Hallo {name} {surname}.

In March, Germany experiences a mix of weather patterns ranging from rainfall to sunshine. This year is also the time when the Easter holiday is celebrated, which brings joy and festivities to people across the country. Read all about it in our March Page. 

We added information about the different meat cuts in Germany and how they compare with South African cuts. There are also some suggestions on where to buy good quality meat.
Another page was added to cover fish and seafood

Our page for March has been updated and covers a range of topics, including upcoming holidays, weather predictions, what foods are in season, and popular events that are happening.

Things that will change in Germany in March 2024

Skilled Immigration

For people from non-EU countries, access to the labour market will be made easier through the reform of the so-called Skilled Immigration Act. Vocational qualifications do not need to be recognised in Germany anymore, as long as the person can demonstrate at least 2 years of experience in the field in which they would like to work.

Nursing staff from 3rd world countries will also find it easier to come to Germany to work

More efficient household appliances

From March onwards, stricter efficiency requirements will apply to refrigerators, washing machines and tumble dryers in private households, meaning they must use less energy. Customers must be informed of the energy consumption of these appliances.

Improved KfW conditions

From March, there will be better conditions for home buyers in the “Home Ownership for Families” program run by the state-run Loan Agency for Reconstruction (KfW): the fixed interest period will be increased from the current maximum of ten to 20 years. 

The program promotes the construction and purchase of climate-friendly residential buildings and condominiums that meet the EH40 efficiency house standard. Apartments that are heated with fossil fuels are excluded from funding.

Logging work hours

Employers are required to set up a system to track the hours worked by each employee, this is to stop workers from being exploited. 

Cannabis: legalization is coming

Possession and consumption of cannabis will be exempt from punishment for adults from April 1, 2024, with restrictions. In the future, you will be allowed to possess up to 25 grams of cannabis for your use; for private cultivation, you will be allowed to own up to 50 grams and up to three female-flowering plants. Possession of 30 grams or more should only be punishable in public spaces and 60 grams or more in private spaces.

Blue Insurance plates for Mopeds and Scooters

Everyone who drives scooters or mopeds (Kleinkrafträder) needs new license plates. The colour changes each year and for 2024 it is blue. The new insurance year begins on March 1st.

Youth Culture Pass

The KulturPass was extended for another year, meaning those born in 2006 can apply for the pass. The pass entitles holders to free gallery visits, cinema and concerts. The value is capped at €100 

The national elections in South Africa will take place on 29 May 2024. Voters who live abroad and are registered as such can vote on either the 17th or the 18th of May, depending on the relevant country. If the weekend is on a Saturday and Sunday in your country of residence it will be on the 18 May 2024. There is no official information from the South African Embassy or the Consulate yet. 

Voters who are outside of their registered voting station on voting day can submit a VEC10 form. 

Our monthly virtual get-together will be on 14 March 2024. 

Connect with fellow South Africans, share your experiences, seek advice and offer support.
With a bustling network of individuals, we can engage in a stimulating and constructive conversation on various topics centred on our lives in Germany.
We value the significance of authentic relationships and mutual understanding, so we encourage everyone to participate and contribute to the dialogue.
Let’s come together and create a positive and uplifting atmosphere that can provide us with the encouragement and motivation to thrive in this new and perhaps daunting environment.

We have a Community space on our website. The space can only be used by logged-in members, and public groups can be accessed by non-members. Members can create groups and interact with other members, for example, add friends, join groups and create events.  See all recent activity via this link
A great idea for organising meetups, getting advice, or just sharing information. Membership is free. 

Some of the existing groups are Cricket in and around Germany, People living in xxx,  Hiking, and looking for and offering job opportunities.
To search for members, use this page. You can search by current town, the town they are from in SA, hobbies or interests

Forums are also free to use.

You can add jobs to our job exchange board

We are excited to announce that our monthly Market Monday for March is on its way. Mark your calendars for the 11th and get ready to experience the best of what our South African shop owners have to offer.  Don't forget to visit the Business section on our website where you can find a comprehensive list of shops and services. 

We added a new category to our business listings. E-Motion are run by South Africans, selling e-bikes

On our website, we offer a user-friendly search function that can assist you in finding information on a variety of topics. Whether you are seeking information about pets, German meat cuts, bedding sizes, recognition of studies, biltong, Mrs. Balls, finding a place to stay, substitutes, visas, or many other topics, our search function can help you find the answers you are looking for. With just a few clicks, you can easily navigate our website and access the information you need. Simply enter your keywords into the search bar, and our system will compile a list of all the relevant resources available on our site. So, the next time you need help finding information, rest assured that our website has got you covered with our comprehensive search feature.