General
General articles about life in Germany for the international community.
Running a Red Light in Germany: The One-Second Rule and 2026 Fines
Running a red light in Germany: the one-second rule that decides between a €90 fine and a €200 fine with a one-month…
GeneralTÜV Inspection in Germany 2026: Costs, Deadlines and How to Pass
German TÜV inspection in 2026: costs, the 24-month interval, what happens if you miss the deadline, and how to avoid failing.
GeneralPersonal Liability Insurance in Germany: Why 85% of Households Have It (2026)
Why 85% of German households carry Privathaftpflicht: unlimited liability under §823 BGB, what to look for in a policy, and 2026 costs.
GeneralHome Contents Insurance in Germany: Cover, Costs and the €650 Rule (2026)
Hausratversicherung explained: the €650 per m² rule, why Unterversicherungsverzicht matters, and the two add-ons most policies leave out.
GeneralGerman Speeding Fines 2026: Full Tables, Points and Driving Bans
Complete 2026 German speeding fine tables for built-up and open roads, including points, driving bans and the measurement tolerance.
GeneralDriving Without a Licence in Germany: Why It Is a Crime, Not a Fine (2026)
Driving without a licence in Germany is a criminal offence under §21 StVG, not a fine. Day-fines, points, and what it means…
GeneralWorking as an International Student in Germany: The 140-Day Rule (2026)
International students in Germany may work 140 full days or 280 half days per year. Minijob vs Werkstudent, tax thresholds and BAföG…
GeneralHow to Pay a Traffic Fine in Germany (There Is No Central Portal) – 2026
There is no central portal to look up German traffic fines. Here is how payment actually works, what a Kassenzeichen is, and…
GeneralCar Insurance in Germany: Costs, Cover and Transferring Your No-Claims (2026)
German car insurance explained: Haftpflicht, Teilkasko and Vollkasko costs for 2026, plus how to transfer your no-claims record from abroad.
GeneralSCHUFA Explained: Germany’s Credit Score for Foreigners (2026)
What SCHUFA is, how to get your free Datenkopie, and what to do if you have no credit record yet as a…