Servus an Alle!

Welcome back to the Munich Post! The purpose of this newsletter is to share: 3 bits of news, 2 upcoming events, and 1 amazing restaurant/café for expats living in and around Munich. This way, you have a pulse on what’s going on without scrolling through thousands of pages.

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Here’s what we’ve got for you today:

Johanna Rüdiger, a journalist and content creator, is making life easier for expats in Germany by breaking down interesting content into bite-sized summaries. Her current project focuses on the seven major political parties, offering clear, concise overviews of their platforms.

3 bits of news

AI for Your Voting Questions  

Tired of flipping through election programs that feel longer than a novel? Wahl.chat has you covered. 

Developed by a team of Munich and Cambridge students, this AI-powered chatbot answers your questions about party positions directly and clearly as well as neutrally. 

Curious about a party’s economic goals or climate policies? Just ask and Wahl.chat digs into official election programs for fact-based responses.

Unlike tools like the Wahl-O-Mat, where you answer set questions, Wahl.chat flips the script. You ask the questions—anything from policies on education to the nitty-gritty on taxation—and get tailored answers. 

Wahl.chat runs on OpenAI’s GPT-4 and uses sources like election programs, policy documents, and reputable news to ensure accuracy. And don’t worry, your data is safe—no personal info is stored. 

You can even compare answers from up to three parties at once, making it easier to weigh your options.

Try Wahl.chat here.

Read more here (in German).

Second S-Bahn Line Update 

If you’ve been waiting for Munich’s second main S-Bahn line, here’s some news. Originally slated for completion in 2028, the project now has a new target: December 2036. 

Yes, the wait just got longer, and the costs—now at a staggering 7.06 billion euros—continue to climb. 

The second line aims to ease congestion on the current S-Bahn routes, which are notoriously prone to delays. While progress has been slow, officials say better collaboration between the Free State and Deutsche Bahn is speeding things up. 

That said, there’s still room for improvement, especially when it comes to managing risks and accounting for inflation costs.

Behind the Fence: Construction Tours 

Ever wanted to strut across a construction site in a high-visibility vest and rubber boots? The S-Bahn project offers guided tours where you can get up close with the mammoth undertaking. 

Tours are currently on a winter break but will return this spring. Keep an eye out for dates in February—it’s a fascinating peek into the future of Munich’s transportation.

Find more info here and here (in German). 

Munich to Paris—No Plane Needed

Flying is overrated. The stress, the baggage fees, the awkward security shuffle where you forget to take out your laptop—it’s all too much. 

Thankfully, Deutsche Bahn (DB) and France’s SNCF are making life easier with a new direct train between Munich and Paris.

Set to roll out at the end of 2026, the service will connect the two cities without the need for transfers. DB’s ICE trains and France’s TGVs will team up to make the journey smooth and straightforward. Currently, there’s just one TGV service per day, so this expansion is welcome news for anyone who prefers train travel over airport headaches.

The demand for long-distance train travel is rising, and for good reason. 

Deutsche Bahn’s Berlin-Paris route, launched in 2024, has already seen above-average bookings and packed trains. With this new Munich-Paris service, travelers can enjoy a climate-friendly, relaxed way to reach France. 

For more info, read here (in German).

BONUS: 

• German population sees slight growth in 2024

• German parliament backs resolution on migration with far-right votes

• Germany’s Merz sparks firestorm by breaking postwar taboo

• More space for bikes at the main station

In Partnership with KLforExpats

It is our desire to bring our readers the best information about Munich — at zero cost to you. In keeping with this theme, we thank our partners for today’s newsletter. By just clicking the link below, you’ll support The Munich Post.

Public Health Insurance Costs Just Went Up - Time to Switch?

Shocked by the numbers on your 2025 payslip? Public insurance contributions have skyrocketed, leaving high earners paying up to €1,150 monthly. That’s bonkers, especially if you hardly use your insurance!

So, what can you do?

