No matter how hard you may try, it’s impossible to ignore the imminent arrival of Christmas markets to Germany. While we look forward to the lovely treats on offer, Dili is preoccupied with the availability of roasted chestnuts, and whether they will be better than the ones she’s been making at home. Famous for the largest Christmas market in Germany, we turn to Nürnberg, but less for the festive cheer and more for some sheepy visitors to the city centre.

From Christmas cheer to financial blackholes, Nic takes us through this week’s political trauma in Germany after a court ruling created a €60 billion gap in the government’s annual budget. We discuss how politicians managed to make such a massive error, and why Germany decided a policy of austerity should be enshrined in the constitution.

We finish on the topic of books as Producer Simon discusses public bookshelves on the streets of Germany, why The Famous Five shouldn’t be considered a classic, and how free books can boost your language skills.

For those of you looking to support Ukraine or the many refugees currently fleeing the conflict, please take a look at these different charities and consider donating if you can.

Ukraine Crisis Media Centre - A list of different donation pages to help the Ukrainian military response.

Disaster Emergency Committee - Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal

Save the Children

Ärzte ohne Grenzen

Theme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß