Delayland – Germany and the Missing Magic

Delayland – Germany and the Missing Magic

https://rss.dw.com/xml/podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance
25 Followers 24 Episodes
Delayland is a podcast about the difference between the international image of Germany and the reality. Once called an "economic miracle", we take you on a tour through this country famous for efficiency and its automotive industry, showing you all the things that don’t work like they used to. Along the way, we ask what Germany can learn from other countries to get back on track. Come along for the ride – and be prepared to kiss your German stereotypes goodbye.

Episode List

E5 - Migration: The Power of Optimism

Dec 18th, 2025 11:47 AM

Despite the problems we discussed in Delayland, people from many countries want to live and work in Germany. From nurses to IT specialists, skilled workers are needed, but bureaucracy is slowing things down. Write to: Delayland@dw.com

E4 – What the Fax?!?

Dec 11th, 2025 11:16 AM

Waiting in line forever at city hall to register a new address – that’s how we roll in Germany. Accessing public services online is the exception, not the rule. In fact, sending a fax might speed things up (if you can believe that). But it's not as if people don't want to change. And we've found two countries that could teach us how to go digital. Write to: Delayland@dw.com

E3 – Bricks and Bureaucracy

Dec 4th, 2025 11:39 AM

Big construction projects take surprisingly long to complete in Germany. It can take a decade or longer to build an airport, a train station, or a concert hall — skyrocketing costs included. What happened to the country’s love of planning and efficiency? Now, a neighboring country that's not famous for timely execution is showing Germany how it’s done. Write to: Delayland@dw.com

E2 – German Cars: Stuck in a Jam

Nov 27th, 2025 11:45 AM

For years, German car manufacturers were convinced they built the world’s best automobiles — and the world was happy to buy from them. Then, nothing. Until a country that once was Germany’s pupil in car design sped ahead. How can Germany get back in the race? New episodes every Thursday

E1 - The Train Dilemma: To be or not to be on time

Nov 27th, 2025 11:12 AM

If you think Germans are punctual and efficient, think again. Germany's national train system is so run down that most passengers are happy if they arrive at all. How did one of the world's most reliable train operators become an international joke? Can anyone help Germany to get back on track? New episodes every Thursday

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