Germany in Focus

Find out more about becoming a member of The Local In this episode Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to the stories we talk about: Who's affected by hike in flight ticket tax and what's the future for budget air travel?: 'Germany lacks a sensible airline policy': Is budget air travel on the decline?The changes to be aware of in May: Everything that changes in Germany in May 2024How to maximise public holidays like a German this May What are the positives of living in Nuremberg? Five reasons foreigners should move to Nuremberg What's it like to bring up children in a bilingual household in Germany? Key tips for raising bilingual kids in Germany German noises to help you sound more like a local: Six noises to help you sound more German Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Find out more about becoming a member of The Local here In this episode Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Aaron Burnett and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to the stories we talk about: The spy scandals gripping Germany and rocking the AfD: 'How spying scandal has rocked troubled German far-right partyWhat we know about the alleged spies accused of plotting attacks on Germany for RussiaBerlin's €29 ticket relaunch: 'Berlin-Abo' - Everything you need to know about Berlin's new €29 travel passGetting a lawyer involved with your German naturalisation application: When should you consider legal action on your German citizenship application?German word of the day - UntätigkeitsklageDoes hiring a lawyer speed up your German citizenship application?Is Germany an attractive spot for foreign workers? Germany ranked fifth most popular destination for foreign workers Germany's plans to improve digital access to the job market Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Imogen Goodman and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to some of the stories we talk about: Bavaria takes a stand against Germany's cannabis legalisation: 'Bavaria moves to ban cannabis at Oktoberfest and beer gardensGermany’s new self-determination law passed by parliament and the planned rule changes for double surnames: How Germany's self-determination law will make it easier for people to change their genderWhy Germany is changing its complicated rules around double surnames Commission urges German government to make abortion officially legal in first trimester: 'Untenable': Legalise abortions in first trimester, urges commissionWill abortion in Germany soon become legal?Transport Minister threatens weekend driving bans, and the plans for new climate rules: German minister threatens to introduce weekend driving bansHas Germany avoided driving bans by loosening its climate rules? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Aaron Burnett and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to the stories we talk about: German national football team's strip controversies: 'Lack of patriotism': German football team to cut ties with Adidas after 70 yearsCan German trains improve their punctuality: German government expects more punctual trains... by ChristmasGermany's Deutschlandticket offer for students: Where can university students in Germany get a Deutschlandticket for €29?Night trains: Prague and Dresden added to Brussels night train routeAsparagus season begins in Germany: Warm weather marks the start of 'Spargelzeit' in GermanyHow happy are Germans? Why are people in Germany getting unhappier?Tax deadlines in 2024: What are the 2024 deadlines to submit my tax return in Germany? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Rachel Stern and Imogen Goodman. Our guest this week is historian and tour guide Jonny Whitlam. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to the stories we talk about: Germany's citizenship law passes final hurdle and why the citizenship test is being shaken up: Elation and worry as Germany's citizenship law passes final hurdleWhy Germany is shaking up citizenship test questions The new questions being added to Germany's citizenship testChanges residents should know in April: Everything that changes in Germany this April Cannabis possession becomes legal in Germany plus vocab: What to know about Germany's partial legalisation of cannabisGerman word of the day - KiffenGerman word of the day - BubatzGermany's culture of remembrance: New hurdles for Germany's remembrance culture as Holocaust survivors dwindle Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Aaron Burnett and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to stories we talk about today: Latest update on German citizenship law: When might Germany's dual citizenship law get final signature?What the European elections mean for Germany: What's at stake in Germany's European election vote?How to register to vote in Germany at the European electionsWhy Berlin's techno scene has been given cultural icon status: Berlin techno scene added to UNESCO world heritage listWhat does the future hold for skiing in Germany? How the climate crisis is changing Germany's ski resortsThe ski destinations you can reach by train from Germany Easter in Germany: What's open in Germany over the Easter weekend?How to celebrate Easter like a GermanEaster travel - are German train strikes set to end? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the generous support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panellists Imogen Goodman and Paul Krantz. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We are also joined by economist Friedhelm Pfeiffer, a senior researcher at the European Centre for Economic Research in Mannheim. Here are some links to stories we talk about today: Why a German city has launched a public light display for Ramadan: Frankfurt becomes first German city to light up for RamadanWhat's going on with strikes in Germany and can we expect disruption over Easter? How likely are strikes in Germany over the Easter weekend?Update on the dual citizenship law and why foreign nationals are protesting against Berlin’s slow bureaucracy. Has Germany's upcoming dual citizenship law been delayed again?Foreigners in Berlin furious over German citizenship delaysThe protests against US car company Tesla's expansion in Brandenburg: Why is Tesla's expansion in Berlin so controversial? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus is made possible by the generous support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Imogen Goodman and Rachel Stern. