News for consumers
This all changes in December – from trains to charging cables
December brings changes, especially for train passengers, but also for cell phone users. For some people, there could be good news waiting on their paycheck.
In December, rail passengers can breathe a sigh of relief because two important routes are expected to be open again. The new month also brings longer days again. An overview of changes for consumers.
Riedbahn open again from December 15th
Rail replacement services and diversions on the railway line between Frankfurt and Mannheim are scheduled to be a thing of the past from December 15th. Then the so-called Riedbahn, which has been being renovated since July 15th, should be accessible again.
Higher prices for train tickets
Anyone who takes the train will have to pay more money for long-distance transport from December 15th. According to Deutsche Bahn, so-called flex prices are on average 5.9 percent more expensive. In addition, the cancellation of flex prices is subject to a fee starting seven days before the first day of validity. However, savings and super savings prices remain stable.
From Cinderella to Muppets – we want to see these classics at the festival
The beautiful one: “Three hazelnuts for Cinderella”
Christmas without this film? Some people can hardly imagine it. Lovingly told, staged with an eye for detail, with a surprisingly self-confident female protagonist. You just can’t help but feel for Cinderella when her stepmother is mean to her. Feeling free with Cinderella as she chases Santa Claus through the forest on her white horse. Feeling like a princess with Cinderella when she dances at the ball. And of course developing a crush on the prince with Cinderella. Haha! The film is now over 40 years old (which you can tell from the prince’s pot hairstyle). But always beautiful.
Czechoslovakia/GDR 1987, directed by Václav Vorlíček, written by František Pavlíček.
© WDR / Degeto
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ICE diversion between Hamburg and Berlin ends
The ICE journey between Hamburg and Berlin will be faster again from December 15th: then the diversion via Stendal, which took 45 minutes, ends. Other restrictions due to route renovation should then end.
Uniform charging cables
Manufacturers of smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices are required to use the uniform USB-C charging cable standard. The corresponding regulation applies from December 28, 2024.
Changes in tax
On the pay slip for December, the net salary could be slightly higher. The basic allowance – this is the part of the income that does not have to be taxed – will be increased retroactively from the beginning of the year by 180 to 11,784 euros. In addition, the tax allowance for children is to increase by 228 to 6,612 euros.
Christmas trees also cost more
Christmas trees are on average slightly more expensive this year than last year. The Federal Association of Christmas Tree Producers recently put the price range at 22 to 30 euros per meter of Nordmann fir. This is one euro more than in the previous year.
And – the days are getting longer again
December 21st is the shortest day of the year. During the winter solstice, the sun is lower above the horizon than at any other time in the year. Accordingly, it rises late in the morning and sets early again. From December 22nd the days will get longer again.
Direct train connection from Berlin to Paris starts
From December 16th, rail travelers can travel directly from Berlin to the French capital Paris – via Frankfurt, Karlsruhe and Strasbourg. The journey time should be around eight hours.
dpa
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Source: Stern
