How Germany is (and isn't) changing, royal bonds and do Germans make small talk?
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany journalists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett.We start off by talking about some important changes happening in Germany in April, including updates on the €49 ticket and why people will likely see more money leftover in their wage slip after tax.The German tax changes coming into effect in AprilEverything that changes in Germany in April 2023With Britain's King Charles III making his first foreign visit as monarch to Germany, we discuss the significance of it, German royal connections and the history of the German royal family and where they are now.Just how well does Britain's King Charles III speak German?Where are the German royal family now?As many of our listeners and readers have come to German to study, we focus on what that means when thinking about applying for German citizenship. What foreign students should know about applying for German citizenship The coalition government has been going through an internal crisis - we explain what’s going on behind closed doors. Does small talk really exist in Germany? We hear from German etiquette expert Nandine Meyden to find out.Finally we talk about some of the cultural things that are starting to change in Germany - and some that will probably never change. Five things that are changing in Germany - and five things that never will Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
31 Mar 202341min
Is Germany really one of the hardest countries to start a new life in?
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany journalists Rachel Stern and Aaron Burnett.We start off by discussing what a 'megastrike' in Germany could look like. Since we recorded the podcast, unions have announced a nationwide transport strike on Monday March 27th. German unions call major nationwide major transport strike on MondayWe also talk about whether people can get a paid day off if they can't get to work or find childcare due to industrial action. Strikes: Do parents in Germany receive a day off work when Kitas close?Next we get into about rent developments in Germany’s biggest cities; where rents are rising fastest and where renting is most expensive. How rents are changing in Germany's five biggest citiesIf you’re not familiar with Schlager music, don’t worry! We take a deep dive into the genre and talk about why Schlager legend Helene Fischer has been in the German news. Why are people in Germany so obsessed with Schlager music?The German Bundestag - one of the largest parliaments in the world - is going to get smaller. We try to explain why and what it all means. German parliament votes to make itself smaller in disputed reform A survey found that Germany is one of the most difficult places for foreigners to get started in. We’ll talk about that and hear from Kathleen Parker of Red Tape Translation, which helps immigrants in Germany with admin and bureaucracy. Germany ranked 'most difficult country' for foreign residents to get startedLastly, we share some tips about how to get on with your neighbours in Germany. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 Mar 202340min
Berlin’s topless swimming row, strike season and German tipping culture
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett.We start off by talking about gun laws in Germany after a shooting in Hamburg. German minister wants crackdown on gun laws after shootingWe talk about why anyone - regardless of their gender - can now swim topless in Berlin's swimming pools, and we get into German nudity culture. The laws around going topless in GermanyWith the German citizenship reform set to be debated in parliament soon, we talk about the proposed changes to the draft law so far. How could Germany's planned reform to citizenship laws change?With widespread strikes happening across Germany at the moment - we discuss why there is so much industrial action happening right now, and if any resolutions have been found. Why are there so many strikes in Germany right now?And if you’re confused about tipping culture in Germany - don’t worry we get some clarity on the dos and don’ts from German etiquette expert, Nandine Meyden.Are Germans stingy when it comes to tipping?Lastly, we’ll talk about the German words that strike fear into our hearts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Mar 202342min
Who’s against Germany’s dual citizenship plans - and why?
