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Photo: © Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH

Operations management | January 2026

Real faces. One passion: electrical engineering.

From March 8th to 13th, 2026, Light + Building, the world's leading trade fair for lighting and building technology, invites all trade visitors to Frankfurt am Main.

Photo: © Messe Düsseldorf/ctillmann

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Operations management | January 2026

boot 2026 – a trade fair of superlatives

From the smallest inflatable boat to the superyacht, everything is on board. boot Director Petros Michelidakis: "Come aboard and enjoy the boot flair!"

Photo: © ailikecreative/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

2026: This is new for businesses, employees, and drivers

Taxes, reducing bureaucracy, digitalization: 2026 will bring numerous changes for businesses, the self-employed, employees, pensioners, and volunteers. A comprehensive overview from A to Z.

Photo: © alphaspirit/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

Free guide to implementing software in the trades

A guideline from the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) industry, which aims to contribute to the sustainable introduction of IT solutions in the trades, consistently considers digitalization from the perspective of the people in the company.

Photo: © no photographer credited/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

Why a short probationary period is better for employers

Business owners in the trades sometimes wonder how long the probationary period for new employees should be. As short as possible, advises a legal expert. He explains why, citing a recent court ruling.

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Crafts welcome additional language support before starting school The North Rhine-Westphalia state government plans to introduce ABC classes statewide to promote the language skills of children in the year before they start school. The skilled trades sector says this sends a strong message regarding education policy. - Crafts policy | January 2026

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Operations management | January 2026

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching.

After paper driving licences were initially phased out, the exchange period is now underway for all credit card driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001: the deadline is January 19, 2026.

Photo: © alphaspirit/123RF.com

The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Chamber of Crafts Münster | January 2026

Accessible websites: Seminar on new requirements

On Thursday, February 5th, the Münster Chamber of Skilled Crafts is hosting the free online seminar "Accessible Websites: Obligation and Opportunity for the Skilled Trades".

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The Chambers of Crafts in Germany - Chamber of Crafts Trier | January 2026

Event on the circular economy in construction

The topic of circular economy in the construction industry is the subject of a lecture series at all four chambers of skilled crafts in Rhineland-Palatinate. The Trier lecture will take place on February 11th.

Operations management

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Photo: © AMH / Sascha Schneider

Report every inheritance to the tax office. A debate about inheritance tax has recently erupted. What many don't know: Even if you don't have to pay any taxes, you still have to report inheritances to the tax office. Operations management | January 2026

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Higher volunteer allowance: Also for volunteer work in the skilled trades Since January 1, 2026, there has been a higher allowance for instructors and a higher allowance for volunteers. What does this mean for everyone who volunteers in the skilled trades? Volunteering is a matter of honor | January 2026

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Photo: © alphaspirit/123RF.com

Free guide to implementing software in the trades A guideline from the plumbing, heating, and air conditioning (SHK) industry, which aims to contribute to the sustainable introduction of IT solutions in the trades, consistently considers digitalization from the perspective of the people in the company. Operations management | January 2026

Photo: © AMH / Sascha Schneider

Operations management | January 2026

Report every inheritance to the tax office.

A debate about inheritance tax has recently erupted. What many don't know: Even if you don't have to pay any taxes, you still have to report inheritances to the tax office.

Photo: © alphaspirit/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

Free guide to implementing software in the trades

Photo: © no photographer credited/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

Why a short probationary period is better for employers

Photo: © peshkov/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

The flood of emails at work is constantly increasing.

An average of 53 emails a day: Those who use the internet for work receive more inquiries, appointments, and newsletters via email than ever before. This is shown by a recent Bitkom survey. Fourteen percent even report receiving one hundred emails or more.

Photo: © kzenon/123RF.com

Operations management | January 2026

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching.

After paper driving licences were initially phased out, the exchange period is now underway for all credit card driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001: the deadline is January 19, 2026.

Craft policy

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Photo: © Mike Flippo/123RF.com

Electric cars: EU publishes guidelines for minimum prices for vehicles from China The EU and China are moving closer to a solution in their dispute over tariffs on electric vehicles. The European Commission has now presented guidelines outlining what "price commitment offers" could look like. The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) sees this as a possible alternative to tariffs. Craft policy | January 2026

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Photo: © Designer491/123RF.com

The state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has started The state-wide competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has entered a new round. Awards will be given to outstanding design achievements by young craftspeople from North Rhine-Westphalia. Craft policy | January 2026

Photo: © Mike Flippo/123RF.com

Craft policy | January 2026

Electric cars: EU publishes guidelines for minimum prices for vehicles from China

The EU and China are moving closer to a solution in their dispute over tariffs on electric vehicles. The European Commission has now presented guidelines outlining what "price commitment offers" could look like. The German Association of Motor Trades and Repairs (ZDK) sees this as a possible alternative to tariffs.

