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Topic of the week

Basic Law

xxxEine Frauenskulptur mit Augenbinde und einer Waage in der Hand Constitutional law Does Germany’s Basic Law need an update?
Ein Mann steht vor einer Schulklasse.
Education
“I have rights – but so do others”
Eine Insel von oben
Herrenchiemsee
Pomp and parliamentary democracy
Das Grundgesetz ist Deutschlands wichtigstes Buch
Basic Law
Germany’s most important document
Bild
Equality
The mothers of the Basic Law
Drei Frauen und ein Mann in roten Roben sitzen an einem Tisch.
Federal Constitutional Court
Guardian of the Basic Law

Test your knowledge

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Quiz
Put your knowledge of Germany’s Basic Law to the test here!
Quiz
© AdobeStock
The Basic Law …
Doppelt angezeigtes Cover des Grundgesetzes
© picture alliance/dpa
The Basic Law was compiled by 61 men and … women.
Versammlung von Menschen vor einem Pult, hinter dem ein Mann steht und spricht
© picture alliance/dpa
What is Article 1 of the Basic Law about?
Artikel 3 des Grundgesetzes
© picture alliance/dpa
Whose job is it to protect and uphold the Basic Law?
Richter und Richterinnen stehen und blicken in den Saal.
© picture alliance/dpa
When was the Basic Law announced?
Menschen in Anzügen stehen in einem Raum und blicken nach vorn
© picture alliance/dpa
Where did the constitutional convention that prepared the Basic Law meet?
Ansicht auf ein Schloss
© AdobeStock
Germany’s most important book
The German Basic Law sets out, amongst other things, the fundamental rights and the principles governing the functioning of the state.
© dpa

The German Basic Law came into effect in 1949. It was originally designed as a provisional constitution. Five questions and answers.

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Newsroom

Newsroom
Die Polarstern im Arktischen Ozean +++ Ticker Foreign Relations Return of the German research vessel ‘Polarstern’
Sandra Hüller bei den diesjährigen Filmfestspielen in Cannes Film festival Great Cannes moments for German films and stars
Gewinne der Dax-Konzerne steigen Business Profits rise at DAX companies
Trump und Merz stehen in einem Gang bei einem Treffen in Washington US-German relations Friedrich Merz: the US and Germany are strong partners in NATO
Mario Draghi (l.) und Friedrich Merz Europe Mario Draghi honoured with the Charlemagne Prize
Mehr Firmengründungen in Deutschland Business More business start-ups in Germany
Eine Gruppe junger Studierender Higher education Germany is one of the world’s most popular destinations for students

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Application for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council

Ein lang gestrecktes, schmales Stück Land im Meer
Does a nation still exist if it sinks beneath the waves?
Island nations like Tuvalu could soon disappear. The UN-coalition C-SET is also considering the ramifications under international law.
Serap Güler, Staatsministerin im Auswärtigen Amt
Why is Germany continuing to support the UN, Ms Güler?
The UN is being obstructed by some of its members and is struggling financially. Nonetheless, Germany wants to step up rather than reduce its engagement.
Ein Mann mit Kapitänsmütze und dem Schriftzug „Skipper“ auf dem Hemd blickt in die Kamera.
188 days between Cyprus and Lebanon
Monitoring the sea area, training Lebanese soldiers: aboard a German frigate that is involved in the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission.
UNMISS Police Commissioner Meinolf Schlotmann (r.) bei der Übergabe eines Fahrzeugs an den South Sudan National Police Service
“Peace can only be achieved through dialogue”
Meinolf Schlotmann from Germany is the leader of the police component of the UNMISS peacekeeping mission in South Sudan that aims to provide protection and security as well as to build trust.

