Staying connected to German news and culture while living in the US isn’t always easy – it’s natural to feel a bit out of the loop with what’s happening back home. The good news is that there are plenty of ways to stream German TV, catch up on the latest news, and enjoy movies online. Her are some simple tips to help you stay in touch with your favorite German content from across the pond. Whether you’re looking to keep up with current events or binge-watch German shows, these suggestions will help you feel a little closer to home – no matter where you are.
Why Staying Connected to German News and Culture Matters
Staying connected to German news and culture is important for several reasons. It keeps you up to date with what’s going on in Germany – whether it’s politics, economy or social issues. Being informed about what’s going on back home or building a new connection with your roots makes you feel more involved and aware, even when you’re far away.
Keeping Your Cultural Heritage
Staying connected to German culture is a meaningful way to hold onto your identity while living abroad. Whether it’s watching your favorite TV shows or reading about German traditions, these small moments can make even a faraway place feel like home.
And if you have kids, it’s a wonderful opportunity to help them discover and appreciate their German heritage.
Advantages:
- You’re up to date with Germany.
- It keeps your cultural identity while living abroad.
- It helps kids to learn and love their German roots.
- You can chat about German news and culture with friends and family.
Best Ways to Follow German News from the U.S.
Online German News Sites
You can find many online sources to stay up to date with German news. Many German news outlets have websites with daily news articles, opinions and videos.
Here are a few:
- Der Spiegel: In depth news, analysis and reports.
- Die Welt: German and international news.
- Bild: Breaking news and entertainment.
- Deutsche Welle (DW): News articles and live streams in German and English.
For live news, you can stream channels like ARD and ZDF, which have German news shows, documentaries and interviews.
Some of these might have regional restrictions, so you might need extra tools like a VPN on your phone or home router to access them from the U.S.
Podcasts and YouTube Channels
If you prefer listening to the news or watching shorter video clips, you can find many German podcasts and YouTube channels with news recaps, cultural discussions and more.
You can listen to them during your commute or while doing daily chores to stay up to date while still being productive.
German News Podcasts:
- Tagesschau in 100 Sekunden: Daily news in 100 seconds.
- Deutschlandfunk: In depth news and interviews.
YouTube Channels:
- DW News: German and global news.
- MrWissen2Go: News analysis and German culture.
Tips for the Whole Family to Stay Connected
Family Movie Nights With German Movies
One way to get everyone involved in German culture is to have family movie nights. You can choose classic German films, TV shows, or new releases that everyone can enjoy. Netflix and Amazon Prime have German movies, and you can use a VPN to access German streaming platforms.
Listen to German Music and Podcasts
Basking in the German language is another way to stay connected in everyday life. Create a German music playlist or listen to German podcasts while cooking or during car rides. It’s an easy way to keep the language and culture alive in your home.
Ideas for the Whole Family:
- Watch German cartoons or family-friendly shows.
- Create a family music playlist.
- Listen to German news or educational podcasts together.
Staying connected
For me, staying connected to German news and culture while living in the U.S. helps me feel like I’m still in touch with my roots. Watching German TV shows and keeping up with news keeps me informed and keeps my cultural identity alive and thriving – plus, it gives me common topics to chat about with my family. Whether it’s catching up on the news or watching my favorite movie, these small things make a big difference in feeling connected to my roots – and I think they can for you too!
