[analyse_image type=”featured” src=”https://static.dw.com/image/76685321_6.jpg”]
What you need to know
- German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has said there are good reasons to decriminalize public transport fare evasion
- While a leading lawyer’s group supports the idea, there is pushback from a top police union
- The Iran war is starting to hurt German industry, with a large majority of firms saying they are affected
- Germany’s top union leader has hit out at the ruling coalition’s call for longer working hours and higher pension ages
Here are the headlines from and about Germany on Tuesday, April 7, 2026:
Sibling age gap in Germany narrows slightly
The age gap between a mother’s first and second child in Germany has slightly narrowed over the past decade.
Federal Statistical Office figures show the average gap was 3.1 years in 2024, down from 3.3 years in 2014.
The interval widens with additional children, reaching 3.8 years between a second and third child and 3.6 years between a third and fourth. Compared with 2014, these figures have remained largely stable, with only a slight increase between second and third children.
Regional differences remain pronounced. In eastern Germany, excluding Berlin, the gap between first and second children averages 3.8 years, compared with 3.0 years in western regions. For a third child, the interval rises to 4.4 years in the east versus 3.7 years in the west.
Mothers in eastern Germany are also younger at first birth, averaging 29.2 years, compared with 30.5 years in western Germany.
The statistics — published ahead of World Siblings Day on Friday — are based on live births among women aged 15 to 49, calculated using the age-year method, according to the federal office.
Italy detains German Sea-Watch ship after rescue mission
Italian authorities have detained a rescue vessel operated by Germany-based NGO Sea-Watch after it brought dozens of migrants to safety.
The group said Tuesday its ship “Aurora” was held following the rescue of 44 people from an abandoned oil platform in the Mediterranean.
The crew had taken the rescued individuals to Lampedusa after they spent days stranded at sea. Authorities then ordered the vessel’s detention under the so-called Piantedosi decree, accusing Sea-Watch of failing to inform Libyan officials about the operation. The organization also faces a fine ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 ($2,315 to $11,572).
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with many attempting the crossing from North Africa in unseaworthy boats. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 900 people have been reported dead or missing so far this year.
Fan dies after medical emergency at Bundesliga match
A spectator has died after a medical emergency during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Cologne.
The club on Tuesday said the 87-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest during the game, was initially resuscitated at the scene, but later died in hospital on Sunday.
Eintracht said the supporter had been a long-time member and season ticket holder, adding “the Eintracht family is deeply saddened.” The incident occurred in the second half of the 2-2 draw, with emergency crews treating the man in the stands before taking him to hospital in a critical condition.
Fans from both sides paused their support for several minutes during the response. Cheering resumed only after the spectator had been taken out of the stadium.
The club expressed condolences to the man’s family and thanked emergency responders as well as supporters for what it described as their “sensitive awareness” during the incident.
Iran war hits German industry, survey shows
German industry has been reporting widespread disruption from the Iran war, with nine in ten companies affected.
A survey by the Ifo Institute found only 9% of firms said they were not currently impacted.
Survey chief Klaus Wohlrabe said the conflict was hitting industry directly and creating significant uncertainty, adding many companies were bracing for further strain in the coming months.
Higher energy prices were cited by 78% of firms as the main factor. About 36% pointed to shipping disruptions and supply bottlenecks for raw materials and intermediate goods, while 16% flagged risks to air freight. Around a quarter expected weakening demand in key export markets.
Companies have also highlighted financial risks, including volatile freight and logistics costs, rising insurance premiums, and higher payment risks.
The conflict, now lasting more than four weeks, has already weighed on business sentiment. The Ifo business climate index fell by 2.0 points in March to 86.4 — its lowest level since February 2025.
“The war in Iran has put an end to hopes for an upswing for the time being,” said Ifo President Clemens Fuest.
Union leader rebukes Klingbeil on work and pensions
Germany’s top union leader has criticized Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil over his stance on pensions and working hours.
