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In the latest episode, host Rachel Loxton is joined by journalists Sarah Magill and Aaron Burnett, and German member of the Bundestag Hakan Demir. 

We start by talking about what the German words of the year tell us about Germany (and this exceptional year). 

• What do Germany’s top 10 words of the year tell us?

We then talk about some of the changes ahead in 2023, from inflation support to the €49 public transport ticket – and what the picture is on public holidays in Germany. 

• Which German benefits are increasing in 2023 – and how do I claim them?
• How employees in Germany can take twice as many holidays in 2023
• When are Germany’s state and national public holidays in 2023?

With the German government’s plans to reform naturalisation laws – which would allow dual citizenship and reduce the time requirements to apply for citizenship – we spoke with Hakan Demir, a Social Democrat and Bundestag representative for Berlin Neukölln, who is part of the team working on changes to the law. 

He told us how the coalition is working to push through the changes in the coming months, how it will overcome obstacles, and what allowing dual citizenship in Germany means to him and his family.

• Germany to require ‘C1 language skills’ for new fast-track citizenship
• ‘Dangerous and wrong’: Why German MPs are clashing over citizenship plans
• What’s behind the push to reform dual citizenship laws in Germany?

We’ll finish off by having a chat about the German culture of fireworks at new year. 

• Why do Germans love shooting fireworks at new year?

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!