kaffeemitmilch

Yes I've read this too in some places. It's basically an attempt at buying your vote, but I'll take it. I have to file my return for the first time, though, and then do the amnesty thing... this is just the kick in the pants I've needed.

In the US judges (at leas those that preside over traffic court) have all the discretion in the world, and I think this power is based on the same law that gives judges in the UK and Ireland their power. So, I would expect the judge could easily transfer the ticket to the driver, but might ask for proof that you were't driving. I've been to traffic court a couple of times, albeit in the US. For my first ticket in California, I pleased poverty and the judge sentenced me to 16 hours community service (of my choosing) instead of the almost $200 fine. The second time I went to court in New York State, I did it in writing and again pleaded poverty. This time, the fine was only reduced (from around $300 to about $150 I think. Oh, and the third time (again in California), the cop showed up and he and I decided I would plead guilty if he downgraded my ticket I forgot what I paid though, but I did save at least half.   So, at least in the US, going to court made sense if one had time.

The EHIC is basically the back of your German health insurance card (Barmer or otherwise). It's the side you have to sign.

That's if you're allowed to board a plane! They could very well claim you can't board because you're a US citizen, etc., no? I'm not leaving Germany any time soon, but it would be good to know in case I have to go to my parents in the US and come back.   But I think I've seen somewhere else (news report) that residents are allowed in too. Still, I couldn't show that to an airline as an official guideline.

Is it just me, or does it not mention residents of Germany; just citizens? It does mention residents of other EU countries in transit, but not German residents here...

We hadn't booked anything, but yes we had plans. Will have to figure out how to use those two parental leave months now.

Well, I'm still not sure what to do about our holiday plans... should we go?   Hehe, just kidding. Oz and NZ have closed their borders... https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/mar/19/new-zealand-closes-borders-to-foreigners-amid-coronavirus-crisis   Plus. we're lazy.

Airlines are flying ghost flights to keep their landing slots. I wonder if this means they are also selling tickets on those flights. If so, and if they feel they still need to keep their landing slots, at least in the short term, then I figure there will be a few here and there, and that tickets might go for cheap.

Family members of US citizens and permanent residents are also allowed back (spouse, siblings under 21 and unmarried, parents, kids), plus other exceptions: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/proclamation-suspension-entry-immigrants-nonimmigrants-certain-additional-persons-pose-risk-transmitting-2019-novel-coronavirus/   We have parental leave in April and May... wanted to go to Japan mostly, with a few days in South India and Bali... now we might go to New Zealand and Oz, if allowed. Worst case we put away one month for quarantine time? I don't know.   TBH, all those countries currently report much fewer cases than where we are, so it might actually be better for us statistically, and for them too if we make sure to get checked before leaving. We planned on mostly caravaning so we would be isolated mostly.   Haven't booked ANYTHING, but still tracking prices which are pretty good, and also of course, whether Germany will soon be blacklisted :-/

Yes, but the risk is that the other apartment has a given start date after the notice period given by the previous tenants, and you can't always find a place with exactly the same overlapping notice period. Very slim chances. Plus, you don't know until after a few days or weeks sometimes whether you were accepted as a prospecive tenant. 

I would have an easier time too! I learned Dutch this way, and I loved it.

We notified our landlord too late last time, and in order to let us move out early, he made us paint the place even though we had agreed with him and the previous tenants that refurbishment would take place by the tenantes moving in. He could do this to us because, alternatively, he could have made us stay for the full 3 month notice period, which would have cost us more.   So, it's risky, and our landlord ended up being a dick about it, because it seems the place is lying empty still... this was a year ago.

I have not seen a speed limit on speed cameras.   I have seen 130 on electronic signs definitely, and also on fixed signs, both as recommended and enforced limits.

Yes, send this letter to the media please, and also social media. Maybe it ought to be a publicized petition? It was nice. On the last point, I would like to add 'especially for the sake of those who do not speak German and/or consume German media.' If there was the possibility to watch the OV of programs, I would actually tune in more.

I don't think you'll get one for a non-EU national yet... I think the transition period makes things ambiguous documentation-wise, but you have the same rights as you did before. What the ABH could do is write a letter to HR for you maybe? If not, I think an immigration attorney would have to put pressure on your employer, but competent ones seem hard to find.