“I’m Not in Love”: 10cc to Perform in Germany

Graham Gouldman’s legendary band is scheduled to hit as many as five stages in the Federal Republic. Will they be playing their greatest hits? Of course they will. Read this one here.

“The State of Berlin Will Not Be Blackmailed”

Governing Mayor Kai Wegner and Senator for the Interior Iris Spranger issued a joint statement on the latest hacker attack against Berlin’s state network. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

“Tori-Katsu”: Berlin’s Most Legendary Japanese “Bird Cutlet” Place

Do you feel like consuming a Japanese Schnitzel in the German capital? Schnitzel? From Japan? In Berlin? Wait a minute. WHAT? Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin: Mpox Spreads to Additional Groups

So far, the disease has mainly affected men who have sex with men and who frequently change partners. Now a new development is causing concern among experts. Read this one here.

Study: Antisemitism Is Baked Into AfD Ideology

A new AJC analysis by political scientist Lars Rensmann argues the AfD’s Jew hatred runs through its rhetoric, its campaigns and its voter base alike. Read more here.

The Top 10 Most Convincing Stickers Found on Berlin’s Lamp Posts

Good message stickers can enlighten us with philosophic statements, valuable advice or other useful content. Our reporter found lots of them in Berlin. Check out this top 10 list here.

What are the required skills many potential new officers do not seem to have? Read this article on The Berlin Spectator.

EU Citizens Can Vote in Berlin: Here’s How

So, you a non-German EU citizen and you’ve lived here for at least three months? This is for you. Read this piece here.

Wouldn’t Berlin Be Nice Without the Graffiti?

“To hell with all the scribbling”, our author says. What do you think? Read this one here.

Rio de Janeiro: Dream Versus Reality

“My love and I seem to have slightly different ideas of the most beautiful city in the world.” Read more here.

Charlotte Knobloch Sees Similarities Between AfD and Hitler’s NSDAP

The 93-year-old Holocaust survivor is worried about the situation in the Federal Republic. In her new book, she discusses the increasing Jew hatred. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Steinmeier: Naturalization Does Not Make You a Second-Class Citizen

“The ‘German people’, in the sense our constitution means it, includes Germans who have joined us along the way”, the President stated. Read more here.

Rostock and the Baltic Sea: Nice Daytrip from Berlin

When you go to the Warnemünde beach resort, you better hold on to your fish sandwich, or it will be stolen. But the sea water up there is fresh and clean. From the capital, this nice spot is only three hours away. Read more

Potsdam: The Cherry on Top of the Cake

If there is one perfect day trip destination for people who just need to see Potsdam, it is Potsdam. For anyone in Berlin who wants to look at stunning sightseeing spots without actually being in Berlin, Potsdam is just the right place. Yes, Potsdam is the Berlin metropolitan area’s sweet spot. Find this one here.

In order to see it all, visit The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin: Hundreds of Thousands of Kids Heading Back to School

The summer holiday is over. First graders still have a week to get ready. All other students will be back in class on Monday. Read this one here.

Plagiarism Allegations Against Berlin’s Justice Senator

Felor Badenberg (CDU) has asked the University of Cologne to independently examine her doctoral dissertation after an Austrian plagiarism investigator accused her of extensive academic misconduct. Read this one here.

WizzAir and Eurowings Add New Destinations from BER Airport

Are you ready to fly to Sarajevo directly from Schönefeld? What other new destinations are they offering? Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Does Anything Actually Work in Berlin?

Have you ever wondered whether the German capital is functioning? You can stop wondering. The answer is in. Read this one here.

Germany: Climate Protection at 150 mph

Did anyone get the memo? It’s 2026 and there is still no general speed limit on the German Autobahn. Weren’t the Germans supposed to be the most consistent climate protectors? That’s weird. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Vladimir Mogilevsky to Play Chopin in Berlin and Düsseldorf

Two cities have the opportunity to attend very special concerts. Critics agree that nobody plays like Mogilevsky. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Twenty-six years ago, a 12-year-old girl was going to get a birthday present at a Berlin department store. She never returned home. Now, the police are looking into this case again. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin’s First Skyscraper Ready to be Inaugurated

The German capital’s highest building is being completed as we speak. What will they use it for? Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Spying Allegations Against Russian House in Berlin

There are calls to shut down what the Russians call a cultural institution. Those in charge seem to be reluctant because they know what Moscow would do if they went ahead. Read this one here.

