LIVING IN GERMANY

October 2024 brings new laws and regulations in Germany. Among other things, students will receive more financial support, winter tyres with a particular symbol will be mandatory, a new set of questions will be introduced for the driving test, support will end for Windows 11 versions and tenants will be allowed to install balcony power plants without permission. Here is …

Berlin hosted a significant event on Saturday 21 September aimed at fostering unity and collaboration between African diplomatic missions and the organized African communities in Germany. Organized by the African Ambassadors Group, the event, christened ‘Celebration of Africa Day with the Diaspora 2024’, saw the participation of diplomats from African embassies in Germany alongside representatives of various African associations in …

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based legal scholar and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 7th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she shares her pregnancy story and the lessons she learned along …

Tuesday, 24 September 2024, marks the 70th birthday of Prince Adeniran Gbadebo, a Berlin-based businessman, philanthropist and distinguished member of the royal family in Igbajo, Osun State, Nigeria. Prince Gbadebo is celebrated not only for his business achievements but also for his unwavering commitment to his community, both in Nigeria and within the African diaspora in Europe. Prince Gbadebo is …

A recent study commissioned by the German government has revealed that approximately one-third of police officers observed racist remarks made by colleagues within a one-year period. This finding is part of a comprehensive report on the everyday experiences and attitudes of police officers, conducted by the German Police University. The study (Motivation, Einstellung und Gewalt im Alltag von Polizeibeamtinnen und …

On 13-14 September 2024, Schloss Bellevue in Berlin, the official residence of the German President, hosted the annual Bürgerfest (Citizen Festival), a two-day event celebrating civic engagement. President William Ruto addressing the opening ceremony of the Bürgerfest while his wife Rachel Ruto looks on/Photo: All Photos: AfricanCourierMedia This year’s festival had a special focus on Africa, with Kenya as the …

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based legal scholar and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 6th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which she goes personal, recounting her journey to finding her dream man …

In her new short autobiographic book, Cologne-based legal scholar and creative author Nesa narrates her story, of an African girl who was born in Germany but raised in the continent and now lives in the country of her birth. This is the 5th episode of Nesa’s chronicles, in which Nesa narrates her experience while she worked at the Embassy of …

Kenyan President William Ruto is visiting Berlin, Germany, this week to participate in several significant events, including the historic co-hosting of the 2024 Annual Citizen Festival of the German President (Bürgerfest des Bundespräsidenten) alongside the German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier. This marks the first time a non-European country has been invited to co-host this prestigious event, highlighting the strong economic and …

The African Network of Germany (TANG) is set to play a prominent role at the upcoming Bürgerfest, the German President’s Citizen Festival, which will take place on 13-14 September at Schloss Bellevue in Berlin. Under the theme “Pamoja – Gemeinsam stärker” (Pamoja – Stronger Together), the event, among others, celebrates the longstanding relationship between Germany and Kenya. TANG’s participation, with …

Africa will be the focus at this year’s Citizens’ Festival of the German President taking place in September. Kenya’s Ambassador Stella Mokaya Orina and Dr Sylvie Nantcha, Chairperson of TANG, are calling on Africans in Germany to turn out in large numbers at the event The Citizens’ Festival of the German President (Bürgerfest des Bundespräsidenten) is held annually over two …

The recent state elections in Thuringia and Saxony have caused significant political tremors in Germany, highlighting the growing strength of far-right movements and raising concerns about the future of its democratic system. In Thuringia, the Alternative for Germany (AfD) achieved a historic win, becoming the first far-right party since World War II to win a state election, securing 33% of …

Like almost every month, September 2024 brings important changes, including new laws, that affect residents of Germany. For instance, building owners using gas heating must now have their systems inspected and stricter hand luggage rules for air travellers apply. Among others, a new feature will be introduced in health insurance apps and stricter emission standards for new vehicle registrations will …

Following the knife attack in Solingen last Friday, the German government has announced new measures to enhance security in the country. These include tightening gun laws and cancelling benefits for certain asylum-seekers. The government plans to revoke state benefits for asylum-seekers who fall under the responsibility of another European country according to the Dublin Regulation and which has agreed to …

Ahead of the state elections in Thuringia and Saxony on Sunday, 1 September 2024, the Turkish Association in Berlin-Brandenburg (Türkische Bund in Berlin-Brandenburg or TBB) has issued an appeal to voters, urging them to “vote democratically.” “We are deeply concerned by the latest forecasts for the upcoming state elections in Thuringia and Saxony,” said Ayşe Demir, spokesperson for the TBB …

Kenyan-born social entrepreneur and advocate for African girls, women and families in Germany, Virginia Wangare Greiner, is one of the two recipients of the ‘HeroinesAward 2024’ (HeldinnenAward 2024). Awarded by the Alice Schwarzer Foundation, the ‘HeroinesAward’ recognizes women who fight courageously and with dedication to improve the situation of women, whether through their professional work, social engagement or personal commitment. …

After a long struggle, Berlin’s Peters Allee will be renamed Maji Maji Allee and Anna Mungunda Allee on Friday (23 August). The previous name, Petersallee, honoured Carl Peters, founder of the colony of German East Africa, who was notorious for his crimes against Africans. The new street names commemorate two significant figures: Anna Mungunda, a Namibian national heroine who fought …

Owning a house in their home countries is a common investment diaspora Africans have to make. They do so for a variety of reasons. Building a home at home is like building a future at home as many migrants would like to spend life after retirement in their countries of origin. Some also build to provide a home for ageing …

Black people have been living in Germany for several centuries. Their community is very diverse, ranging from African-descended Germans, whose roots may go back to the first African community more than 100 years ago, to Africans who arrived more recently to seek refuge or to join their spouses or study and have meanwhile settled down and raised children. However, there …

I still can’t believe I got my first job in Germany by speaking to the person sitting next to me on the S-Bahn. If you know anything about Germany, it’s that everyone minds their own business on the train. So, gathering the courage to ask a question was not an easy feat. But that question changed my life forever. “What …