13 Fragen

The corona vaccine is here. And with that an end to the pandemic is in sight. As long as enough people get vaccinated. But some are skeptical and also don't want the state to tell them how they have to protect their health and that of everyone else.

Christmas is coming soon! But wouldn't it be appropriate in a modern & diverse society that all festivals - whether Muslim, Jewish or Christian - are equally important? What about the many other citizens who don't celebrate Christmas at all for religious reasons?

The boardrooms in Germany are still really male domains. But now more women should finally come to power! After decades of self-commitment, our guest Louisa Dellert, among others, called for a binding women's quota with the online campaign #ICHWILL and now it is actually here.

Does smoking weed make you creative or addictive? It is particularly celebrated in rap: the love for weed. Our guests Herzog and GReeN also often admit to their consumption of cannabis in their lyrics and share this with their fans in songs like “Coffee Shop Mafia” (Herzog) or “Stoned durch den Wald” (GReeN).

Most people agree that if someone has committed a serious crime, they should go to prison. But is rehabilitation in prison even possible? Or should we abolish prisons and invent new punishments?

Instagram Fake vs. Reality - there is always the accusation that Instagram and especially influencers convey false ideals of beauty and thus sustainably damage the self-esteem of many users.

Factory farming, cheap meat, climate and health killers - the reputation of meat can hardly be saved. Nevertheless, it always ends up on our plates! We ask ourselves: Are we even allowed to eat meat anymore or do we all have to become vegetarians or vegans now?

Do you care about people who have less than you? Or is that not necessary at all because Germany is a good welfare state that provides care and nobody really has to worry about their existence? Does everyone, like the rapper Massiv, make it to the top, regardless of their social background?

What do you think: Can we speak in a way that makes everyone feel comfortable and no one feels offended? Do we have to fundamentally rethink language or does the debate miss the real problem? Can non-discriminatory and gender-specific language make our society fairer?

What do you think? Does today's school really prepare us for life afterward? Is our school system still up to date? Or is it time to turn everything upside down? New subjects, new teachers, new grades?

Many stars cannot avoid the accusation of cultural appropriation, such as Kim Kardashian, Ariana Grande or, in this country, Shirin David. They use extra dark make-up or have dreadlocks and are therefore accused of unthinkingly using the characteristics of other, marginalized cultures and even using it to make a profit.

The German national soccer team has qualified for the 2022 Winter World Cup in Qatar and will take part as things stand. Even when the World Cup was awarded 11 years ago, allegations of corruption were raised and there was a hail of criticism due to human rights violations in Qatar.

More climate protection, hardly any noise, lots of space, fewer accidents: This is what car-free inner cities could look like. But no more cars in German cities, can that be realistic? Proponents of car-free inner cities imagine the future to be quieter, safer and more climate-friendly.

The Bundeswehr has also been deployed abroad since the 1990s. The foreign missions are intended to combat terrorist regimes and to support and protect the population and aid organizations on site.

The corona pandemic has now had us firmly under control for a year and a half. Social contacts had to be restricted. Clubs, bars and theaters were closed for months. With the approval of the corona vaccination in December 2020, the long-awaited openings could be implemented step by step.

Regardless of whether it is the ban on headscarves for teachers or the banning of crucifixes from classrooms - the handling of religious symbols in state institutions has been the subject of heated debate in recent times. According to Article 4 of the Basic Law, freedom of religion exists in Germany.

Art freedom, yes - but where are the limits in the consumption of art? Recently, the question of the separation between art and artist has become more and more central. Ever since the allegations against pop culture greats like Michael Jackson or Woody Allen, many people have been asking themselves the question: Is it still morally justifiable to celebrate the art of these people?

Everyone should be able to decide for themselves when they want to die and be legally allowed to seek the help of third parties. So much for the basic idea of ​​organized euthanasia. In 2015, the Bundestag banned doctors and so-called euthanasia associations from providing commercial, i.e. repetitive, euthanasia.

Inherit millions without doing anything for it. For many people, it initially sounds like the big deal in life. Every year around 200 - 400 billion euros are inherited or given away in Germany. Despite inheritance tax, allowances and exemptions ensure that large parts of it remain tax-free.

Unaffordable rents and months of searching for an apartment: This has long been everyday life for many people in Germany. Everyone should be entitled to a roof over their head, but the reality is often much more difficult.

Horrible attacks like those in Hanau or Halle definitely show one thing: right-wing extremism still exists and is repeatedly expressed in right-wing terrorist attacks or other violent crimes. Germany is one of the countries in Europe with the most incidents of serious right-wing violence.

