Changes that happened in Germany in May 2023
Changes that happened in Germany in May 2023
A folk song from Germany claims that everything is made new in May. We examine the greatest changes coming to Germany in May, from salary hikes to lower energy prices, demonstrating the veracity of the song. Not everything will change in Germany in May 2023, but there are several significant developments that every foreigner in Germany ought to be aware of.
Before moving to the changes in Germany in May first let’s have a look on the most awaited part of the month are the Holidays. There are three public holidays in May, and they are all observed during the week. This is good news for all employees who want to enjoy the finally-sunny weather. Here are the occasions when you can enjoy a long weekend or a bridge day (Brückentag).
- Monday, May 1st: Labour Day (with three days off on the weekend)
- Thursday, May 18th: Ascension Day (four days off with a bridge day)
- Monday, May 29th: Whitsun (three days off)
Changes
1) 49- euro Deutschlandticket officially launched
Although it was supposed to arrive in ticket outlets in January, as the expression goes, better late than never. You can now use the Deutschlandticket, popularly known as the €49 ticket or simply the D-Ticket, as of May 1. Those who have already picked up their presale Deutschlandticket will have the ability to board all regional trains and public transportation in Germany for one month. The 49-euro ticket will be available exclusively as a subscription, unlike the 9-euro ticket, and can be canceled on a monthly basis. You can buy it using a chip card, a traditional paper ticket, or an internet ticket. There are numerous additional special deals available across the nation, including reduced ticket prices for children, students, and persons receiving social benefits.
2) Prices for Gas drops
Several basic gas suppliers plan to reduce their prices in May to under the 12 cent per kilowatt hour limitation imposed by the Gaspreisbremse (Gas price cap) due to the fact that prices on the wholesale market have been down for several months. The Gasag Group reported that this is due to the fact that wholesale market prices have recently dropped dramatically once more. In other words, starting on Monday, it will be advantageous for customers to compare the costs of other utility providers. Despite the fact that gas costs are declining, inflation analysts believe that it may still be a while before food prices stabilize at levels that are more familiar to consumers.
3) Increase in minimum wages of Care Sector Workers
As one of the two wage increases slated for 2023, caregivers will start seeing pay increases on May 1. Depending on the qualifications of the workforce, the minimum wage will continue to change. Since the beginning of May, employers have been paying personnel who provide care for the elderly higher wages. This wage increase marks the first of two planned increments for 2023. According to the qualifications of the workers, the minimum salary is still different: Auxiliary personnel must make at least €13.90 per hour, while qualified nursing assistants can make €14.90. Furthermore, qualified nurses will make a minimum of €17.65 per hour. December is set allocated for the second rise.
4) Vodaphone and Microsoft increased the prices
Vodafone, a mobile phone carrier, will raise its tariffs starting of May 4. Newer subscribers have already started paying extra since November 2022. Existing clients will now need to pay an additional €5 per month. The communications provider informed affected customers and offers a three-month termination period for those seeking better deals. Microsoft will raise prices for its cloud services, like Microsoft 365, Office 365, Dynamics 365, and Teams, starting in April. Some consumers may face a 20% fee increase.
5) Discontinuation of Corona Warning App as Covid Rules Eased
The Corona Warn app, which displayed vaccination records during 2G and 3G uncertainties, stopped alerting users about COVID-19 exposure from May 1, per the Robert Koch Institute. Some capabilities, like showing vaccination records, remain. The recent ban on masks in public transportation in Germany marked the end of a three-year epidemic. COVID-19 is now considered endemic, similar to the flu and common cold. Farewell to lockdowns, tests, and vaccine passes – no nostalgia for those days.
6) Digital Market Act comes to effect
The EU Digital Markets Act will go into effect on May 2. To ensure fair competition moving forward, this implies that online behemoths like Google, Apple, and Amazon will have to abide by stricter advertising regulations while doing business in the EU. They will enable users to remove pre-installed programs, and we will severely constrain personal advertising and self-promotion. The EU parliament has stated that it will impose tough consequences on foreign businesses that do not abide by the new standards, including seizing 10% of the company’s annual revenue for noncompliance and 20% for repeat offenses.
If you currently reside in or plan to relocate to Germany, you must make these fundamental adjustments. Learn about the changes in Germany, then adjust your plans for the future.
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