Articles by this author
EXPLAINED: How to understand the German 'Anmeldung'
The Anmeldung is most people's first experience of German bureaucracy. It's also a legal requirement.
Renting versus buying in Germany: What is actually cheaper?
Renting is heavily embedded in German culture - but what makes the best financial sense for you?
EXPLAINED: How the minimum wage will increase in Germany in 2022
The current German federal minimum wage is €9.60 per hour, but could increase to as high as €12 in 2022. Here’s what you need to know.
Why this is Germany's favourite Christmas movie
From humble beginnings and a small production budget, Drei Haselnüsse für Aschenbrödel has become the seminal Christmas film across much of Europe - including Germany.
EXPLAINED: What Germany’s new government means for citizenship and naturalisation
Reform to citizenship rules, including allowing for double citizenship, is one of the central planks of the new German government’s manifesto. Here’s what you need to know.
Why is German-speaking Europe lagging on Covid vaccines?
From the legacy of Nazi policies to a widespread belief in alternative medicine, German-speaking Europe has made itself vulnerable to the emotion-laden appeals of the anti-vaccine movement.
REVEALED: How Germany’s new government wants to tackle the housing crisis
The new German government’s plan to tackle the country’s affordable housing crisis includes a promise to extend the rent brake and build 400,000 new apartments each year. Here’s what you need to know.
The complete guide to getting a freelance visa in Germany
The 'freelance' visa is a popular way for non-EU nationals to live and work in Germany. But what is this visa? Who can apply for it - and what does it allow you to do?
No more ‘Schwarzfahren’: Austrian and German cities to phase out term due to racism concerns
Transport authorities in Austria and Germany have said they are phasing out the term ‘Schwarzfahren’ - which literally translates to ‘riding black’ - to describe fare dodging, over racism concerns.
Covid sceptics launch German job site for 'unvaccinated people only'
A coronavirus sceptic organisation has launched a German language job site which lets businesses look for unvaccinated workers. Some of the jobs are in the nursing and old age care industries.
Everything you need to know about paying taxes in Germany
With special tax rules for dogs, prostitutes and church members, the German tax system can seem a tad overwhelming - even if you speak the language fluently. Here are the most important things to consider when paying tax in Germany.
EXPLAINED: How to secure permanent residency in Germany
Every year, more and more foreigners are moving to Germany. We explain the process of obtaining the right to live here indefinitely through acquiring permanent residency.
'They thought it was witchcraft': The verdict on paying with card in Germany
We asked readers of The Local Germany about their thoughts on paying by cash or card.
How Switzerland avoided a coronavirus 'catastrophe' by protecting cross-border workers
The coronavirus pandemic and the pressure to close borders presented a unique challenge for Switzerland. Daniel Wighton looks at how significant and speedy action was taken to protect the country's legion of cross-border workers and avoid a catastrophe in its health service.
Beer sherpa: Dortmund fans offer free tickets 'forever' in return for beer-carrying duties
A group of Dortmund fans have advertised online for a ‘beer sherpa’ to bring them fresh beers while they watch from the club’s famous Yellow Wall. The successful applicant will receive free tickets to every match in return.
Prostitution, dogs and loneliness: A look at Germany's weirdest taxes
Germany's excellent public transport and strong social safety net are funded by an extensive taxation system. Welcome to the weird and (sometimes not so) wonderful world of German taxation.
German mayor sued for refusing handshake with neo-Nazi politician
Katja Wolf, mayor of the town of Eisenach in the central German state of Thuringia, has been sued by a member of her city council for refusing to shake his hand.
Schufa explained: How to avoid the 'catch 22' in Germany's credit rating system
The process of obtaining a Schufa, which is needed for rental agreements, can be confusing and frustrating. We give you the low down on the German credit history system.
New Zealanders: 'Germans think we are crazy for moving here from paradise’
For decades, tens of thousands of Kiwis have walked the well-trodden path to the UK for their year abroad - but now Germany is becoming a hot choice.
Your complete guide to visiting Germany's immigration offices
Whether it's your first or 15th meeting, visiting the foreigner's office can be challenging experience. While we can’t guarantee you a visa, these tips should make your visit run a bit more smoothly.
'We are continually trying to improve': Inside Germany's largest immigration office
EXCLUSIVE: The Local spoke with Engelhard Mazanke, the boss of Berlin’s Ausländerbehörde, to discuss plans to revolutionize the centre into a ‘welcoming agency’.
Overnight queues and complex rules: What Germany's immigration offices are really like
From extreme queues to inconsistent rules, the Ausländerbehörde is unavoidable for many internationals in Germany. Those who have experienced Germany's immigration offices tell us what it's really like.
Train graffiti: How Germany is tackling its €38 million problem
For residents and visitors to Germany, graffiti on trains and at stations is nothing surprising. But new figures obtained by The Local illustrate the scale of the problem.