Learn German B1+ | Today's News, Slowed for Intermediate Learners

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

Sunday special: two stories from the German-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: A Japanese restaurant in Andermatt becomes Switzerland's fifth three-star Michelin restaurant. Also: Berlin Brandenburg Airport adds and restores winter routes to cities including Rome, Milan and destinations in Finnish Lapland.

Today’s German focus: Das Passiv mit werden = the passive voice with werden. Vocabulary: Der Flug (flight), Das Ziel (destination), Die Strecke (route).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Democrats are projected to control at least 54 U.S. Senate seats in January, while Mississippi and another race remain unresolved. Also: Ukrainian, Russian, and American delegations will meet in Abu Dhabi on November 10 and 11, with hopes for progress toward a future Zelenskyy-Putin meeting.

Heute: Demokraten übernehmen Kontrolle über den US-Senat · Neue Gespräche zwischen Ukraine, Russland und den USA.

Today’s German focus: hätten ... gewollt = had wanted. Vocabulary: die Delegation (delegation), die Siche...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: New attacks and sea mines keep commercial ships in the Persian Gulf unsafe, while Iran and Oman discuss controlling traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Also: Canada's new budget plans C$142 billion in spending to strengthen independence, build housing, and fight homelessness, despite a deficit of more than C$50 billion.

Heute: Angriffe auf Schiffe lassen Ölpreise steigen · Kanada plant Milliarden für Wohnungen.

Today’s German focus: Finanziert werden sollen, are to be fina...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: After the US midterms, Democrats control both chambers of Congress, creating uncertainty for markets, inflation, interest rates, and economic growth. Also: Ukraine raises the death toll from a Russian attack on an aid centre in Zaporizhia to 40, while more than 30 people may remain under the rubble.

Heute: Trump verliert Kontrolle über den Kongress · Tote nach russischem Angriff.

Today’s German focus: würden – would = would. Vocabulary: der Schutzraum (shelter), die Warnung (warning), die Suche...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Iran calls the U.S. response to a peace proposal unconvincing, while a tanker is hit by two projectiles near Oman. Also: Democrats gain Senate seats in several states as Republicans fight to keep their majority.

Heute: Iran findet US-Antwort nicht überzeugend · Demokraten gewinnen Sitze im Senat.

Today’s German focus: Wenn ... würde = if ... would. Vocabulary: der Tanker (tanker), das Projektil (projectile), der Maschinenraum (engine room).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Oil prices fall sharply as signals suggest Iran and the US may continue talks, while risks of further attacks remain. Also: The US will remove South Africa and Rwanda from duty-free trade benefits, affecting exports and increasing tensions.

Heute: Ölpreise fallen nach Signalen für Iran-Gespräche · USA schließen Südafrika und Ruanda von AGOA aus.

Today’s German focus: Relativsätze mit „die = relative clauses with die. Vocabulary: die Voraussetzung (requirement o...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: The UN peacekeeping mission in Western Sahara ends, raising fears that fighting could escalate. Also: Democrats lead Republicans 52%-45% before the US midterm elections, while Trump's disapproval reaches 60%.

Heute: UN-Mission in der Westsahara endet · Demokraten führen vor den Zwischenwahlen.

Today’s German focus: was – which/that = which/that. Vocabulary: der Waffenstillstand (ceasefire), die Zurückhaltung (restraint), die Vereinbarung (agreement).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

Sunday special: two stories from the German-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: This week's episode examines why Swiss Railways diverted a Stuttgart train after a 13-minute delay and how tightly coordinated timetables shape the decision. Also: It also reports on award-winning chef Kim de Dood leaving Luxembourg's Michelin-starred Le Lys, with Milan Brée taking over in January.

Today’s German focus: Temporalsätze mit wenn = temporal clauses with wenn (when/if). Vocabu...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: The US approves the sale of 500 Patriot interceptor missiles to Ukraine, funded by European and Canadian allies. Also: European officials refuse to appear with Russia's Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, so the G20 cancels its traditional group photo.

