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In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sort through some major shifts in Germany’s political landscape. From Manfred Webers call for a fresh approach to migration, highlighting the critical role migrants play in filling key jobs like healthcare to Germany ramping up efforts to attract skilled workers, especially after the U.S. dramatically raised visa fees for top talent. In culture, we focus on a uniquely German TV icon: Bernd das Brot, the famously grumpy bread who recently made waves on US late-night TV. Our guest this week is Rebeca, a trainer who shares her experience as an expat building...

In this episode of Plus Forty Nine, we sort through some major shifts in Germany’s migration landscape, including a slight decrease in the refugee population and increasing government action against social welfare misuse. We also explore Germany’s rich tradition of Volksfeste, revealing how local folk festivals keep community and culture thriving beyond the world-famous Oktoberfest. Our guest this week is Alejandro Wagner, a finance adviser originally from Mexico. Alejandro shares practical advice on navigating German banking, budgeting, and investing—offering tips on where to start with ETFs and how to manage your finances with confidence. Plus, in Ask a German, we...

In today’s episode of Plus Forty Nine, we welcome Rufruf, an international student from Pakistan who has been living and studying in Berlin for over six months. Rufruf shares candid insights into her experience navigating German bureaucracy, overcoming language barriers, and discovering what Berlin truly has to offer. We also delve into cultural differences around friendship and social life—why making friends in Germany can sometimes feel more challenging than expected. As always, we start with this week’s top headlines: Germany’s schools have reopened across the country, and Oktoberfest is about to kick off in Munich—the world’s biggest folk festival. We...

This week on Plus Forty Nine, we explore some of the key stories shaping Germany today. We break down the surge in asylum lawsuits flooding the courts, while overall asylum applications are dropping due to tighter border controls. We also look at Germany’s future demographic challenges, with nearly a third of the workforce expected to retire by 2039. In our culture segment, it’s apple season! From the Bodensee region to towns across the country, traditional apple festivals offer tastings, orchard tours, and delicious seasonal dishes. Our guest is Kevin Wu, CEO of Leaping AI, whose voice AI agents are transforming...

From autumn’s wine festivals to the challenges of finding your footing in the German job market—this week on Plus Forty Nine we explore new research on migration and integration, the rise of foreign apprentices, and the vibrant local tradition of Weinfeste that fills German towns with color and celebration every September. Our guest this week is Andreza, a career coach who helps students and newcomers write great CVs, prepare for interviews, and build essential networks. She also shares her personal story of moving from Brazil to Berlin and finding her path in a new country. Plus, in our “Ask a...

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...