Opinion and Analysis
Read the latest opinion and analysis from Germany.
OPINION: Merz really needs to talk Germany up or he'll hand the country to extremists
Halfway through a bruising decade, the relentless focus on what is going wrong in Germany is making things worse for everyone except extremists. A more positive attitude is urgently needed, argues Brian Melican, and starting from the top.
OPINION: German school grading is unfair on foreign students and it's maddening
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.
OPINION: This is a 1938 moment for Europe, but the war will be a trade war
European leaders sending their troops to Greenland has - writes political columnist John Lichfield - called Donald Trump's bluff when it comes to military conflict. Instead the continent faces the prospect of a long and brutal trade war.
OPINION: The coming year will bring even more chaos to those living in Germany
As an eventful 2025 draws to a close and Germany takes stock, our columnist Brian Melican casts his gaze ahead to the new year: what can we expect in 2026? More of the same uncertainty and crisis – or worse?
OPINION: Yes, Germany's slide toward hard-line immigration policies will impact you
Some foreigners, who have integrated into German life, see themselves as apart from the debate on immigration and its consequences. But everyone who was not born in the country should remember they are immigrants too, writes Brian Melican.
OPINION: Merz's divisive comments are a distraction from real problems in Germany
German chancellor Friedrich Merz has come under fire for doubling down on what many see as racist remarks on diversity in cities. Rather than addressing underlying social issues, Merz risks sowing division, says Rachel Loxton.
What will Germany's new conscription law mean for young Germans and dual nationals?
As the coalition government wrangles over re-introducing conscription, Brian Melican examines the related debate, what the likeliest outcomes are, and what the looming draft would mean for young Germans and dual-nationals.
OPINION: Germany has sent the wrong signal to the very immigrants it needs
After Germany acted efficiently to scrap its fast-track naturalisation route less than 18 months after its introduction, Brian Melican argues this abrupt policy shift is a depressing warning to exactly the kind of people the country needs.
OPINION: Why foreigners in Germany must challenge landlords over high rent
Rental costs across Germany continue to rise at alarming rates. Since rent control laws are only enforced when tenants invoke them, Paul Krantz argues that doing so should be seen as a civic duty to help keep rents down.
OPINION: Deutsche Bahn's problems are too big for a new boss to fix
Germany's national railway operator got a new boss who has promised to bring a 'new start' to the troubled company. Brian Melican examines that challenges she faces, suggesting that the real issues are systemic.
OPINION: If Germany is to thrive it must help foreigners feel they belong here
Germany makes it hard for newcomers, you're either all German or you’re an Ausländer, argue Chris Reiter and Will Wilkes, the authors of a new book 'Broken Republik'. If only it could enhance the feeling of belonging and inclusion for all.
OPINION: Three months in Merz's Germany has felt a whole lot longer
Little over three months into his term as Chancellor, Friedrich Merz and his coalition have brought significant changes to Germany. At the 100-day mark, Brian Melican examines where Merz’ government has lived up to expectations – and where it hasn’t.
OPINION: German cities are designed for walking and it benefits everyone
With public transport connections, parks and wide pavements, German cities are generally designed with pedestrians in mind. It's something the US and other countries could learn from, writes journalist Rachel Loxton.
OPINION: Why Germany’s pensions problems will soon be your problem
As government spending on pensions soars again and economists discuss options for financing ever-growing entitlements, Brian Melican examines the German system – and the prospects for everyone currently paying into it.
OPINION: Politicising Germany's Constitutional Court is a dangerous game
Last week, an election of judges to the Constitutional Court was abruptly postponed, creating a fresh political crisis. Brian Melican unpacks the controversy, and explains why the politicisation of Germany's highest court is a serious threat.
OPINION: It's high time Germany scrapped the rent brake
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.
'I was terrified she'd stop talking': How to make your German child bilingual
For English-speaking parents in Germany, successfully raising bilingual children can require a surprising amount of forward planning – and vast reserves of patience, explains father of two Tom Pugh.
OPINION: The truth is out about Germany's far-right AfD - now ban the party
After a slew of racist and dehumanising statements by members, Germany's domestic intelligence agency has finally classified the AfD as a 'right wing extremist group'. Now it's time to actually ban the party, writes Lya Paulsen.
From citizenship to renting: What to expect when Germany's coalition talks conclude
With coalition negotiations between the CDU-CSU and SPD reaching a crucial point of no return, Brian Melican looks at what the likely outcomes will be and what they will mean for people living in Germany. One thing about these talks is already clear: failure is not an option.
5 tips for surviving Deutsche Bahn's new Paris to Berlin 'direct' train link
Europe has a new direct train link between two of its great capital cities, but The Local's Emma Pearson finds out the Paris to Berlin route isn't always quite as "direct" as promised. Perhaps no surprise given it's run by Deutsche Bahn.
OPINION: Merz is on top but the Left are surprise winners in Germany's dramatic election
After a close-run election, a new German parliament is coming together. Our columnist Brian Melican shares who the vote winners and losers are, and what the results mean for the next government.
Can Germany’s next leaders reach a deal on immigration, benefits and the economy?
German election winners, the conservatives, have started initial coalition talks with the SPD. But experts warn that forming a functioning government is just one of many challenges politicians need to overcome to tackle far-right gains.
OPINION: In Germany's snap elections, too many voices will yet again go unheard
Germany needs foreigners to survive, but xenophobic politics and long waits for citizenship mean many won’t have a say in its future. With so many disenfranchised, this snap election has been especially galling, writes Imogen Goodman.