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DW Berlin Briefing - Inside German politics

DW
Germany
Ukraine
European Union
NATO
Russia
Donald Trump
Friedrich Merz
China
AFD
United States
Migration
Israel
European Security
Alternative For Germany
Angela Merkel
Iran
Bundeswehr
Social Democrats
Munich Security Conference
Alternative Für Deutschland

We break down how events like Russia's war in Ukraine and European security shifts are shaping Germany - and the world. Whether you’re a student, journalist, or policymaker, hosts Nina Haase, Michaela Küfner, and Richard Walker deliver the insights you need to understand where Germany is headed and why it matters, with a hint of Berlin's distinct energy. Published every Friday. Find us also on You... more

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Latest Episodes

As the World Cup kicks off, pundits in Germany are asking: Could success on the pitch help the coalition bounce back? In Berlin Briefing, host Max Hofmann discusses with DW’s Chief Political Editor Michaela Küfner, sports and politics expert Florian ... more

Germany just suffered one of its biggest diplomatic setbacks in decades: losing a UN Security Council seat it thought was practically guaranteed. In this episode of Berlin Briefing, host Nina Haase and her guests, DW's Max Hofmann and UN expert Myrie... more

Berlin Briefing host Michaela Küfner unpacks the Pope's call for responsible AI regulation and asks what Germany’s plans are to avoid a sell-out to big tech interests. She is joined by tech regulation expert Matthias Kettemann from the Leibniz Instit... more

The AfD is surging in the polls - in some regions, it's way out in front of Germany’s traditional parties. But despite record support, the far-right party still has almost no real executive power. Why is that? And could that soon change? In this epis... more

Key Facts

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Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Recent Guests

Matthias Kettemann
Professor Dr. at the Leibniz Institute for Media Research, legal expert on AI and big tech regulation
Leibniz Institute for Media Research
Episode: Will Germany stand up to the big tech bros?
Maximiliane Koschyk
DW's digital tech policy correspondent
DW
Episode: Will Germany stand up to the big tech bros?
Katja Hoyer
Renowned historian, author of Weimar, Life on the Edge of Catastrophe
Historian
Episode: What the AfD would do in power
Roman Gontorenko
Colleague from DW Ukrainian service
DW Ukrainian Service
Episode: Putin’s Contradictions: Attack Ukraine, Talk Deals, Propose Schröder
Johann Wadifuhl
German Foreign Minister (interviewed on the episode)
Federal Foreign Office of Germany
Episode: Did Merz push Trump too far on Iran?
Luc André
French journalist
Episode: Why is Chancellor Merz so unpopular — and is it fair?
Gerlinde Niehus
Former NATO deputy director for Defense and Security Corporation, independent expert
Independent
Episode: Ukraine support: how and why is Germany different?
Kai-Olaf Lang
Expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs (SWP)
SWP (Germany's Institute for International and Security Affairs)
Episode: Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Dora Diseri
Head of DW Hungary Service
DW Hungary Service
Episode: Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?

Hosts

Michaela Küfner
Host and Berlin-based political editor with long-running coverage of German politics
Nina Haase
Host of Berlin Briefing, defense expert with deep coverage of German security and EU affairs

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 113 ratings
  • State propaganda

    This channel has to be financed by the German people through a mandatory fee and in no way reflects what the majority thinks. It's like the German CNN...

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    Newur
    Germany3 months ago
  • Tacheles talking

    Very informative, love it!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    orangewise
    United Kingdoma year ago
  • Best English-language analysis of German politics

    Excellent analysis of German politics and the power dynamics in Berlin. Much better than DW’s own podcast, Inside Europe, which is too concerned with avoiding being seen as biased so never actually provides any insight.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Zaptrax
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Some listeners feel the show delivers clear, data-driven analysis on German politics.
Guests and topics are praised for international context and expert insights.
A few criticisms note perceived bias relative to other German political podcasts.
Positive review highlights English-language accessibility and thorough coverage.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Will Germany stand up to the big tech bros?
Q: What outcome do you expect in Germany regarding regulatory movement and action?
There is optimism that clearer rules can emerge, but there is caution about practical implementation and political will, with debates over how quickly and effectively regulation can be enacted without stifling innovation.
What the AfD would do in power
Q: Can the AfD realistically implement major changes if they win an absolute majority in Saxony-Anhalt?
They could push through some state-level measures, but federal constraints, legal safeguards, and administrative capacity would limit sweeping reforms; the party would face entrenched opposition and structural barriers.
What the AfD would do in power
Q: What are the AfD's options if they gain power in Saxony-Anhalt?
The guests discuss whether the AfD would pursue a radical path to rule as the sole party, or moderate to form coalitions; either route has risks of alienating voters or inviting pushback from institutions.
Did Merz push Trump too far on Iran?
Q: Michaela, what's the significance of what Merz said, and how does it fit into the whole picture with the US and the Iran war?
Merz's candid remarks in front of a classroom signal a tougher, more direct stance toward Iran and a willingness to voice frustration with the lack of a coherent strategy, even if it risks misinterpretation by Washington. The broader takeaway is that Merz is trying to project leadership and decisiveness, but there is concern within his circle about the potential damage to transatlantic ties if his words are seen as incendiary.
Hungary's election: Is Berlin betting against Orbán?
Q: Does JD Vance's intervention resonate with Hungarian voters or affect the election?
While JD Vance's message drew attention, the panel agrees it is not a game changer; long-standing ties with the US and ongoing show-part style diplomacy have a limited impact on ultimate voter decisions, with domestic issues and EU relations playing larger roles.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About DW Berlin Briefing

What is DW Berlin Briefing about and what kind of topics does it cover?

DW Berlin Briefing centers on how German politics intersects with international security, energy, and economic policy, with frequent panels that connect Berlin's internal dynamics to Europe and the transatlantic arena. Episodes commonly feature policymakers, journalists, and think-tank analysts discussing Germany's reform agenda, coalition politics, EU relations, NATO, and energy security amid global tensions. A notable trait is the show's emphasis on data-driven polling, cross-country comparisons, and real-time reporting from Berlin and DC, offering timely context for listeners such as policymakers, corporate strategists, and journalists tracking German influence on global affairs.

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Which podcasts are similar to DW Berlin Briefing?

These podcasts share a similar audience with DW Berlin Briefing:

1. Inside Europe
2. Brussels Playbook Podcast
3. The Europeans | European news, politics and culture
4. Mark Leonard's World in 30 Minutes
5. Langsam Gesprochene Nachrichten | Audios | DW Deutsch lernen

How many episodes of DW Berlin Briefing are there?

DW Berlin Briefing launched 2 years ago and published 88 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact DW Berlin Briefing?

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What guests have appeared on DW Berlin Briefing?

Recent guests on DW Berlin Briefing include:

1. Matthias Kettemann
2. Maximiliane Koschyk
3. Katja Hoyer
4. Roman Gontorenko
5. Johann Wadifuhl
6. Luc André
7. Gerlinde Niehus
8. Kai-Olaf Lang

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