From the coronavirus regulations to driving theory test questions, there are a lot of changes as we move from March to April. Here are 11 things expats in Germany should be aware of in April 2022.
1. Nationwide corona rules replaced by hotspot regulations
The saga of Germany’s measures to combat the corona virus continues. Although most restrictions were due to be lifted on March 20, states have been given a two-week transition period ending on April 2. They pushed for another extension, but this was denied.
Where does that leave us? In short, most sweeping coronavirus measures will be scrapped after April 2 (with the exception of mask requirements on public transport) unless a region declares itself a hotspot and gives authorities the power to enforce certain rules like 3G and masks businesses to maintain.
For most areas – including Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Berlin, Brandenburg, Bremen, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Saarland, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Schleswig-Holstein – this means no 2G from April 2nd and 3G more rules, no more vaccination cards or tests in public places like cinemas, bars, restaurants and gyms and no more masks in leisure and retail outlets.
However, some regions have already announced that they will implement the hotspot regulation. So far, this includes all of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Hamburg. Other regions could also declare themselves hotspots in the coming days and weeks. It sure is confusing, but it’s worth checking the policies in your area to make sure you don’t get caught.
2. The Easter holidays begin
The lifting of coronavirus restrictions in most parts of the country comes at a great time for children, who will enjoy a break from classes as the April school holidays begin ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday weekend.
Primary and secondary schools end first in northern Germany, with the holidays beginning April 4 in Bremen, Lower Saxony and Schleswig-Holstein. The holidays in Saxony start on April 15th at the latest. In order to meet the demand, Deutsche Bahn uses special trains.
3. Minimum wages and salaries are increasing in some sectors
Many employees in Germany can look forward to more money in their salary package from April. From the beginning of the month, wages in the federal and local public sector will rise by 1.8 percent and in the construction industry by 2.2 percent.
For temporary workers, the minimum wage will be raised from 10.45 to 10.88 euros per hour from April 1 – before a further planned increase to 12 euros per hour in September 2022. There is also a salary increase for nursing assistants.
4. Mortgages are likely to become more expensive
From April, mortgages in Germany will become more expensive. This is because banks and other lenders are now required to implement an additional capital buffer as a precaution against potential economic volatility. The cost of this will likely be recouped by people looking to buy a home who are already facing higher interest rates.
5. New system for determining employment status
This is a little complicated, but no doubt crucial for some people. From April 1, 2022, the German Pension Insurance (DRV) will change the way it determines whether someone is dependent or self-employed.
That’s important because sometimes people end up in a kind of gray area of not being sure of their status, which has implications for things like pensions. Anyone who is unsure can now apply to the DRV for clarification of their status. They can also request an oral hearing if they think a mistake has been made.
So far, this has also affected their health insurance, from now on the health insurance companies will decide whether the person has to take out statutory health insurance or private health insurance.
6. More moving expenses tax deductible
Employees who move to Germany for work will save more on their tax returns from April because the flat-rate tax deduction for job-related changes of location will increase. Single people can claim deductible costs of up to 886 euros (from 870 euros), married couples up to 590 euros per person.
A work-related move is defined as a move that helps you avoid a daily commute of an hour or more each way. In order for the costs to be tax deductible, they must not have been borne by your employer.
7. Increased child benefit to support low-income families
Low-income families in Germany are supported by the state with a monthly child benefit (child supplement) of up to 209 euros per child. A regulation that made it easier to apply for the benefit was extended until the end of 2022.
8. Government no longer covers short-time work social security contributions
During the coronavirus pandemic, the state covered all or part of workers’ social security contributions when they were levied short-time work. From now on, however, according to the Federal Employment Agency, these will no longer be reimbursed. If this affects you, you should contact your employer.
9. DHL app for card exchange at Packstations
Many people waiting for a package in Germany choose to have it sent to a DHL Packstation, where they can be conveniently picked up. Previously, customers had the option of using a card and a four-digit pick-up code. Now, however, the service is going fully digital. From April, parcels can only be picked up with a code in the Post & DHL app. If you already have the app, it’s worth updating to ensure you have this new feature.
10. Legally limited charges for calls to 0137 numbers
Numbers with 0137 area codes are often used by TV stations in Germany for viewer interactions such as voting or competitions. Consumers dialing these numbers were often faced with astronomical costs and a nasty surprise when their phone bill arrived.
In order to put a stop to this, the Federal Network Agency has capped the minute costs for calls to these numbers from the fixed network. The same now applies to calls from mobile phones. The price is between 14 cents and 1 euro per minute or call, depending on the next digit of the phone number.
11. Learner drivers have to face new theory test questions
And one last one for those out there learning to drive. In April, the database of theory test questions in Germany will be updated, adding some new questions and withdrawing some older ones. The new questions affect all driver’s license classes. If you’re brushing up on your German traffic signs and driving rules, make sure you get yourself some up-to-date learning resources.
