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LIVING IN GERMANY

Living in Germany: Big law changes ahead, ‘Oldtimers’ and the history of Weißwurst

In this week's roundup, we look at the big changes coming up in Germany after summer, cash headaches, an 'Oldtimer' rally and where the origin of the Weißwurst.

Published: 19 August 2023 09:14 CEST
The traditional Weißwurst.
The traditional Weißwurst. Photo: picture-alliance/ dpa/dpaweb | Matthias Schrader

Living in Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might not have heard about. Members can receive it directly to their inbox on Saturday.

Cannabis, citizenship and Elterngeld: German politics back kicks back into action

The German government is back after the summer recess and politics is kicking back into action. And it’s already shaping up to be a busy time. This week we covered how the government has decided on major cost-saving measures – including a controversial decision to restrict Elterngeld (parental allowance) – to higher-earning families. The coalition government – made up of the Social Democrats (SPD), Greens and Free Democrats (FDP) – says from 2024, families with a combined annual income higher than €150,000 will no longer receive Elterngeld. Previously, the limit was €300,000 (or €250,000 for single parents). Although it will save the government hundreds of millions each year, the decision has been heavily slammed, with the opposition CSU describing it as a “slap in the face for many young families”.

The path to legalising recreational cannabis has also taken a step forward, with the German government giving the green light to a draft law. The bill, which still needs to go through parliament, would allow adults to have up to 25 grams of cannabis and grow up to three plants for personal use. Enthusiasts will also be able to join “cannabis clubs” to purchase the drug. 

The Local has also been keeping tabs on Germany’s ambitious plans to overhaul citizenship laws, which would lower the hurdles for foreigners applying, and make dual nationality possible. The government is getting ready to vote on a draft version of this law this month. It is expected to be passed in cabinet and the Bundestag before it goes through the Bundesrat, which represents the states. If all goes to plan, it is likely to come into force in the early months of next year. 

All in all, expect a lot of changes in Germany in the coming months! Keep an eye on The Local for updates, reaction and analysis. 

Tweet of the week

Do you agree? Or do you think Germany’s love affair with cash is charming?

Where is this?

Photo: DPA/Hendrik Schmidt

We’re time travelling today with this cute VW Beetle, built in 1967. The driver, from the ADAC Sachsen team, is pictured tackling the legendary Steep Wall (Steile Wand) in Meerane, Saxony in the first stage of the region’s classic vintage car rally (Oldtimer-Rallye). Around 180 cars from all over the world are taking part in the event, which is organised by the Motor Presse Stuttgart. From Zwickau, the route goes over the Ore Mountains to Dresden and East Saxony with a detour to the Czech Republic. The final will take place in Dresden on Saturday. Fun fact: A vintage car is called an Oldtimer in German!

Did you know?

You have no doubt seen or perhaps even tasted Bavaria’s famous Weißwurst (white sausage). But do you know the (alleged) history of this regional delicacy? Legend has it that this sausage was born on February 22nd – Fasching Sunday – back in 1857. A Munich butcher and innkeeper known as Sepp Moser is said to have been preparing snacks for hungry guests when he realised he’d run out of thick casings for the veal sausages.

In the emergency situation, Moser still filled the sausages but used a thinner casing. To stop them from bursting when frying, he placed the sausages in hot water to cook them. When he took the white sausages out to guests, everyone was impressed with the taste. And the Munich Weißwurst was born! These sausages are made with veal, pork, onion, parsley, bacon, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Pair with sweet mustard, a pretzel and a Helles Bier. 

Compiled by Rachel Loxton

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LIVING IN GERMANY

Inside Germany: Grundgesetz, citizenship language requirements and vomit toilets

From a tense atmosphere at a ceremony to mark 75 years of Germany's constitution to citizenship language requirements and a vomit toilet, here's what The Local team has been talking about in Germany this week.

Published: 25 May 2024 10:47 CEST
Inside Germany: Grundgesetz, citizenship language requirements and vomit toilets

Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news and talking points in Germany that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.

