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Topic of the week

German roots abroad

Junge Frauen in traditioneller Tracht der Siebenbürger Sachsen.

German minorities “Many preserve customs that have become rare in Germany nowadays”

Sonnenaufgang über der Düne 45 in Namibia

German culture in Namibia

“Christmas here smells of sunscreen”

Julia Tayps mit Kindern im Deutschen Haus in Mukatschewo

Ukraine

“Aid is blind to nationality”

Kyrgyzstan

“I attempt to reveal the intangible”

USA

America’s German roots

In Namibia finden sich vereinzelt noch Straßenschilder mit deutschen Bezeichnungen.

Language

How diverse German can sound

Test your knowledge

Quiz

German roots abroad: test your knowledge!

In 1683, 13 German families emigrated to America. What was the name of the city they founded?

A stamp printed in the USA shows Concord 1683, German Immigration Tricentennial, circa 1983

Which South American country is home to one of the world’s largest Oktoberfests?

Paare in Trachten und Lederhosen tanzen beim Oktoberfest in Blumenau.

Which variant of German is spoken to this day in the USA?

Michael Werner, Herausgeber, hält mehrer Zeitschriften „Hiwwe wie driwwe“ in seinen Händen. In Ober-Olm wird eine Zeitschrift „Hiwwe wie driwwe“ (Hüben wie drüben) herausgegeben, die in dem pfälzischen Dialekt Pennsylvania-Deutsch geschrieben wird. Sie wird in den USA und hier gelesen.

How many Americans describe themselves as being of German descent?

Die Nationalflaggen der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika und der Bundesrepublik Deutschland auf einer Wand mit einem vertikalen Absatz bzw. Riss in der Mitte und zwei unterschiedlichen Putzarten. Foto mit Composing als Symbolbild für das Verhältnis zwischen den USA und der BRD.

How long have the Transylvanian Saxons, one of the oldest groups of German settlers, lived in Romania?

20.05.2018, Bayern, Dinkelsbühl: In traditioneller Tracht laufen Teilnehmer eines Trachtenumzuges anlässlich des Pfingsttreffens der Siebenbürger Sachsen durch die Altstadt von Dinkelsbühl. Foto: Timm Schamberger/dpa

“Christmas here smells of sunscreen”

Namibian open-water swimmer Phillip Seidler talks about his daily life, in which he combines German and Namibian traditions.

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Newsroom

Wolodymyr Selenskyj im August 2025 in Berlin (Archivbild)

+++ Ticker Foreign Relations Ukraine talks continue in Berlin

Rabbiner Yehuda Teichtal, Bundespräsident Frank-Walter Steinmeier und Elke Büdenbender entzünden am Sonntag die erste Chanukka-Kerze vor dem Brandenburger Tor.

In the wake of the Sydney attack Commemoration during the Jewish festival in Berlin

Wolodymyr Selenskyj (l.) und Friedrich Merz (Archivbild)

Ukraine war Zelenskiy to meet US and European representatives in Berlin

Aimée von Pereira und Emily Vogel vom deutschen Handball-Team

Handball World Championship German women’s handball team plays for World Championship gold

Bundeswirtschaftsministerin Katherina Reiche

Industrial policy Reiche aims to strengthen the chemicals industry – negotiations with Brussels are underway

EU setzt sich neues Ziel für den Klimaschutz

Environment New EU climate action goal

Dr. Lars Castellucci, Beauftragter der Bundesregierung für Menschenrechtspolitik und humanitäre Hilfe

Human Rights Day Castellucci: No stable international order without human rights

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Christmas 2025

Wie deutsche Weihnachten feiern: Alles was ihr über deutsche Weihnachtstraditionen wissen müsst.

Christmas

Traditions

How Christmas is celebrated in Germany

Spending Christmas with the Germans: Which rituals are important and why potato salad is part of a traditional celebration.

Christmas

Christmas markets

Magical Christmas markets

Germany’s cities are filled with the glitter and aromas of Christmas. Six popular German Christmas markets – and what makes them so special.

Christmas

Christmas dishes

Eating Christmas: Three Traditional German Dishes for December

One thing a German Christmas should always conjure: food, and plenty of it.

Schnitzel & small talk

Countdown of possibilities

Advent calendars have evolved from unpretentious timekeepers into dazzling consumer goods.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Tunisia to Germany: Working as a mechatronics engineer

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

Regional Focus

Santhosh Jayaprakash aus Indien hat mehrere Start-ups gegründet.

Five tips for getting started in Germany

Asia

“Reliability matters a lot in Germany and I think that’s a good thing”

Entrepreneur Santhosh Jayaprakash has founded several start-ups in Germany. These are his tips for skilled professionals who want to be successful here.

Erhält den Deutschen Afrika-Preis 2025: die Aktivistin Namatai Kwekweza aus Simbabwe.

German Africa Prize

Africa

A bold voice for young democracy: Namatai Kwekweza

The activist Namatai Kwekweza defies repression in her campaign for political participation in Zimbabwe, which has earned her the 2025 German Africa Prize.

Thomas Mann House

North America

Taking a stance for democracy in the spirit of Thomas Mann

55 Voices for Democracy: the multi-media series produced by the Thomas Mann House Los Angeles relies on prominent voices to promote a democratic culture of debate.

Find out more about Germany and the world

Schnitzel & small talk

Schnitzel & smalltalk

Schnitzel & small talk

Pushing the boundaries at an exclusive club

Rosalía’s hit Berghain cements Germany’s most iconic dance temple as pure myth – somewhere between door-drama, style anxiety and bass onslaught.

Migration

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

Fairy tales and legends

Wo lebte Rapunzel? Die märchenhafte Trendelburg ist ein Anwärter.

