Daylight Saving Time Calculator
When do the clocks change in Germany? Clock change dates for any year with the exact time, a countdown to the next change and a four-year overview.
Find out when the next time change takes place in Germany. Clocks are set forward on the last Sunday in March and back on the last Sunday in October. Enter a year to see the dates for any year from 1980.
Summer time (CEST)
Sunday, March 29, 2026
Clocks are set forward
02:00 CET becomes 03:00 CEST
The night is 1 hour shorter
Winter time (CET)
Sunday, October 25, 2026
Clocks are set back
03:00 CEST becomes 02:00 CET
The night is 1 hour longer
Time changes overview
| Year | Summer time | Winter time |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 03/29/2026 | 10/25/2026 |
| 2027 | 03/28/2027 | 10/31/2027 |
| 2028 | 03/26/2028 | 10/29/2028 |
| 2029 | 03/25/2029 | 10/28/2029 |
Note on EU regulation
The European Parliament voted in March 2019 to end the seasonal clock change. However, the Council of the EU never adopted the Commission's proposal, so the Summer-Time Directive 2000/84/EC still applies and the clocks continue to change.
Note: These calculations are for informational purposes only and do not replace professional tax or financial advice. All information without guarantee.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the time change in Germany?
Clocks spring forward one hour on the last Sunday of March (to CEST, UTC+2) and fall back one hour on the last Sunday of October (to CET, UTC+1). The EU has discussed abolishing this but no decision has been implemented.
Why does Germany still change the clocks?
Although the EU Parliament voted to end seasonal time changes, member states have not agreed on whether to keep permanent summer or winter time. Until a coordinated decision is made, the changes continue.
At what time are the clocks changed?
On the last Sunday in March the clock jumps from 2:00 CET (MEZ) to 3:00 CEST (MESZ), so the hour from 2 to 3 a.m. does not exist that night. On the last Sunday in October it is set back from 3:00 CEST to 2:00 CET, so the hour from 2 to 3 a.m. happens twice. A night shift from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. therefore lasts only 7 hours on the changeover night in March and 9 hours in October.
Guide
What is the Daylight Saving Time Calculator?
The daylight saving time calculator shows the dates of the clock change (summer/winter time) for any year from 1980, the current time in Germany and whether CET or CEST applies right now.
How does the Daylight Saving Time Calculator work?
Always based on today's date, the calculator shows the next change with a countdown and whether summer or winter time currently applies; the "Year" field lists the dates of any year from 1980 plus the following three years. On the last Sunday in March clocks go forward from 2 to 3 am; on the last Sunday in October clocks go back from 3 to 2 am.
Key Data and Facts
Summer time (CEST): last Sunday in March, 2:00 to 3:00 am. Winter time (CET): last Sunday in October, 3:00 to 2:00 am (since 1996; 1981–1995 last Sunday in September). Abolition: backed by the European Parliament in 2019, never adopted by the Council of the EU – the change continues.
Step-by-Step Guide
How to use the daylight saving time calculator step by step: 1. Check the current time zone – the calculator shows whether CET (winter time, UTC+1) or CEST (summer time, UTC+2) currently applies. 2. Read off the next change: summer time begins on the last Sunday in March at 2:00 (set clocks forward to 3:00). Winter time begins on the last Sunday in October at 3:00 (set clocks back to 2:00). 3. Mnemonic: in spring put the garden furniture FORWARD out the door (clock FORWARD), in autumn put it BACK in the shed (clock BACK). 4. Effects: when switching to summer time, one hour is lost (the night is one hour shorter). When switching to winter time, one hour is gained. 5. EU debate: in 2019 the European Parliament voted to end the time change, but the Council of the EU never adopted the proposal. Directive 2000/84/EC still applies, so the clocks keep changing. 6. Common applications: travel planning, international conference calls, server configuration. Tip: electronic devices switch automatically, analogue clocks must be adjusted manually.
Calculation Example
2026: summer time from Sunday 29 March (2:00 becomes 3:00). Winter time from Sunday 25 October (3:00 becomes 2:00).
Sources
Official sources
Calculations are based on applicable German laws and official data:
Full methodology at Methodology.
Reviewed by Konstantin Iakovlev · Last updated:
Date & Time
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