Hate speech - these are not “just” a few inappropriate words on social media. Hate speech is a real problem for real people. Ever since social media became an active part of our everyday lives, the problem has continued to grow: haters gather on the Internet, bashing famous - or even non-famous - people for their appearance, behavior, gender, sexuality, religion... and so on.

The current images from the EU's external borders are shocking: devastating situations in the emergency shelters. People fighting for pure survival on the Mediterranean. Since 2015, the flight of many people has been one of the central political issues in EU countries.

Social inequality, discrimination, exploitation - the accusations against our current social and economic order, capitalism, are great. Entire social media accounts are filled with anti-capitalist memes.

It is one of the central topics in this year's federal election campaign: climate policy. It's no longer something that only concerns the country's Green politicians. For some, all the measures sought are still far too little, for others the climate policy of the established parties does not go far enough.

“Diversity” is one of THE buzzwords of the moment and that also applies to the world of work. The goal is to have more people with a migration background and a non-discriminatory and anti-racist corporate culture. However, critics fear more appearance than reality, because structural discrimination against BPoCs and people with a migration history cannot be solved through personal responsibility and self-commitment alone.

The state pays you 1200 euros every month - just like that. No paperwork, no work, no compensation. No more existential fear! Sounds like a dream? But it could come true if the unconditional basic income were to be introduced.

Hardly any topic is as burning as the discussion about so-called identity politics. It is seen as a response to discrimination. A group of people loudly emphasize characteristics such as origin, gender or skin color in order to draw attention to injustices in our society.

The federal election is coming up! And of course there is great interest, but the election campaigns of established parties are now accompanied by ever-growing political youth movements such as Fridays for Future.

“Arab clans”: for many that means Bushido, crime, Berlin-Neukölln. No wonder, since reports on and with large Arab families in particular are clicked millions of times. But: The fuss surrounding the clans also raises critical voices.

Pregnancy - for some the greatest gift in the world, for others an unwanted burden. Too young, insecure relationships, financial difficulties or simply not ready to be a mother: there are many reasons for an abortion.

When it comes to prostitution, most people quickly think of coercion, human trafficking and exploitation. It is clear that this must come to an end. But is a legal and collective ban on purchasing sex, for example in the form of the Nordic Model, the solution?

For example, if artists say racist or sexist things, should they also disappear from the public stage? Also be “cancelled” so to speak? Bullying and moralizing have become a popular sport, especially on Twitter - with increasingly real consequences for public figures.

The richest person in the world, Elon Musk, has bought the most relevant platform for digital publicity and will define its rules in the future. Critics fear the spread of false information.

Unemployment benefit II, better known as Hartz IV, will be abolished after 18 years. Citizens' money will take its place in the new year.

A growing world population, inflation or climate crisis - the challenges for sustainable agriculture are becoming ever greater.

Pandemic, climate crisis, war - the bigger and more complex the crises, the greater the challenge for journalists to report fairly and balanced.

Learning to accept and love your own body - thanks to the global body positivity movement, the massive pressure from beauty ideals has become less and less in recent years.

Inflation, exploding energy and food prices - the financial challenges for each individual are currently immense and are now noticeable for everyone in everyday life.

Over half of East Germans feel like second-class citizens. Two thirds of young people from the East say: It still makes a difference whether you come from the West or the East.

Rarely has Germany had such a controversial and broad debate about the hit song as it did this summer. The reason for this is the song “Layla”, which made it to number one in the charts, and the Junge Union party.

Around 80,000 young people in Germany do voluntary service in social or ecological areas every year.

Since June, people have been able to use Germany's local transport services with the 9 euro ticket. So far it has attracted millions of people onto buses and trains.

In Germany, anyone who wants to donate their organs must actively consent during their lifetime or their next of kin must agree.

Whether pure enjoyment or occasional intoxication - beer, wine or other alcoholic drinks are part of life for many people. They are always available and deeply anchored socially and culturally.

In Germany, almost every tenth couple is involuntarily childless. Egg donation can help you fulfill your desire to have children.

Twitter, Facebook, Instagram - social media are omnipresent, determine social and political debates and give rise to global movements such as #MeToo or #BlackLivesMatter.

The idea of ​​a property levy was considered dead for a long time. The war now brings them back to life. Whatever the outcome, it will be expensive.

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Society and science have been discussing gender and identity for a long time. At the same time, the issue is becoming increasingly politicized.

Fridays for Future, Ende Gelände or the uprising of the last generation: civil disobedience is currently experiencing a second spring. Road blockades, occupations and sometimes even hunger strikes are intended to draw attention to ever-increasing problems, such as advancing climate change.

