Shortly after the new government has taken office, the smallest opposition party in the Bundestag is taking stock of its recent success at a party conference in Chemnitz. Its motto is "We are the hope."
Friedrich Merz now heads the German government. He has vowed to make foreign policy a top priority, visiting France and Poland on his first day in office.
The music conductor Leon Botstein is in Germany on a trans-Atlantic mission. Speaking with DW, he warned of how easy it was for "radical evil" to appear "acceptable." Freedom takes work, he said, and now it's at stake.
Germany's new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to increase the number of border police to enforce stricter migration policies. Meanwhile, Merz is on his first official trip to France and Poland.
The far-right party launched an appeal against the "extremist" classification by the domestic intelligence agency. Berlin's new government is marking VE Day and the end of WWII. DW rounds up the latest news from Germany.
Germany tightened security at the southern borders with Austria and the Czech Republic and announced similar measures for the western borders. Berlin's new government is marking VE day and the end of WWII. Follow DW.
European countries, including Germany, are commemorating the end of World War II on the continent. Europe's deadliest war came to an end 80 years ago. DW has the latest.
Germany's new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to increase the number of border police to enforce stricter migration policies. Meanwhile, Merz is on his first official trip to France and Poland.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised a policy change. Respondents to the monthly Deutschlandrend survey seem to have a wait-and-see attitude. A majority of them agrees with labeling the AfD as "right-wing extremist."
The Nazis targeted Black people living in Germany, excluding them from society through forced sterilization and denial of citizenship. Activists and historians still strive for recognition of these injustices.
The Nazis targeted Black people living in Germany, excluding them from society through forced sterilization and denial of citizenship. Activists and historians still strive for recognition of these injustices.
Germany's new government, led by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, plans to increase the number of border police to enforce stricter migration policies. Meanwhile, Merz is on his first official trip to France and Poland.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz called on European Union member states to boost defense spending and vowed to prioritize European unity. Merz travels to Warsaw later today. DW has the latest.
Fewer and fewer young people in Germany are sticking with football at a crucial age in their sporting development. Why is this happening and what does it mean?
Friedrich Merz kicks off his term with trips to neighboring countries to meet with his French and Polish counterparts. Despite a bumpy start, Merz is keen to renew relations with European allies. DW has the latest.
Friedrich Merz kicks off his term with trips to neighboring countries to meet with his French and Polish counterparts. Despite a bumpy start, Merz is keen to renew relations with European allies. DW has the latest.
As a US soldier, George Leitmann, now 99, helped liberate Germany from National Socialism. Eighty years after World War Two ended, he is sounding a warning against the return of fascism.
Friedrich Merz is Germany's new head of government. He needed an unprecedented second vote to secure the necessary majority in the Bundestag in what was a historic debacle in German politics.
After some difficulty, Friedrich Merz has become Germany's new chancellor. His personal popularity is low. Most Germans don't trust him, not least because of his approach to the far-right AfD.
Germany's domestic intelligence agency last week classified the largest opposition party, the AfD, as "confirmed right-wing extremist." This has intensified debates over whether or not to ban the party.
Vice chancellor, finance minister, co-leader of Germany's oldest party, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD): This week, Lars Klingbeil becomes one of Germany's most powerful politicians.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has hit a snag in his attempt to form Germany's new government. His personal popularity is low. Most Germans don't trust him, not least because of his approach to the far-right AfD.
The CDU, CSU and SPD have signed their coalition agreement. Meanwhile, the conservative CDU/CSU faction in the Bundestag has elected Jens Spahn as its new leader. Follow DW for more.
Vice-Chancellor, Finance Minister, co-leader of Germany's oldest party, the center-left Social Democrats (SPD): This week, Lars Klingbeil becomes one of Germany's most powerful politicians.
Forty-percent of respondents to an INSA survey were in favor of banning the far-right party. Meanwhile, Germany's incoming interior minister has vowed tighter border controls.