Photo: © angizzz /123RF.com

Craft policy | January 2026

Crafts welcome additional language support before starting school

The North Rhine-Westphalia state government plans to introduce ABC classes statewide to promote the language skills of children in the year before they start school. The skilled trades sector says this sends a strong message regarding education policy.

Photo: © Designer491/123RF.com

Craft policy | January 2026

The state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has started

The state-wide competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has entered a new round. Awards will be given to outstanding design achievements by young craftspeople from North Rhine-Westphalia.

Photo: © gwolters/123RF.com

Craft policy | January 2026

Saarland doubles championship bonus

The Saarland's bonus for successfully completing master craftsman examinations has been doubled to €2.000 per graduate. At the same time, the funding program has been extended until the end of 2028.

Photo: © Paul Schneider / Handwerk.NRW

Craft policy | January 2026

"We are far from overcoming the growth weakness."

At the Epiphany meeting of the North Rhine-Westphalian crafts sector, economist Justus Haucap spoke about necessary measures to end the economic slump in Germany.

Mobility

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Photo: © kzenon/123RF.com

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching. After paper driving licences were initially phased out, the exchange period is now underway for all credit card driving licences issued between 1999 and 2001: the deadline is January 19, 2026. Operations management | January 2026

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Photo: © fermate/123RF.com

Safely to your destination: Driving in snow and ice Whether it's snow, freezing rain or black ice – the ADAC gives tips on how drivers can get through winter conditions safely. Mobility | January 2026

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Photo: © Hyundai

Hyundai launches Nexo sales Buyers can now order Hyundai's new fuel cell SUV: The Nexo starts at a net price of 58.739,50 euros. Mobility | January 2026

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Mobility | January 2026

Safely to your destination: Driving in snow and ice

Whether it's snow, freezing rain or black ice – the ADAC gives tips on how drivers can get through winter conditions safely.

Photo: © Hyundai

Mobility - Car | January 2026

Hyundai launches Nexo sales

Buyers can now order Hyundai's new fuel cell SUV: The Nexo starts at a net price of 58.739,50 euros.

Photo: © VW

Mobility - Car | January 2026

Now unveiled: The new VW interior

Volkswagen provides a first glimpse of the ID.Polo dashboard, offering a preview of the future interior design.

Photo: © Martin Hangen / ADAC

Mobility | December 2025

Wrong fuel: What you should keep in mind

Mixing up fuels when refueling can lead to expensive damage. The ADAC offers tips on how to react after a misfueling.

Photo: © Kia

Mobility - Commercial vehicles | December 2025

Premiere: Kia presents the PV5 as a chassis

Korean car manufacturer Kia is expanding its PV5 commercial vehicle family with a chassis and cab.

Panorama

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Photo: © fermate/123RF.com

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Photo: © Estate of Germaine Krull, Museum Folkwang, Essen

Exhibition: Germaine Krull in Focus Until March 15, 2026, the Museum Folkwang in Essen is highlighting the work of the avant-garde photographer and author Germaine Krull in a comprehensive retrospective. Panorama | January 2026

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Looking forward to the boat The boot trade fair starts on January 17th. Visitors can get a complete overview of water sports in the 16 exhibition halls. Panorama | January 2026

Panorama | January 2026

Exhibition: Germaine Krull in Focus

Until March 15, 2026, the Museum Folkwang in Essen is highlighting the work of the avant-garde photographer and author Germaine Krull in a comprehensive retrospective.

Panorama - Company | January 2026

Looking forward to the boat

The boot trade fair starts on January 17th. Visitors can get a complete overview of water sports in the 16 exhibition halls.

Panorama | January 2026

NRW Engagement Award 2026: Innovative ways out of loneliness

"Meet. Move. Connect. – together out of loneliness": This is the motto of the NRW Engagement Prize 2026. Twelve projects have now been nominated as "Engagement of the Month".

Panorama - Trip | January 2026

The Achterhoek: Exploring the "back corner" of the Netherlands

Directly bordering North Rhine-Westphalia, the Dutch Achterhoek region is the perfect destination for anyone who simply wants to unwind, revel in nature, and enjoy culture and cuisine.

Panorama | January 2026

Germany's Animal of the Year 2026

Every year, the German Wildlife Foundation initiates the vote for Germany's Animal of the Year – for 2026, the choice fell on the red deer.

