This Week in Germany for Indians – 2 November 2026

Four official updates worth knowing about, including changes that take effect on 1 January 2027.

1. Deutschland-Ticket rises to €66.80 from 1 January 2027 – reply to DB by 30 November

The Deutschland-Ticket currently costs €63 per month and will cost €66.80 per month from 1 January 2027. Deutsche Bahn subscribers need to tell DB by 30 November 2026 whether they accept the new price; without a response the subscription is cancelled on 31 December 2026. Cancellations received by the 10th of a month take effect at the end of that month. (Information from Deutsche Bahn, November 2026.)
Official source: bahn.de – Deutschland-Ticket

2. Higher social-insurance contribution limits for 2027

On 7 October 2026 the Federal Cabinet adopted the 2027 social-insurance reference values (announced 12 October). From 1 January 2027 the monthly contribution ceiling for pension insurance rises to €8,850, and for statutory health and long-term care insurance to €6,375. The threshold above which employees may choose private health insurance rises to €84,150 per year. The Bundesrat still has to give its final consent.
Official source: Bundesregierung, 12 Oct 2026

3. Income tax reform 2027: cabinet draft raises allowances and Kindergeld

On 2 September 2026 the Federal Cabinet approved a draft Einkommensteuerreformgesetz 2027; it has not yet passed the Bundestag. The draft raises the basic allowance (Grundfreibetrag) to €12,564 in 2027 and €12,900 in 2028, and Kindergeld from €259 to €267 per child per month in 2027 (€272 in 2028). It also raises the employee allowance (Arbeitnehmer-Pauschbetrag) to €1,430 and lowers the craftsman-services deduction from 20% to 15%.
Official source: Bundesregierung, 2 Sep 2026

4. Deutsche Bahn timetable change on 13 December 2026

DB announced on 13 October 2026 that long-distance prices stay stable for the 2027 timetable, which starts on 13 December 2026 (tickets bookable since 14 October). New offers include Berlin–Hamburg every 30 minutes again and a daily EuroCity Berlin–Warsaw. Long-distance monthly passes without a subscription are 25% cheaper from 21 October, and the DB Familienticket costs €99.99 for up to five people (return, 2nd class, seat reservation included).
Official source: Deutsche Bahn press release, 13 Oct 2026

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This is general information, not legal advice — check the official source or an advisor for your case.

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