Munich Airport Narrowly Avoids Disaster

A Boeing 787 owned by Vietnam Airlines overshot the runway at Franz Josef Strauss Airport. According to experts, the incident could have turned catastrophic. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

German Onomatopoeia: “Bumms! Krrach!”

Sounds objects make are difficult to learn, but so are animal languages. The entire world is wrong about them, except for the three German-speaking countries. Once and for all: The cow does not say ‘moo’, but ‘Muh’. We insist. Read this one here.

Berlin: Party Drug Deaths Nearly Triple

Fatal overdoses involving the drug GHB have surged dramatically in the German capital. A leading specialist warns that the substance’s narrow safety margin is driving an alarming health crisis in the nightlife scene. Read more here.

The Berlin Perspective: How to Lose the Berlin Marathon

Hey! The race is only 38 days away. Let’s lose it! Read this one here.

With five weeks to go until the Berlin election, a fresh survey shows these two very different parties locked in a near-tie. Here is what that could mean for a future coalition. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin: Tens Of Thousands Join “Rave The Planet” Parade

Excessive heat, tight security measures and the motto “Imagine Love” definted this year’s techno parade. Only a few incidents were reported. Read it here.

Berlin: More Guns on the Streets, Shooters are Getting Younger

Three shootings in three nights, then someone dies at Bahnhof Zoo station. What is going on? Read this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Volksbühne Theater Cancels Exclusive Swim Event for Black Community

The organizers stated they could no longer guarantee the safety of attendees. Read this one here.

Chasing the Solar Eclipse in Berlin

In the city’s Tempelhof borough, thousands experienced and applauded the big event. In other parts of Berlin, people were not so lucky.

Berlin: Shots Fired At Hair Salon And Nightclub, Second Attack In Days

Police are investigating whether the incident is connected to a shooting two days earlier in Kreuzberg, where a 22-year-old man was seriously wounded. Both attackers remain at large as a special task force set up to curb the German capital’s rising gun violence continues its search. Read this one here.

SPD Kicks Off Tense Campaign Season in Mecklenburg-Hither Pomerania

Germany’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are banking on incumbent state premier Manuela Schwesig to carry them through September’s regional election. At the campaign launch, she framed herself as something close to democracy’s last line of defense. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Kai Wegner: August 13th “One of the Darkest Days” in Berlin’s History

Today marks the 65th anniversary of the construction of the Berlin Wall. Exhibitions and other events are taking place. Read it here.

The Day Berlin Was Cut in Two

It’s been 65 years since the Berlin Wall went up — and the lie that came before it. Find this article here.

Manfred Mann to Hit 28 German Stages at Age 85

He has been on stage for six decades. Now, the South African Jew will be back in the Federal Republic for an extensive tour in several parts. In a recent interview, he talked about the difference between musicians and used car salesmen as well as about his “tribal connection”. Read it here.

This is a selection of our latest pieces. Please visit The Berlin Spectator to see all of them.

PREVIEW: Berlin’s First Skyscraper Ready to be Inaugurated: The German capital’s highest building is being completed as we speak. What will they use it for? Read it tomorrow, on Monday, August 17th, 2026, from 5 a.m. CET on The Berlin Spectator.

Since when do cafés serve pizza and pasta? Well, a famous place on Berlin’s Kurfürstendamm will. Read about it on The Berlin Spectator.

Deportation to Ghana After 24 Years, Despite a Steady Job

In many cases, there are clear legal grounds. But this particular case looks cruel and unnecessary. Read this piece here.

OUR NEW VIDEO CLIP: “B” as in Berlin. “B” as in beauty.

The Top 10 Ways to Remain Calm and Patient in Berlin’s Traffic

Do you want to get through this mess without a heart attack? This is how to do it. Check out this top 10 list here.

SPD Kicks Off Tense Campaign Season in Mecklenburg-Hither Pomerania

Germany’s center-left Social Democrats (SPD) are banking on incumbent state premier Manuela Schwesig to carry them through September’s regional election. At the campaign launch, she framed herself as something close to democracy’s last line of defense. Read this article on The Berlin Spectator.

The Day Berlin Was Cut in Two

It’s been 65 years since the Berlin Wall went up — and the lie that came before it. Read this one here.

Legendary Chilean Group Inti-Illimani Histórico to Play in Germany

Andean folklore with a political message: This is what they have been known for since the late 1960s. Soon, they’ll be hitting stages in two German cities. Read about it here.

