As the calendar turns to December, Germany is filled with festive cheer and the hustle and bustle of the pre-Christmas season. From enchanting Christmas markets to important updates in travel and housing regulations, this month is filled with both celebration and anticipation. Here in the North, we are preparing for Nikolastag and the 2nd Advent on Sunday. We wanted to update you on a number of changes and dates to keep in mind for the month of December.
Deutsche Bahn Changes:
In December, Deutsche Bahn (DB) implements several important changes, especially with the introduction of their winter timetable, which affects travel across Germany. Here are the key changes to note for December:
1. Winter Timetable:
– The new winter timetable comes into effect on Friday, December 13. This schedule includes adjustments to train frequencies, routes, and travel times, which can affect commuters and leisure travellers alike. It’s advisable to check the updated schedules in advance to plan your journeys effectively.
2. Advance Booking:
– Tickets for the new winter timetable became available for booking on October 13. This includes special fare options like Sparpreis (discount prices) and Super Sparpreis, which can offer substantial savings for travellers.
3. BahnCard 100 Price Increase:
– Starting Sunday, December 15, 2024, the price for the BahnCard 100 will see an increase of approximately 6.6%. This new pricing accounts for an increase in the Deutschland Ticket.
4. Deutschland Ticket Price Adjustment
– The Germany Ticket, which allows unlimited travel on regional and local public transport across all participating networks in Germany, will also see an adjustment to €58 starting on January 1, 2025. The current price is 49€-
Utilities and Housing: Important Deadline
If you’re renting in Germany, December also brings an important deadline for landlords regarding the Nebenkostenabrechnung, or utility bills. By December 31, 2024, landlords are required to provide tenants with their utility bills for the year 2023. This document compares the warm rent you have been paying against your actual consumption, and may result in additional charges or even a refund.
As tenants receive these statements, it’s wise to carefully examine the figures and cross-reference them with your own meter readings to ensure accuracy. Mismatches can occur, so being proactive can save you money and prevent confusion down the line.
The USB-C Universal Shift
The shift to USB-C as a universal charging standard is part of legislation introduced by the European Union (EU). Specifically, the EU’s directive mandates that all new mobile phones, tablets, and cameras sold within its member states must be equipped with a USB-C port by December 28, 2024. This means that after this date, manufacturers will be required to produce devices that utilize USB-C for charging and data transfer.