After nearly twenty years living in Germany, marriage to a German, three children and a separation from the-said German later, there are some things I would definitely do differently if I knew then what I know now.
From leaving your baby outside a restaurant to using power tools in bare feet, parenting in Germany can be quite the culture shock for an American. Rose-Anne Clermont on striking the balance between German insouciance and American vigilance.
There was a time when bilingualism was regarded suspiciously. But experts point out far more benefits than disadvantages for children raised with more than one language.
One in four Germans is affected by the gloomy winter months and up to five percent experience the 'winter blues,' a medical condition that can be countered by a few simple tips.
Of the Berliners The Local recently spoke to, many don't have classic New Year's resolutions. Instead, among other things, they hope that their standard of living remains high.
Next year, Germany will still be waiting on a government. But with everything from an upcoming World Cup to more benefits for parents, there is a lot to look forward to.
Growing up in the US, Christmas for American journalist Rose-Anne Clermont was more of a religious affair. But for her atheist-leaning friends in her adopted country, Germany, Christmas is more about tradition and less about religion.
While limited shopping Sundays have grown popular in Germany, Christmas Eve appears to be the limit to allowing commercialism on the national day of rest.
Black musicians in Germany are normally only associated with jazz. In fact, black classical musicians have been influencing German high culture since the days of Beethoven.