Heute: USA genehmigen Verkauf von 500 Patriot-Raketen · G20 streicht Gruppenfoto mit Lawrow.

Today’s German focus: weil = because. Vocabulary: der Vorrat (the supply or stock), die Lieferung (the delivery), die Freigabe (the official approval).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: The US economy grows faster than expected, while inflation rises and consumer confidence weakens. Also: JD Vance writes to Iran, offering a possible return to diplomacy and negotiations.

Heute: US-Wirtschaft wächst stärker als erwartet · Vance bietet Iran neue Gespräche an.

Today’s German focus: Ob daraus neue Gespräche entstehen = whether new talks will emerge. Vocabulary: Verpflichtung (commitment or obligation), Zusage (promise or commitment), Sanktion (sanction).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: A federal judge rejects the US Justice Department's request to separate and stop processing 20,000 California ballots. Also: Donald Trump announces plans to loosen methane rules for oil and gas companies, while the EPA prepares changes affecting low-production wells.

Heute: Richter lehnt Antrag zu 20.000 Stimmzetteln ab · Trump will Methan-Regeln für Öl und Gas lockern.

Today’s German focus: werden bearbeitet = are being processed. Vocabulary: die Lockerung (the easing or loosening), die Quelle (the sou...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Israel's election produces no clear majority, leaving parties to negotiate a new government. Also: The Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep interest rates unchanged as inflation rises to 3.7%.

Heute: Keine klare Mehrheit nach der Wahl · Fed lässt Zinsen trotz Inflation unverändert.

Today’s German focus: komme, to come, in reported speech = to come, in reported speech. Vocabulary: die Mehrheit (majority), die Verhandlungen (negotiations), die Auszählung (counting of the votes).<...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: A US appeals court allows California to continue counting about 20,000 mail-in ballots challenged by the Trump administration. Also: The Hormuz crisis raises fuel and fertiliser costs in Africa, threatening harvests, food prices, and food security.

Heute: Gericht erlaubt Auszählung von Briefwahlstimmen · Hormus-Krise bedroht Afrikas Lebensmittelversorgung.

Today’s German focus: könnten = could or might. Vocabulary: der Dünger (fertiliser), die Ernte (harvest), die Landwirtschaft (agriculture).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: President Trump weighs an agreement with Iran against further military action, while messages continue to pass between Tehran and Washington through intermediaries. Also: The United States records more than 4,580 measles cases, with Pennsylvania especially affected and more than 250 people hospitalized.

Heute: Trump wägt Vereinbarung mit Iran ab · Schwerer Masernausbruch in den USA.

Today’s German focus: dass = that. Vocabulary: die Impfung (vaccination), die Dosis (dose), der Impfstatus (vaccination status).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

Sunday special: two stories from the German-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: A first poll shows strong support for a Swiss initiative to restrict the sale and use of loud fireworks before the 29 November vote. Also: Austria's Rax cable car celebrates 100 years, carrying visitors from Hirschwang to the Rax plateau in just eight minutes.

Today’s German focus: Wenn die Abstimmung am 11. Oktober gewesen wäre, wäre die Initiative angenommen = If the vo...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: The US Justice Department wants to block certification of Alaska Senate results under certain conditions if Republican incumbent Dan Sullivan loses, citing possible confusion. Also: Serious PHP security flaws have triggered a global alert, with PHP powering about 70% of websites and authorities urging operators to check systems and install updates.

Heute: Klage zur Senatswahl in Alaska · Sicherheitslücken in PHP lösen Alarm aus.

Today’s German focus: Ein Nebensatz mit wenn = a subor...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: US markets fall as Iran war concerns and high AI spending unsettle investors; Brent crude rises nearly 4% to $113 a barrel. Also: The US Supreme Court rules that student IDs cannot be used to establish identity in New Hampshire's November 3 midterm election.

