Changes in Germany in October. Life in Germany. The coming month brings several important changes in Germany that will affect daily life. These include updates to public and school holidays, new financial support for students, and updated rules for drivers. Here are the key changes to know about.
German public holidays
October begins with a national holiday in Germany. On October 3rd, Germany celebrates the Day of German Unity, marking the anniversary of the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990, following the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. This year, October 3rd is a Thursday, so most people will have the day off work, and schools and shops will be closed.
Another holiday in October is Reformation Day on October 31st. This is a national holiday in several Protestant regions, including Brandenburg, Saxony, Thuringia, Bremen, and Hamburg.
Read also: Germany’s 2024 Holiday Calendar: Discover Autumn Breaks for Students and Families
Autumn break in Germany
The new school year has just started, but the autumn holidays (Herbstferien) are coming up quickly. The dates and length of the holidays differ by state:
- North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse: Holidays start on October 14.
- Berlin, Brandenburg, and Hamburg: The two-week break begins on October 21.
- Bremen and Lower Saxony: The short break starts earlier on October 4.
- Bavaria and Brandenburg: The holidays are shorter, starting around October 28.
Increased financial aid for students
Starting in October, German students can receive more financial support. The “basic needs” allowance under the BAföG (Bundesausbildungsförderungsgesetz) will go up from €452 to €475. The housing allowance for students living away from their parents will also rise from €360 to €380. Additionally, the maximum funding amount will increase by €58, from €934 to €992. Students under 25 from low-income families will also be eligible for a one-time start-up grant of €1,000.
Changing to winter time
As the winter months approach, it’s time to adjust our clocks. On Sunday, October 27, at 3:00 AM, clocks will be turned back to 2:00 AM, giving you an extra hour of sleep. However, this means it will get dark earlier during Winterzeit. Most digital clocks update automatically, but you may need to adjust clocks in your oven or car manually.
Despite ongoing discussions about ending daylight saving time in Germany and the EU, no changes are expected soon.
Read also: Moving to Germany? Here’s How to Get Your Permanent Residence Fast
New questions in the driving theory exam
If you’re taking a driving course in Germany, be aware that changes will be made to the theory test starting October 1. New questions will be introduced, and existing questions will be reworded. Driving test questions are updated twice a year, so it’s important to stay informed about these updates. According to Inranken.de, this year’s changes will include both reworded questions and new ones.
New regulation for winter tires
In Germany, winter tires are required in difficult conditions like ice, snow, or mud. While many people switch to winter tires from October to Easter, the law actually depends on the weather, not the season. Winter tires are especially important when temperatures drop below freezing.
Starting October 1, a new rule will apply: cars must use tires with the Alpine symbol in winter conditions. Previously, tires marked with M+S (mud and snow) were acceptable if they were made before January 1, 2018.
Launch of new payback pay method
Starting October 1, a new payment method will be introduced in online stores: Payback Pay. This service will first be available at DM drugstores and will soon be offered at other partner stores like MediaMarkt, Saturn, and Amazon. Payback users will be able to use their collected points directly for online purchases. If the points are insufficient, the remaining amount can be paid with a card or PayPal.
Essen gaming fair
The board game fair “Spiel 24” will return to Essen, Germany, starting October 3rd. Over 850 exhibitors from nearly 50 countries will showcase new games. This event, a favorite for board game enthusiasts for over 40 years, will run until October 6th.
Night trains between Berlin and Paris
Train passengers traveling outside Germany will be excited to hear that a popular route is returning. Night trains from Berlin to Paris and Brussels will start running again, with service resuming on October 28.