If hay fever is already making you miserable, the last thing you need is confusion at the pharmacy counter. Here’s a practical guide to allergy medication in Germany – and some helpful phrases for asking for it.
Dogs are part of everyday life in Germany – but the rules around leashes, noise and shared spaces can be surprisingly strict. Whether you own a dog or not, here’s how the law shapes what you see when you’re out and about.
A new heating project linking Görlitz in Germany and Zgorzelec in Poland shows how local leadership and cross-border collaboration could deliver cleaner, more affordable heat – and greater energy security – in uncertain times.
Teaching children to be aware and respectful of different cultures is more important than ever. Raising the next generation to navigate a culturally diverse world is the key to a more tolerant and integrated future.
Germany has a strong wellness culture that dates back more than 2,000 years. If you're looking to take a dip in mineral waters or sweat it out in the sauna, spa towns – known as 'Kurorte' – offer the perfect weekend break.
Kleingarten culture is a unique part of life in Germany, offering a small green oasis amidst the urban sprawl. If you're hoping to secure your own allotment, here's what to know about the process and costs - and what to expect when you get one.
A Berlin-built satellite named after a legendary art squat launched into space last week as part of NASA’s Artemis II mission – connecting the city’s countercultural past with its high-tech future.
Germany is famous for its liberal approach to nudity, but for many expats it's 'free body culture' remains a major culture shock. We asked our readers how they feel about baring it all.
From blazing wheels to silent water, horseback hymns and competitive egg cracking, Easter in Germany is filled with events that are equal parts improbable and endearing. Here are five interesting customs to observe or join in on.
From more money for many public sector workers to a USB-C obligation for new laptops to a new fuel price rule and the Easter holiday weekend, here's a look at the big changes coming to Germany this April.
Many newcomers to Germany find that making friends is one of the most challenging parts of settling in. We asked our readers to share their experiences – and their top tips on making new connections in the country.
From cherry blossoms and white asparagus to rock festivals, folk fairs and folklore, April in Germany is packed with reasons to get out and explore – whatever the weather decides to do.
When someone dies, it’s hard enough to find the words in English – let alone in German. If you’re learning the language, these simple phrases can help you express your condolences with confidence.
In 2025, people born outside the European Union made up about 10 percent of the EU’s 450 million population. But which countries have the largest share of foreign-born residents?
From language challenges to EC‑cards and FATCA headaches, foreign residents share what really works – and what doesn’t – when it comes to banking in Germany.
Germany doesn’t just offer dietary advice – it actually publishes ten weekly meal plans designed to show residents how to eat. In the finest traditions of intrepid journalism, The Local's Tom Pugh decided to investigate.
Two parties are neck and neck ahead of Sunday’s state election in Germany’s most famous wine region. With education, infrastructure and immigration on the agenda, the outcome in Rhineland‑Palatinate could reshape politics far beyond Mainz.
If you're taking the German citizenship test, you'll be hit with a random selection of questions on anything from former German chancellors to returning a faulty TV. Here are some of the questions I faced - and some tips for preparing for the unexpected.
Foraging for edible plants can be a fun way to connect with Germany's nature and traditions. Here are some of the herbs you can find, harvest and eat in spring.
Germany has around 10,700 mayors, and many of these posts are not strictly limited to German nationals. So who can stand for mayor in a German city, and what does the job involve?
From thriving businesses and pubs to dance schools, opera singers and education facilities, the Irish community in Germany is wide and far-reaching. But who are they and where do they live?
When do you actually need to file a tax return in Germany, and when can you safely skip it? The Local spoke to a tax lawyer to unpack exactly when filing pays off for foreign residents.
In Germany, utility bills typically account for almost a quarter of total rent. These 'Nebenkosten' are often complex, settled retrospectively and vary widely by region and building – which makes careful checking essential.
