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Local Germany
4 days ago
- Business
- Local Germany
Inside Germany: A shake-up at Deutsche Bahn and tips for the summer heat
Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might've missed. It's published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article. Der Zug endet hier I once heard a German describe hating Deutsche Bahn (DB) as 'Germany's unofficial pastime' and I have yet to find a better way to sum up the country's fraught relationship with its national railway company. This week it was announced that DB's CEO has been kicked to the curb - or, for him ' dieser Zug endet hier ', if you will. Richard Lutz, who has been at the helm of DB since 2017, will leave his chief executive post two years before the end of his contract, Germany's Transport Minister confirmed. But while it's largely true that under Lutz's leadership DB has 'slid from one negative headline to the next', as a report in BR24 put it, it's not clear that a new CEO would be able to do much about it - certainly not in the short term. The first major challenge the next boss will face is improving DB's overall punctuality, which has gotten notoriously bad in recent years . In long-distance traffic, less than two-thirds of stops are now reached on time, and this has resulted in increasingly low customer satisfaction. But improving punctuality at DB will not be easy, because it's inherently linked to the other major challenges that the company faces, namely; infrastructure, politics, lack of funding and just to top it all off, looming collective bargaining negotiations. (Yes, we can presumably look forward to more transport strikes next year.) DB's infrastructure issues are extensive - large parts of major connections need an extensive overhaul. And while DB has a long-term construction plan in place, funding from the government never quite seems to be adequate. Add to that a federal government that will soon be frantically trying to close a massive budget gap and a national economy that has been teetering on the edge of recession for years… All of which is to say I don't envy whoever it is that takes over at DB, but I do hope they can succeed to some degree despite all odds against them. After all, the only thing worse than a delayed train, is having no train at all. As an American, I can fully attest to this. Advertisement Where is this? Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Bodo Schackow This overhead view comes from a road in the eastern region of Germany, not too far from the border with the Czech Republic. Here a two-lane road is suspended directly above the reservoir of the Zeulenroda dam. Zeulenroda is a town in the Thuringian Slate Mountains, just south of Gera and west of the saxon cities of Zwickau and Chemnitz . It's been hot In last week's Inside Germany update we suggested that a bout of high temperatures were on the way, and indeed, this week the weather delivered . This week the German Weather Service (DWD) had heat warnings in place for most regions in the country. At time of writing (on Friday afternoon), heat warnings were still in place for most of the country and - as if the sheer heat wasn't enough - severe storm warnings were also in place in parts of Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria. Advertisement The heatwave is expected to recede in most parts of the country just ahead of the weekend, but something tells me that Germany may not have seen its last heatwave of this summer. So in case you want to get ahead of the next one, here a few topical explainers we published this week to help you stay cool: If you live in Germany, odds are you probably don't have air conditioning - so here's a few tips to help you keep the apartment cool without it. And if you've tried most of those and the heat in your home is still unbearable, you may be able to claim a reduction in your rent - here's how . Warm weather also tends to bring out the bugs: Rachel Loxton explained some tricks for dealing with those . Lastly, hot - or even just fair weather - days in Germany are great for one thing in particular: trips to your local swimming hole. In case you're interested in trying out a new one, you could check out guides to Berlin's best lakes , Bavaria's best swim spots , cities with swimmable rivers , or these reader tips for making the best of a lake day .
