COGNICURRENT

An article discussing the work and thoughts of German artist Katharina Greve, set in a metaphorical heating cellar.

Over 1,200 film professionals, including actress Tilda Swinton and director Sean Baker, are defending festival director Tricia Tuttle after the German Culture Minister called for a meeting regarding her future.

A column discusses the overwhelming variety of bananas available in Munich supermarkets as a reflection of German values.

The article reflects on Markus Söder's past performances at the Nockherberg Starkbierfest, highlighting his role as a prominent figure in Bavarian culture and politics.

The AfD's cultural policies aim to promote a 'patriotic cultural policy' that seeks to reaffirm German identity, critiqued for its superficial approach.

The article discusses the cultural shift towards informal address in German society, highlighting the implications of the increasing use of 'du' over the traditional 'Sie.'

Ukrainian philosopher Vasyl Cherepanyn discusses the intersection of art and war, the premature reconstruction plans from prominent architects, and the need for a broader Eastern European context in German remembrance culture ahead of the upcoming Berlin Biennale.

The Berlinale concludes with two German winners, overshadowed by political threats during the award gala.

The article reflects on the unique qualities of German culture through the lens of an exhibition featuring photographer Brigitte Kraemer.

Mazatlán Carnival 2026, themed 'Arriba la Tambora', celebrated its vibrant music, culture, and history, highlighting the significance of banda music despite past controversies.

The article discusses the significance of German history in shaping current national policies, especially under Chancellor Friedrich Merz's leadership.

The article discusses Germany's evolving perspective on its history, emphasizing how Chancellor Friedrich Merz links national memory to the country’s new leadership role in Europe.

The German carnival season faces criticism and evolving participation, reflecting a struggle between tradition and contemporary attitudes.

Henrike Naumann, a German artist selected to co-design the German Pavilion for the 2026 Venice Biennale, has passed away due to a late-diagnosed cancer, leaving a significant void in contemporary German art.

The German series 'Unfamiliar' combines elements of espionage, drawing inspiration from Berlin's spy culture and classics like 'The Americans' and John le Carré, focusing on ex-spies running a covert rescue operation.

Giorgia Meloni, speaking at the African Union summit, defends the Maga culture against criticism from German Chancellor Merz and announces Italy's role as an observer in Trump's controversial Board of Peace.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated at the Munich Security Conference that the MAGA culture wars in the US are irrelevant to Europe.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized a stronger European focus in German foreign policy during his opening speech at the Munich Security Conference, distancing himself from the United States while maintaining support for NATO.

Pomerode, Brazil, renowned for its German heritage, introduces a lively biergarten reflecting Munich's festive beer culture.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has urged Germans to work harder, criticizing the workforce for excessive sick leaves and low hours worked as he seeks to revitalize Germany's stagnant economy amid an electoral year.

Intellectuals in Germany critically assess the country's commitment to Israel in a new book suggesting that excessive Zionism could lead to new forms of fascism.

Starting February 15, 2026, Stefan Niggemeier will join the SZ as a regular writer for the Feuilleton/Media department, enhancing its team with his influential voice in German media and culture.

As the Berlinale approaches on February 12, Culture State Minister Wolfram Weimer is making last-minute efforts to address the German film industry's anticipation for government support in film funding, particularly concerning investment obligations for streaming services.

The article explores the shift in German work culture, discussing concepts like 'sick leave for celebrations' and 'lifestyle part-time work,' and examines the role of intellectuals in this transformation.

At Lübeck Airport, passengers were handed out CDs of German folk music, raising questions about the owner's ties to the AfD party.

This article highlights ten lesser-known affectionate words in German and challenges readers to recognize their meanings.

Several art exhibitions focusing on various themes will be closing in the next four weeks across different German cities.

Sebastian Guggolz, the new head of the German Publishers and Booksellers Association, discusses the decline in book purchases among citizens and the crisis of cultural competence.

The Netherlands is the most densely populated country of earth art in Europe and the world, with Dan Jönsson exploring powerful circular formations and green temples, alongside a German exhibition on pioneer Robert Smithson.

The famed delicatessen Rogacki, long a symbol of West German culture in Berlin, is holding an auction following its bankruptcy this summer, marking a significant farewell to an iconic business in Charlottenburg.

A recent study highlights the rich diversity of German curse words compared to those in Spanish and English, showcasing a unique aspect of German culture.

The article discusses the unexpected prevalence of German being spoken in a Damascus café, highlighting its role as a bridge language among diverse groups.

Franz Burda, known as 'Senator', transformed a small printing company into a major German media empire, famously advocating for a culture of intensive performance combined with enjoyment.

The Franco-German film days in Unterschleißheim starting January 17 aim to enhance cultural exchange through French cinema, showcasing classics like Godard's works.

German health politicians are advocating for higher alcohol prices to stabilize health insurance contributions, claiming it is a matter of political responsibility rather than moral policing.

German health politicians from the Union and SPD are advocating for higher alcohol prices to stabilize health insurance contributions, arguing it's a matter of political responsibility rather than paternalism.

The current German debate culture is dominated by reflexive condemnation of political opponents and a lack of understanding of democracy, exemplified by the recurring outrage over Chancellor Merz (CDU) which fails to recognize that some election promises must be broken.

The article discusses the complexities of the German rapper Haftbefehl, portraying him as both a controversial figure and an idol among his peers in the rap scene.

The article reminisces about the once-popular Amselfelder red wine, highlighting its significance in German culture and its decline since the 1960s and 70s.

The article discusses how the 2020s have become defined by the prevalence of face masks, moving beyond medical use to symbols of power and importance.

The German government's official memory policy, outlined in the 'Memorial Sites Concept,' has so far focused on Nazi and GDR dictatorship, with new efforts to include colonial crimes initiated by former Culture Minister Claudia Roth and now revised by her successor Wolfram Weimer.

The Polish Ministry of Culture has rejected plans to establish a museum dedicated to the German crimes in the Szpęgawsk Forest due to previously proposed alternatives for commemoration and collaboration issues with local institutions.

German journalist Peter Neumann chronicles the failure of European culture from the late 19th century to the end of World War II through the lens of various thinkers, artists, and writers.

As German municipalities fail to renovate their opera houses, South Korea sees a surge in music theaters driven by a desire for beauty and inner fulfillment amidst a demanding work culture.

The article discusses the rapid evolution of the German language, particularly the incorporation of Anglicisms, and suggests that attempts to slow this development may not be effective.

The Evangelical Film Jury and the German Film and Media Evaluation will cease operations by the end of the year, marking the end of an era for film evaluation in Germany.

The article discusses the unsettling infiltration of far-right ideology into everyday culture, illustrated by a German cooking video series featuring individuals in balaclavas and Nazi symbols.

The establishment of a German House of Jazz is imminent, with funds approved and a location secured.

The author, an expert on Bavarian food, shares his humorous experiences with his Bavarian accent in Berlin, where he has lived for over 20 years.