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 Swimmers in Germany love heading to its lakes, rivers and the Baltic and North Sea beaches. Here’s how you can check the water quality before you take a dip. https://www.thelocal.de/20260715/how-to-check-the-water-quality-when-swimming-in-germany Wed, 15 Jul 2026 11:22:30 +0200 how-to-check-the-water-quality-when-swimming-in-germany 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 Children in Germany enjoy around six weeks off school when summer rolls around. How do working parents balance work and childcare? https://www.thelocal.de/20260729/how-working-parents-in-germany-manage-childcare-during-the-summer-holiday Wed, 29 Jul 2026 12:09:33 +0200 how-working-parents-in-germany-manage-childcare-during-the-summer-holiday From changes to Deutsche Bahn's loyalty points scheme to the right to all-day childcare and new labelling rules for AI-generated content, here are the key changes this August affecting people living in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20260723/everything-that-changes-in-germany-in-august-2026 Thu, 23 Jul 2026 16:28:40 +0200 everything-that-changes-in-germany-in-august-2026 Germany has adopted an EU directive that will make it easier for consumers to have household appliances and some electronic devices like smartphones repaired when they break. Here's what you need to know. https://www.thelocal.de/20260326/how-the-right-to-repair-for-electronics-will-work-in-germany Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:22:55 +0100 how-the-right-to-repair-for-electronics-will-work-in-germany Rents are rising and in Germany you'll pay a premium for services. But from groceries and childcare to board games and beer, life here isn’t always as expensive as newcomers fear. https://www.thelocal.de/20260702/seven-things-that-are-cheaper-in-germany-than-other-countries Thu, 02 Jul 2026 17:04:27 +0200 seven-things-that-are-cheaper-in-germany-than-other-countries When temperatures rise it can be hard to stay cool, but what happens when your rented flat starts feeling more sauna than sanctuary? Here's a look at your rights in Germany, and when you could be eligible for a rent reduction. https://www.thelocal.de/20250814/can-you-get-a-rent-reduction-if-your-apartment-gets-too-hot-in-germany Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:11:14 +0200 can-you-get-a-rent-reduction-if-your-apartment-gets-too-hot-in-germany Germany is experiencing a severe heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 40C. Journalist and Berlin resident Rachel Loxton gives her advice on getting through it safely and comfortably. https://www.thelocal.de/20260626/tips-to-get-through-the-heatwave-in-germany Fri, 26 Jun 2026 09:30:02 +0200 tips-to-get-through-the-heatwave-in-germany Those thinking of moving to Germany may have been given pause by recent headlines stating that the country has been ranked second-worst in the world by a large survey of people living abroad. Is it really so bad? https://www.thelocal.de/20260728/is-germany-really-the-second-worst-country-for-expats Tue, 28 Jul 2026 09:38:09 +0200 is-germany-really-the-second-worst-country-for-expats Germany is set to allow bakeries and public libraries to extend their Sunday opening hours from next year. Now, many business leaders want to see the rules lifted for the entire retail sector. Here's what readers of The Local think. https://www.thelocal.de/20260723/your-views-is-germanys-sunday-shopping-ban-an-outdated-tradition-or-a-chance-for-calm Thu, 23 Jul 2026 11:50:43 +0200 your-views-is-germanys-sunday-shopping-ban-an-outdated-tradition-or-a-chance-for-calm For stressed parents bringing up young children, having a dedicated space for support in the community can be a godsend. That's why every parent in Germany should know about its 'family centres', writes journalist and new mother Imogen Goodman. https://www.thelocal.de/20260724/what-are-germanys-familienzentren-and-how-do-they-support-families Fri, 24 Jul 2026 11:59:30 +0200 what-are-germanys-familienzentren-and-how-do-they-support-families Germany is famous for its directness, yet Germans often avoid conflict in subtle, passive-aggressive ways – a contradiction which can leave newcomers scratching their heads at best and outright offended at worst. https://www.thelocal.de/20251105/five-ways-germans-are-passive-aggressive-and-how-to-deal-with-them Wed, 05 Nov 2025 11:43:56 +0100 five-ways-germans-are-passive-aggressive-and-how-to-deal-with-them Germany's federal authorities had already reduced access to language and integration courses for immigrants. Now a draft budget for next year reveals that funding for the state-funded classes is being slashed. https://www.thelocal.de/20260721/germanys-draft-budget-halves-funding-for-integration-courses Tue, 21 Jul 2026 14:18:35 +0200 germanys-draft-budget-halves-funding-for-integration-courses 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 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 From distracting pop-ups to last-minute offers, some businesses will try everything to stop customers from cancelling contracts. In Germany that should be a thing of the past, according to a new court ruling. https://www.thelocal.de/20260720/no-tricks-german-court-ruling-makes-it-easier-to-cancel-online-contracts Mon, 20 Jul 2026 11:31:25 +0200 no-tricks-german-court-ruling-makes-it-easier-to-cancel-online-contracts People in Germany have until July 31st to complete their tax return. We look at the steps you should take if you notice a mistake after you submit. https://www.thelocal.de/20260519/what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return Tue, 19 May 2026 16:09:58 +0200 what-happens-if-you-make-a-mistake-on-your-german-tax-return Whether you've just moved to Germany or have been settled here for years, knowing where to turn to for support is essential. Here are the organisations that can help you navigate the twists and turns of life in Germany. https://www.thelocal.de/20241115/the-organisations-in-germany-that-are-helpful-for-foreign-residents Fri, 15 Nov 2024 10:37:46 +0100 the-organisations-in-germany-that-are-helpful-for-foreign-residents A homeowners' association can't prevent apartment owners from installing an air conditioning unit, Germany's court of justice ruled on Wednesday, in a case seen as strengthening homeowners' right to cool their homes. https://www.thelocal.de/20260717/court-affirms-german-homeowners-right-to-install-air-conditioning Fri, 17 Jul 2026 15:42:28 +0200 court-affirms-german-homeowners-right-to-install-air-conditioning Germany's conservatives are embroiled in controversy after a high-profile CDU politician admitted his child had been carried by a surrogate mother in the United States. Why has this caused such a stir, and what are the rules on surrogacy in Germany? https://www.thelocal.de/20260717/what-are-germanys-rules-on-having-a-baby-through-surrogacy Fri, 17 Jul 2026 11:55:48 +0200 what-are-germanys-rules-on-having-a-baby-through-surrogacy