The Local Germany

10 iconic phrases that map out each era of German history

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 09:50:30 +0100

The Germany we know today has been shaped by its unique, yet tragic and tumultuous history, originating from 1871 when Germany first became a country. The Local has collected 10 iconic and internationally renowned phrases that mark historic change in Germany, and how Germans see their country.

German left wing 'Stand up' movement vows to win back far-right voters

Tue, 04 Sep 2018 18:57:22 +0200

Leftist politicians on Tuesday pledged to address the concerns of poor people in Germany and win back working-class voters who have drifted to the xenophobic far-right.

German football star Podolski to open döner kebab shop in Cologne

Thu, 04 Jan 2018 15:48:27 +0100

Not only is Lukas Podolski a former World Cup football star, he will soon open up a döner kebab eatery in the west German city of Cologne.

What are Merkel's chances for remaining Chancellor?

Tue, 30 Aug 2016 15:01:59 +0200

She's already held the Chancellery for over a decade, but infighting with political allies as well as a rocky response to her refugee policies may put a damper on Angela Merkel's staying power.

'Hot Boy from Germany' wins Vietnam Idol

Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:22:30 +0200

A 22-year-old from Hanover has become the latest winner of Vietnam Idol – bagging $27,000 along with his new title.

Berlin man admits shooting child, 9

Fri, 20 Mar 2015 17:38:12 +0100

A 47-year-old Berliner has admitted that he shot a nine-year-old boy who was playing on the street outside his home on Thursday evening.

Three-year-old goes on solo train ride

Thu, 08 Jan 2015 09:00:00 +0100

A three-year-old child went on an involuntary train journey across northern Germany on Wednesday after she was separated from her father and sister on the platform.

Greens pledge to raise tax on rich to almost 50%

Sat, 27 Apr 2013 16:00:00 +0200

Members of Germany’s Green Party have backed a plan to raise income tax to 49% for people earning more than €80,000. The current rate is 42%. It has also vowed to increase tax on salaries of over €60,000 to 45%.

'Not being German was a big plus in my case'

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 06:45:00 +0100

In the latest instalment of My German Career, The Local spoke with Portuguese games tester Rui Firmino about how he ended up playing with computers in Frankfurt.

Biker gang war in Berlin 'goes Scandinavian'

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 10:56:00 +0200

Police say they foiled a murderous revenge attack by one biker gang on another when they stopped three Scandinavia-based men heading for Germany equipped with explosives, detonators and bullet-proof vests.

Government advisor stripped of doctorate

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0200

A high-profile professor and former advisor to the German foreign minister has been stripped of her doctorate after it was found to be largely plagiarised.

The royal Guttenbergs

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 15:28:00 +0100

Not used to glamorous politicians, Germans are both dazzled and dismayed by Defence Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg and his wife Stephanie. But Der Tagesspiegel’s Malte Lehming believes that might be changing.

Surprise security checks at logistics firms after letter bomb scare

Thu, 11 Nov 2010 10:21:00 +0100

Officers from the Federal Office of Civil Aviation have conducted unannounced checks on more than 20 shipping and logistics companies in Germany in what appears to be a reaction to two separate parcel bomb incidents last week.

Majority of Germans expect coalition failure

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 10:47:00 +0200

Germany’s trust in its government was shaken by the difficult presidential vote this week, with a poll released on Friday showing more than two-thirds believe Chancellor Angela Merkel’s coalition will soon collapse as a result.

Pop starlet gets deported from the United States

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 15:22:00 +0100

Indira Weis, 2001 winner of the German casting show Popstars and former member of pop group Bro'Sis, was arrested in Miami on Saturday after being accused of trying to work in the United States without a visa.

St. Pius X brotherhood attacks Catholic bishops

Fri, 08 Jan 2010 17:41:00 +0100

A priest from the controversial Catholic splinter group the Society of St. Pius X on Friday attacked several German bishops for allegedly betraying Pope Benedict XVI and the Church.

Recession cuts ranks of German billionaires

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 13:11:00 +0200

Germany's worst post-war recession has cut the ranks of the country's billionaires to 99 and the fortunes of those still making the grade have plummeted dramatically, according to a survey released this week.

Kahn warns Bayern to take German Cup final seriously

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 10:51:00 +0200

Bayern Munich's high-profile keeper Oliver Kahn warned of over-confidence ahead of Saturday's German Cup final against Borussia Dortmund, the first trophy towards a possible treble this season.