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German History

"Germany" refers to a region in Central Europe that was made up of kingdoms and principalities for centuries. It was unified as the German Empire in the 19th century. This page collates DW content on German history.

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All Content on this topic

Teaser | Don't drink the milk | Staffel 2

Teaser | Don't drink the milk | Staffel 2

Reality TV: Our ancient thirst for drama

On a trip from Ancient Rome to Laguna Beach we track down the roots of reality TV and ask: Why are we so drawn to drama?

A closeup of cancer cells and microrobots seen under a microscope

A closeup of cancer cells and microrobots seen under a microscope

Could microrobots be used to zap cancer cells?

Microrobots can now be wirelessly guided to a human cell. Is this a breakthrough in cancer research and treatment?

DW reporter Anooshay Abid walking next to remains of the Berlin Wall

DW reporter Anooshay Abid walking next to remains of the Berlin Wall

35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall used to divide the German capital. DW shows you where you can still see some of its remains.

Unapologetic – Friedensaktivisten und Podcaster

Unapologetic – Friedensaktivisten und Podcaster

Unapologetic — the podcast

Two young Palestinian peace activists started a podcast in English, called “Unapologetic. The Third Narrative.”

Ship in historic ship lift in Finow, Germany

Ship in historic ship lift in Finow, Germany

Technology trends: Yesterday and tomorrow — MADE

VW in big trouble, aviation fuel of the future, recycling solar panels and a ship lift.

Two people smiling in Bavaria

Two people smiling in Bavaria

Germans are happier than they were last year — study

In five states, life satisfaction reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.

German-Iranian software developer Jamshid Sharmahd

German-Iranian software developer Jamshid Sharmahd

Tehran says German-Iranian died before execution

The statement contradicts an earlier confirmation from the Iranian regime that Jamshid Sharmahd had been put to death.

Why is Volkswagen so important for Germany?

VW's long history isn't enough to help it out of crisis. It will need to reinvent what it does to make the jump to EVs.

Several kids in a gym

Several kids in a gym

How a German football club is making refugees feel at home

German football club Hertha Bonn's project "Football Connects" helps refugee children integrate into the country.

Picture of the bare backs of three people sitting on the sand at a beach.

Picture of the bare backs of three people sitting on the sand at a beach.

Is Germany drawing the curtain on nudism?

The German Association for Free Body Culture turns 75, but the country is seeing changing attitudes towards naturism.

German police

German police

Germany: Eight suspected right-wing militants arrested

The group called themselves the "Saxon Separatists" and sought the collapse of civilization.

Magazin Euromaxx | 02.11.2024 | Tierbestattungen Deutschland

Magazin Euromaxx | 02.11.2024 | Tierbestattungen Deutschland

Mourning a pet

In Germany, it's now possible to mourn a deceased pet in a former church.

An empty office in Germany showing tables and chairs

An empty office in Germany showing tables and chairs

German firms tested 4-day workweek — here's the outcome

German firms ended a test run of a 4-day workweek with promising results. But can they be applied across the economy?

A newborn baby yawns in his bed

A newborn baby yawns in his bed

Germany's birth rate drops to 10-year record-low

The number of children born in Germany is falling — a trend that will have long-term consequences for society.

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

Left to right: Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner

German government descends into crisis mode

Chancellor Olaf Scholz is trying to hold his government together, but his partners seem unable to stop infighting.

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

An outside view of the chancellor's office, with the heads of Finance Minister Christian Lindner (L) and Chancellor Olaf Scholz (R) just visible

Why Germany's coalition government is under threat

The FDP finance minister has triggered a dispute that observers say is backing his coalition partners into a corner.

Two Women stroll in the rain at the East Side Gallery in Berlin

Two Women stroll in the rain at the East Side Gallery in Berlin

Giveaway: 35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall

Thirty-five years after the fall of the Berlin Wall: Find out more about German reunification and win a DW Travel Kit!

left to right Christian Lindner, Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz on the government bench in the Bundestag

left to right Christian Lindner, Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz on the government bench in the Bundestag

Germany could face snap election

Speculation is mounting that Germany's center-left government is about to collapse. This could lead to early elections.

