In focus:

Topic of the week: Philosophy

Porträt eines Mannes mit runder schwarzer Brille, kurzem Bart und Seitenscheitel, der in Anzug, weißem Hemd und hellgrüner Krawatte vor dunkelblauem Hintergrund in die Kamera blickt.

Does the world even exist?

Fields of meaning, New Realism, AI ethics: Rethinking the world, Markus Gabriel draws surprising conclusions about life with artificial intelligence.

Eine Illustration deutschen Philosoph Immanuel Kant von 1870, in dessen Gesicht eine Pixel-Art Sonnenbrille retuschiert wurde. — © iStock / Grafissimo / fazit

Quiz

Fun facts about German philosophers – test your knowledge

Which philosopher was almost impossible to beat at pool?

Billardkugeln auf einem Billardtisch — © iStock / edmnc

Who had one poodle after the next, all named Atma (“world soul”)?

Ein weißer Hund mit roter Sonnenbrille lehnt sich aus einem Autofenster — © iStock / Bevan Goldswain

Who was considered a bit of a “colour consultant” by his friends and known for his clear views on other people’s choice of clothing?

Mann in orangefarbenem Anzug vor lilafarbener Wand — © iStock / Deagreez

What did Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel’s contemporaries claim was a typical part of his lectures?

Illustration des deutschen Philosophen Georg Friedrich Wilhelm Hegel — © iStock / clu

Which great thinker was known for being a party-loving student in his time at university in Bonn and Berlin, and even got into trouble for noisy nighttime activities?

Mehrere junge lachende Menschen tragen eine Person

Verkleidetes Denkmal in Berlin: Moderner Marx? — © dpa

What Karl Marx means to us today

Find out more

Newsroom

Ticker Foreign Relations

13.07.2026: 1.8 billion dollar for drone manufacturer Helsing 10.07.2026: Wadephul urges Iran and USA to find a diplomatic solution 09.07.2026: German satellites launched into space from California

Newsroom

Das deutsche Segelschulschiff „Gorch Fock“ hat in Nordamerika die Regatta „Five Sister Trophy“ gewonnen.

Sailing

Gorch Fock wins regatta in North America

The German navy’s sail training ship won the legendary Five Sister Trophy race from New York to Boston.

Environment

Federal government steps up marine conservation efforts

Germany’s Environment Minister Carsten Schneider has presented the key elements of a plan to protect and promote the sustainable use of the seas. The measures include action to tackle so-called ghost nets.

Diplomacy

Wadephul announces German-French initiative for Lebanon

Peace efforts in the Middle East and strengthening the EU’s foreign policy are set to top the agenda ahead of next week’s Franco-German ministerial council meeting.

Menschen arbeiten in einem Büro zusammen

Business

Record number of new start-ups

A record-breaking over 3,000 new start-ups were founded in Germany in the first half of 2026, thanks to the AI boom.

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz redet im Bundestag.

Security policy

Merz announces Tomahawk purchase for Germany

In a statement he delivered after the NATO summit, Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz confirmed plans to enhance deterrence and increase defence spending.

Boris Pistorius bei einer Pressekonferenz, im Hintergrund ein U-Boot

Defence

Canada buys German submarines

To renew its submarine fleet, Canada is cooperating with Germany and Norway on a deal worth billions.

Digitisation

Reiche: Germany is on its way to becoming an industrial AI champion

Germany relies on artificial intelligence as a driver of growth: AI applications are to become a standard part of industrial activities by 2030.

Newsroom

Defence

U-Boot-Bestellung aus Kanada: Ein Boot der Vorgängerklasse 212A

Submarines for NATO fleet

Defence

Why Canada has chosen German-Norwegian submarines

Up to twelve submarines, a historic contract for TKMS and a signal to NATO: we answer the most important questions about the cooperation with Canada.

Defence

Security

3d printing, drones and supersonic tech for the Bundeswehr

To boost Germany defence capacities, a new innovation centre will fast implement good ideas expressed by troops, researchers and start-up companies

Defence

Armed forces

The Federal Republic’s new military strategy

The Bundeswehr is set to become Europe’s strongest conventional army by 2039. We assess the background of the Federal Government’s strategy.

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (r.) und NATO-Generalsekretär Mark Rutte

Defence

Transatlantic Alliance

Why Germany is an unwavering NATO member

For Germany and Europe in genral, the alliance has been an unprecedented success. We assess key issues.

Bundesverteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius (SPD) fliegt in einem Airbus Cougar AS 532 Hubschrauber zu seinem Besuch der General-Dr. Speidel-Kaserne des Bundeswehr ABC-Abwehrkommando in Bruchsal. — © picture alliance/dpa | Uli Deck

Quiz

Security in Germany: test your knowledge!

Animal names and the Bundeswehr: which of these does not exist?

Ein Verkehrsschild verbietet an einer Straße die Durchfahrt für Panzer. — © picture alliance / dpa | Matthias Balk

What among other things sets the Munich Security Conference apart?

Antonio Luis Santos da Costa, Präsident des Europäischen Rates, spricht auf der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz. — © picture alliance/dpa | Matthias Balk

When was the Federal Police special operations unit GSG 9 established?

Ein Mitglied der GSG 9, Spezialeinheit der Bundespolizei, steht an Bord eines Küstenwachschiffs. — © picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt

Which test is not part of the GSG 9 selection process?

Mitglieder der Spezialeinheit GSG 9 vor einem Heilikopter. — © picture alliance / Flashpic | Jens Krick

How many volunteers work for the Federal Agency for Technical Relief?

Einsatzkräfte des THW (Technisches Hilfswerk) im Landesverband NRW bei einer mehrtägige Großübung. — © picture alliance / Jochen Tack | Jochen Tack

Which subject is not taught to future agents of the Federal Intelligence Service?

Der Bundesadler und Schriftzug am Gebäude des Bundesnachrichtendienstes in Berlin. — © picture alliance / ZB | Sascha Steinach

Since when have women in the Bundeswehr been permitted to carry weapons?

Soldatinnen und Soldaten des Heimatschutzregiments 6 sind im Schloßpark Möckern angetreten. — © picture alliance/dpa | Klaus-Dietmar Gabbert

How safe is Germany?

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Find out more about Germany and the world

Pros & Cons

Would you go to war for your country?

Should compulsory military service be reintroduced in Germany? Two young people are sharing their views on the issue.

Famous Germans

Ihre Gedanken sind bis heute aktuell: Hannah Arendt (1906–1975)

A portrait

Philosophy

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.

The man in the hat who made Germany laid-back

Udo Lindenberg is a musician, cult figure and political voice. He made rock music with German lyrics popular and has been a defining influence for decades. He now turns 80.

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.

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: 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.

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.

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: 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 – 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.

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

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.

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Schnitzel & small talk

Eine Familie posiert für ein Foto am Strand.

Clichés

Schnitzel & smalltalk

Germans traveling

German holidays: even relaxation is organised

Can Germans relax on holiday? Absolutely! In efficient, weatherproof style – and with a tightly scheduled daily plan.

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Videos

Deal with the US: Germany purchase Tomahawk cruise missiles

124.7 billiob euros: Germany´s defence spending at a record high

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Skilled crafts

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

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.

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.

From Ecuador to Germany: Working as an industrial mechanic

From Vietnam to Germany: Working as a baker's apprentice

From Tunisia to Germany: Working as a mechatronics engineer

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