Culture
Latest news and important information on culture, art, the arts industry, theatre, cinema, and more from Germany.
What happened when I ate like the German government advises?
Germany doesn’t just offer dietary advice – it actually publishes ten weekly meal plans designed to show residents how to eat. In the finest traditions of intrepid journalism, The Local's Tom Pugh decided to investigate.
What's on in Germany: Seven unmissable events this March
As the days get longer and temperatures rise, people in Germany look forward to getting out and about again. Here's our pick of the best events to help you defrost and shake off the winter blues.
Culture, politics, food: What makes Europeans proud of their country?
A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons.
Five ways to show you’ve mastered Germany's unwritten social codes
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.
AI revolution looms over Berlin film fest
The artificial intelligence revolution sweeping through the entertainment sector was at first glance not evident at this year's Berlin Film Festival, but the potential for widespread changes was still on people's minds.
'Stormy seas' of Gaza row overshadow Berlin film fest finale
The 76th Berlin Film Festival draws to a close on Saturday after 10 days of what its director called "stormy seas" unleashed by a controversy over the war in Gaza, which often overshadowed discussion of the 22 films in competition.
German broadcaster recalls correspondent over AI-generated images
German public broadcaster ZDF on Friday recalled a New York correspondent after AI-generated images were screened during a news report on ICE immigration raids in the United States.
Eight German wines you have to try
German wine is under pressure – but it’s never been more interesting. From everyday bottles to special‑occasion standouts, here are eight German wines worth seeking out.
Dozens of film figures condemn Berlinale 'silence' on Gaza
More than 80 film industry figures including Oscar-winning actors Javier Bardem and Tilda Swinton have issued a statement slamming the Berlin Film Festival's "silence" on Gaza.
'Karnevalsdienstag': How Germans celebrate Shrove Tuesday
Have you ever wondered what Germans do without pancakes on Pancake Day?
Everything you can borrow from a library in Germany
German libraries are a fabulous resource for anyone living in the country, offering not just books but everything from ice cream makers to umbrellas and even works of art to hang on your walls at home.
Indian writer Roy pulls out of Berlin Film Festival amid Gaza row
Award-winning Indian writer Arundhati Roy said Friday she was withdrawing from the Berlin Film Festival over jury president Wim Wenders's comments that he wanted to "stay out of politics" after being asked about Gaza.
Four stories that might explain Germany’s problem with Valentine’s Day
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.
'Less glamour, more content': Berlinale kicks off in German capital
Berlin Film Festival jury president Wim Wenders said this year's 76th edition of the festival would have "less glamour" but "more content" in its eclectic selection.
Germany's top regional food products and how to spot them in the supermarket
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.
Everything you need to know about Germany's famous Berlinale film festival
Looking for a hit of highbrow culture and glam to get you through the dismal winter? You're in luck: the Berlinale film festival is just around the corner. Here's what you should know about it and how to get tickets.
Germany wants eight percent of streaming revenue to go to local production
In an effort to boost Germany's film industry, the government is pushing a plan to demand that streaming platforms invest at least part of their revenue in making productions locally.
The Local’s German New Year’s Eve playlist
It’s party-time time in the federal republic – the perfect moment for a German-themed playlist of get-ready tunes, midnight bangers and four in the morning weepies.
Why a new German nutcracker is flipping the bird
A German craftsman has attracted attention with his surprising take on the famous ‘Nussknacker’. Did you know that the original nutcrackers were symbols of resilience and defiance?
Astérix in Germany: France's irrepressible Gaul to conquer neighbour
A theme park based on the beloved French comic strip series Astérix is to open in Germany, the first time the adventures of the pugnacious Gaul are to be the focus of an attraction outside France, its operator said on Tuesday.
Seven German-language books newly translated into English to read this autumn
From page-turners to urgent climate fiction and boundary-breaking explorations of identity, these are some of the most compelling German-language books to be translated to English in the past year.
Why is everyone in Germany talking about a documentary called ‘Babo’?
A new Netflix documentary has taken Germany by storm, shining a spotlight on one of the country’s most influential rappers. For many Germans with a migrant background, Aykut Anhan – better known as 'Haftbefehl' – has become the voice of a generation.
How to watch movies in your preferred language at German cinemas
OmU, OV, OmeU... English speaking movie-goers in Germany can be confused by the options for languages and subtitles at the cinema. Here's how to find films in the language you prefer, whether that's German with English subtitles or vice versa.