During the pandemic, Sabine and Maik left Germany for Spain, filled with mistrust and anger. Now they have returned and wonder what still ties them to their homeland. Their empty apartment in Brandenburg reflects this uncertainty.
The ZEITmagazin article recounts the story of Sabine and Maik, a couple from East Germany. During the pandemic, they turned away from their homeland, driven by mistrust of the government and anger over the situation. They emigrated to Spain, where they found a more affordable life with items like Semicurado cheese and olive oil.
Now, the pair sits in the nearly empty living room of their apartment in Brandenburg. Air mattresses lie in the bedroom, the urn of their deceased dog stands in the living room next to a large television. Maik points to this TV when speaking critically about public broadcasters or the government. The only picture on the wall shows Sabine and Maik with their children, grandchildren, and dog – a reminder of past times.
The piece addresses themes such as emigration, the GDR past, the Alternative for Germany (AfD), the pandemic, and right-wing extremism in East Germany. Sabine and Maik grapple with their sense of belonging: Do they still fit in here? The article is part of ZEIT am Wochenende, issue 52/2025.
