Other Germany

In Germany, there are numerous news resources in foreign languages intended for expats, migrants, tourists, and international readers.

Deutsche Welle (DW): German international broadcaster; offers news in more than 30 languages, including English, French, Chinese, Italian, Polish, Ukrainian, Spanish, Arabic, and others.

English language

The Local Germany: A news portal for expats covering current topics in Germany (economy, laws, culture, everyday life).

 

Handelsblatt Today: The English-language version of the popular German financial publication Handelsblatt, covering the economy and business.

Turkish language

Hürriyet Almanya: The German version of the Turkish newspaper Hürriyet, covering topics of interest to the Turkish community.

Milliyet Almanya: Turkish news portal focusing on events in Germany and Turkey.

Russian language

Russkaya Germania: Newspaper and portal in Germany covering news, culture, events, and legal issues.

Germania One: An online resource with news about life in Germany, events, and useful information for migrants.

Russkiy Berlin: A regional edition in Berlin.

Arabic language

Zaman Deutschland: Portal dedicated to life in Germany and international news.

French language

Le Monde Diplomatique (German edition): A French publication with translations of materials into German and French.

Spanish language

El País (Alemania): The Spanish publication with a section dedicated to news from Germany.

 

Television and radio channels

ARD and ZDF: The main state television companies in Germany; provide extensive coverage of national and international news.

 

Mobile apps and streaming services

News Apps: Applications like Tagesschau, Spiegel Online, and FAZ.NET offer a convenient way to get news on the go.

 

Streaming Services: YouTube and Hulu also offer access to news channels such as DW and other international news stations.

 

Social media and specialized platforms

X and Facebook: Many news organizations maintain active social media accounts where they regularly post updates and articles. Follow pages of organizations like DW, The Local Germany, Spiegel, and Süddeutsche Zeitung to stay informed about the latest news.

 

Reddit: On the platform, there are communities like r/germany and r/de, where users discuss the latest events and share news.

 

Using these resources, you can stay informed about all events in Germany, no matter where you are located.

There are many stereotypes about Germany, some of which have a grain of truth, while others are exaggerations.

 

Germans are very punctual and organized

One of the most common stereotypes is that Germans are very punctual and love order. Punctuality in Germany is indeed highly valued and considered a sign of respect and professionalism. Meetings and arrangements are rarely postponed, and being late can be perceived as disrespectful.

 

Germans love rules and laws

Germany is known for its strict adherence to rules and laws. This is reflected in various aspects of life, from road traffic to business ethics. German society prefers clear instructions and structures, which helps maintain order and predictability.

 

Germans are straightforward and honest

Germans are often considered straightforward and honest in communication. They value transparency and directness, which can sometimes be perceived as coldness or rudeness. However, this straightforwardness also means that German friends and colleagues will usually be honest and candid in their opinions and advice.

 

Love for beer and sausages

Germany is famous for its love of beer and sausages. There are more than 1,300 breweries and over 5,000 different brands of beer. Beer is an integral part of German culture and is often consumed at various social and cultural events. Sausages, such as Bratwurst and Currywurst, are also popular dishes and symbols of German cuisine.

 

Germans are hardworking and efficient

The German work ethic is characterized by a high degree of discipline and efficiency. Germans take pride in their work and strive to achieve high quality in everything they do. This work ethic is reflected in the reputation of German industry and engineering for high quality and precision.

 

Germany - the country of insurance

Germans take insurance very seriously, and there are many types of insurance, from mandatory health insurance to unemployment insurance. This reflects the German tendency towards protection and risk prevention.

 

These stereotypes provide some insight into German culture and society, but it is important to remember that not all Germans fit these descriptions, and stereotypes should not be used to judge individuals. It is better to use them as a starting point for understanding cultural features and norms in Germany.

Transport and movement

BVG: An app for getting around Berlin, including subway, bus, and tram routes, as well as the ability to purchase tickets.

Deutsche Bahn: The national railway company's app, which helps plan train journeys throughout Germany, buy tickets, and get up-to-date schedule information.

Taxi.eu: This app covers more than 160 cities and allows you to easily call a taxi, track them in real-time, and pay for rides in various ways.

 

Finance and banking

N26: A mobile bank that allows you to open accounts, manage finances, and make payments directly from your phone.

