The Local Germany

Have your say: What are the best banks for foreigners in Germany?

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 16:17:28 +0200

When setting up a bank account in Germany there are lots of things to consider such as charges, or the service. We want to hear your recommendations for the best banks for internationals.

Hamburg or Berlin for German Olympic bid?

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 19:18:00 +0200

Old rivals Berlin and Hamburg are battling it out to become Germany's Olympic Games host bid hopefuls. But with both cities hit by building scandals and money worries, which is best placed to host the Olympic Games?

Does Germany have the education edge?

Tue, 22 Oct 2013 12:23:00 +0200

Germany has one of the lowest youth unemployment rates in Europe but the standard of its education system is full of contradictions.

Should Berlin protect its Soviet-era buildings?

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:27:00 +0200

Berlin is debating whether to protect the giant, Soviet-era, office blocks at Alexanderplatz. Some argue they are an important part of the city's history, despite being old and ugly. Should they be listed or demolished? Have your say.

TV fees: Is Germany getting its money worth?

Mon, 18 Feb 2013 15:40:00 +0100

More than half of Germans feel their public television isn't worth what they pay in licence fees. Is German TV worth €17.89 a month or must broadcasters up their game? Have your say.

Did 1977 'goal of century' beat Zlatan's?

Sat, 17 Nov 2012 12:47:00 +0100

While the football world is still dizzy from Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s amazing goal against England on Wednesday, a German player says his similar shot 35 years ago was better. We have videos of both. What do you think? Have your say.

Religious offence - hate speech or free speech?

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 13:51:00 +0200

Germany is split on a possible screening of the film which sparked violence in several Islamic countries. It is a free speech versus religious sensibility debate – with fear of violence mixed in. Have your say.

Do we need cops at minor car accidents?

Tue, 14 Aug 2012 12:45:00 +0200

Are police needed at minor car accidents; a dent or a scratch? A German police chief says they are wasting their time on such matters. Is he right, or should a cop be there to ensure everything is done properly? Have your say.

Can a Nazi's lover represent Germany?

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 15:16:00 +0200

Ex-Olympic rower Nadja Drygalla made headlines when she left the Games because her boyfriend was a neo-Nazi. But many say it was unfair. Can athletes represent their country regardless of who they mix with? Have your say.

Should soccer be used as a political football?

Wed, 02 May 2012 16:41:00 +0200

As Euro 2012 approaches in Poland and Ukraine, soccer has become a political football over the treatment of former Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko. Is sport a useful diplomatic tool or should it be free of politics? Have your say.

How would children run your family?

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 18:33:00 +0200

Given the chance, children would surely play video games all day and embark on a strict diet of M&Ms. Preventing this is what parents are for. One couple put their kids in charge for a month. What’s the worst that could happen? Have your say.

What fuels the American-German love-in?

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 15:56:00 +0200

Americans like Germans more than much ever before, a new poll found this week. But why? It can't just be gratitude for sending troops to Afghanistan. And do Germans feel the same way about US citizens? Have your say.

Would you park your car for a free bus ride?

Tue, 10 Apr 2012 17:27:00 +0200

After petrol prices hit record highs and traffic jams snaked across Germany this Easter, Leipzig made its public transport free for four days this week, but will it get more people out of their cars in the long run? Have your say.

Should Germany have a Veterans' Day?

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:40:00 +0200

Germany is introducing a US-style Veterans’ Day to honour the sacrifices made by its military. But many remain deeply uneasy about Germany's military history and are divided by the idea. What do you think? Have your say.

Should cops target black people for ID checks?

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:27:00 +0200

A German court ruled this week that police are allowed to use skin colour as a reason for spot-checks when looking for people breaking immigration laws. Is that justified? Have your say.

Should Germany bring back the royal family?

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 15:42:00 +0100

Germany got rid of its last Kaiser nearly a century ago, but the country remains fascinated by royals. One of the Kaiser’s descendants says royalty would help the country – but should Germany reinstate the monarchy? Have your say.

Can Gauck be president 'while living in sin?'

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:47:00 +0100

Germans generally agree that Joachim Gauck is a good choice for president. But can the ex-pastor be the nation's moral authority while staying married to one woman yet living with another set to become First Lady? Have your say.

Should the childless pay more tax?

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0100

A group of young German MPs have proposed that people who do not have children should pay extra tax to help pay for social services in the future. In the light of Germany’s low birth rate, should those not producing offspring pay more? Have your say.

Should fines rise for fare dodgers?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:00:00 +0100

Germany’s public transportation largely operates on the honour system, which makes fare dodging easy. Should fines be raised for freeloaders riding without a valid ticket? Have your say.

Would you pay more for green grub?

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:33:00 +0100

The food industry gathering in Berlin for the annual Green Week convention says conditions for farm animals can be improved – but the products would be more expensive. Would you pay more for humanely produced food? Have your say.