Germany's perennial football champions have added a 33rd Bundesliga title after letting it slip last season. But what were the key moments and who were the crucial figures in the win?
Many German states are planning to ban smartphones from classrooms. One high school in the North Rhine-Westphalia isn't waiting for a government directive — it is trialing the initiative already.
Trump administration officials have condemned the move by Germany's domestic intelligence agency to designate the far-right AfD party an extremist group, setting off a diplomatic row between the two NATO allies.
Outgoing Chancellor Scholz cautioned against any rushed decisions after Germany's intelligence service designated the AfD party as "right-wing extremist."
One person was killed and two others were seriously injured when a car drove into a group of people in the German city of Stuttgart. Police said there was no indication the incident was deliberate or an attack.
International drinks maker Red Bull's expansion plans in the drought-ridden region around the German capital are coming under fire amidst concerns about environmental sustainability and accusations of intransparency.
The agency cited a "xenophobic, anti-minority, Islamophobic" rhetoric among the reasons for the designation. The label gives authorities more power to investigate the far-right party.
The agency cited a "xenophobic, anti-minority, Islamophobic" rhetoric among the reasons for the designation. The label gives authorities more power to surveil the far-right party.
Several lawmakers from across the political spectrum have been working to get enough support for a ban of the AfD party. The domestic intelligence agency's move to classify the AfD as extremist may add new momentum.
German football defender Antonio Rüdiger has been handed a six match ban after throwing ice at a referee. He was sent off alongside two Real Madrid teammates, with the club at war with officials.
The German author was recently found dead aboard her Hamburg houseboat. Fröhlich's quirky semi-autobiographical books drew on former ties to Ukraine and Russia.
Members of Germany's Social Democratic Party (SPD) have voted in favor of a 144-page coalition agreement with the conservatives. This clears the way for Friedrich Merz to become the new chancellor.
The successful German novelist was found dead aboard her houseboat in Hamburg last week. Her semi-autobiographical books drew on former ties to Ukraine and Russia.
Spain and Portugal experienced a devastating blackout. Could this happen in Germany, too? What will the next German government do to better protect critical infrastructure?
Germany football international Antonio Rüdigerhas been handed a six match ban after throwing an object at a referee. He was sent off alongside two Real Madrid teammates, with the club at war with officials.
Two people, including a former aide to a far-right AfD politician, have been accused of passing on sensitive information to Chinese intelligence agencies. Three more people have been arrested on similar charges.
Incoming German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has revealed which Cabinet positions which will be filled by ministers from his conservative CDU party, including the roles of foreign minister and economy minister.
Some 2,600 refugees from Afghanistan are in Pakistan awaiting permission to travel to Germany. But the incoming German government intends to allow them to come only in exceptional cases.
Just one more hurdle to cross for Germany's coalition government as members of the Social Democratic Party (SPD) vote on the 144-page coalition agreement. DW has more.
German bestselling author Alexandra Fröhlich was found dead on her houseboat in Hamburg last week. Now the police have commented on the cause of her death.
For many young people in Germany, getting a driver's license has become almost unaffordable. Calls for reform are growing louder, but will it be enough?
For months, there has been speculation that the United States and Russia want the Nord Stream gas pipelines repaired and flowing again. The question remains whether Germany might agree.
Requests for church asylum have almost quadrupled in some places, according to the Protestant Church in Germany (EKD). However, not everyone can be offered protection.
Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz and his CDU won Germany's election, yet his personal popularity is low — and getting lower. Most Germans don't trust him, not least because of his approach to the far-right AfD.
Thousands of people took to the streets across Germany, joining rallies organized by the new protest alliance "Together for Germany." Demonstrators called for tighter border controls and an end to support for Ukraine.
Cocaine from South America is becoming increasingly popular in Germany. What was once considered a status symbol of the rich, has been spreading to all social classes. With serious consequences for the health system.
A Black man died due to wounds sustained during a police shooting during an altercation in Oldenburg last weekend. Thousands have taken to the streets calling for justice and condemning what they call structural racism.