Local Germany
4 days ago
- General
- Local Germany
Regensburg vs Erfurt: Why a battle over Bratwurst has broken out in Germany
You've probably eaten it everywhere; at Christmas markets, festivals and cafes – both in Germany and abroad. It's fair to say that the humble Bratwurst, usually served in a bun and often with mustard or covered with sauce and fried onions, is Germany's most famous snack, not to mention a cultural icon. But now a fresh dispute has emerged over its roots. And the question is: is it a Thuringian or Bavarian invention? The ' Wurst' origins Until recently, the Regensburg restaurant 'Wurstkuchl' has boasted the title of "oldest bratwurst stand in the world". The first documented mention of a cook preparing Bratwurst at this location dates back to 1378. But now researchers from Erfurt claim to have found evidence of a Bratwurst stand that dates back more than 100 years earlier. A document from 1269 mentions a hut ( Hütte ) and a roasting pan ( Bräter ) at the famous Krämerbrücke bridge, according to Martin Sladeczek, World Heritage Project Manager for the Thuringian capital, and historian Karl Heinemeyer. The document was found by chance during research into the history of the bridge. Experts have pointed out, however, that the document does not mention the item of food that was fried there. But Sladeczek said: "We know what people ate in the Middle Ages: sausages and fried meat." A collection of German sausages on a grill. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sophia Carrara What does Regensburg think about it? The city of Regensburg pointed out that the oldest documented evidence of Bratwurst dates back to 1378. They said that there's a possibility it existed before this time, and could have been eaten by workers building the bridge in Thuringia. "After all, the many workers had to be fed," said the city spokesperson. They added: "However, there is no written or archaeological evidence for this as yet." Meanwhile, regional German broadcasters BR24 asked staff at the Wurstkuchl restaurant to comment on the latest discovery. "To be honest, it doesn't bother us at all," said Wurstkuchl's manager Alexandra Meier. She added that she's proud her family makes the sausages and that people come because of the quality of the products. Meier said: "I don't think people will say, 'I'm not going there anymore because it's only the second oldest.'" READ ALSO: Beer to Bratwurst - how stereotypes about Germany are changing over time Advertisement Thuringia vs Bavaria There have been plenty of debates over the origins of the famous sausage over the years. The Bavarian towns of Regensburg and Nuremberg both used to claim they had the oldest Bratwurst stand. But Regensburg was able to defend its title. Yet, according to Thomas Mäuer from the German Bratwurst Museum in Mühlhausen, an invoice in Thuringia dating back to 1404 is actually the first evidence of a Bratwurst. The invoice states that "1 groschen" was paid for Bratwurst casings in the city of Arnstadt. Mäuer argues that a Nuremberg document from 1313 which, he says, describes loin meat being chopped up for sausages makes no mention of the word 'Bratwurst'. Advertisement For Mäuer, the case is straightforward: the first recorded appearance of the word Bratwurst is in the Arnstadt document. As for the recent discovery in Erfurt, he's sceptical. 'I think it's very risky to conclude that Bratwurst was fried there,' he said. Expect the debates to continue...
Local Germany
12-08-2025
- Local Germany
Train passengers face major disruption between Munich and Salzburg
Train cancellations and delays lasting hours... that's what people travelling between Munich and Salzburg have been experiencing this week. According to regional broadcaster BR24, passengers have been left stranded at crowded platforms. Those affected said that a large number of travellers and commuters were stranded at the station in Salzburg on Monday. Some were able to take the S-Bahn across the border to Freilassing and continue their journey on regional trains there. Austrian rail operator ÖBB reported delays of up to 120 minutes, while travellers said they had seen delays of almost three hours, as well as some cancellations. Rail operator Deutsche Bahn (DB) said there were restrictions on regional and long-distance services between Munich and Salzburg because of unexpected construction work between Rosenheim and Freilassing. However, on Tuesday morning the line was reported to be almost fully operational except for a short single-track section. The backlog has continued to cause some delays and train cancellations. Advertisement In an official statement, DB said: "Due to construction work near Freilassing, there are disruptions to Deutsche Bahn's long-distance services between Munich and Salzburg. The following long-distance connections are affected: All RJX/ICE/IC trains between Munich and Freilassing or Salzburg are delayed by up to 20 minutes." The disruption was set to last until around Tuesday at noon. The railway operator told BR24 in a statement that it was aware of the "difficult situation for passengers" and wanted to "apologise for the inconvenience". Salzburg is a popular destination for holidaymakers in Germany – and many will be heading there to make the most of the sun this week. READ ALSO: 'Four-hour delays' - How travelling on German trains has become a nightmare for foreigners
