All episodes

Guest: Alysia Tofflemire - Germany's First Certified Matchmaker Connect with Alysia here: https://www.altomatchmaking.com/discover EPISODE SUMMARY Dating in Germany as an expat is complicated. You're navigating a new culture, possibly a new language, and trying to build something real when your own life might feel temporary. In this episode, Christine sits down with Alysia Tofflemire—a matchmaker who works exclusively with internationally-minded English speakers—to talk about why dating here...

🎆 Your First January First in Germany (Part 2) Still reeling from your first Silvester experience? Wondering what Silvester is really about in Germany — and why it feels so intense, overwhelming, or even unsettling? In Part 2 of this New Year special, Christine goes deeper into what German New Year’s Eve actually means — beyond the fireworks, smoke, and chaos. This episode explores: Why Silvester isn’t random chaos, but a cultural pressure valveWhat this night reveals about German...

January in Germany means official letters — from health insurance, tax offices, utilities, and contracts — and sooner or later, a phone call you don’t want to make. In this episode, Christine Taylor breaks down why phone calls in German feel so much harder than face-to-face conversations, what’s actually happening on a structural and emotional level, and how to stay calm, clear, and in control when you have to call. You’ll hear real-life examples, essential German phone phrases, and practical...

Silvester in Germany doesn’t ease you into the new year. It explodes — loudly, collectively, and without much warning. If you experienced New Year’s Eve here and thought “I wasn’t prepared for that”, this episode is for you. Get the REST of this training by getting the written version plus all other audio resources - join the Life, Just in German Newsletter - GET THE NEWSLETTER HERE In the first episode of 2026, Christine reflects on her earliest Silvester experiences in Germany — from roofto...

SHOW NOTES — Week 52 Zwischen den Jahren: The Magic of Germany’s “Nothing Week” 🎧 Episode Overview The days between Christmas and New Year feel strange for many newcomers to Germany. Offices are quiet, emails go unanswered, and time itself seems to slow down. In this episode of Life, Just in German, Christine explains the uniquely German concept of Zwischen den Jahren — the in-between time when the old year hasn’t fully ended and the new one hasn’t begun. You’ll learn why this pause exists, h...

Episode Summary If Advent in Germany has ever taken you by surprise, you’re not alone. In this episode, Christine explores why Advent here feels so different — the quiet rhythm, the neighborhood gatherings, and the small seasonal moments newcomers can easily miss. German Words & Phrases From the Episode A1 Vocabulary der Stern — stardie Kerze — candleder Markt — marketdie Suppe — soupder Glühwein — mulled winedie Plätzchen — Christmas cookiesder Adventskranz — Advent wreath&n...

After the Relocation... You’ve unpacked, registered your address, and maybe even figured out the recycling system—so why does everyday life in Germany still feel so hard? In this episode of Life, Just in German, Christine shares two raw, personal stories from her early days as a newcomer: a parking mishap that left her feeling powerless, and a train fine that showed her how invisible rules can derail even your best intentions. Told with compassion and clarity, these tales are illustrations as...

Thoughts?