Esme Nicholson

Many towns in eastern Germany suffered sharp population declines after reunification as the young and educated left. One mayor hopes to rebuild his community with the help of Middle Eastern migrants.

The German chancellor's last name is used locally as a word of action that ironically means to not act at all.

Germany has already sent a delegation to Iran as it looks to restore trade ties. Under the recent nuclear deal, many sanctions will be lifted. But not everyone is thrilled with Germany's move.

Many fruit and vegetables just aren't available year-round in German grocery stores. So when favorites like asparagus are in season, Germans fill their baskets ... and throw some parties.

In parts of the city, racial segregation in schools is often a reality. But small parent-led initiatives — one immigrant-led, one native-led — have been working to change perceptions and enrollment.

In Berlin, street fashion's trendiest figure is Ali Akdeniz, age 85. His dapper attire is the focus of a blog that went viral. Its creator, Zoe Spawton, won Germany's most prestigious design prize.

Today Berlin is a techno hot spot. The scene has its roots in the fall of the Berlin Wall, when young people from East and West got together in abandoned buildings to dance and celebrate together.

In the final years before the Berlin Wall fell, East Germans described their grievances on cassette tapes that were smuggled to West Berlin and then broadcast back to the east on Radio Glasnost.

Germany is considered quite generous when it comes to helping women raise families. But some analysts say the way many of the benefits are set up hurts those with a career and a family.