https://www.dw.com/delayland?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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. en 2026 DW Mon, 6 Apr 2026 15:58:09 GMT Mon, 6 Apr 2026 15:58:09 GMT https://static.dw.com/image/74359738_7.jpg https://www.dw.com/delayland?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss no false DW DW podcasts@dw.com 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. 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. us uk de 10 75196734 Thu, 18 Dec 2025 11:47:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/e5-migration-the-power-of-optimism/audio-75196734?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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 TOP STORIES DW Delayland, skilled labor, migration, visa application, nursing, IT industry false full 36:38 75075562 Thu, 11 Dec 2025 11:16:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/e4-what-the-fax/audio-75075562?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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 TOP STORIES DW Delayland, Aadhaar, UPI, cash, Germany, eGovernment, administration, Denmark, India false full 38:05 75001673 Thu, 4 Dec 2025 11:39:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/e3-bricks-and-bureaucracy/audio-75001673?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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 TOP STORIES DW Germany, economy, infrastructure, construction, Delayland, Cologne, Paris, Notre-Dame de Paris, bureaucracy, podcast false full 37:28 74915299 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:45:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/e2-german-cars-stuck-in-a-jam/audio-74915299?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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 TOP STORIES DW Germany, economy, infrastructure, German cars, trains, Delayland, german carmaker, China, India, autobahn, failure, change, podcast false full 41:11 74915298 Thu, 27 Nov 2025 11:12:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/e1-the-train-dilemma-to-be-or-not-to-be-on-time/audio-74915298?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss 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 TOP STORIES DW Germany, economy, punctuality, infrastructure, trains, Deutsche Bahn, Delayland, Switzerland, failure, change false full 34:13 74350970 Thu, 20 Nov 2025 16:00:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/introducing-delayland-germany-and-the-missing-magic/audio-74350970?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Once dubbed an "economic miracle”, things don't run like they used to in Germany. This new DW original podcast endeavors to find out how Germany lost its magic and who’s got it now? Traveling beyond Germany — to India, France, Switzerland, and Denmark — the show explores how others are getting things right, and what Europe's former Wunderkind might learn from them. Wherever you get podcasts. Podcasts DW Delayland, Germany, Business, megaprojects, Deutsche Bahn, digitalization, skilled workers, german fails, failure, Change, podcast false trailer 02:22 71332044 Fri, 17 Jan 2025 16:40:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/dw-berlin-briefing-a-new-podcast-by-the-crew-behind-merkel-s-last-dance/audio-71332044?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Berlin Briefing is a new podcast by the crew behind ‘Merkel’s last Dance’. It is a video podcast where we dive deep into how Germany is navigating major geopolitical challenges - from Trump's second presidency to Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine and Europe’s shift to the right. Once a week we give you an essential Berlin briefing on what’s coming next and why it matters. here's our latest episode. TOP STORIES DW SPD, CDU, AfD, Greens, Olaf Scholz, Friedrich Merz, Alice Weidel, Robert Habeck, German Election false full 37:36 67136622 Wed, 18 Oct 2023 15:55:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/introducing-don-t-drink-the-milk/audio-67136622?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss We wanted to share a new DW podcast we thought you might like. Don't Drink the Milk traces the unexpected backstories of things we all think we know well. From passports to beer, zip codes to witches, discover how these things made their way around the world – by force, by chance or by choice. No need to pack your bags. Just subscribe to Don't Drink the Milk, wherever you listen to podcasts. Culture DW Don't Drink the Milk, podcast false trailer 01:30 59791006 Thu, 11 Nov 2021 13:02:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-the-legacy-interview-final-episode/audio-59791006?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Outgoing chancellor Angela Merkel really is going to step off that dance floor soon. What better way to end a podcast dedicated to her last dance, i.e.her last year in office, than with a rare exclusive interview? DW's Max Hofmann waltzed the German chancellor through the interview and has the backstory for us in this final episode of "Merkel's last dance." TOP STORIES DW Angela Merkel, German politics, German Chancellor, legacy false full 32:31 59549289 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 12:32:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-germany-under-olaf-scholz-what-the-world-can-expect-from-merkel-s-likely-successor-e14/audio-59549289?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss China, the transatlantic relationship, the future of the EU - foreign policy didn't play a large role in Germany's election campaign. But there are huge issues for the next government to address. As Olaf Scholz works to establish a new coalition, we ask his party's foreign policy spokesman what the world can expect from a Germany under Scholz's leadership. TOP STORIES DW German government, German foreign policy, Social Democrats, China, European Union, coalition negotiations false full 50:41 59409794 Tue, 5 Oct 2021 11:15:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-how-green-will-the-next-german-government-be-e13/audio-59409794?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss The Greens will likely play a central role in a future government coalition. September’s elections have elevated them to new levels of political power. The current rounds of exploratory and coalition talks will determine just how green Germany will go from here. DW’s Nina Haase and Guilia Saudelli team up with chief political editor Michaela Küfner to unpack the Greens’ governing potential. TOP STORIES DW Angela Merkel, government, The Greens, podcast, German coalition talks false full 30:05 59369163 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 16:55:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-what-s-next-after-germany-s-election-the-kingmakers-moment-e12/audio-59369163?