Local Germany
25-04-2025
- Health
- Local Germany
Bavaria approves first three cannabis clubs after German legalisation
Bavaria's first three cannabis clubs got the official go-ahead from the state's regulatory authorities. In the districts of Rosenheim, Bad Kissingen and Freising, three non-commercial associations may begin growing cannabis and distributing it to members for recreational use, as is permitted under Germany's cannabis legalisation act, which was enacted on April 1st last year . The legalisation of cannabis use in Germany remains controversial, and perhaps nowhere more so than in the socially conservative 'Free State' of Bavaria. Soon after legalisation passed at the federal level, Bavaria exercised its state authority to ban cannabis use at beer gardens, public festivals , and other public spaces. Members of the state's Christian Social Union (CSU) party campaigned against legalisation, and have since vowed to try and repeal it. READ ALSO: One year on - What does the future hold for Germany's cannabis legalisation law? Begrudging approval The Bavarian Ministry of Health (LGL) told BR24 that the three cannabis clubs had been approved 'due to unavoidable legal constraints'. But other comments by the head of the LGL suggest the ministry was not happy to do so. Bavaria's Health Minister Judith Gerlach (CSU) has reportedly emphasised that a cultivation permit does not give the clubs permission to distribute cannabis immediately. She says that the LGL will still need to review security measures in the clubs, and mentioned 'close controls' by the state authority after the clubs have begun cultivation. Gerlach added that the permits being granted does not change the state's goal to see "the legalisation of cannabis for consumption purposes withdrawn by the new federal government". Conservative leadership in Bavaria led the charge on pressuring the incoming federal government to repeal cannabis legalisation, but was unable to get the policy into the coalition agreement between the Union parties (CDU/CSU) and the Social Democrats. Instead, the government has scheduled an evaluation of the policy for later this year. EXPLAINED: What Germany's new coalition pact means for foreign residents A portion of cannabis is handed to a member of the Green Leaf Society cannabis club. The Berlin-based club's first harvest was delivered to members in January. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Gollnow Cannabis clubs held back by bureaucratic obstacles As well as permitting the possession of cannabis and cultivation for personal use at home, the cannabis bill included provisions for the establishment of cannabis clubs. Since July last year, special clubs can be set up for growing and selling cannabis to members, who need to be adults over 18. But the power of regulation over these clubs was largely given to Germany's state governments, which means that the rules for applying for a business permit and setting up a club vary across regions - and some states seem to have given would-be club operators the run around. Advertisement Regional media outlet BR24 reports that, as of April 1st, not a single cannabis club was approved in Bavaria even though the LGL had received 37 applications for a permit. Of those applications, one had been rejected and eight had been withdrawn. Now, more than nine months after cannabis clubs were given permission to launch at the federal level, the first three have been approved in the southern state. READ ALSO: Is Germany ready for the arrival of cannabis clubs? The case for and against legalisation Advocates for legalisation of recreational cannabis use often cite research that points to the drug's medical or therapeutic applications, as well as research that it is less harmful than alcohol. The broad general argument is that by legalising and regulating cannabis, the state makes its use safer for adults who would use it anyway, while simultaneously tapping into a new source for tax revenue. Arguing against legalisation, conservative leaders such as Gerlach have repeatedly suggested that allowing cannabis use is 'wrong' and works against state efforts toward 'the protection of health and young people'. Findings from the German Survey on Smoking Behavior (DEBRA study) have so far found no immediate shifts in consumption behavior following legalisation. Advertisement According to the crime statistics for Bavaria, the number of drug-related criminal cases have decreased since legalisation, with cannabis-related cases dropping more than 50 percent. Of course, the decrease is mostly explained by the fact that people are not being prosecuted for what is now legal cannabis use. Since legalisation there has been a notable increase in medical cannabis imports into Germany.
