This Week in Germany

This Week in Germany (or TWIG as it is affectionately called) is a weekly downloadable radio show, which brings you the week's events in English.

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Episodes

112 - Keep Festive and Carry On

This special episode of "This Week in Germany" defies recent tragedy, focusing on the remarkable resilience of Berliners and the nation following a Christmas market attack. It features an in-depth exploration of two distinct Berlin Christmas markets: the historic Alt-Rixdorf, known for its community feel and handmade crafts, and the Scandinavian-themed Lucia market. The episode celebrates carrying on with festive traditions while also marking the podcast's third anniversary.

Dec 24, 2016•12 min

111 - Hardy, the Stasi and the Fall of the Wall

The 9th of November marks the 27th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall and with it the end of the German Democratic Republic and the start of German reunification. But to understand what life was like behind the wall, how it felt to see all of that end and how life changed once it fell, Hardy Graupner gives us his first-hand account of that momentous day and the emotional roller coaster that ensued. Ranging from surprise and excitement to fear and disappointment, Hardy paints us a picture...

Nov 09, 2016•11 min

110 - Berlin MP's post-election murder-suicide

With episode 110, we are 110% Berlin! We cover just about everything, ranging from the local elections that took place in Berlin recently, to the strange and tragic story about the local Berlin politician who was involved in a murder-suicide, and then to finish it off, we take you on a trip to one of Olcan's favourite streets in Berlin in Destination Germany!

Oct 11, 2016•31 min

109 - Taxation without Representation

With local elections taking place in certain states and the general election coming up next year, we take a look at the status of non-citizens living in Germany and their voting rights. Later in the show, Olcan takes us into the wilderness in this months Destination Germany. And of course this months news in brief!

Sep 13, 2016•17 min

108 - Is Merkel's immigration policy to blame for terrorism?

In the aftermath of the tragic events in the south of Germany this month, we discuss the reactions to these stories and what common misconceptions have emerged as a result. Later on in the show we take a look at alternative medicine and its position within the German healthcare system. We then take you on a trip into East German history in this months Destination Germany.

Aug 14, 2016•30 min

107 - Brexit! Plus: is Germany doing enough to remember WWI?

Germany is reeling after Britain decides to leave the European Union. Now, Germany will be without a policy pal in the Union, and trade between the two could be impacted. We break down the Brexit fallout and analyse what it means for Germany. Also, on the 100th anniversary of the Battle of the Somme, we ask the country's leading modern historian whether Germany is doing enough to remember World War One. Finally, we take a trip to the heartland of the world famous Bauhaus design movement: Dessau!...

Jun 30, 2016•33 min

106 - Is Germany at risk of a nuclear meltdown?

In this episode, we look at Germany's nuclear energy future. In 2011, Angela Merkel announced a plan to shut down all atomic power plants - making Germany the only country in the world to do so. But is this a populist policy brought about by hysteria and misinformation? And can green power really provide a viable alternative? Also on the show, a bloody stabbing on a train in Bavaria sparks worries over terrorist attacks on German soil. Just weeks later, a supposed plot to attack Dusseldorf with ...

Jun 08, 2016•29 min

105 - Why has Berlin banned Airbnb?

You may think if you own a home you can do what you want with it - not so in Berlin. If you'd like to rent out your home to holidaymakers you could face a hefty fine. We'll be finding out why. Obama was in town to reinforce German-American ties and encourage citizens here to support the transatlantic trade deal TTIP. Yet around 70 percent of Germans are against the deal. Rob is going underground to check out the bunkers of Berlin. Take a listen in our Destination Germany segment....

May 10, 2016•19 min

104 - Why do Germans watch dubbed movies?

Dubbing is something English native speakers are very unfamiliar with back home. Imagine Brad Pitt moves his mouth but completely different sounds come out - and in German. Olcan Hiller delves into the world of dubbing and speaks to the people that make it happen. Sadly, terrorism is once again at the top of the news agenda. Can Germany actually do anything to prevent terrorism on its home soil? In the wake of the Brussels bombings, Helena Humphrey analyses the German response. Wouter "Walrus" B...

Apr 07, 2016•35 min

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