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss The beginning of the end of the Merkel era is here. A narrow win for the SPD under Olaf Scholz has left Merkel's camp damaged, and given unprecedented leverage to the "kingmakers," the neoliberal FDP and Greens, in the search for a new coalition. In the latest edition of Merkel's Last Dance we catch up on the state of play and speak to potential FDP Foreign Minister, Alexander Graf Lambsdorff. TOP STORIES DW Germany, election, politics, Merkel, Olaf Scholz, FDP, Greens false full 53:41 59144785 Fri, 10 Sep 2021 12:17:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-what-kept-merkel-from-being-a-climate-chancellor-e11/audio-59144785?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Compared to other world leaders, Merkel is seen as the one leading the charge in the global effort to combat climate change. But, says Claudia Kemfert, she’s also had a number of disappointing moves, like extending the use of nuclear power, siding with the car lobby, and not exiting coal sooner. Germany DW German politics, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, climate change false full 35:35 58265401 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 14:02:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-why-is-germany-behind-on-tech-e10/audio-58265401?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Europe’s richest country is lagging behind the US and China in technology - and Angela Merkel knows it. But how much is the chancellor herself to blame? In this episode, Merkel’s top digital advisor talks to DW’s chief technology correspondent Janosch Delcker about Big Tech, digital deficits exposed by the pandemic, and what reforms are needed to get Germany out of this mess. TOP STORIES DW  digitalization, technology, German government false full 42:48 58258340 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 07:19:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-george-w-bush-reflects-on-merkel-e09/audio-58258340?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss America's 43rd President invited DW's Washington bureau chief Ines Pohl to his family's summer house in Maine. He doesn't give many interviews any more. But he made an exception to talk about "his friend" Angela Merkel - and about a shoulder massage that made headlines at the time. TOP STORIES DW Angela Merkel, George W. Bush, podcast, transatlantic relations false full 28:18 57768724 Thu, 3 Jun 2021 13:10:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-the-merkel-method-e08/audio-57768724?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss How does she do it? How has the German Chancellor managed to stay on top for 15+ years? What does "Merkeling through" mean? Find out from somebody who has served as minister under Angela Merkel, working closely with her, but also campaigning against her. TOP STORIES DW Angela Merkel, Katharina Barley, CDU, SPD, Germany, politics, podcast false full 42:05 57390406 Fri, 30 Apr 2021 13:17:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-is-angela-merkel-a-feminist-e07/audio-57390406?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Angela Merkel's political career has been marked by many "firsts." But: in her 15 years as German chancellor, what has she done for the equality of the sexes and for moving gender fairness forward? We talk to the woman who publicly posed the question: 'Are you a feminist, Ms. Merkel?' Miriam Meckel did not only find Merkel's reaction surprising, she also tells us where Merkel disappointed her. Germany DW German politics, Angela Merkel, feminism, women, gender equality false full 40:38 56786212 Fri, 5 Mar 2021 14:41:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-is-covid-19-breaking-angela-merkel-s-political-toolbox-e06/audio-56786212?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Angela Merkel has gone from Europe's leadership champion in the COVID fight to lagging behind on vaccines and testing. In this episode, podcast series "Merkel’s Last Dance" explores whether her legacy may be rewritten. Germany DW German politics, Angela Merkel, COVID-19, Janosch Dahmen, Corona Pandemic false full 41:27 56616853 Thu, 18 Feb 2021 14:11:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-did-merkel-fail-on-china-e05/audio-56616853?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss As China and the US slip deeper into geopolitical confrontation, Angela Merkel's approach to Beijing is being questioned as never before. In this episode, Merkel's Last Dance explores a complex legacy. Germany DW Angela Merkel, China, Dalai Lama, EU China investment treaty false full 39:03 56019712 Wed, 6 Jan 2021 10:49:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-how-value-driven-is-angela-merkel-e04/audio-56019712?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss In this episode, Margot Kässmann tells host Michaela Küfner about an important piece of advice she received from the German Chancellor, when Kässmann became the first woman Leader of Germany's Protestant Church. The Covid-19 pandemic puts Merkel's religious roots on display, says Kässmann. But which values drive Merkel? And does she always stand by her principles? Margot Kässmann doesn't think so. TOP STORIES DW German politics, Angela Merkel, Margot Kässmann, values, human rights, realpolitik false full 42:00 56019734 Tue, 22 Dec 2020 13:43:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-does-angela-merkel-love-the-us-e03/audio-56019734?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Wolfgang Ischinger was German Ambassador to the US when Angela Merkel made her first visit to the White House as Chancellor back in 2006 - to meet with then-president George W. Bush. He talks to Max Hofmann about a special moment during that first meeting, as well as about the ups and downs in Merkel’s relationship with ‘her’ three US presidents so far – and about what love’s gotta do with it. TOP STORIES DW German politics, Angela Merkel, US, Wolfgang Ischinger, Munich Security Conference, Transatlantic relationship false full 48:08 55508576 Thu, 5 Nov 2020 12:35:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-how-much-of-the-east-is-still-a-part-of-merkel-e02/audio-55508576?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Angela Merkel has always made a point of not drawing attention to her East German heritage. But how much does it still shape the chancellor? In this episode, find out how a panel discussion on suicide and a shopping trip to buy oysters can help us answer the question. Germany DW German politics, Chancellor Angela Merkel false full 23:58 55042862 Thu, 24 Sep 2020 14:18:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance-merkel-s-europe-all-power-no-vision-e01/audio-55042862?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss Has Angela Merkel held the EU together or has she pushed it towards the breaking point? Hear what Yanis Varoufakis has to say in our first podcast episode. Germany DW German politics, Chancellor Angela Merkel false full 40:44 54872007 Wed, 9 Sep 2020 17:54:00 GMT https://www.dw.com/en/merkel-s-last-dance/a-54872007?maca=en-podcast_Merkels_Last_Dance-32133-xml-mrss The era of Angela Merkel is coming to an end. The actions, and inaction, by Germany's chancellor have reshaped Europe for years. Our hosts follow her moves over her last months in office — possibly the toughest yet. Germany DW German politics, Angela Merkel, International relations, European Union false full 01:18