Every county has their own way of doing things, and your first couple of months living in a new country will be a steep learning curve. Here are some of the differences between South Africa and Germany as well as some basic info we would classify into “I wish someone told me that!”
Disclaimer
Most of the information were translated from German, and although we do our upmost to provide correct and up to date information, you are still responsible for your own legal clarifications. No liability accepted.
Driving
Here are some basic differences in road rules
South Africa | Germany |
Driving on the left-hand side | Driving on the right-hand side. Right before left rule |
Speed limits | The general speed limit (Tempolimit) on highways (autobahn) is 130 km/h. On most highways, the speed limit is dynamically controlled depending on the traffic conditions. It can also be unlimited. |
Pass vehicles on the right and left | No passing on the right. It is illegal to pass a vehicle on the right. You must move into a left lane in order to pass. The pass-on-the-left-only rule is one of the things that make the autobahn work. |
Traffic circles yield to the right | Traffic circles (Kreis) yield to the left, and a vehicle already in the circle has right of way. You only use your turn signals when you leave the circle, and not when entering. When there is no sign to indicate it is a traffic circle, you handle it like a normal intersection and the right-before-left rule applies |
Main roads have priority and side streets must yield | Side roads, unless you have a right of way sign on the main road, have right of way from the right.![]() |
A fuel pump attendant fills up your vehicle at the Petrol station | You have to fill up your vehicle yourself. Remember to note the pump number when paying. Always ask for a receipt when paying by cash. |
When denting another vehicle in a parking lot, you can leave a note for the person to contact you | Hit-and-run (Fahrerflucht) is a very serious offence. A hit-and-run occurs when a person involved in the accident moves away from the scene of the accident, If you damage another vehicle in the parking lot, you must wait for the person to return before you can leave, or else it is seen as a hit-and-run. See Division 7 Section 142 of the StGB – Leaving the scene of an accident. If the owner of the vehicle does not return after a reasonable period, report the incident to the police. |
- It is illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn
- According to paragraph 23 paragraph 1a of the Road Traffic Act (StVO), Anyone who drives a vehicle may only use an electronic device that serves or is intended to serve communication, information or organization if 1. the device is not picked up or held for this purpose and 2. either a) only one voice control and read-aloud function is used or b) in order to operate and use the device, only a brief look at the device, taking in consideration the road, traffic, visibility and weather conditions, while simultaneously looking away from the traffic situation, takes place or is necessary. The ban applies to all electronic devices used for communication, information or organization and includes navigation devices. You are allowed to follow navigation instructions but not manually enter your destination address while driving. The law also applies to bicycles. More detailed info on ADAC and Bussgeldkatalog
- There are no precise regulations in Germany or in most European countries as to which shoes are permitted and which are forbidden when driving. Nevertheless: From a liability and insurance perspective, driving with open, loose-fitting, high-heeled shoes can be problematic. More info on ADAC
- You are not permitted to wash your car at home. This is to protect the underground water.

Road Rules
Driving on German roads is very well regulated and if you don’t adhere to the rules you will get penalty points against your name and hefty fines. Your licence can be suspended when you reach a certain amount of points (currently 8). Ignorance of road rules is not an excuse. The ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club) website has the following information: a list of the Traffic signs – the descriptions are in German the Traffic Rules(in German) The signs you have to learn very fast are the Road priority signs, Wikipedia has a list of road signs in English, but this is not an official German authority site For information about Fines and “Punkte in Flensburg” (points in Flensburg) have a look at the Busgeldkatalog website. Are speeding camera warning (Blitzer-Apps und Radarwarner) devices allowed? According to ADAC, radar detectors are prohibited and if you use them you risk a fine. Regardless of whether it is integrated into the Navi system or installed on your mobile phone, or an external device. You are however allowed to download such apps on your smartphone. You can use it before your journey to inform yourself where the speed cameras are, but you are not allowed to use them while driving. If you are stopped during traffic checks, and the app is active you will get a fine. Some basic road rules Yield Sign You have the right-of-way at all intersections on this road unless overridden by a “Yield,” “Stop,” or “End of Priority Road” sign. Parking is not allowed on this