Germany
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Where roads in Germany will see major traffic this weekend
Anyone planning a road trip this weekend may need extra patience as major congestion is expected across Germany due to autumn holiday traffic and on-going roadworks.
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German parliament approves 'early start' pension for children
Germany's Bundestag approved legislation to create a new state-backed pension savings scheme for children on Friday. Here’s what parents need to know.
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Can you cancel parental leave in Germany if your circumstances change?
From break-ups to financial troubles, life can take unexpected turns. So how flexible are Germany's parental leave rules for parents who want to return to work? Here's what families need to know.
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German word of the day: Sondierung
Do politicians speak the same language as the rest of us? This term describes an essential step towards reaching any government deal in Germany – but one which may leave newcomers bewildered.
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Blücherplatz in Kreuzberg has been renamed Eva-Mamlok-Platz
It is said that Eva Mamlok was already involved in the resistance at the age of 14. Now, a square named after her commemorates this Jewish woman from Kreuzberg.
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Following a cyberattack: Immediate threat to the administration cleared
Following the cyber-attack on the Berlin administration and the associated data breach, the Senate Chancellery has stated that the immediate threat has been averted.
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Students Protest Against Education Cuts and Conscription
Demos are taking place in front of the Andreas Gymnasium and the Leibniz Gymnasium in Berlin-Friedrichshain today. Students in Berlin have started protesting against conscription and education cuts, mirroring the recent student protests in France.
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Where to celebrate the Hindu festival of Durga Puja in Germany in 2026
The festival that transforms Kolkata every autumn has long since found a home in Germany. Here's what Durga Puja is all about, and where you can join celebrations around the country this year.
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(S+) Meinung: Leaving the US: The Erosion of My American Dream
After more than 30 years as a DER SPIEGEL correspondent in the US, I am leaving. The country that I thought I knew no longer exists. It was an illusion - and it is being replaced by the unknown.
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Contactless payments: BVG plans to introduce new ticket machines
From 2029, passengers on the Berlin Transport Authority (BVG) will be able to buy contactless, cashless tickets on buses, trams and at underground stations.
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Why you'll need to remember your ETA when renewing a passport
Passengers heading to the UK with a supposedly valid ETA might be turned away at the airport if they forget this crucial piece of travel preparation.
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Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Friday
Germany and France strike deal to further relax EU auto emissions rules, Merz says EU will need to increase funding for Ukraine, house martin named Germany’s Bird of the Year for 2027 and more news on Friday, October 16th.
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Germany and France strike deal to further relax EU auto emissions rules
France and Germany have backed a further scaling down of EU emission rules for cars as part of a long-negotiated deal on the automotive industry struck Thursday, diplomatic sources confirmed to AFP.
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Germany jails two for anti-Israel plots linked to Iran
A German court on Thursday jailed two men for planning attacks on prominent pro-Israel public figures and spying on Jews on behalf of Iranian secret services.
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Nine in ten renters in Germany back tough penalties for excessive rents
As politicians, tenant groups and unions meet in Berlin for a housing summit on Thursday, a new survey shows overwhelming support for tougher action against landlords that charge excessive rents.
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Nationwide Alcohol Ban at Train Stations Begins
From today, Deutsche Bahn is banning the consumption of alcohol at its 5,400 train stations nationwide. Germany's national rail service has implemented a nationwide alcohol ban.
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Germany's AfD and populist BSW pass motion to end aid for Ukraine
A state parliament in eastern Germany has voted to end support for Ukraine and lift sanctions on Russia. The decision is meant to affect the debate around Germany’s support for Kyiv.
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Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Thursday
AfD passes motion against Ukraine aid in Saxony-Anhalt, nationwide alcohol ban introduced at German train stations, cigarette prices set to rise sharply and more news on Thursday, October 15th.
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German public health insurance contributions 'to remain stable' in 2027
Patients with statutory health insurance in Germany can breathe a sigh of relief this year, as supplementary contributions look set to remain the same.
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Where in Germany you can see ‘Turnip Ghosts’ instead of Jack-o'-lanterns
In some parts of Germany, glowing turnips with eerie faces still light up streets and gardens around this time of year, keeping an almost-forgotten seasonal tradition alive.
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Trial defence says Russia used Nord Stream pipelines as 'weapon'
A lawyer for a Ukrainian accused of blowing up the Nord Stream pipelines said Wednesday that Russia used them as a "weapon" to exert political and economic pressure, as the former military officer's trial opened in Germany.
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How will the 'super El Niño' affect winter weather in Germany?
A very strong El Niño system is expected to bring exceptionally severe weather to large parts of the world through the coming autumn and winter seasons. So how could it affect Germany?
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Palestinian Dissident: “Some Call Me Traitor, Others a Terrorist”
He is one of the few who criticise both Hamas and Israel. Hamza Abu Howidy faces considerable hostility for doing so. What gives him hope?
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Why Nuremberg airport was closed by a hijacking scare
Flights from Nuremberg airport were disrupted on Tuesday after an incoming passenger jet sent a serious alarm code. Fighter jets in the air and police on the ground eventually found there was no danger.
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Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Wednesday
The Greens and SPD suddenly stop coalition talks in Berlin, Nuremberg airport closed due to hijacking false alarm, soaring fuel prices send inflation over three percent mark and more news from around Germany on Wednesday, October 14th.