The traffic light coalition wants to legalize cannabis after decades of discussions. But Germans also consume harder drugs such as ecstasy, cocaine, heroin and crystal meth.

Shortly after the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced a “turning point” for Germany - including for the Bundeswehr. With the help of a one-time special fund worth billions and an increase in the defense budget, Germany should become more defensive.

Russia, Türkiye, China - countries led by autocratic regimes are becoming more and more common in the world. They are characterized by arbitrariness, autocracy and cannot do much with freedom of expression, the rule of law or freedom of the press.

Pornhub, xHamster, YouPorn and Co. - Porn is available online at any time, anywhere, without age restrictions and mostly free of charge. However, that could soon change: according to a court ruling, porn providers face being blocked if they violate child protection laws.

Nuclear power? No thanks - or maybe more like: Yes please!? The nuclear phase-out has been a given since the nuclear disaster in Fukushima. The dangers and risks of nuclear accidents are too serious. The last nuclear power plants in Germany are scheduled to be finally shut down at the turn of the year in 2023.

Sexual assault, abuse of power, sexism in the workplace - #MeToo, which has been used millions of times, was intended to make the experiences of women visible worldwide. It all began in 2017 with the revelations surrounding Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in the USA.

2G, 3G, compulsory vaccination, boosters, measures, incidence values ​​- in principle we only agree on one thing: the pandemic should finally be over, we finally have to get Corona under control. But how do you end a global pandemic?

Whether nose surgery, breast enlargement, Brazilian butt lift or minimal procedures with Botox and hyaluronic acid – beauty procedures are becoming increasingly popular. Especially thanks to social media, cosmetic surgery is no longer taboo.

More consistent deportations, border controls, upper limits, fewer benefits – there is currently no lack of proposals to limit migration. The first decisions have already been made. But again and again the question arises about the compatibility with our Basic Law, international agreements and also our humanitarian obligations.

Create, create, build houses – preferably somewhere green with a garden. With plenty of space for any children and as security for old age. What was part of the life plan for many older generations is no longer a given today. And yet many young people also dream of a single-family home.

In love, engaged, married: for many, marriage is still an important bond of love and responsibility. Symbol of romance but also necessary to settle legal matters in certain situations, such as shared children. But there is also a lot of criticism: marriage is not contemporary and exclusive.

Regardless of whether gender, diversity or climate activism: What is necessary for some to draw attention to grievances and disadvantages is far too “woke” for others, excessively politically correct and tends to create differences, a “climate of fear” or even injustice. The term “wokeness”, in German “vigilance”, has become a political fighting term.

Is it okay to still listen to Rammstein? Or Lizzo? When stars are hit with serious allegations, society and especially fans ask themselves how to deal with it. Every case is different, but it often involves abuse of power, sexual assault or problematic political views.

No matter whether “League of Legends”, “Call of Duty” or “FIFA”: Gaming is popular – as a hobby, but also on a professional level with real competitions and high prize money. Compared to Germany, eSports already enjoy a significantly higher status in society in countries such as China, the USA or South Korea.

Generation Z is lazy, jumpy and too picky? Do you want a lot of free time, work-life balance and a lot of money at the same time? For some, Gen Z has lost its mark on the job market. She is particularly critical of the boomer generation: after all, they themselves have invested a lot of time and manpower in Germany's economy in recent years.

Humor is when you still laugh - under all circumstances? Everyone agrees that laughter is good for people. At whose expense this happens and what consequences it could have are often discussed and argued about. You have to be able to put up with a racist, sexist or otherwise discriminatory joke - right?

Over 20 million Germans spend their holidays abroad. But not everyone is looking forward to the annual rush of holiday guests.

Do children today grow up faster than they did 100 years ago and are therefore legally responsible for their actions earlier?

Do they cement outdated role models and an unrealistic image of love and relationships? Dating shows are controversial - and extremely popular.

For 80 percent of Germans, more video surveillance means more security. Many argue that comprehensive video surveillance in public spaces and body cameras for police officers have a deterrent and even de-escalating effect.

Spirituality is in demand on social media. On Instagram, TikTok and YouTube you can find countless channels with different offers that generate large reach. What seems harmless can quickly become problematic.

Anyone who loves animals likes to go to zoos - at least that's the opinion of many Germans. Over 20 million Germans visit one of the over 800 zoos in Germany at least once a year.

Depression, ADHD, anxiety disorders - mental illnesses are no longer a taboo topic on TikTok, Instagram and YouTube. Young people in particular give their followers deep insights into the everyday lives of their respective sufferings.

The debate about easier access to the German passport has broken out again: What should integration look like in the future? When do you actually become German? To what extent can rapid naturalization solve problems of integration?