road outside of urban areas. Maximum speed limit Shown in kilometers per hour. End of all restrictions This sign removes all previous speed limit and passing restrictions. The default speed limits now apply. Priority Sign at an intersection and a definition of the priority. The Thick line has priority. Minimum Speed Limit Indicated in km/h. You must drive at or above this speed unless slower driving is required due to road, weather, or traffic conditions. All Vehicles Prohibited. This sign restricts all vehicle access, though exceptions are often listed on an accompanying supplemental sign. Types of road signs Warning Signs Be cautious on the road and watch for warning signs. These red-triangle signs with white backgrounds and black pictograms offer important safety information and should be noted to avoid potential dangers while driving. Regulatory signs Regulatory signs are vital for road safety. They give clear orders to drivers, reducing the chance of accidents and ensuring compliance with traffic rules. In Germany, circular signs with red indicate prohibitive actions and and blue circles indicate prescriptive actions. These signs are non-negotiable and must be followed to avoid penalties and legal consequences. How to build an emergency lane Insults on the road Everyday traffic situations can quickly escalate in road users harassing or throwing swear words at each other, and reacting aggressively.Derogatory gestures like showing someone a middle finger or using swear words like “A…hole” are not only rude and offensive, but they can also constitute a criminal offence (§ 185 StGB). Insults in traffic are punished with 20- 30 daily rates (A daily rate is your monthly net income divided by 30, so you could for example get a fine for your daily rate x 20 ) In special cases, a driving ban can also be imposed You do not lose any “Flensburg” points More information and examples can be found on the ADAC website Driving in winter Winter introduces new challenges and regulations for drivers. It’s important to stay updated on the relevant laws to avoid fines. Below are the key rules you need to know for winter driving. Fines – 2024 Engine Running €80 Let your car engine run to defrost the windows. “Standheizung” is allowed Lights €20 Driving without your lights on. Switching your lights on helps with visibility Snow on car €25 Snow on your car’s hood or roof can blow onto other cars’ windscreens causing dangerous conditions and accidents. Be a responsible driver by taking preventive measures like removing snow before driving. No winter tyres €60 Driving without winter tyres despite wintery road conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you. Speeding €100 Not adjusting your speed in poor visibility conditions. In addition to a fine you will also get on point against you. Window not clear €10 For safe winter driving, clear all windows of frost and snow to maintain optimal visibility. Neglecting to do so can be dangerous, obstructing your vision and preventing you from seeing potential hazards. References ADAC EVZ Resources on the web Driving in Germany Gettingaroundgermany Brain’s guide to getting around Germany. Traffic signs and signals THE MASTER DRIVERS GUIDE TO DRIVING IN GERMANY – This is a PDF file with road rules, not sure who the author is and how up-to-date it is Related content

Driving and Driver’s licences
Your Guide to Driving Legally in Germany Visiting Germany: If you’re visiting for a short period, you’ll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your valid South African driver’s licence. You can apply for the IDP at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). Staying Longer: For stays longer than six months, you can drive legally in Germany using your South African licence and your IDP for the first six months (185 days from the date of entry into Germany). After that, you’ll need to convert your South African licence into a German one (Führerschein). Important: Rules and requirements may change, so always check the latest information using the links we’ve provided or consult your local traffic department’s website. You do not need to take the test, you can just convert your SA licence to a German one. Some states now require a first aid course, so please do so before you apply to convert your licence if required. It is always good to attend one anyway. Most Driving schools (Fahrschule) offer first aid courses As a rule, you need to translate your licence into German. This can be done at your local ADAC office. Note that this will depend on the Bundesland or office, so always make sure if you need to have your documents translated. Your foreign driver’s license can only be converted if you were a registered resident in the issuing country for at least six months. This means that if you obtained the license while on vacation abroad, it cannot be exchanged for a full German driver’s license In recent months, there have been reports that some cities are now requiring proof of “Confirmation of South African Driving Licence”. An example of this is in Böbblingen. Rather be as prepared as you can be, and ask if they need it before you apply for a German licence. This Confirmation can be requested from the RTMC, see more info from DIRCO. You can also use companies to assist you, see our marketplace