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We are also joined by immigration lawyer Sven Hasse. Here are links to some of the stories we talk about: Germany's cannabis law approved in the Bundestag: German parliament votes to legalise cannabis possessionWill cannabis legislation in Germany lead to a boom in salesWhat the partial legalisation of cannabis could mean for GermanyBerlin's film festival Berlinale accused of promoting anti-Semitism: Germany launches probe over Berlin film festival 'anti-Semitism' rowFar-left militant on the run from police for decades arrested: Fugitive far-left militant wanted for decades arrested in BerlinWhat Germany's Red Army Faction can tell the world about terrorChanges in Germany in March including immigration rules: Everything that changes in Germany in March 2024What changes in Germany with immigration rules in 2024Events in March across Germany: 8 unmissable events in Germany in March 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Germany in Focus made possible by the generous support of subscribers to The Local - find out more here about becoming a member. Our sponsor for this episode is US tax specialist BrightTax. In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Paul Krantz and Rachel Stern. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We are also joined by career coach Kevin Kocher from Immigrant Spirit. Here are links to some of the stories we talk about: Berlin's ruling on illegal holiday lets and Airbnbs: Could a landmark court ruling help solve Berlin's housing crisis?Germany's invisible borders between east and west: How does Germany's phantom border still divide the country?The new WerteUnion right wing party and why its founder is controversial: How a new anti-migrant party could cement Germany's lurch to the rightWhy are people in Germany retiring later in life? Why are so many people in Germany choosing to retire later?What's the outlook for jobs in Germany, especially for foreign residents? Which German companies are planning to cut jobs?What's the outlook for the German job market in 2024How foreign jobseekers in Germany can maximise their changes in 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and Rachel Stern. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We are also joined by Berlin-based immigration lawyer Sven Hasse. Here are links to some of the stories we talk about: Carnival in Germany: Trump and Putin take centre stage at Germany's Rosenmontag paradesWhy Germany is getting ready for the possibility of war: Germany needs to be 'war ready' in five years, says army chief'Deter aggressors': Germany's Scholz calls to ramp up arms production in EUCalls for a crackdown on SUVs: Could Germany also introduce parking fees for SUVs?Why an anonymous group has been deflating SUV tyres across GermanyGermany launches four day week trial project: How Germany is trialling the four day working weekGerman citizenship application delays in Berlin (and beyond): How fast will Berlin's new citizenship office process applications?Berlin launches online German citizenship application form Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are some links to the stories we talk about. Paying taxes: Should you get a tax advisor in Germany - and how much does it cost?Reader Question: How can I find a German tax advisor?German traditions: Eight strange superstitions that Germans hold dearlyCan you get a job in Germany without speaking German? INTERVIEW: How to get an English speaking job in GermanyGermany with a far-right government: How worried should Germany be about the far-right AfD after mass deportation scandal?Having a child in Germany: An American's view on having a baby in Germany Retiring in Germany: How can pensioners from abroad retire in Germany?German citizenship laws: Can I apply for citizenship in Germany and then leave?What do I need to apply for German citizenship under the new law?UPDATE: When and how can I apply for German citizenship? What you need to know about Germany's citizenship law reform Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We talk about the new round of strikes causing travel chaos in Germany. Where will public transport in Germany be affected by strikes on Friday?Public transport to hospitals - which strikes are coming up in Germany Tens of thousands affected by airport security staff strikes in GermanyWe get into the big changes happening in February, including an update on the dual nationality law. When might Germany's new dual citizenship law come into force?German Bundesrat to debate dual citizenship law on February 2ndEverything that changes in Germany in 2024We talk about the behaviour and habits you pick up as a foreigner in Germany, from stockpiling herbal tea to being more direct. Five ways living in Germany changes you as a personWe also hear about how The Local readers are becoming more German. If you have acquired a new habit since moving to Germany that you'd like us to read out on the podcast, please email germanyinfocus@thelocal.com Lastly we talk about some of the events happening in Germany this February and our recommendations. Where to watch the 2024 Super Bowl in Germany7 unmissable events happening in Germany in February 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We get into the train strike, AfD protests and hear from migration experts on what the new citizenship law means for foreigners in Germany. We also answer your questions on citizenship. If you have any questions for a future podcast episode, ask them here: What questions should we answer on our podcast? Here are the links to some of the stories we discuss: Six day train strike underway in Germany: How train travellers in Germany will be affected by the latest six-day strikeGerman train drivers begin largest strike ever as fears over economy growCould rail strikes end sooner than expected?Germans protest against the AfD: Tens of thousands flood protests against the far-right AfD Even with German citizenship reform, foreigners must be wary of lurch to the far-rightGermany's citizenship law passes in the Bundestag: What you need to know about Germany's citizenship law reformWhen and how can I apply for German citizenship?‘It’ll take forever’: Applicants for German citizenship brace for long waitsCHECKLIST - What do I need to apply for German citizenship under the new lawWhich criminal offences could get you barred from German citizenship? