German politicians can’t figure out why…

Voters keep refusing to vote the way they want them to.

They keep voting right. Which is wrong.

The other Berlin Wall – Germany needs a new strategy for coping with the AfD.

Mainstream parties can’t avoid talking to the hard-right front-runner for ever…

A smattering of German words, such as Blitzkrieg and Schadenfreude, have made their way into other languages. Among the most recent to begin to do so are Zeitenwende (“turning of the times”) and Brandmauer (“firewall”). The first reflects the shift in geopolitical thinking in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine; the second, mainstream politicians’ determination to isolate extreme parties. However, what was intended to signal that Germans have learned from history has instead plunged their nation into a political crisis.

“The state ​of Berlin will not submit to extortion”

The city maybe. But that state part? Never.

Ransomware group says it stole Berlin data, offers it for auction – A ransomware group ​said on Friday it was putting up for auction a trove of ‌data it stole from Berlin state agencies, and city officials refused to pay.

The Rhysida group, which researchers say operates from Russia or Eastern Europe, said on its website it took 5.79 ​terabytes of data including 46,500 contracts as well as emails, phone numbers, passwords ​and classified information.

Uneducated, illiterate cops?

OK. But they should at least be able to speak the language.

Berlin police struggle to find German-speaking recruits – Berlin is struggling to recruit enough police officers because applicants are unable to speak German, according to the force’s president.

Barbara Slowik Meisel revealed that 40 per cent of applicants failed a German language skills test.

Ms Slowik Meisel said the trend, driven by increasing numbers of migrant applications, had created a dilemma for the Berlin police department: it cannot lower its standards but also urgently needs officers.

German of the day: Berlin war gestern

That means Berlin was yesterday.

Germany news: Berlin losing its appeal for many Germans – Fewer than a third of Germans find their capital city “fascinating”, a sharp fall from 20 years ago, a survey has found.

More Germans think Berlin ‘lacks charisma’ than those who find it ‘fascinating,’ according to a survey.

German of the day: Geheimes Waffendepot

That means secret weapons depot.

Secret Weapons Depot Discovered Near Berlin – According to reports from WDR, NDR, and SZ, security authorities have discovered a hideout containing two loaded weapons on the outskirts of Berlin. Authorities believe it was a depot used by Russian agents for potential attacks.

It must have been like a scene from a spy thriller when German officials made an explosive discovery in late summer of last year in a wooded area on the state border between Brandenburg and Berlin. According to reports from WDR, NDR, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), they found a professionally constructed hideout containing two loaded firearms in the capital’s affluent suburban belt.

When the party is over…

The party’s over.

Berlin clubs struggle as drink sales dry up and costs rise – Berlin’s clubs are still drawing crowds, but shorter nights, fewer alcohol sales and rising costs have changed their business model. Door fees, rather than bar takings, are increasingly their real financial lifeline.

Berlin’s world-famous club scene has remained in high demand, but venues are increasingly struggling to turn packed dancefloors into sustainable businesses.

A pattern seems to be developing here…

What, or who, could be the problem?

Rise in ramming attacks – The attack is the latest in a series that have left the country grappling with questions about public safety.

Six people were killed and hundreds injured when a car plowed into a Christmas market in Magdeburg in December 2024. Two months later, a car drove into trade union demonstrators in Munich, killing a woman and her two-year-old daughter. Two more people were killed in March 2025 when a car rammed into a crowd in Mannheim…

Once a left-wing workers’ district…

Always a left-wing workers’ district.

Berlin’s “Red Wedding” is still concerned about German militarization (some call it self-defense) in a Germany that has a military about the size of a large American city’s police force.

Germans protest Rheinmetall’s plans for Berlin arms factory – One of Germany’s biggest weapons makers, Rheinmetall, has announced plans for a plant in Berlin. Opponents are warning against more German militarization.

Sex doll discovered at German president’s residence

I always felt there was something creepy about that guy.

Now I know why.

Sex doll art sparks debate at German president’s residence – Beyond a headline-grabbing bronze, contemporary artworks draw attention to political power at an exhibition held at Bellevue Palace before the state building closes for renovation.

German of the day: Brötchen

That means pygmy hippopotamus.

Or bread roll. Take your pick.

A young pygmy hippopotamus at the Berlin Zoo is named Brötchen.

The newest addition to the Berlin pygmy hippopotamus family is named Brötchen. The Berlin Zoo announced this on Wednesday. “Naming animals after foods seems to be a popular internet trend right now,” explained zoo director Andreas Knieriem: “Strictly speaking, though, people in Berlin have known for decades that small, round snacks make excellent animal names: the female hippo Bulette was one of the absolute favorites at the Berlin Zoo until 2005.”