Can you get a job in Germany without German and what's it like as a new parent?

In the latest episode of Germany in Focus, host Rachel Loxton is joined by regular panelists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett as well as historian and author Katja Hoyer. The podcast team start off by talking about why November 9th is known as the "day of fate" in German history. Why November 9th is a fateful day in German history Then we hear the story of a Munich landlord who has received a fine from the tax office for charging too little for rent. Imogen talks about her experience of living in Munich and how the city's rental market has changed over the years. The panelists also talk about rent developments across Germany, and why it's difficult for tenants to challenge illegally high rents. Munich landlord fined for charging too little in rentThe German cities where rents are rising fastest this yearAfter the federal government and states finally reached an agreement on funding for the €49 public transport card, we discuss what it means for people in Germany and when it's likely to be rolled out. We also look at Berlin's extended public transport offer and €9 ticket for certain groups. Deutschlandticket - What you need to know about Germany's new €49 travel dealEXPLAINED: What to know about Berlin's extended €29 ticketThe team then discuss various demonstrations that have been happening across Germany in response to the rising cost of living as well as the government's energy policies and other factors. We also hear more details about the situation in eastern Germany and why there are Monday demonstrations. We then hear from German history expert Katja Hoyer about how East Germans experienced the turbulent time after the Berlin Wall came down 33 years ago this week, and what life was like in East Germany during the separation between East and West. Lastly, the team discuss how Germans mark St Martin's Day, before talking about the start of carnival season and the rivalry between Cologne and Düsseldorf. How to celebrate St Martin's Day in Germany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11 Marras 202231min

In the latest episode of Germany in Focus, host Rachel Loxton is joined by regular panelists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett as well as Anna Baatz, who is part of the Autofrei Berlin campaign group, which is calling for a referendum on reducing the number of cars in a large part of the capital. We talk about the unusually warm October, why it's so mild and what the effects on the energy crisis are. Germany logs warmest October on record The podcast team discuss what kind of support Germany is offering tenants who are struggling in the cost of living crisis - and look at why some renters in Germany are seeing massive rent hikes. Wohngeld: How people in Germany can help with rising living costs How people in Germany are struggling with rent hikesAaron then shares an important update on how Germany's citizenship changes are likely to look, including how people in future will be able to get fast-track German citizenship. INTERVIEW: 'Germany must finally allow dual or multiple citizenship'The panelists dig into a row about part of Berlin's Friedrichstraße being car-free (or not), and talk about the wider debate on mobility in Germany. And no chat about cars in Germany would be complete without talking about speeding on the Autobahn. Lastly, Rachel, Imogen and Aaron share some of the events they recommend in Germany this month. And yes, you may indeed find Aaron listening to Mariah Carey and drinking Glühwein at a Weihnachtsmarkt near you soon. 10 unmissable events in Germany this NovemberMeet the Beatles superfan keeping the Fab Four alive in Hamburg Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 Marras 202236min

JOIN THE LOCAL: Podcast listener offer__In the newest episode of our podcast Germany in Focus, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett as well as culture and history expert Mike Stuchbery. We start off by talking about some public holidays and other celebrations in Germany before we dig into one of the biggest news stories of the week - Germany's relationship with China and fears over repeating the mistakes of Russia. We discuss why Chancellor Olaf Scholz has sparked a fierce debate in the coalition government over his stance on business deals with China. Why is Olaf Scholz's stance on China so controversial in Germany?We then look into why it's so hard for families in Germany to find childcare spots at Kitas, where the shortfall of childcare spaces is worst and what parents can consider if they are struggling with this issue. Germany to be short of 384,000 Kita places 'by 2023'Next, we get into the mood for Halloween by talking to history buff Mike Stuchbery about some haunted places in Germany, from the Marienberg Fortress to the Frauenkirche in Munich.Halloween: Five of Germany's most haunted placesGermany is known for being one of the most powerful economies in the world, but there are warnings that a recession is looming. We look at what that could mean for people living here and how they should prepare. FACT CHECK - Is Germany heading into a recession?We also talk about language trends, with a focus on the words that Germany's youth are using. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

28 Loka 202231min

In this week's Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local journalists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett and startup founder Constantin Weiss.Listen in as we chat about what a legal cannabis market could look like in Germany under initial proposals drawn up by the Health Minister.We also share with you the latest developments on the government's proposals to relax citizenship laws, including allowing dual citizenship, and what it means for non-EU nationals living in Germany. During the show, we discuss how Germany is reforming its immigration system to try and lure more talent from abroad. Constantin Weiss, the founder of startup Fixkraft which helps match immigrant job seekers with companies in Germany, talks about how bad the worker shortage problem is and the cultural changes he thinks are needed in Germany. We talk about Aaron's viral tweet showing a German business accepting card payments only, why that's out of the ordinary in the good old Bundesrepublik, and delve into Germany's culture of cash.Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

21 Loka 202228min

In the latest episode of our Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett in Berlin, while writer Brian Melican joins us from Hamburg. Listen in as we chat about the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany and how the government is preparing for autumn and winter with a new set of regulations. We break down what the rules are, and any changes you should be aware of. During the show, we discuss what the current Covid figures look like, and why the German government seems to be taking a harder line on dealing with the pandemic than many other countries. We also talk about the Omicron-adapted vaccines and who is eligible for a fourth vaccination.In this episode we detail the groups of workers who are benefitting from Germany's minimum wage increase, and why it's such a big deal for one party in the coalition government. We then hear about an interesting onion event taking place in Weimar this weekend (and you can read more about some unmissable events happening in Germany this month HERE). The team also talk about some things in Germany they'd love to do, including visiting a wine festival, the spooky Burg Frankenstein castle in the state of Hesse, and Leipzig's Wave-Gotik-Treffen - a massive goth meet-up. Please let us know if you have an event or festival in Germany that you're heading to soon, or you'd love to attend in future by leaving a comment or emailing us at news@thelocal.de.Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7 Loka 202226min

JOIN THE LOCAL: Podcast listener offer__In the first episode of our Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local journalists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett in Berlin, while writer Nic Houghton joins us from Augsburg.Tune in as we chat about the energy crisis in Germany and how the government is trying to tackle it and support households with rising bills. We also look at when to turn on the heating on as we go into the colder season, and tips and tricks on staying warm at home. Since we recorded the episode, the German government has formally announced that it is ditching the gas levy, and bringing in a gas price cap. Here are the latest details - and don't forget to check out The Local Germany's homepage for developments.In the episode, we also dig into a recent German court ruling that says employers have to formally monitor and log all staff hours and what it means for workers. And we look at the follow-up nationwide plans for the €9 public transport ticket, as well as Berlin's regional ticket (and why it's not a good deal for those in the C zone). But it's not all about news stories - we're also discussing the German words that have slipped into our English vocabulary, why Germans love the word Shitstorm and we find out what Oktoberfest is really like and what other cool beer festivals there are in Bavaria. You can listen to the episode HERE. Please leave a rating or review wherever you listen to the podcast as it helps ensure that more people discover it. Don’t forget to hit the follow button (or + sign) on Apple or tap the notification bell on Spotify to ensure you get a reminder whenever we publish a new episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

30 Syys 202231min

This week sees the launch of The Local’s brand new podcast, Germany in Focus. Listen to the trailer and subscribe now to get the first episode delivered on Friday. The new weekly podcast is hosted by editor Rachel Loxton who will chat each week with The Local’s journalists and expert commentators about the news stories and other aspects of life in Germany that most affect foreigners living here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 Syys 202235s