Regional Focus

Michael Frei und Muhammad Shahedul Alam im Gewächshaus der Universität Gießen Food security
Asia
Resilient rice despite polluted air
How two researchers from Giessen and Bangladesh bred an ozone-resistant rice variety – potentially protecting millions of tonnes of rice.
Zwei Personen in Schutzanzügen stehen auf einem Hof vor Klinikgebäuden; daneben ein Metallbettgestell. Medicine of the future
Africa
Faster than the virus
How the Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine is working with partners in Africa to help the world prepare better for the next pandemic.
Forschende trainieren im Cybersecurity-Zentrum ATHENE die Abwehr komplexer digitaler Angriffe. Security
Israel
Speed meets precision: this is the new German-Israeli cyber alliance
Cyberattacks on electricity grids, companies and government agencies are on the increase. A research project is developing strategies aimed at better protecting critical infrastructure.

Find out more about Germany and the world

Security and defence in Germany

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Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (r.) und NATO-Generalsekretär Mark Rutte
Why does Germany stand firmly by NATO?
For Germany and Europe, the alliance is a unique success story. See here for the key questions and answers.
Die Bundeswehr hat 20 neue Eurofighter Kampfjets bestellt.
How Germany is rearming
Missile defence, drones, artillery: Germany is racing to boost its defence capability with massive investments. An overview.
Die europäischen Staaten rücken näher zusammen. Hier Bundeskanzler Merz (r) mit Frankreichs Präsident Macron (M) und Großbritanniens Premierminister Starmer
Greater responsibility, greater sovereignty
War in Europe, power politics instead of rules, and an unpredictable US president: Germany is redefining its security policy.
Fregattenkapitän Inka von Puttkamer steht vor dem Minenjagdboot „Dillingen“
Germany’s minehunter
Sea mines threaten the vital shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz. Naval officer Inka von Puttkamer is preparing Germany’s mine countermeasures response.

Pros & Cons

deutschland.de Stories

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Schnitzel & small talk

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Research vessel `Polarstern' back in Bremerhaven
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Economy

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Der ersten „Gigafabrik“ in Salzgitter sollen weitere an anderen Standorten folgen, etwa im spanischen Valencia.
New momentum for electric mobility in Europe
Germany’s automotive industry has launched an ambitious endeavour to catch up in the field of battery manufacturing. The goal is to increase independence from Asian competitors.
Die moderne Landwirtschaft ist zunehmend datengetrieben.
High tech in the fields
Driverless farm machinery, artificial intelligence and smart livestock breeding are making agriculture more precise, efficient and sustainable - in Germany and worldwide.
Cloud-Spezialist Santhosh Jayaprakash in Berlin
“I’m especially impressed with the German Mittelstand”
IT expert Santhosh Jayaprakash has established a number of start-ups in Berlin. What are his impressions – and his tips?
Raum für Kreativität: Ana Paniagua in ihrem Büro in Frankfurt am Main
Ana and Imad hit the ground running
The media designer from Mexico and the mechanic from Syria who have set out on their own. What does being self-employed mean to them? They share their experiences and tips.
Video Germany’s Hidden Champions: unknown but indispensable innovation drivers
Video German Mittelstand “We are the backbone of the economy”
Video Germany’s big players: driving innovation forward
Video “Germany is a great place to found a startup”
Video Fraunhofer: a hub for cutting edge research and innovation
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Skilled crafts

Dieu Hue Tong aus Vietnam macht eine Ausbildung zur Bäckerin.
Made it!
They have come from Ecuador, Tunisia and Vietnam, and all have found their place in Germany. Let’s meet Victoria, Aymen and Dieu Hue.
Hier wird ein Dach auf traditionelle Weise mit Reet gedeckt, also mit getrocknetem Schilfrohr.
The art of craftsmanship: handmade joy
The German TV series “Handwerkskunst” opens the doors of workshops across the country. It present people for whom work is about talent and devotion.
Starkes Team: Geschäftsführerin Claudia Frick (M.) mit den Schneiderinnen Tetiana Korenivska (l.) und Reyhane Heidari
Sewing: a universal language
A fashion workshop in Frankfurt am Main shows how diversity can be key to a successful business. People from many different nations work together there and enhance the business.
Moderne Werkstätten und hohe Sicherheitsstandards: Das Handwerk bietet gute Arbeitsbedingungen.
Five great reasons to work in the skilled crafts and trades
Great working conditions, a secure job, development opportunities – there are so many reasons to train and work in the skilled crafts and trades in Germany.
Deutsch lernen
Five steps to gaining a qualification in Germany
Rohan Gupta from India wants to train an electronics technician in Germany. Our infographic explains how he will get here.
Raum für Kreativität: Ana Paniagua in ihrem Büro in Frankfurt am Main
Ana and Imad hit the ground running
The media designer from Mexico and the mechanic from Syria who have set out on their own. What does being self-employed mean to them? They share their experiences and tips.
Icon EBook
Digital magazine: Careers in the skilled crafts and trades – talented people wanted!
Read our free 56-page magazine to find out all about job opportunities in the skilled crafts and trades in Germany.
Read the e-magazine now
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From Ecuador to Germany: Working as an industrial mechanic
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From Vietnam to Germany: Working as a baker's apprentice
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From Tunisia to Germany: Working as a mechatronics engineer