Windmill park at sea

Windmill park at sea

Offshore wind energy: What's the big deal?

From Donald Trump to local activists, accusations against "whale-killing" windmills are flying.

Magazin Euromaxx | 02.11.2024 | Eisbein

Magazin Euromaxx | 02.11.2024 | Eisbein

Berlin-style pork knuckle a beloved traditional dish

Berlin-style pork knuckle, or Eisbein, is sure to leave you full. But how is it prepared?

German midfielder Jamal Musiala warms up with the ball at his feet in Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France

German midfielder Jamal Musiala warms up with the ball at his feet in Groupama Stadium in Lyon, France

How the VW crisis threatens German football sponsorships

Volkswagen's slump in profits and labor crisis could lead the German automaker to reconsider its football sponsorships.

Firefighters tackle the train blaze

Firefighters tackle the train blaze

Berlin: Large fire destroys passenger train, cause unclear

Rail investigators look into the cause of a blaze that engulfed a three-carriage train on the outskirts of Berlin.

German doctor talking to a patient

German doctor talking to a patient

Germany's health care system has a language problem

Germany is a multilingual society, but access to health care is often frustrating for people who don't speak German.

Olaf Scholz speaks on a phone while standing in front of the US Capitol in Washington

Olaf Scholz speaks on a phone while standing in front of the US Capitol in Washington

Is Germany more prepared for a Donald Trump presidency?

A second Donald Trump presidency could upend trade relations and security cooperation. Is Berlin ready?

The two polar bear cubs' parents Kap (foremost) and Nuka

The two polar bear cubs' parents Kap (foremost) and Nuka

Germany: Zoo wary over newborn polar bear cubs' prospects

However, the zoo says, the chances are not particularly good that the cubs will survive.

The iconic Belgrade's bridge will close to traffic on November 2 when authorities plan to begin its demolition

The iconic Belgrade's bridge will close to traffic on November 2 when authorities plan to begin its demolition

Serbia starts 'German Bridge' demolition despite outcry

A World War II-era bridge that the Nazis built is formally closed in the Serbian capital, Belgrade, ahead of demolition.

DW Arts Unveiled (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Arts Unveiled (Sendungslogo Composite)

Unseen heroes — Roma resist Nazis

Roma heroes who resisted the Nazis: Sinti boxer Johann "Rukeli" Trollmann staged a protest at a title fight to ridicule the Nazi's racial ideology. Alfreda "Noncia" Markowska saved around 50 children destined for concentration and death camps.

Cosplayer Andreas Reumschüssel seen in regular clothes, and costumed as Reinhard van Astrea

Cosplayer Andreas Reumschüssel seen in regular clothes, and costumed as Reinhard van Astrea

Meet an anime cosplayer

Enthusiasts like Andreas escape their everyday lives across the globe by immersing themselves in fantasy worlds.

Black and white photo of women at sewing machines in the women's' prison in Hoheneck, 1990s

Black and white photo of women at sewing machines in the women's' prison in Hoheneck, 1990s

Victims of East Germany's dictatorship hope for compensation

Ikea was among many companies that profited from forced labor in prisons under the former East German dictatorship.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle in Europe

Life in Venice, burying beloved pets, and fascinating facts about Berlin's famous Eisbein.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump dances at a campaign rally

Donald Trump would have little chance in Germany — poll

German voters across almost the entire political spectrum prefer US Democratic candidate Kamala Harris to Donald Trump.

DW Sendung Shift | Inclusive Gaming

DW Sendung Shift | Inclusive Gaming

Playing video games — blind?

Gaming isn’t always accessible. A start-up from Leipzig wants to change that.

DW Projekt Zukunft Sendungslogo Englisch (Tomorrow Today)

DW Projekt Zukunft Sendungslogo Englisch (Tomorrow Today)

Tomorrow Today — The Science Show

Why we need diversity in animals and plants, and what food has to do with culture and background.

Solid-state battery components

Solid-state battery components

Solid-state batteries made in Germany

A German start-up wants to beat the Chinese competition with a solid-state battery suitable for mass production.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with ambassadors of foreign countries in Iran, in the capital Tehran on October 29, 2024.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi speaks during a meeting with ambassadors of foreign countries in Iran, in the capital Tehran on October 29, 2024.