Taxfix: An app for filing tax returns in Germany. It simplifies the process and allows you to file returns via smartphone.

Wise: An app for international transfers, allowing you to send and receive money in different currencies with minimal fees.

 

Weather

Wetter.de: An app for getting current weather forecasts across Germany, helping you always be prepared for weather changes.

 

Food and delivery

Lieferando: One of the most popular apps for ordering food delivery.

HelloFresh: An app for the delivery of meal kits and recipes.

Uber Eats: A classic!

 

Language support and culture

Duolingo: An excellent app for learning the German language.

Going Local Berlin: An app for finding events, attractions, and tours in Berlin, including an offline map and filters for easy search.

Germany is famous for its diverse cultural events and entertainment that attract millions of tourists and locals. Here are some of the most popular events and festivals worth attending:

 

Berlinale

One of the most prestigious events in the world of cinema, held in February. Here you can see film premieres from around the world and meet celebrities.

 

Frankfurt Book Fair

The largest book fair in the world, held in October. It brings together publishers, authors, and book enthusiasts to exchange experiences and showcase new releases.

 

Year of Culture 2025 in Chemnitz

Chemnitz has been named the European Capital of Culture for 2025, which involves many cultural events and exhibitions reflecting the city's rich heritage.

 

Oktoberfest in Munich

The most famous beer festival in the world, taking place from late September to early October. It's a time for tasting local beer, traditional dishes, and fun.

 

Rock am Ring

One of the largest rock festivals, held in June at the Nürburgring racetrack. The festival attracts thousands of rock music fans from around the world.

 

Berlin Beer Week

A festival held at the end of August where you can taste various beers from local and international breweries.

 

Carnival in Cologne

Held in February, it attracts thousands of participants with colorful costumes, parades, and street parties. It is one of the biggest and most famous carnival events in Germany.

 

Rhine in Flames

A series of fireworks and festivals held in various cities along the Rhine River from May to September. Spectacular light shows and concerts make this event unforgettable.

 

Long Night of Museums

In August, over 70 museums in Berlin open their doors to visitors late into the night, offering special programs, tours, and interactive exhibitions.

 

No matter your interests, you will find plenty of exciting events in this country to suit any taste.

In Germany, there is a well-developed network of public toilets that can be found in various locations:

 

Cities and tourist areas: In major cities like Berlin, Munich, and Frankfurt, public toilets are conveniently located, often near tourist attractions and public transport. For example, in Berlin, after a recent update, 278 new toilets were installed, including 100 free ones, significantly improving accessibility.

 

Shopping centers and train stations: Public toilets are also available in large shopping centers and at train stations. These toilets are usually paid, with costs ranging from 50 cents to 1 euro, but they are well-maintained and often have restroom attendants to keep them clean.

 

Highways: On highways, toilets are often free and are kept in satisfactory condition. At some gas stations and roadside rest areas, toilets may be paid but offer a high level of convenience and cleanliness.

 

Accessibility for people with disabilities

Many new toilets are designed with the needs of people with disabilities in mind, offering easy access, which makes them comfortable for all population categories to use.

 

Apps for finding toilets

In some cities like Berlin and Frankfurt, there are apps that help locate the nearest public toilets: Berlin Toilet, EasyPZ, Frankfurt Toilet Finder, Tuluu.

 

Cleanliness and hygiene

While most public toilets in Germany are kept clean, there might be exceptions. Restroom attendants are often present to maintain order. It is recommended to leave a small tip of 40-50 cents for their services if the toilet was paid.

There are many methods and resources that can help you effectively learn the German language. Here are several best options:

 

Courses from the Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut offers a wide range of courses, including online courses and classroom courses. They are suitable for all levels and include special courses such as business German or German for medicine.

 

Online platforms

Preply: Allows you to find online tutors who can provide individual lessons.

Italki: A platform where you can find native speakers for individual lessons.

 

Mobile apps

Duolingo: A free app suitable for the beginner level. It offers short and interactive lessons that help with learning grammar and vocabulary.

Babbel: A paid app offering structured courses by levels. It focuses on conversational practice and the use of language in everyday life.

Anki: Uses a spaced repetition method for memorizing words and phrases.

