At the end of this year, consumers will be faced with a number of changes: There should be an initial remedy for the rising gas prices. This increases the cost of train journeys. An overview:
gas markdown
Households that are supplied with gas or district heating should have their December deduction waived. The federal government bears the costs. The emergency aid is intended to bridge the time until the gas price brake takes effect in the coming year.
Energy allowance for pensioners
Pensioners are to receive an energy price flat rate of 300 euros in December to mitigate the increased costs. All pensioners residing in Germany receive the lump sum.
Winterfahrplan
The winter timetable will apply to Deutsche Bahn and many other transport companies from December 11th. The most important change in long-distance traffic is the opening of the high-speed line between Wendlingen and Ulm, which means that passengers can travel faster between Stuttgart and Munich. At the same time, the prices for long-distance transport tickets and Bahncards are rising throughout Germany.
warning day
How well official warnings via radio, television, apps or sirens would work in an emergency is tested by the federal, state and local authorities on December 8th at the nationwide warning day. The new Cell Broadcast warning system will also be used for the first time. With the system, messages such as broadcast signals are sent to all compatible devices that are registered in a cell. In contrast to other warning systems such as Nina or Katwarn, you don’t need an app to be alerted.
Cosmetics companies need certificates
Cosmetic companies that offer laser treatments must prove their qualifications by December 31st. The regulation is intended to ensure that only trained personnel carry out the treatment.
Deadlines for Christmas mail
If you want to send Christmas mail to family or friends in time for the holidays, you should stick to the deadlines: According to Deutsche Post, letters should be delivered by December 22 at the latest, parcels by December 20. Different dates apply to shipments abroad.
New Year’s fireworks return
After two years without selling rockets and firecrackers, New Year’s Eve is expected to be louder and more colorful again this year. A ban on sales and a ban on buying and assembly at the turn of the year are not foreseeable. These were imposed in 2020 and 2021 to protect hospitals from being overloaded during the corona pandemic. However, the municipalities can set up no-gun zones.