What’s on The Berlin Spectator today? Find out here.

FROM THE ARCHIVE:

The Berlin Wall Path: Where the Remainder is a Reminder

Thirty-seven years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, some small parts of it are still standing. Here, the remainder is a reminder of the fact that freedom does not come for free. The Berlin Wall Path is a good route to follow. Find this report here.

Almost all candidates came to Berlin from the area of former West Germany. Most are relatively young, and some have an actual chance of conquering Red City Hall. Read this article here.

Berlin “On Track” Ahead of September 20th Election

Will the chaos the federal state of Berlin experienced in the 2021 elections be averted this time? Two changes to the state election law apply for the first time this year. Read this one here.

Berlin: Parties to Plaster City With Election Campaign Posters

For the next seven weeks, the city’s look will change thanks to tens of thousands of campaign posters and billboards. Read it on The Berlin Spectator.

Long Night of Museums 2026: This Year’s Motto is “Crime in Berlin”

One of the most frequented cultural events of the year is coming up later this month. Ticket sales already commenced. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin: Stage Director Implements Genius Idea

Hey, what’s wrong with installing a giant make-shift swimming pool in front of a theater? This one is located here.

Jethro Tull to Perform in Germany

One of the most unique Rock bands on this planet is one of the oldest ones as well. Jethro Tull have been active, with the exception of little breaks, since 1967. And they are getting ready for a European tour. Read about it here.

U6 Subway and M1 Tram Routes Renovations Lead to Changes

The public transport provider BVG is busy renovating subway and tram tracks. This is what Berliners and visitors need to know. Read about it here.

Gregory Porter to Bring “The Spirit of Christmas” to Germany

The singer-songwriter is scheduled to hit twelve stages in the German-speaking world this year. Read this one here.

Berlin in Random Numbers

There are lots of numbers to look at, folks. Let’s get into them right now.

CDU/CSU Push for Swift Tightening of Security Laws After Berlin Attack

In an interview, the parliamentary group’s new chairman stated his party had shown in the past that deliberation did not have to mean endless delay. You’ll find this piece here.

The signatories of a declaration argued that Muslim communities and religious organizations must also confront the question of how to effectively fight Islamism. Read this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Stabbing Attacks: Berlin’s Big Problem

How many attacks of this kind are reported in the German capital? The answer is alarming. What are the police doing about it? Read this one here.

What Changes in Germany this August?

School bells return for children in three federal states, while a new legal right eases pressure on working parents elsewhere in the country. Rail travelers, solar panel owners and drivers on a key east-west highway will also notice changes. Find this one here.

Four Centuries of Sin: The Reeperbahn Turns 400

A convent, rope makers, a hospital for plague victims, concert halls, dance clubs, brothels and musical venues: This is what Hamburg’s Reeperbahn has been known for. The music and the red light quarter are still there today. Read this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Hamburg: Germany’s Gate to the World

Travelers who head north in the western part of Germany will reach Hamburg sooner or later. It’s usually sooner. They will find a truly stunning city that offers water, more water, even more water, and culture. Find this one here.

Deadly CSD Attack: Merz Promises Political Consequences

“We will have to respond with composure, but also with determination”, Germany’s Chancellor says. Read this article here.

CSD Attack: Police Shoot and Kill Suspect

Abdul B. was tracked down at an allotment garden site in the Spandau district. According to police, he charged at officers with a bladed weapon, prompting Berlin’s SEK tactical unit to open fire. Read more.

Merz’s Cabinet Reshuffle Descends Into Chaos

A last-minute change of heart over the Transport Ministry left the Chancellor visibly wrong-footed just as he tried to unveil his new team. Nina Warken, Carsten Linnemann and Philipp Amthor step into new roles, while Patrick Schnieder’s replacement has yet to be found. Read this piece here.

How Many Ham & Cheese Sandwiches Would Fit Into Berlin?

The answer to one of the most important questions of modern times is finally available. It has kept scientists busy for decades. We simply did the math. Read this sensational and scientific piece here.

Mother’s Finest to Funk Up Germany for the Last Time

They are the prototype of a Funk-Rock band. In fact, they invented the genre in the early 1970-s. And they will be invading quite a few stages in the Federal Republic before this year ends. Read this funky piece here.

Read everything else on The Berlin Spectator 24/7 and 365/365.

