In focus:

Topic of the week: Armed forces

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

Test your knowledge

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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Newsroom

Ticker Foreign Relations

06.07.2026: Germany is on the way to becoming a military power: Stoltenberg praises Pistorius 03.07.2026: Germany strengthens Europe’s chip industry 02.07.2026: Merz wants to make NATO more European

Newsroom

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.

Mehrere Windkraftanlagen erzeugen auf einer landwirtschaftlichen Fläche umweltfreundlichen Strom aus erneuerbaren Energien.

Energy transition

Record green electricity production: Renewables supply 58 percent

More and more climate-neutral electricity is being used in Germany. Wind and solar in particular rose sharply in the first half year.

Foreign policy

Merz congratulates Trump on 250th anniversary

Merz talks to Trump on the phone on 250th anniversary of US independence. They also discuss the upcoming NATO summit.

Friedrich Merz, Markus Söder, Bärbel Bas und Lars Klingbeil stellen das Reformpaket im Garten des Kanzleramtes vor.

Reforms

Ten billion euros in tax relief: the coalition presents its reform package

The Federal Government’s reform package provides for lower taxes and a reduction in red tape. The package is praised by associations and criticised by the opposition and trade unions.

Außenminister Johann Wadephul trifft seinen Amtskollegen Pablo Quirno in Argentinien

Wadephul in South America

Germany and Argentina sign raw material partnership

A declaration of intent is to improve Germany’s access to raw materials needed for cutting-edge technology and to reduce dependencies.

Verteidigungsminister Boris Pistorius bei der Übergabe an das 1. Deutsch-Niederländisches Korps in Estland.

NATO defence

German-Netherlands Corps: new NATO command responsibility in the Baltic region

Germany and the Netherlands are assuming greater responsibility for protecting NATO’s eastern flank, just a few days before the NATO summit in Ankara.

Enttäuschung bei Torhüter Manuel Neuer nach dem WM-Aus im Elfmeterschießen gegen Paraguay.

World Cup 2026

Germany knocked out of World Cup by Paraguay

The German team was eliminated from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the round of 32. Paraguay won on penalties, following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

Newsroom

Ein Mann mit Schutzhelm steht vor einem eingestürzten Gebäude

Venezuela

Earthquake

“The level of support is overwhelming”

48 volunteers from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) are looking for people buried under rubble in Venezuela. THW President Sabine Lackner spoke about the mission in an interview.

Cybersecurity

Deutschland stärkt seine Cyberabwehr technisch und strukturell.

Germany is reinforcing its digital defences

To fight off cyber attacks, the Federal Government keeps restructuring its agencies. Clear responsibilties boost the country’s resilience.

Porträtfoto einer Person mit kurzem dunklem Haar, leichtem Schnurrbart und Kinnbart, mehreren Ohrpiercings und schwarzem Sakko.

"Security means to reduce vulnerability"

Increasingly powerful cybertacks hit clinics, companies and authorities daily. Linus Neumann of the non-governmental Chaos Computer Club knows what helps.

Hidden operations: Germany's intelligence services

Three agencies protect the nation and its democracy: the Federal Intelligence Service, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution and the Military Counterintelligence Service.

Menschen sitzen vor einem Bildschirm und unterhalten sich.

Studying cyber security

Cyber security has become extremely important in business and society. German colleges offer bachelor and masters courses. Here are three examples.

Hybride Angriffe auf Deutschland nehmen zu.

How is German democracy under hybrid attack?

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. 

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deutschland.de Stories

How do Germans get their news?

One country, countless ways to ride

UN Peacekeepers: More needed than ever.

AI revolution in Germany?!

Care worker perspectives

Sängerin, Guitarrist und Bassist der Band Linkin Park auf der Bühne des Open-Air-Festivals Rock im Park 2026

Music

Culture

Beer, beats and big stages: Germany’s best music festivals

Germany has a reputation for spectucular festivals that attract masses of fans from around the world. Here is a list of ten top events.

Regional Focus

Maria Kalesnikava mit einem Mikrofon in der Hand

Democratic resistance

Belarus

“Art is stronger than death”

Belarusian opposition leader Maria Kalesnikava talks about her exile in Germany, the power of art and culture and the fight for Europe’s future.

Vier Fußballfans in schwarz-rot-goldenen Hüten und mit Deutschland-Fanartikeln jubeln auf der Tribüne eines großen Stadions.

Sport

FIFA World Cup

Germany flies the flag in North America

Thousands of German football fans have travelled to Canada, Mexico and the US to cheer on their national team in the World Cup - or were there already.

Zwischen März und April 2026 brach das Ebola-Virus in Ostkongo aus.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

Africa

Fighting Ebola: how Germany is supporting people in eastern DR Congo

The Ebola virus is spreading in eastern DR Congo. There is currently no approved vaccine for this outbreak. Germany is providing support in cooperation with local partners and regional networks.

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.

Social Media

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

Getting Germany back on its feet: Coalition puts together reform package

Rutte in Berlin: Secretary-General praises Germany´s commitment to NATO

Ukraine remains strong: Europeans pledge continued support

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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.

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.

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

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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