When I speak to British people about Germany, conversations always break along a familiar faultline: Berlin. Many consider the German capital to be representative of the the rest of the country, but is that really the case?
All tagged Berlin
Integrating the Germans
At what point can we say a migrant has fully integrated? Is full integration even possible and who gets to judge? These questions are asked periodically in Germany, especially during an election year. Why are answers so hard to find and are we asking the wrong questions?
Integrating the Germans
At what point can we say a migrant has fully integrated? Is full integration even possible and who gets to judge? These questions are asked periodically in Germany, especially during an election year. Why are answers so hard to find and are we asking the wrong questions?
Unfit by Comparison
Olaf Scholz was sworn in on Wednesday, at the same time as he was being congratulated by both friends and foes, 1000 km away in Westminster a very different leader was facing the music. They may be polar opposites, but what can the Ampel-Koalition in Germany tell us about the dumpster fire of British government?
And a Cherry on Top
What do you get if you cross Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinocerus, a slice of pineapple and a less than talented TV chef? You might be surprised to discover that it’s one of Germany’s more bizarre food creations, Toast Hawaii. How did such a whimsical creation become so popular in Germany and why is its creator still disputed?
Britain, Germany and the Covidiots
Last weekend, Berlin and London saw lockdown protests. Germany had more on the streets, but both events had a lot in common. Has lockdown increased conspiracy theorists and why are German and British protesters so comfortable with links to the far-right?
A Festival of Difference
Anyone who’s spent time in Germany can tell you, it’s a country of regional difference. With so many differences from state to state, region to region, what holds the German nation together? Could the celebration of these differences hold the key?
Where We're Going, We Don't Need Speed Limits!
The German Autobahn famously has areas with no speed limits, but how long before they introduce them?
The Curious Case of Berlin's Schwabenhass
Why do Berliners hate the people of Schwaben in Southern Germany? Is it because they have different names for cakes and bread? Is it because Swabians are trying to force cultural change? Or is there a larger problem?
How Germany has changed since 2006: Rants, relief and reminiscing
In a guest post from Live Work Germany, James looks back at 11 years in Germany and asks: has Germany changed?
Germany and Static Trends
It can be hard to keep up with new trends and fashions, in Germany they have found a simple solution: don't.
How Germany Works: Deutsche Bahn
Germany is thought of as a land of efficiency, especially when it comes to their rail network operated by Deutsche Bahn. DB is often used as an argument for the UK re-nationalising the train system, however, are we misunderstanding the German system?
London & Berlin: Cities of Equals?
London is frequently accused of taking more than a fair share of the UK budget, depriving the rest of the country of vital resources. Here in Germany, can Berlin be accused of doing the same?