The deadline for filing 2024 tax returns is 31 July 2025. If you haven't filed the tax return yet, do it now. You have three options to file the tax return.
File it yourself using tax software. (Cheapest option) - Check24, SteuerGo*, WisoSteuer* (German).
Get Lohsteuerhilfeverein membership and let a tax advisor file your tax return (the most affordable way to hire a tax advisor). We have collaborated with a tax advisor of a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein. You can request a quote here.
German economic expert Martin Werding warns that social security contributions could rise to 50% of gross income. Social contributions, which include health, pension, nursing care, and unemployment insurance, currently cost ~42 % of gross income. It can increase to around 50 % by 2030–35 without major reforms. [1]
Car Accident Abroad? Here's What to Do
Car accidents abroad can be stressful and confusing. Follow this step-by-step guide to protect yourself and handle the situation correctly.
1. Secure the accident scene
Turn on your hazard lights immediately
Put on your orange safety vest
Place your warning triangle behind your vehicle
Provide first aid if anyone is injured
2. Emergency Contact Protocol
Always call the police if people are injured. Use the European emergency number: 112. This is valid all over Europe. If you are in the USA, dial 911.
You should also call the police in the event of property damage. Some countries don't send police for minor property damage
3. Document Everything
Take photos and videos of the accident scene from multiple angles.
Capture all vehicle license plates clearly.
Document visible damage to all vehicles.
Record the exact location and road conditions.
4. Exchange Information
Exchange the following information with the other driver.
Names, addresses, and phone numbers
Insurance company details and policy numbers
Vehicle license plate numbers
You can find all this information on your Green Card (international insurance certificate). You can obtain this certificate for free from your car insurance provider.
If you don't have the international insurance certificate, request one from your insurance company before you travel.
The International Insurance Card is proof of your motor vehicle liability insurance. This is particularly important when traveling to other countries or in the event of a traffic accident abroad.
5. Complete the European Accident Report
Fill out the accident report together with the other driver. Keep a printed copy of the European accident report in your car's glove box.
You can download the European accident report here.
6. Contact Your Insurance Company
Notify your car insurance company immediately, regardless of who's at fault. Your insurer will handle justified and unjustified claims against you.
If you're the victim, contact the at-fault driver's insurance company. Discuss next steps for damage settlement and arrange vehicle repair procedures.
NOTE: Keep all the documentation for your records.
7. Rental Car
If you're driving a rental car, notify the rental company immediately. Follow their specific accident procedures and keep all documentation for rental company records.
NOTE: You must never admit fault at the scene.
Prepare Before Your Travel
Keep your Green Card and insurance documents (including car insurance and travel insurance) readily accessible.
Get travel insurance for your family if you don't already have one. Travel insurance covers the medical expenses incurred outside Germany. In our research, we found Barmenia* and Münchener Verein* to be the best international travel health insurance providers in Germany for short trips (up to 56 days).
Print out the European Accident Report. You can download it here.
Obtain a road assistance membership from ADAC or a similar provider.
Summer heat in rental apartments can create legal situations requiring careful evaluation of tenant rights and landlord obligations under German tenancy law.
Legal Framework and Temperature Standards
The German court established that indoor temperatures should be at least six degrees Celsius below outdoor temperatures. If this is not the case, you may be eligible to reduce your rent.
Key Legal Precedents:
Higher Regional Court of Hamm: Case 30 U 131/06
Higher Regional Court of Rostock: Case 3 U 83/98
Hamburg District Court: 20% rent reduction for inadequate thermal insulation
Exceptions to the above rule
Suppose your attic apartment has large windows and no air conditioning. In this case, the court assumes that you (the tenant) must be aware that the rooms will heat up quickly in the summer.
Thus, you are not entitled to a rent reduction (Higher Regional Court of Frankfurt, case number 2 U 106/06).
How to approach the situation?
1. Talk to your landlord
Explain the problem clearly and ask if they can help.
Set a deadline for your landlord and give them enough time to fix the issue.
2. Get expert support
Supposenothing changes and the temperature stays too high. You should get support from the tenants' association or a lawyer.
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The German Bundestag postponed the vote on three Constitutional Court judge appointments due to controversy over SPD nominee Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. The CDU/CSU cites suspicions of plagiarism for delaying the vote. [1, 2]
Poland and Germany have reintroduced temporary border checks. The reason for the border checks is irregular migration. The border checks have disrupted the daily life of regions near the border by slowing commutes and hindering trade. [3]
Debate and insults in the Bundestag debate. Chancellor Friedrich Merz defended his government's tightened migration policies and foreign policy stance. He faced sharp criticism and personal insults from the AfD's Alice Weidel, who called him a "lying chancellor." Bundestag President Julia Klöckner called for a more respectful tone. [4]
Community Shoutouts! 📣
Filing tax: To make tax filing affordable, we partnered with a tax advisor of a Lohnsteuerhilfeverein. The fee to file the tax return depends on your family income and varies between 39€ and 399€.
Buying a house in Germany: We have created a free 12-day email course to share key things you must know about buying and investing in German real estate. You can enroll in it here.
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