Germany’s bureaucracy can be notoriously inflexible – but what happens when a close family member is unexpectedly rejected for a visa? We spoke to a foreign worker about his recent Schengen visa ordeal and how he overcame it.

The European Commission has outlined how it intends to introduce Europe’s new biometric border system in a phased approach, after its rollout was delayed for the third time in November.

Workers at nine Volkswagen factories in Germany will strike for the second time on Monday as tensions rise between union and management over the carmaker’s drastic cost-saving plans.

Germany celebrates Saint Nicolas Day and related traditions, the Social Democrats party gains voters’ support in the latest poll, the Bundesliga announces new TV rights deal and more news on Friday.

Krampus parades are a unique cultural highlight of Germany’s festive season. Here’s where you can see the diabolical figure and participate in some of the ancient Saint Nicolas Eve traditions this year.

As the German island of Borkum prepares for its annual ‘Klaasohm’ festival, police say they will step up patrols to stop the now outlawed tradition of men beating women’s bottoms with cow horns.

A recent study found that Germany needs around 280,000 foreign skilled workers annually to prop up the labour market. We want to know what you think authorities could do better to encourage more immigration.

German MPs are considering whether abortion should be fully legal and removed from the criminal code. We look at what you should know about the current debate and reproductive rights in Germany.

Ahead of this year’s housing summit in Berlin – and early elections next year – the German tenants’ association is urging the government to pass a number of promised reforms designed to make life easier for renters.

This is the German word for a common parasitic plant that has long been part of the Christmas tradition.