Every year, as October draws to a close, millions in Germany experience a brief mini jet lag: it’s time to switch from daylight saving time to winter time, also known as standard time. The question arises again — do we move the clocks forward or back?
In 2025, the time change to winter time takes place on Sunday, October 26. At 3:00 a.m., all clocks are set back by one hour. This means one extra hour of sleep — and sunrise will come a little earlier in the mornings.
By contrast, summer time starts each year on the last Sunday in March. In 2025, that was March 30, when clocks were moved forward one hour at 2:00 a.m.
Winter time: Do we move the clock forward or back?
When winter time begins, Germany switches back to normal time — the same time used before the summer adjustment. In practical terms:
- Clocks go back one hour
- You “get back” the hour you lost in spring
Despite being a simple concept, many still wonder twice a year whether the clock goes forward or back. To help you remember, here are some classic mnemonics.
Easy ways to remember the time change
- Terrace trick: In spring, move your tables and chairs forward outside. In autumn, bring them back inside.
- Winter = Winterschlaf: In winter you “sleep longer,” because the clocks go back and you gain one extra hour.
- Temperature rule: Winter is “minus” (back), summer is “plus” (forward).
- In English: “Spring forward, Fall back.”
Simple and timeless reminders — just like the clock itself.
From chaos to coordination: how time was standardized in Germany
Few people realize that Germany once had over 60 different local time zones. Until the late 19th century, each town set its own time based on the position of the sun — meaning noon in Munich was not the same as noon in Hamburg.
It wasn’t until the end of the 1800s that Germany introduced a standardized national time, a necessary step to coordinate train schedules and modern communication.
Why do we change the clocks at all?
The time change was reintroduced across Europe in 1977, following the 1973 oil crisis, as governments searched for ways to save energy. Germany adopted the system in 1980.
The idea: shifting daylight hours would reduce the need for artificial lighting. However, the Federal Environment Agency later pointed out that energy savings in the evening were largely offset by higher heating costs in the cooler mornings — making the overall benefit questionable.
Time change is part of German law
Yes — the clock change is not just a tradition, it’s enshrined in the “Einheiten- und Zeitgesetz” (Units and Time Act). This law gives the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action the authority to determine time measurement standards in Germany, including official time changes.
It also regulates other measurement units — from gemstone weight to the density of textile fibers and even blood pressure calibration.
Do you still need to change your clocks manually?
For most people — no. Today, nearly all modern devices adjust automatically.
- Radio-controlled clocks receive their signal from the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Braunschweig.
- TVs and digital radios sync via transmitters in Mainflingen, Hesse.
- Deutsche Bahn clocks and Telekom systems also update automatically.
- Smartphones handle the change seamlessly — as long as automatic time setting is activated.
How to check:
- On Android, open Clock → Menu → Settings → Date & time → Enable “Automatic date and time”.
- On iPhones, go to Settings → General → Date & Time → Enable “Set Automatically”.
If you prefer the traditional way, you can of course still turn the clock hands yourself — just remember: back one hour!
A familiar ritual that divides opinions
Although many Germans complain about the disruption, the twice-yearly time change continues to divide public opinion. EU plans to abolish daylight saving time have stalled, meaning the switch remains in place for now.
So, on the night of October 25–26, 2025, don’t forget to adjust your clocks — or at least check that your devices do it for you. One thing is certain: you’ll get to enjoy an extra hour of sleep as Germany welcomes the winter season.
