Politicians, entrepreneurs and consumers can all fall victim to illusions. Everyone is prone to misinterpreting economic realities.

Geraint Anderson hit the headlines during the financial crisis. The self-styled ‘city boy’ published an insider’s tale of life in London’s financial district - reporting on reckless trading and cocaine-fueled orgies, and his departure in 2008.

Every year corruption costs the German economy an estimated €100 billion. Many of the culprits are company executives. But what are the motives for financial fraudsters?

Wirecard was a favorite among investors - who ended up losing a lot of money. How was the fraud possible? Year after year, auditors had given the company a clean bill of health.

The Aldi discount supermarket chain is a global success story. They promise low prices along with high quality. So do they deliver?

German farmers say they’re getting a bad rap. They’re being blamed for climate change, the ‘insect apocalypse’ and the horrors of industrial livestock farming. But they say the truth is far more complicated than that.

The price of olive oil has plummeted in recent years. Spanish olive growers now fear for their livelihoods as a result. Some have started selling their olive oil directly to consumers online - with success.

Discount supermarket chains like Lidl and Aldi offer rock-bottom prices. So farmers are pressured to cut costs - to the detriment of animal welfare, labor conditions and the environment. But many shoppers can’t afford to pay more for their food.

Allotment gardens are hugely popular in Germany. But why is that? DW’s Olaf Krieger ventures forth to find out more. Armed with a pair of shears, he tests his mettle by attempting to trim a straight hedge.

No handshakes, no hugs. Keeping 1.5 meters apart from everyone. Krieger wonders how to maintain social contact while distancing.