Germany: Law & Society

Every month, new laws and amendments to laws are introduced that affect everyday life in Germany. What will change in March 2022 in terms of Corona rules, gambling and consumer protection is revealed here. —– Relaxation of Corona Restrictions The federal and state governments agreed to gradually relax the regulations on contact and access restrictions in the month of March. …

Like at the beginning of every new month in Germany, new regulations come into force in February. These affect, among others, deadline for the submission of tax returns, validity of the EU vaccination certificate and new rules on hate online. Here’s overview of the most important changes: ——– Validity of EU vaccination certificates From 1 February, the validity of EU …

The minimum wage and Hartz IV rate will rise in the new year just as postage rates and the prices of petrol and diesel will go up. New regulations on plastic shopping bags and beverage cans and plastic bottles enter into effect as well. Here are some of the changes most likely to affect most people living in Germany —– …

Like in every month, new laws and other changes enter into effect in December 2021. We have summarised the most important ones for you here. —- Prescription drugs become 20 cents more expensiveOn 15 December, a law comes into force that makes prescription drugs more expensive. The prices for pre-packaged medicines will generally increase by 20 cents. Deutsche Bahn Winter …

More and more refugees are becoming successful in appealing against a negative asylum decision. In the vast majority of cases, they are granted protection status by the courts. The Left party complains about “political pressure” on the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees. A growing number of refugees are successful in appealing against the rejection of their asylum application. In …

From 1 November 2021, a series of new laws and changes to the law that affect our daily lives, will come into force. Among these are higher penalties for traffic offences, Christmas market season begin, big-discount day for shoppers and the deadline for changing vehicle insurance, among others. We have summarised for you the important changes from 1 November 2021 here:

The Bundesrat, the upper chamber of the federal parliament, has approved the long-discussed amendments to the catalogue of fines (Bußgeldkatalog), which regulates what penalty is imposed for which traffic offence in Germany. Speeding and parking violations will now be particularly expensive as from mid-November when the amendments enter into effect. —— As part of the long-discussed reform of the Road …

New month, new laws! New laws and administrative regulations enter into effect in October. Among these are those related to the coronavirus pandemic as well as those affecting motorists, debtors, taxpayers and doctor’s prescriptions. ——- Unvaccinated persons to pay for tests In places where the 3G rule applies, only persons who have been vaccinated or have recovered from an infection …

New laws and administrative regulations enter into effect in September. Among these are those affecting the national identity card, registration for unemployment, parental allowance, energy-saving lamps and a tool to help you make the right choice at the coming general election. The African Courier summarises what will be important for you to know. ———— Identity card (Personalausweis) on the smartphone: …

There are many legal changes entering into effect in August, including new rules for holiday returnees and a controversial ID card requirement. There is also good news for low-income families and all those who are obliged to file a tax return. The African Courier summarises what will be important for you to know. ——– Compulsory testing for travellers returning to …

Every month there are new laws and other legal changes. July 2021 is no different. Whether minimum wage increase, single-use plastic ban, compulsory measles vaccination or digital Covid-19 vaccination card: We have all the relevant changes at a glance! ——- Statutory minimum wage increases From July 2021, the minimum wage will increase by 10 cents from 9.50 euros to 9.60 …

The analysis of refugees’ mobile phone data to ascertain their identity violates their fundamental rights. This was the decision of the Berlin Administrative Court while ruling in the case of a 44-year-old Afghan woman. The verdict puts a question mark on the controversial practice to which the authorities sometimes resort to establish the true identity of asylum-seekers —- The controversial …

Every month there are new laws and other legal changes. June 2021 is no different. Whether it’s about the coronavirus vaccination, VAT increase, government subsidies for businesses and self-employed persons, the digital vaccination certificate, your Microsoft account or even travelling with the ICE, we have all the important changes for you here: Prioritisation for vaccinationFrom 7 June, there will no …

The term “race” will remain in the Basic Law for the time being. The plan to delete the controversial word from the German constitution is being blocked by the CDU/CSU parliamentary group, Federal Justice Minister Christine Lambrecht (SPD) announced in Berlin on Monday. Contrary to initial plans, the federal cabinet should have approved the deletion on Wednesday, but it was …

Like at the beginning of every month, new legal changes enter into effect in May 2021. Among these are a one-time supplement to the child benefit, more protection for minors online, increased wages for painters, new labelling rules for tyres and new terms and conditions for WhatsApp users. Femi Awoniyi reports ——— 150-euro extra child bonus The disruptions of normal …

The so-called rent cap has been in force in Berlin for more than a year. Now the Federal Constitutional Court Bundesverfassungsgericht has overturned the controversial law causing apprehensions for tenants in Germany’s biggest city The Federal Constitutional Court has declared Berlin’s rent cap null and void. According to the decision of the Karlsruhe-based highest court on constitutional matters, Berlin was …

Most people carry their identity card (Personalausweis) in their wallet at all times. After all, it is an identity document that must be shown both when demanded by the police and when collecting items from the post office or making payments by credit card. But does this also mean that you must always carry the ID with you? In Germany, …

Integration Senator Breitenbach wants people with a migration background to be better represented in the civil service. She proposes a migrant quota of 35 per cent in public administration. ———- Berlin’s Integration Senator Elke Breitenbach, a member of the Left party, wants more people with a migration background to work in the civil service. A new draft law provides for …

Like at the beginning of every month, new legal changes enter into effect in April 2021, affecting, for example, income support for self-employed persons, short-time work benefits, driving licence and minimum wage for care workers, among others.Here’s what you should know: ——— Simplified access to basic income support extendedDue to the ongoing economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the federal …

Like at the beginning of every month, new legal changes enter into effect in March 2021.These affect, for example, energy labels for refrigerators, televisions or washing machines. Also, summer time starts soon and parents urgently need to pay attention to the deadline for applying for Baukindergeld. Moreover, the lockdown regulations will be relaxed. Here’s an overview of the important legal …