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The German chancellor Angela Merkel may be more popular than her main rival but Germany's electoral system means that's no guarantee of victory in the coming election. German voters have become much more unpredictable and the traditional divisions in German politics have been breaking down.

Steve Evans reports from Berlin on why that means what would normally be peripheral issues like childcare are becoming important battlegrounds.

So what will determine how Germany votes and how is that likely to affect Europe and the world? Two experts on German politics discuss the issues that will decide the election.

Plus - if you've ever considered going it alone don't do it says Lucy Kellaway. She reports on an extensive survey she's conducted in her local coffee shop and says it is not worth it.