https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed The price at the pump for petrol and diesel fell at the start of May when a fuel tax cut took effect, but watchdog groups say oil companies haven't passed on the savings to consumers entirely. https://www.thelocal.de/20260504/germanys-fuel-discount-tax-cuts-havent-fully-reached-drivers Mon, 04 May 2026 12:44:48 +0200 germanys-fuel-discount-tax-cuts-havent-fully-reached-drivers Thousands of petrol stations in Germany may be breaching a law intended to limit how often fuel prices can rise, according to new analysis. https://www.thelocal.de/20260430/thousands-of-german-petrol-stations-accused-of-breaking-midday-price-rule Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:58:38 +0200 thousands-of-german-petrol-stations-accused-of-breaking-midday-price-rule The German government has made it cheaper than ever to purchase a new electric vehicle. Here's how the subsidy works, and who's eligible. https://www.thelocal.de/20260403/what-are-the-cheapest-electric-cars-you-can-buy-in-germany-right-now Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:09 +0200 what-are-the-cheapest-electric-cars-you-can-buy-in-germany-right-now Fuel prices have risen to record levels in Germany since the outbreak of the war in the Middle East. Here's how you can save some money on petrol and diesel. https://www.thelocal.de/20260402/how-to-save-money-on-fuel-in-germany-as-prices-hit-all-time-high Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:08:38 +0200 how-to-save-money-on-fuel-in-germany-as-prices-hit-all-time-high War in the Middle East has caused energy market volatility around the globe, forcing governments in Europe to intervene and keep fuel costs down for consumers. https://www.thelocal.de/20260328/what-are-european-countries-doing-to-keep-fuel-costs-down Sat, 28 Mar 2026 14:13:15 +0100 what-are-european-countries-doing-to-keep-fuel-costs-down Transport ministers from all German states recently concluded their bi-annual conference where they agreed on specific measures to reduce the cost of getting a driver's licence. https://www.thelocal.de/20260327/german-transport-ministers-back-plan-to-make-getting-a-drivers-licence-cheaper Fri, 27 Mar 2026 11:13:47 +0100 german-transport-ministers-back-plan-to-make-getting-a-drivers-licence-cheaper German MPs have approved new fuel price rules aimed at curbing sudden price spikes at the pump. But will limiting price rises to once a day really make filling up cheaper? https://www.thelocal.de/20260326/bundestag-gives-green-light-to-new-fuel-price-rules Thu, 26 Mar 2026 16:03:59 +0100 bundestag-gives-green-light-to-new-fuel-price-rules A German top court on Monday rejected a landmark climate case brought by environmentalists that had aimed to force auto giants BMW and Mercedes-Benz to stop selling combustion-engine cars from 2030. https://www.thelocal.de/20260323/german-court-rejects-landmark-climate-case-against-car-giants Mon, 23 Mar 2026 14:20:24 +0100 german-court-rejects-landmark-climate-case-against-car-giants Germany is set to reform the process of getting a driving licence to make it cheaper and less complicated. One idea is to follow neighbouring Austria's lead and allow learners to gain experience on practice drives with relatives. https://www.thelocal.de/20260317/parent-led-practice-how-germany-could-make-it-cheaper-to-get-a-driving-licence Tue, 17 Mar 2026 17:02:12 +0100 parent-led-practice-how-germany-could-make-it-cheaper-to-get-a-driving-licence Fuel prices in Germany have been rising faster than in other countries, creating a boom in 'fuel tourism'. Here's a look at petrol prices in the neighbouring countries, and what to know about bringing fuel over the border. https://www.thelocal.de/20260312/is-it-worth-crossing-the-border-from-germany-for-cheaper-fuel Thu, 12 Mar 2026 17:10:54 +0100 is-it-worth-crossing-the-border-from-germany-for-cheaper-fuel Petrol and diesel are getting more expensive across Europe as conflict in the Middle East disrupts oil markets. But prices appear to be rising faster in Germany. Here’s why – and what drivers can do to spend less. https://www.thelocal.de/20260311/why-fuel-prices-are-rising-faster-in-germany-than-in-other-european-countries Wed, 11 Mar 2026 12:08:44 +0100 why-fuel-prices-are-rising-faster-in-germany-than-in-other-european-countries Drivers from the US can use their licences from home in Germany for up to six months or a year, depending how long they intend to reside in the country. After that, the situation gets more complicated. https://www.thelocal.de/20260305/how-long-can-you-use-your-american-drivers-licence-in-germany Thu, 05 Mar 2026 14:55:22 +0100 how-long-can-you-use-your-american-drivers-licence-in-germany Queues have been forming at petrol stations around Germany as drivers, nervous about further price hikes for gasoline and diesel, move to fill up their tanks. https://www.thelocal.de/20241008/three-apps-to-help-drivers-in-germany-find-the-cheapest-fuel Tue, 08 Oct 2024 11:39:45 +0200 three-apps-to-help-drivers-in-germany-find-the-cheapest-fuel Germany's BMW must recall more than 330,000 cars worldwide because of concerns over a fire risk, the KBA transport regulator said Friday, ordering a second recall for the brand in less than a month. https://www.thelocal.de/20260228/germany-orders-worldwide-recall-of-bmws-over-fire-risk Sat, 28 Feb 2026 08:36:46 +0100 germany-orders-worldwide-recall-of-bmws-over-fire-risk In this article we take a look at the road-based misdemeanours which can cost you a lot of money and/or points on your licence. https://www.thelocal.de/20200205/driving-in-germany-which-offences-can-cost-you Wed, 05 Feb 2020 12:23:34 +0100 driving-in-germany-which-offences-can-cost-you Getting a driving licence in Germany is expensive – and difficult. New figures show that a high number of people are failing both the theory and practical tests. https://www.thelocal.de/20260211/almost-half-of-learner-drivers-in-germany-fail-theory-test Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:45:30 +0100 almost-half-of-learner-drivers-in-germany-fail-theory-test Whether you’re new to driving in Germany or just new to driving in snow, knowing how to handle icy conditions is essential. Follow these simple steps to help keep yourself safe, protect others and avoid unwanted fines. https://www.thelocal.de/20260108/what-drivers-need-to-know-about-staying-safe-in-snowy-conditions-in-germany Thu, 08 Jan 2026 16:41:15 +0100 what-drivers-need-to-know-about-staying-safe-in-snowy-conditions-in-germany It's official - electric car buyers in Germany can benefit from a state-backed subsidy in 2026 worth thousands of euros. Here's how much you can get depending on your income bracket. https://www.thelocal.de/20260119/how-much-money-you-can-get-towards-buying-an-ev-in-germany-this-year Mon, 19 Jan 2026 17:22:12 +0100 how-much-money-you-can-get-towards-buying-an-ev-in-germany-this-year The notoriously high costs for acquiring a driving licence in Germany looked set to be reduced. But recent comments by the transportation minister suggest potential learner drivers would be foolish to get their hopes up. https://www.thelocal.de/20251222/not-worth-waiting-when-will-the-cost-to-get-a-drivers-licence-in-germany-fall Mon, 22 Dec 2025 12:03:28 +0100 not-worth-waiting-when-will-the-cost-to-get-a-drivers-licence-in-germany-fall Electric vehicle sales rebounded strongly in Germany in 2025, official data showed Tuesday, with Chinese manufacturers making inroads from a low base in the EU's largest economy despite tariffs. https://www.thelocal.de/20260106/ev-sales-pick-up-in-germany-as-chinese-brands-make-inroads Tue, 06 Jan 2026 15:05:58 +0100 ev-sales-pick-up-in-germany-as-chinese-brands-make-inroads