Iran condemns consulate closures in Germany as 'sanction'

The Foreign Ministry has urged German citizens to leave Iran to avoid the risk of being held hostage.

DW Sendung Shift | Gesamtsendung

DW Sendung Shift | Gesamtsendung

New technology for visually impaired people — Shift

How are AI and robotics transforming the world for blind and visually impaired people?

German lawmaker and transgender woman Nyke Slawik speaking in parliament

German lawmaker and transgender woman Nyke Slawik speaking in parliament

Germany's transgender rights law takes effect

A new law makes it easier to alter gender markers and names on official documents, a welcome recognition for some.

Porsche cars in front of a German company headquarter building

Porsche cars in front of a German company headquarter building

Are Germany's subsidized company cars hurting EV adoption?

Germany spends billions of euros to subsidize company cars with combustion engines, slowing the electric mobility shift.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender lay a wreath at the Memorial to the Executed of Kandanos in Greece, 31 October 2024.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier and his wife Elke Budenbender lay a wreath at the Memorial to the Executed of Kandanos in Greece, 31 October 2024.

Germany seeks forgiveness for Nazi crimes in Greece

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier visited a Greek village razed by Nazi troops during World War II.

Tourists visit Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

Tourists visit Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, Germany.

Traveling across Germany: Most beautiful sights in photos

Since the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, tourists can travel freely in Germany.

Domestic Sheep grazing at the photovoltaic power station on land at Saarbrücken airport

Domestic Sheep grazing at the photovoltaic power station on land at Saarbrücken airport

EU greenhouse gases dropped sharply in 2023

Brussels said the data showed that tackling climate change does not need to put the brakes on economic growth.

Switzerland - Geneva 2024 | Robot artist Ai-Da is painting at the "AI for Good Global Summit"

Switzerland - Geneva 2024 | Robot artist Ai-Da is painting at the "AI for Good Global Summit"

Can an AI robot take over the arts?

Robots used to be industry working tools - making their owners money in factories. Now they're conquering the art scene.

A protest sign featuring the image of Jamshid Sharmahd

A protest sign featuring the image of Jamshid Sharmahd

Germany closes Iranian consulates over Sharmahd execution

Foreign Minister Baerbock announced the measure in response to the recent execution of German citizen Jamshid Sharmahd.

Activists swimming in the Baltic Sea in front of a ship carrying Russian oil, holding up a banner reading 'no money for war'

Activists swimming in the Baltic Sea in front of a ship carrying Russian oil, holding up a banner reading 'no money for war'

Russian oil tankers threaten Baltic Sea environment

Hundreds of Russian oil tankers pass through the Baltic Sea. Many of them are dilapidated and uninsured.

Multiple container ships are docked at Container Terminal Altenwerder at Hamburg Port

Multiple container ships are docked at Container Terminal Altenwerder at Hamburg Port

No recession, but little relief, for German economy

It seems like nothing but bad news these days for the German economy. Does new economic data offer some good news?

left to right: Kamala Harris, Olaf Scholz, Donald Trump

left to right: Kamala Harris, Olaf Scholz, Donald Trump

How could results of 2024 US election influence Germany?

Whoever wins the US presidential election, the outcome will have a significant impact on Germany.

Iranian consulate sign in Munich, Germany

Iranian consulate sign in Munich, Germany

Germany orders shutdown of all Iranian consulates

The German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock says all three of Iran's consulates in the country are to close.

DW Eco India (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Eco India (Sendungslogo Composite)

Eco India: Waste — what to do with it?

Billions of tons of waste are produced each year. What can we do about it?

A VW employee presenting the company's ID.3 electric model

A VW employee presenting the company's ID.3 electric model

Can VW's bet on Brazil help as sales in Germany, China fall?

Volkswagen is facing a crisis in its key European and Asian markets, but business in Brazil is on the upswing — for now.

Entrance to train station

Entrance to train station

Germany: Manhunt after explosives left at Berlin station

German police are looking for a man who left a bag of explosives at Berlin's Neukölln train station.