Articles by this author
'The Golden Windbag': Germany votes on most misleading food claims of the year
From innovative baking soda to pricey vitamin juice and 'libido-boosting' gummy bears, five products are competing for the title of Germany’s most misleading food claim in 2026. Here’s how to have your say.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Pay rise freeze for German MPs gains cross-party support, majority back stricter rules on e‑scooters, Germany ranked 10th as football World Cup kicks off in Mexico and more news on Friday, June 12th.
How to make the most of Germany's open‑air cinemas this summer
Sunset, deckchairs and a blockbuster under the stars – Germany’s 'Freiluftkinos' are a summer essential. But from language traps to chilly evenings, a little insider knowledge can make all the difference.
The words German estate agents use when they want to rip you off
'Lichtdurchflutet' (bathed in light) and 'Gemütlich' (cosy) might sound appealing, but in Germany’s property market, these poetic descriptions can often mean something else entirely.
When should couples file separate tax returns in Germany?
If you’re part of a couple in Germany, one of the first tax questions you’ll face is whether to file jointly or separately. In most cases, joint filing is the better option – but there are important exceptions worth knowing about.
How to study for your German driver's licence theory exam
With almost half of candidates failing, Germany’s theory test can trip up even experienced drivers. Here’s what international residents need to know, and how to improve your chances of passing first time.
Which German cities have the happiest residents in 2026?
A new happiness ranking challenges assumptions about urban life in Germany – suggesting that smaller, more affordable cities may offer a better everyday experience.
What's the law on Ozempic for weight loss in Germany?
Ozempic has rapidly become one of the world’s most talked‑about weight‑loss drugs – but can people in Germany get it without a prescription, and what are the rules if you don’t have diabetes? Here’s what you need to know.
Germany's 'temporary' permits are becoming an ongoing issue for foreign residents
Designed to be a short-term fix, Germany's 'Fiktionsbescheinigung' has since become a standard part of the immigration process. We spoke to experts to understand how the document affects residents' work, travel and daily life.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
30,000 cyclists rally in Berlin for better bike infrastructure, German chancellor backs Zelensky’s call for Putin talks, flights grounded at Munich airport after tower evacuation and more news on Monday, June 8th.
Potsdam bans smart glasses at swimming pools amid privacy fears in Germany
As debate grows across Germany, a local rule change could potentially reshape how wearable tech can be used in everyday public spaces.
Seven of the best apps for navigating bureaucracy in Germany
Struggling with German paperwork? From taxes to health insurance, these seven essential apps can help foreign residents decode official demands and stay one step ahead of the system.
How to avoid a hairy seasonal health risk in Germany this summer
Letters from schools and park closures signal a growing summer hazard in Germany. Oak processionary moth caterpillar infestations can trigger rashes, breathing problems and widespread disruption.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
German interior minister under fire over continued Schengen border checks, Hindu temple opens in Berlin after 20-year journey, Lufthansa jet tips onto its nose at Frankfurt airport and more news on Friday, June 5th.
When can residents deduct the cost of German courses from taxes?
For many foreign residents, learning German is essential for work – but the tax office doesn’t always see it that way. As a result, language lessons often fall into a confusing grey area when it comes to claiming deductions.
The things you won't see in Germany that are common elsewhere
It’s easy to notice things like cycle lanes, bakeries on every corner and the sheer number of public clocks when you first arrive in Germany. But which everyday features are conspicuous by their absence?
German phrase of the day: Eierlegende Wollmilchsau
This bizarre-sounding expression is the go-to phrase for Germans faced with the impossible. Master it, and you’ll have the perfect phrase for mocking the unrealistic expectations that plague us all.
Why international graduates are three times more likely to find work in Germany
A new report reveals that international graduates in Germany find work three times faster than direct job-seekers – but warns that unrelated part-time work is trapping talent.
What's the German version of Craigslist?
Looking for online classifieds to buy or sell second-hand items, find housing or access local services in Germany? Here’s where to look.
Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
German minister aborts Beirut visit amid escalating conflict, coalition split casts doubt on planned increase for student grants, Youth Science winners highlight AI limits and more news on Tuesday, June 2nd.
Elterngeld Plus: How new parents in Germany can stretch parental leave payments
Many international residents have heard of Germany’s generous programs for new parents, but fewer realise they can transition to part-time work and extend their income support via 'Elterngeld Plus'.
Record number of departures from Berlin reveals a city in flux
Record numbers are leaving Berlin, while international arrivals keep the city growing. But with only modest growth expected, the real story is how quickly its population – and character – are shifting.
Baden-Wurttemberg expands smoking bans in public spaces
New smoking restrictions have come into force in Baden-Württemberg, extending bans to many outdoor spaces and adding the use of e-cigarettes. Here’s how the state's smoking rules have changed.