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Germany’s sugar tax passed by cabinet after last-minute agreement
Soft drinks with high sugar content could be more expensive in Germany from mid-2027 under a new tax that was approved by federal leaders on Wednesday.
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How the Left, Greens and SPD Plan to Deal with Antisemitism
The preliminary talks are over. Anyone who violates the antisemitism rules is to face sanctions. The CDU says the agreement states the obvious.
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FlixTrain Will Double Capacity in 2027
The DB alternative is expanding its train connections from Berlin to other major German cities. FlixTrain services between Berlin, Hamburg, Köln, Duisburg and Frankfurt set to double next year.
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BER Loses Most Ryanair Flights – What It Means for Passengers
Ryanair is withdrawing aircraft from Berlin over high fees and air passenger taxes. Passengers face fewer connections and higher prices.
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Stralau Glassworks to Become Hub for Locals and Refugees
After years of standing empty, the former Stralau glassworks in Berlin-Friedrichshain is to become a centre for culture and support services.
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Europe's airports and airlines demand EES rethink as 'unacceptable' delays continue
One year on since the introduction of the EU's EES digital border system, the European airports and airlines association has called on EU authorities to take action to ease ongoing congestion at Schengen external border crossings that has led to 5-hour waits in some cases.
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Why Germany's inheritance tax laws are being challenged in federal court
An on-going federal court case is set to determine if German tax law – and its major advantages for the heirs of large companies – is constitutional. Here's what everyone living in the country should know about the basic rules.
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Possible Camera Mounts Discovered in Women’s Restrooms at HWR Berlin
Velcro strips were found attached to the underside of sanitary bag dispensers in the cubicles. Velcro strips were found in the womens bathroom at HWR Berlin, the same type that had been used several months ago to attach cameras in women's restrooms on the campus.
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What Deutsche Bahn's new 2027 timetable means for passengers
Deutsche Bahn's next winter timetable for long-distance trains, includes new direct routes to Italian cities and a super-fast service between Hamburg and Munich. Here's all the updates travellers in Germany should know.
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Safety for seniors: Police to hold information session on Tuesday
Accidents become more frequent as it gets dark. Accidents are also more likely to occur when turning. Here's where the police will be providing information to seniors on road safety on Tuesday.
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Germany detains fourth person over Polish Starlink blaze
German police detained a woman in Berlin and a man over a fire that struck a Polish Starlink internet station in September, private broadcaster RMF FM reported Tuesday, citing unnamed sources.
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'Ragebait' crowned Germany’s Youth Word of the Year
If your children, students or younger colleagues in Germany keep using familiar English words in unfamiliar ways, this year’s Youth Word of the Year may explain why.
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German word of the day: Herbstblues
As the days get shorter and the mornings turn misty, you may hear Germans start to talk about this condition, which describes that dip in energy and mood when summer’s brightness fades.
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What Germany's proposed electricity tax cut could mean for your bills
Germany's conservatives have once again promised to cut to electricity tax for private households. Here’s what the proposed changes could mean for residents in the country.
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Election results certified: 153 seats in House of Representatives
Berlin's State Election Commission has confirmed the percentage results of the election for the House of Representatives. The change in the number of seats is now also official.
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Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Tuesday
German Labour Minister resigns, conservative MPs vote on walking out during Ulrich Siegmund's election in Saxony-Anhalt, authorities detain two suspected of setting fire to a Polish Starlink station and more news on Tuesday, October 13th.
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Germany's coalition rocked by labour minister's abrupt resignation
Germany's labour minister, and co-leader of the Social Democrats, has abruptly stepped down from both of her leadership roles citing personal reasons - as well as harsh criticism during her time of mourning.
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'Status quo not good enough': UK and EU set new date for key summit
Prime Minister Andy Burnham said on Monday that Britain's current relationship with the European Union was "not good enough", as officials confirmed a UK-EU summit will take place on November 20th.
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'Ragebait' is the German Youth Word of the Year
'Ragebait' obtained 36.5% of the votes, followed by 33.8% for 'Peak' and 29.7% for 'Crashout'. Publisher PONS Langenscheidt announced “Ragebait” as the 2026 winner of the Youth Word of the Year at the Frankfurt Book Fair.
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Next section of Mauerpark to be renovated
New paths, fresh trees and accessible entrances: What's changing in Mauerpark between the Amphitheater and the Max-Schmeling-Halle.
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'It's been a whirlwind': How Germany's foreign residents say life has changed
When we asked readers how Germany has changed since they arrived here, we heard about rising costs, housing shortages and political tensions. Yet many also said they wouldn't want to live anywhere else.
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German postage prices expected to increase by 20 percent next year
DHL's Deutsche Post has been given the green light to significantly increase the price for delivering letters in Germany from 2027.
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Flixtrain adds Berlin-Bremen route and more intercity services from December
Rail passengers in Germany will soon have more options for intercity travel, with Flixtrain adding new routes and extra departures from Berlin this winter.
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Today in Germany: A roundup of the latest news on Monday
Peace prize laureate urges Germany to break silence on Gaza, Woman orders ‘Pizza’ to alert police during alleged harassment, German economy minister stranded in Riyadh after airport attack and more news on Monday, October 12th.
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LISTED: The nationalities that can enter Germany freely for travel, study or work
Citizens from a small group of countries can enter Germany freely and then apply to change their Schengen visas to longer-term residence permits. For everyone else it's a bit more complicated.