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LIVING IN GERMANY

Seven unmissable events in August 2019 in Germany

From open air music festivals to events devoted to unconventional foods and wine, there are many ways to enjoy August 2019 in Germany.

Published: 1 August 2019 17:18 CEST
Seven unmissable events in August 2019 in Germany
Fireworks in Potsdam on the annual Palace Night. Photo: DPA

23rd International Beer Festival, Berlin, August 2-4th

Berlin doesn’t like to see Munich do a better job at anything, and that even includes beer.The 23rd International Beer Fest will give an Oktoberfest a run for its money, as 350 breweries from 90 countries line Karl-Marx-Allee in order to sell a total of 2,400 types of beer. The 2.2 kilometre stretch will also include many stages boasting live music.

Admission to the event is free – we can say cheers to that!

14th Annual Afrika Tage Düsseldorf, August 2nd-4th

There are many Africans – or people of African origin – living in Germany, and this open air festival aims to spotlight their many different types of music, customs and of course cuisine.

The weekend-long festival on the Freizeitpark Ulenbergstraße includes a lively line-up of bands and DJs, as well as several workshops touching on topics like integration and migration to Germany. The kick-off event is Friday at 5pm, with a vibrant Afro-salsa party that will draw even beginners into the festivities. 

British Flaire and Country Fair, Hamburg, August 9th

Friedrich Richter, a Hamburger anglophile, standing beside his Jaguar Mark IV at the 2018 British Flaire. Photo: Yasmin Samrai

The UK might be leaving the EU at some point in the near future, but its spirit is staying in Hamburg. At the annual British Flair trade show, you can browse a bounty of British tents selling products such as wax jackets, single malt whiskies and of course fish and chips. 

In the tradition of the “Last Night of the Proms” concert in London’s Royal Albert Hall, event goers can also picnic amongst the music of classic composers

Potsdam Palace Night, August 16th-17th

What nicer way is there to spend a summer evening than strolling amongst the lit-up Prussian palaces of Potsdam? At the famous Sansoucci Palace, musicians will play classical songs, and fireworks will also illuminate the sky over the Schloss come midnight. Throughout all of the city’s former royal ground, actors in period customers will greet guests who will also feel like they’re stepping back in time.

Stars for Free, various locations, August 17th-30th

Calling all music fans: throughout the second half of August, large radio stations from throughout the country will be hosting free open air concerts in parks. As the name implies, the biggest local and international music stars will take to the stage. Check the website for local line-ups.

The massive open air events will take place in the following dates and cities: August 17th in Hamburg (through Radio Hamburg), August 23rd in Chemnitz (Hitradio RTL), August 24th in Berlin (104.6 RTL), August 25th in Magdeburg (Radio Brocken) and August 31st in Hanover (Radio Antenne Niedersachsen). 

Frankfurt Apple Wine Festival, August 9th-18th

Glasses of apple wine and a Bembel on a table outdoors in Frankfurt. Photo: DPA

In Frankfurt, apple wine is so popular the city has even created a festival that pays tribute to the revered drink.        

But the unconventional wine isn’t the only thing on offer festival. There will also be live music and performances as well as utensils for sale such as the tradition Bembel earthenware jugs in which apple wine is typically served.

Gamescom, Cologne, August 21-25th

Video game – and general technology – junkies will get their fix at this sprawling trade show for interactive games and entertainment. The latest computer and console games will be on display in a large entertainment area, where visitors can test out the games even before their release.

Considered one of the largest tech trade shows in the world, last year’s event pulled in 355,000 visitors to the Cathedral City.
 

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DRIVING

What are the rules around driving a friend or relative’s car in Germany?

If you want to travel around in Germany, a friend, relative or maybe a neighbour might offer you their vehicle to use. But what does the law say about driving someone else's car in Germany?

Published: 11 September 2024 15:48 CEST
Updated: 12 September 2024 10:33 CEST
What are the rules around driving a friend or relative's car in Germany?

Many people in Germany do not have a car, especially those living in larger cities where public transport works well.

However, sometimes you might need one, whether it is to transport something or maybe to go on a trip through the country.

Fortunately, even if you do not own a car yourself, you can still drive someone else’s vehicle, whether it belongs to a relative, friend, or maybe a neighbour. You can obviously also rent one from a rental agency or through carsharing.

Valid licence and approval from owner

In Germany, motor vehicle liability insurance – or Kfz-Haftpflichtversicherung – is linked to the vehicle and not to the driver. This means that the owner’s insurance normally covers anyone who drives the car – as long as they have permission and the insurance policy allows it.

Therefore, in principle, you can drive someone else’s car if you have the owner’s permission and, of course, a valid driver’s license.

However, you still need to read the fine print on the car’s insurance policy to make sure it doesn’t have any particular restrictions on additional drivers, as some policies might specify who is allowed to drive. Some policies will only allow one person to drive: the policyholder. If the policy allows additional drivers, you’re typically good to go.

This is also important if you rent a car in Germany. If you do, you’ll need to declare every driver who may potentially drive it and provide their licence information. If you plan on driving the car outside Germany, you’ll need to declare where. This typically increases the cost of the rental. If you use a carsharing service, only you can typically drive the car you’re renting.

While borrowing someone’s car, you should also have the vehicle’s registration documents and proof of insurance. If you forget the documents, you might need to pay a fine or face complications in the case of an accident or a ticket.

If an accident occurs, you need to contact the car owner. The owner’s insurance company will handle claims or damages.

READ ALSO: EU countries to extend range of offences foreign drivers can be fined for

Valid licence in Germany

To drive someone else’s – or indeed anyone’s – car in Germany, you need to have a valid licence.

If you have a valid German or another EU licence, this is straightforward.

EU driving licences on a table.

EU driving licences on a table. Having a valid licence is a legal requirement for driving in Germany. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sina Schuldt

If you have a non-EU licence, you can typically drive on it in Germany for the first six months you’re here.

After six months of legal residence in Germany, you won’t be able to drive on your non-EU licence. You will need to convert your non-EU licence to a German one. You can check out The Local’s guide for how this is done.

READ ALSO: How do I convert my foreign driver’s licence into a German one?

Car insurance in Germany

If you own a vehicle in Germany, you’re required to have insurance on it.

The cost of your car insurance is based on a wide range of factors, such as driving experience, car engine size, and location.

Inexperienced drivers, high-powered cars, and drivers living in urban areas typically face higher insurance premiums.

Maintaining a no-claim driving record will lead to a lower fee, as it often leads to lower insurance premiums with your next insurer.

Car insurance premiums can vary quite widely in Germany.

You might be able to get some premiums for €400 a year or even lower. But again, this depends on the make and model of your car, its current estimated value, how old it is, how much experience you have driving and a host of other factors – including whether you allow additional drivers on it.

READ NEXT: Why drivers in Germany could face hike in car insurance rates next year

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