Heute: US-Börsen fallen wegen Iran und KI-Ausgaben · Studentenausweise bei Wahl nicht erlaubt.

Today’s German focus: nicht = not. Vocabulary: Studentenausweis (student ID), Nachweis (proof or evidence), Identität (identity).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Six people are injured in a missile attack on Kyiv as Russia signals readiness to resume peace talks. Also: Two critical vulnerabilities in PHP prompt governments in several countries to temporarily take websites offline.

Heute: Raketenangriffe auf Kyjiw trotz neuer Friedensgespräche · Kritische Sicherheitslücken in PHP entdeckt.

Today’s German focus: Das Passiv: wird von ... gepflegt = the passive voice: is maintained by. Vocabulary: die Sicherheitslücke (security vulnerability), der Angreifer (attacker), die Bere...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Ukraine says US intelligence sharing on Russian attacks is working after peace talks in Oslo, while Russia faces pressure to respond. Also: The Nasdaq 100 fell 5.5% as investors questioned whether AI companies can deliver the profits expected from massive investment.

Heute: Neue Gespräche über Frieden in der Ukraine · Zweifel am Boom bei KI-Aktien.

Today’s German focus: werde, will be = will be. Vocabulary: Der Vorschlag (proposal), Das Zugeständnis (concession), Die Geduld (patience...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: The US orders DeepSeek AI removed from most civilian government systems, highlighting security concerns and technology competition with China. Also: France imposes overnight curfews after riots and looting, with more than 2,500 arrests and about 1,000 injured police officers.

Heute: USA verbieten DeepSeek in vielen Behörden · Ausgangssperren nach Unruhen in Frankreich.

Today’s German focus: hatten sich versammelt = had gathered. Vocabulary: Die Ausgangssperre (curfew), Die Versammlung (gathering), Die Plünderung (looting).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Trump pauses several Russia sanctions to keep peace negotiations with Moscow going. Also: The World Food Programme warns that Gaza faces severe food shortages and shrinking aid.

Heute: Trump stoppt Sanktionen für weitere Verhandlungen · Akuter Nahrungsmangel im Gazastreifen.

Today’s German focus: obwohl = although. Vocabulary: Nahrungsmangel (food shortage), Unterstützung (support), Unterkunft (accommodation or shelter).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

Sunday special: two stories from the German-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: A southern German autumn tradition brings illuminated turnip ghosts back to community festivals. Also: A Vienna campaign asks dog owners to carry water and dilute urine to protect city trees.

Today’s German focus: kann + Infinitiv = can + infinitive. Vocabulary: die Rinde (bark), der Stamm (trunk), die Fäulnis (rot or decay).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Ukraine strikes a major Russian oil refinery near Moscow as both sides continue attacking energy infrastructure. Also: Technology stocks fall as investors worry about the heavy debt needed to build AI data centers.

Heute: Ukraine greift Ölraffinerie in Rjasan an · Technologieaktien fallen wegen KI-Schulden.

Today’s German focus: verlor, lost = lost. Vocabulary: die Investition (investment), die Schulden (debt), die Ausgabe (issuance).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Five ballistic missiles hit Yemen's presidential palace in Aden, killing five people and injuring 16. The prime minister and other ministers were unharmed, while the Houthis gave. Also: The US Justice Department sued California over a list of roughly 20,000 alleged noncitizen voters. The case could affect whether mail-in ballots from people on the list are.

Heute: Fünf Raketen treffen den Präsidentenpalast · US-Regierung verklagt Kalifornien wegen Wählerlisten.

Today’s German focus: ob – whe...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: U.S. prices rose 3.7% in September, with gasoline up 9.1% before the midterm elections. Also: The U.S. may have withheld early warnings to Ukraine before Russian missile and drone attacks that killed six people and left about 600,000 without power.

