Merkel's memoir, Berlin university protest row and fascinating facts about Cologne

In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett, and writer and co-host of the Decades from Home podcast, Nic Houghton. A major news story this week has been Germany's reluctance to give the green light to send so-called Leopard tanks to Ukraine in the fight against the Russian invasion. We talk about how the international community heaped pressure on German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, how Germany finally allowed for tanks to be sent to Ukraine, and what the German population thinks about it. Ditherer or deal maker: Jurys out on Scholz's tanks brinkmanshipGermany gives greenlight for Leopard tank deliveries to UkraineAre Germans really that pacifist anymore?With the property tax deadline coming up - we talk about why it's happening, what it means and how it can affect you (even if you don’t own your own home).The German property tax declaration owners need to know aboutWe get into why there's a backlog of German citizenship applications, where it’s worst and what (if anything) is being done to get paperwork moving. How enormous backlogs are delaying applications for German citizenship We also talk about why 2023 is a critical year for the retirement system in Germany and the concerns over pensions. Why 2023 is a a critical year for Germany's retirement systemCould people in Germany soon be working until the age of 68?How long do you have to work to receive a German pension?Making friends in Germany when you've moved from abroad can be tough. We ask Augsburg-based Nic Houghton, who came to Germany from the UK and is co-host of a podcast about life in the Bundesrepublik, how to go about building a social life. And we also chat about the different ways of making connections as an international in Germany.Eight rules for making friends in Germany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

27 Jan 202337min

In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and Aaron Burnett, and German teacher at the Goethe Institut Birgit Schneider. We talk about why the German Defence Minister has stepped down - and who her replacement is. German Defence Minister quits as pressure grows for Ukraine aidAttacks against emergency workers and riots on New Year's Eve have sparked major debate in Germany. We look at how it's brought immigration and racism issues into the spotlight, as well as questions about whether the private use of fireworks should be scaled back. How New Year's Eve fireworks chaos sparked a racism debateNext we bring you up to date with some great new international train routes from Germany.The new international train routes you can take from Germany this yearHow travelling by train between Berlin and the UK will get easier in 2023We give an update on changes to some of the Covid mask wearing rules in Germany. We talk about the draft law for German citizenship reform, which will see many hurdles relaxed, including allowing people to hold multiple nationalities. Plus Aaron gives an update on the expected timeline. TIMELINE: What happens next with Germany's plans to allow dual citizenship?In this episode we focus on the German language requirements likely needed in future for people applying to become German.What we know so far about the planned language requirements for German citizenshipGerman teacher Birgit Schneider goes into a bit more detail about the language levels and gives her tips for passing the exams. How hard is the C1 language test for Germany's upcoming citizenship reform?Lastly, we get into some of the ways Germans beat the winter blues because January really is a tough month.The one way to beat the January blues in each German state Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20 Jan 202341min

In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett, and German member of the Bundestag Hakan Demir. We start by talking about what the German words of the year tell us about Germany right now (and this exceptional year). What do Germany's top 10 words of the year tell us?We then talk about some of the changes ahead in 2023, from inflation support to the €49 public transport ticket - and what the picture is on public holidays in Germany. Which German benefits are increasing in 2023 - and how do I claim them?How employees in Germany can take twice as many holidays in 2023When are Germany's state and national public holidays in 2023With the German government's plans to reform naturalisation laws - which would allow dual citizenship and reduce the time requirements to apply for citizenship - we spoke with Hakan Demir, a Social Democrat and Bundestag representative for Berlin Neukölln, who is part of the team working on changes to the law. He told us how the coalition is working to push through the changes in the coming months, the planned requirements and what allowing dual citizenship in Germany means to him and his family.Germany to require 'C1 language skills' for new fast-track citizenship'Dangerous and wrong': Why German MPs are clashing over citizenship plansWhat's behind the push to reform dual citizenship laws in Germany?We’ll finish off by having a chat about the German culture of setting off fireworks at new year. Why do Germans love shooting fireworks at new year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

22 Des 202234min

In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Sarah Magill and journalist Aaron Burnett as well as writer and researcher Mike Stuchbery and Kumar Ashish, who's a student originally from Nepal studying at the University of Oldenburg, and he heads up the the Federal Union of International Students in GermanyAs lots of people are on the move to unite with friends and family over the holidays, we talk about possible travel disruption and what to expect.How to travel without stress in Germany this Christmas After an alleged plot to overthrow the government came to light last week, we look at the latest on the story, if we should be worried about the far-right movement linked to this plot, and why Germany is looking at its gun laws. Germany pledges tighter gun laws after far-right alleged coup plotWe dig into where rents are increasing fastest in Germany, and the reasons why they are going up so much.Where rental prices are increasing the fastest in GermanyNext, we talk about the negative experiences that some international residents have had at Germany's immigration offices or Ausländerbehörden.Are Germany's immigration offices making foreigners feel unwelcome?EXPLAINED: How Germany plans to make immigration easier for skilled workersFinally, we’ll finish off with a little festive-themed quiz (and we'll have a little chat about the legend of the Weihnachtsgurke Christmas tree decoration!)How well do you know these German festive traditions?Are Christmas pickle ornaments a German tradition? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16 Des 202237min

