Psychologist Kim Marie Bischoff is in the DW studio to talk about shopping, retailing and gift-giving. How do retailers play on the emotions? Why is there so much pressure to give loads of presents? Why do Germans splurge at Christmas time?

DW’s very own style maven Gerhard Elfers has an important message: Don't give shoes for Christmas! Too risky. They must be selected with utmost care, for shoes reflect our personality.

Christmas 2017 will not be merry for many Siemens employees. Among the plants Siemens plans to close is the turbine factory in Goerlitz. Workers there are vowing to fight the mass lay-offs.

Supporters of Industry 4.0 insist it is a force for good. It serves to relieve humans of strenuous and monotonous work – and can also play a part in creative and social professions.

High-tech products such as computers, laptops and smartphones have made Taiwan a wealthy country. These days it's also home to a thriving tech start-up scene focused on software, apps and AI.

Real estate companies are investing heavily in rental apartments in Berlin. More and more tenants in the city are being displaced because they cannot afford the rent following renovations. The properties can then be sold at a tidy profit.

As a project developer, he thinks digitalization could make urban planning more socially viable and sustainable. Philipp Bouteiller is responsible for the transformation of Berlin's Tegel Airport into a residential and business district.

Hamburg's digitalization is in full gear. Smart traffic lights react to congestion and communicate with buses. The technology offers citizens new ways of getting around without a car.

Housing in cities is growing scarce, and rental prices are soaring. That's why some people are looking for alternatives. The Tiny House movement started in the US. The buildings are just a few square meters in size.

Hong Kong's property prices are notoriously high. Many people live in cramped, inhumane conditions. Architects and creative businesses are looking for ways to make cities livable places for the future.