German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) chair Yasmin Fahimi told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that the center-left Social Democrat (SPD) Klingbeil’s call to stop encouraging early retirement was “wrong” and rejected proposals to push longer working lives.
Fahimi said people who want to work longer can already do so, but many lack the opportunity. Older unemployed workers in particular often struggle to find stable jobs, she added, arguing that higher employment rates are due to improved labor policies rather than the retirement age increase.
She also dismissed Klingbeil’s claim that society must work more overall, saying Germany does not have a shortage of labor volume. She pointed to industrial workers on reduced hours and job losses in the sector as evidence.
In full-time jobs in Germany, “no less work is done than in other European countries,” said Fahimi. Germany has a disproportionately high part-time employment rate, which is “a cause for celebration, not complaint,” because it has significantly increased the female employment rate.
She also rejected a proposal by Bavarian conservative state premier Markus Söder to add an extra working hour per week.
“These are technocratic number games that are out of touch with reality,” she said.
“This political meddling in collective bargaining negotiations is an attempt to weaken the compromises on distribution that are made within them,” Fahimi said. “I will not tolerate this.”
Germany debates decriminalizing fare evasion
Germany’s justice minister has questioned whether fare evasion should remain a criminal offense.
Stefanie Hubig said there are strong arguments for decriminalization, citing the strain such cases place on the justice system.
The center-left Social Democrat (SPD) politician told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper that people who cannot afford tickets and end up jailed through substitute custodial sentences may not belong in prison. She said a modern criminal law requires reassessing whether fare evasion should be punishable.
Speaking to the Düsseldorf-based Rheinische Post newspaper, the Federal Police head for the German Police Union (GdP) Andreas Rosskopf disagreed.
“Obtaining services by deception must remain a criminal offense,” he said.
Otherwise, he added, traveling without a ticket would become a minor offense and highly commonplace. “We run the risk that many people simply won’t care whether they have a ticket or not,” Rosskopf said.
The German Bar Association has supported reform, calling current rules socially counterproductive. Its spokesperson Swen Walentowski said prosecutions and prison terms for fare evasion cost taxpayers about €200 million ($231 million) annually, disproportionately affecting those unable to afford tickets.
In most German cities, you do not need to swipe or scan a ticket to enter a train, tram, or bus. Compliance is enforced by sporadic checks from conductors. Despite this lax approach, the government estimates that only between 3-4% of trips are being undertaken by fare dodgers.
Welcome to our coverage
Guten Tag from DW’s newsroom here in Bonn.
You join us as the debate is raised about whether public transport fare evasion here in Germany should remain a criminal offense.
There are growing calls for fare-dodging to be decriminalized amid strains on the justice system, although police say this would set the wrong tone.
Meanwhile, many companies in Germany are starting to notice the mounting economic burden of war in Iran.
Stay with us for today’s latest news from Germany.
- German Justice Minister Stefanie Hubig has said there are good reasons to decriminalize public transport fare evasion
- While a leading lawyer’s group supports the idea, there is pushback from a top police union
- The Iran war is starting to hurt German industry, with a large majority of firms saying they are affected
- Germany’s top union leader has hit out at the ruling coalition’s call for longer working hours and higher pension ages
Here are the headlines from and about Germany on Tuesday, April 7, 2026:
Here are the headlines from and about Germany on Tuesday, April 7, 2026:
The age gap between a mother’s first and second child in Germany has slightly narrowed over the past decade.
Federal Statistical Office figures show the average gap was 3.1 years in 2024, down from 3.3 years in 2014.
The interval widens with additional children, reaching 3.8 years between a second and third child and 3.6 years between a third and fourth. Compared with 2014, these figures have remained largely stable, with only a slight increase between second and third children.
Regional differences remain pronounced. In eastern Germany, excluding Berlin, the gap between first and second children averages 3.8 years, compared with 3.0 years in western regions. For a third child, the interval rises to 4.4 years in the east versus 3.7 years in the west.
