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 German libraries are a fabulous resource for anyone living in the country, offering not just books but everything from ice cream makers to umbrellas. https://www.thelocal.de/20260210/everything-you-can-borrow-from-a-library-in-germany Tue, 10 Feb 2026 15:17:46 +0100 everything-you-can-borrow-from-a-library-in-germany Planning a summer vacation by train? Here are the latest offers from Deutsche Bahn for cut-price railway travel around Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20260612/listed-all-the-ways-to-get-cheap-deutsche-bahn-tickets-this-summer Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:37:06 +0200 listed-all-the-ways-to-get-cheap-deutsche-bahn-tickets-this-summer From innovative baking soda to pricey vitamin juice and 'libido-boosting' gummy bears, five products are competing for the title of Germany’s most misleading food claim in 2026. Here’s how to have your say. https://www.thelocal.de/20260612/the-golden-windbag-germany-votes-on-most-misleading-food-claims-of-the-year Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:20:35 +0200 the-golden-windbag-germany-votes-on-most-misleading-food-claims-of-the-year Sunset, deckchairs and a blockbuster under the stars – Germany’s 'Freiluftkinos' are a summer essential. But from language traps to chilly evenings, a little insider knowledge can make all the difference. https://www.thelocal.de/20260611/how-tomake-the-most-of-germanys-open-air-cinemas-this-summer Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:34:51 +0200 how-tomake-the-most-of-germanys-open-air-cinemas-this-summer 'Lichtdurchflutet' (bathed in light) and 'Gemütlich' (cosy) might sound appealing, but in Germany’s property market, these poetic descriptions can often mean something else entirely. https://www.thelocal.de/20251106/the-words-estate-agents-in-germany-use-when-they-want-to-rip-you-off Thu, 06 Nov 2025 09:51:48 +0100 the-words-estate-agents-in-germany-use-when-they-want-to-rip-you-off The shifting tides of work-life balance, long-lingering puffs of tobacco smoke and the surprising realities of navigating the German legal system have prompted our readers to get in touch with us recently. https://www.thelocal.de/20260609/reader-insights-the-frosty-reality-of-german-bureaucracy-and-a-country-20-years-behind Tue, 09 Jun 2026 13:22:27 +0200 reader-insights-the-frosty-reality-of-german-bureaucracy-and-a-country-20-years-behind A new happiness ranking challenges assumptions about urban life in Germany – suggesting that smaller, more affordable cities may offer a better everyday experience. https://www.thelocal.de/20260609/which-german-cities-have-the-happiest-residents-in-2026 Tue, 09 Jun 2026 12:08:47 +0200 which-german-cities-have-the-happiest-residents-in-2026 Battling bureaucracy at the 'Ausländerbehörde' is an experience that virtually every foreigner living in Germany shares. We asked an immigration lawyer for her best advice to help make your next visit as smooth as possible. https://www.thelocal.de/20250722/expert-tips-for-your-next-appointment-at-a-german-immigration-office Tue, 22 Jul 2025 14:02:08 +0200 expert-tips-for-your-next-appointment-at-a-german-immigration-office Germany's generous parental allowance benefit makes it possible for new parents to take time off work. But the rules for freelancers can be complicated, writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman. https://www.thelocal.de/20260605/the-things-i-wish-id-known-about-elterngeld-as-a-freelancer-in-germany Fri, 05 Jun 2026 12:08:35 +0200 the-things-i-wish-id-known-about-elterngeld-as-a-freelancer-in-germany As debate grows across Germany, a local rule change could potentially reshape how wearable tech can be used in everyday public spaces. https://www.thelocal.de/20260607/potsdam-bans-smart-glasses-at-swimming-pools-amid-privacy-fears-in-germany Sun, 07 Jun 2026 08:27:14 +0200 potsdam-bans-smart-glasses-at-swimming-pools-amid-privacy-fears-in-germany Struggling with German paperwork? From taxes to health insurance, these seven essential apps can help foreign residents decode official demands and stay one step ahead of the system. https://www.thelocal.de/20260529/the-seven-best-apps-for-navigating-bureaucracy-in-germany Fri, 29 May 2026 12:05:14 +0200 the-seven-best-apps-for-navigating-bureaucracy-in-germany There’s nothing quite like a cold drink on a hot summer’s day and the Germans know it well. That’s why they’ve got a variety of tasty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to cool them down in the hottest months. Here are five you should try. https://www.thelocal.de/20220811/five-german-drinks-to-try-this-summer Thu, 11 Aug 2022 14:45:36 +0200 five-german-drinks-to-try-this-summer It’s easy to notice things like cycle lanes, bakeries on every corner and the sheer number of public clocks when you first arrive in Germany. But which everyday features are conspicuous by their absence? https://www.thelocal.de/20260604/the-things-you-wont-see-in-germany-that-are-common-elsewhere Thu, 04 Jun 2026 12:25:14 +0200 the-things-you-wont-see-in-germany-that-are-common-elsewhere Looking for online classifieds to buy or sell second-hand items, find housing or access local services in Germany? Here’s where to look. https://www.thelocal.de/20260602/whats-the-german-version-of-craigslist Tue, 02 Jun 2026 11:04:22 +0200 whats-the-german-version-of-craigslist Germany earned a spot in the top five 'best countries' to live in, and to move to, according to two recent rankings – here's why. https://www.thelocal.de/20260526/germany-ranked-among-the-best-places-to-live-in-the-world-in-2026 Tue, 26 May 2026 16:39:36 +0200 germany-ranked-among-the-best-places-to-live-in-the-world-in-2026 More foreigners are leaving Germany than at any point in the last 15 years. We spoke to recent emigrants about why they've decided to pack up and move out. https://www.thelocal.de/20260529/tired-of-being-an-immigrant-why-foreigners-are-leaving-germany-in-2026 Fri, 29 May 2026 09:48:47 +0200 tired-of-being-an-immigrant-why-foreigners-are-leaving-germany-in-2026 For any young people looking for a route into life in Germany, the 'FSJ' program is an often overlooked opportunity. Here's how it works and who can apply. https://www.thelocal.de/20260529/how-a-voluntary-social-year-in-germany-can-open-doors-and-pay-the-bills Fri, 29 May 2026 16:45:54 +0200 how-a-voluntary-social-year-in-germany-can-open-doors-and-pay-the-bills Foreign residents would gain the right to vote after five years in Germany under a new proposal. The move potentially gives millions a political voice but has also sparked sharp political opposition. https://www.thelocal.de/20260528/left-party-calls-for-voting-rights-for-foreigners-in-germany Thu, 28 May 2026 12:40:37 +0200 left-party-calls-for-voting-rights-for-foreigners-in-germany In a significant legal shift, customers of businesses known to exploit workers could also face criminal liability going forward as Germany strengthens its human trafficking protections. https://www.thelocal.de/20260528/customers-on-the-hook-as-germany-tightens-human-trafficking-laws Thu, 28 May 2026 12:29:13 +0200 customers-on-the-hook-as-germany-tightens-human-trafficking-laws Air conditioning is not common in Germany, especially in private homes, but there other ways to keep yourself and your home cool during a heatwave. https://www.thelocal.de/20250813/six-ways-to-keep-your-german-home-cool-without-air-conditioning Wed, 13 Aug 2025 11:57:28 +0200 six-ways-to-keep-your-german-home-cool-without-air-conditioning