Once nearly vanished from many regions, the birds have made a historic comeback thanks to habitat restoration and shifting migration habits. Read about it here.

The Berlin Perspective: Let’s Do It Like the Americans

There are plenty of things the Americans are far better at than us Europeans. One of those is convenience. It is about time we learned from our friends on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean. Read more.

Merz Says He Underestimated Fallout From Spahn Surrogacy Affair

In his ZDF summer interview, the chancellor hints at a possible cabinet reshuffle and defends his tough talk on Germany’s work ethic. Read this one here.

Reactions Mixed As Spahn Steps Down Over Surrogacy Row

Allies praise his decision as principled while critics call it long overdue. Find this article here.

German Police Report Rise in Child Sexual Abuse Cases

The Criminal Police Authority (BKA) says there was a 4.7 percent rise in 2025, alongside a record increase in offenses involving pornographic material depicting adolescents. Investigators point to artificial intelligence as an increasingly significant factor driving the trend. Read more on The Berlin Spectator.

Suspects In Berlin Arson Case Fight Back Against March Raid

Four individuals linked to a 2025 attack that knocked out power for 50,000 households are challenging the search in court. Read about it on The Berlin Spectator.

CSD Berlin to Expand to Two Days

Organizers expect hundreds of thousands of participants as this year’s slogan puts queer rights squarely on the ballot ahead of September’s state election. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

BER Airport Customs Seizes Record Amounts Of Cannabis And Khat

More checks, more violations, and far larger drug hauls marked a record year for customs officers at Berlin’s main airport. Read this one here.

Made in Germany: The Top 10 Iconic Pop and Rock Music Tunes

The label ‘Made in Germany’ is something people all over the world want when it comes to cars, machines and beer. But what about Pop and Rock tunes? Check out this top 10 list here.

Thank you for reading The Berlin Spectator.

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A brightly painted housing estate in Berlin might join the ranks of the world’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Read about it on The Berlin Spectator.

“Golden Choice”: Vietnamese Food to Die For

This place is dangerous. Too good to be real. Warning: You’ll want to return to consume their “Sushi Bowl” all the time. Read this on The Berlin Spectator before you become addicted.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? And do you want to subscribe? You can do so here.

Stefan Evers to Lead CDU Into State Elections as Wegner Scandal Deepens

With Berlin’s CDU trailing in fourth place, Stefan Evers inherits a campaign in crisis — as fresh revelations about Kai Wegner’s blackout-crisis statements suggest his exit was a matter of timing, not choice. Read this one here.

Second U.S. Ebola Patient Arrives in Germany for Treatment

One American Ebola patient, who was treated at the Charité Hospital in Berlin, was released. Another U.S. citizen just arrived at Frankfurt’s University Clinic. Read this article on The Berlin Spectator.

Check out our recent video clip:

The Top 10 Worst Jobs in Germany

You can have a bad job, but there will always be one that’s worse. This list proves this claim. Find this top 10 list here.

Beware of the Moth

In Berlin, Hamburg and the rest of the Federal Republic, a moth is causing worries, closures, pesticide operations, and public health warnings. What’s going on? Read about it here.

All of this and a lot more can be found on The Berlin Spectator.

Germany to Raise Tobacco Tax Even Higher Than Originally Planned

Can you imagine spending 12 Euro for a pack of cigarettes? Read this one here.

FROM THE ARCHIVE:

Beyond Strange: Germany and its Hollywood Movie Titles

The Germans eat raw ‘wurst’, their ‘Office of Order’ sends out parking tickets, and they close all shops on Sundays. All of this is pretty crazy already. But the way they change Hollywood movie titles is just unbelievable. Check out this one here.

Now, the Governing Mayor is being criticized from within his conservative CDU. His party colleagues might pull the emergency brake. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Roger Cicero: The Vocalist Who Should Have Lived

Ten years ago, Germany suddenly lost a great singer and entertainer. His songs live on. Read this feature on The Berlin Spectator.

Frankfurt Officials Push to Ban Pro-Terror Rally

Hesse’s antisemitism commissioner and the Frankfurt Greens both want the July 18th demonstration prohibited, while a Jewish youth group organizes a counter-rally. Read this article here.

Germany’s Sunday Shopping Debate Heats Up Again

Will those strict Sunday closing laws be dumped? The industry does hope so. Read it here, on The Berlin Spectator.

