June 2025: 8 changes affecting expats in Germany

The summer months are here, and the weather isn’t all that’s set to change. From new EU smartphone rules to maternity leave and Pride Month, here are the key events and developments internationals in Germany should look out for in June 2025.

1. Better employee protections following a miscarriage

In February this year, the German government passed a law expanding the Mutterschutzgesetz (Maternity Protection Act) to include those who have had an early miscarriage.

The new law will take effect from June 1 and means that employees who experience a miscarriage before week 24 of their pregnancy are also entitled to recovery leave and can claim Mutterschaftsleistung to cover any loss of wages. 

You can find out more about the new law here.

2. Electricity provider transfer possible within 24 hours

Thanks to a new EU directive taking effect on June 6, residents in Germany will now be able to complete the registration process with an energy provider within 24 hours. Customers will still be required to fulfil the notice period in their existing contract with an energy provider, but the 24-hour sign-up period should make switching faster and simpler.

The European Commission says, “Shorter switching times increase transparency, empower consumers to make timely and informed choices, and enhance retail competition by enabling energy suppliers with advantageous, competitive offers to attract customers more easily". 

3. Pentecost and Whit Monday on June 8 and 9

June gets off to a great start, with a public holiday. On June 8 and 9, all 16 federal states will recognise Pentecost and Whit Monday. Pentecost marks the Holy Spirit’s descent from heaven upon the Apostles and other disciples of Jesus.

Most workers can look forward to a day off on June 9, while those who work will receive extra pay. Schools, supermarkets and other shops will also be closed.

4. Caravans and motorhomes must get gas check

From June 19, anyone in Germany who has a caravan or motorhome using a liquefied gas system will have to get their vehicle an up-to-date expert check.

The amendment to the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) should reduce caravan and motorhome accidents related to cooking, cooling and heating.

5. Corpus Christi on June 19

Residents in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland can look forward to yet another holiday on June 19.

June 19 marks Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam), when Catholics commemorate the Holy Eucharist – the body and blood of Jesus Christ.

6. New EU rules for smartphones

As of June 20, the EU will implement a new law to enhance smartphone durability. From this date, all smartphones and other cordless phones sold across the bloc will need to retain an 80 percent battery capacity after 800 charging cycles. 

Even if they stop producing a specific model, smartphone manufacturers will be required to produce replacement parts for up to seven years after they have stopped selling the product.

7. School summer holidays begin in some German states

June marks the beginning of the school summer holiday season. On June 27, pupils in Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia will all begin their six-week school holiday. Pupils are due back in the classroom on August 11.

8. June is Pride Month!

In Germany, as in many countries worldwide, June marks Pride Month. Throughout the month many events are held to demonstrate against the international oppression of queer people, commemorate those who have died as a result of homophobic crimes or government policy and celebrate advances in queer liberation.

Christopher Street Day (CSD) demonstrations and parades are the main events on the calendar, starting in June but also held in July and August. Pride in Munich is one of the first major events this year, scheduled for June 28.