 

Local language courses

Volkshochschule (VHS): People's universities offer affordable German language courses in most German cities.

Integration courses by BAMF: The Federal Office for Migration and Refugees offers integration courses that include language training and cultural adaptation. These courses are often free or heavily subsidized.

 

Immersion in the language environment

Watching German films and series: Using German subtitles can help improve listening and comprehension skills.

Listening to podcasts: For instance, podcasts like "Coffee Break German" or "Warum Nicht?" offer engaging ways to enhance language understanding.

Reading books and newspapers: Start with simple books or children's stories, then move on to more complex literature and news articles.

 

Social interaction

Language tandems: Find a language exchange partner to practice German while they practice your native language.

Attending conversation clubs: Meetings with native speakers or other learners of German can help improve conversational skills.

One option for conversational practice is volunteering. Interested individuals can contact one of the social charities (Caritas, Diakonie), which will pair them with a conversation partner, such as a person with disabilities to talk to several times a week, or just an elderly person. This activity is unpaid but offers several advantages, for instance, applicants who did not score enough points for their desired field of study may work a free social year (FSJ), which gives them additional points for admission next year.

 

Resources for Self-Study

The platform "German to go" offers free lessons with videos and interactive exercises.

YouTube channels: "Easy German" and "Authentic German Learning" offer videos with subtitles and explanations.

Germany has a rich cultural history, reflected in its numerous national holidays and traditions.

 

New Year, January 1: The New Year is celebrated with fireworks, family feasts, and the popular tradition of Bleigießen — predicting the future by melting lead.

Epiphany, January 6: The holiday is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, and Saxony. On this day, children dress as kings and go door-to-door collecting donations.

 

Carnival: A period of parades and festivities that begins on November 11 and lasts until Ash Wednesday. The most famous carnival parades take place in Cologne, Düsseldorf, and Mainz.

 

Easter: Includes Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday. During this period, Easter markets and egg hunts are held.

 

Labor Day, May 1: A workers' holiday celebrated with demonstrations and public events.

Ascension Day, 40 days after Easter: Also celebrated as Father's Day, when men gather for walks and picnics.

 

Trinity Monday: A day marking Pentecost, with religious services and family gatherings.

Corpus Christi: Celebrated in Catholic regions with processions and religious rites.

 

Assumption of Mary, August 15: A holiday in Bavaria and Saarland, featuring religious services and local traditions such as collecting herbs for blessing.

 

German Unity Day, October 3: A national holiday marking the reunification of Germany in 1990. Mass events, concerts, and festivals are held.

Oktoberfest: The most famous festival, which began in Munich in 1810. The beer festival and folk festivities start in late September and continue until early October.

 

Reformation Day, October 31: Celebrated in Protestant regions in remembrance of the beginning of the Reformation by Martin Luther.

All Saints' Day, November 1: A Christian holiday in Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, and North Rhine-Westphalia, when cemeteries are visited and decorated with flowers and candles.

 

Christmas, December 25-26: One of the most important holidays, featuring Christmas markets, family dinners, and gifts. Christmas Eve, December 24, is also celebrated.

New Year's Eve, December 31: Celebrated with fireworks, parties, and feasts.

Germany is famous for its rich cultural heritage, diverse architecture, and picturesque landscapes. Here are some of the most popular places worth visiting in this country:

 

Berlin

Brandenburg Gate: A symbol of German reunification and one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

Fernsehturm (TV Tower): Berlin's tallest structure with panoramic views and the revolving restaurant Sphere.

 

Munich

Marienplatz: The city's central square with the New Town Hall offering magnificent views of the historic center.

Oktoberfest: A world-famous beer festival held annually in September-October.

 

Cologne

Cologne Cathedral: A magnificent Gothic cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Be sure to climb the tower for a stunning view of the city.

 

Potsdam

Sanssouci Palace: An elegant Rococo palace with beautiful gardens. It is one of the most famous structures of the Prussian King Frederick the Great's era.

 

Hamburg

Miniatur Wunderland: The world's largest model railway, representing various countries and cities in miniature.

Speicherstadt: A historic warehouse district that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

 

Frankfurt

Römer: A historic building that served as a city hall. Nearby is Römerberg square with reconstructed medieval houses.

