Everything That Changes in Germany in February 2025
Everything That Changes in Germany in February 2025
Germany will face several important Changes in Germany in February 2025. Political waves, adjustments to the economy, and new rules of technology are a few of them. Ranging from national elections and changing parliamentary structure to property tax renewal and AI law renewal, learn everything that is likely to change this month.
1) Germany Votes in a Snap Election
The German people shall vote at polling stations on 23rd February in a nationwide snap election. The election had been prompted during political storms; it is a determining factor that will help usher in new leaders for the nation. In the polls at the moment, the conservative Christian Democrats (CDU) with their Bavarian sister party CSU are the leading parties in Germany with 30-32 percent support. The far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) is a close second at 18-21 percent, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD) take up about 15-19 percent, and the Greens take 13-15 percent in the polls.
The election will determine the country’s next government, but forming a ruling coalition might take weeks or even months. A clear majority is unlikely, and the results might lead to intense negotiations. Observers are watching how the potential coalitions might shape Germany’s domestic and foreign policies.
2) Bundestag Shrinks in Size
A change in the electoral law will go hand in hand with the elections. The Bundestag, the German parliament, will then be reduced to 630 members from its present 736, and the reduction is a direct result of abolishing overhang and compensatory seats. Such a reform eliminates overhang and compensatory seats, making the number of parliamentary seats strictly based on the result of the second vote. Cost-cutting and efficiency in decision-making are two main reasons behind this reform.
3) Public Sector Salary Hikes
From February 1, German states are going to implement a 5.5% pay rise for public sector workers. This follows the conclusion of an all-encompassing pay settlement in December 2023 set to provide on average an 11% increase in pay for the workers affected, over time. The pay increases would make the job market of the public sector more competitive and help to address the problem of high inflation with an increased cost of living.
4) Fewer working days in February
Since 2025 is not a leap year, February will have only 28 days, resulting in working days having come in slightly lesser compared to 2024. As given by the Federal Statistical Office, the employees are estimated to work an average of 248.1 days in 2025, which is 0.7 days lesser than that of the previous year. This might be miniscule but can have a marginal effect on productivity calculations and the payroll management process.
5) Property Tax Reforms
The first part of Germany’s new property tax is due by mid-February. But few homeowners have actually received formal notifications of their new tax rates. Most property owners will receive their bills by February, but a few in Hamburg and Bonn will receive them in March.
The tax reform is likely to have mixed financial effects. Homeowners will benefit from saving in taxes, while others will increase up to as much as €1,000 per year. Renters are also likely to feel the impact, as landlords are allowed to pass property tax expenses onto tenants. Experts advise that property owners check their assessments carefully and seek legal advice if they believe they are being overcharged.
6) Public Transport Strikes
There was a strike in the Berlin public transportation service, BVG, on 27th January, and industrial action may be seen in the month of February as well. In case of no settlement through negotiations between employers and the workers’ union, more warning strikes can happen, which might affect the bus, tram, and underground services. Commuters in Berlin and other major cities must keep themselves updated about possible transport delays.
7) New AI Regulations Begin
Germany will introduce a new set of European Union regulations on AI February 2, addressing data privacy and ethical uses of AI. The law divides AI applications according to risk based on classification: some applications attract more regulatory oversight than others.
The regulations, in particular, prohibit some of the AI applications that are dangerous to citizens’ rights. For instance, among the banned use cases are;
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- Biometric classification systems that make use of sensitive characteristics.
- Blanket scraping facial images for the facial recognition database.
Companies employing AI will be required to follow these new rules to avoid facing legal consequences.
8) Renewable Energy Compensation Change
A new amendment to the Renewable Energy Sources Act (EEG) affects small-scale energy producers. As of February, plant operators have to market their electricity independently rather than automatically feeding it into the grid. Additionally, they will no longer receive remuneration for electricity generated during periods of negative electricity prices.
9) Decreased Feed-in Tariff for Solar Energy
Photovoltaic system owners should be ready for a slight reduction in their income. From February 1st, the feed-in tariff for new solar power installations will be reduced by 1 percent every six months. This gradual reduction affects the amount of money system owners earn when supplying electricity to the grid, as part of Germany’s energy transition goals.
10) Higher HD TV Subscription Fees
Subscribers to high-definition (HD) television services will now pay more. The HD Plus subscription fee will rise by around 15 percent from February. This will drive up the cost for millions of households that depend on these services for entertainment.
11) Carnival Celebrations
February and March are the peak months for Carnival celebrations in Germany, known as Karneval, Fasching, or Fastnacht in various regions. Some of the key events include:
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- Weiberfastnacht (Women’s Carnival Night) – February 27th
- Rosenmontag (Rose Monday) – March 3rd
These colorful celebrations will include parades, costumes, parties, and traditional performances that attract thousands of visitors and locals.
12) ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel’ Does Two Episodes Per Week Instead
Heidi Klum’s popular show ‘Germany’s Next Topmodel’ returns for its 20th season on February 13th. It is a change of significant proportions that the show is now being aired twice a week—the male models one day and female models another; Tuesday and Thursday respectively. An interesting way to learn some German by observing a popular German show like this one with language difficulty.
Political, economic, and social change marks February 2025 for Germany. Most areas of daily life are getting shaped by the changes brought in by a snap election, Bundestag reform, new rules about AI, an update to the property tax, and a public transport strike. A lot can be known through proper knowledge about transitions that will facilitate ease for the inhabitants, businessmen, and working personnel in such times of transition.
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