We’re no longer living in the same Germany we were a week ago. The invasion of Ukraine has fundamentally changed German politics and possibly society at large. What can history tell us about this change and is that knowledge even useful
All in Politics
Face of the Nation
Can you judge a country by its leaders? It’s tempting, after all for many Germans Boris Johnson is the epitome of Britishness, while for the British, the robotic Olaf Scholz could only come from Germany. What do our elected leaders say about us and why might we wish they didn’t?
The Language Gatekeepers
English language proficiency can be used to assert power or simply humiliate in Germany. Whether you work in an office or happen to a be a minister of state, you will still face trial by language gatekeepers. How has English been weaponised in daily life and why are some praised and others criticised?
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?
A Lonely Glühwein to Joshua Kimmich
According to Bavaria’s Minister President Markus Söder, we are in a pandemic “time loop”. It’s hard to tell whether we’re in 2020 or 2021 as infections and hospitalisations soar. How did we end up here, what’s that got to do with Joshua Kimmich and why might Germany be suffering under a tyranny of idiocy?
Vote Boring
The frontrunners in the German election have been described as uncharismatic by critics from inside and outside Germany. Is there a benefit to keeping politics boring or do Germans deserve some excitement before casting their vote?
Lessons in German Politics
Watching an election in another language is only one difficulty of following the election campaign in Germany. There’s a lot to learn and more than a few unanswered questions. Is Plagiarism a serious issue, what happened to German foreign policy and why are Christian Lindner’s rolled up sleeves be cause for concern?
Fear of the Future
The idea of “German Angst” is one that has captured the imaginations of English speakers for decades. The image of a timid and fearful Germany is not only popularised internationally, but it also has currency at home too. Is Germany really afraid of the future and is that such a bad thing?
Germany's Class System
Most people in Germany know about the British class system, but few would discuss German society in terms of class. Does Germany have a class system and how is it different from the UK?
Keeping It Conservative
Months ago it looked like Germany was preparing for serious political change. The Green Party was surging ahead in the polls. However, minor scandals, attacks from rivals and media scrutiny have cast doubts. Will German voters opt for more of the same?
Germany's Political Posters
In some countries, the build up to an election can start years in advance. In Germany, some people only know an election is coming when the streets are suddenly covered in political posters. Are political posters really so important or is this just another example of low-tech Germany?
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 Wind of Change
Over the last year there have been many changes in Germany, with possibly largest being its perception of itself. Order, efficiency, privacy, economic policy have all come under scrutiny, now that we know what needs to change, is there energy to actually do it?
Honestly Dishonest
The simple question ‘How are you?’ can cause consternation in Germany. Is it really a question or another example of dishonest and superficial English communication? Honesty is seemingly prized by Germans in communication, but is this the case in all areas of German life?
A Very Efficient Myth
If there is one thing people know about Germany, it’s that it is the home of efficiency. Visitors are certain of it, but many Germans are beginning to have their doubts. Is German efficiency simply a stereotype, a long perpetuated myth or the the true lived experience?
Woke, Voke and Cancelling the Muppets
Are the Muppets racist, are radical students taking over, should we be worried by the arrival of wokeness to Germany? Reading the German media recently has been a journey in borrowed language and arguments from across the Atlantic, but what could this mean for Germany going into September’s election?
Everybody loves Angela
Angela Merkel is often praised as a progressive leader, usually from those outside the country. The ‘Merkel is a progressive’ meme is powerful in the English speaking world, but does that mean it’s true? How progressive is the German chancellor, and if so, shouldn’t there be more progress?
Vanguard of the Culture-War
Germany is no stranger to English loan words, they’re everywhere. However, the recent surge in the use of the term ‘Culture-War’ suggests that not all borrowed language is as benign as ‘Beamer’ or ‘Handy’. What has sparked the increase in use of the term and why might it be so damaging in a German election year?
More than just a Hamburger
The economic influence of the US on Europe is well known, but often the Germans I speak to dismiss the cultural importance of the US. How much impact does US culture have on Germany and why might some choose to ignore it?
Germany's Class System
Most people in Germany know about the British class system, but few would discuss German society in terms of class. Does Germany have a class system and how is it different from the UK?