Tchibo is famous throughout Germany for coffee,and a weekly revolving selection of useless product. How does Tchibo manage to succeed when no one is entirely sure what they might be selling or why they're selling it?
Solving the Impossible
Most days it feels like Germany is beset on all sides by numerous problems, many of which are self-inflicted. Given that many of these issues arise from contradictory rules or limitations, it’s odd that German has yet to adopt the term “Catch-22”. Would adding another slice of English to the German language improve the situation, and if not, what will?
No Sunday Service
Sunday trading is a contentious issue for many in Germany. Whereas some see it as the perfect way to boost local economies after the pandemic, others see it as direct attack on the rights of workers and a particular way of life. Should shops be allowed to open on Sundays or would it be a slippery slope to 24/7 consumerism?
Neighbourhood Watch
When it comes to dealing with neighbours, Britain and Germany have more than a few differences. How might the German approach to neighbourliness cause problems, and why is inherent British social awkwardness no defence?
A Guide to Nowhere
When discussions on immigration and integration come up in Germany, the term Lietkultur is never too far behind. The idea that those coming to Germany need a set of “house rules” in order to live here has existed since the mid 90s, but can a national culture as diverse as Germany’s really be so easily codified?
A Saga of Schlager
English speakers may have no idea who she is, but Helene Fischer is easily one of the most successful musicians, not just in Germany, but the world. This success has come on the back of slickly produced Schlager music, a genre that is long lived and often very hard to define. What is Schlager music and how has it managed to stay so popular?
No Bread, No Tea, No Hope
If Britain and Germany have one thing in common, it’s their obsessions over food and drink. For Germany it’s bread, while for Britain it’s tea, and they’re both certain that the other will never get it right. Is Germany really so bad at making a cuppa, and what makes British bread so ripe for ridicule?
Radio Ga Ga
A common complaint from Germans and non-Germans alike concerns the general quality of German radio. Is German radio so terrible, and what has that got to do with P!nk?
Don’t worry, everyone speaks English
Language learning has dropped throughout the UK, but many still hold on to the belief that “Everyone speaks English”. Is this really true in Germany? If so, why do so many Germans find English native-speakers so hard to understand?
Centre of the Universe
When I speak to British people about Germany, conversations always break along a familiar faultline: Berlin. Many consider the German capital to be representative of the the rest of the country, but is that really the case?
Getting the Hoff
Many of my preconceptions about Germany have been thoroughly shattered over the years, but only one truly hurt; David Hasselhoff might not be the German icon I was led to believe. Despite being told this in my first years living here, I come to wonder If my early assumption was actually correct. Is Hasselhoff a cult hero or simply a curious historical footnote?
A Test of Character
During the political chaos of 2016, I naively assumed Germany could weather the storm of right-wing populism. With the AfD rising in the polls, I was clearly wrong, but might there still be room for optimism?
Kindergarten Chaos
Having children in #Germany presents some unique challenges for parents, more so for those of us who struggle with umlauts. What are some of the obstacles, and why might the government be less than supportive?
You had me at Hallo
There’s more than one way to say hello in Germany, from ‘Guten Tag!’, ‘Moin!’ to ‘Hallo!’. The German hello comes in many different flavours, which is useful since greeting people, especially strangers, is so common. However, there is a dark side to the German ‘Hallo!’ that’s not always clear to new arrivals. Why should people be careful when a German says ’hallo!’?
The Perpetual Tourist
Food in Germany often gets a bad rap, with some bemoaning a lack of options, or the narrow range of ingredients. I’ve always thought this was slightly unfair, especially since Schnitzel is almost always on the menu. Is Schnitzel always the best option, and why might English speakers run the risk of being labelled a tourist?
My Kingdom for a Sandwich
Despite having all the essentials, Germany consistently fails to make a decent sandwich. This obviously comes as some surprise, given that bread is practically a religion. What’s the problem with German sandwiches and what do poorly constructed sandwiches tell us about work/life balance?
The Coffee Conundrum
I can't imagine Germany without Kaffee und Kuchen, just as I can't imagine Britain without tea. Unlike the British though, Germans aren't judged on how they make their favourite hot beverage. Is this why coffee in Germany can be so hit & miss?
All Roads Lead to Neuschwanstein
Family visits used to easy, but after so many years, it’s becoming harder to keep realtives entertained when they come to Germany. Luckily I have a secret weapon. When all else fails, we pack everyone into the car and head to Neuschwanstein. What’s it like visiting an icon of Bavarian culture and why does it seem so few Germans have done it themselves?
The Constant Debate
The challenge of discussing national cultures is that they’re almost impossible to define with any precision. This is especially true for Germany, which may look like a unified whole, but is actually a collection of 16 different variations. Can we ever agree on what’s German, and why may divisions be a source of strength.
Falling into the Sommerloch
The term “Sommerloch” (summer hole) is an apt description for the abrupt arrival of the German summer holiday season. Why does is it feel like all of Germany is on holiday in August, and what happens to those still stuck at work?