Sexist, lack of solidarity, capitalist - these are the criticisms of beauty contests. As a “personality contest” they are now supposed to stand for “female empowerment”. Is it just a lucrative image change that objectifies women?

Children's photos or short clips posted by proud parents are part of Instagram. Some make their children's faces unrecognizable, others show them completely. In 13 QUESTIONS we want to discuss: Where is the limit?

In order to secure pensions, the new government is now relying on a pension fund. Is this how our future is being gambled away on the risky capital market?

Several hundred euros for a concert ticket? Large concerts can now cost almost as much as a short vacation. Whether Adele in Munich or Taylor Swift in Gelsenkirchen – in 2024, fans often had to pay a lot of money to see their favorite artists live.

Floods in Austria and Spain, hurricanes in Florida – the effects of climate change are being felt worldwide. How can we stop climate change and, above all, what can each and every one of us do?

Reality TV – just trash or is there more to it? Whether “Jungle Camp”, “Love Island” or “The Summer House of the Stars”: Reality formats are ratings hits that delight millions of viewers. The participants are looking for love, fame or use the shows as a springboard to media success.

When are you the best version of yourself? Trends like #CleanGirl #ThatGirl or biohacking promise self-optimization. In times of fitness trackers, mindfulness apps and 5AM clubs, this seems to have become the new mantra of our society.

Should more weapons be delivered to Ukraine – or is diplomacy the solution?

Is artificial intelligence the end of our creativity? In 2023, an AI created the song “Heart on my sleeve” with artists Drake and The Weeknd, without their involvement. At the same time, Harrison Ford appeared on the screen in the “Indiana Jones film” in 2023, again as young as in previous years thanks to AI.

The wealthier the parents, the higher the child's level of education? That's actually true. In Germany, whether a child goes on to high school after primary school depends largely on their social background.

Danger to society or chance for a big breakthrough? TikTok has become an integral part of many young people's everyday lives. With 1.6 billion users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular social networks among GenZ.

Is it really just the truth? Cash is the most popular payment method in Germany - in 2023, according to the Deutsche Bundesbank, 51 percent of all payments in Germany were made with cash. In an international comparison, Germany lags behind when it comes to the possibility of digital payment. So does the cash have to go?

Less work, more free time and higher productivity? Too good to be true – or perhaps possible with the four-day week?

Whether it's a pink jersey, mouth-to-mouth gestures, racism in the stadium or homosexual professional players coming out: the football field is not an apolitical space.

Abortions are illegal in Germany. However, they remain unpunished if certain conditions are met. In order to end the pregnancy, a mandatory consultation appointment must be attended and a three-day waiting period must be observed.

The prevailing image of masculinity is changing in society: modern men appear emotional, soft and sensitive. Stars like Timothée Chalamet and Harry Styles, who openly and confidently show their feminine side, have established themselves and are role models for many young people.

Since Russia's attack on Ukraine at the beginning of 2022, war has been raging in Europe again. “We are experiencing a turning point,” announced Chancellor Scholz shortly after the start of the war. Germany supports Ukraine with humanitarian support, direct payments or in the form of weapons.

Whether globules, drops or ointments: Just over half of Germans have a positive attitude towards homeopathic medicines - this is according to a 2022 survey by the Federal Association of Drug Manufacturers (BAH).

Federal Interior Minister Nancy Faeser clearly names right-wing extremism as the greatest threat to our democracy. Nevertheless, left-wing extremism is also a topic that is being discussed in Germany.

Many people have taken to the streets in recent months and demonstrated against right-wing extremism. The protests against the right were triggered by revelations by the research network Correctiv about a meeting of “high-ranking AfD politicians, neo-Nazis and financially strong entrepreneurs”.

“Politicians take the concerns of young people seriously” - only 20 percent of the 16 to 30 year olds surveyed agreed with this statement in a 2023 survey by Infratest dimap. The average age in the Bundestag was 47.3 years at the end of 2021.

Whether Tinder, Bumble, Hinge or Grindr – dating apps have changed our dating culture. Preferences can be adjusted, algorithms show the best matches... But what influence do they have on our relationships? Our psyche? Our society as a whole?

From murderer to media star? True crime is booming: crimes are receiving more media attention than ever before. Millions of people are fascinated by the investigation of real crimes. This enthusiasm not only ensures high click numbers, but also high income for the media content producers.

“Okay, Boomer”? There are always clashes between Gen Z and the older generation. Hard fronts often emerge, particularly when it comes to issues such as equality, discrimination and work-life balance. The older ones are ignorant and insist on outdated views.