- Care assistants will receive 14.15 euros (previously 13.90).
Nutritional Information on Wine Labels
From December 8, all wine bottles in Germany will display additional details, such as nutritional content and ingredients, due to a new law requiring such information. This might lead to larger labels or QR codes included on packages.
Extensions of the Price Brakes on Electricity and Gas
Previously, maximum prices for electricity and gas in Germany were intended to expire by December 2023. However, the Bundestag decided to extend the program due to increased energy costs and geopolitical issues. As a result, consumers can enjoy maximum prices for electricity, gas, and centralized heating until the end of March 2024. Previously, the deadline was expected to extend until April 2024, but the EU Commission only granted permission for a slightly shorter duration, until March 2024.
CO2 Emission Fees for Freight Vehicles
Starting on December 1, a new fee for CO2 emissions from freight vehicles will be implemented, amounting to €200 per ton of carbon dioxide. This cost is a part of the four components that contribute to travel expenses: infrastructure costs, air pollution, noise, and CO2 emissions. Initially, this requirement applies exclusively to trucks weighing 7.5 tons or more. From July 1, 2024, it is expected to apply to smaller vehicles weighing 3.5 tons or more. The government projects that this change will generate an additional €30.5 billion worth of revenue from 2024 to 2027 for transportation investments.
Google's Inactive Account Deletion
Tech giant Google will delete inactive accounts starting on December 1. An account is deemed inactive if it hasn't been used or logged into for more than two years. The user will receive numerous notifications before their account is removed to make sure they are aware of the upcoming deletion.