Heute: Inflation steigt vor den Zwischenwahlen · Mögliche fehlende US-Frühwarnungen für die Ukraine.

Today’s German focus: nicht schneller als = not faster than. Vocabulary: der Kraftstoffpreis (fuel price), die Kaufkraft (purchasing power...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Russian ballistic missile strikes hit a key heating and power plant and a residential building in Kyiv, killing one person and injuring 13. Also: The IPCC faces pressure to delay its AR7 climate report from 2028 to 2029, while vulnerable countries fear missing evidence at COP33.

Heute: Russland greift Kraftwerk in Kyjiw an · Streit über den neuen Weltklimabericht.

Today’s German focus: bräuchten = would need. Vocabulary: die Erwärmung (warming), die Grenze (limit or boundary...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Houthi attacks target Riyadh, with missiles intercepted and the airport closed until Saturday. Also: The EU will limit Chinese hybrid-vehicle imports to 350,000 cars per year.

Heute: Neue Huthi-Angriffe auf Riad · Neue EU-Quote für Hybridfahrzeuge aus China.

Today’s German focus: wurde vereinbart = was agreed. Vocabulary: die Quote (quota), der Zoll (customs duty or tariff), die Einfuhr (import).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translat...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Crews crossing the Strait of Hormuz are reportedly offered up to five times their regular salary, despite attacks on vessels and pressure on sailors who refuse. Also: At least 139 migrants, including 15 children, died when a boat carrying 305 people capsized off Djibouti; about 82 people were rescued.

Heute: Seeleute erhalten bis zum Fünffachen ihres Gehalts · Mindestens 139 Tote bei Bootsunglück vor Dschibuti.

Today’s German focus: Passiv mit können = passive voice with können...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

Sunday special: two stories from the German-speaking world from the past week.

In this episode: Winterthur in Switzerland is testing whether autumn leaves should remain in parks to enrich the soil and support wildlife. Also: Germany's transport minister says planned driving-licence reforms could save learners up to 1,000 euros, while driving instructors warn about safety.

Today’s German focus: Wenn der Versuch erfolgreich ist = If the experiment is successful. Vocabulary: der Stamm (tree trunk), der Zaun (fenc...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: An Instagram photo leads researchers to identify a new giant waterlily species in Colombia's rainforest, but the plant is already threatened with extinction. Also: NASA asks US companies to propose private space stations that could replace the International Space Station from 2030.

Heute: Neue Riesenseerose im kolumbianischen Regenwald · NASA plant private Raumstationen.

Today’s German focus: sie = her, it, or them. Vocabulary: der Hinweis (clue or tip), die Genehmigung (official permission), die Untersuchung (exami...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Amazon has built its 1,000th satellite and plans to launch a commercial space-internet service before the end of the year. Also: A study finds that Brexit, Covid lockdowns, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and Liz Truss's mini-budget caused lasting damage to mental health in Britain.

Heute: Amazon baut den tausendsten Satelliten · Fünf Krisen belasten die psychische Gesundheit.

Today’s German focus: dass sein Netz schnell wachsen und weltweit gut funktionieren kann = that its ne...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: French company Mistral presents Le Chonk, a one-trillion-parameter open-weight model designed to compete with leading AI systems and serve specialized industries. Also: A remote Antarctic island has lost more than 680,000 chinstrap penguins since 2011, likely because climate-driven changes affected ocean food chains.

Heute: Mistral stellt Le Chonk vor · Zügelpinguine verlieren 680.000 Tiere.

Today’s German focus: ist ausgebrochen = has erupted. Vocabulary: der Rückgang (decline), die Nahrungskette (food chain), die Ursache (cause).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Francis Halzen wins the 2026 Nobel Prize in Physics for his work on the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and high-energy neutrinos. Also: Giorgia Meloni applies to trademark her voice with a four-second recording to protect herself from AI deepfakes.

