Tag Archives: Language

German of the day: Kopfgeld

January 27, 2026 By in Hard Facts, Helplessness, Hideology Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

That means “head money,” as in bounty.

Bounty offered over Berlin power grid attack – German authorities have offered a €1 million bounty for tips related to this month’s massive Berlin blackout.

German authorities have issued a €1 million ($1.1 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for an attack on electricity infrastructure in Berlin.

The arson attack on January 3 targeted high-voltage cables. It left some 45,000 households in south-western Berlin without electricity and heating during sub-zero temperatures earlier this month. It took more than four days to reconnect all residents back to the grid, making it the longest power outage in the city since the Second World War.

Berlin needs more cops…

January 26, 2026 By in Hard Facts, Helplessness, Hideology, Home Cooking Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

Who can actually speak German.

Many police applicants in Berlin fail due to insufficient German language skills – The Berlin police cannot find enough suitable applicants. This was stated by Police President Barbara Slowik Meisel on Monday in the Interior Committee of the House of Representatives.

“We have a very significant problem with German language skills, regardless of nationality,” said Slowik Meisel. “I don’t want to bash schools, but there is a problem with the level of education that young people are leaving school with.” Many applicants fail the computer tests, and 80 percent of the time this is due to their German language skills.

German of the day: Sich auflösen

January 15, 2026 By in Habitudes, Helplessness, Hideology, Home Cooking Tags: , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

That means to disintegrate.

Klingbeil: Transatlantic relations are currently disintegrating – Federal Finance Minister and Vice Chancellor Klingbeil has described relations with the US as severely damaged.

At an event held by the German Institute for Economic Research, the SPD leader said that transatlantic relations as we know them are currently disintegrating. Klingbeil referred to the US military intervention against Venezuela, the conflict over Greenland, and the US government’s new national security strategy. The Trump administration is making it clear that it wants to dominate the Western Hemisphere and is increasingly turning away from Europe politically and culturally, Klingbeil said.

German of the day: “Faktisch am Ende”

January 13, 2026 By in Hard Facts, History Tags: , , , , , Leave a comment

That means effectively finished.

Iran’s regime is finished, says Merz – “I assume that we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime,” German chancellor says as Iranian protests sweep the country.

“If a regime can only stay in power through violence, then it is effectively finished. I assume that we are now witnessing the final days and weeks of this regime.”

German of the day: Schneewalze

January 10, 2026 By in Habitudes, Hard Facts, Helplessness, Hideology Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

That means snowroller. As in steamroller.

Snowstorm moves south – 50 centimeters of fresh snow in Baden-Württemberg ++ Many accidents ++ Relief in the north.

Winter storm “Elli” has Germany in its icy grip. Up to 50 centimeters of fresh snow is expected in the south, while rail traffic in the north is still restricted, but the all-clear has been given in some areas. There have been accidents on numerous highways and federal roads due to slippery conditions. Millions of Germans are now asking themselves: What will happen next with “Elli”? The German Weather Service (DWD) reveals all…

Climate Crisis activism in Germany has also been brought to an abrupt halt, I’ve noticed.

Almost half want a ban on fireworks?

December 31, 2025 By in Habitudes, Helplessness, Hideology, Home Cooking Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

That means more than half don’t.

Let the Knaller (bangers) knallen (bang)!

Almost half of all Germans want a ban on fireworks – In Germany, it is only permitted to sell fireworks in the three days leading up to New Year’s Eve. Some line up early to buy them, but others have safety concerns and want to see them banned altogether.

Happy New Year!

German of the day: Stellenabbau

December 29, 2025 By in Hard Facts, Heconomy, Helplessness, Home Cooking Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

That means job cuts.

German business groups expect job cuts in 2026 as economic crisis drags on – A majority of German business associations expect job cuts in 2026 as the country’s economic crisis persists, with industry hit hardest by global protectionism and weak exports, a survey by the German Economic Institute IW showed on Monday.

Of 46 business associations surveyed, 22 anticipate workforce reductions next year. Only nine expect to increase hiring and 15 foresee stable employment levels.