From January 2006 winter tyres required by law in Germany when road conditions are appropriate!
 

Fine will be only about EUR 20 and there is a lot of discussion about "appropriate" conditions, but it does allow the insurance companies to revoke cover if you are involved in an accident in winter conditions with summer tyres fitted.

Also only about 50% of rental cars in Germany are fitted with winter tyres and most of the rental companies charge extra.

The general rule here though is once temperatures drop below +7 - +5°C that winter tyres have superior properties to summer.

There are a few sales of all season tyres here but generally it is agreed that they offer the worst of both worlds and dedicated summer / winter tyres are preferable.

I am not sure how drivers coming to southern Germany from European countries where they do not have winter tyres will be treated!

Very interesting! I am sure there will be alot of controversie!