for more information. If you are still in South Africa, request one and bring it along with you. The conversion is done either at the Bürgerdienste or the Führerscheinstelle of your town. You can search for Führerscheinstelle + Your Town, or search on Ortsdienst.de. Tip!! When you go to register at the Bürgerampt/Ausländerbehorde, ask them where you must apply for your German driver’s licence. For the transfer of Type C and D licences, you might need additional documents, for example, a criminal record certificate and a medical certificate What do you need to apply You need the following to apply to convert your South African licence to a German driver’s licence Passport and Residence card (Aufenthaltstitel) Photo, the same type as for a passport photo Your valid South African driver’s licence card German translation of your South African licence, if needed Confirmation of your Anmeldung – if you do not apply in your home town. First aid course if required. Copy of excerpt/confirmation from the issuing driving licence authority abroad with translation (Kopie Auszug/Bestätigung von der ausstellenden Führerscheinbehörde im Ausland mit Übersetzung ) if required Applicable Fees International Drivers licence – issued in Germany During your licence application in Germany, you will need to submit your SA licence to the German authorities, which means you will need an International Drivers licence to drive in South Africa. According to regulation 110 of the National Road Traffic Act, a foreign licence is only valid in South Africa if it has been issued in one of South Africa’s official languages.The German licence is therefore not valid and you should have an International licence. You can apply for an International licence at the Führerscheinstelle of either the Stadtverwaltung, Bürgerampt, Rathaus, or Landratsamt, depending on where you live. It is recognised in 200 countries.Here is a list of countries where you will need an International Licence once you have your German(EU) licence. You can find the application forms online or at the office where you applyYou will need a biometric photo and your German driver’s licenceThe fees are around €16 Sie können den Internationalen Führerschein bei den Straßenverkehrsämtern (Führerscheinstelle) an Ihrem Wohnort beantragen. Führerscheinstelle ist, wenn Sie in einem Stadtkreis wohnen: die Stadtverwaltung wenn Sie in einem Landkreis wohnen: das Landratsamt Rules and reciprocal licence agreements for each country Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz Federal Ministry of Tansport, building and Urban Development Fact sheet for holders of foreign driving licences – Bundesministerium für Verkehr und digatle Infrastruktur Validity of foreign licences in Germany Validity of German licences in other coutries Renewing your SA drivers licence card You need to renew your licence in person in South Africa. Please take note that “your South African driving licence card is your valid proof that you have a South African Driving Licence. When your driving licence card has expired, it does not mean that your driving licence has expired. Only your valid proof of such a licence has expired” Applicants outside the borders of the RSA whose Driving Licence Cards have expired or were lost/stolen and who are not in a position to return to the RSA to have the licence renewed: According to DIRCO – “The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), a corporation of the Department of Transport, is in a position to issue a confirmation letter should such an applicant have a valid licence. This is established by verifying the applicant’s South African identification number on the National Traffic Information System. The letter will serve as proof that the applicant has a valid licence and this will enable them to convert to a foreign driving licence in the country of current residence. Please note:The confirmation letter cannot be interpreted as a driving licence when produced to a law enforcement official. You can send an email to dlconfirmations@rtmc.co.za. Your request must include your contact numbers (including email address), a copy of your ID or a copy of your driving licence.The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will upon request, investigate, and print a copy of the licence required and a Letter of Confirmation of the licence. This letter reflects the date that the licence was first issued. Kindly
Shopping
South Africa | Germany |
Shopping on Sunday | Shops are closed on Sundays. There are special Sunday Shopping days in certain cities and towns. Shops at Petrol stations, Trains stations and Airports are open |
Someone bags your grocery shopping | You have to bring your own shopping bags and pack your own items at lightning speed |
Clothing and shoe sizes according to the UK sizes | Clothing and shoe sizes according to EU sizes. Children’s clothing sizes are according to their length |
Fresh produce is available irrespective of whether they are in season | Fresh produce is very seasonal. Out-of-season items are very expensive when available |
Salespeople mostly have no clue about the products in the shops | Salespeople are very well-informed and can give professional assistance |

Shopping