Healthcare of the future

Manche Krankheiten wurden wegen Geschlechtsunterschieden lange nicht erforscht.
“In women, heart attacks are detected less often”
Sabine Oertelt-Prigione specialises in gender-sensitive medicine. Therapies tend to designed for men, she says, and the consequences are harsh for women.
Medizinstudierende in blauen Chirurgenshirts
What tomorrow’s doctors must learn
German universities are preparing the next generation of physicians for the use of innovative tools: AI, algorithms and robots.
Hand mit Wearable und Gesundheits-App
Using AI to fight diseases
In Germany, public and private pharma research is using AI. The race is on to improve diagnoses and invent new therapies.
Im Hochsicherheitslabor des Bernhard-Nocht-Instituts untersuchen Forschende hochgefährliche Viren.
“The probability of another pandemic is 100 per cent”
When a virus first appears, speed matters. Relying on mobile labs in East Africa, Hamburg’s institute for tropical medicine is looking out for new pathogens.
Die deutsche Pharmaindustrie ist innovationsstark.
In the laboratory of the future
Germany’s pharma and medical technology industry stands for high tech, innovation and medical progress. It requires reliable framework conditions, however.

Migration

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Deutschland ist seit Jahrzehnten ein Einwanderungsland. Migration Migration policy Germany remains a country of immigration - with clear rules
Zugewanderte bringen neue Perspektiven und Geschäftsideen ein. Skilled workers Migration One in seven patent applications is filed by somebody with an migration background

Humanitarian aid

Mehr als 26.000 Menschen in Sudan sind kürzlich von Al-Faschir in das Lager Tawila geflüchtet.
“Standing by the people”
Violence in Darfur is escalating, and hundreds of thousands are fleeing. Germany is providing additional funds – for drinking water, food and medical care.
Vertriebene Sudanesinnen und Sudanesen im neu errichteten Lager Al-Afadh
“Abhorrent violations of international law”
In the face of hospitals unable to cope, blocked convoys and serious human rights violations, numerous states have called on Sudan to end the attacks.
2025 hat die Bundesregierung bislang 35 Millionen Euro für humanitäre Hilfe in Südsudan bereitgestellt.
Combating hunger, sack by sack
Securing the food supply, saving lives: Germany is one of the biggest donors of humanitarian aid and supports numerous organisations in South Sudan.
Kein Raum für Trauer: Diese Südsudanesin muss ihre verbliebenen Familienmitglieder versorgen.
Where German help is changing lives
Armed conflicts, drought and flooding have plunged South Sudan into crisis. German projects provide food, water and protection.
Kambodscha: Eike Hesselbarth (rechts) vom Auswärtigen Amt spricht mit einem Mitarbeiter der Nichtregierungsorganisation The HALO Trust.
An invisible threat to 60 million people
The Federal Foreign Office supports efforts to remove unexploded ordnance around the world, aiming to protect the civilian population of current and former conflict areas.
Halo Trust arbeitet an der Beseitigung von Minen in Syrien
The invisible threat
Every day, people in Syria are killed by explosives hidden in the ground. Germany is helping to remove the devices.
Somalia
Alleviating crises around the world
Germany provides humanitarian aid to support millions of people, including in countries and regions that are not at the centre of media attention.

