Every household in Germany pays the Rundfunkbeitrag, a compulsory monthly fee for public broadcasting. In 2026, the fee remains €18.36 per month. For people with good incomes, this amount may not matter much. But those living on Bürgergeld (citizens’ benefit), every euro counts. The good news is: Bürgergeld recipients can be exempted from paying this fee – and may even …

Berlin-based independent bookshop Buchhandlung InterKontinental has once again been awarded the coveted Deutscher Buchhandlungspreis for 2025, marking its third recognition (previously honoured in 2021 and 2023). The award, announced on Tuesday, underscores InterKontinental’s continuing influence in Germany’s cultural and literary landscape. Located in the heart of Friedrichshain, InterKontinental has built a unique reputation as Germany’s only bookstore exclusively dedicated to …

Since the beginning of 2026, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) has suspended all new admissions to integration courses under Section 44, paragraph 4 of the German Residence Act (AufenthG). The circular, sent to course providers on 9 February, clarifies that this freeze affects asylum-seekers, tolerated residents (Geduldete), Ukrainians with temporary protection and EU citizens, who had previously …