Shopping in Germany can be a daunting experience if you are not familiar with how things work here. The worst is probably grocery shopping. In South Africa there is usually someone at the till that bags your groceries for you. It is mostly a relaxed experience and you can even pay some of your utility bills at the till. In Germany, there are no grocery packers and the workers at the till are extremely fast and efficient. So much that you do not even have time to pack in your own groceries. And
Dining out
South Africa | Germany |
Waiting to be seated | You can choose a table and sit down, without being shown where to sit. It is quite common, especially in beer gardens, to share a table with other patrons. |
Tip usually 10% | Round off to the nearest 5 |
Paying for everyone or splitting the bill | Everyone pays for themselves unless you are “invited/eingeladen”, then the host normally pays. The waiter will ask “Getrennt (Split bill) oder zusammen (one bill)” Be very careful to use the words “ich lade dich ein” if you want to invite someone to join you in a restaurant, it implies you are paying for the meal. |
Dogs | Dogs are welcomed in most restaurants, and will even get a water bowl. Best to find out beforehand if your dogs will be permitted inside. |
Schools
South Africa | Germany |
Academic year is from Jan to Dec | Academic year is from September to August |

School Information
The German School system is quite unique and distinguishes itself from the South African models in a number of ways Schulpflicht In Germany, Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling) requires children to attend school, ensuring they receive a structured education. In Germany, there is no unified national school law, and the Grundgesetz (Basic Law) does not explicitly regulate Schulpflicht (compulsory schooling). Instead, each Bundesland (federal state) determines its own rules regarding the duration and starting age of compulsory education. Generally, children must start school at the age of six, but the exact cutoff date varies, meaning some children may begin between the ages of
House and home
For more information visit our Beds, mattresses and Duvets page
South Africa | Germany |
Pillow Size 45×70 cm | Square 80 x 80 cm pillows |
Double bed mattress | Two single mattresses on the bed |
Double bed duvet | Two Single duvets |
Pets
South Africa | Germany |
No dog tax | You have to pay taxes on your dogs. The Hundesteuer is between e120 and €180 per dog per year |
No dogs in restaurants | Dogs are allowed in some restaurants |

Pets
Dangerous (Banned) Dogs Some dog breeds are banned in Germany. There are additional rules for individual states. Up-to-date information can be found on the Zoll (Customs) website.Some dangerous dog breeds are allowed, depending on the Federal state, and must be registered at the Ordnungsamt. Qualzuchten (Torture Breeds) Section 11b of the German Animal Welfare Act [1] prohibits breeding animals with characteristics that cause them to suffer – but so far there are no guidelines on how these should be defined. For this reason, torture breeding is still widespread. Examples are English Bulldogs, “Teacup dogs”, Sphinx cats A list of
General
Here are some interesting laws, rules and exceptions that you need to know about.
- When speaking to a police officer you must always do so in the first person (per Sie), you can get fined (or go to prison) when you use the 2nd person (per du). It can be seen as an insult
- You are not allowed to use certain swear words towards a police officer, or other people, also not on the road. You can get heavy fines or time in prison for giving insults on the road. Showing someone the middle finger also falls under this law. See Division 14 (Insults) Section 185 of the StGB (German Criminal Code) – “The penalty for insult is imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine and, if the insult is committed publicly, in a meeting, by disseminating content (section 11 (3)) or by means of an assault, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine.”
- Don’t drink and then ride on your bicycle. You are not allowed to drive anything under the influence of alcohol. More info on ADAC
- It is forbidden to keep urns with ashes of a deceased person at home. Funeral laws (BestattG) are regulated by the individual federal states.
- You can drink beer and wine from the age of 16 without a legal guardian or parent present. With a parent or legal guardian present, 14-year-olds can also drink wine or beer (<1.2% alcohol)
- You cannot be fined for consuming too much alcohol, but you are not allowed to drive while intoxicated
- Quiet times – there are laws to keep the noise levels to a minimum on Sundays and between 22:00 and 06:00 on a weekday
- Pillows are classified as passive weapons (Schutzwaffe), which are actually equipment that are intended to protect the wearer against the use of weapons. A bit of useless information 🙂
- It is prohibited to make a Nazi salute or wear a swastika. Avoid making inappropriate jokes about history
- It is illegal to carry certain knives, it is a complicated law so acquaint yourself with it if you need to carry a knife for whatever purpose.
- The laws for carrying and handling weapons are very strict and detailed. Information about the weapons act (WaffG) can be found on the Gesetze-im-Internet website. It is also illegal to carry fake guns.