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S-Bahn Train Network to Be Renovated, Several Stretches Out of Service

Berlin is on summer vacation. Deutsche Bahn intends to use the opportunity to refurbish an electronic switch tower. It will be a pretty bad mess. Read it here.

FROM THE ARCHIVE:

Alyssa Schleger: Californian Retro Fashion Expert in Berlin

Berlin accommodates countless expatriates from all over the world. Some of them are artistic creators like Alyssa Schleger from California. In her case, it is about retro fashion. She came to the right place. Read about her on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin’s public transport attracts violent criminals and other perpetrators. Some inhabitants try to avoid using it at certain times or they bypass infamous stations. Read this report on The Berlin Spectator.

How Radical is Berlin’s AfD?

Ahead of the Berlin state elections in September, a list compiled by a local daily reveals several candidates with extremist rhetoric. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

The Top 10 Ways of Making Use of the Extremist AfD’s Election Leaflets

The party is giving out printed material full of radical BS. This is what we should do with it. Check out this top 10 list on The Berlin Spectator.

Terrible Delays: European Airports Sound Alarm Over New Border System

Travelers without E.U. passports are facing significant hindrances at European airports this summer. Who or what is causing this issue? Read about it here.

German Cabinet Approves 2027 Budget Amid Sharp Criticism

The government’s plans have drawn fire from industry leaders and environmental groups alike. Read this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Brandenburg Gate Illuminated in Stars and Stripes

Berlin lit up Brandenburg Gate in red, white, and blue this Fourth of July, marking 250 years of American independence — and 80 years of transatlantic friendship since the Cold War standoffs that once played out at this very spot. Read this one here.

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How to Become Part of the Tourist Stampede in Florence

This city is as crazy as it is beautiful. While sweating like a pig in the July heat, our author tried to see as much as possible within a few hours. Check out this report on The Berlin Spectator.

Rents Surge Across Germany’s Largest Cities

As they keep climbing, calls for government action grow louder. Read about it here.

Corrado Rustici: The Berlin Neighbor You Didn’t Know You Knew

Berlin has 3.9 million inhabitants. One of them is Corrado Rustici. In Italy, he cannot walk the streets without being stopped by fans. In Berlin, he can. And he is enjoying it. Read about him on The Berlin Spectator.

The elections for the city state’s House of Respresentatives are less than three months away and extremists on both the left and the right have become stronger. Berliners wonder what the future holds. Read our report on The Berlin Spectator.

Six Lives Lost in Stade: Grief and Disbelief

An entire region is left struggling to comprehend how an appointment meant to protect a child became a scene of mass violence. What exactly happened in Lower Saxony? Read our piece on the tragedy.

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Wadephul Continues South America Tour in Argentina, Brazil

Germany’s top diplomat is exploring opportunities tied to the EU’s new Mercosur trade agreement. The Federal Republic is also seeking to reduce its dependence on China for critical raw materials such as rare earths. You’ll find this report here, on The Berlin Spectator.

Find several reports about Germany’s latest heatwave on The Berlin Spectator.

ITALY SPECIAL

Pisa: Life Under the Tower

Our author went to Pisa in order to check whether it is really the tower that is leaning. He thought the entire city might be crooked. When he got there, it was simply too hot for this kind of scientific research. So he went to the beach instead. Find our report on The Berlin Spectator.

Lucca: City of Wealth and Taste

Looking for beauty, history and culture in Tuscany? In the medieval city of Lucca, you will find everything you want, except for beaches. But the latter are close by. Do you want to look at this one too? It’s all on The Berlin Spectator.

According to scholars involved in a study, the AfD’s conduct constitutes violations of both the democratic principle and the constitutional guarantee of human dignity, which are the two central legal benchmarks in German party ban proceedings. Read this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin: Countless Events Cancelled Due to Heatwave

For the German capital and other parts of Germany, 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) are forecast for this weekend. That is why most outdoor events were scrapped. There is one exception. Read this one here.

ICC Berlin: New Concept for the Weirdest-Looking Building

One of the most unconventional structures in the German capital will be turned into .... Well, into what exactly? Find out by reading this piece on The Berlin Spectator.

U.S. Embassy Celebrates 250 Years of American Independence Ahead of Time

Hundreds of guests came to Berlin’s Palais am Funkturm in order to take part in the festivities for a very special anniversary. Read this article here.

Organ Donation Debate Returns to Berlin Bundestag

Lawmakers will debate whether the country should switch to an opt-out system for organ donation. It would make every citizen a potential donor by default. This piece is available here.

