As of: March 31, 2024, 9:11 a.m
By: Ulrike Hagen
Comments
Press
Split
In April 2024 there will be important changes that will affect millions of people in Germany. It's about cuts, higher prices and new laws.
Munich – A lot has already changed for consumers at the beginning of 2024. And with the new month, new regulations will come into force. April 2024 will bring many smaller and larger changes that will impact the everyday lives of millions of consumers in Germany. From the normal VAT rate for gas and district heating to cuts in parental allowance to the discounted Germany ticket for students. The most important points at a glance.
In April 2024 there will be important changes that will affect millions of people in Germany. Among other things, full VAT will be charged again on gas and district heating. © Imago/Bihlmayerfotografie
Changes in April 2024 – this is what consumers will face:
Numerous innovations have already come into force in 2024 - and there is also a lot coming up in April, the month in which spring finally gets going. Consumers “can” expect, among other things, higher VAT, a mobility subsidy for trainees, changes to pensions, parental allowance and qualification allowance for employees.
The changes will bring some innovations for consumers, students and employees in April. It is advisable to find out about the relevant regulations in good time.
The most important consumer innovations in April 2024 at a glance:
Cannabis is legalized
Speed camera marathon targets speeders
Amazon shortens return periods
Venice has an entrance fee
New fuels available at gas stations
Discounted Germany ticket for students
Qualification money as a wage replacement
Career orientation internship and mobility grant for trainees
Full VAT again on gas and district heating
New income limit for parental allowance
Driving test is becoming more difficult
Price shock from April: VAT for gas and district heating will be increased again
Consumers have to prepare for higher heating costs, because from April 1st the normal VAT rate of 19 percent will apply again for gas and district heating. The temporary relief for consumers with a rate of 7 percent will no longer apply.
My news
NATO fighter jets rise: Russian planes intercepted over the Baltic Sea
After 20 years, the citizen's benefit recipient finally finds work - two days later he is already annoyed
Quake in the construction industry: Read the bankruptcy of a large German real estate company
Meloni takes action: Italy cancels the “super bonus” read
After rocket attacks on Ukraine, Poland launches fighter jets in the middle of the night
2 hours ago
If this dinosaur appears on the Edeka price tag, you need to act quickly
From April 2024: cuts in parental allowance
From April 1st, the income limit for parental allowance will change. Parents who stay at home after the birth of a child are entitled to parental allowance up to a taxable annual income of 200,000 euros; currently it is 300,000 euros. This limit is also intended for single parents. This means that around 200,000 couples under the age of 50 will lose their right to parental allowance.
If both parents stay at home at the same time, it is only possible to receive the so-called basic parental allowance at the same time for a maximum of one month and within the first twelve months after the birth of the child.
Changes for April 2024: Who can retire
From April 1, 2024, there are various options for retirement, depending on the year of birth and type of pension:
Standard old-age pension: Anyone born between March 2, 1958 and April 1, 1958 can retire without deductions as soon as they reach the age of 66.
Retirement pension for those who have been insured for a long time (35 years): For everyone who was born between March 2, 1961 and April 1, 1961, a reduction of 12.6 percent applies if they retire after 35 years.
Old-age pension for severely disabled people: People born between July 2, 1962 and August 1, 1962 can retire with a discount of 10.8 percent.
Change in the law: Cannabis law is due to come into force on April 1st
On April 1st, the cannabis law passed by the traffic light comes into force, which provides for limited legalization for adults. People aged 18 and over are allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for personal consumption. In addition, three live cannabis plants will be allowed per household.
The new legal initiative stipulates that smoking weed in public spaces, especially at schools, sports facilities and their immediate surroundings - within 100 meters as the crow flies of the entrance area - will be banned. The law is expected to be presented to the Federal Council on March 22nd. Although it does not require approval, there is still the possibility that the state chamber will call the mediation committee with the Bundestag in order to slow down the procedure.
Return periods at Amazon: They will be shortened from April 1st
Amazon is shortening the return period for certain products from 30 to 14 days. This change will take full effect from April 25th - and will affect cameras, computers, electronic devices and video games, among other things.
From April 1st: discounted Germany ticket for students
At the beginning of the summer semester, many students receive a discounted Germany ticket for 29.40 euros per month. This means you can use buses and trains nationwide. However, some universities do not take part in this offer or only partially, for example where the semester ticket is cheaper.
April 2024: Many new questions in the driving test
In April, the list of questions for the driving license test will be supplemented with 61 new or revised questions. So if you take your theoretical driving test on April 1st or after, it will be a little more difficult for you. This applies to both car driving licenses and other driving license classes.
Drivers beware: New fuels will be available at gas stations from April 1st
A surprise also awaits drivers at the gas stations: new fuels will be available here from April. As early as the end of 2023, the Federal Cabinet decided to approve diesel fuel that may consist of 100 percent used cooking oil. From April 2024 it will be available at gas stations under the names XLT, HVO and B10. But be careful: The new diesel fuels are not compatible with every type of vehicle.
New from April 2024: funding for career orientation internships
Those who are undecided about their career choice will have the option of a funded career orientation internship starting in April. The state covers travel and accommodation costs for short, even national, internships.
Innovation for trainees comes into force in April: mobility allowance for trips home
Trainees whose company is further away from their home can apply for a mobility grant from April. This covers the first year of training. two family trips home per month.
Qualification money for employees: Cash money is available for further training
From April 1st, a qualification allowance will be used as a wage replacement to support employees in industries undergoing structural change. This means they can be released to complete further training and at the same time keep their job.
Attention in April 2024: Speed camera marathon hunts down speeders
From April 15th to 21st, 2024, notorious speeders will be on the attack as drivers have to expect speed checks and speed traps. A speed camera marathon is also planned as part of the European Speed Week on Friday, April 19th.
Italy vacationers beware: this city requires entry from April
From April 2024, Venice will introduce entry fees for day visitors to counteract mass tourism and preserve the city and its natural surroundings. This measure begins on April 25th and is intended to help enable normal life in the world-famous lagoon city. The income from the entrance fees should be invested in the protection and preservation of Venice and its nature.