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Local Germany
30-07-2025
- Climate
- Local Germany
Fifteen apps to help you make the most of summer in Germany
Please note: links here are to the websites. You can download the apps from your usual app store. Deutsches Wetterdienst (DWD) WarnWetter Knowing what the weather's going to do on any given day is always useful, not least because Germany can switch from glorious sunshine to torrential rain in a single day. Germany national weather forecaster has a trusted app that gives weather warnings. The app gives details on the latest official weather warnings, covering everything from heatwaves and high temperatures to forest fires and flooding. Germany has some serious weather which can put lives at risk, so it's a good idea to be aware if a warning is issued. You can also check basic lake, coastal and flood warnings for each area – right down to municipalities – via the app, and set up notifications to get alerted about the risk of bad weather in your area. Alternatively, you can try the Nina app for emergency warnings . But you'll need the paid version if you want all the bells and whistles, including current weather forecasts for your areas. This is because DWD is limited by law in what it can offer in the free version. The app costs a one-off fee of €2.49 and for that, you'll also get a lot of extra information, including forecasts up to seven days in advance for each of Germany's states. It also differentiates precipitation by rain, snow, sleet and hail, and gives wind, temperature and pollen count predictions. WetterOnline But if you just want a free-to-use app to check out what the weather is expected to do on a given day (you can get forecasts up to 16 days ahead), then you might prefer the WetterOnline app. Advertisement It uses DWD data and other data, is very easy to use and it's free, unless you want to ditch the ads. DB Navigator If you're going to be travelling by train in Germany – and you probably are, it's a great way to see the country – then the DB Navigator app will come in handy. It's the official Deutsche Bahn travel app and covers information for all of Germany's trains, from ICE to regional trains, plus trams, underground and buses. A woman opens up the DB Navigator app while standing in a train station. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jan Woitas You'll also be able to book your tickets, check for real-time updates, such as delays, platform changes and seat availability, and even avoid on-board seat inspections on some routes by checking in on the app (Komfort Check-in). Michelin Route Planner This handy map app from the tyre manufacturer and food critic does everything other map apps do – and also estimates how much your planned journey will cost in fuel, time, and any tolls. READ ALSO: Germany's highest rated restaurants to eat at this year Advertisement FlixBus If you prefer road to rail, then FlixBus offers a similar service to the train apps, but for buses. You can easily and cheaply book tickets to travel across Germany – and beyond, it operates in over 40 countries – whether you're just booking a short hop or a cross-country bus-a-thon. NextBike Germany loves its bikes. If you, too, want to take up your place in the country's many cycle lanes, but don't want the hassle and cost of buying a bike, then you might want to rent one instead. NextBike is a bike-sharing scheme that makes the process pretty simple. It's free to register (with a €1 deposit) and you can see where all the available bikes are in the app. You're likely to find bike hubs in most of the country as NextBike is active in more than 150 cities in Germany. Komoot Wandern is also big news in Germany and Germans are very keen hikers. If you want to get a taste of the national pastime and the country's over 300,000 kilometres of marked trails across a variety of terrains, then the Komoot app is a great starting point. Hiking can be a good idea to avoid the summer heat. Photo by Jake Melara on Unsplash It's a bit like Strava for all outdoor pursuits, not just cycling, but without the competitive element. Plus it works better offline, too. Advertisement But it's not just for hiking. You can also plan bike rides, runs or even cross-country ski routes and see what's nearby, like cafes, if you need a pitstop. The free version gives you access to a single region. HappyCow Being vegan in Germany is certainly not as tricky as it used to be, but it can still take some research to find where you can go to eat if you're after fully vegan and vegetarian dishes. That's where HappyCow comes in. It shows plant-based, veggie and gluten-free options at non-vegan restaurants, often with helpful user reviews. It's particularly good in big cities, which tend to have more food variety anyway. READ ALSO: Six apps to help you save money in your daily life in Germany SunSmart Global UV SunSmart Global UV was developed by Australia's Cancer Council Victoria, in collaboration with the WHO and other international bodies, to help reduce skin cancer incidence. It provides daily UV index readings – and five-day forecasts – helping users stay safe in the sun by giving advice on when to slather some more sun cream on. Lieferando Speaking of food, if you fancy getting food, groceries or basics delivered to you, then Lieferando is the largest and arguably most popular of the delivery apps in the country (there's also Uber Eats but Lieferando's bigger). It's got a wide range of fast food restaurants and shops – including supermarkets – across the country and you can track your delivery to make sure it doesn't go astray. