Can I use my two letters of recommendation from last year for my application next year, or do I need new ones in Germany/Italy?

It depends. Most universities in Germany and Italy generally accept letters of recommendation from the previous year, as long as they remain relevant to your achievements and experience.

However, some institutions prefer more recent letters to reflect your latest academic or professional progress. For example, universities like Mannheim and Tübingen in Germany indicate a preference for timely and current recommendations.

To strengthen your application, it's a good idea to ask your recommenders if they can update your letters to better reflect your current qualifications.