Fairy-tale places

Exploring the German Fairy Tale Route: five selected spots with a distinctive atmosphere.

Deutsche Märchenfiguren wie das Rotkäppchen sind über Grenzen hinweg bekannt.

“Fairy tales help us understand one another”

Literature expert Tilman Spreckelsen explains why fairy tales resonate worldwide and why their characters speak to every culture.

Fantasy – made in Germany

Cornelia Funke and many other German authors are continuing the fairy-tale tradition in fantastic new ways.

Rotkäppchen zählt zu den bekanntesten Märchenfiguren der Brüder Grimm. Hier gezeichnet von Otto Ubbelohde (um 1906).

The Grimm fairy tales – from popular oral tradition to the world

How the Brothers Grimm collected German fairy tales, why these resonate worldwide and how they continue to shape pop culture. Read here to find the enchanting facts!

In Hameln lebt die Sage vom Rattenfänger bis heute weiter.

German legends: of heroes, dragons and flutes

How centuries-old stories from Germany continue to live on around the world and fascinate people to this day.

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.

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.

Sustainability in everyday life

#LivingResponsibly

Be kind to the environment - here’s how!

Cycling to work, buying regional fruit and vegetables and using green electricity - we present some great ideas for how to make your day-to-day life more sustainable.

German economy: #LeadingInnovation

Germany’s Hidden Champions: unknown but indispensable innovation drivers

German Mittelstand “We are the backbone of the economy”

Germany’s big players: driving innovation forward

“Germany is a great place to found a startup”

Fraunhofer: a hub for cutting edge research and innovation

Read more

The new Federal Government

Kanzler Friedrich Merz (M.) mit Mitgliedern seines Kabinetts

Germany’s new government: resolute shift in policy

In its first 100 days, Germany’s new government has already highlighted numerous areas of focus and strengthened Germany’s international partnerships.

“Germany is ready to act again as a strong partner”

Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz wants to live up to the expectations that others have of the EU’s economically strongest and most populous country.

“I hear the call for greater German responsibility”

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasises in an interview that he would like to expand Germany’s partnerships – to maintain freedom, prosperity and security.

Die neue deutsche Bundesregierung hat viel vor.

These are the goals of the German government

From digitisation to defence: the new German government has big plans. Here are some examples.

Reem Alabali-Radovan bei der Amtsübernahme

Reem Alabali-Radovan: “Respect, regardless of status and background”

The minister for economic cooperation and development came to Germany as the child of refugees and has carved an impressive career for herself.

Bundeskanzler Friedrich Merz (l.) zu Gast beim ukrainischen Präsidenten Wolodymyr Selenskyj

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz: clear messages from the outset

At the start of his term in office, Merz made it clear what is important to him in foreign policy terms: peace for Ukraine and a strong role for Germany in the EU.

Außenminister Johann Wadephul bei seinem US-Amtskollegen Marco Rubio.

German foreign policy in troubled times

After just a few weeks in office, Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has already set the tone in a challenging global situation.

Die neue Bundeswirtschafts- und Energieministerin Katherina Reiche

Katherina Reiche: growth through freedom

German Economics and Energy Minister Katherina Reiche wants to revive the German economy – and believes that tax relief for companies is the way forward.

Decision on members of the new government

Prior to the election of Friedrich Merz as Chancellor, the CDU/CSU and SPD have announced their ministers.

Friedrich Merz: conservative transatlanticist

Who is the new federal chancellor of Germany and what does he stand for politically?

Day-to-day life in Germany

Deutsche sind sehr vielfältig. Doch wie sind sie im Durchschnitt?

Statistics

Facts about Germany

How do Germans live?

How do average people in Germany live and work? How old do they get? How much do they earn? We have all the facts and figures.

Germany’s most popular beers

Pilsner or wheat? Germany is seen as the country of good beer. Here are the regional specialities.

Living in Germany

Friendship

How and where can I get to know people?

New to a German city? We'll show you the quickest way to make contacts and where you can meet people.

find out more

Getting Started in Germany

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.

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.

Read more

Development and Dialogue

German Africa Prize

A bold voice for young democracy: Namatai Kwekweza

Garry Kasparov, Masih Alinejad und Leopoldo López bei der World Liberty Conference in Berlin

Europe

Global Alliance for Democracy

Treffen der Außenminister von EU und AU in Brüssel

25 years of the EU-Africa partnership

A joint vision for peace, prosperity and mobility

Mobility and Travel

Mit dem Fahrrad kommt man nah ran an die Mauerreste.

Europe

Following the Berlin Wall trail

Getting around in Germany

Mit dem Deutschlandticket nutzt du Busse und Bahnen im Regionalverkehr.

Travel in Germany

Deutschlandticket: travel across Germany by bus and train

The economy in Germany

Five tips for getting started in Germany

“Reliability matters a lot in Germany and I think that’s a good thing”

Skilled crafts and trades

Made it!

Tradition

The art of craftsmanship: handmade joy

Choose your topic

Germany - the Federal Government

#BetterTogether: Global engagement

Neuankommende Fluechtlinge im Registration Center Kakuma, Kenia

Humanitarian Assistance

Renewable energies

Germany in the United Nations

Working in Germany

Your guide to studying in Germany

Famous Germans

Rainer Maria Rilke, hier vermutlich 1906, gilt bis heute als einer der größten deutschsprachigen Dichter.

A portrait

Poetry

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.

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.

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 – 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

Teilnehmende der Besucherreise tauschen sich aus.

Journalism

Fake news

Joining forces against disinformation

Around the world, media professionals are fighting manipulation and the decline in public trust. They came together to share their experiences at the invitation of the Federal Foreign Office.

Karnevalsumzug mit einer Figur von Kanzler Scholz

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.

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