07Section / 09

🎭 The Section

Culture

Daily life, integration and the expat community in Germany.

Dispatches24 articles
Culture
Nazi Ancestors Online: How Germans Are Confronting Family History

Nazi Ancestors Online: How Germans Are Confronting Family History

Newly digitized NSDAP membership records are prompting Germans to re-examine family stories — and expats should understand why this history shapes daily culture.

dw_english
Culture
Summer Holidays in Germany: How Working Expat Parents Cope

Summer Holidays in Germany: How Working Expat Parents Cope

Summer school holidays have started in Germany. Working expat parents share how they manage up to six weeks without regular childcare — and what options exist.

thelocal
Culture
Sunday Shopping in Germany: Could Shops Finally Open on Weekends?

Sunday Shopping in Germany: Could Shops Finally Open on Weekends?

Germany may soon allow shops to open on Sundays. Libraries and bakeries are leading the way — could the full retail sector be next? Here's what expats need to know.

thelocal
Culture▶ Reel
How to Find Free Outdoor Fitness Classes and Sports in Germany

How to Find Free Outdoor Fitness Classes and Sports in Germany

Germany has a thriving free outdoor fitness scene — from running groups to calisthenics parks. Here's how expats can get active and meet people for free.

thelocal
Culture
Sunday Shopping in Germany: Could the Rules Finally Change?

Sunday Shopping in Germany: Could the Rules Finally Change?

Germany's strict Sunday trading laws may be eased after the Bundestag's economic committee backed retail opening rights. Churches and unions oppose the move.

tagesschau
Culture▶ Reel
Halle Pool Drops German-Language Entry Rule After Xenophobia Outcry

Halle Pool Drops German-Language Entry Rule After Xenophobia Outcry

A pool in Halle reversed a rule banning non-German speakers after nationwide criticism. Here's what it means for expats and your rights in public spaces in Germany.

thelocal
Culture
Cologne CSD 2025: Over One Million at Germany's Biggest Pride Parade

Cologne CSD 2025: Over One Million at Germany's Biggest Pride Parade

More than one million people joined Cologne's Christopher Street Day parade. Here's what the event means for LGBTQ+ expats and immigrants living in Germany.

tagesschau
Culture
Germany Knocked Out of 2026 World Cup by Paraguay on Penalties

Germany Knocked Out of 2026 World Cup by Paraguay on Penalties

Germany exits the 2026 FIFA World Cup at the first knockout stage, losing to Paraguay in a penalty shootout in Boston.

dw_english
Culture
Elbphilharmonie Plaza Hamburg: €5 Entry Fee From October 2026

Elbphilharmonie Plaza Hamburg: €5 Entry Fee From October 2026

Hamburg's iconic Elbphilharmonie Plaza balcony will charge €5 for entry from October 2026. The city government calls the change unavoidable. Here's what to know.

iamexpat
Culture▶ Reel
How to Keep Cool in Germany Without Air Conditioning: 6 Practical Tips

How to Keep Cool in Germany Without Air Conditioning: 6 Practical Tips

AC is rare in German homes — but heatwaves are not. Here are six practical, local-tested ways to keep your apartment cool this summer without air conditioning.

thelocal
Culture
Germany's Most Innovative Museums to Visit in 2026

Germany's Most Innovative Museums to Visit in 2026

The European Museum of the Year Awards spotlight Germany's best museums in 2026 — from immersive history spaces to cutting-edge digital exhibits worth visiting.

thelocal
Culture
4 Reasons Expats Should Visit a German Wine Festival This Summer

4 Reasons Expats Should Visit a German Wine Festival This Summer

Germany's wine festivals are relaxed, local, and often free. Here's why they're worth adding to your summer plans as an expat.

thelocal
Culture
"Gut Genug": The German Feel-Good Song Taking Over Social Media

"Gut Genug": The German Feel-Good Song Taking Over Social Media

The German song "Gut genug" ("Good Enough") has gone viral worldwide, spreading positivity and offering expats a fun way to connect with German language and culture.

dw_english
Culture
Baerbock Praises Germany Football Team Diversity as Model for Kids

Baerbock Praises Germany Football Team Diversity as Model for Kids

UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock has praised Germany's diverse World Cup squad as a positive example for all children growing up in Germany.

dw_english
Culture
Germany's 2026 World Cup Squad Celebrates African Heritage and Diversity

Germany's 2026 World Cup Squad Celebrates African Heritage and Diversity

Germany's 2026 World Cup team features players with African roots in leadership roles, celebrating the multicultural identity of modern Germany.

dw_english
Culture
Happiest Cities in Germany 2026: Where People Feel Best

Happiest Cities in Germany 2026: Where People Feel Best

Erfurt topped Germany's 2026 Happiness Atlas. If you are an expat deciding where to live in Germany, quality-of-life rankings offer a useful extra perspective.

iamexpat
Culture
Most Popular Baby Names in Germany in 2025 – Full List

Most Popular Baby Names in Germany in 2025 – Full List

Noah and Sophia top Germany's baby name rankings again in 2025. See the full list and what it means for expat parents raising kids here.

iamexpat
Culture
How to Watch the 2026 Football World Cup from Germany

How to Watch the 2026 Football World Cup from Germany

The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from June to July across the US, Canada and Mexico. Here's how expats in Germany can follow every match, free or paid.

thelocal
Culture▶ Reel
What You Can Borrow from a German Library (It's Not Just Books)

What You Can Borrow from a German Library (It's Not Just Books)

German libraries lend far more than books — from ice cream makers to artwork. Here's what expats can access for free at their local Bibliothek.

thelocal
Culture
Potsdam Bans Smart Glasses at Pools and Saunas: What to Know

Potsdam Bans Smart Glasses at Pools and Saunas: What to Know

Potsdam has banned smart glasses with cameras or microphones from swimming pools and saunas, citing privacy concerns. Here's what expats need to know.

iamexpat
Culture
Zverev Wins French Open: Germany Celebrates First Grand Slam in 30 Years

Zverev Wins French Open: Germany Celebrates First Grand Slam in 30 Years

Alexander Zverev wins the French Open 2025, becoming the first German man to claim a Grand Slam singles title in 30 years. A big cultural moment in Germany.

dw_english
Culture
Germany at the World Cup 2026: What Expats Can Expect

Germany at the World Cup 2026: What Expats Can Expect

Germany's national football team is preparing for the World Cup. Here's why it matters for expats and how to make the most of the experience in Germany.

dw_english
Culture▶ Reel
Bavarian Hotel Bans Jewish Guest: What Germany's Anti-Discrimination Law Says

Bavarian Hotel Bans Jewish Guest: What Germany's Anti-Discrimination Law Says

A Bavarian hotel told an Israeli customer 'no Jews allowed.' The incident reignited debate about discrimination in Germany and the legal rights of those targeted.

dw_english
Culture
Axel Schreiber Dies at 49: Star of Germany's Multicultural Series

Axel Schreiber Dies at 49: Star of Germany's Multicultural Series

Actor Axel Schreiber, beloved for his role in ARD's multicultural hit 'Türkisch für Anfänger', has passed away at 49 after a battle with cancer.

tagesschau