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In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by The Local Germany editor Rachel Stern and journalist Sarah Magill as well as political analyst Jessica Berlin.

We start by talking about how Germany celebrated carnival this year and the significance of the culture across different regions. 

• Politics takes centre stage in Rosenmontag parades throughout Germany

We move onto a story about the increasing number of people taking driving tests in Germany – and the proportion of people who fail. Sarah shares her experience of learning to drive in Germany and gives her tips. 

• More than a third of German driving tests failed in 2022
• ‘A year-long ordeal’: What I learned from getting my driving licence in Berlin
• What to know about driving in low emissions zones in Germany

A new draft law on the reforms of skilled immigration has been released. We give you an update on that, including what it means for the EU Blue Card and international students. 

• What’s in Germany’s new draft law on skilled immigration?

It’s a year since Russia launched a full scale invasion Ukraine. We talk about how Germany has changed since then and we’ll hear from political analyst Jessica Berlin to get her views on how Germany could step up support for Ukraine.

• How the war in Ukraine has changed Germany

Finally, we share some of our best life hacks for making living in Germany that bit easier (and please share yours with us!) 

We hope you’re enjoying the Germany in Focus podcast. Please let us know if you found it helpful or if you have any feedback by emailing [email protected]. And don’t forget to share it, leave a comment or give us a rating on whichever platform you listen on. Thank you for your support!