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Rachel Stern and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. If you have any questions for a future podcast episode, ask them here: What questions should we answer on our podcast? Here are the links to some of the stories we discuss: Germany's citizenship law goes to the Bundestag: German parliament passes landmark dual citizenship reformWhat you need to know about Germany's citizenship law reformWhen and how can I apply for German citizenship?Germany's struggling economy: Why is Germany stuck in a recession and how long might it last?What's the outlook for the German job market in 2024?How worried should we be about the AfD? AfD denies plans to expel unassimilated foreignersGerman minister warns AfD over 'deportation' talks rowThousands march against AfD in Germany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Rachel Stern and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Train strikes in Germany: Germany could see more train strikes this winter, says rail bossTrain strike - how will travel in Germany's five largest cities be affected?Farmers' protests across the country: Furious farmers state Germany-wide tractor blockadesHow will the 2024 budget decisions affect you? How Germany plans to solve its budget in 2024Why the cost of flying from Germany will rise in May The drama facing the coalition government and political landscape in Germany: Germany faces a hellish year of politics amid rise of far-rightCould the AfD ever take power in Germany?The Local readers' predictions for 2024: 'Complete clusterf*ck: Your predictions for life in Germany in 2024 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and James Jackson. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: German citizenship debate held in the Bundestag: What are the next steps for Germany's long-awaited dual citizenship law?Should you apply for citizenship before or after the new law comes in?What you should know about your rights if your flight or train is delayed or cancelled in Germany: Thousands of passengers stranded as Munich airport closes due to freezing rainWhat are your rights in Germany if your flight is cancelled?How to get compensation for a delayed or cancelled train in GermanyGerman students’ performance on subjects like maths and reading falls significantly: German school pupils plummet to 'lowest score ever' in international rankingsGermany's budget crisis: What happens if Germany can't decide on a budget in 2024?What is Weihnachtsgeld and how do you get it? What employees in Germany need to know about WeihnachtsgeldWhat we can expect from 2024: What you need to know about money and tax changes in 2024German government to loosen up cannabis legalisation law Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Aaron Burnett and Imogen goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. Here are links to some of the stories we discuss: Christmas markets and Advent traditions in Germany: What's the history behind Germany's beloved Christmas markets?German word of the day - der AdventkrantzGermany's growing budget crisis: Schuldenbremse - What is Germany's debt brake and how does it affect residents?How deep does the German fear of debt go?New cannabis draft law and timeline: German government to loosen up cannabis legalisation lawPreparing for winter weather: The fines drivers in Germany need to know about in winter Problems at Stuttgart immigration office: How German immigration office delays hurt lives of foreign workers'They treat us like trash': Problems at Stuttgart immigration office persistAre Germany's immigration offices making foreigners feel unwelcome?Events happening in December: 10 unmissable events happening in Germany in DecemberThe best events happening in Berlin this December Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Imogen Goodman and James Jackson Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We talk about why Germany’s love affair with the fax machine may be coming to an end. How Germany is ending its 40 year love affair with the fax machine Germany's Interior Ministry has been holding a conference on Islam this week - we look at why it's been controversial What is Germany's Islam conference and why is it controversial?After the dual citizenship law was put on pause, we give you the latest update and how it’s changing. How Germany wants to toughen up dual citizenship law around anti-SemitismThe German government has been worried about billions of missing euros from the budget after a court ruling involving the debt brake - we explain what the debt brake is and how possible changes could affect you. Since we recorded, the German government has indicated it will take on more debt this year. Germany to seek debt rule suspension for 2023Germany delays 2024 budget decision after court blowA new survey ranks Hamburg and Berlin as two of the worst cities for foreigners. Are they that bad? Why are Hamburg and Berlin ranked as two of the worst cities for foreigners?Finally, we discuss some food culture shocks that The Local Germany readers have had and we share ours. Germany's biggest food culture shocks for foreigners Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer 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 footballWe 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? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join The Local with our podcast listener offer In this episode of the Germany in Focus podcast, host Rachel Loxton is joined by panelists Rachel Stern and Imogen Goodman. Our sound engineer is Rhys Edwards. We start off by hearing about some Diwali events happening in Germany. Where to celebrate Diwali 2023 in GermanyWe dig into why the debate in the Bundestag on Germany's new citizenship law has been delayed and why the topic of integration is being talked about again. We also hear from guest Hakan Demir, a Social Democrat MP working on the reforms. What's next for Germany's landmark citizenship reforms?Why has Germany's citizenship debate reform been delayed?German states and Chancellor Olaf Scholz have drawn up measures to change Germany’s rules on asylum seekers. We chat about what the new rules are and why Germany is toughening its stance. Germany to toughen asylum rules as migrant influx surgesThe future of the €49 ticket is safe - at least for now. We talk about the latest agreement on the travel pass. Will Germany's €49 ticket be continued?Finally, we’ll talk about things that have confused us about renting a flat in Germany and how we dealt with them. Six confusing things about renting a flat in Germany Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.