The German Bundestag has repealed the “fast-track” naturalization rule. This ends the option to gain citizenship after just three years of residence for those deemed “exceptionally well integrated.” The general waiting period of five years remains in place, and dual citizenship continues to be allowed. [1]
Winter is here, so is the wintertime. On October 26th, the clocks will go back from 3:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
Electricity prices have gone down - It's time to switch and save
Average Prices in 2025
According to Verivox, households in Germany are paying an average of 5 cents per kilowatt-hour for electricity.
However, new customers can get electricity contracts for below 30 cents per kWh.
The 5 cents reduction means a saving of €175 annually (assuming your annual consumption is 3500 kWh)
How to Switch Providers
Prepare Your Documents: Find your meter number, customer number, and annual consumption in your latest electricity bill.
Check Your Contract: Look for your termination date and notice period.
Contracts signed after March 2022 can usually be canceled with one month’s notice after the initial term.
Older contracts typically have a 3-month notice period.
Suppose you are switching your electricity plan for the first time in Germany. In this case, you’re on a basic plan. You can cancel the "basic plan" at any time with 14 days’ notice.
Compare electricity plans: Use portals like Verivox* and Check24* to compare the electricity plans. Use the following filters:
Contract term: at least 12 months
Price guarantee: 12 months - This ensures the electricity supplier won't increase/decrease your price during the first 12 months.
Bonus offers: Companies attract consumers by offering bonuses in the first year. The bonus offer works on the principle that the consumer won't change the plan after 12 months. The cost after 12 months is usually higher than the standard plans. Thus, when taking plans that offer bonuses, ensure that you switch again next year. Otherwise, filter out the plans that provide bonuses.
NOTE: Electricity providers marked “recommended” or “popular” are often not the cheapest. Check sorting options and compare plans on both Check24 and Verviox.
Compare the annual total cost, not just monthly prices.
When comparing, you'll find multiple providers offering plans at a similar price range. So, compare the customer reviews before signing up.
You can apply for the new contract directly on Verivox* or Check24*..
Your new electricity supplier takes care ofcancelling your old contract.
Things you should know
Energy companies usually announce price cuts to their customers. However, the total price after the cut can still be higher than average. So, always compare different providers.
You have the special right to cancel your electricity contract if the provider changes the price. It applies to both price increases and decreases. The price change letter from your provider must mention the cancellation notice period.
What Happens After You Switch
You’ll get a welcome letter and a start date for the new contract.
Your old provider will ask for your final meter reading. You’ll receive the final bill within six weeks.
Dynamic Tariffs Starting 2025
From 2025, all electricity providers must offer dynamic tariffs.
In dynamic tariffs, the electricity prices change hourly based on the European electricity exchange (EPEX).
You can save with dynamic tariffs only if you can control when you use electricity. For example, you can charge your electric car or run a heat pump during cheaper hours.
Normal households with a dynamic tariff will end up paying more.
You can compare dynamic tariffs on Verivox* and Check24*.
For me, last winter was a catastrophe. The flu wave hit me hard.
According to the Robert Koch Institute, the flu wave last winter was comparatively severe. Many schoolchildren were affected, and a large number of patients required hospital treatment.
So, I decided to share some information about flu vaccination today.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The Standing Committee on Vaccination (Stiko) recommends flu shots for:
People aged 60 and over: Stiko recommends older people should get a high-doseor enhanced vaccine such as Efluelda or Fluad.
Pregnant women (from the second trimester)
Adults and children (6 months and older) with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease
Residents and staff in nursing or retirement homes
Medical staff and people with frequent contact with others
People who regularly work with birds, pigs, or other animals that could carry avian flu
Does your health insurance cover the costs of the flu vaccination?
Yes, most health insurance covers the cost of flu vaccinations for people in risk groups. If you are not in the risk group, your insurer may offer flu vaccination as a free preventive benefit.
The ideal time is October to mid-December. Your body needs about 10–14 days to build full protection.
If you miss that window, it’s still useful to vaccinate later. Flu season often peaks in January or February.
Should you give flu Shots to your Children?
Stiko recommends flu vaccination only for children with chronic health conditions, not for all healthy children.
But pediatricians’ associations argue that vaccinating all children would help reduce the spread in schools and protect infants who are too young for vaccination.
Children aged 2 to 17 can also get the flu vaccine as a nasal spray. It’s useful for kids who fear needles or have bleeding disorders.
Are there any side effects of the flu vaccination?
Flu vaccines are well tolerated. You may feel mild symptoms such as fever, fatigue, or muscle pain for a day or two.
A little redness or soreness at the injection site is normal.
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Trump announced plans to impose an additional 100 % tariff on Chinese imports. It's a retaliation against China’s newly introduced export controls. He also threatened to impose U.S. export controls on critical software. [1]
Israeli troops have begun withdrawing from parts of the Gaza Strip as a cease-fire agreement came into effect. Israeli forces are pulling back to pre-agreed lines. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are returning home. The hostages will be released, and humanitarian aid will be delivered more frequently. [2, 3]
Community Shoutouts! 📣
SIM24* is offering a 20GB mobile data plan for 4.99€ per month.
C24* is offering a 75€ bonus for opening a new account. You must also transfer your existing checking account using the CHECK24 account switching service.
Perplexity is offering a 12-month Pro subscription for free. You can sign up here.
Google Gemini is offering a 12-month free Pro subscription to students. You can get it here.
Join our Facebook community. Ask questions, share experiences, join webinars, and stay updated about your rights, laws, and latest changes in real time.
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