Theologian Martin Luther, composer Robert Schumann and writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe had all frequented Leipzig's iconic cellar restaurant in their respective eras. What makes it so special?
For months, there has been speculation that the United States and Russia want the Nord Stream gas pipelines repaired and flowing again. The question remains whether Germany might agree.
Athens says it won't accept Germany's plan to return refugees who first applied for asylum in Greece. The migration minister says the country administers a disproportionate number of displaced people within the EU.
Athens has said it does not plan to accept Germany's planned returns of refugees who first applied for asylum in Greece. The country's migration minister says his country is already shouldering too much of the burden.
Many countries have dropped low-denomination coins in the past. But can cash-loving Germany follow suit and stop accepting the smallest euro coins? Other European nations are showing the way.
For months, there has been speculation that the US and Russia want the Nord Stream pipelines repaired and flowing with gas again. It would be hugely controversial, but could Germany agree?
An outbreak of the potentially deadly Legionnaires' disease in a housing estate in Berlin has raised concerns that big housing companies are too slow to react to major health crises or keeping their tenants informed.
Refugees would be allowed to travel home if the visit can prepare them for a later permanent return, as per an Interior Ministry proposal. Currently, a visit to one's home country can have their refugee status revoked.
Months after promising to investigate a sponsorship with Rwanda, a country labeled as "responsible for misery," Bayern Munich have done nothing. Other high-profile clubs associated with Rwanda made moves this week.
Thousands in Germany jave joined traditional Easter peace marches — but the heyday of the country's peace movement seems long gone, as the government prepares to re-arm. What happened?
The Sachsenhausen concentration camp was liberated on April 22, 1945. Even now, the descendants of the victims are stepping up and adopting very important roles to commemorate the event.
The use of hard drugs including cocaine and heroin is on the rise in Germany, according to the country's police chief, who also believes the partial legalization of cannabis has made the authorities' work harder.
Scores of traditional pro-peace demonstrations are taking place in Germany during the holiday season, fueled by concerns over the EU's rearmament amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Two Turkish nationals, a man and his son-in-law, were killed in a town north of Frankfurt. Police believe a "personal motive" likely played in a role in the crime.
Werner Lorant took 1860 Munich from the third division to the Bundesliga and very nearly into the Champions League. Those heady days are now history for Bayern Munich's local rivals, but there may be hope on the horizon.
Alexander Zverev celebrated his birthday in style — securing his first tour win since November, an electric car and nearly €467,500 in prize money. With the French Open approaching, it's a timely return to form.
Female construction workers often say they like their jobs because they can accomplish something tangible. And yet not many women work in the industry. New technologies could help change that.
Nazima and Nazira Khairzad, sisters and athletes, fled Afghanistan and the Taliban in 2021 and built a family life in Germany. But now Nazira is facing deportation, and a second separation from her family.
Around the world, ships are increasingly turning to electric battery-powered motors as a way to reduce toxic, planet-heating emissions. But when it comes to crossing the oceans, it's not so easy.
Scores of traditional pro-peace demonstrations are taking place in Germany during the holiday season, fueled by concerns over the EU's rearmament amid the Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Some social media users, including at least one far-right German politician, are complaining that traditional chocolate "Easter bunnies" have been renamed and no longer reference the Christian celebration. So, have they?
Presumptive next Chancellor Friedrich Merz vowed to modernize Europe's largest economy. He also said Germany would play a bigger role in the world, "not loudly, but reliably — not arrogantly, but in partnership."
The motive for the attack, which occurred in the eastern state of Saxony, was not immediately clear. The suspect had been banned from the supermarket before the attack took place.
Germany's next ruling coalition is eyeing huge investments in the country's aging infrastructure. Deutsche Bahn, the country's notoriously unreliable rail operator, says it needs €150 billion to improve the rail network.