Mothers in eastern Germany are also younger at first birth, averaging 29.2 years, compared with 30.5 years in western Germany.
The statistics — published ahead of World Siblings Day on Friday — are based on live births among women aged 15 to 49, calculated using the age-year method, according to the federal office.
The age gap between a mother’s first and second child in Germany has slightly narrowed over the past decade.
Federal Statistical Office figures show the average gap was 3.1 years in 2024, down from 3.3 years in 2014.
The interval widens with additional children, reaching 3.8 years between a second and third child and 3.6 years between a third and fourth. Compared with 2014, these figures have remained largely stable, with only a slight increase between second and third children.
Regional differences remain pronounced. In eastern Germany, excluding Berlin, the gap between first and second children averages 3.8 years, compared with 3.0 years in western regions. For a third child, the interval rises to 4.4 years in the east versus 3.7 years in the west.
Mothers in eastern Germany are also younger at first birth, averaging 29.2 years, compared with 30.5 years in western Germany.
The statistics — published ahead of World Siblings Day on Friday — are based on live births among women aged 15 to 49, calculated using the age-year method, according to the federal office.
Italian authorities have detained a rescue vessel operated by Germany-based NGO Sea-Watch after it brought dozens of migrants to safety.
The group said Tuesday its ship “Aurora” was held following the rescue of 44 people from an abandoned oil platform in the Mediterranean.
The crew had taken the rescued individuals to Lampedusa after they spent days stranded at sea. Authorities then ordered the vessel’s detention under the so-called Piantedosi decree, accusing Sea-Watch of failing to inform Libyan officials about the operation. The organization also faces a fine ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 ($2,315 to $11,572).
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with many attempting the crossing from North Africa in unseaworthy boats. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 900 people have been reported dead or missing so far this year.
Italian authorities have detained a rescue vessel operated by Germany-based NGO Sea-Watch after it brought dozens of migrants to safety.
The group said Tuesday its ship “Aurora” was held following the rescue of 44 people from an abandoned oil platform in the Mediterranean.
The crew had taken the rescued individuals to Lampedusa after they spent days stranded at sea. Authorities then ordered the vessel’s detention under the so-called Piantedosi decree, accusing Sea-Watch of failing to inform Libyan officials about the operation. The organization also faces a fine ranging from €2,000 to €10,000 ($2,315 to $11,572).
The Mediterranean remains one of the world’s deadliest migration routes, with many attempting the crossing from North Africa in unseaworthy boats. According to the International Organization for Migration, more than 900 people have been reported dead or missing so far this year.
A spectator has died after a medical emergency during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Cologne.
The club on Tuesday said the 87-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest during the game, was initially resuscitated at the scene, but later died in hospital on Sunday.
Eintracht said the supporter had been a long-time member and season ticket holder, adding “the Eintracht family is deeply saddened.” The incident occurred in the second half of the 2-2 draw, with emergency crews treating the man in the stands before taking him to hospital in a critical condition.
Fans from both sides paused their support for several minutes during the response. Cheering resumed only after the spectator had been taken out of the stadium.
The club expressed condolences to the man’s family and thanked emergency responders as well as supporters for what it described as their “sensitive awareness” during the incident.
A spectator has died after a medical emergency during the Bundesliga match between Eintracht Frankfurt and FC Cologne.
The club on Tuesday said the 87-year-old man suffered cardiac arrest during the game, was initially resuscitated at the scene, but later died in hospital on Sunday.
Eintracht said the supporter had been a long-time member and season ticket holder, adding “the Eintracht family is deeply saddened.” The incident occurred in the second half of the 2-2 draw, with emergency crews treating the man in the stands before taking him to hospital in a critical condition.
Fans from both sides paused their support for several minutes during the response. Cheering resumed only after the spectator had been taken out of the stadium.
The club expressed condolences to the man’s family and thanked emergency responders as well as supporters for what it described as their “sensitive awareness” during the incident.
