Consumers can expect major innovations in April 2024. Here's an overview of what's changing for parents, gas customers, and visitors to Venice, among other things:

Change from April 2024: Cannabis should be partially legal

It is considered a central project of the traffic light government: from April 1, 2024, the possession and consumption of cannabis will be partially legal. The planned law allows adults to possess a maximum of 25 grams for their own consumption. Additionally, up to three cannabis plants and up to 50 grams for personal consumption must be permitted within your own four walls. Smoking marijuana should be prohibited in public spaces, including schools, sports facilities and in visible places, i.e. less than 100 meters in a straight line from the entrance area.

However, the legalization of cannabis is not yet a closed matter. The law is scheduled to be debated in the Federal Council on March 22. It does not require approval, but the federal chamber could convene a mediation committee with the Bundestag and thus slow down the process.

That will change from April 1, 2024: VAT on gas and district heating will increase

With this change, gas and district heating customers will face higher energy prices, because from April 2024 the VAT rate will increase from the original 7 to 19 percent. In the wake of the energy crisis following the Russian attack on Ukraine, VAT on gas and district heating was reduced. This measure expires at the end of March.

Focus Online has outlined for you how the switch will affect your gas bill and how you can reduce your energy costs.

New rules will apply to parental benefit from April 2024

Anyone who has children from April 1, 2024 and therefore wants to stay at home will have to take into account some changes regarding parental benefit. Couples whose annual taxable income exceeds 200,000 euros will no longer be entitled to parental benefit. According to the Federal Ministry of Family Affairs, this income limit is also provided for single-parent families.

Furthermore, both parents can only receive the so-called basic parental benefit at the same time for a maximum of one month and only during the first twelve months of the child's life.

Discounted tickets for students from Germany will be introduced nationwide in April

April 2024 will also bring change for students. At many universities you will receive a discounted ticket to Germany for 29.40 euros per month at the beginning of the summer semester and you will be able to use buses and trains throughout the country. However, some universities still do not participate or do not participate at all, for example when the current semester ticket is cheaper.

Venice will be able to charge admission from April 2024

The next Venice holiday could be a little more expensive from April 2024. In the future, the lagoon city will ask visitors to pay during the day on selected dates. The starting gun will be April 25. The money should go to the preservation of the city and nature.

According to the city of Venice, the entrance payment in 2024 will be valid for 29 days: initially from April 25 to May 5, the payment will have to be paid every weekend until mid-July. The weekend of June 1 and 2 is excluded.

Amazon's product returns policy will change starting next month

Famous online shoppers will have to pay attention to this new regulation in April 2024: Amazon will shorten the return period for certain products from 30 days to the legal minimum of 14 days. The rule comes into full force as of April 25. Among those affected are cameras, computers, other electrical devices and video games.

In April, employees will receive money for training.

Starting April 1, 2024, the following change will apply to employees: they will receive a qualification allowance as salary replacement. Companies and employees should receive greater support due to structural change. The qualification allowance can be used to release employees from affected sectors so that they can complete additional training while retaining their job.

The new career guidance internship aims to provide support in choosing a job.

Anyone who is still unsure about choosing a career may be eligible for a funded career-oriented internship from April 2024. The state covers travel and accommodation costs in the case of short-term internships, including domestic ones.

Scholarship holders will benefit from the mobility scholarship from April 2024

Apprentices can expect this change from April 2024: if the company is far from home, they will be able to receive a mobility grant. In the first year of training, two family trips home are made per month.