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Michael Kappeler If you're visiting Berlin there are a few specific travel apps you might also find helpful: Advertisement BVG Fahrinfo Run by Berlin transport operator, BVG Fahrinfo is a helpful tool for easily navigating the capital providing you're mainly using the underground, buses, trams and ferries to get about. Its best feature is the ability to buy and store tickets (for yourself and others) in the app allowing you to avoid queuing at ticket machines in stations. But it doesn't cover all of Berlin's transport options (see below). It also offers real-time updates and a route-planner, but Citymapper and Öffi tend to be much easier to use for real-time journey-planning. Both are available in most big cities in Germany, but open-source app Öffi is only on Android. Of course, many visitors and Berlin residents simply stick to Google Maps for navigation, but it's worth noting that Google Maps is not always up-to-date when there are transportation disruptions. VBB If you want to travel in the city and its surrounding areas, out to Potsdam, for example, then the VBB app gives you broader coverage and more flexible ticket options than BVG Fahrinfo. Unlike BVG, it also covers all forms of transport, including BVG transport, but also Deutsche Bahn trains, Berlin's S-Bahn and other private operators. Jelbi In Berlin, the Jelbi app is more widely used than NextBike. It's run by VBG and essentially amalgamates all of Berlin's transport options into one easy-to-use app to help you get around the city. So you can rent bikes and e-scooters, book car shares and taxis and buy public transport tickets all in the same app. ... and a couple of language options Google Translate Translation apps still aren't as good as knowing a language well enough to hold a conversation, but for the basics of day-to-day living, they'll do just fine. With Google Translate, you can take a picture of a sign – or, say, a menu – on your phone and a translation will appear in your preferred language. The much-touted conversation feature – which is supposed to be able to automatically identify spoken language – is still very much a work in progress, by all accounts, but a little lateral thinking will get your by. British consumer watchdog Which? recently found it – and rival translation tool DeepL – were the most accurate of four big language apps tested (the others were Microsoft and Apple). DeepL, it said, was better on colloquial language you might encounter – but the sheer number of languages available on Google, and the fact it works offline, counts in the internet giant's favour. Both Google Translate and DeepL are, it has to be said, pretty good with German. Advertisement Duolingo You can get by with conversations via translation app, but nothing beats being able to hold a conversation in the local language. And if you don't mind being emotionally abused by an imaginary owl, then Duolingo will help you do that. We're not about to suggest Duolingo will get you from zero to fluent in a matter of weeks (if learning German was that easy, everyone would do it), but you'll gradually pick up more and more without referring to your translation app, or heading off in the wrong direction after listening to a slew of indecipherable directions from a Bavarian. A couple other language learning apps to try include Babbel and Pingo AI. Did we miss any need-to-have apps to make the most of life in Germany? Let us know in the comments below.
Newsweek
15-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Ice Cream Recalled Nationwide: Full List of Products Affected
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wells Enterprises, also known as Wells Dairy, has issued a voluntary recall of 22 varieties of ice cream and frozen yogurt products distributed to more than 100 facilities across the U.S., citing the possible presence of plastic in the frozen goods. The recall, initiated on April 25 by the Iowa-based company, has been classified by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as Class II, indicating that the consumption of the product may cause temporary or medically reversible health consequences, though the probability of serious harm is remote. Newsweek has contacted Wells Enterprises Inc. outside regular working hours for comment via email. Why It Matters The recall involves potential contamination with hard plastic, a material that poses a risk of dental injury or choking if consumed. Product recalls are issued when a food manufacturer or government agency determines that a product may pose a risk to consumers. These risks can include contamination with foreign materials, undeclared allergens or potential exposure to harmful bacteria, such as salmonella or listeria. Recalls are typically classified by severity, and while not all involve immediate danger, they are carried out as a precaution to protect public health. A stock image of two flavors of ice cream on a cone. A stock image of two flavors of ice cream on a cone. Jan Woitas/dpa via AP What To Know The affected products, sold in 3-gallon containers, were distributed to 103 centers nationwide, including restaurants, cafeterias and food service operations. Though the risk is not deemed life-threatening, the possible ingestion of plastic poses safety concerns. The recall affects numerous flavors and brands, including private-label and partner-distributed products. The single largest affected lot consists of 5,280 tubs of "Vanilla Frozen Yogurt" product. All affected items feature "Best If Used By" dates ranging from March to October 2026. Here is the complete list of recalled products: Rocky Road Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050314, Lot 50009 Mocha Almond Fudge Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050420, Lot 50016 Peanut Butter 'N Fudge Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050574, Lot 50012 Country Rich Vanilla Ice Cream, UPC: 070640600052, Lot 50085 Scooper Hero Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050642, Lot 