Made in Germany: Your Business Magazine

Peter Korch is 75 and Gertrud Rosemann is 92 years old. He used to work in an ad agency, and she was a German teacher. These days they both work two days a week for an exhibition on ageing. The working elderly are an exception for the time being, but in the future they may well become the norm.

Today’s younger generation don't want regular working and hierarchical structures, and they certainly don't want to be stuck in the same job their whole lives. Twenty-somethings expect flexibility and fun from their jobs and aren't prepared to sacrifice the work-life balance. The labor market will have to adjust accordingly.

They’re engraved by hand, made of sterling silver and highly sought after all over the world. Fountain pens made by the Waldmann company from southwestern Germany are a favorite of movers and shakers the world over, from Angela Merkel to Leonardo diCaprio. Made in Germany takes a look at how these luxury writing implements are made.

We speak with Stefan Kooths, director of the forecasting center at the Kiel Institute for the World Economy about economic conditions and consumer behavior in Germany.

The zero:e park - Europe’s largest zero-emissions development - was built when oil prices were higher. But now that heating costs are on the decline, are residents still glad they’ve invested in expensive heating technology because it helps protect the environment? Car dealers, by contrast, aren’t concerned about the environmental aspects. They’re happy about cheap fuel costs, because it helps them sell more cars - including gas-guzzling SUVs.

The Christmas period is the busiest time of year for Germany's retail sector, generating one fifth of its annual revenue. This year, the sector is expecting revenue of €86.7 billion. Made in Germany reports on this year's festive trade.

In Germany, the Saturday before Christmas is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. Despite the rise of online vendors, many Germans still do their shopping in brick-and-mortar stores. And the top-seller is books - which in Germany account for more than a third of all gifts. So for booksellers, this Saturday is the grand event.

Once a year, the town of Markneukirchen becomes the hub of the jazz world. Bass guitar manufacturer Warwick invites famous musicians from around the world to come and test its high-quality instruments. It's good advertising for a small family business with a reputation as fine craftsmen of fine basses.

Connoisseurs agree that 2015 will be a very good year for wine. The heat and late rains this summer, followed by a golden autumn, allowed the grapes to mature as they very rarely do in central Europe. The good news will translate into increased demand. Now is the time for skilled marketing tactics. Joachim Eggers is allowed a peek into the pricey cellars of the St. Antony and Wittman vineyards.

A legal minimum wage was introduced in Germany one year ago. What effects have there been? An interview with Ekkehard Ernst from the International Labor Organization (ILO).