FROM THE ARCHIVE:

Top 10: The Least Sexy Cars on the Streets of Berlin

Some Berliners drive vehicles that deserve to be called cars. But the German capital has to put up with fish cans on wheels and other phenomena as well. Holy cow! Look at this Top 10 list here.

Dear readers:

Thank you for following The Berlin Spectator again after its three-and-a-half-year break.

We are still sort of slow. For several reasons, including the preparation for this blog’s German sister page, implementing the relaunch takes time. Thank you for your patience.

Imanuel
(The Berlin Spectator)

For some areas in the Federal Republic, 40 degrees Centigrade (104 degrees Fahrenheit) are forecast. Berlin might even experience 42 degrees C (107.6 degrees F). Read this report on The Berlin Spectator.

The Top 10 Reasons Not to Vote for the AfD

Why would anyone vote for right-wing extremists who admire Putin and hate the European Union? Check out the list on The Berlin Spectator.

Upcoming Summer Vacations: Chaos on the Autobahn Expected

Vacationers who intend to travel to Europe’s lovely beaches by car will have to expect three things: traffic jams, traffic jams and traffic jams. No, there is no way to avoid them. But here’s what you can do to make sure you do not get stuck in the worst ones. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Berlin’s Most Beautiful Spot: The Liebermann Villa at Wannsee Lake

The German capital does have a place that offers art, beauty, architecture, gardening and quietude all at once. Most of all, visitors will learn about Max Liebermann, one of Germany’s most gifted painters. Read our piece on The Berlin Spectator.

FROM THE ARCHIVE (UPDATED):

Berlin’s “Louis” Offers the Largest Austrian Schnitzel in the Galaxy

There are two ways time travel can be achieved. Either board a stable spaceship and fly into a wormhole, or visit ‘Louis’ in Berlin. The difference is that they do not serve giant Schnitzels in wormholes. Or do they? Read about those Schnitzels on The Berlin Spectator.

Dear readers:

We are still in the process of working on the relaunch of The Berlin Spectator. We are waiting for Google to pick us up again, preparing more features, integrating items from the extensive archive and preparing the German sister blog. But The Berlin Spectator is up and running.

Was this newsletter forwarded to you? If you are interested, you can subscribe to it here.

Best regards,
Imanuel Marcus
(The Berlin Spectator)

There is doner kebab and delicious doner kebab. Any doner kebab stand or restaurant you choose should pass the formula test first. There is doner kebab and delicious doner kebab. Any doner kebab stand or restaurant you choose should pass the formula test first. Read about the kebab formula on The Berlin Spectator.

Right-Wing Extremists on the Rise: Is Germany Lost?

The AfD is now far ahead in the polls. Only eight decades after Nazi Germany, the predecessor state of the Federal Republic, was finally defeated, democracy is in danger again. What’s the situation? Read our piece on The Berlin Spectator.

Hamburg, Mecklenburg Push for “Only Yes Means Yes” Standard

The two states want to bring an amendment to the German Sexual Assault Law through the Bundesrat. A more effective victim protection is the goal. Read about it on The Berlin Spectator.

Carless or Careless?

Berliners do not seem to appreciate private cars anymore. WHAT? So, how do people move around in the German capital? Read about it on The Berlin Spectator.

FROM THE ARCHIVE:
Berlin: Sister Cities Galore

Since 1967, West Berlin and the reunited city of Berlin have become sister cities (or twin cities, as the British say) with a total of nineteen interesting metropolises in all parts of the world. Los Angeles was the first one. Read this one on The Berlin Spectator.

Dear readers: Our three-and-a-half-year break is over. Please bear with us while we get things up and running. It might take weeks. This blog will be offering reports and features on Berlin, Germany, culture and more. Thank you for reading The Berlin Spectator.

Back on Track

So, you want to go from Berlin to Hamburg at full throttle? Or vice versa? This is the time to hop on Deutsche Bahn’s ICE trains.

Deutsche Bahn has spared no expense. They repaired 165 kilometers (103 miles) of tracks in order to make sure you can get to Berlin or Hamburg quickly, at least in theory. Read our report on The Berlin Spectator.

East German Uprising to be Commemorated

The victims of the uprising of June 17th, 1953, in the GDR will be commemorated on Wednesday. “They remind us that democracy, freedom, and self-determination cannot be taken for granted”, Governing Mayor Kai Wegner said on the eve of the memorial day. Read our report on The Berlin Spectator.

