Big construction projects take surprisingly long to complete in Germany. It can take a decade or longer to build an airport, a train station, or a concert hall — skyrocketing costs included. What happened to the country’s love of planning and efficiency? Now, a neighboring country that's not famous for timely execution is showing Germany how it’s done. Write to: Delayland@dw.com
Politik
Delayland – Germany and the Missing Magic Folgen
Delayland is a podcast about the difference between the international image of Germany and the reality. Once called an "economic miracle", we take you on a tour through this country famous for efficiency and its automotive industry, showing you all the things that don’t work like they used to. Along the way, we ask what Germany can learn from other countries to get back on track. Come along for the ride – and be prepared to kiss your German stereotypes goodbye.
Folgen von Delayland – Germany and the Missing Magic
22 Folgen
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Folge vom 04.12.2025E3 – Bricks and Bureaucracy
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Folge vom 27.11.2025E2 – German cars: Stuck in a jamFor years, German car manufacturers were convinced they built the world’s best automobiles — and the world was happy to buy from them. Then, nothing. Until a country that once was Germany’s pupil in car design sped ahead. How can Germany get back in the race? New episodes every Thursday
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Folge vom 27.11.2025E1 - The train dilemma: To be or not to be on timeIf you think Germans are punctual and efficient, think again. Germany's national train system is so run down that most passengers are happy if they arrive at all. How did one of the world's most reliable train operators become an international joke? Can anyone help Germany to get back on track? New episodes every Thursday
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Folge vom 20.11.2025Introducing: Delayland – Germany and the Missing MagicOnce dubbed an "economic miracle”, things don't run like they used to in Germany. This new DW original podcast endeavors to find out how Germany lost its magic and who’s got it now? Traveling beyond Germany — to India, France, Switzerland, and Denmark — the show explores how others are getting things right, and what Europe's former Wunderkind might learn from them. Wherever you get podcasts.