And so the summer months are behind us and we are welcomed by Goldener September – a sunny and mild Indian summer. Following the summer holidays, a new business season is starting, and September is already preparing quite a few interesting events for us – and this is not just the famous Oktoberfest.
We have highlighted the key points and changes that await us in September.
Contents
Politics
End of the Bundestag holidays
8th September marks the end of the Bundestag summer recess. Parliament resumes its normal schedule of work.
During the first week, discussions on the federal budget for 2026 and related tax, social and economic measures are already expected.
North Rhine-Westphalia state elections
North Rhine-Westphalia state elections: 14 September 2025 in Germany’s largest federal state, general local elections will be held for the new compositions of city and district councils, as well as for new mayors and district heads. On the same day, elections for the Assembly of the Ruhr Regional Association (Regionalverband Ruhr) will take place.
These elections are considered an important barometer of political sentiment in the country: around 14 million citizens have the right to vote in the most populous state, and the results could affect the balance of power at the federal level. As is well known, the popularity of the AfD has grown significantly in recent months, and it will be particularly revealing how the leading parties of the ruling coalition perform. Previously, the SPD held a numerical advantage in this region.
Technology
EU Data Act
From 12 September, the EU Data Act comes into force: manufacturers of smart devices (smart TVs, cars, vacuum cleaners, e-bikes, fitness trackers, etc.) are required to provide simple and free access to the data collected by the devices, and users gain the legal right to decide for themselves how the data generated by their devices is used.
Spotify subscription price increase
Spotify: From September, there will be a significant increase in the price of Premium subscriptions in Germany, rising by approximately 18% — to €12.99 for an individual subscription and €21.99 for a family subscription.
Launch of the new iPhone
9th September is the official launch of the new iPhone.
Safety
Emergency Services Day
1 September is the national Emergency Alert Day (Warntag) — a test of the public warning system. At 11:00, residents will receive notifications on their smartphones, as well as alerts via sirens, the radio, apps and tablets.
Healthcare and social services
End of the transition period for the digital health record
The transition period for the digital patient record – the ePA – will last only until 30 September. Doctors, pharmacies and dentists are not yet required to use it. However, from 1 October, the ePA will become mandatory for all healthcare facilities.
Deadline for changing private health insurance
Changing your private health insurance – autumn deadline: Anyone planning to switch private health insurance providers can submit their notice of termination by the end of September, three months before the 1st of the following year.
Please do consider carefully whether switching is the right move – if you change your private health insurance, you may lose your accumulated age-based reserves and have to undergo a new medical examination
Culture
Rheingau Wine Festival
Rheingau Wine Festival (Frankfurt) — 3–12 September: a wine festival featuring tastings, music and entertainment.
Reichsstadt Festival
Rothenburg ob der Tauber (Reichsstadt Festival) — 5–7 September: a historical festival in the old town.
Medieval Festival
Mediaval Festival (Selb, Franconia) — 12–14 September: Europe’s largest festival of medieval music and culture, featuring jousting displays and crafts.
Oktoberfest
20 September – the start of Oktoberfest. The price per Maß (1 litre of beer) will rise to between €14.50 and €15.80.
Bad Dürkheim Sausage Market
Bad Dürkheim Wurstmarkt — two weekends: 12–16 and 19–22 September: the world’s largest wine festival, featuring 300 varieties of wine, a fair and attractions.
This festival predates Oktoberfest. We went there and found it even more cosy than Oktoberfest.
Long Night of Astronomy
Long Night of Astronomy — 13 September: stargazing, talks and programmes at observatories.
Berlin Biennale
Berlin Biennale — until 14 September: contemporary art at various venues across the city.
Open Monuments Day
14 September – Open Monuments Day: thousands of historic sites are open to visitors across Germany.
Open Day at the Berlin State Opera
Open Day at the Berlin State Opera — 14 September: free performances, guided tours and a behind-the-scenes look.
Climate protest rally
20 September: nationwide climate protest action by the Fridays for Future movement and supported by environmental organisations
BMW Berlin Marathon
BMW Berlin Marathon — 21–22 September: a major marathon and sporting event.
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Mahnverfahren: how to recover a debt in Germany without a lawsuit or a court hearing
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Deutsche Bahn Familienticket for 99,99 € is now permanent: conditions and catches
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What changes in Germany in October 2026
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Dental insurance before the year ends: when the “short first year” really works
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Methods of earning pension points — Entgeltpunkte
