When applying to rent an apartment in Germany you may be asked for a 'Mietschuldenfreiheitsbescheinigung' or 'certificate of freedom from rental debt'. Here's all you need to know about the document, when you'll need one and how to get it.
If you go to Christmas markets every year in Germany, the experience can start to feel a bit samey – but not at these festive events, all of which stand out for the unique twist each one has put on a holiday season classic.
For many visitors and new arrivals, northern Germany appears to be a cold region with even colder people. But Brian Melican, who lives in Hamburg, argues that you can make lasting friends here - it just takes some time.
Many foreigners make a beeline for the big cities when they move to Germany, but is it better to live in a sleepy town or rural village? We asked our readers to give us the lowdown.
Germany's federal government is set to extend the rent brake, or 'Mietpreisbremse', until 2029. But columnist Brian Melican argues that the rent control may actually be doing more harm than good.
From Handel in his hometown to tall ships in Kiel, and music and wine along the Elbe – Germany's events in June offer something for everyone. Here's a selection of some that you wont want to miss.
After years of being asked to remove his shoes in homes and close every window, writer Tom Pugh conducted his own research to see which German hygiene obsessions are scientifically sound, and which are little more than a cultural quirk.
From the limits of freedom of speech to the prevalence of annoying neighbours and Germany's not-so-proud tradition of coming last in Eurovision, here's what we've been talking about at The Local this week.
Germany's financial capital is not only home to a thriving international community, but also boasts a rich local culinary culture. Here are nine traditional foods and drinks you must try on any trip to Frankfurt.
Rap icon Kanye West has reached a new level of controversy with a song that blatantly praises Nazi leader Adolf Hitler. The song clearly violates German laws but has become a viral hit in the country nonetheless.
From beer in the morning to boozing on trains, German drinking habits can be hard to get your head around. We asked our readers to share their thoughts on Germany's drinking culture: the good, the bad and the ugly.
Leaflets disseminating far-right extremist ideas were found at a number of schools in Germany's southern states, showing that the 'Identitarian Movement' is actively trying to grow its influence.
Germany is pushing ahead with the digitalisation of its administrative services, with key changes to ID documents and residence permits coming in May. Here's what you need to know about the latest efforts to move the process online.
Born out of the country's obsession with "order", the Ordnungsamt is a uniquely German feature of public life. But what do these public order offices actually do - and how seriously should we take them?
If you want to explore the area around Frankfurt this summer, there are plenty of destinations you can reach in under two hours with the Germany-wide travel pass.
Industrial production in Germany climbed 3.0 percent in March, driven by the car and pharma sectors, while exports to the US surged ahead of new tariff measures.
Against the backdrop of the brutal war in Gaza, Berlin has partnered with the city of Tel Aviv in a gesture of solidarity with Israel. Why has the move been taken now - and how has it been received in the multi-cultural German capital?
Germany's Foreign Residence Act outlines the offences and residency breaches that can result in fines, imprisonment or expulsion from the country. From lying on applications to unlawful re-entry, here are the most serious breaches set out in the law.
Conservative leader Friedrich Merz has fallen short of the parliamentary votes needed to become Germany's new Chancellor. As the future of the new government hangs in the balance, can the embattled politician still make it across the finish line?
Country prepares for transfer of power, police warn of staffing issues amid increased border checks, Union politicians voice scepticism over AfD ban, and more news from around Germany on Monday.
