This time in December it was very difficult to understand what to expect next year at all. There are a lot of discussions, many plans that have not yet been adopted – sometimes they are presented as something already one hundred percent certain, but in reality the laws have not yet been passed. Right now there is another such feature – the cancellation of overly green (both in the sense of party affiliation and in the sense of unrealistic and premature) restrictions on heating systems. But the law, again, has not yet been adopted.
Expat’s life
What do we earn: Lohn or Gehalt, Einkommen or Einkünfte
At first glance, there is no difference – a salary is a salary – the main thing is that it is there. However, what you receive often says something about who you are. Let’s find out what the difference is: Lohn or Gehalt, or maybe Vergütung or Honorar? At the same time, we will sort out the eternal question: Einkommen or Einkünfte.
Secondary schools in Hesse
Next up are secondary schools in Hesse. The school system in Hesse is not particularly original, but there is an unusual new form – Mittelstufenschule.
Secondary schools in Saarland
The school system in Saarland is simple – it would be strange to see something complicated in such a small federal land. But there are some peculiarities, explained by the historical and geographical connection with France. Some schools are full-day schools with compulsory attendance four days a week until 4 p.m.
Changes in the educational system in Baden-Württemberg
This year, two rather significant changes have taken place in Baden-Württemberg: firstly, the gymnasiums are switching back to 9 years of learning, and secondly, they are again trying to limit the free choice of the type of secondary school. One is connected with the other: it is believed that increasing the number of years will attract those parents who are dissatisfied with the intensity of the current gymnasial education.
Elections in Germany 2025
In a couple of weeks, there will be snap elections in Germany, as a result of the autumn collapse of the traffic light coalition. Usually I try to look at the programs from a distance, but this time the emotions around the elections are off the charts and the parties are not making the process any easier.
What’s new in Germany 2025. Consumption
As a sweetener to the ever-increasing levies, we have some novelties designed to simplify and improve our lives.
But let’s start with the bad this time.
What’s new in Germany 2025. Finance
The traditional column: how much more we will pay in the coming year. The main changes occurred in the previous reporting period, so in 2025, we will primarily be dealing with letting the dust settle.
Let’s start with the good news. We will still get something, but the amounts are small and completely eaten up by the price increase.
What is Antolin
I am periodically asked what is Antolin, as people have heard that it’s a good thing or that it’s recommended to use it at school. Most of my children’s teachers, however, are not enthusiastic about Antolin, and I will briefly explain why below.
Special schools and inclusion for kids with speech delay in Germany
In Germany, there are different forms of education for kids with speech delay and speech development problems. These can be pure special schools for children with speech problems, general special schools for children with special needs, and inclusion (education in regular classes). In each specific federal state, this can be only one of the options or a combination of them.
In this post I will explain why these special schools for kids with speech delay are nothing to be afraid of, what is good about them, how they differ from regular schools and inclusion and where to find them in different federal states in Germany.