Inside Germany: Citizenship reversal fears, hobby horsing and preparing for Oktoberfest

Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.

Is the citizenship law at risk of reversal?

With anti-migrant rhetoric reaching boiling point amid the explosive debate around migration policy in Germany, it's no wonder that our most-read story this week has been a report on whether this could have an impact on foreigners' rights - in particular the new citizenship law. Looking ahead to the nationwide election in autumn 2025, many have been wondering if there's a risk that the law, which allows dual citizenship and reduced the residency period needed to apply to become Germany, will be walked back.

Politicians from the centre right conservatives (Christian Democrats or CDU and its Bavarian sister party, the CSU), which has been topping nationwide voting polls recently, have regularly spoken out against the rule changes. In fact just after the law came into force in June, CDU immigration spokesperson Alexander Throm said the conservatives would "reverse this unsuccessful reform".

But as Imogen Goodman wrote in her report, the party is unlikely to have the numbers in parliament to vote on changing the law back even if it wins the next election. Nils Diederich, a political scientist at Berlin's Free University, told The Local that he believed the conservatives' statements on getting rid of dual citizenship were an "attempt to react to the growth of the AfD".

That brings us to the anti-immigration far-right party. Alternative for Germany (AfD) is hovering in second place behind the CDU/CSU in nationwide polls, and even managed to win the election in Thuringia recently, while coming a close second in Saxony. All eyes are now on Brandenburg where another state parliament vote took place on Sunday. But because there is a 'firewall' against working with the AfD, it's unlikely the party will get into the nationwide government (or even a state government) anytime soon. 

The German coalition government has been keen to stress the need for immigrants in Germany, although politicians want to achieve this through legal skilled migration, which involves people being granted visas, rather than uncontrolled and 'irregular' migration. "For foreigners here legally, this means that routes to German citizenship - and indeed, dual nationality - are set to remain in place for the foreseeable future," wrote Imogen. 

Even if it doesn't impact the dual citizenship policy directly, the rising anti-migrant rhetoric and support for parties like the AfD does have an effect on the atmosphere in Germany and causes concern to many. Foreign residents recently told The Local that they are worried about increasing hate speech and xenophobic incidents. 

One factor that is likely in the case of a future right-leaning government, is that there would be fewer 'positive' immigration policies pushed through, such as the recent easing of skilled worker visa laws and, of course, the citizenship legislation. That said, the worker shortage is only going to get worse in Germany as more people retire - and that is something all future governments in Germany will have to reckon with. 

READ MORE:

• Could Germany's dual nationality law be reversed?
• Who is the conservative leader hoping to become Germany's next chancellor?

Horsing around

Germans are known for being sport-mad. But did you know that there's a new trend on the block? Hobby horsing, which involves completing a gymnastics-style course on a stick horse, has captured the imagination of the nation.

Last weekend in Frankfurt, Germany held its first hobby horsing championship. Around 300 participants - mostly young people but with a few adults - competed in the event which was watched 1,500 spectators. 

The event is said to originate in Finland but has galloped ahead in popularity. Hobby horsing events recently took place in the USA and Australia. Just how popular is it in Germany? According to Andreas Karasek, from the German Hobby Horsing Association, said there around 5,000 hobby horsers and 230 clubs across the country. 

Prepare for folk festivals like a German

It's that time of year again - Oktoberfest is back! If you're in the Munich area, excitement will be building in the city as the event opens on Saturday, September 21st. 

Perhaps you're visiting from abroad and want to know the traditions around cheers-ing your friends in Germany. Or maybe you're a longtime resident but just want to know when a good time is to visit Oktoberfest is how much a beer is going to set you back. And even if you're avoiding Oktoberfest completely, maybe you have your eyes set on another folk festival. 

Amy Brooke wrote about doing Oktoberfest like a German this week and gave us some great tips. For example, did you know that Germans, who do love their beer, generally try to pace themselves when drinking alcohol? Speaking as a Brit, that's something my fellow country men and women could benefit from doing more of. Did you know that it's absolutely essential to look someone in the eye when you clink glasses and 'Prost' (the German word for cheers). And, are you familiar with Oktoberfest traditions like endurance Stein holding?

Whether it is the Wiesn or one of Germany's many other folk festivals and celebrations, another tip that we can take from the Germans - and perhaps it's the most important - is to prepare. Prepare for the weather, prepare the traditional songs, prepare your schedule and, importantly, prepare to have cash on you. Germans are not as ready for online payments as other countries. As Amy writes: "Tap into your inner organised German and squirrel cash away safely on your person and save yourself the pain of getting stung by rip-off cashpoint fees and epic queues."