The 1st of May has arrived and so has the German Maibaum. This is just one of the many ways Germany marks the start of May. How do celebrations compare to those in the UK and why might falling off a rocking beer bench be the least of your worries?
All in Cities
You had me at Hallo
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
What's The Problem With Childcare In Germany?
Finding reliable day care in Germany is not always easy. Around the country there are thousands of children who will not get the chance to join a Kita or Kinderkrippe before they start primary school. Why does Germany still have a blindspot for professional childcare?
The Theft of Germany's Public Holidays
In a good year, Germany can have nine public holidays and several regional Feiertagen, with some states gaining 14 paid public holidays per year. 2021 is not a good year. Some states could see their quota of public holidays drop to six for the year. Why are Germans losing public holidays and why aren’t they more angry about it?
The Yorkshire of Germany
Bavaria holds the strange position of being both the source of German stereotypes, while also being considered the least German of the Bundesländer. Obviously this makes it hard to describe to non-Germans what it’s like living here. While some make comparisons with Texas, perhaps a better example can be found in the UK?
The Eye of the Beer Holder
German beer is rightly lauded for its quality and variety, but often what is considered a “good beer” differs considerably from region to region, city to city. With so many options, how do Germans choose their favourite and why might the popularity of German beer around the world be an example of Germany’s soft power?
Kitas, Krippe & the Rabenmutter
Finding day care in Germany is no mean feat. Around the country there are thousands of children who will not get the chance to join a Kita or Kinderkrippe before they start primary school. Why does Germany still have a child day care blind spot?
What is the Rule?
Germany has a reputation as a country dominated by rules. That might not be completely true, but there are a lot of rules both official and unofficial, but what do you do if you have no idea what the rules are?
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?
Christmas Markets and German Regional Diversity
Many people want to visit the best Christmas market in Germany, but with regional differences being such a crucial factor, is there such a thing?
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?
Is That a Tauntaun? How Germany Survives the Snow
Britain is obsessed by the weather, especially when it snows. Does Germany care as much and what did they make of Britain's brush with "The Beast from the East"?
Carnival in the Land of the Humourless
Germans are humourless, everyone knows that. So how do we explain the carnival season in Germany and why are they so worried about what is and isn't funny?
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 the Love of Privacy
Germany values privacy, regardless of the cost. Will this change and why is it a problem for office small talk?
Germany in Summer: City Hopping
Germans have a lot of holidays, so where is their favorite destination?
Germany in Summer: The Junggesellenabschied
We look at the summer phenomona of the Junggesellenabschied, are they really better than a stag or hen night?
What The Fugger Is Going On With Social Housing?
Germany has a history of successful social housing, so why is it failing now?
Munich: Five Unexpected Things
Today we are doing something different, we welcome EatExploreEtc.com to give us an incite on the unexpected things to be found in Bavaria's largest city, Munich.
Not Again.
The attack on Manchester has led to outpourings of sadness and great signs of support, but predictably it has also opened the doors to division and fear. We try and make sense of the noise and the fury.