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Things that will change in Germany in December 2023
Electricity and gas prices for consumers will go down
For some consumers, electricity and gas prices will go down in December and January. Customers in basic service tariffs, which apply to around a quarter of households, will benefit from this.
Google to delete dormant accounts
Starting December 1, 2023, Google will delete inactive accounts that have not been used for more than two years. The reason is a lack of security standards for the accounts. This particularly includes “2-factor authentication”. Those affected receive warnings by email and can prevent deletion through activities such as sending an email or watching a YouTube video. Accounts used for product purchases or content uploads will remain exempt from the change.
Nebenkostenabrechnung & Energiepreisbremsen
Landlords must issue their tenants with the utility bill for 2022 by December 31, 2023. If this is not submitted on time, the tenant is no longer obliged to pay any additional payments, unless the delay is through no fault of their own. Due to the high energy prices for gas and electricity, the bill may be higher than usual and there can be additional charges.
On November 24th, Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner also announced that the state electricity and gas "preisbremse" would expire on December 31st, three months earlier than planned. The reason is the budget ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court. It is still unclear whether the reduction in network fees will also be affected.
Tenants should pay particular attention to the “December emergency aid” item, as this can provide relief for them. Tenants should therefore check their billing carefully to avoid possible additional charges.
New rules for wine and sparkling wine labels
From December 8, 2023, a new EU regulation will come into force, which requires a list of nutritional values and ingredients for wine and sparkling wine bottles.
Austria will introduce new vignettes for motorways
From December 1st, a 1-day vignette will be introduced and the price for the 10-day vignette will increase. While the 10-day vignette was previously available for 9.90 euros, it will cost 11.50 euros from December 1st.
The new 1-day vignette will cost 8.60 euros. The price for the 2024 annual vignette remains unchanged at 96.40 euros.
In Switzerland, drivers still have to pay tolls to use the motorways. The vignette for 2024 is valid from December 1st and costs another 40 francs, i.e. just under 42 euros. Drivers who still have a vignette from 2023 and want to drive to Switzerland in January can still use their old vignette. This is valid until January 31, 2024.
Compulsory insurance for lawnmower tractors
If you want to drive your lawnmower tractor on public paths outside your home, you will soon have to insure it. The federal government have until 23 December to implement this EU directive.
Deutsche Post’s deadlines for Christmas packages
If you want your package to reach the recipient in Germany before Christmas, you need to send it before 20 December. Letters and postcards by December 21st at the latest.
Deutsche Bahn’s winter timetable
Numerous Deutsche Bahn Timetable and connection changes are coming in December. This includes positive changes for ICE passengers between Berlin and Bavaria and on the Berlin-Hannover-NRW axis.
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