Day-to-day life in Germany

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Deutsche sind sehr vielfältig. Doch wie sind sie im Durchschnitt? Statistics Facts about Germany How do Germans live?
treffen Living in Germany Friendship How and where can I get to know people?

Getting Started in Germany

IT-Managerin Ayushi Sharma
Work, German lessons and buttered pretzels - Ayushi Sharma’s life in Germany
After completing her master’s in Munich, the young woman from India embarked on a career in Germany as an IT manager. This is how she got off to a successful start.
In sieben Schritten zum Job in Deutschland
Finding your job in Germany in seven steps
Mаríа Fernаndа Gаrcíа López is from Mexico and wants to work as IT specialists in Munich. The journey of this 28-year-old skilled worker is just one example of how you can come to Germany.
Die Erzieherin Daniela Noya wagte den Schritt nach Deutschland.
Teaching, learning, making friends – Daniela Noya’s life in Germany
The nursery school teacher from Colombia works at a nursery. She talks here about how she started out in Germany.
Das neue Digitalmagazin „Ankommen in Deutschland“
How to get off to a successful start in Germany
The new digital magazine from deutschland.de provides international skilled professionals with useful tips when they arrive in Germany.
Khaled Elbarbary
From the Red Sea to the Black Forest – Khaled Elbarbary’s life in Germany
Qualified staff from abroad are also in demand in Germany’s hotel sector. Let us introduce you to a young Egyptian who works in the Black Forest.

Development and Dialogue

Development and Dialogue
Urban Diplomacy verbindet Kommunen weltweit
Twinned cities
Mayors as ambassadors
Deutschland leistet den weltweit größten Beitrag zur Entwicklungszusammenarbeit.
Development cooperation
Development cooperation: Germany is the world’s biggest donor
Stève Hiobi erhielt 2023 den Grimme-Online-Award.
Inspiring courage
“The younger generation gives me hope”

Mobility and Travel

Mobility and Travel
Ansicht der Reeperbahn in der Nacht.
Port stories
Welcome to the world’s most sinful mile
Die Statsraad Lehmkuhl zählt zu den Höhepunkten des Hamburger Hafengeburtstags
Port stories
Just ropes and rigging, no TikTok
Die 2017 eröffnete Elbphilharmonie ist das bekannteste Wahrzeichen der Hamburger HafenCity.
Port stories
Well-prepared for storm surges

The economy in Germany

The economy in Germany
Die deutsche Pharmaindustrie ist innovationsstark.
Healthcare of the future
In the laboratory of the future
Künstliche Intelligenz unterstützt bei Diagnosen und Therapien.
#LeadingInnovation
Using AI to fight diseases
Medizinstudierende in blauen Chirurgenshirts
Healthcare of the future
What tomorrow’s doctors must learn

Choose your topic

Die neue Bundesregierung
Germany - the Federal Government
better together
#BetterTogether: Global engagement
Neuankommende Fluechtlinge im Registration Center Kakuma, Kenia
Humanitarian Assistance
Erneuerbare Energien
Renewable energies
UN- und Deutschland-Flaggen
Germany in the United Nations
Arbeiten in Deutschland
Working in Germany
Studieren in Deutschland
Your guide to studying in Germany
Deutsch lernen
Learning German
Eisbergabbruch
Climate Protection
Roboterhand, Menschenhand
Digitization
Was Europa zusammenhält
The EU at a glance
Brandenburg gate at sunset
Destination Germany

