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.
🔹 Coalition agrees 34-point reform package On 2 July, CDU/CSU and SPD announced "A Programme for Growth and Employment." It bundles tax relief, labour-market changes, and pension reform into one package, most of it targeted for legislation by end of 2026.
🔹 Income tax to fall for low and middle earners from 2027 The package confirms higher basic and child allowances, more Kindergeld, a higher employee lump-sum deduction, and tariff changes easing the burden on middle incomes. It is funded partly by higher rates on top earners.
🔹 Weaker job security signalled for new hires The coalition wants to allow fixed-term contracts without cause for up to 48 months (six renewals) for staff hired before end of 2030, plus an easier buyout option for high earners.
🔹 Sick-note rules to tighten Telephone sick leave will be abolished, and a doctor's certificate will be required from the first day of illness. This affects every employee in Germany and reverses a pandemic-era convenience.
🔹 Retirement age to be tied to life expectancy The coalition committed to adopting the pension commission's recommendations, including linking the retirement age to life expectancy after 2031 and scrapping the penalty-free early "Rente mit 63."
🔹 July rule changes took effect From 1 July: Bürgergeld became the stricter Grundsicherung, the fuel-tax discount (Tankrabatt) ended, and the €150 duty-free threshold on non-EU parcels was scrapped with a flat €3 customs fee per goods category. Pensions also rose 4.24 percent.
🔹 Germany out of the World Cup On the night of 29-30 June, Germany lost to Paraguay on penalties in the round of 32, ending its tournament earlier than hoped. A national talking point, useful to know for workplace conversations.
🔹 AfD federal party conference, 4-5 July The AfD held its conference in Erfurt, re-electing Alice Weidel and Tino Chrupalla, accompanied by large protests. Relevant context for anyone tracking the immigration debate, given the party's influence on it.
🔹 Final June inflation figures, 10 July Destatis publishes confirmed June consumer-price data, expected to firm up the provisional 2.3 percent reading. A signal on whether household cost pressure is easing.
🔹 School summer holidays underway Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein, and Thuringia started on 4 July; Berlin, Brandenburg, and Hamburg follow on 9 July. Expect crowded trains and roads if you travel with family.
🔹 New Video: This week's video is a full, screen-by-screen guide to filing your German tax return for free with ELSTER. It covers account setup, the three forms most employees need, and the deductions that drive your refund: the commute allowance, home-office days, work equipment, and relocation costs. With the 31 July deadline close, it is the most practical thing you can do this month to recover a likely four-figure refund.
Watch it Here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6c3rtVgq3g0&t=175s
That is it for this week. Stay informed, stay prepared.
Until next week,
💙 Peace,
Srijith