Podcast Heaven
The ARD Audiothek is the central repository for podcasts, audiobooks and radio plays produced by Germany’s public broadcasters. Enjoy decades worth of listening material, from political investigations to original radio plays and true crime podcasts. Here are some recommended titles:
On this page, the ARD Audiothek presents the ten audiobooks that currently enjoy the greatest popular success. Of course, Agatha Christie is always on the list – nothing lends itself better to the radio play format than excellent crime fiction!
Every week, the ARD Audiothek produces a new radio play based on a popular fairy tale or children’s book – the perfect way to relax at the end of a long day with a cup of tea!
Bestselling author Volker Kutscher wrote the novels about Inspector Gereon Rath that served as the basis for the hit series Babylon Berlin. He joins host Thomas Böhm as they explore pre-war period from 1929 to 1938.
Culture
Open your ears, sit back, and simply learn German. That is the mission of the podcast Goethe Stories, created by the German Goethe Institut. Using a short story, it teaches you new words, explores German grammar and shares insights about life in Germany.
This is a wonderful resource for cultural programs. My favorite section is the podcast from “Radio Wissen”: Here you can find hundreds of 30-minutes documentaries on a diverse range of cultural topics.
Another great resource for German cultural radio programs. In contrast to Bayern 2, they also offer podcasts of music concerts.
News
At this loca
tion the Deutsche Welle offers “langsam gesprochene Nachrichten.” In addition, a transcript of thebroadcast is available, as well as a glossary of terms commonly used in news reports. You can subscribe to this program via RSS-Feed or iTunes.
Twice a we
ek the Deutsche Welle provides easily accessible news reports that have both a reading and a listeing component. Additionally, the website provides a list of vocabulary and questions that help you determine your reading and listening comprehension.
This is the best place to listen to German news. Sunday is a special treat: It is the week in review in 30-minute blocks dedicated to different aspects of public life. For live news radio, simply click the link on the top right.