Famous Germans

Konrad Adenauer
Konrad Adenauer – the founding chancellor
Born 150 years ago, Konrad Adenauer shapes the nascent Federal Republic of Germany as its first chancellor, the architect of Western integration - and a polemical and ruthless politician.
Rainer Maria Rilke, hier vermutlich 1906, gilt bis heute als einer der größten deutschsprachigen Dichter.
The perfect poet
Rainer Maria Rilke was born 150 years ago. The German-language poet was much admired even in his lifetime, and his works continue to touch people around the world to this day.
Ihre Gedanken sind bis heute aktuell: Hannah Arendt (1906–1975)
A life in exile: Hannah Arendt and her escape from evil
Hannah Arendt was one of the most influential political theorists. Her works reveal how important it is to stand up for democracy and human rights.
Martin Luther
Reformation Day: Martin Luther, the Reformer
How Martin Luther and the Reformation have continued to influence German society until the present.
Wim Wenders bei der Verleihung des Europäischen Filmpreises 2024
Wim Wenders - travelling the world through film
Wim Wenders has made a name for himself not just as one of Germany’s leading directors but also as a photographer.
Sophie Scholl
Sophie Scholl: Resistance icon
Sophie Scholl is one of the most famous women in German history. As a member of the “White Rose”, she was part of the resistance to the Nazi regime.
Albert Schweitzer 1965 vor dem von ihm gegründeten Krankenhaus in Lambaréné
Albert Schweitzer: out of reverence for life
What drove the doctor, humanist and Nobel Peace Prize laureate – and how he built an entire hospital village in what is today Gabon.
Ihr Tagebuch wurde nach Anne Franks Tod weltberühmt.
Anne Frank and her diary: writing for eternity
Anne Frank died in a concentration camp aged 15. Her diary is one of the most important documents which bear witness to Nazi atrocities.
Theologe Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer: faith in contradiction
It is not possible to be a National Socialist and a Christian at the same time: this is the attitude that defined the life of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. The theologian was murdered by the Nazis on 9 April 1945.
Gutenberg-Denkmal in Mainz
Johannes Gutenberg – knowledge for the whole world
It was his invention of letterpress printing with movable type that enabled books to be produced rapidly and inexpensively.
Erich Kästner 1969 in München
Erich Kästner: a great children’s book author – and much more besides
His children’s books have been translated into more than 70 languages and continue to sell millions of copies to this day. Erich Kästner didn’t just write for young readers, however.
Blick in die Schau in der Hamburger Kunsthalle
Caspar David Friedrich: the master of silence
Forgotten, misunderstood and celebrated: Caspar David Friedrich’s works are ready to be rediscovered again in his 250th anniversary year.
Goethe ist einer der bekanntesten Dichter und Denker Deutschlands.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe: a genius, even beyond literature
Goethe shaped German culture like no other. His persistent thirst for knowledge was his greatest motivation.
Marlene Dietrich, Hollywood-Star aus Deutschland
Marlene Dietrich - world star, style icon, myth
The actress and singer was a phenomenon of her era and continues to inspire many people around the world today, partly because of her political stance.
Franz Kafka
Franz Kafka – the eternal enigma of world literature
The world's most widely read German-language author died on 3 June 1924 – and left instructions for all his writings to be destroyed.
Käthe Kollwitz mit Selbstbildniss (vermutlich von 1940)
Käthe Kollwitz – a dauntless woman and major artist
Her works are of timeless significance and exceptional artistic quality. Käthe Kollwitz campaigned against war and poverty and for the rights of women.
Thomas Mann 1916
Thomas Mann – a literary giant of the century
2025 marks the 150th anniversary of Thomas Mann’s birth and the 70th anniversary of his death – a good moment to revisit the work of the Nobel laureate.
Clara Schumann
Clara Schumann – art is the air I breathe
She was a pianist, composer, piano teacher, superstar – and she is the most famous woman in music history. A portrait to mark the 205th anniversary of her birth
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In focus

Julia Smirnova: „Diskreditierung demokratischer Institutionen“ Disinformation Russian Russian manipulation – “a fatal distortion of reality”
Teilnehmende der Besucherreise tauschen sich aus. Journalism Fake news Joining forces against disinformation
Karnevalswagen mit Kanzler Merz Humour
Artistic freedom
Satire in Germany: as provocative as possible, please
Mockery and malice: artists in Germany have plenty of opportunities to critically engage with politics and society.
Meinungsfreiheit ist in Deutschland ein hohes Gut. Law
Legislation
Where do the limits on freedom of expression begin?
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right in Germany – but it still has its limits. Putting this much-debated issue into context.
Hybride Angriffe auf Deutschland nehmen zu. Crime
Propaganda and sabotage
Protecting democracy against hybrid attacks
Germany is focusing its attention on the risks posed by information manipulation, cyberattacks and acts of sabotage. Most of the attacks are orchestrated from abroad.