The comments from the Russian Foreign Ministry come after Germany's presumptive next Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was open to delivering the long-range missiles to Ukraine.
France's Aix-Marseille University offered a program for scientists "threatened in their research" in America. Europe is sensing an opportunity to attract talent as the Trump administration cuts funding to colleges.
Protesters in Berlin occupied a university lecture hall over attempts to deport pro-Palestinian activists. Police said protesters defaced the classroom and threw fireworks at them.
Americans are kept up-to-date on how their president is doing and Donald Trump, they recently learned, is in tip-top shape. German chancellors are a lot less forthcoming. Fainting spells or depression are kept secret.
A teenager in eastern Germany is accused of producing the deadly biological warfare agent ricin in his family's attic. Police said the suspect remains at large.
A plane carrying scores of Afghan nationals deemed at risk of persecution by the Taliban has prompted a political wrangle in Germany, where an incoming government promises a tougher stance on migration.
A top German court has ruled that it would not be inhumane to deport two asylum seekers to Greece. The men had sought refugee status in Germany after already filing applications in the Mediterranean nation.
Taiwanese activist Sung Chien-liang wore a Nazi armband and held a Chinese translation of Adolf Hitler's "Mein Kampf" at the New Taipei District Prosecutors Office where he was summoned for questioning.
After Donald Trump unveiled his controversial list of countries targeted by steep punitive tariffs, the rules-based global trade order has been fundamentally shaken, with Germany scrambling to find its way.
Berlin prosecutors have filed charges against a palliative care physician on suspicion of multiple murders in overdosing his patients. The suspect allegedly set fire to some victims' apartments to cover up his crimes.
Berlin prosecutors have filed charges against a palliative care physician on suspicion of multiple murders in overdosing his patients. The suspect allegedly set fire to some victims' apartments to cover up his crimes.
The trip comes as center-left Scholz is expected to soon hand over his position as chancellor to conservative Friedrich Merz. German-Polish relations have faced challenges such as reparations during Scholz's term.
A court in Frankfurt handed a hefty fine to a disoriented driver who hugged Chancellor Olaf Scholz on an airport runway. The individual said he had been partying for two days before mistakenly joining a motorcade.
Germany's likely next chancellor Friedrich Merz strongly condemned a Russian attack in northeastern Ukraine that killed more than 30 people. He also remains open to providing Ukraine with Taurus missiles.
The Bundeswehr urgently needs to recruit and that has triggered a debate on a possible return to conscription. However, the military profession is struggling to attract young people.
Germany's antitrust authorities have approved UniCredit's plans to buy a major stake in Commerzbank but the federal government continues to say the Italian lender's approach amounts to a "hostile takeover."
Germany exports more goods to the US than to any other country in the world. While trade ties remain robust, Trump's tariff policies pose a major challenge.
Germany's incoming coalition government has announced plans to boost housing construction to help ease the desperate shortage of affordable homes. That's good news for those seeking to build in the capital Berlin.
Germany exports more goods to the US than to any other country worldwide. While trade ties remain robust, Trump's tariff policies pose a major challenge.
More than 1,000 visitors to the Miniatur Wunderland tourist attraction, which is home to what is believed to be the world's largest model railway, had to be evacuated. It was unclear who was behind the suspected attack.
The suspected attacker was shot by police while trying to flee after stabbing a man to death with a kitchen knife at an underground station in western Berlin. Both the male attacker and victim were known to the police.
The alleged perpetrator was shot by police after stabbing his victim to death with a kitchen knife. Both men were known to the police and had previously been convicted of assault and violating the Narcotics Act.
The incoming government has announced plans to boost housing construction to help ease the desperate shortage of affordable homes. That's good news for those seeking to build on Berlin's Tempelhofer Feld.
Several secondary schools in Duisburg were closed this week after a series of threatening emails with far-right content were sent. Police are investigating if the events are connected.
The Bundeswehr urgently needs to recruit and that has triggered a debate on a possible return to conscription. However, the military profession is struggling to attract young people.
