Hey,
It's Srijith from 0049 :)
Welcome to The Blick! Each week I round up the stories, events, and opportunities that matter most if you're living in Germany or planning a move here for work or studies.
This was one of those weeks where a lot happened at once. A major rental law reform hit the table. Strikes continued disrupting public transport. Karneval kicked off in the Rhineland. And the Munich Security Conference brought world leaders to Bavaria. Here is what matters for you.
🔹 Rental law reform proposed: The Justice Ministry presented a draft bill to strengthen tenant protections. It would cap index-linked rent increases at 3.5% in tight markets and tighten rules for furnished and short-term rentals.
🔹 Public transport strikes in Bavaria: Verdi held all-day warning strikes in Munich and Nuremberg. U-Bahn, trams, and buses were hit, while Deutsche Bahn trains ran as normal; more strikes are possible.
🔹 Karneval kicked off: Street carnival began on Weiberfastnacht (Feb 12), especially in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz. Many offices and schools adjusted hours as celebrations started.
🔹 Munich Security Conference: The 62nd conference opened Feb 13 with global leaders attending. Security, defense spending, and Europe's political direction were key topics.
🔹 Berlin power grid attack: Investigations continue into the January arson attack that cut power to 45,000 households. A €1 million reward for information is open until Feb 24.
🔹 Rosenmontag — Feb 16: Major Karneval parades begin at 11:11 AM in Rhineland cities. Expect closures, crowded transport, and city-wide celebrations.
🔹 Ramadan begins — Feb 18: The Muslim holy month is expected to start Feb 18 (moon sighting dependent). Many will fast daily from dawn to sunset through mid-March.
🔹 Public sector negotiations continue: Unions are demanding a 7% pay rise for 2.2 million workers. Further warning strikes in transport and public services remain possible.
🔹 Jobmesse Hamburg — 18 Feb: Career and education fair connecting jobseekers and employers; great for networking and career advice.
🔹 Berliner Jobmesse — 20–21 Feb: A career fair in Berlin connecting jobseekers with employers, covering a wide range of industries and opportunities.
🔹 76th Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) — Feb 12–22: One of the world's largest film festivals in Berlin with public screenings and industry events.
🔹 Rosenmontag / Karneval Parades — 16 Feb: Traditional festive parades in Cologne, Düsseldorf, Mainz, and other regions.
I broke down the best free bank accounts in Germany (N26, C24, DKB, ING, Revolut). If you're paying bank fees, this comparison helps you choose smarter.
That is it for this week. A lot is shifting in Germany right now — rental law, labor disputes, political dynamics. And in the middle of all that, Karneval and Ramadan remind us that life here is more than just policy and paperwork.
Stay informed. Stay grounded. And if this helped, share it with someone who needs it. See you next week.
💙 Peace,
Srijith