Every month in Germany brings new changes that affect our lives. This review gathers the key changes in November that are important to know about.
Contents
Receiving identity documents by post
From November, a new service is being introduced: passports and identity cards will be able to be received by post. This innovation will significantly simplify the process, sparing citizens the need for a personal visit to institutions, and will save time. A small fee will be charged for the service.
Gender Recognition Act
From 1 November, the Gender Self-Determination Act (Selbstbestimmungsgesetz) comes into effect, which will allow people to change their gender and name in documents via an application to the local registry office (Standesamt), without the need for medical reports.
Using drones for wildlife conservation
From 20th November, a law comes into force allowing the use of drones with thermal imaging cameras to protect animals in fields. This will help farmers to detect animals in high grass in good time and avoid injuring them during agricultural work.
A lifehack for drone photography enthusiasts – become a farmer 🙂
Pay rise for bank employees
From 1 November, staff at 63 state-owned banks will receive a pay rise of 11.5%. The increase is intended to improve working conditions and support bank employees in the face of economic changes.
New identification numbers for entrepreneurs and companies
From November, the issuance of new economic identification numbers (W-IdNr.) for entrepreneurs and companies will begin, which should simplify interaction with public authorities.
New physiotherapy prescription form
Starting from 1st November, doctors will be able to issue a “Blankoverordnung”, allowing physiotherapists to choose treatment methods independently based on the diagnosis. From now on, the doctor will only specify the diagnosis on the referral. This change aims to increase the flexibility and quality of the services provided. If it works, that's brilliant.
Black Friday
29 November is Black Friday, but November sales and discounts will run pretty much all month. Don't forget to compare the prices from before the sale so you don't fall into the trap of clever sellers. I use Idealo and Keepa for Amazon.
Heim+Handwerk design and crafts exhibition«
The Heim+Handwerk design and crafts exhibition will take place in Munich from 27 November to 1 December.
Berlin Fairy Tale Festival"
From 7 to 24 November, the 35th Berlin Fairy Tale Days (Berliner Märchentage) festival will take place. Events will be free and united by the theme «Tree of the World: Cosmic Order – from Fairy Tales to Fantasy»
Festival of Freedom
On 9 November at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, the Festival of Freedom (Fest für Freiheit) will take place, dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. Admission is free.
Deutschlandticket at the new price
In November, it will be possible to renew the validity The Deutschlandticket for 2025 at the updated price.
US elections
The US elections will take place on November 5. How do you think this will affect relations between the US and Europe, and Germany in particular?
Christmas markets
From the end of November, Christmas markets will start opening. Some of the most popular are considered to be in Nuremberg, Munich and Dresden. I'm sure that you can enjoy the magical atmosphere not only in these cities.
Hamburg Winter DOM
From 8th November to 8th December, the Hamburg Winter DOM—Northern Germany's largest public festival with a history spanning over 100 years—will open.
New President of the Bundesrat
From November, the new President of the Federal Council takes office.
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