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 It can be difficult to find a doctor's appointment in Germany at a suitable time. So are you allowed to schedule an appointment during working hours? https://www.thelocal.de/20260610/can-employees-visit-the-doctor-during-work-hours-in-germany Wed, 10 Jun 2026 13:29:26 +0200 can-employees-visit-the-doctor-during-work-hours-in-germany Ozempic has rapidly become one of the world’s most talked‑about weight‑loss drugs – but can people in Germany get it without a prescription, and what are the rules if you don’t have diabetes? Here’s what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.de/20260608/whats-the-law-on-ozempic-for-weight-loss-in-germany Mon, 08 Jun 2026 16:20:36 +0200 whats-the-law-on-ozempic-for-weight-loss-in-germany A US national who contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo was discharged from a German hospital on Saturday after recovering from the infection following 17 days of medical care, the clinic said. https://www.thelocal.de/20260607/german-hospital-discharges-us-doctor-who-contracted-ebola Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:49:56 +0200 german-hospital-discharges-us-doctor-who-contracted-ebola Concrete details of Germany’s long-term care reform have emerged, sparking intense criticism. Social organisations, states and municipalities are calling planned cuts a “raid” and a “slap in the face”. https://www.thelocal.de/20260605/long-term-care-reform-plans-spark-widespread-backlash-in-germany Fri, 05 Jun 2026 15:39:25 +0200 long-term-care-reform-plans-spark-widespread-backlash-in-germany Letters from schools and park closures signal a growing summer hazard in Germany. Oak processionary moth caterpillar infestations can trigger rashes, breathing problems and widespread disruption. https://www.thelocal.de/20260605/how-to-avoid-a-hairy-seasonal-health-risk-in-germany-this-summer Fri, 05 Jun 2026 10:02:37 +0200 how-to-avoid-a-hairy-seasonal-health-risk-in-germany-this-summer On 'World No Tobacco Day', we take a look at Germany's smoking policies - where it's allowed, where it isn't, and why relaxed laws on lighting up can be a major culture shock for foreigners. https://www.thelocal.de/20240531/why-does-germany-still-have-such-lax-rules-on-smoking Fri, 31 May 2024 13:36:06 +0200 why-does-germany-still-have-such-lax-rules-on-smoking Residents in Germany could soon pay more towards long-term care insurance, particularly if they don’t have children, as the government seeks to close a growing funding gap. https://www.thelocal.de/20260526/germany-plans-higher-care-contributions-for-childless-residents Tue, 26 May 2026 11:30:38 +0200 germany-plans-higher-care-contributions-for-childless-residents Patients in Germany may be saved at least a few trips to the doctor thanks to a reform that will allow pharmacies to offer more services. https://www.thelocal.de/20260522/how-will-patients-be-affected-by-germanys-pharmacy-reform Fri, 22 May 2026 11:29:41 +0200 how-will-patients-be-affected-by-germanys-pharmacy-reform Being hit by a car in Berlin was traumatic enough for two foreign women living in the city, but then what came next - having to navigate Germany's harsh and confusing bureaucratic legal system - proved even worse. https://www.thelocal.de/20260521/interview-how-being-hit-by-a-car-in-berlin-revealed-the-scariness-of-german-bureaucracy Thu, 21 May 2026 16:32:30 +0200 interview-how-being-hit-by-a-car-in-berlin-revealed-the-scariness-of-german-bureaucracy A US doctor who was infected with the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo is to be transferred to Germany for treatment, according to the CDC. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/us-doctor-infected-with-ebola-virus-to-be-treated-in-germany Tue, 19 May 2026 10:20:01 +0200 us-doctor-infected-with-ebola-virus-to-be-treated-in-germany Did you know that doctors in Germany can prescribe more than 50 digital health apps to support various conditions, from social anxiety and depression to back pain, diabetes and migraine prevention? We break down the top-rated apps. https://www.thelocal.de/20260211/the-digital-health-apps-covered-by-public-health-insurance-in-germany Wed, 11 Feb 2026 12:45:39 +0100 the-digital-health-apps-covered-by-public-health-insurance-in-germany Going to the gym in Germany can test your language skills as much as your fitness. Here’s our guide to the phrases you need to work up a sweat, talk reps and explain injuries – without accidentally ending up back at school. https://www.thelocal.de/20260505/how-to-talk-about-working-out-like-a-german Tue, 05 May 2026 14:24:00 +0200 how-to-talk-about-working-out-like-a-german Germany is preparing a levy on sugary drinks that could change what ends up in your glass. If all goes according to plan, the move could reduce sugar consumption and support the country’s public health system. https://www.thelocal.de/20260507/what-is-germanys-proposed-sugar-tax-and-how-would-it-work Thu, 07 May 2026 10:42:13 +0200 what-is-germanys-proposed-sugar-tax-and-how-would-it-work German emergency services will on Wednesday transfer a person evacuated from a cruise ship stricken with a deadly outbreak of hantavirus from the Netherlands to a hospital in Germany, officials said. https://www.thelocal.de/20260506/person-from-hantavirus-hit-ship-heading-to-german-hospital Wed, 06 May 2026 15:17:02 +0200 person-from-hantavirus-hit-ship-heading-to-german-hospital The federal cabinet has approved sweeping health reforms aimed at saving billions. From higher medication costs to changes for families and a new sugar tax, the impact for German residents could be significant. https://www.thelocal.de/20260429/germanys-federal-cabinet-approves-health-reform-package Wed, 29 Apr 2026 13:26:23 +0200 germanys-federal-cabinet-approves-health-reform-package Germany’s coalition government is pushing a number of healthcare reforms at the moment. In the background there are also discussions about cutting workers' entitlements to sick pay. https://www.thelocal.de/20260417/will-germany-tighten-its-rules-on-paid-sick-leave Fri, 17 Apr 2026 13:24:53 +0200 will-germany-tighten-its-rules-on-paid-sick-leave Germany is planning a major reform of the health insurance system in a bid to close a widening funding gap. From higher co-payments to cuts to spousal co-insurance, here are the proposed austerity measures. https://www.thelocal.de/20260415/higher-co-pays-fewer-services-the-cuts-coming-for-germanys-public-health-insurance Wed, 15 Apr 2026 13:30:04 +0200 higher-co-pays-fewer-services-the-cuts-coming-for-germanys-public-health-insurance If hay fever is already making you miserable, the last thing you need is confusion at the pharmacy counter. Here’s a practical guide to allergy medication in Germany – and some helpful phrases for asking for it. https://www.thelocal.de/20260326/allergy-season-what-to-ask-for-in-german-pharmacies Thu, 26 Mar 2026 11:13:51 +0100 allergy-season-what-to-ask-for-in-german-pharmacies Germany has a strong wellness culture that dates back more than 2,000 years. If you're looking to take a dip in mineral waters or sweat it out in the sauna, spa towns – known as 'Kurorte' – offer the perfect weekend break. https://www.thelocal.de/20260409/wellness-germanys-best-kur-towns-and-why-you-should-visit Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:21:44 +0200 wellness-germanys-best-kur-towns-and-why-you-should-visit For anyone expecting a baby in Germany or wondering what support and services new parents are entitled to, here’s a straightforward guide to making the most of your statutory health insurance coverage. https://www.thelocal.de/20260129/what-german-health-insurance-benefits-can-you-get-during-pregnancy Thu, 29 Jan 2026 16:35:33 +0100 what-german-health-insurance-benefits-can-you-get-during-pregnancy