Eliane Elias to Hit German Stages

The genius pianist and vocalist is about to enchant her audience in Berlin and at two more locations in the German-speaking world.

This Brazilian-American genius started playing the piano at age seven. When she was 15, she taught piano. Today, 45 years, 26 studio albums and countless concerts later, her music is so beautiful it makes us cry. Read our preview on The Berlin Spectator.

From the Archive:
The Beauty of Brandenburg’s Dahme Spreewald County

As we all know, Berlin is a great place. The city can be overwhelming, loud and annoying though. Getting out of there on a regular basis is necessary. All the quietude and beauty we want is only half an hour away, in Brandenburg province. Read our feature on The Berlin Spectator.

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Contact us with any comments, complaints or questions you might have.
E-mail: berlinspectator@gmail.com

After two years of strict bans, pyrotechnical products may be sold, purchased and used again on New Year's Eve 2022 and New Year's Day 2023. But there are ban zones. Berlin has three of them.

This is The Berlin Spectator’s newsletter. To access our main website, which contains all articles, features, corrections and updates, click here.

Berlin, December 26th, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — Supermarkets and other shops in Germany will be offering firecrackers and fireworks from December 29th to December 31st, 2022. The fireworks industry produces pyrotechnical products all year long, but has only three days to sell them.

Injuries and Diseases

In 2020 and 2021, the sale was forbidden because of the Corona pandemic. Last year, the ban was announced at the last moment, when the big supermarket chains had already included fireworks sets into their catalogues. In both years, the German government paid compensations to the industry. The idea was to make sure people would keep their distance, gather with less friends and party less when Corona was considered a bigger threat than today.

Another reason for those sales bans was to make sure Germany's hospitals would not be overburdened when they dealt with countless COVID-19 cases. Usually, a lot of injuries occur on New Year's Eve, when firecrackers blow up in people's hands or faces. This year, the Berlin Senate asked residents to be careful and to call ambulances or hospitals in actual emergencies only, because of a high number of patients with respiratory diseases, including COVID-19 and the RS Virus, who need to be treated.

Alexanderplatz and Moabit

These are the three fireworks ban zones Berlin named:

• Alexanderplatz, a major square in the area of East Berlin's former center

• Parts of the Steinmetzkiez neighborhood (Here, the ban applies on Alvenslebenstrasse, Pallasstrasse, Potsdamer Strasse, Steinmetzstrasse and Winterfeldtstrasse)

• In the Moabit neighborhood, the third ban zone includes parts of At-Moabit (street name), Calvinstrasse, Paulstrasse, Rathenower Strasse, Seydlitzstrasse and Spenerstrasse.

In pre-Corona times and today, the ban zones are supposed to prevent a chaos in those areas. In the past, groups of intoxicated persons had attacked police officers on numerous occasions, by throwing lit firecrackers at them. With the ban zones, Berlin's party people will be dispersed all over the city more, at least in theory. Another reason for the decision for implementing the ban zone in Moabit is the fact that fireworks used to make the alarm system to go off at the JVA Moabit, a jail located in the area.

Close Attention

According to Berlin's Police Chief Barbara Slowik, 1,100 officers will be on duty on New Year's Eve. Berlin could have used support from other federal states in Germany, but they need their officers that night. The lack of officers is also a reason why the Berlin Senate refrained from naming more ban zones. With 1,100 policemen and policewomen, more than three of them cannot be enforced. Flexibility is more important, according to Barbara Slowik.

She announced, the Berlin Police Department would pay close attention to what is going on at Karl Marx Strasse and Hermannplatz square in Neukölln. This is where chaotic situations of different kinds happen all the time.

Between 1975 and 1982, stunning Pop and Rock music was recorded. Now, the sound of that era is back, thanks to a group called Young Gun Silver Fox. Guess what: They are coming to Germany.

This is The Berlin Spectator’s newsletter. To access our main website, which contains all articles, features, corrections and updates, click here.

Berlin, December 24th, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — Adult-Oriented Rock (AOR) was big in the late 1970s and the early 1980s. Back then, some of the most brilliant music was immortalized on vinyl. Now, high quality Pop and Rock finally returned. Listening to music by Young Gun Silver Fox makes us believe time travel is possible.