German industry has been reporting widespread disruption from the Iran war, with nine in ten companies affected.
A survey by the Ifo Institute found only 9% of firms said they were not currently impacted.
Survey chief Klaus Wohlrabe said the conflict was hitting industry directly and creating significant uncertainty, adding many companies were bracing for further strain in the coming months.
Higher energy prices were cited by 78% of firms as the main factor. About 36% pointed to shipping disruptions and supply bottlenecks for raw materials and intermediate goods, while 16% flagged risks to air freight. Around a quarter expected weakening demand in key export markets.
Companies have also highlighted financial risks, including volatile freight and logistics costs, rising insurance premiums, and higher payment risks.
The conflict, now lasting more than four weeks, has already weighed on business sentiment. The Ifo business climate index fell by 2.0 points in March to 86.4 — its lowest level since February 2025.
“The war in Iran has put an end to hopes for an upswing for the time being,” said Ifo President Clemens Fuest.
German industry has been reporting widespread disruption from the Iran war, with nine in ten companies affected.
A survey by the Ifo Institute found only 9% of firms said they were not currently impacted.
Survey chief Klaus Wohlrabe said the conflict was hitting industry directly and creating significant uncertainty, adding many companies were bracing for further strain in the coming months.
Higher energy prices were cited by 78% of firms as the main factor. About 36% pointed to shipping disruptions and supply bottlenecks for raw materials and intermediate goods, while 16% flagged risks to air freight. Around a quarter expected weakening demand in key export markets.
Companies have also highlighted financial risks, including volatile freight and logistics costs, rising insurance premiums, and higher payment risks.
The conflict, now lasting more than four weeks, has already weighed on business sentiment. The Ifo business climate index fell by 2.0 points in March to 86.4 — its lowest level since February 2025.
“The war in Iran has put an end to hopes for an upswing for the time being,” said Ifo President Clemens Fuest.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Germany’s top union leader has criticized Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil over his stance on pensions and working hours.
German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) chair Yasmin Fahimi told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that the center-left Social Democrat (SPD) Klingbeil’s call to stop encouraging early retirement was “wrong” and rejected proposals to push longer working lives.
Fahimi said people who want to work longer can already do so, but many lack the opportunity. Older unemployed workers in particular often struggle to find stable jobs, she added, arguing that higher employment rates are due to improved labor policies rather than the retirement age increase.
She also dismissed Klingbeil’s claim that society must work more overall, saying Germany does not have a shortage of labor volume. She pointed to industrial workers on reduced hours and job losses in the sector as evidence.
In full-time jobs in Germany, “no less work is done than in other European countries,” said Fahimi. Germany has a disproportionately high part-time employment rate, which is “a cause for celebration, not complaint,” because it has significantly increased the female employment rate.
She also rejected a proposal by Bavarian conservative state premier Markus Söder to add an extra working hour per week.
“These are technocratic number games that are out of touch with reality,” she said.
“This political meddling in collective bargaining negotiations is an attempt to weaken the compromises on distribution that are made within them,” Fahimi said. “I will not tolerate this.”
Germany’s top union leader has criticized Vice Chancellor Lars Klingbeil over his stance on pensions and working hours.
German Trade Union Confederation (DGB) chair Yasmin Fahimi told the Tagesspiegel newspaper that the center-left Social Democrat (SPD) Klingbeil’s call to stop encouraging early retirement was “wrong” and rejected proposals to push longer working lives.
Fahimi said people who want to work longer can already do so, but many lack the opportunity. Older unemployed workers in particular often struggle to find stable jobs, she added, arguing that higher employment rates are due to improved labor policies rather than the retirement age increase.
She also dismissed Klingbeil’s claim that society must work more overall, saying Germany does not have a shortage of labor volume. She pointed to industrial workers on reduced hours and job losses in the sector as evidence.
In full-time jobs in Germany, “no less work is done than in other European countries,” said Fahimi. Germany has a disproportionately high part-time employment rate, which is “a cause for celebration, not complaint,” because it has significantly increased the female employment rate.
