April 2025 news

April 2025 will bring a number of important changes to Germany in legislation, healthcare, transport and digitalisation. In addition, this month will delight us with cultural events and, hopefully, spring sunshine and the awakening of nature. In this selection are the most significant news and innovations worth knowing.

Social policy and healthcare

Lowering of the income threshold for receiving parental allowance (Elterngeld)

From 1 April 2025, the annual taxable income (zu versteuerndes Einkommen) above which families will no longer receive Elterngeld is being reduced from €200,000 to €175,000, for both couples and single parents. This refers to the income that is subject to tax, i.e. gross (BRUTTO). Depending on family composition, tax class and tax deductions, the gross income will be approximately €200,000–€205,000.

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Changes to medical guidelines

Women will now be able to undergo screening colonoscopy starting from the age of 50 (previously 55), which improves early diagnosis of bowel cancer.

Digitalisation

Testing the digital vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugschein)

From April 2025, a pilot project for the introduction of the digital vehicle registration document begins. Drivers will be able to use a special app, developed jointly by the Federal Motor Transport Authority (Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt) and the Federal Printing Office (Bundesdruckerei), to store vehicle registration documents electronically.

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Rollout of the electronic patient record (ePR)

Following successful testing in pilot regions, the widespread introduction of the electronic patient record (elektronische Patientenakte, ePA) is expected from April 2025. It will store data such as X-rays, doctor’s reports and test results, which will facilitate the exchange of medical information between institutions.

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Transport and infrastructure

Update to the driving licence theory test questions

For yet another year in a row, updates to the list of questions for the driving theory test come into force every April. The latest changes relate to topics concerning the rules for turning right, priority at intersections and certain road signs.

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Speedweek and Blitzermarathon: speed enforcement week

During the week of 7 to 13 April 2025, the Speedweek speed enforcement marathon will take place in Germany. The climax of speed enforcement and flash photography, the “Blitzermarathon” across the WHOLE OF EUROPE, will take place on 9 April. Our recommendation is to obey the speed limits on the roads not just on this day!

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Transport fare increases in Schleswig-Holstein

From 1 April 2025, public transport fares in Schleswig-Holstein will increase by an average of 4.97%.

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Introduction of the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for the UK

From 2 April 2025, citizens of non-visa-required countries (including the EU and Switzerland) must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. The ETA costs £10 and is valid for two years.

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Culture and events

Easter bank holiday weekend

The long Easter weekend: from 18 to 21 April. You could arrange an impromptu break.

Flowering season

April in Germany is a month of true natural awakening. At this time, cherries, apple trees, plums, cherry plums, pears, magnolias, forsytias, lilacs and dogwoods begin to bloom en masse. Forests become covered with a carpet of primroses: liliaceous and bulbous spring flowers. Birch and alder also begin to bloom, which can trigger allergies – especially in the second half of the month.

2025 Grimme-Preis ceremony

The 61st presentation ceremony of the prestigious Grimme-Preis will take place on 4 April 2025 in the town of Marl. The award recognises outstanding achievements in the field of television.

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FIBO 2025 exhibition in Cologne

From 10 to 13 April 2025, the international fitness and health trade show FIBO will take place in Cologne, showcasing the latest products and technologies for an active lifestyle.

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Stuttgart International Jazz Festival

From 12 to 26 April 2025, Stuttgart’s Theaterhaus will host the “Theaterhaus Jazztage” jazz festival, presenting a diverse range of musical styles from jazz to soul and folk.

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