If your income exceeds €73,800, private health insurance could save you hundreds while offering better coverage, faster appointments, and no-claims bonuses of up to €2,000 annually.

Changing insurers can be daunting, so KLforExpats are offering free info sessions for a limited time throughout February to guide you through the changes and explore whether switching could make sense for you.

Interested?

Book Your Session I Learn About Private Health Insurance 

2 upcoming events

Step Into the Spotlight

Ever wondered what it’s like to belt out a song in an aerial harness like in the Greatest Showman or perfect the art of fake wounds? 

This Saturday, February 1, the Bavarian Theater Academy August Everding is throwing open its doors for a full day of workshops, rehearsals, and behind-the-scenes action at the Prinzregententheater.

From acting lessons to tap dancing to an up-close look at stage design, this event offers a hands-on peek into the world of theater. Curious about what goes on beyond the velvet curtain, this is your chance to explore. 

No tickets needed, just show up and join in.

Find more info here (in German). 

General information:

📍  Prinzregententheater, Prinzregentenplatz 12, 81675 München

⏰  Saturday, February 1, 10am – 4pm

💶 Free admission

Try Something New 

Also on Saturday, the Munich Volkshochschule Adult Education Center is kicking off their spring/summer program with a free program day at Einstein 28. 

It’s a chance to try out classes, meet new people and maybe discover your next favorite hobby.

Starting at 9:45am, you can dive into a packed day of activities. Test your flexibility with Pilates, learn traditional Japanese dances, or tackle a macramé workshop. Feeling adventurous? Try out improvisational theater or practice your rhetoric skills.

You’ll also get expert advice from friendly staff and can grab a coffee to recharge in the on-site café.

Find more information here (in German).

General information:

📍  Einsteinstraße 28, 81675 München

📅  Saturday, February 1, 2025

💶  Free admission

BONUS

• Demo gegen rechts - Feb 8

• Street Food Festival - Feb 8 & 9 

We’d like to thank our second sponsor finbird.

Discover the latest trends in the 2025 property market

Curious about the economic outlook for housing in Germany in 2025? Need to determine affordability? Want to understand the steps of the property buying process? Then the upcoming webinar is for you.

Many expats find the German property market complex and challenging. This free webinar offers clear insights and, most importantly, a comprehensive understanding of:

• Interest rates and mortgage offers

• How to think about a financing plan

• What kind of profiles are banks looking for?

• How can you find properties that fit within your budget

• Common struggles for foreigners and how to avoid them

• How buying and financing a property differs in Munich compared to other cities

Get smarter about the property market

1 new restaurant/café to try

Mangostin Asia

Looking for a dining experience that feels like a mini vacation to Asia? Mangostin Asia is the perfect spot, blending elegance, delicious food and a cozy atmosphere. 

Nestled in a serene Asian garden in the Maria-Einsiedel-Straße, this place delivers everything from sushi to lobster—yes, lobster.

Lobster Mondays are a must-try if you’re feeling fancy. For 99 euros, you get 1.5 lobsters cooked your way—grilled, à la nage, or with green mango—plus soup and dessert. 

Not in a lobster mood? Their sushi, curry, and tuna steak are equally tempting. And for Sunday Brunch lovers, the buffet is packed with Asian classics like Pad Thai, nigiri and oysters.

Even plant-based eaters will love the new vegan dim sum options, featuring flavors like edamame and truffle or sauerkraut and Steinpilz.

General information:

📍 Maria-Einsiedel-Straße 2, 81379 München 

🥘 Asian Fusion Restaurant

⏰ Wednesday–Monday: 6pm–12 Midnight

⏰ Friday & Saturday: 12 Noon–12 Midnight

⏰ Sunday: 11am–3pm, 6pm–12 Midnight

🔗 Visit Mangostin Asia

We’d like to thank our third sponsor.

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Meme of the week 😂

Thanks for reading and sharing the Munich Post 3-2-1 newsletter.

See ya next week!

Aazar, Arlene, Christina, and Heidi

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