Living in Germany: Saving energy, versatile phrases and a four-day week

Germany prepares for energy crisis this winter

It may feel a little strange to be thinking about radiators when the days are long and the sun is (often) shining. But German authorities are really concerned about the country getting through the colder months. Due to gas supplies already being reduced by Russia, storage facilities are being filled at a slower pace than usual, which means the country could see a gas shortage. Adding to that, there are also concerns that Russia will turn off the gas completely. Germany is frantically trying to get energy from other sources, but the situation is worrying. Now businesses are taking steps, such as floating the idea of asking people to work from home. Meanwhile, Germany’s biggest landlord Vonovia is enforcing a heat temperature limit of 17C during the night time period from autumn. The government is also urging people to do their bit, whether it’s taking shorter (or even cold) showers or being more mindful of how much hot water and heating is used around the house. With bills going up, it’s also a good idea to think about how you can cut down on your usage.

READ ALSO:

• Germany frets over reduced Russia gas supplies
• How to save money and still enjoy life in Germany this summer

Tweet of the week

This mini explainer shows that alles klar is one of the most versatile expressions in German. 

The German phrase "alles klar" (all clear) can mean many things, enough for an entire dialogue:

"Alles klar?" (You all right?)
"Alles klar." (Yes, fine.)
"Alles klar." (Okay then.)
"Alles klar." (Yeah, see you soon.)
"Alles klar!" (Cool, bye!)

Alles klar?

Enjoy our language!

— Jens Clasen 📯 (@jenshealthde) July 7, 2022

Where is this? 

Many big events were cancelled due to the pandemic in the last two years. But Christopher Street Day (CSD) - the annual European LGBTQ+ celebration and demo held in various cities across Europe - is back this year. This photo captures the event in Cologne on July 3rd where participants held flags and got dressed up for a day of partying and campaigning on the streets. 

Did you know?

The €9 ticket, which runs until the end of August, is already hugely popular. But did you know you can also use it to get to foreign countries? Thanks to Germany’s position in Europe, there are lots of local transport connections that cross borders. Among the highlights are the stunning Salzburg in Austria and Basel in Switzerland. Check out our explainer to find out about these trips and lots more.

Reader feedback

A few weeks ago, we talked about Germany’s debates about the length of the working week. Doug in Trier, who’s “retired and loving it”, got in touch to say he supports the idea of a four-day work week in Germany. He said: “I worked a four day work week (32 hours, paid hourly) for a few months in an office job in the US. Although the pay was less, my quality of life shot through the roof. Less stress, more time to get non-work things done, and a real relaxing weekend. 

“Usually, you spend one day of your weekend shopping, working around the house, etc., and one day to relax. That one ‘relaxing’ day is spent thinking about getting up early tomorrow and going back to work!  I loved the four day week, and if you could do it for the same pay I see no downside. At minimum it should be an option available to those who want it.”

Thanks for reading,

Rachel and Imogen @ The Local Germany 

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