SHARE
COPY LINK
For members

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.

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

Member comments

Log in here to leave a comment.
Become a Member to leave a comment.

INSIDE GERMANY

Inside Germany: ‘Ampel’ makeover and can Euro 2024 bring Germans together?

From how the Euros are providing a sense of relief in Germany amid heightened tensions to a traffic light transformation in Frankfurt and lucky chimney sweeps, here's what we've been talking about this week.

Inside Germany: 'Ampel' makeover and can Euro 2024 bring Germans together?

Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip 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.

The Euros are bringing Germans together – but tension remains 

Whichever way you look at it, it’s been a turbulent few years. In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking forced migration, an energy crisis and fears over war spreading in Europe. 

In Germany, the cost of living crisis has been gripping residents for years, resulting in increased strike action and protests. Meanwhile, the economy has tanked, support for the coalition government is falling dramatically, division remains over war in the Middle East and the the far-right has climbed in the polls. At the recent European parliament elections, Alternative for Germany (AfD) took second position in the national vote. 

READ ALSO: What do Germany’s far-right gains in EU elections mean for foreigners?

With these unresolved issues, you might think that Germany would struggle to come together to organise the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament this summer.

But so far, Deutschland has been a fantastic host.

The scenes of fans from different countries gathering in German cities and mixing with locals have been joyous to see. 

Games and logistical matters are taking place without any major problems (at least most of the time).

Hammering Scotland 5-1 in the opening game may have brought Germans a much needed boost. Seeing residents from all walks of life huddle around TVs on streets or attend fan zones to cheer on their team has felt like something we’ve all needed after such heavy years. 

Perhaps if the German team goes far, it will unite people even more. 

But the tension is still around. 

A recent survey by broadcaster WDR’s Sport Inside, found that one in five respondents would prefer if the German national team had more “white” players, highlighting racist attitudes. 

It comes after German partygoers were filmed singing “foreigners out!” on the holiday island of Sylt. 

The Euros are providing much-needed light relief in Germany right now – but football won’t fix everything. 

Frankfurt Ampelmann gets makeover

Football figures on the traffic lights in Frankfurt to celebrate Euro 2024.

Football figures on the traffic lights in Frankfurt to celebrate Euro 2024. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Arnold

Football fever is gripping the nation – and Frankfurt has updated its traffic lights or Ampeln to to celebrate

Anyone walking through central Frankfurt might spot the Ampelmann (traffic light man) giving a red card or kicking the ball – depending on the colour. 

German cities are known for their unusual traffic light figures. 

The most famous are the Ampelmännchen (little traffic light men) in Berlin. These were first created in what was then East Berlin back in 1961 and now appear on various traffic lights in the centre of the German capital. 

Germany in Focus

In the latest episode of our Germany in Focus podcast, we talk about our highlights of Euro 2024 so far, why the German coalition is hanging by a thread, the postal system reform, how offices are preparing for the German citizenship law changes and the German vocabulary you need to watch football. 

Lucky chimney sweeps

My building recently received a visit from a lovely Schornsteinfeger (chimney sweep) to check our boilers were in working order. 

It reminded me that seeing a chimney sweep is meant to bring good luck in Germany. 

That’s because they traditionally came to homes to clean out chimneys, removing soot and dirt, which would help ward off the possibility of fires (as well as unwanted evil spirits). 

A chimney sweep on a roof on Maulbronn, Baden-Württemberg in 2023.

A chimney sweep on a roof on Maulbronn, Baden-Württemberg in 2023. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Bernd Weißbrod

They may not actually be going into chimneys and getting covered in soot these days but they’re still providing maintenance and checking on various heating systems which can only be a Glücksbringer (lucky charm).

You’re supposed to get even more luck if you touch a chimney sweep – for example by shaking their hand or twisting one of their silver buttons – but you should probably ask them first. 

If you see a Schornsteinfeger on New Year’s Day or on your wedding day it’s meant to be even luckier.

SHOW COMMENTS