On 1 January 2025, Germany’s federal government introduced a digital portal to simplify its visa application process. Accessible at https://digital.diplo.de/visa, the platform allows applicants to apply for 28 types of national visas online, cutting down on paperwork and processing delays. This innovation is intended to benefit those seeking work, education or family reunification in Germany. Despite the platform’s supposed global …

Funke Akindele has solidified her place as a cultural icon and an unstoppable force in Nollywood, a reference to the Nigerian film industry, one of the largest and most prolific in the world. The 47-year-old actor, producer and director rose to prominence through the sitcom I Need to Know (1998–2002). However, it was her creation of the character Jenifa in …

The term “biodeutsch,” loosely meaning “organically German,” has been selected as Germany’s ‘Unword of the Year’ for 2024. This designation (Das Unwort des Jahres in German)  highlights words or expressions that promote discrimination, undermine human dignity or mislead public discourse. The term was criticized for its use in dividing individuals based on perceived biological heritage, fostering everyday racism, and creating …