Heute: Francis Halzen erhält den Nobelpreis für Physik · Meloni will ihre Stimme als Marke schützen.

Today’s German focus: nachdem = after. Vocabulary: die Aufnahme (the recording), die Stimme (the voice), die Marke (the trad...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Norway plans a temporary ban on AI glasses in selected public places over privacy concerns. Also: Right-wing Flávio Bolsonaro narrowly leads Lula in Brazil's first presidential election round, sending both candidates to a 25 October runoff.

Heute: Norwegen plant ein Verbot für KI-Brillen · Bolsonaro gewinnt erste Wahlrunde in Brasilien.

Today’s German focus: nicht = not. Vocabulary: die Nutzung (use), das Gesetz (law), die Prüfung (thorough check or examination).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Elfyn Evans wins his first World Rally Championship title after rival Oliver Solberg crashes two corners from the finish. Also: Residents in Queensland resist Anthropic's planned $31 billion datacentre because of its huge size and energy needs.

Heute: Elfyn Evans gewinnt seinen ersten Rallye-WM-Titel · Widerstand gegen riesiges Rechenzentrum in Queensland.

Today’s German focus: wurde ... entschieden, was decided = was decided. Vocabulary: das Gelände (the site or grounds), der Standort (the location or site...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: OpenAI reviews 50 petabytes of data after its AI agents accessed Australian government websites without permission, costing more than $500,000 per day. Also: Kevin Sinfield completes seven ultramarathons in seven days, raising money for people with motor neurone disease and honoring Rob Burrow.

Heute: OpenAI prüft 50 Petabyte Daten · Sinfield beendet sieben Ultramarathons.

Today’s German focus: kostet = costs. Vocabulary: die Erlaubnis (permission), die Verzögerung (delay), der Aufwand (effort or expense).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Researchers say Alibaba's Qwen AI avoids sensitive political topics and repeats China-friendly narratives. Also: Uzbekistan wins the 2026 Chess Olympiad at home with 20 of 22 match points.

Heute: Qwen vermeidet politische Themen · Usbekistan gewinnt die Schach-Olympiade.

Today’s German focus: ob = whether or if. Vocabulary: Die Warnung (the warning), Die Perspektive (the perspective), Die Verzerrung (the distortion or bias).

Learn more from today’s episode with the full podcast transcript, English translation, vocabul...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Google tests a refrigerator-sized satellite as a possible step toward AI data centers in space. Also: An AI-powered influence operation in Malaysia used fake accounts, documents, and a news site to target voters.

Heute: Google testet KI-Rechenzentren im All · KI verstärkt Desinformation bei Wahlen.

Today’s German focus: schneller, billiger und stärker personalisiert = faster, cheaper, and more personalized. Vocabulary: die Sonnenenergie (solar energy), der Schatten (shade or shadow), die Umlaufbahn (orbit...

Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Nikon rechecks its winning scientific video after researchers question whether AI created parts of it. Also: Georgia Tech researchers develop SWANS, a system that sends signals between implants through body tissue instead of antennas and radio waves.

Heute: Nikon überprüft seinen Siegerbeitrag · Implantate kommunizieren durch Körpergewebe.

Today’s German focus: kooperiere / habe = to cooperate / to have. Vocabulary: Gewebe (tissue), Antenne (antenna), Spritze (syringe).

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Learn German through today’s real news. Natural-pace German at B1, with a full transcript and English translation.

In this episode: Oura postpones its planned US stock-market listing after announcing it just over a week earlier. Also: Five Indonesian prison officials are suspended after more than ten luxury apartments are discovered near Jakarta.

Heute: Oura verschiebt seinen Börsengang · Luxuswohnungen im Gefängnis entdeckt.

Today’s German focus: können auch andere Firmen ihre Pläne verschieben = other companies can also postpone their plans. Vocabulary: der Gewinn (profit), verschieben (to postpone), das Vertrauen (trust).<...