April 2023 will bring some changes in Germany – and for many people more money. The 49-euro ticket, Corona rules, sick leave is not everything.
Hamm – April is coming, and with it the last Corona rules in Germany. At least they could, because the protective measures in the Federal Infection Protection Act expire this month. April 2023 will bring another historical turning point: the last nuclear power plants in this country will be shut down. In addition, for many there is more net than gross. What changes in April – an overview.
| Month | April 2023 |
| beginning | Saturday (April 1st) |
| End | Sunday (April 30) |
Changes in April 2023: The last Corona rules before the end
In March 2020, then Chancellor Angela Merkel announced the first lockdown in the corona pandemic. A three-year roller coaster ride followed with regulations, restrictions, incidence statistics and a lot of frustration among the population. The last remaining protective measures will now expire on April 7th. Until then, there is still a nationwide FFP2 mask requirement in clinics, nursing homes and medical practices.
The decision to extend the corona rules in the Federal Infection Protection Act is a matter for the federal government. There is little evidence that this is happening. Many federal states, such as North Rhine-Westphalia, have already relaxed the corona rules for which they are responsible.
Changes in April 2023: 49 euro ticket available from April 3rd
The Germany ticket is coming. From May 2023, people will be able to use local and regional buses and trains nationwide for 49 euros a month without worrying about the limits of regional transport companies. The 49-euro ticket will be available as a subscription and can be canceled monthly. From April 3, 2023, it should be available online and in all usual sales outlets. Children and bicycles are clearly regulated.
Changes in April 2023: The last nuclear power plants will be shut down
April 2023 is a historic month for Germany. Six decades after the first nuclear power plant went online in Lower Franconia in June 1961, the nuclear phase-out will be sealed this month. There are currently three nuclear power plants in operation in Germany – Isar 2, Neckarwestheim 2 and Emsland. They will also be switched off by April 15 at the latest. The end of the remaining power plants was originally planned by the end of 2022. However, the date was postponed because of the energy crisis resulting from the Ukraine war.
Changes in April 2023: More wages, not just for painters and varnishers
The Verdi union is still arguing about a wage increase in the public sector; Painters and varnishers in the main trade can look forward to more money from April. The current collective agreement in the painting and varnishing trades has been in effect since the beginning of the year and provides for several increases. From April 1, 2023, minimum wage I (helpers) will increase to EUR 12.50 and minimum wage II (journeymen) to EUR 14.50 per hour.
Employees in the main construction trades who are salaried by collective bargaining agreements – for example in building construction, civil engineering or road construction – will receive a salary increase of 2 percent in the west and 2.7 percent in the east as of April 1. The collectively agreed minimum wage for temporary employees will be at least 13 euros per hour from April 1st.
Changes in April 2023: More net with the same gross salary
Higher tax allowances for salaried employees have been in effect since the beginning of the year, but from April they will also be visible on the payslip. The reason is the changed process for wage tax deduction. From April 1st, all employers will have to take into account higher tax allowances for employees. The employee lump sum increases by 30 euros to 1,230 euros, the relief amount for single parents from 4,008 to 4,260 euros. This means that many people have a little more net left over from the gross salary.
Changes in April 2023: No more sick notes by phone
As of April, there will no longer be the option of getting sick leave over the phone if you have mild cold symptoms without going to the doctor. This special regulation introduced during the Corona crisis is only valid until March 31st.
Changes in April 2023: New questions in the driver’s license test
A new list of questions for the theoretical driving test will apply from April. The working group “Theoretical driving test and task development” deleted some questions and added 44 new ones. All vehicle classes are affected, not just the classic driver’s license.
Change in April 2023: Berlin crime scene will be reoccupied
Finally something for thriller fans: From Easter there will be a new face at the Berlin crime scene. The actress Corinna Harfouch will investigate in April as the successor to Meret Becker together with Mark Waschke, also known from the Netflix world hit “Dark”.
