https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Europe in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed Switzerland has once again topped the list of the most popular countries in Europe for Germans to move to. What makes it such a draw? https://www.thelocal.com/20240828/why-is-switzerland-so-popular-for-germans-moving-abroad Wed, 28 Aug 2024 10:57:51 +0200 why-is-switzerland-so-popular-for-germans-moving-abroad In Germany, the supermarket you frequent says a lot about you, potentially revealing hints about your daily routine, diet and how much you're willing to splurge on bread or beer, writes Paul Krantz. https://www.thelocal.com/20240801/what-your-choice-of-german-supermarket-says-about-you Thu, 01 Aug 2024 16:29:52 +0200 what-your-choice-of-german-supermarket-says-about-you Winter is upon us, and in Germany that means sub-zero temperatures, short days and not a lot of sunshine. But fear not: while the Danes may have cornered the market on Hygge, the Germans are old hands at cultivating a sense of Gemütlichkeit. https://www.thelocal.com/20231204/gemutlichkeit-10-ways-to-make-the-most-of-winter-like-a-german Mon, 04 Dec 2023 17:34:36 +0100 gemutlichkeit-10-ways-to-make-the-most-of-winter-like-a-german One German state has a public holiday on Friday for Weltkindertag or World Children's Day. We explain how it's marked - and the unusual history behind it in Germany. https://www.thelocal.com/20240918/what-is-germanys-world-childrens-day-and-where-is-it-a-public-holiday Wed, 18 Sep 2024 13:15:17 +0200 what-is-germanys-world-childrens-day-and-where-is-it-a-public-holiday While the German capital Berlin is an exciting destination for foreign workers and students, it can be a lonely city, with many international residents struggling to make deep connections. https://www.thelocal.com/20240905/why-is-berlin-a-lonely-city-for-many-foreign-residents Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:54:54 +0200 why-is-berlin-a-lonely-city-for-many-foreign-residents You've probably heard that Germans love hiking or 'wandern'. And when we say hike, we don't just mean a short stroll. But is this just a stereotype? https://www.thelocal.com/20240805/whats-behind-the-german-love-of-hiking Mon, 05 Aug 2024 10:51:14 +0200 whats-behind-the-german-love-of-hiking A constitutional debt brake practically unique to Germany has thrown the federal government into chaos as it plans next year’s budget. But the debt brake is a political reflection of a deep cultural fear of debt. https://www.thelocal.com/20231129/explained-how-deep-does-the-german-fear-of-debt-go Wed, 29 Nov 2023 13:07:20 +0100 explained-how-deep-does-the-german-fear-of-debt-go Germany once again ranks among the world's best for English proficiency, but it is struggling with a widening gender gap and worsening levels of English among young people. https://www.thelocal.com/20231127/how-well-do-germans-speak-english-compared-to-the-rest-of-europe Mon, 27 Nov 2023 16:00:38 +0100 how-well-do-germans-speak-english-compared-to-the-rest-of-europe From communication styles to working hours, these distinct Austrian cultural traits can leave their German neighbours scratching their heads. https://www.thelocal.com/20230828/five-austrian-cultural-quirks-that-are-surprising-to-germans Mon, 28 Aug 2023 18:45:55 +0200 five-austrian-cultural-quirks-that-are-surprising-to-germans From baguettes to Birkenstocks, clichés on France and Germany die hard, even as the two countries celebrate 60 years since the post-war treaty establishing friendship between the two European giants after decades of rivalries and conflict. https://www.thelocal.com/20230118/cabbage-and-christmas-what-the-french-and-germans-really-think-of-each-other Wed, 18 Jan 2023 10:38:13 +0100 cabbage-and-christmas-what-the-french-and-germans-really-think-of-each-other