 

Füssen

Neuschwanstein Castle: This fairytale castle inspired Disney to create its famous logo. It is located amidst the picturesque Bavarian Alps.

 

Dresden

Frauenkirche: A cathedral restored after World War II, a symbol of the city's rebirth.

 

Rhine Valley

Siegfried's Mechanical Music Museum in Rüdesheim and the picturesque castles along the river make this region a must-visit for history and nature enthusiasts.

 

Nuremberg

Kaiserburg: A historic castle with magnificent views of the city and a museum that tells its history.

 

These places offer a unique blend of cultural, historical, and natural attractions that allow you to discover different facets of Germany. Whether you're interested in history, architecture, or simply want to enjoy beautiful landscapes, Germany has something for everyone.

Here are some key aspects of German etiquette and social behavior that may help you adapt:

 

Greetings and Communication

Handshakes: In Germany, it is customary to shake hands when meeting and parting, even when meeting a group of people.

Addressing with "you" and "thou": In formal situations and when first meeting, use "Sie" (you). Switching to "du" (thou) is only possible by mutual consent, usually initiated by the senior or higher-ranked person.

Greetings: Upon entering stores, cafes, or offices, it is customary to greet those present with "Guten Tag" or "Hallo," and to say goodbye ("Auf Wiedersehen" or "Tschüss") when leaving.

 

Punctuality and Planning

Punctuality: It is highly valued in Germany. Being late for meetings or events is considered disrespectful. Always try to arrive 5-10 minutes ahead of the scheduled time.

Scheduling Appointments: For most activities, whether visiting a doctor, going to a hairdresser, or meeting friends, it is necessary to schedule an appointment in advance.

 

Behavior in Public Places

Silence and Order: In public places such as transportation, hospitals, or restaurants, it is not customary to speak loudly or listen to music. Silence and respect for others' personal space are important aspects of public life.

Crossing the Street: Crossing on a red light is highly discouraged, even if there are no cars. This is an important aspect of safety and discipline.

 

Food and Drink

Table Etiquette: Germans use table utensils according to European standards—knife in the right hand, fork in the left. Start eating only after all guests have been served and after the host says "Guten Appetit."

Splitting the Bill: In restaurants, it is common for each person to pay for themselves unless agreed otherwise in advance.

 

Gifts and Visits

Gifts: If invited to someone's home, it is customary to bring a small gift, such as flowers, wine, or chocolate. Gifts are usually opened immediately upon receipt.

Unexpected Visits: It is not customary to visit without prior notice, even if you know the person well. Always call or write in advance.

 

Openness and Privacy

Nudity: Germany has a more liberal attitude towards nudity, especially in saunas and some beaches. This is not related to sexuality, and one should not stare at naked people.

 

Waste Disposal

Waste Sorting: Germans take recycling seriously. Sorting waste (paper, plastic, glass, and organic) is mandatory, and failing to do so may lead to negative attitudes from neighbors.

The main levels of government in Germany include the European Union, federal government, state governments, district and city councils, and municipalities.

European Union: The European Union is a supranational level of government that enacts laws mandatory for all member states, including Germany. These laws regulate various aspects, such as trade, the environment, and human rights.

Federal Government: The federal government of Germany is responsible for defense, foreign policy, and establishing national standards. It also allocates financial resources among less affluent states to ensure equal opportunities across the country.

States: Germany consists of 16 federal states, each with its own government and parliament. The states have significant autonomy and can set their own regulations in areas such as education, police, and culture.

Districts and urban areas: Districts combine several municipalities and provide services that may be too costly for small towns, such as waste management and hospital services. Urban areas are large cities that are managed independently of districts.

Municipalities: Municipalities are the smallest level of administrative division, including cities, towns, and villages. They are responsible for local services such as water supply, electricity, local infrastructure, and education. Municipalities can be either urban or rural.

Additional administrative structures

Some federal states have additional administrative levels, such as Regierungsbezirke (administrative districts), which help coordinate tasks between municipalities and state governments. Other states use systems such as Ämter, which combine several small municipalities for more efficient management.

Thus, the local government system in Germany is a complex structure with a clear distribution of powers and responsibilities between different levels of government, ensuring efficient management and a high quality of life for citizens.