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 Withdrawing cash along with a grocery store purchase is convenient and allows you to bypass ATM fees. But not everyone is aware that the service exists in Germany or how to do it. https://www.thelocal.de/20241021/how-can-i-get-cashback-at-a-supermarket-in-germany Mon, 21 Oct 2024 12:07:18 +0200 how-can-i-get-cashback-at-a-supermarket-in-germany People in Germany have until July 31st to complete their tax return. We look at the steps you should take if you notice a mistake after you submit. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return Tue, 19 May 2026 16:09:58 +0200 what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return Starbucks customers in Germany will soon see clearer tipping options at card terminals, as consumer watchdogs push back on manipulative prompts that take advantage of so-called ‘dark patterns’. https://www.thelocal.de/20260522/starbucks-warned-card-terminals-must-offer-obvious-no-tip-button-in-germany Fri, 22 May 2026 14:45:30 +0200 starbucks-warned-card-terminals-must-offer-obvious-no-tip-button-in-germany Germany is moving forward with plans to cut costs for getting a driver's licence as ministers approve plans for online learning, fewer lessons and even practice with family. https://www.thelocal.de/20260520/german-cabinet-backs-reform-to-cut-the-cost-of-getting-a-drivers-licence Wed, 20 May 2026 17:13:32 +0200 german-cabinet-backs-reform-to-cut-the-cost-of-getting-a-drivers-licence The coalition is planning a major tax overhaul next year, with the aim of providing relief to those with low and middle incomes. What does this look like and how will it be paid for? Here's what we know so far. https://www.thelocal.de/20260520/relief-for-low-earners-what-we-know-so-far-about-germanys-tax-shake-up Wed, 20 May 2026 12:08:05 +0200 relief-for-low-earners-what-we-know-so-far-about-germanys-tax-shake-up As German politicians consider scrapping a planned pay rise for themselves, we look at how much MPs in the country actually earn – and what they get on top. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/how-much-do-members-of-germanys-bundestag-really-earn Tue, 19 May 2026 14:04:44 +0200 how-much-do-members-of-germanys-bundestag-really-earn Nearly 3,000 petrol stations across Germany are violating a law designed to stop multiple daily fuel price increases, a new investigation has found. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/thousands-of-gas-stations-in-germany-flout-fuel-pricing-rule Tue, 19 May 2026 11:00:08 +0200 thousands-of-gas-stations-in-germany-flout-fuel-pricing-rule What do you need to earn to be considered a top earner in Germany? New government data shows where your salary stands compared to the rest of the population. https://www.thelocal.de/20260512/compare-how-does-your-salary-stack-up-against-germanys-top-earners Tue, 12 May 2026 16:11:30 +0200 compare-how-does-your-salary-stack-up-against-germanys-top-earners The federal government wanted to make it possible for companies to offer tax-free employee bonuses, but the proposal was rejected by state representatives in Germany's Upper House of Parliament. https://www.thelocal.de/20260511/is-germanys-planned-relief-bonus-for-employees-off-the-table Mon, 11 May 2026 11:11:58 +0200 is-germanys-planned-relief-bonus-for-employees-off-the-table 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 From the sprawling flea markets to the mystery of 'zu verschenken' boxes, Germany is a haven for second-hand hunters. Here is everything you need to know about navigating the country's pre-loved shopping scene. https://www.thelocal.de/20260428/how-to-buy-second-hand-and-save-money-in-germany Tue, 28 Apr 2026 12:10:11 +0200 how-to-buy-second-hand-and-save-money-in-germany Price controls introduced at German petrol stations to shield motorists from spiking oil prices amid the Middle East war have had the opposite effect and driven up the average cost of fuel, economists said Monday. https://www.thelocal.de/20260427/economists-slam-german-petrol-price-law-for-pushing-up-prices Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:46:28 +0200 economists-slam-german-petrol-price-law-for-pushing-up-prices New figures from a nationwide survey suggest that concerns about wealth inequality are now firmly rooted in mainstream opinion in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20260427/four-out-of-five-germans-believe-wealth-is-unfairly-distributed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 14:26:42 +0200 four-out-of-five-germans-believe-wealth-is-unfairly-distributed The length of time taxpayers are obliged to keep hold of financial documents in Germany can seem extreme. We look at who needs to keep what – and when you're finally safe to have a good clear out. https://www.thelocal.de/20250623/how-long-do-you-need-to-keep-receipts-and-invoices-for-in-germany Mon, 23 Jun 2025 16:17:45 +0200 how-long-do-you-need-to-keep-receipts-and-invoices-for-in-germany Germany is pushing forward with its plan to temporarily cut taxes on fuels and offer relief bonuses to employees. So how much money can you actually expect to save? https://www.thelocal.de/20260424/how-much-money-will-germanys-fuel-price-relief-actually-save-you Fri, 24 Apr 2026 16:07:15 +0200 how-much-money-will-germanys-fuel-price-relief-actually-save-you Lawmakers in the German parliament voted on Friday to pass measures aimed at relieving the financial burden on consumers related to high energy prices. https://www.thelocal.de/20260424/germany-adopts-fuel-tax-cuts-and-employee-relief-bonus-scheme Fri, 24 Apr 2026 12:10:19 +0200 germany-adopts-fuel-tax-cuts-and-employee-relief-bonus-scheme Germany is planning a major overhaul of the public health insurance system, with plans to restrict free spousal co-insurance and reduce other benefits. Here's a look at the increasing costs families will have to consider in future. https://www.thelocal.de/20260424/how-germanys-public-health-insurance-shake-up-will-affect-families Fri, 24 Apr 2026 11:53:08 +0200 how-germanys-public-health-insurance-shake-up-will-affect-families Germany is encouraging employers to give their staff a €1,000 tax-free bonus. Now the government plans to extend the time that firms are allowed to pay it out by six months. https://www.thelocal.de/20260421/germany-to-allow-tax-free-e1000-employee-bonus-until-next-year Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:59:31 +0200 germany-to-allow-tax-free-e1000-employee-bonus-until-next-year Most people in Germany believe it’s only possible to lead a dignified life with a monthly net income of at least €2,000. https://www.thelocal.de/20260302/how-much-do-you-need-to-earn-live-a-dignified-life-in-germany Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:00:16 +0100 how-much-do-you-need-to-earn-live-a-dignified-life-in-germany Leaving Germany doesn’t always mean leaving the country's tax system. Here's what you should know before moving abroad if you have property, business interests or ongoing income here. https://www.thelocal.de/20260416/why-leaving-germany-doesnt-always-mean-youre-done-with-german-taxes Thu, 16 Apr 2026 16:53:39 +0200 why-leaving-germany-doesnt-always-mean-youre-done-with-german-taxes