World · Europe · 4 hrs ago
Clocks go back in Germany as EU debate over ending time changes continues
On October 25, clocks in Germany and most of Europe go back one hour, giving people an extra hour overnight and making evenings darker earlier.
The change marks the end of summer time and the return to standard time, often called winter time.
Germany reintroduced the clock changes in 1980, partly in the hope of saving energy, but that aim proved misplaced.
Many people say the shifts affect sleep and concentration, while surveys show many Germans would prefer permanent summer time for brighter evenings.
A review by Canadian researchers concluded that permanent winter time may better support public health, because morning light helps align the body clock and later sunrises may reduce sleep.
The EU has been stuck on the issue since a 2018 proposal to end the changes, as member states cannot agree which time should stay.
A new EU-commissioned study is expected by the end of 2026, but it is unclear whether it will lead governments to act.
Germany will turn clocks back one hour, from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m., on October 25, ending daylight saving time.
The change gives people an extra hour overnight but means it will get dark earlier in the evening.
The shift remains in place because European Union countries have not agreed on whether to keep permanent summer time or winter time.
Researchers cited by MDR say permanent winter time may bring greater public-health benefits, while many people in Germany prefer longer evening daylight.
A new European Commission study on the effects of ending the clock changes is expected by the end of 2026.
- Who
- People in Germany will change their clocks.
- What
- Clocks will go back one hour, from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m., as daylight saving time ends.
- When
- October 25, 2026.
- Where
- Germany.
- Why
- The regular seasonal clock change continues because EU countries have not agreed on which time should apply year-round.
Supporters of permanent winter time
Supporters of permanent summer time
Health effects
Supporters of permanent winter time
Researchers cited by MDR say morning light helps regulate sleep and mood, and that permanent winter time may have greater public-health benefits.
Supporters of permanent summer time
Supporters value longer daylight after work and school; many Germans surveyed prefer permanent summer time.
Germany introduced daylight saving time during the First World War to make better use of daylight and save coal and oil.
Germany reintroduced the clock change, with energy savings among the stated aims.
The European Commission proposed ending the seasonal clock change after a public survey in which more than 80 percent of participants opposed it.
The Commission concluded that member states were best placed to choose whether to keep summer or winter time permanently.
Germany is due to turn clocks back from 3 a.m. to 2 a.m.
- Clock change
- From 3 a.m. to 2 a.m. on October 25, 2026
- Next seasonal change
- Normal or winter time is scheduled to last until March 28, 2027
- European survey
- More than 80 percent of participants opposed the clock change in 2018
- EU decision
- Member states have not agreed on permanent summer or winter time
- Upcoming study
- A European Commission study on the effects of ending the clock change is expected by the end of 2026
3 sources
What people are saying
Morning light is important for our internal clock, our sleep and our mood.
People appreciate having more daylight after work and after school.