50011 Cotton Candy Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050482, Lot 50018 GFGB Vanilla Bean Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640000272, Lot 50024 Quick Blend Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640050604, Lot 50034 Planet Smoothie ZSA Vanilla Fat Free Frozen Yogurt, UPC: 070640005567, Lot 50014 Johnny Rockets Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640006564, Lot 50029 BIPC Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640008025, Lot 50024 Vanilla Frozen Yogurt, UPC: 00070640022144, Lot 50002 Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640022250, Lot 50005 GFGB 12 Percent Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 070640018451, Lot 50004 Gordon Choice Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 00093901820730, Lot 50003 Vanilla Bean Ice Cream (Madagascar Vanilla), UPC: 50758108658085, Lot 50026 Glenview Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 50758108118398, Lot 50066 Glenview Farms Chocolate Ice Cream, UPC: 50758108118404, Lot 50033 Glenview Farms French Vanilla Ice Cream, UPC: 50758108392668, Lot 50015 Sysco French Vanilla Ice Cream, UPC: 00074865257275, Lot 50025 Keith Valley Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 046045065871, Lot 50004 Ellington Farms Vanilla Flavored Ice Cream, UPC: 046045065833, Lot 50003 Each entry on the recall list notes the presence of foreign plastic material as the underlying cause. The recall remains ongoing, according to classification information published by the FDA. What Happens Next Consumers and distributors are urged to check batch codes carefully and remove any affected inventory from circulation.
Local Germany
25-04-2025
- Local Germany
What foreigners should know about Germany's digital ID cards and residence permits
Using the word 'digitalisation' can understandably raise some eyebrows in Germany: the country is famous for its love affair with fax machines, and efforts to move its analogue processes online can often take years to complete. In some areas, however, there has been a suprising amount of process recently: visa applications from abroad were moved online in January , and states like Berlin have been modernising their processes for updating and applying for residence permits. READ ALSO: How to apply for a residency permit online in Berlin Things are also moving ahead for the country's electronic ID card and residence permits. In May, some key changes should make it possibly to apply for a new eID in just a single visit to your local immigration office or Bürgeramt. Whether you're an EU or German citizen who holds an e-Ausweis (eID card), or a non-EU citizen with an electronic Aufentshaltstitel (residence permit), here's what to know about the new process. How much of the application can be done online? That partly depends on where you live, but in most cases, the first step is to find your nearest local authority and book an appointment online. If you're a naturalised German or EU citizen , your local Bürgeramt , or citizens' office, will be responsible for issuing your new passport or ID card. Advertisement If you're a non-EU citizen , your residence permit application will be handled by your local Ausländerbehörde , or immigration office. An easy way to check where you need to go is to use the government's 'search and find' portal online . This tool lets you search for particular admin services by region or postal code so you can find the local authority responsible for you. In some cases, you may be able to fill in an online application. In others, you can fill in a form beforehand and bring it to your appointment, along with any required evidence and documentation. Once your application has been approved at the in-person appointment, you'll need to wait for your new documents to be issued, which can take a number of weeks. Advertisement What's changing in May? The biggest change entering into force in May is that you'll no longer be able to use paper photos when applying for your new ID card. Over the coming months, immigration and citizens' offices around the country will be gradually equipped with digital photo terminals, branded the 'PointID' system. This means you can get your photo taken on-site for a fee of €6 during your application appointment. READ ALSO: Germany starts next phase of digitalisation for ID and residence cards According to the Interior Ministry, around 90 percent of local authorities are set to have a PointID terminal in future. A woman demonstrates the use of the new digital PointID terminals at a Bürgeramt in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jan Woitas There will be a bit of leeway for people who haven't yet heard about the changes: until July 31st, authorities will be allowed to permit paper photos in some circumstances, or allow people who make an honest mistake to use the digital photo machines free of charge. In addition, people will be able to pay a fee of €15 in order to have their documents delivered to them securely by post. At present, applicants generally have to return to the citizens' or immigration office to pick up their documents in person. Can I still get my photograph taken elswhere? Absolutely - though paper photos are being phased out, digital photos from other providers are still very much permitted. This includes photos taken at professional photo studios or services provided at drugstores like DM. Since your passport or residence permit photo is a sensitive document, you won't just be able to email it to the Bürgeramt or save it on your phone, however. Advertisement Instead, the photo service provider will need to issue you a special matrix code (similar to a QR code) that you can give to your case worker at the immigration office or Bürgeramt . This will allow them to access the photo on a