Related content

Downloading Music, Movies etc
Copyrights in Germany are governed by GEMA, a government-mandated collecting society and performance rights organization. GEMA: The Gesellschaft für musikalische Aufführungs- und mechanische Vervielfältigungsrechte, or in English, the society for musical performing and mechanical reproduction rights. Germany has stringent copyright laws.Do not violate copyright laws by illegally downloading a film, music, or other web content. Inform yourself about what is allowed and what the penalties are for not adhering to the rules.You can also be held responsible for any downloads in your household, also from visitors using your internet connection. Article from Deutsche Welle about illegal downloads and what to do if you receive a fine. Information from the European Consumer Centre can be found here Dubiose Streaming-Portale locken in Abofalle: Was Sie wissen müssen You can read more about streaming on the European Consumer Centre Germany – and download their English Safer-Streaming-EN.pdf file Related content

Funerals
The last thing you might want to think of while settling into your new home is funeral planning.But this is something you will need to plan for as the rules and regulations are very different from South Africa.The rules in Germany are very strict and funerals are extremely expensive. Questions to ask yourself: Do you want to be buried in a casket or be cremated? Do you want your remains to be sent back to South Africa If you opt for cremation, do you want your ashes to be sent to South Africa If buried in Germany would you want a tombstone (also valid for cremation) How will your family or estate pay for the funeral/repatriation costs? Here is a short video about how much a funeral costs in Germany Rules in Germany Funeral laws are regulated by the federal states. This includes issues such as the deadline for burial, death certificates, the determination of death and what happens in the case of an inquest. Each federal state enacts its own law. You can find the rules for each state here (in German) Baden-Württemberg Rheinland-Pfalz Berlin Brandenburg Bremen Mecklenburg-Vorpommern Hessen Hamburg Niedersachsen Nordrhein-Westfalen Bayern Saarland Schleswig-Holstein Sachsen-Anhalt Sachsen Thüringen The following are roughly translated and cannot serve as legal advice: “The burial responsibility (Bestattungspflicht) specifies who is responsible for the burial of a deceased person.This only implies responsibility and not an obligation to bear the costs. The obligation to bury a deceased person is in order of priority and starts with your spouse or life partner then your children, then your parents, next your siblings then grandparents and lastly grandchildren. If the obligation falls on more than one child, the eldest is usually responsible. If there are no survivors to take over this obligation, the community (Gemeinde) will take over the responsibility. The obligation to bear the costs is not regulated by the federal states. According to § 1968 of the Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch (BGB), the heirs have to bear the cost of the funeral. If the heir is a community, they will bear the costs. If the cause of death is a fatal accident, the costs can be reclaimed from the person who caused the accident. To read more about it in German have a look here. They explain a couple of scenarios.When the estate is insolvent or over-indebted, and the heirs cannot pay the costs, the obligation to cover the costs may be passed on for example to relatives or maybe the person who caused the death, or the Sozialkasse if no one else can pay.” Each state also has their own rules on the burial deadlines (Bestattungsfristen ). The time allowed to transfer a body to the morgue (Eine Überführung) can be anything between 24 and 36 hours. Burials may not take place before 48 hours after death. Some federal states also specify the deadline by which the funeral must be carried out at the latest. Laws on miscarriage or stillbirth (Sternenkinder) are based on the weight of the fetus and are governed by the states. In Germany, a deceased person or his ashes must be buried in a cemetery, and German law does not allow private persons, to handle remains. This means you are not allowed to take the ashes with you.The only two exceptions at the time of publishing are if you have a burial at sea or if the urn is buried in a burial forest (Beisetzungswald/ Friedwald.)In Bremen, you are allowed to scatter ashes on private property. One of our members also mentioned the following with regard to a Sea burial:An anonymous Seebestattung (no mourners) was 740 Euro in 2019, the Sterbeurkunden and Totenscheingebühren were an additional 148 Euro. They are in Genthin and Brandenburg. The company is called Bestattung und Grabpflege Titze. If you opt for a burial, you have to be aware of the fact that after 20/25 years your grave will be assigned to someone else, and the remains will be disposed of. Funeral Insurance Funeral insurance (Sterbegeldversicherung/ Sterbeversicherung) covers the cost of the funeral and depending on your cover, it can also cover the costs of repatriation for those who wish to be buried in their homeland. You can have a look at some of these providers. We are not affiliated with them and only post here so that you can have a baseline to work from. Talk to your financial advisor to get professional advice, Ergo Hanse Merkur www.check24.de – comparative site What to do in the event of a death If the death happens at home, the first thing you need to do is call your doctor or a Notarzt, who will write a cause of death certificate (Totenschein)If the death happened in a hospital, they will take care of the cause of death certificate (Totenschein). You need this to apply for a Formal Death Certificate (Sterbeurkunde). The Death Certificate is a very important document, you will need it for everything related to the funeral and insurance.Relatives or the undertaker can apply for the Death Certificate (Sterbeurkunde). As an expatriate, you will need to contact the consulate, from whom you must obtain the death certificate. The consulate can also advise you on Funeral homes or how to send the remains back to South Africa if needs be. You can also contact a funeral home (Beerdigungsinstitute) yourself. From my understanding, the consulate can issue you with an English death certificate, that you might need for insurance claims or repatriation of the remains. They will need the original German certificate. You will need to notify the Ausländerbehörde. A funeral home can organise almost everything for you, at a cost of course. They can help with notifying the Standesamt, the flowers, gravestones, etc. Virtual Funerals / Memorial services Anelia from Herklink organises virtual memorial services Wills and Testaments You can specify your funeral wishes in your testament, but you will have to register one in Germany. You can do it at a Notar or use a company like the Deutsche Vorsorgedatenbank. Types