Not only did Young Gun Silver Fox just record a new album, but they will be embarking on a tour soon, one that will take them to Germany as well. They are a duet consisting of the American multi-instrumentalist Shawn Lee, Silver Fox, and the British vocalist Andy Platts, Young Gun. In the studio and on stage they cooperate with pickup musicians. Whatever they do, they stand out.

Stimulating Hormones

Shawn Lee, a former video game producer, is the mastermind of the project. Mama's Gun is the name of Andy Platt's former band in which he was the very convincing lead singer. These two men are doing the world a big favor by bringing back the quality of the 1970s to an area in which it is badly needed, namely Pop music.

'Their first three albums 'West End Coast', 'AM Waves' and 'Canyons', offered exactly what some of their titles suggest: West coast sound songs like the ones played on AM radio waves in 1978, the kind of music that spread warmth, stimulate hormones and have an uplifting effect in every way imaginable. We 'gotta' thank these guys for the overdue return of AOR.

Crisp Horns

Now, they released 'Ticket To Shangri​-​La', another masterpiece. The album includes wonderful tunes including 'Still Got It Going On'. Its intro is too good to be true. With those crisp horns and its entire approach it sounds like the late Maurice White had returned from heaven, to team up with the Phoenix Horns, the Seawind horns, Chicago and Toto. The word impressive would be an understatement here.

The best part? Young Gun Silver Fox are coming to Germany. On February 26th, 2023, they will be hitting the stage at Berlin's legendary 'Quasimodo' club. Hallelujah! On February 27th, they are scheduled to 'do' Hamburg, before continuing on to Cologne for a gig on the 28th. Tickets for these three gigs are being offered here. There was supposed to be a tour in March of 2020, when everything went to sh*t, thanks to the Coronavirus. This time, the tour will actually happen. Well, let's hope so.

AOR Heroes

These guys, Andy Platts and Shawn Lee of Young Gun Silver Fox, are the heirs of those great AOR pioneers. In order to get an idea of what AOR was all about four to five decades ago, listening to the following stunning examples is recommended:

• TOTO 'Takin' it Back'

• CHICAGO 'No-Tell Lover'

• KENNY LOGGINS 'This is It'

• EARTH, WIND & FIRE 'Evolution Orange' (adds Funk to the experience)

• STEPHEN BISHOP 'Somewhere In Between'

Obviously, there are millions of brilliant AOR classics.

In his Christmas Address, Germany's President Steinmeier thanked the Germans for their solidarity with the Ukrainian people during the Russian war of aggression. Peace was not yet tangible, he said.

This is The Berlin Spectator’s newsletter. To access our main website, which contains all articles, features, corrections and updates, click here.

Berlin, December 24th, 2022 (The Berlin Spectator) — "Dear compatriots, you feel the ramifications of the war too", President Frank-Walter Steinmeier said. "But you bear the burden because you care about the fate of the Ukrainians, because you care about their fight for freedom, because you show solidarity and humanity."

Great Courage

He thanked everyone who had stood up for others this year. Steinmeier said the times were not easy, but there was reason for confidence. Ukraine was asserting itself with great courage and Europe stood together as one, the President stated. Germany was surpassing itself in the challenge posed by the war.

"We did not panic, we didn't let ourselves be driven apart", Steinmeier said. "Our democratic state alleviates the heaviest burdens", he added. Here, he was referring to all the aid packages the Berlin government put together to help Germany's citizens with skyrocketing energy prices. "In the economy, many are working on emerging from the crisis stronger. And all of you have helped", he told the nation.

Strength and Hope

Frank-Walter Steinmeier said he hoped the Germans would "strengthen everything that connects us". "What defines us at the core, what has always made us strong, endures. We are creative, hard working and we show solidarity. From this, we can draw strength and hope for the new year."

Peace was "our most fervent wish", the President stated. "But this peace is not yet tangible. And it must be a just peace that neither rewards land grabbing nor leaves the people in Ukraine to the arbitrariness and violence of their occupiers."

Common Goal

In his Christmas speech, Steinmeier also mentioned the climate crisis. "The fight against climate change requires the ambition of the young and the experience of the old. Because we all have a common goal: that the younger generation is not the 'last generation', but the first generation of a climate-friendly world."

'Last Generation' is the name of a radical group the members of which glued themselves to streets a lot this year. Steinmeier criticized them indirectly: "I hope the younger ones will get involved, that they are critical - without harming the cause of climate protection by antagonizing others".