Theme specials

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Vacation planning at work: What the legal situation is At the beginning of the year, many employees make new vacation plans, which employers have to coordinate. An expert explains what labor law says about this. Holiday planning in the company | January 2026

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Photo: © IAS

New award honors hearing aid company founder Competition: Hearing aid acoustics founders from German-speaking countries can participate in the inaugural Founder Star Award. The application deadline has been extended to February 15, 2026. Interesting competitions for craftsmen | January 2026

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Baden-Württemberg is creating contact points for women in the skilled trades. All chambers of skilled crafts in Baden-Württemberg now have designated contact persons for the topic of "Women in Skilled Crafts" to inform, advise, and network them. It is the first German state with a comprehensive advisory service specifically for women. women in crafts | January 2026

Volunteering is a matter of honor | January 2026

Higher volunteer allowance: Also for volunteer work in the skilled trades

Since January 1, 2026, there has been a higher allowance for instructors and a higher allowance for volunteers. What does this mean for everyone who volunteers in the skilled trades?

Artificial Intelligence in Crafts – an assistant called KaI | January 2026

A change of perspective – with KaI on the green meadow

This is the eleventh installment in our AI series. So far, we've explored the capabilities of KaI, our AI-powered assistant. Now, we're taking the first steps toward implementing AI in a craft business.

Trade fairs for the craft industry | January 2026

Tool trends and international participation at the hardware fair

The International Hardware Fair in Cologne, taking place from March 3rd to 6th, will present trends in tools and accessories, fastening and joining technology, fittings and building supplies.

Trade fairs for the craft industry | January 2026

Automechanika has its own area for young automotive professionals.

When it comes to the future of the automotive industry, the focus is on young talent. The successful "Ambition" program for young professionals at Automechanika will enter its second round in 2026.

Photo: © GHM

Trade fairs for the craft industry | January 2026

Woodcraft 2026 in Nuremberg: Focus on future topics

From March 24th to 27th, 2026, Nuremberg will once again transform into the meeting place for the woodworking and wood processing industry with the Holz-Handwerk trade fair.

Accessible websites: Seminar on obligation and opportunity

Event on the circular economy in construction

The Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts and Trades (HwK Koblenz) also has a lot planned for 2026.

New Year's Reception of the Koblenz Chamber of Skilled Crafts

Report every inheritance to the tax office.

Higher volunteer allowance: Also for volunteer work in the skilled trades

Free guide to implementing software in the trades

Why a short probationary period is better for employers

Electric cars: EU publishes guidelines for minimum prices for vehicles from China

Crafts welcome additional language support before starting school

The state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has started

Inheritance tax: Trades criticize SPD plans

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching.

Safely to your destination: Driving in snow and ice

Hyundai launches Nexo sales

Safely to your destination: Driving in snow and ice

Exhibition: Germaine Krull in Focus

Looking forward to the boat

Higher volunteer allowance: Also for volunteer work in the skilled trades

A change of perspective – with KaI on the green meadow

Tool trends and international participation at the hardware fair

ZDH survey on e-invoicing in the skilled trades

Real faces. One passion: electrical engineering.

boot 2026 – a trade fair of superlatives

2026: This is new for businesses, employees, and drivers

Free guide to implementing software in the trades

Why a short probationary period is better for employers

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching.

Accessible websites: Seminar on new requirements

Event on the circular economy in construction

Report every inheritance to the tax office.

Free guide to implementing software in the trades

Why a short probationary period is better for employers

The flood of emails at work is constantly increasing.

The next deadline for exchanging your driver's license is approaching.

Electric cars: EU publishes guidelines for minimum prices for vehicles from China

Crafts welcome additional language support before starting school

The state competition "Design Talents Crafts NRW" has started

Saarland doubles championship bonus

"We are far from overcoming the growth weakness."

Safely to your destination: Driving in snow and ice

Hyundai launches Nexo sales

Now unveiled: The new VW interior

Wrong fuel: What you should keep in mind

Premiere: Kia presents the PV5 as a chassis

Exhibition: Germaine Krull in Focus

Looking forward to the boat

NRW Engagement Award 2026: Innovative ways out of loneliness

The Achterhoek: Exploring the "back corner" of the Netherlands

Germany's Animal of the Year 2026

Higher volunteer allowance: Also for volunteer work in the skilled trades

A change of perspective – with KaI on the green meadow

Tool trends and international participation at the hardware fair

Automechanika has its own area for young automotive professionals.

Woodcraft 2026 in Nuremberg: Focus on future topics