German laws and regulations
Disclaimer The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We make no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of the information provided. Use of this site is at your own risk. Where to find information The Bundesamt für Justiz publishes the laws and regulations to a the Gesetze im internet website. The main site is in German, but there are translations available, with the following notice “Translations of these materials into languages other than German are intended solely as a convenience to the non-German-reading public. Any discrepancies or differences that may arise in translations of the official German versions of these materials are not binding and have no legal effect for compliance or enforcement purposes.” For the English translations please visit this page, it covers the Basic Law for the Federal Republic of Germany.Your main source for the most up-to-date information should always be the website of the Bundesministerium der Justiz und für Verbraucherschutz.The site is also available in English and is called “The Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection.” Federal States, districts and towns The Federal states, districts or towns govern some laws and regulations. For more information visit the official website of the Federal state, district or town Good to know Insults Germany has strict laws regarding insults and defamation, and it is important to understand these regulations to avoid legal trouble. The penalty for insult is imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or a fine and, if the insult is committed publicly, in a meeting, by disseminating content (Section 11 (3)) or by means of an assault, imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine.” Section 185 of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB): This means that publicly insulting someone—whether in person, online, or through printed materials—can lead to criminal penalties. The severity of the punishment depends on how the insult was made and whether it was done in a public setting. Defamation and Related Offenses Germany has additional laws covering defamation and slander: Section 186 StGB (Defamation) – Making false statements that could damage someone’s reputation can lead to fines or imprisonment. Section 187 StGB (Malicious Gossip) – Knowingly spreading false information to harm someone can result in even harsher penalties. Section 188 StGB (Defamation of Public Figures) – Harsher penalties apply when insulting politicians or individuals in public office. For more information and other related offences see Division 14 Insult of the German Criminal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB), and in German Abscnitt 14 Beleidigung Practical Tips Be mindful of how you express disagreements, especially in public or online. Avoid making derogatory statements about individuals, whether verbally or in writing. If involved in a dispute, seek legal advice before responding in a way that could be legally problematic. Incitement Section 111 of the German Penal Code (Strafgesetzbuch, StGB) addresses the crime of public incitement to commit unlawful acts. This provision is designed to maintain public order and prevent the encouragement of criminal behaviour. Section 111(2): Consequences and Penalties If the incitement leads to the unlawful act being committed, the person who incited the act can be punished as if they had committed the act themselves. If the incitement does not lead to the unlawful act being committed, the punishment can still be significant but typically less severe than if the act had been carried out. The penalty can include imprisonment or fines, depending on the nature of the incited act and the circumstances of the incitement. We thought to mention this to deter people from using forums like Facebook or other social media groups to tell others how to bring Biltong to Germany or how to use VPNs to bypass German rules and regulations when streaming content not approved in Germany. Apps LX Gezetze for iPad gesetze.io Scams A great website to search for current scams is Watchlist Internet, an Austrian website in German Europol The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation is the law enforcement agency of the European Union (EU) to handle criminal intelligence and combat serious international organised crime and terrorism through cooperation between competent authorities of EU member states. Please take note of the notice by Europol regarding scam calls. Europol will never call you directly. There is also a link on their website where you can report such calls Booking.com The person receives messages from inside the Booking.com website/app, seemingly from the hotel they booked. The “hotel” informs them that their payment didn’t go through. The reasons can be that your credit card details are old or being declined. The scammer then says you must make a payment within 24 hours or lose your booking. They ask for your credit card details and if this is declined, they ask for an IBAN payment or direct transfer (in this case it was a bank in the UK) to confirm the booking. They send you an external e-mail with the banking details. Do not do anything without consulting the hotel directly (not via the chat in Booking.com) or phone Booking.com. To phone them you will need the booking confirmation and pin code related to your booking.Be very vigilant, everything seems legit. What might be happening is that the specific hotel has been hacked, so the scammers have access to the chat window in the Booking.com app or website, as well as all your booking details. If this does happen to you, and you made a payment, contact your bank immediately, and I would suggest blocking your credit cards as well. Also, open up a criminal case at the police station and contact Booking.com. Remember your credit card might offer you extra protection in such cases, try not to make direct transfers. Reporting a crime In an emergency please use the 110 number to call the police or the 112 number which is the national emergency number. See the links below for a complete list of emergency numbers.For
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