It may not feel like a year, but apparently it’s time once again for Germany to go full crazy for Jugendwort des Jahres 2025!!! We look at the runners and riders, discuss the pernicious influence of English, and learn far more about the word “Goonen” than anyone ever needed to know.

From words to actions, we discuss the world of tattooing to end the show. We ask Simon about his changing views on tattoos as he’s got older, whether he ever considered a face tattoo, and we discuss the curious case of a forced tattooing of a swear word and a new ruling by the Bundesgerichtshof on how to deal with the perpetrators.

Theme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß

What’s the definition of bravery? Surely it’s living in Germany and answering the phone to unknown numbers. It can be panic inducing, but it might be the purest form of conversation, and as Simon argues, it’s also a good chance to practice some German.

Something that needs no German whatsoever is the phenomena of “cool” English shop names, especially hairdressers. Simon shares his list of best/worst German shop names, we discuss the fear of straight razors, and why haircuts at sea are a terrible idea.

We find some time to talk about the joys of people watching in Nürnberg, and how to survive the monotony of the Landstrasse, and we finish on the world’s largest Knödel.

Theme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß

As summer continues to cut a rug through to August, we talk tourist sites, and three in particular: Neuschwanstein, Herrenchiemsee and Linderhof. Why these three? For the simple reason that they are the three newest German UNESCO World Heritage sites. Are they worthy entrants, and what does this have to do with the Great Wall of China? We find out.

Summer also means school holidays, but it wouldn’t be German school holidays without a little bit of complaining. What’s boiling people’s blood? The most obvious of German annoyances, Bavaria. Yes, Bavaria, who along with their southern neighbours Baden-Württemberg, are refusing to move their summer holidays with their fellow Bundesländer. We question the Bavarian belligerence, but wonder if they might have a point after all.

We finish off with another listener question…well sort of…not directly, but it does give Nic and Producer Simon a chance to have their favourite argument: Tanks vs Castles!!!!

Theme tune courtesy of Kloß mit Soß