File your taxes in English
The German tax office has made its tax filing website (ELSTER) available in English. They are using DeepL to translate the German website into English, so you should expect some confusing text in English.
However, it's a sign that German authorities are trying to make things easier for expats in Germany. The website (ELSTER) has not yet been translated completely into English. The video, images, and long explanations are still in German.
You can also use tax software to check if there is a potential tax refund for free. The software translates tax jargon into easy-to-understand questions. It even applies tax allowances and flat rates automatically.
Tax programs we recommend are SteuerGo*, Wundertax*, and Smartsteuer*.
Tax statistics
Cannabis legalisation
Germany made Cannabis possession legal from 1 April. Germany is now the third country in the European Union to legalize cannabis for personal use. Other EU countries where Cannabis consumption is legal are Malta and Luxembourg.
As per the new law, adults can carry up to 25 grams of marijuana. You can also grow up to three plans for your personal use in your home.
The government expects that cannabis legalization will reduce the criminal activities around its sale, avoid harmful impurities, and free police to focus on other serious crimes.
However, opposition leader Friedrich Merz of the Christian Democratic Party has claimed he will reverse the Cannabis law if he wins the 2025 national elections.
BVG banned e-scooters in U-Bhans, trams, and buses from 1 May
From May 1, e-scooters cannot be brought into Berlin's U-Bhan, trams, and buses. You can still bring in S-Bhans.
The BVG applied this ban for the safety of the passengers.
Berlin is not the first federal state to apply an e-scooter ban. Leipzig and Munich also have similar rules for people carrying e-scooters.
Public holidays in May
I love May not only because the weather is nice but also because the number of public holidays in this month is just insane. You can expect 5 public holidays in May 2024.
- May 1: Labour Day (all federal states)
- May 9: Ascension Day (all states)
- May 19: Whitsunday (Brandenburg)
- May 20: Whitmonday (all states)
- May 30: Corpus Christi (Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland)
Concerts in Germany
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift - Hamburg, Munich -July
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Dua Lipa
Dua Lipa - Berlin - 5 Jun
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Green Day
Green day - Berlin, Hamburg, Nürenberg - June
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New on GermanPedia
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Tax Revenue of Germany in 2023
Have you ever wondered how much the German government collects in taxes in a year? If you did, you'll find this post interesting. You can learn about the tax revenue from different types of taxes in Germany, how much each federal state contributes to the tax revenue, how is it changing over time, and more.
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Save taxes by claiming tax allowances and flat rates
The German tax system offers several tax-free allowances to reduce your tax burden. Moreover, you can claim flat rates without providing proof. However, to claim them, you must file an income tax return.
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Freebies
Check out our shop to download freebies like rental contracts, checklists, books, etc. We created several free products to make settling in Germany easy for you.
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Plan your holidays 🧳
I am too lazy to plan the holidays. This is why I prefer booking package holidays from travel portals.
Not only are they convenient but also cheaper when traveling with family. Moreover, you can filter the tours that you can cancel for free.
There are many travel portals in Germany. However, you can compare the offers from different portals on Check24.
TIP: The earlier you book your travel, the more you save.
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Expats guide to buying a house in Germany.
Buying a home in Germany is time-consuming and expensive. Educate yourself to make an informed decision. Download your copy today.
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Deals for you
Free insurance consultancy in English
Important types of insurance you should have in Germany
Personal Finance
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Free trading accounts
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Tax Software
NOTE: Investing involves the risk of loss Fixed account for 12 months (Festgeld)
- Up to 3.6% interest.
- Check offers from different providers here*.
Tagesgeld account for 6 months
- Up to 3.83% interest.
- Check offers from different providers here*.
Personal loan
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Wikipedia for foreigners to succeed in Germany
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Disclaimer
The information provided here is based on our own experience and in-depth research. The content might be inaccurate. It should not be considered financial, tax, legal, or any kind of advice.
We are not certified brokers or consultants. Always do your research and contact certified professionals before making any decision.
We finance our extensive work via affiliate links. Thus, some or all of the links in the post might be affiliate links.
We get money if you click on such a link or conclude a contract with the provider without costing you a cent extra.
Investment involves risk of losing money.
All links marked with the "*" are affiliate links.
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Attributions
- Taylor Swift: Eva Rinaldi, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Dua Lipa: Harald Krichel, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
- Green Day: Sven-Sebastian Sajak (Sven0705), CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
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