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 You know the feeling when someone else’s success somehow leaves a bitter taste? German has a precise, slightly chilly word for that particular kind of resentment – and it’s surprisingly useful. https://www.thelocal.de/20260506/german-word-of-the-day-missgunst Wed, 06 May 2026 15:30:29 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-missgunst Ever called customer service hoping for a small miracle? Perhaps because you missed a deadline and now your fate is in the hands of a stranger on the other end? This German word captures exactly what you need in that moment. https://www.thelocal.de/20260501/german-word-of-the-day-kulanz Fri, 01 May 2026 09:07:25 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-kulanz Feeling low on energy and motivation? Struggling to get off the couch? If so, this German word should probably be in your vocabulary. https://www.thelocal.de/20240916/german-word-of-the-day-stinkfaul Mon, 16 Sep 2024 13:07:48 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-stinkfaul Have you ever had the urge to talk with Germans about turning on, tuning in and dropping out? Today’s word is for everyone who has ever toyed with the idea of leaving it all behind. https://www.thelocal.de/20260422/german-word-of-the-day-aussteiger Wed, 22 Apr 2026 16:17:50 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-aussteiger This German word doesn’t mean what you think it does. Forget nuts and bolts – it’s a sneaky label for someone with a wandering eye and zero shame. https://www.thelocal.de/20260417/german-word-of-the-day-spanner Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:47:05 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-spanner If you're spending any time travelling on Germany's roads and Autobahns, you need to know this word. https://www.thelocal.de/20260415/german-word-of-the-day-blitzer Wed, 15 Apr 2026 15:24:09 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-blitzer From closing a window to folding a stool, this German word has an intiuitive - and slightly onomatopeaic - meaning. But it also has another usage you'll want to know when making plans with friends. https://www.thelocal.de/20250514/german-word-of-the-day-klappen Wed, 14 May 2025 15:02:32 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-klappen This German word concisely describes those moments when you had the perfect thing to say, but the thought came a bit too late. https://www.thelocal.de/20260408/german-word-of-the-day-treppenwitz-2 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 16:57:35 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-treppenwitz-2 Have you ever forgotten your brolly when it rains and had someone tell you it’s your own fault? Here's a common German phrase that crops again and again around those everyday 'oops' moments. https://www.thelocal.de/20260403/german-word-of-the-day-selber-schuld Fri, 03 Apr 2026 12:00:17 +0200 german-word-of-the-day-selber-schuld Your beginner level German textbook probably taught you another word for all the things in your closet, but in day to day conversation you'll often hear this word instead. https://www.thelocal.de/20260223/german-word-of-the-day-klamotten Mon, 23 Feb 2026 16:49:25 +0100 german-word-of-the-day-klamotten Waiting for a declaration of love from your German partner? You may hear a different phrase, at least in the initial stages of your relationship. Here's what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.de/20220502/german-phrase-of-the-day-hab-dich-lieb Mon, 02 May 2022 15:52:09 +0200 german-phrase-of-the-day-hab-dich-lieb Have you ever spotted a figure who seemed to come straight out of an old painting – with wide trousers, slouch hat and a staff – walking along a country road? If so, then you may have glimpsed one of Germany’s wandering journeymen and women. https://www.thelocal.de/20260204/german-phrase-of-the-day-auf-der-walz Wed, 04 Feb 2026 16:42:23 +0100 german-phrase-of-the-day-auf-der-walz Perhaps you know a sportsperson at the top of their game, or you have a friend who's just really, really good at something. Here's the German you need to describe these people. https://www.thelocal.de/20260130/german-word-of-the-day-profi Fri, 30 Jan 2026 12:43:40 +0100 german-word-of-the-day-profi Would you like your German friends to see you as someone who knows how to appreciate the finer flavours in life? Here’s a gem of a word that will elevate your vocab from basic to bon vivant. https://www.thelocal.de/20260125/german-word-of-the-day-feinschmecker Sun, 25 Jan 2026 09:01:43 +0100 german-word-of-the-day-feinschmecker Christmas markets, Glühwein, Stille Nacht – it's enough to bring out the Christmas Grinch in anyone. But how do you talk about being grumpy at Christmas in German? https://www.thelocal.de/20251219/german-word-of-the-day-weihnachtsmuffel Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:47:04 +0100 german-word-of-the-day-weihnachtsmuffel If you're getting into German Christmas traditions this year, you may want to consider getting one of these for your home. https://www.thelocal.de/20251214/german-advent-word-of-the-day-kranz Sun, 14 Dec 2025 11:53:57 +0100 german-advent-word-of-the-day-kranz Putting up a Christmas tree is one of the better known traditions among people who celebrate the holiday. Find out how Germans carry out this tradition. https://www.thelocal.de/20191217/german-advent-word-of-the-day-der-weihnachtsbaum Tue, 17 Dec 2019 09:50:56 +0100 german-advent-word-of-the-day-der-weihnachtsbaum They come in all shapes, sizes and flavors. What, you ask, are we talking about? Of course cookies! https://www.thelocal.de/20191202/german-advent-word-of-the-day-das-pltchen Mon, 02 Dec 2019 06:00:11 +0100 german-advent-word-of-the-day-das-pltchen These dominos aren't meant to be played with, but rather enjoyed as a Christmas sweet. https://www.thelocal.de/20191203/german-advent-word-of-the-day-der-dominostein Tue, 03 Dec 2019 06:54:46 +0100 german-advent-word-of-the-day-der-dominostein This German word, or drink, of the day is something that's popular with students. You might just find it at a festive party – but be careful if you do! https://www.thelocal.de/20191222/german-advent-word-of-the-day-die-feuerzangenbowle Sun, 22 Dec 2019 08:00:00 +0100 german-advent-word-of-the-day-die-feuerzangenbowle