June 2026: 8 changes affecting expats in Germany

The summer months are finally here. Deutsche Bahn is dropping discounts, while jam and honey have new rules to stick to. What changes are coming to Germany this June?

1. EU introduces pay transparency law

The European Union will begin enforcing a law on pay transparency that will make the hiring process and employment conditions fairer for employees. The new law requires employers to inform workers about starting salaries during the hiring process and use gender neutral language in job descriptions, among other obligations. 

EU member states, including Germany, have until June 7 to transpose the new directive into national employment law.

2. Online shopping returns will be easier

Retailers and service providers operating online in Germany have until June 19 to add a “returns” or “cancel subscription” button to their websites. The buttons should be easy to recognise, making it easier for customers to return or cancel their purchase within 14 days.

“Foreign retailers must also offer the button if German law applies to the contract”, the European Consumer Agency explains. The new law does not apply to certain purchases that are generally nonreturnable, such as engraved products or food.

3. DB to launch 99-euro Familienticket

In mid-June, Deutsche Bahn will launch its family ticket (Familienticket) for summer 2026. The discount ticket allows groups of up to five people to book long-distance train journeys for 99,99 euros, seat reservations included. At least one member of the group must be a child to purchase the ticket.

The exact mid-June launch date has not yet been clarified. Deutsche Bahn has said the ticket will be available until mid-September.

4. Deutsche Bahn discount for youths

Children and young people can benefit from another Deutsche Bahn deal from mid-June. A BahnCard 25 subscription typically costs 7,90 euros per month and gives six to 18-year-olds 25 percent off their train tickets. 

Between mid-June and mid-September, all six to 18-year-olds will be able to get a BahnCard 25 for free. 

5. Looser nighttime hours for World Cup 2026

The World Cup 2026 kicks off on June 11, with a match between Mexico and South Africa at the Mexico City Stadium. Because the tournament is being held in Mexico, Canada and the United States, the time difference means those in Germany will have to stay up late into the night to catch most matches.

Normally, quiet hours are observed after 10pm in the federal republic, but luckily for fans, these rules will be relaxed during the tournament. Local authorities are responsible for deciding the specifics.

6. Stricter laws around honey, jam and juice

From June 16, the EU’s Breakfast Products Regulation will apply in Germany. Under the regulation, honey products must declare the honey’s origin country or countries. 

The amount of fruit which jam must contain will increase from 350 grams to 450 grams per kilogram, and for jams labelled as having “extra” fruit content, the minimum amount will be 500 grams per kilogram.

7. Summer officially arrives in Germany

Germany has already had a taste of summer weather in the past weeks, with temperatures prematurely topping 30 degrees celsius, but the official start of the next season will only begin in the new month. 

The longest day of the year (the summer solstice) will kick off the summer season on June 21. With weather records already being broken so early in the year, remember to keep cool in the coming months.

8. Pride month in Germany

June marks International LGBTQ+ 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 crime or government policy and celebrate advances in queer liberation.

Check out our article, Pride month: A guide to Christopher Street Day (CSD) celebrations across Germany, to find out more about what’s going on.