Key December Changes: Bahn Prices Rise, USB-C Becomes Standard, and More

December brings higher Bahn ticket prices, new USB-C charging requirements, and tax adjustments benefiting many workers in Germany.

Deutsche Bahn will increase Flex ticket prices by an average of 5.9% starting December 15, while Spar- and Supersparpreise remain unchanged.
A new EU directive mandates USB-C as the standard charger for most electronic devices starting December 28, aiming to reduce e-waste.
The Germany-wide Deutschlandticket will rise from €49 to €58 per month in January 2025, with Deutsche Bahn customers needing to confirm the price increase by November 30 to avoid subscription cancellation.
Tax changes retroactive to January 2024 include a higher income tax-free allowance of €11,784 and a raised child tax allowance of €6,612, slightly increasing December net salaries.
Significant Bahn service updates include the reopening of the Frankfurt-Mannheim Riedbahn and faster Berlin-Hamburg travel times, while new international routes, such as Berlin-Paris, begin mid-December.