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LIVING IN GERMANY

Property, salaries and Bahncards: Six essential articles for life in Germany

From the cost of long-haul flights and travel changes to property prospects and what you can expect to earn in large cities, we've compiled some must-reads so you can prepare for the coming season.

Apartments in Berlin
View of apartments in the Schöneberg district of Berlin. Apartments first rented after Oct. 1, 2014 are not subject to Germany's rent price brake. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Monika Skolimowska

It’s been a turbulent few years on the German property market that have led to a downturn in people buying homes. But there are signs that this is changing.

We look at what potential buyers or sellers in Germany can expect for the rest of 2024 and examine whether it’s a good time to buy a home.

Whether you’re thinking about a new job or want to see what kind of salaries are considered high in Germany, this comparison article gives an insight into two German cities that are popular with internationals. By the way, we’ve also recently published one for Frankfurt, which you can find here.

Many people dream of travelling across Germany extensive train network, taking in the stunning scenery. But the cost of train tickets can be a factor holding people back. 

For those who do travel a lot (or plan to) within Germany, a Bahncard could be a good option. It entitles you to a discount on trips booked with Deutsche Bahn over a period of time – typically one year – for a flat fee.

Prices for long-haul flights in Germany have gone down compared to 2023. If you are planning to book a trip home or a dream holiday, this article outlines where you’re likely to get the best deal and some of the destinations in the lower price range.

We’re sticking with the travel theme. Whether you’re flying or taking the train, we’ve rounded up a few changes you can expect this autumn.

They include the introduction of an EU-wide entry and exit system for travellers, new rules for liquids at airports and possible rail service disruption.

The tax return deadline passed on September 2nd. Freelancers and self-employed people in Germany will soon receive their tax bills. What happens if you can’t meet the payment deadline? Our article breaks down what you need to know. 

Lastly, don’t forget to check out our regular rundown of monthly changes in Germany. Here’s our latest article on September 2024.

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GERMANY EXPLAINED

What is Germany’s ‘World Children’s Day’ and where is it a public holiday?

One German state has a public holiday this week for Weltkindertag or World Children's Day. We explain how it's marked - and the unusual history behind it in Germany.

What is Germany's 'World Children's Day' and where is it a public holiday?

Those living in the German state of Thuringia should prepare for a public holiday.

On Friday September 20th, Weltkindertag or World Children’s Day, takes place – although it’s actually one of two such celebrations. 

The eastern German region of Thuringia is the only state in Germany to hold an official public holiday or Feiertag on this day. It means that children have the day off school and most people will be off work. On public holidays in Germany, most shops and other businesses also close. 

Why is it a holiday in Thuringia?

There are a few reasons behind this. 

Firstly it became a holiday in Thuringia in 2019 following a government decision. The aim is to honour children as the future of society and to encourage parents to spend more time with their children and celebrate them.

According to a resolution passed by the Thuringian state parliament, this day aims to “bring respect for children as independent personalities with their own needs and rights into the focus of social and public attention”.

The decision to make September 20th a public holiday was preceded by months of debate. The business community in particular was against introducing another public holiday and saw it as a disadvantage for the region. Thuringia has a total of 11 public holidays.

The background to introducing an extra holiday in the first place has a lot to do with the unequal distribution of public holidays in Germany. In general, northern and central states (except Hesse) are at a disadvantage when it comes to days off for workers. 

In contrast, Bavaria is the German state with the most public holidays with 13 days (the Bavarian city of Augsburg even has 14).

This is why in recent years some German states have introduced an additional day off for employees. In 2019, for instance, the state of Berlin made International Women’s Day (Frauentag) on March 8th a Feiertag. Meanwhile, the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania voted for March 8th become a day off for Women’s Day from 2023 onwards.

READ ALSO: Why Friday is a public holiday in two German states

Is World Children’s Day marked anywhere else in Germany?

Going back to the roots, Universal Children’s Day was first established at the 1925 World Conference on Child Welfare in Geneva, with June 1st earmarked. Then, World Children’s Day was established in September 1954 at the 9th General Assembly of the United Nations.

The day is intended to draw attention to the rights of children, focus on their individual needs and improve children’s welfare. It is celebrated on different days in the UN member states. 

Confusingly, there are two dates for World Children’s Day in Germany and both are recognised in the country.

This is due to Germany’s history. In the German Democratic Republic (GDR) and other socialist countries, International Children’s Day was designated on June 1st. Some federal states adopted this after reunification in 1990. So in some regions of Germany, Children’s Day is celebrated in June, in others it is in September – or it can be twice a year.

Interestingly, Thuringia was part of East Germany – but uses September 20th to mark Weltkindertag.

Whether June or September, plenty of events are held in Germany for Weltkindertag, such as community gatherings, plays and workshops. 

Adding to the array of dates to celebrate children (and possibly to confuse matters even further) the UN now marks World Children’s Day on November 20th every year. So it’s even possible to celebrate this occasion three times in Germany.  

READ ALSO: Vacation days in Germany: What to know about your rights as an employee

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