Germany's economy is in the doldrums. The new government wants to change this. But leading economists are skeptical about whether they have found the right recipe.
For the first time, a minister of state is to be specifically responsible for sport in Germany's new government. What difference will this really make?
Chocolate makers have defended the price premium that Easter bunnies command over similarly-sized chocolate bars. High global cocoa prices have put strain on the industry in the lead up to Easter.
Germany's conservative and center-left parties are eager to reach a coalition deal, given the many uncertainties abroad. One way or another, most of these challenges are due to US President Donald Trump.
Buchenwald, one of the largest Nazi concentration camps on German soil, was liberated 80 years ago on April 11, 1945. What role can remembrance of the Holocaust play amid the current resurgence of far-right extremism?
Mental illness is not uncommon in the world of sport. Talking about it is often still taboo. German fencer Léa Krüger makes her bulimia disorder public and calls for change.
The next German governing coalition of the center-right CDU/CSU alliance and center-left Social Democratic Union seeks to stop an expedited path to citizenship. However, dual citizenship and a 5-year path will remain.
Economic institutes have dramatically cut their growth forecast for Germany this year to just 0.1%. The sombre prediction could be exacerbated by the impact of "reciprocal" levies — suspended for the time being.
After weeks of negotiations, the conservative CDU/CSU bloc and center-left SPD presented a coalition deal to form a new government. Talks took on a sense of urgency amid a host of global and domestic challenges.
Friedrich Merz is set to become Germany's next chancellor. He has a checkered history in German politics — from challenging Angela Merkel to causing controversy by aligning with the far right.
His faith was stronger than his fear: Dietrich Bonhoeffer dared to resist Adolf Hitler's regime — and paid for it with his life. The theologian's legacy inspires us today, even in unexpected ways.
The Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp, which was liberated 80 years ago, was one of the largest on German soil. What role can remembrance play amid the current resurgence of far-right extremism?
A new report has revealed how many citizens see the media as an enemy. In the past year, attacks on journalists and media houses in Germany have increased dramatically.
Germany's defense chief has told DW that the situation between Germany and Russia is currently a gray zone. He said German society and armed forces had to develop resilience as the threat of Russian aggression grows.
Berlin has put a freeze on applications as it prepares for a new government with new immigration priorities. The scheme focuses on particularly vulnerable refugees who cannot stay in their initial country of arrival.
The last witch trial in Germany took place 250 years ago. Yet a global study shows that the belief in witchcraft is still alive and well in the 21st century.
Classrooms in the western German city of Duisburg have been closed after extremist threats linked to several schools. Officials said the measure was precautionary.
The bodies of two men and a woman were found in a small town in Germany, triggering a major manhunt for a suspect seen leaving the scene. Residents have been asked to stay at home and not pick up hitchhikers.
Christian Wulff gave the warning at an event marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the Nazi Buchenwald concentration camp. The ceremony was marred by a conflict between the organizers and the Israeli embassy.
Germany's center-right parties and the far-right AfD are now polling neck and neck, the latest INSA survey showed. The CDU/CSU alliance is in advanced talks to form a new coalition with the center-left Social Democrats.
Four citizens of the EU and the US are accused of criminal offenses during pro-Palestinian protests in Berlin — but have not been convicted. Their lawyers are fighting to prevent their deportation.
German Secretary of State for European Affairs Anna Lührmann was expelled from the Serb entity of Bosnia in retaliation for German sanctions against the Bosnian Serb leadership.
President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has criticized elements of US domestic and foreign policies, from the treatment of LGBTQ+ people in public institutions to the weakening of the transatlantic alliance.
Scientist Rabea Rogge landed back on the coast of California after four days of orbiting above the Earth. The mission included three other astronauts, all associates of billionaire Chun Wang.
Referee Fabienne Michel was reportedly subjected to sexist abuse from the stands while officiating a football match in Germany's third division. The German Football Federation has opened an investigation.