Everything that Changes in Germany in August 2024

From slower postal deliveries to new rules on cannabis for drivers and more generous grants for students, this is everything that changes in Germany in August 2024. Here are all the major updates to look out for:

1) Professional Experience to Be Formally Recognized

Starting August 1st, a new piece of legislation aimed at making on-the-job training more attractive will come into effect. The Vocational Validation and Digitalisation Act will allow individuals without a university degree or professional qualifications to get their work experience certified as a qualification.

To qualify, applicants must have worked in a relevant field for 1.5 times the duration of the equivalent training (e.g., 4.5 years for a three-year university course) and be at least 25 years old. The validation process will be widely available from January 2025 through chambers of industry, commerce, and crafts.

2) Changes to Train Routes

From August 16th to December 14th, ICE journeys between Hamburg and Berlin will take 45 minutes longer due to a diversion via Stendal, bringing the total journey time to 2.5 hours. During this period, only one train per hour will run between the two cities, and EC trains to Dresden and Prague will start and end in Berlin instead of Hamburg. Additionally, night trains from Berlin to Paris and Brussels will be cancelled from August 12th to October 25th due to construction work.

3) New Rules on Cannabis Consumption for Drivers

Following the legalization of cannabis possession and the introduction of licensed cannabis clubs, new laws regulating driving under the influence of cannabis will be implemented in August. Authorities will be entitled to check the level of THC (the psychoactive compound in cannabis) in drivers’ bloodstreams, which should not exceed 3.5 nanograms per milliliter. Exceeding this limit can result in fines up to €3,000, with higher fines if alcohol is also involved. For new drivers and those under 21, any level of THC is banned.

4) Slower Postal Deliveries

Starting in August, letters sent within Germany can take up to three working days to arrive, rather than the previous two. This change is part of the government’s Postal Modernisation Act, which comes into force on August 1st. The government is also planning to allow more competition in the parcel delivery market, with new companies required to comply with German labor laws such as minimum wage and maximum working hours.

5) Young People Gain Right to an Apprenticeship

From August 1st, more young people will have the right to state-supported vocational training if they are learning disabled, socially disadvantaged, or live in areas with insufficient training opportunities. Employers who offer training and apprenticeships will receive a larger bonus of €3,000 for transitioning trainees into company-based training. Vocational colleges will be permitted to conduct more training and examinations digitally. This apprenticeship guarantee builds on previous legislation aimed at encouraging young people to enter vocational training programs.

6) More Generous Grants for Students

Starting in August, BAföG, Germany’s financial aid scheme for students, will increase. The basic monthly allowance will rise from €452 to €475, while the housing allowance for students living away from home will increase from €360 to €380. Health and care insurance subsidies will also be adjusted. Additionally, students from very low-income families will receive an initial grant of €1,000 when starting a university course. The income threshold for students’ additional earnings will increase to €538 per month, and a new “flexibility semester” will allow students to claim their BAföG grants for an additional semester if needed.

7) Dozens of Galeria Branches Close

Due to ongoing insolvency proceedings, nine of Galeria’s remaining 92 stores will close on August 31st, affecting stores in Augsburg, Berlin Ringcenter, Berlin Tempelhof, Chemnitz, Essen, Leonberg, Regensburg, Trier, and Wesel. Approximately 1,400 of Galeria’s 12,800 staff are expected to lose their jobs following the closures.

8) Higher Wages for Trainee Painters and Stonemasons

Apprentices in the painting and varnishing trades will see their wages increase this August. First-year apprentices will earn €800 per month, second-year apprentices will earn €885, and third-year apprentices will earn €1,050. Apprentices training to be stonemasons will also receive a pay increase, with first-year apprentices earning €925 per month, second-year apprentices earning €1,025, and third-year apprentices earning €1,175.

9) Gender Self-Recognition Becomes Easier

On August 1st, the new Self-Determination Act, which broadens rights for trans people, will enter into force. This act simplifies the process for changing one’s gender entry and first name by submitting a declaration to the registry office, eliminating the need for a medical certificate, expert opinion, or court order.

10) Subsidies for Green Energy Systems Open Up

In line with the government’s Heating Bill, households will be able to apply for subsidies to exchange old heating systems for eco-friendly ones starting in August. Up to 70% of the costs of a new heating system can be subsidized by the Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), with subsidies depending partly on household income. For people with solar panel installations, the amount they can earn by feeding surplus energy back into the grid will decrease by one percent from August.

11) Local Governments Can Introduce 30 km/h Zones

A recent reform of the Road Traffic Act allows local governments more control over their streets. Districts can now prioritize health and environmental considerations to introduce new speed limits, pedestrian zones, and cycle lanes. Local authorities can more easily implement 30 km/h speed limits near playgrounds, school routes, and pedestrian crossings. The amended law is expected to come into effect at the end of July or early August.

12) Tax Deadline Extended

The official deadline for mandatory tax declarations is August 31st this year. However, since this date falls on a Sunday, taxpayers in Germany will have until Monday, September 2nd to submit their documents to the Finanzamt. While most employees in Germany are not required to submit a tax return, it can be beneficial for them to do so to write off work-related expenses and reduce their tax burden.

These changes reflect Germany’s ongoing efforts to modernize its regulations and provide more support to its citizens.

Read More at How to Abroad

How to find the right hospital in Germany when you get sick?

Germany Job Opportunity Card to Be Introduced from June 2024