Social interactions in Germany are often defined by a series unwritten codes that can be hard for many foreigners to understand. Here are our top tips for doing as the Germans do - and even for out-doing them if the need arises.
Working in the garden may not seem that appealing in the rain or sleet, but German law insists that people cut their hedges at specific times of year. Here's what you need to know.
Germany may have a reputation as a monoglot country, but step inside people's homes and a different picture emerges. New figures show that bilingual and multilingual life is an everyday reality for millions of families in the country.
Have you ever spotted a life-sized straw doll in old clothes, dangling slightly drunkenly above the entrance to a bar in Germany? If so, this word won’t be altogether new to you.
In the wake of a fatal attack on a ticket inspector on a regional train in Rhineland‑Palatinate, Deutsche Bahn has announced a number of measures aimed at improving safety on trains and at stations across Germany.
The most romantic day of the year or an out and out nightmare? We look at the stories which could explain why Germans don't typically embrace Valentine's Day – and why this trend might be changing among new generations.
From Parma ham to Champagne, Europe protects authentic food. Here's how Germany’s own food labels reward soil, climate and craft – and help shoppers spot real quality on supermarket shelves.
Could you be a scent detective? Baden‑Württemberg’s Environment Agency is looking for volunteers to take part in a year‑long investigation into the source of Ulm’s periodic and unexplained stinks.
German regulations around school attendance for children are notoriously strict. Here's what parents need to know about when children can miss school – and when they can't.
With high numbers of job posts across technical trades, healthcare, engineering, logistics and administration, the Bavarian capital seems to have plenty of opportunities for job-seekers this year.
The EU hands out thousands of Blue Cards to highly-skilled third country nationals each year, according to the latest figures. But which nationalities receive the most and which EU country gives out the most?
By the end of February, Saxony will become the latest German state to introduce a ban on smartphones in schools. Here are the current rules on phone use in school across the federal states, and a look at how well they're working.
February in Germany offers a dazzling array of experiences. Whether you fancy floating through a surreal world of soap bubbles in Berlin or watching hot air balloons soar above snowy Alpine lakes, there's something to brighten every winter day.
If you’re eyeing a career move to Germany or already living here as a foreign resident, 2026 is shaping up to be an intriguing and largely positive year for salaries.
Student participation, called 'Mitarbeit', makes up a large portion of students' grades in German schools. But the way it's assessed can be poison in the classroom, particularly for foreign pupils, writes Tom Pugh.
Deaths have exceeded births in Germany since 1990. Now a dramatic fall in immigration means the country’s total population shrank in 2025 for the first time in years.
From a visit to the museum to a one-time bulky waste pickup, the city of Nuremberg welcomes new residents with an assortment of free experiences and services, and it's actually a brilliant idea, writes Paul Krantz.
Germany offers skilled international workers excellent opportunities, yet large numbers choose to leave each year. The reasons are complex, but many familiar challenges around integrating to life in the country come up again and again.
Today marks the 81st anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp. From intimate stumbling stones to commemorative events in parliament, here's how the atrocities of the Holocaust are remembered in Germany today.
Germany is known for having a substantial support system, especially for families with kids. So how much do parents tend to spend on childcare and how does it stack up against other countries in Europe?
Public transport users across Germany should brace themselves for higher ticket prices next year. From Berlin to Bavaria, the cost of travelling by bus and train is set to rise, with nearly all federal states affected.
With rents surging in many major cities across Germany, many long-term renters are now on the lookout for a more secure alternative. Housing co-ops may just provide the answer.
German winters are known for their grey skies and biting cold, but there are magical cold-weather experiences waiting to be discovered. Plan a few of these unique adventures to make the most of the dark, frigid days this season.
If you're renting in Germany, you may have heard about a tenants' association - or Mieterverein. But you may not be aware that joining one could help save you money in the long run.
