KfW’s Barrier-Free Renovation Grant Ran Out in Four Months
Germany’s federal grant for barrier-free home renovations has stopped taking new applications. Barrier-free renovations remove obstacles like steps, narrow...
You Can Now Vote on Germany’s Next Euro Banknotes
The European Central Bank (ECB) wants your input on future euro banknotes. Voting on ten finalist designs runs until September 21, 2026. Anyone in Europe can take...
Munich Rules Full Day’s Price Back for a Delayed Flight
A Munich court ruled that a delayed package tour flight can cost a full day’s price. The ruling went out on July 18, 2026. The case involved a nine-hour flight...
Germany Ends “Accompanied Drinking” for 14 and 15 Year Olds
Germany’s cabinet approved a Youth Protection Act reform on August 12, 2026. The reform ends “accompanied drinking” (begleitetes Trinken). It’s...
German Grocery Products Now Cost Up to 50% More Per Gram
A new monthly report flags grocery products for shrinking packages. A Milky Way multipack shrank from nine bars to five. That works out to a 38 percent price increase...
Germany’s ID Cards Change From 2027
Germany’s Interior Ministry confirmed new ID card rules on August 8, 2026. Cards issued after the end of 2027 will look and work differently. The ministry...
BAföG Rises to €563 as Cabinet Approves Reform
BAföG is Germany’s main student financial aid program. It supports university students, school pupils and apprentices. Living costs have risen faster than...
German Cabinet Approves Jahressteuergesetz 2026
Germany’s cabinet approved the 2026 Annual Tax Act (Jahressteuergesetz 2026) on August 12. The law changes taxes for employees, freelancers, and businesses...
68% of Germans Oppose Scrapping Rente mit 63
The Alterssicherungskommission submitted its recommendations to BMAS on June 23, 2026. One of the recommendations is to abolish Rente mit 63 (retirement at 63)....
Employer Health Insurance Contributions Rise €561 in 2027
From January 1, 2027, employers can contribute up to roughly €561 a month toward an employee’s private health insurance premium. That is up from the current...