#DeutschlandNoFilter: The Germany Magazine of the Goethe-Institut

All correct: According to the new rule, the apostrophe may be used to emphasise the proper name.

The Apostroph A much-debated little mark

The apostrophe continues to spark debates. But that’s over now: The Official Rules of German Orthography have clarified things. The former editor-in-chief of the leading German dictionary publisher breaks down the key points.

Cherrypicker | Literature Death Was Not Ordered

Delivery services in the future will simply deliver everything – almost at the speed of light. Even though the desired item does not even exist at the time of ordering. But only the fastest earns money. There is no room for scruples.

Jella Haase smiling on the red carpet at the 2023 German Television Awards ceremony.

Picture Palace | Film Jella Haase and the Magic Kingdom

Ex-GDR agent, underage prostitute, wannabe influencer—few actresses have played such diverse roles so early in their careers as Jella Haase. With the Netflix series Kleo, she is now gaining international fame.

Illustration: Person with a sign that reads “Ok Boomer”

Word! The Language Column Forever a Child

Why do grown-ups like semolina porridge so much? Why do so few people have “parents”, only “mum” and “dad”? Our new columnist, the musician, author and journalist Christiane Rösinger, traces this trend towards infantilisation. Where will it lead?

EIne Graphik mit verschiedenen Gebäuden und Richtungspfeilen, dazwischen der Schriftzug "Umwege" bzw. "Detours" — Detours

Once a month, we take you to a place in Germany that you absolutely must discover!

Language

Sheep on the Elbe dyke in Hollern-Twielenfleth

Guest Contribution of Hasnain Kazim Finding Home in the Language

Hasnain Kazim has worked as a correspondent in many countries. What did he miss most there? The German language. A text about the identity-forming power of one's own language – and the beauty of dialects worth preserving.

Illustration: Two heads with a surveillance camera above them and pointing at them

Word! The Language Column Speaking Rotwelsch under dictatorship

In his last article, Klaus Siewert describes how oppressed and persecuted people in dictatorial systems were able to convey bitter truths with the help of their knowledge of Rotwelsch. He concludes with a short summary – and an appeal.

Illustration: An upset-looking person with a jagged speech bubble that says “WILLST PUTZ HABEN?!” (Do you want trouble?!)

Word! The Language Column Coal English and rocker language

Hamburg has a lot to offer when it comes to special and secret languages. Klaus Siewert uncovers the latest sources and provides insights into the communication styles of sailors, showmen, and other nocturnal figures.

Culture

Joachim Meyerhoff during a rehearsal for the William Shakespeare play "The Tempest"at the Akademietheater in Vienna (2007)

Cherrypicker | Literature Escape to mum

In his new book, Joachim Meyerhoff flees from Berlin and his midlife crisis to his mum in the country. In addition to foot massages, he also gets plenty of whiskey there.

A carer supports an elderly lady walking with a rollator

Cherrypicker | Literature From the life of a “betrojerinki”

In her debut novel, Mia Raben tells the story of a Polish carer in Germany. She travels to Hamburg, initially burnt out, but then experiences an unexpected happy ending.

Agricultural landscape with farms rising out of the fog, Upper Austria

Cherrypicker | Literature Being and delusion

In the third part of his trilogy of novels about the Austrian province, Reinhard Kaiser-Mühlecker also paints a gloomy picture of interpersonal relationships.

Germany

Falaferl, vegan schnitzel, vegan mince and vegetarian sausages are placed in small bowls on a kitchen worktop after frying.

Veganism in Germany Why a Sustainable Diet is Important

More and more people in Germany are going vegetarian or even vegan. Why is this happening? And what are the benefits of a meat-free diet?

The U-Bahn line U8 crosses Berlin from north to south, stopping at central places such as Alexanderplatz.

Detours | U8 Beneath the Streets of Berlin

There’s nowhere better than Berlin to take a tour by underground train – the U-Bahn – through German history. The capital’s subterranean network of tunnels is a repository of memories of the German Empire, the Second World War and Germany’s division.

They look like they have jumped right out of the pages of a fairy tale, idyllic and mystical at once: the historic cave houses in the Harz region.

Detours | Cave houses in the Harz region Carved out of rock

What’s the solution when housing is in short supply? Once upon a time in the village of Langenstein in Germany’s Harz region, people decided simply to carve themselves caves in the sandstone rock. Some of these homes can still be visited to this day – and actually look pretty cosy.

Illustration of several symbols: Windmill, bicycle, garbage, earth and thermometer

Sustainably Explained

Our climate and sustainability format provides information on the climate crisis and its links to Language, Culture and Germany.