Archive for the ‘Politics’ Category

Stay Connected To Germany With Deutsche Welle

Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

It can be very hard to keep up with all the news in Germany when you aren’t in the country. I remember in my early travel days trying to call home and get the latest information, or hunting down old newspapers for stories. I am glad those days are gone!

For three years, I’ve found myself depending on the main news network from Germany, Deutsche Welle. It provides updates for the international community from Germany. It is a service I have found invaluable for helping me stay in touch as I travel, and I know many others who also love it.

You can enjoy their updates in many different ways. There is the online portal, DW-World.de, which is available in 30 languages. There is also a DW-Akademie, which runs a radio broadcast and trainings. Last but not least is DW-TV, available on satellite and cable worldwide networks in German, English, Arabic, and Spanish.

Even though I am not an advocate of television in general, watching Deutsche Welle from time to time makes me feel more connected to my beloved homeland whenever I’m abroad. They focus on current events, and pan-European decisions that impact Germany. Unlike some of the tabloid and infotainment offerings you can find, Deutsche Welle is very well regarded as a credible news source.

You can also use it as a way to improve your German language skills or keep your ear in practice. Though you can watch it in English, Spanish, and Arabic, their German language programming is targeted at people learning German in addition to those who already have German language skills. This is much better than boring tapes or classes!

New programs and formats are added constantly as the network expands. They currently claim more than 100 million worldwide listeners weekly.

I like to think of so many other lovers of Germany out there tuning in with me, and I invite you to be sure to take advantage of all the free resources and information provided at your finger tips by Deutsche Welle. :-)

—Marcus

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September Elections Raise Interest And Eyebrows

Friday, September 4th, 2009

This year has been quite the political journey for us Germans. Thanks to the unique features of the German electoral system and the way the 16 states run their election calendars, major votes have been taking place all year long. So what does this mean for German politics?

To see things in context for the general election in September, you have to consider the overall economic and political situation in Germany at present. Like the rest of Europe, business is a bit down this year for the export trade, a key driver of the German economy. People are very concerned with jobs and security.

However, whatever Germany does to insure its own solvency and security is not done in isolation thanks to the interconnectedness of the European political and cultural landscape. Earlier in the year, when Germany declined to offer rescue funds to some Eastern European countries, scare mongers claimed Germany was hanging the Continent out to dry. Naturally not — it’s just that the ability to help abroad begins with solvency and economic soundness at home.

Horst Köhler, the recently re-elected German President, and Chancellor Angela Merkel, who will be the candidate to shift depending on the outcome of the September elections, have been working on social program reforms. Their aim is to improve services while curtailing some of the spending. Results are mixed, and votes on measures are often delayed. Some see these reforms as robbing the people to preserve the state, while other say the reforms are needed to avoid bankrupting everyone with debt.

If Chancellor Merkel’s party wins the September election, most analysts say that it would be interpreted as a mandate to get serious about reforming the social payment programs in Germany. If her party loses, there will be a great deal of reshuffling on the national stage. Either outcome will bring change and uncertainty, which is not very popular given the worry that many people have about the future now thanks to the economy.

Thus, debates are heated, and the newspaper columns analyze everything said or done. This keeps interest levels high, but some of the recent campaign moves have also raised eyebrows. In an attempt to inject humor and levity into the campaign, Vera Lengsfeld used her own and the Chancellor’s cleavage in a German election campaign ad… and definitely garnered some national as well as international attention! ;-)

Vera Lengsfeld, the creative politician -- Photo: REUTERS

It just goes to show that right about the time you think nothing is happening with German politics, something will change in the debates. It will certainly be interesting to see which way the voting goes on September 17th!

I definitely will be watching it closely; and you?

—Marcus Hochstadt

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Medical And Health Care For Tourists In Germany

Wednesday, July 1st, 2009

Germany has some of the finest medical care available in the world. Did you know?

While traveling may be full of little stresses, like worrying what would happen to you if you got sick, this is not something to fear in this country. Here, you don’t have to worry about being trapped in some sub-standard hospital. You are going to get high-quality care from well-trained professionals.

If you live in Germany, you are part of the Statutory Health Insurance, German: gesetzliche Krankenversicherung, which is part of the Social Security a.k.a. Sozialversicherung. You can learn more about it on the Healthcare in Germany page.

Yet if you are a traveler, you are not part of the system. This concerns some, but don’t fret. Even as a guest you can still access excellent treatment during your stay, with a minimum of fuss.

The key is that you will need to pay out of pocket for the care. You can then be reimbursed by your home healthcare provider system. This is a general rule, so you may want to investigate with your health care provider to be sure of the details.

This cash-for-care system means that for a sudden case of the flu, small cuts, chipped teeth and so on you can simply go to the appropriate doctor or hospital and get care. Germany has more practicing specialists per thousand people than any other country in the world, so lines are short. You will not need to wait for weeks to see a doctor — same day or next day will be available.

If you are staying at a hotel they can help you get an appointment. They may also link you with the Ärztlicher Hausbesuchsdienst, or Physician’s House Call Service, which is run in many communities as a regular service. In this case, you will receive a personal visit at your hotel from the doctor.

Alternatively, it may be called Ärztlicher Bereitschaftsdienst. In most cases, however, you would simply ask for the Notarzt, the emergency doctor.

Many pharmacies will also give you recommendations for physicians. In fact, pharmacies can be an excellent first stop as most have very knowledgeable staff. As the over-the-counter cures vary country to country, you may find they have a good treatment for your sickness on hand.

In all German cities — down to the small villages — will you find a Apotheke that is available for you 24/7. Although the lights may be off, if the Apotheke is one with Bereitschaftsdienst you can ring the boss out of bed if need be. Else, look at the plate outside to see which nearby pharmacy does have this 24/7 service that night.

For more severe illness, keep in mind that Germany is a world leading in medical innovation. Heart treatments, brain and nerve surgeries and even cancer treatments attract millions of medical tourists each year. Again, specialists are available quickly to treat even very complex ailments.

Emergency care is also very good and amazingly fast. Emergency Medical Services are a mandated task for municipal governments and strictly regulated for quality and efficiency. Nationwide, the network is strong enough that you can have a staffed medical helicopter at the accident scene within 15 minutes no matter where you are in Germany.

Thus, even as a tourist or visitor to Germany you can have all the benefits of the advanced German medical science. With services like the Ärztlicher Hausbesuchsdienst, you may even receive more personalized care than you would at home!

—Marcus

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