Old is New Again in Bavaria

Traditional Bavarian leather pants are gaining popularity among younger German, especially during Oktoberfest.

A Yeast Voyage and the Birth of Lager

Scientists have identified a yeast that led to the discovery of lager.

Evolution of a Natural Miracle

The Geo Quiz is looking for the German state where the first fossil of a feathered creature was discovered 150 years ago.

Home of the Oktoberfest

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Germans have lots to celebrate this weekend: not only is this the climactic weekend of Oktoberfest. The country’s also celebrating the 20th anniversary of reunification. There’ll be festivities nationwide, but most of the drinking will stay in the beer-halls in and around this southern city… Download MP3

German pensioners ‘kidnapped financial adviser’

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It sounds like a plot line for a movie. Four disgruntled senior citizens kidnap and hold hostage their financial advisor after losing a bundle in the US property market. Except it’s not a movie: Two married couples in the German state of Bavaria are accused of the crimes. They’re now on trial (Courtroom photo: Jörg Koch/AFP/Getty Images). Marco Werman finds out more from Bavarian Radio reporter Annette Kuglar. Download MP3

• BBC coverage
• Deutsche Welle story about the case