She also rejected a proposal by Bavarian conservative state premier Markus Söder to add an extra working hour per week.
“These are technocratic number games that are out of touch with reality,” she said.
“This political meddling in collective bargaining negotiations is an attempt to weaken the compromises on distribution that are made within them,” Fahimi said. “I will not tolerate this.”
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Germany’s justice minister has questioned whether fare evasion should remain a criminal offense.
Stefanie Hubig said there are strong arguments for decriminalization, citing the strain such cases place on the justice system.
The center-left Social Democrat (SPD) politician told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper that people who cannot afford tickets and end up jailed through substitute custodial sentences may not belong in prison. She said a modern criminal law requires reassessing whether fare evasion should be punishable.
Speaking to the Düsseldorf-based Rheinische Post newspaper, the Federal Police head for the German Police Union (GdP) Andreas Rosskopf disagreed.
“Obtaining services by deception must remain a criminal offense,” he said.
Otherwise, he added, traveling without a ticket would become a minor offense and highly commonplace. “We run the risk that many people simply won’t care whether they have a ticket or not,” Rosskopf said.
The German Bar Association has supported reform, calling current rules socially counterproductive. Its spokesperson Swen Walentowski said prosecutions and prison terms for fare evasion cost taxpayers about €200 million ($231 million) annually, disproportionately affecting those unable to afford tickets.
In most German cities, you do not need to swipe or scan a ticket to enter a train, tram, or bus. Compliance is enforced by sporadic checks from conductors. Despite this lax approach, the government estimates that only between 3-4% of trips are being undertaken by fare dodgers.
Germany’s justice minister has questioned whether fare evasion should remain a criminal offense.
Stefanie Hubig said there are strong arguments for decriminalization, citing the strain such cases place on the justice system.
The center-left Social Democrat (SPD) politician told the Neue Osnabrücker Zeitung newspaper that people who cannot afford tickets and end up jailed through substitute custodial sentences may not belong in prison. She said a modern criminal law requires reassessing whether fare evasion should be punishable.
Speaking to the Düsseldorf-based Rheinische Post newspaper, the Federal Police head for the German Police Union (GdP) Andreas Rosskopf disagreed.
“Obtaining services by deception must remain a criminal offense,” he said.
Otherwise, he added, traveling without a ticket would become a minor offense and highly commonplace. “We run the risk that many people simply won’t care whether they have a ticket or not,” Rosskopf said.
The German Bar Association has supported reform, calling current rules socially counterproductive. Its spokesperson Swen Walentowski said prosecutions and prison terms for fare evasion cost taxpayers about €200 million ($231 million) annually, disproportionately affecting those unable to afford tickets.
In most German cities, you do not need to swipe or scan a ticket to enter a train, tram, or bus. Compliance is enforced by sporadic checks from conductors. Despite this lax approach, the government estimates that only between 3-4% of trips are being undertaken by fare dodgers.
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video
Guten Tag from DW’s newsroom here in Bonn.
You join us as the debate is raised about whether public transport fare evasion here in Germany should remain a criminal offense.
There are growing calls for fare-dodging to be decriminalized amid strains on the justice system, although police say this would set the wrong tone.
Meanwhile, many companies in Germany are starting to notice the mounting economic burden of war in Iran.
Stay with us for today’s latest news from Germany.
Guten Tag from DW’s newsroom here in Bonn.
You join us as the debate is raised about whether public transport fare evasion here in Germany should remain a criminal offense.
There are growing calls for fare-dodging to be decriminalized amid strains on the justice system, although police say this would set the wrong tone.
Meanwhile, many companies in Germany are starting to notice the mounting economic burden of war in Iran.
Stay with us for today’s latest news from Germany.
[analyse_source url=”https://www.dw.com/en/germany-news-minister-floats-fare-dodging-decriminalization/live-76683746″]