All episodes

This week on Plus Forty Nine we’re diving into migration, education, and everything in between. We look at Germany’s push to attract more students from Chile to Saxony, and reflect on ten years after Merkel’s “Wir schaffen das” — where refugees stand in the labor market today. Our guest is Daniele, founder of Product Lab, who opens up about the highs and lows of entrepreneurship in Germany, his experience on LinkedIn, and why sport clubs might be the key to meeting new friends in Germany. In our culture segment, we explore Germany’s delightfully quirky tradition of Strawberry and Cucumber Queens....

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we’re diving into green living in the city. Our guest, Sophie from EasyBeeBerlin, joins us to share her expertise on transforming balconies, terraces, and small gardens into vibrant oases. From finding plants that fit your lifestyle to keeping them happy through the winter—and busting a few plant myths along the way—Sophie shows how anyone can bring more nature into their home, no matter the size of the space. In the news, we cover a new study questioning Germany’s “welcome classes” for refugee children, ongoing debates over reforming the eight-hour workday, and fresh data highlighting...

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we unpack Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt’s controversial plan to extend border controls and what it means for migration in Germany. Plus, a new Berlin law speeding up the recognition of foreign qualifications is set to make life easier for many expats. With summer back, we dive into the uniquely German picnic culture–from waterproof blankets to perfectly portioned snacks. Our guest is Susa, founder of the app ZenZen, which supports pregnant women with gestational diabetes. She shares her journey as a single mom and entrepreneur, and the challenge of starting over after uprooting her life....

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we’re kicking off August with a full lineup—rainy skies and all. In the news, we take a closer look at Germany’s education system, where PISA chief Andreas Schleicher warns that schools are failing migrant children and calls for better early language support and smarter funding structures. Meanwhile, the EU is rolling out its new digital border entry system, and Poland has announced an extension of its controls at the German border. In our culture segment, we’re decoding teen slang with the Top 10 contenders for Jugendwort des Jahres 2025. From “lowkey” to “tuff,” what...

In this epsidoe we take a closer look at Berlin’s fast-track naturalization system and why Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt is pushing back. Can digital-only applications really ensure democratic commitment? In culture, we explore the joys of “Balkonien”—the staycation dream that turns balconies into mini summer retreats. From urban gardening to evening grill sessions, we unpack why more people are choosing home over holiday. And in our interview: Berlin-based comedian Kat joins us to talk about surviving seven years in the capital, from dating disasters to Berghain adventures and the comedy in it all. Plus: This week’s Ask a German has...

This week it’s getting spicy — literally. We’re talking to Mythra and Faiza, founders of ZORO Energy, about surviving German summers without AC, building a startup as a migrant in Germany, and why five spices just won’t cut it. In the news: we unpack the latest study on Germany’s persistent migrant wage gap and why Berlin’s Economy Senator is looking to India for skilled workers. Our culture segment dives into a true summer classic: the Freibad. From Pommes rot-weiß to cannonballing kids, we explore why public outdoor pools are such a staple of German life. Plus, this week’s Ask a...

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we explore the many layers of migration—public, personal, and political. From Education Minister Karin Prien’s suggestion to introduce a classroom migration quota to Alexander Dobrindt pushing for a harder EU migration line. In our culture segment, we swap politics for fairy tales as we head to the hilltops and halls of Germany’s castles. And joining us in the studio is therapist Anushree from Talking Distance, who shares reflections on mental health, identity, and the invisible emotional layers of life in a new country. Plus: In Ask a German, we unpack the politeness choreography of...

Summer heat, political sparks, and buried history—this week on Plus Forty Nine, we follow the flames, both literal and figurative. As wildfires rage in eastern Germany, we explore how unexploded WWII bombs are complicating firefighting efforts. Meanwhile, Poland reinstates border checks, the SPD pushes for a potential AfD ban, and Angela Merkel publicly challenges the Merz government’s asylum policies. Our guest is Theodora, founder of the travel app Velout. Raised in Germany by a Greek family and born in the U.S., she shares what it’s like to grow up between cultures She also let’s us know some of her tips...

In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sit down with internal communication expert Joanna for an insightful conversation about navigating different communication styles—at work and at home. As someone married to a German, Joanna also shares her perspective on intercultural relationships and the nuances of daily life across cultures. Plus, we recap this week’s top stories, from key outcomes of the EU summit to growing concerns around Germany’s doctor shortage. In our culture segment, we explore the wild world of German reality TV and what makes it so irresistibly popular. And in Ask a German, we unpack the unique...

In this episode of Xpat Berlin, we’re stepping into summer with a full lineup of stories, questions, and conversations. This week we are getting a bit philosophical with Tuğba, who joins us for a reflective, wide-ranging chat about identity, belonging, and how to stay grounded in a world that rarely slows down. We also take a look at what’s new in Germany this week—from Potsdam’s plan to diversify its public sector to the federal education minister’s push for a smartphone ban in schools. In our culture segment, we head to the grill—because what’s a German summer without Bratwurst and Stockbrot?...