Germany’s 'unfair' family reunification rules and most surprising German taxes

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In the latest episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Rachel Stern and Aaron Burnett. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards.

We chat about American football's popularity in Germany and Rachel Loxton's trip to Frankfurt to see an NFL game.

• Millions of fans: How Germany fell in love with American football

We get into the latest strikes in Germany and how they might affect you.

• How will Germany's public service strikes affect you?
• Is Germany set for more train strikes in the weeks ahead?

We talk about how long Germans typically live and why life expectancy is falling.

• In which parts of Germany do people live the longest?

After a group of hikers were questioned by police, we discuss border checks in Germany and heightened tensions following the outbreak of the Middle East war.

• Why are German police carrying out checks on hikers at the borders?

Since we recorded our podcast, it emerged that the opposition Christian Democrats have a submitted a bill for discussion that would see foreigners lose their citizenship rights if they are found to be anti-Semitic.

• Could Germany strip citizenship rights from foreigners over anti-Semitism?

Under Germany’s new immigration law, family reunification rules are being eased - but only for future skilled workers. We hear from a Local reader who wants to bring an ageing parent to Germany.

• Why is Germany only easing family reunification rules for future skilled workers?

Finally, we talk about the most surprising taxes in Germany.

• What is Germany's lucrative dog tax and how much do you have to pay?

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