Grundgesetz anniversary sparks warning to safeguard democracy

Thursday marked 75 years since the the founding of Germany’s constitution – known as the Grundgesetz or Basic Law.

With the assistance of the Allied powers, West German states formulated the Grundgesetz over a number of conferences in 1948 following the devastation of the war. It fully came into effect on May 23rd, 1949 and was adopted by all German states after reunification in 1990. 

READ ALSO: What does Germany’s Basic Law really mean?

Although it doesn’t include the word ‘Verfassung‘ (constitution) in it, the Basic Law contains all the features of a constitution and has functioned effectively as one for decades. 

Various ceremonies are being held over the coming days to mark the anniversary of the document that has shaped modern-day Germany. 

Even though the annual celebrations are always proud moments for the country, it’s clear that there is a tense atmosphere. 

During a high profile event on Thursday, German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that democracy was not guaranteed in future, and said there could be tough times ahead. 

“After decades of more prosperity, more democracy, more Europe, more freedom, the success of German reunification, we are now experiencing an epochal transformation,” Steinmeier said, referencing how Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine had brought war back to Europe. 

He urged for courage to face the challenges ahead, saying: “We have to assert ourselves, with realism and ambition.”

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addresses guests during the state ceremony as part of celebrations to mark 75 years of the German Constitution in front of the Chancellery and Reichstag building (background) in Berlin, Germany on May 23rd.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier addresses guests during the state ceremony as part of celebrations to mark 75 years of the German Constitution in front of the Chancellery and Reichstag building (background) in Berlin, Germany on May 23rd. Photo by Liesa Johannssen / POOL / AFP

The president also outlined how concerned he was about recent political violence in the run up to the European elections being held in Germany on June 9th. 

“We have received news of physical attacks on elected officials and politically active people almost every day,” he said.

“I am deeply concerned about the coarsening of political life in our country.”

READ ALSO: German president decries violence in politics after attacks

German toilets get weirder…

Now onto a bar in Koblenz that has installed a ‘Brech-Platz’ or ‘vomit space’ toilet high on the wall. Perhaps it’s genius?

Germany in Focus 

On the latest episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, we invite special guest Avalon Pernell into the booth to talk about culture shocks that people from the US face when they come to Germany (including the food!). We also get into the maze of trying to secure therapy in Germany and why it’s so hard, the outlook for the self-employed and freelancers and the new campaign for German citizenship.  

What level of language do you need for German citizenship?

Anyone getting ready to apply for German citizenship will have to think about their language skills. 

That’s because for most routes to naturalising in Germany, you need to have a certain level of German – and some things are changing in light of the reform. 

As regular readers will know, from June 27th holding multiple citizenships will be allowed in principle, and the required residency period will drop from eight years to five years on the standard route for naturalisation. 

But one thing that won’t change on the standard route (at least for the majority of people) is language requirements. You’ll still need to have passed a B1 level exam. 

As Aaron Burnett wrote in one of our most-read stories this week, “B1 is the third level out of a possible six and someone who has achieved it is classified as an ‘independent user’ under the Common European Framework for Languages.”

“This means the speaker can handle most aspects of their daily life – shopping, getting around, and basic topics around work, school or living.”

A big change coming up is that applicants who can show exceptional effort to integrate into Germany – or who have made big contributions to German society – could be eligible to naturalise after just three years on the new fast-track route.

But these applicants will have to show they can speak German at C1 level – the second highest level possible. 

“C1 speakers are typically able to understand longer and more challenging texts – including those that are not within their area of expertise,” wrote Aaron. “They can also express themselves fluently on complex issues and even make academic arguments that follow a certain structure.”

There are also some routes that don’t require such a high standard of German. Check out the full article here.

Lastly…

A few German states enjoy a public holiday on Thursday May 30th for Fronleichnam or Corpus Christi. Residents in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland will likely have a day off work or school. Remember to get your shopping in beforehand! 

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