https://feeds.thelocal.com/ Read the latest news and views from Germany in English en-us news@thelocal.com (TheLocal) webmaster@thelocal.com (TheLocal) TheLocal RSS Feed In Germany relying solely on high customer ratings is a risky move, but a new Google Maps update reveals if a local business actually earned its high score or simply deleted all its bad reviews https://www.thelocal.de/20260504/how-a-google-maps-update-exposes-manipulated-ratings-in-germany Mon, 04 May 2026 16:59:04 +0200 how-a-google-maps-update-exposes-manipulated-ratings-in-germany Deutsche Bahn hopes that prohibiting the consumption of alcohol at Berlin’s Zoologischer Garten and Ostbahnhof stations will make the transport hubs cleaner and safer. https://www.thelocal.de/20260429/alcohol-ban-at-two-berlin-train-stations-begins-on-may-1st Wed, 29 Apr 2026 11:40:45 +0200 alcohol-ban-at-two-berlin-train-stations-begins-on-may-1st April marks a particularly joyful time in every German's calendar: the start of asparagus season. But how did this humble vegetable become a beloved cultural symbol? Here's what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.de/20230413/spargelzeit-six-things-to-know-about-the-german-love-affair-with-asparagus Thu, 13 Apr 2023 11:43:00 +0200 spargelzeit-six-things-to-know-about-the-german-love-affair-with-asparagus While demand for eggs is soaring and bird flu has left the market 'tense,' industry experts say there’s no need for residents to panic buy just yet. https://www.thelocal.de/20260402/is-germany-facing-an-egg-shortage-this-easter Thu, 02 Apr 2026 16:56:03 +0200 is-germany-facing-an-egg-shortage-this-easter Germany doesn’t just offer dietary advice – it actually publishes ten weekly meal plans designed to show residents how to eat. In the finest traditions of intrepid journalism, The Local's Tom Pugh decided to investigate. https://www.thelocal.de/20260318/what-happened-when-i-ate-like-the-german-government-advises Wed, 18 Mar 2026 12:07:06 +0100 what-happened-when-i-ate-like-the-german-government-advises Foraging for edible plants can be a fun way to connect with Germany's nature and traditions. Here are some of the herbs you can find, harvest and eat in spring. https://www.thelocal.de/20250331/wild-garlic-and-nettles-the-spring-herbs-to-forage-for-in-germany Mon, 31 Mar 2025 17:41:13 +0200 wild-garlic-and-nettles-the-spring-herbs-to-forage-for-in-germany From succulent Weißwurst to hearty Käsespätzle, Bavarian cooking is known for giving German favourites a unique alpine twist. These 10 dishes should be on anyone's lists of must-tries while visiting the region. https://www.thelocal.de/20241107/10-regional-dishes-you-have-to-try-while-visiting-bavaria Thu, 07 Nov 2024 17:15:30 +0100 10-regional-dishes-you-have-to-try-while-visiting-bavaria A recent survey by the Pew Research Centre delved into what people feel proudest about in their country, with Europeans pointing to history, food and culture among the main reasons. https://www.thelocal.de/20260228/culture-politics-food-what-makes-europeans-proud-of-their-country Sat, 28 Feb 2026 12:49:34 +0100 culture-politics-food-what-makes-europeans-proud-of-their-country German wine is under pressure – but it’s never been more interesting. From everyday bottles to special‑occasion standouts, here are eight German wines worth seeking out. https://www.thelocal.de/20260220/eight-german-wines-you-have-to-try Fri, 20 Feb 2026 16:41:42 +0100 eight-german-wines-you-have-to-try From Parma ham to Champagne, Europe protects authentic food. Here's how Germany’s own food labels reward soil, climate and craft – and help shoppers spot real quality on supermarket shelves. https://www.thelocal.de/20260212/germanys-top-regional-products-and-how-to-spot-them-in-the-supermarket Thu, 12 Feb 2026 16:15:26 +0100 germanys-top-regional-products-and-how-to-spot-them-in-the-supermarket Part of the fun of moving to a new country is trying new foods and eating habits. From more potatoes to quark to Döner kebabs, here are the German foods that The Local readers have made their own. https://www.thelocal.de/20260128/early-dinners-with-sauerkraut-the-german-food-and-drink-habits-that-foreigners-are-adopting Wed, 28 Jan 2026 10:44:24 +0100 early-dinners-with-sauerkraut-the-german-food-and-drink-habits-that-foreigners-are-adopting Whether you've become a fan of the Döner kebab, Abendbrot or Apfelschorle, we want to hear the German food and drink habits you've taken on since moving to the country – and the things from home you can't go without. https://www.thelocal.de/20260121/tell-us-which-german-food-and-drink-habits-have-you-adopted Wed, 21 Jan 2026 16:13:01 +0100 tell-us-which-german-food-and-drink-habits-have-you-adopted A farm in Saxony didn't like the idea of a mountain of its hard-grown potatoes being wasted. Now truckloads of tubers are on their way to Berlin and Leipzig to be freely distributed. https://www.thelocal.de/20260114/why-4000-tonnes-of-free-potatoes-are-on-their-way-to-berlin Wed, 14 Jan 2026 13:43:35 +0100 why-4000-tonnes-of-free-potatoes-are-on-their-way-to-berlin Only one country in the EU offers alcoholic drinks at even lower prices than Germany, new figures reveal. However it's a different story for other drinks. https://www.thelocal.de/20260106/cost-of-alcohol-in-germany-far-below-eu-average Tue, 06 Jan 2026 16:44:53 +0100 cost-of-alcohol-in-germany-far-below-eu-average It might not be to everyone's taste, but the reasons many Germans sit down to a hearty meal of carp on Christmas Eve go far beyond simple questions of flavour. https://www.thelocal.de/20251216/why-do-germans-eat-carp-on-christmas-eve Tue, 16 Dec 2025 17:37:45 +0100 why-do-germans-eat-carp-on-christmas-eve Invited to a German Christmas dinner and don’t know what to expect? Forget about Turkey with cranberry sauce, say goodbye to mince pies and Christmas pudding and embrace these specialities. https://www.thelocal.de/20191220/16219 Fri, 20 Dec 2019 10:51:58 +0100 16219 Germany's Christmas markets brighten up the cold and dark winter season. As well as picking up homemade gifts and ornaments, make sure you try these delicious snacks and drinks. https://www.thelocal.de/20241210/10-food-and-drink-treats-you-have-to-try-at-a-german-christmas-market Tue, 10 Dec 2024 09:44:23 +0100 10-food-and-drink-treats-you-have-to-try-at-a-german-christmas-market A price dispute between German supermarket chain Edeka and the world's largest brewery group is threatening the beer supply at a store near you. https://www.thelocal.de/20251128/why-edeka-supermarkets-may-soon-be-dropping-your-favourite-german-beer Fri, 28 Nov 2025 12:47:45 +0100 why-edeka-supermarkets-may-soon-be-dropping-your-favourite-german-beer As the chilly autumn days set in, hoards of Germans wrap up warm and venture out into the forests to forage mushrooms. Here are some of the best spots to go to - and some tips for getting started. https://www.thelocal.de/20241004/revealed-the-best-places-to-go-mushroom-foraging-in-germany Fri, 04 Oct 2024 16:35:55 +0200 revealed-the-best-places-to-go-mushroom-foraging-in-germany Hundreds of young people have been gathering in German cities to sit together and eat pudding with forks. What's the deal behind the bizarre trend? https://www.thelocal.de/20251001/why-are-young-germans-eating-pudding-with-forks Wed, 01 Oct 2025 18:39:56 +0200 why-are-young-germans-eating-pudding-with-forks