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett.We start off by talking about some key changes to know about this month in Germany, from youth travel tickets and train track upgrades to energy price caps.Everything that changes in Germany in 2023Then we have a little chat about Germany's mild winter weather, and what it all means. Current winter in Germany '2.7C too warm'With more strikes planned across the country, we talk about where is most affected and what you should look out for in the coming weeks.Public transport disruption expected across Germany Friday as public transport workers go on strikeWill Deutsche Bahn staff be next to strike in Germany?Ash Wednesday saw Germany’s annual political roast. We do a bit of a deep dive on the Bavarian state leader, Markus Söder, and ask if he is ever likely to become a future German Chancellor candidate. German citizenship reform is in the works but not everyone is cheering it on. We talk about why some people are so against it, and what the government says. German conservatives slam dual citizenship plans for promoting 'loyalty conflicts'We also explain why people in Berlin could see major delays to citizenship applications this year. Why German citizenship applications in Berlin are facing delaysFinally, we talk about some cool events happening around Germany in March. 7 events you won't want to miss in Germany in March Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
2 Mar 202337min
How Germany plans to ease immigration laws and why so many people fail German driving tests
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Sarah Magill as well as political analyst Jessica Berlin.We start by talking about how Germany celebrated carnival this year and the significance of the culture across different regions. Politics takes centre stage in Rosenmontag parades throughout GermanyWe move onto a story about the increasing number of people taking driving tests in Germany - and the proportion of people who fail. Sarah shares her experience of learning to drive in Germany and gives some tips. More than a third of German driving tests failed in 2022'A year-long ordeal': What I learned from getting my driving licence in BerlinWhat to know about driving in low emissions zones in GermanyA new draft law on skilled immigration reforms has been released. We give you an update on that, including what it means for the EU Blue Card and international students. What's in Germany's new draft law on skilled immigration?It’s a year since Russia launched a full scale invasion Ukraine. We talk about how Germany has changed since then and we’ll hear from political analyst Jessica Berlin to get her views on how Germany could step up support for Ukraine.How the war in Ukraine has changed GermanyFinally, we share some of our best life hacks for making living in Germany that bit easier (and please share yours with us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
23 Feb 202334min
How bad will strikes get in Germany and should public officials have to speak English?
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Aaron Burnett, as well as jobs expert Chris Pyak and dating and relationships expert Sami Wunder. We kick things off by talking about the strikes hitting Germany and how they are affecting daily life, whether travel, post or childcare. What travellers need to know about the German airport strikes on Friday Next we talk about the significance of the Currywurst as well as how much Germany's most expensive Currywurst will set you back and where you can find it.Currywurst: The Berlin dish that wouldn't exist without the BritishAfter the capital Berlin voted in its elections re-run on Sunday, we talk about the winners and losers, what happens next and what it all means. How did the SPD lose so badly in Berlin - and what happens next?Should public officials in Germany have to speak English? That’s what the Free Democrats want to see. We discuss why they think this should happen and the debate around it. Public officials in Germany should speak English, says FDPAre Germany's proposed immigration reforms unworkable?Business coach Chris Pyak, who helps internationals get jobs in Germany and is the author of How to Win Jobs and Influence Germans, talks about the hurdles non-Germans face when trying to get into the German job market and what he thinks about the FDP proposals. Lastly we talk about dating (and marriage) in Germany, and Sami Wunder tells us why she was inspired to become a relationships and dating expert, and gives advice on dating in Germany. Everything has to be planned: How to have a successful relationship with a German Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
16 Feb 202340min
What’s going on with Germany’s housing market and can tourists get the €49 ticket?
In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett, as well as experienced mortgage broker Peter Kleinwächter from MLP Berlin and culture and history writer Mike Stuchbery. Germany's €49 monthly transport ticket will start on May 1st. We discuss all the details we know so far, how the states are already planning different processes and if tourists and visitors to Germany will be able to get it. Will tourists and visitors be able to get the €49 ticket?Consumers in Germany have been dealing with lots of price rises on products in the past year. We talk about whether this will continue this year, and why beer is (sadly) going up in price. Everything that changes in Germany in February 2023Next we look at why property prices are falling, how it’s affecting rents and we talk to Peter Kleinwächter to find out if it’s a good time to buy a home. Ask an expert: Is now a good time to buy a property in Germany?Peter also talks us through some of the factors foreigners in Germany need to consider when buying a home. There are lots of job cuts in the tech sector at the moment, including in Germany. We talk about what happens if you lose your job and you have an EU blue card, and if there's any good news about jobs.German software giant SAP to cut 3,000 jobsWhat happens to your EU Blue Card if you lose your job in Germany?Which sectors are looking to hire in Germany?Lastly, the German film All Quiet on the Western Front is up for nine Oscars. We talk to The Local's culture and history expert Mike Stuchbery about the significance of the film and book, before discussing some of our favourite German films and TV series. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
3 Feb 202342min