Local Germany
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Local Germany
What we know so far about suspected car ramming attack in Munich
A car was driven into a crowd of people in central Munich on Thursday, injuring around 36 people. Bavaria's state premier Markus Söder said the incident is a suspected attack, and an asylum seeker from Afghanistan has been arrested. It comes 10 days before Germans head to the polls in a key election on February 23rd where immigration issues are at the top of the agenda. It also happened one day before the city is due to host the high-profile Munich Security Conference. Who is among the injured? The suspected ramming happened at Stiglmaierplatz in the Maxvorstadt area of the Bavarian capital at around 10.30am. Around 28 people are confirmed to have been injured, including two seriously. One person has life threatening injuries, police said. Munich mayor Dieter Reiter confirmed that children were among the injured. "I am deeply shocked," said Reiter. Gerhard Peschke, spokesman for the Munich fire and rescue service added that it was not possible to give an exact number of casualties as some of the injured had sought shelter in neighbouring buildings. The group of people hit were participants in a strike organised by the Verdi trade union. The car reportedly followed the demonstration, weaved past police vehicles and drove into the back of the group of people. Police who rushed to the scene fired a shot at the battered car and detained the driver, a 24-year-old Afghan asylum seeker who was named by German media as Farhad N. Germany is seeing several public sector strikes at the moment during a period of collective bargaining. The president of the Verdi union Frank Werneke said in a statement: "We are deeply upset and shocked at the awful incident during a peaceful demonstration by our Verdi colleagues." Members of the emergency services work at the scene where a car drove into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich on February 13th, 2025. Photo: Michaela Stache / AFP Ambulances and rescue helicopters rushed to the scene, while officers were on the site as investigations got underway. Eyewitness Alexa Graef said she was "shocked" after seeing the car drive into the crowd "which looked deliberate". "I hope it's the last time I see anything like that," she said. An eyewitness who was among the striking workers told the regional broadcaster BR24 that he "saw a person lying under the car" after it drove into the crowd. Police have set up a witness collection point in the Löwenbräukeller on Stiglmaierplatz. Anyone who can provide information about the events is asked to report there. Was this an attack? It was not entirely clear immediately but Bavarian state premier Söder, of the Christian Social Union (CSU), said it appeared the driver acted intentionally. He said the incident was "just terrible", adding: "I must tell you it looks like this was an attack." The suspect was said to have arrived in Germany in 2016 at the height of the mass migrant influx to Europe. His asylum request was rejected by German authorities but he found work and was able to remain legally in the country, according to officials. Police said there were "indications of an extremist motive" and the investigation has been handed over to the regional prosecutor's office. Tensions high in Germany Germany has seen a number of high profile attacks involving migrants in recent months which have fulled a bitter debate over immigration and internal security. In January two people were killed - including a two-year-old child - in a stabbing that took place in a park in Aschaffenburg. Police arrested a 28-year-old rejected asylum seeker from Afghanistan in connection with the attack, who reportedly slipped through the fingers of authorities. It later emerged that he had a history of mental illness. In December, a car ramming attack on a Magdeburg Christmas market killed six people and injured hundreds of others. A 50-year-old Saudi man who had lived in Germany since 2006 was arrested after that attack. He reportedly held anti-Islam and far-right views. Authorities said he also appeared to be mentally disturbed. In August, three people were killed and eight wounded in a stabbing spree at a street festival in the western city of Solingen that was claimed by the Islamic State group. The revelation that authorities had missed the opportunity to deport the suspect, a Syrian asylum seeker, stirred outrage in Germany. Bavaria's State Premier and leader of the conservative Christian Social Union (CSU) Markus Söder arrives at the scene where a car drove into a crowd in the southern German city of Munich on February 13th, 2025 leaving several people injured. Photo: Michaela Stache / AFP How are these attacks affecting the election campaign? These horrific attacks - among others - have understandably rocked Germany. It has led to politicians calling for tougher measures, particularly concerning immigration. Meanwhile, support for the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) has increased - the party is currently second in election polls with around 21-22 percent, behind the conservative CDU/CSU (29-30 percent). Following the stabbing in Aschaffenburg, CDU leader - and election frontrunner - Friedrich Merz called for "fundamental changes" in asylum policy. At the end of last month, a motion calling to close borders and end illegal immigration passed in the Bundestag - controversially with the support of the far-right AfD. That led to protests across the country over concerns that the 'firewall' of working with the far right was being broken down. However, a recent survey suggested that half of Germans viewed the cooperation with the AfD on migration policy as acceptable. Meanwhile, Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democrats, announced this week that temporary border controls would be once again tightened for six months. Following the suspected car attack on Thursday, Scholz said: "What has happened is awful. From my point of view it is quite clear, this attacker cannot count on any mercy, he must be punished and he must leave the country." Bavarian leader Söder said: "This is not the first incident... we must show determination that something will change in Germany. This is further proof that we can't keep going from attack to attack." With reporting from AFP and DPA
