Important changes

• Thousands of fake German language certificates and integration test documents are circulating in Germany. They are sold over social media platforms like TikTok. People are paying around €1,500 for such fake certificates. Expats are using these fake documents when applying for naturalization or resident permits. Unfortunately, the foreign office lacks reliable data on the scale of the problem and is struggling to counter these fraud cases systematically. Please be aware of people selling fake certificates and report them to the police. [1]
• The ECB leaves the deposit interest rates unchanged at 2%. The deposit rate determines how much interest banks receive when they "park" money overnight with the ECB. This means you will continue to recieve the same interest rates in your fixed and daily accounts. [2]

Public health insurance costs will continue to rise in 2026

As you know, public health insurance costs depend on your income. The higher you earn, the more you pay.

However, there is a limit on the maximum income the insurance company will consider to calculate your premiums. This limit is called the contribution ceilings (Beitragsbemessungsgrenzen).

Every year, the German government revises the contribution ceilings for health and long-term care.

In 2026, this contribution ceiling will increase from €5,512.50/month to €5,812.50/month. This will increase your public health insurance premiums by 32€ per month or 383€ per annum.

How is public health insurance (GKV) premium calculated?

Where,

• Additional contribution = Set by the insurer. Currently, the average is 3.1%
• Long-term care = Set by the government. Depends on the number of children. Currently, it's 4.2% for individuals with no children.
• Income considered = Your gross monthly income or contribution ceiling, whichever is lower.

​Public health insurance premium calculator ->​

Changes in 2026 that will increase your premiums

1. The government is increasing the "contribution ceiling", which increases your premium if you earn above the ceiling.
2. Public insurance companies will most likely increase the "additional contribution" in 2026. This again will increase your monthly premiums.

​How much social security contributions do you pay? ->​

Who is impacted by the increase in the contribution ceiling?

• Everyone who earns more than the contribution ceilings is affected.
• If you earn below the contribution ceiling, your premium change will depend on the increase in the additional contribution.

What is the government doing about the rise in GKV premiums?

• The federal government is providing a €5.6 billion loan to statutory health insurance funds.
• Repayments of earlier loans have been postponed by seven years.
• A commission will start work in spring 2026 to propose long-term solutions for the health system.

However, this won't reduce the premiums. The best hope is that premiums won't increase too much.

What can you do about the increasing premiums?

You have two options

• Move to a public health insurance company that charges a lower additional contribution. Among the expat-friendly insurance companies, TK offers the lowest additional contribution (2.45%).

​List of public health insurance companies and their additional contribution ->​

• Switch to private health insurance. However, this is a major decision and you should get advice from an insurance broker before making it.

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I just paid a €2750 fine for a 750W e-bike, so you don’t

In a recent Reddit post, a Redditor shared their story about the hefty fine they paid for using an eBike that doesn't follow the German regulations.

So, if you are considering buying an eBike from outside Germany, you should know the regulations.

German law strictly regulates

• e-bike motor power: a maximum continuous motor power of 250 watts,
• speed limits: assistance that cuts off at 25 km/h, and
• no throttle: the bike shouldn't move without pedaling.

If your e-bike violates any of the limits mentioned above, it's legally considered a moped or motorcycle. This means you require registration, insurance, and a corresponding driving license.

What are the consequences for non-compliance?

If your e-bike exceeds these regulations (as with a 750W throttle bike in the Reddit post), you can expect the following penalties.

• Fines,
• Costs for technical inspection,
• Potential seizure of your ebike,
• Criminal charges. Throttle-controlled e-bikes (non-pedal assist) are treated as motorcycles. So, using one without proper documentation can result in criminal charges.

Drinking Culture in Germany

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Latest News

• Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist and Trump ally, was shot dead on September 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University. The suspect was quickly arrested, and officials called it a “political assassination,” sparking intense debate over rising political violence. [1]
• The Russia-Ukraine war remains fierce in the Donbas. NATO has boosted defenses after Russian drones entered Polish airspace. Russia warns that any foreign troops in Ukraine would be targeted. [2, 3]
• The far-right party Alternative for Germany (AfD) is gaining influence. AfD showed strong results in local elections in western German cities like Gelsenkirchen. [4]

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