Mastering Global Challenges in the German-Speaking World

Erneuerbare Energien

Renewable energies that include wind energy, solar energy, and hydropower.

Atomausstieg

Nuclear phase-out; Germany's plan to shut down all nuclear power plants.

Kohleausstieg

Coal phase-out; the planned end of coal usage to reduce CO2 emissions.

Mülltrennung

Trash separation; households separate bio-waste, paper, plastic, and residual waste.

Das Pfandsystem

Deposit system where consumers pay a deposit on bottles and cans that is refunded upon return.

Verkehrswende

Traffic transition; a push to reduce car usage in favor of public transportation and bicycles.

Treibhauseffekt

Greenhouse effect; significant in discussions about climate change and industrial pollution.

Fachkräftemangel

Shortage of skilled workers due to an aging population and low birth rate.

Rentensystem

Pension system under pressure from demographic changes, particularly fewer young contributors.

Gastarbeiter

Guest workers that were recruited in the 1960s/70s from other countries to aid in labor shortages.

Flüchtlingskrise

Refugee crisis stemming from the arrival of refugees seeking safety since 2015.

Willkommenskultur

Welcoming culture; the concept of integrating refugees and migrants into society.

Fremdenfeindlichkeit

Xenophobia; resistance or hostility towards foreigners and immigrants.

Einwanderungsland

Immigration country; a term used to describe Germany's multicultural society.

Sozialstaat

Social welfare state; Germany's commitment to protecting citizens' social rights.

Das Ehrenamt

Honorary office or volunteering; unpaid positions within associations or community services.

Bürgerinitiativen

Citizens' initiatives; groups formed by locals to influence political decisions.

Fridays for Future

Climate protection movement founded by Greta Thunberg; notable for student protests.

Versicherungspflicht

Mandatory health insurance; regulations ensuring all citizens are covered.

Studiengebührenfrei

Tuition-free universities; higher education institutions that do not charge students tuition fees.

Kündigungsschutz

Strong worker protection law ensuring job security for employees.

Hochwasser

Floods; an example of extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.

Hitzewellen

Heatwaves; another significant weather phenomenon related to climate change.

Umweltschädlich

Harmful to the environment; used to describe actions or policies that negatively impact nature.

Umweltfreundlich

Environmentally friendly; refers to practices that are beneficial for the environment.

Politik

Politics; refers to the field/concept of governance which is singular in German.