In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and journalist Aaron Burnett as well as Olga Kravchenko, a refugee from Donbas, Ukraine, based in Cottbus, eastern Germany. We start off by discussing a major news story that broke this week about an alleged coup plot in Germany. Who was involved in the alleged plot to ‘overthrow German democracy’?German authorities identify new suspects in alleged coup plotWe then talk about Olaf Scholz's busy first year as German Chancellor - and we dissect what the coalition government has achieved (and where they haven't hit the mark). Scholz marks turbulent first year as German ChancellorGerman government is pushing ambitious agenda despite turbulent first year We talk about the significance of a campaign that led to Berlin changing two street names to honour those who stood up against German colonialism. Berlin says goodbye to part of Germany's colonial past Next, we discuss how the German government is supporting consumers by paying their gas bills in December, and what people should be aware of.When will people in Germany get their December gas bill payout?We talk about reported record figures on migration to Germany in 2022, fuelled by refugees arriving from Ukraine. We look at how that compares to the 2015 crisis, and how authorities are coping at the moment. Plus we hear from Olga Kravchenko - a refugee from Ukraine in Germany - who shares some of the challenges she's faced this year. Finally, we share some tips on what you should know if you're visiting Germany this winter, whether it's about the best food to eat, the weather or the Glühwein deposit rule.9 things to know if you're visiting Germany in December Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8 Des 202232min

In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Imogen Goodman as well as citizenship lawyer Julie Schäfer.We start things off by talking about the German tradition of Nikolaustag and Krampus.We then talk about the results of an InterNations survey that ranked Frankfurt second worst for expats out of 50 global cities. Frankfurt ranked 'second worst city for expats' in new international surveyNext, we discuss a new German word invented by the New York Times that Germans weren't previously aware of (but it could catch on). We talk about a turbulent week that's seen Germany's planned citizenship laws come under fire from the opposition - as well as within the coalition government. Imogen gives analysis on why this is happening now, and how it will impact the proposals. Why are Germany's planned citizenship reforms coming under fire?EXPLAINED: Could Germany’s conservatives block dual citizenship?'Dangerous and wrong': German MPs clash over citizenship plansPlus we hear from expert Julie Schäfer, who works as a citizenship lawyer in the German city of Düsseldorf, and is a dual French-German citizen.Germany to ease citizenship rules for children of foreign parentsLastly, we get into a few Christmas markets around Germany that are well worth checking out. Eight of the quirkiest Christmas markets in GermanySeven unmissable Christmas markets that open this week in Germany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2 Des 202232min

In the latest episode, Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Aaron Burnett as well as freelance journalist James Jackson, who covers Germany and central eastern Europe.We kick things off by talking about a how Germans mark the Advent tradition in the run up to Christmas.We then talk about train disruption on various routes, particularly in North-Rhine Westphalia and on some long-distance rail services. Rail travel chaos looms in Germany's most populous stateAaron then talks us through what we should know about the new Deutsche Bahn train timetable, while the panelists also share their tips on travelling by train in Germany during busy times. How Germany's long-distance train services will change from December Five tips for stress-free train travel in Germany over the festive season We give you an update on the stalled plans to overhaul the long-term unemployment benefits with a system called Bürgergeld. Plus we talk about the different kinds of unemployment benefits in Germany and who is entitled to him. Germany reaches agreement on Bürgergeld - with a couple of catches 10 golden rules to know if you lose your job in GermanyWe dig into how the education system works in Germany, looking at the different schools that pupils go to and the positives of it. We then hear from James Jackson who recently sparked a debate on social media when he called out the system for contributing to social inequality. What parents should know about German schoolsWhat foreign parents really think about German schoolsLastly, we put our panelists to the test by giving them five questions from a mock-up German citizenship test. Listen along and see if you know the answers.TEST: Can you pass the German citizenship exam? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

25 Nov 202237min

In the latest episode of Germany in Focus, host Rachel Loxton is joined by regular panelists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett as well as Germany sports correspondent for AFP, Dan Wighton.We start off by talking about a regional holiday in the eastern state of Saxony.We move onto breaking down how rising consumer prices are affecting daily life in Germany, particularly at the supermarket, and talk about why the inflation rate of around 10 percent actually feels a lot higher.Which everyday German products are increasing the most in price?Sarah shares some tips on how to save money when shopping, and the panelists reveals their favourite German supermarkets.10 ways to save money on your groceries in Germany We talk about why the German government’s plans to overhaul unemployment benefits with a new system called Bürgergeld - or citizens' allowance' - have hit a massive hurdle. Will Germany's controversial Bürgergeld still come into force?Bürgergeld - What to know about Germany's unemployment benefits shake-upWe have an update on the Covid situation in Germany, and look at why rules are beginning to change in some places. Will Germany get rid of Covid-19 masks?Two German states stop enforcing mandatory Covid-19 isolation Next we talk about the German reaction to the FIFA World Cup being hosted in Qatar. Germany sports correspondent Dan Wighton, who is covering the event, talks about boycotts by some German bars, how fans are feeling and gives us the lowdown on how the German team is looking ahead of the competition. Lastly we talk about the stages of learning German that foreigners go through, and share what the results of a new survey tell us about how well Germans speak English. The seven stages of learning German that every foreigner goes throughGermans score very high on English proficiency Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18 Nov 202235min