For many, it is the most wonderful time of the year. But what actually makes Christmas so special, and what is the best thing about it for students? We asked around on campus and got some interesting answers.

The biggest news stories this October concern scientific breakthroughs and conflict in the Middle East.

Yara offers Nico the chance to do his apprenticeship in her bicycle shop. But what documents will he need?

Alina and Paula tell us about their visit to the Latin American Christmas market in Stuttgart. Watch to find out why they enjoyed it so much.

In this video, Eylin talks about her cats. We learn how they came to live with her and that they also have an important job to do. These pretty little creatures are not merely cuddly pets, they are also predators.

In this video, Federico shows us a traditional dish from Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania made from potatoes, a popular food all over Germany. But how many takes will he need to get it right?

Nina and Sebastian talk about their school days, and it seems they had rather different favorite subjects.

This satirical video looks at the topic of bad grammar in the German language, and people who would even actually consider it a crime. Fortunately, Grammar Protection Group 9 is here to save the day!

Having practiced with Anna and Sascha, Sam now wants to go out shopping on his own. The other three stay home because Anna and Sascha are ill. Nic is on nursing duty. Suddenly, the tarantula calls!

In this video, Eylin talks about prejudices. What are they anyway, and how do they come about?

Here's a typical restaurant scene to help you learn some useful expressions and vocabulary for dining out.

The final part of our series on the federal states focuses on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is one of the most popular domestic vacation destinations in Germany. Why is that? You can find out in this video with Alina and Ms. Klimper.

When she gets off the phone with Ibrahim's insurance company, Lisa has good and bad news for Selma's family. Will he be covered? Watch to find out.

Musical duo Wiener Blond sings "Der letzte Kaiser" in the Viennese dialect—clearly a declaration of love for Austria's capital and the very special attitude toward life that prevails there.

Here's the August news round-up in slow German. Topics include inflation and the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear disaster.