securely encrypted cloud. According cloud provider Ringfoto, around 3,200 businesses have signed up to the service so far. What else is new? The government is currently in the process of making changes to the eID function on electronic ID cards and residence permits. This function, which is automatically activated in new ID cards, allows you to prove your identity digitally in order to access online government portals, apply for a bank account, or rent a car, for example. It can also allow you to prove your age at vending machines where ID is required, such as cigarette machines. READ ALSO: What is Germany's electronic ID card and how do you use it? Currently, proving your identity via the eID function involves downloading the AusweisApp2 on your smartphone and/or computer and using your phone as a card reader during the verification process. A German citizen verifies their identity using their e-ID card and smartphone. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/dpa-tmn | Andrea Warnecke Over the next two years, however, the government is planning to roll out a new mobile wallet that can securely store a digital ID card or residence permit. That will mean residents no longer need to carry a physical card or use an external card reader to prove their identity. READ ALSO: Germany's new digital ID app for residents So far, it sounds like German citizens will be the first to benefit from this transition, but by 2027, the EU has mandated that all EU residents should have access to this kind of digital wallet. This will pave the way for digital travel documentation and advanced border checks in the future.
Local Germany
23-04-2025
- Business
- Local Germany
Germany starts next phase of digitalisation for ID and residence cards
The new regulation applies to a range of identity documents, including ID cards, passports electronic residence permits and travel documents for foreigners. However, offices issues driving licences and other official documents will still accept paper photos for the time being. Announcing the changes in Dessau, acting Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) said the transition to digital photos would make the process of applying for a residence permit more efficient in future. READ ALSO: Germany's new digital ID app for residents "In future, our passport and ID documents will be even more secure against misuse or forgery thanks to the digital photographs," the SPD politician explained. "At the same time, we are reducing the administrative burden and simplifying the process, as local authorities will be able to offer citizens the entire application process in just one visit to the citizens' office." As part of the digital switch, the Federal Printing House ( Bundesdruckerei ) will equip immigration offices and citizens' offices ( Bürgerämter ) with specially authorised photo terminals by summer, known as the 'PointID' system. This will mean that residents can secure a digital photo on-site during their appointment to apply for a residence permit, foreigners' travel document, German passport or ID card. The Interior Ministry expects that well over 90 percent of German passport and immigration authorities will be able to provide digital photographs in future. The PointID terminals can be used for a fee of €6. Alternatively, applicants for e-ID cards will still have the option of going to photo service providers such as photo studios and drugstores to secure their digital photos. Their picture will then be submitted to the authorities via an encrypted cloud "to prevent misuse and forgeries", according to the ministry. Advertisement After the photo is taken, the service provider will issue customers a digital matrix code - similar to a QR code. This can then be scanned by the authorities at the Bürgeramt or immigration office in order to securely retreive the digital photo. According cloud provider Ringfoto, around 3,200 businesses have signed up to the service so far. READ ALSO: What is Germany's electronic ID card and how do you use it? Though the new rules will enter into force on May 1st, local authorities will be given a grace period of three months until July 31st to fully implement the changes. During this time, they will still be able to accept some paper photos in some situations. "If citizens have already had a paper passport photo taken in April for their application in May out of ignorance, no one will have to make a new appointment," the Interior Minister explains on its website . Acting Interior Minister Nancy Faeser (SPD) demonstrates the use of the digital PointID photo terminals at a press event in Dessau, Saxony-Anhalt. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Jan Woitas "The authority will either accept the paper photo as an exception or - if it already has the appropriate technology on site - a digital photo on site. In such cases, the local authorities are obliged to waive the photo fee." In another key change set to come in this May, passports, ID cards and residence permits will be able to be delivered by post in future. Advertisement This will mean applicants can complete the process in a single visit to their local Bürgeramt or immigration office and have their documents delivered to their door. According to the Interior Ministry, this will be available for a fee of €15, which is intended to cover the cost of secure delivery. The transition away from paper photos is one of a number of steps that the German government has taken in recent months to digitalise its adminstrative processes. In October, an app was launched that enables residents of Germany to easily prove their identity . Numerous states, including Berlin, have also rolled out digital applications for residence permits and citizenship, while a national online visa application portal was launched worldwide in January .
