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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

Dokus KW 33

Dokus KW 33

Breaking the silence over endometriosis

190 million women around the world suffer from endometriosis, a chronic disease of the abdomen.

People attend a flower laying ceremony on occasion of the 35th wall anniversary at the grounds of the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Nov.9, 2024.

People attend a flower laying ceremony on occasion of the 35th wall anniversary at the grounds of the Berlin Wall Memorial, Berlin, Germany, Saturday, Nov.9, 2024.

Germany commemorates 35 years since fall of Berlin Wall

An art installation of posters and placards marked the path of the Cold War dividing line through the German capital.

A fake construction zone sign that warns of a "debt brake" set up in fron of the Reichstag with a German flag flying on the background

A fake construction zone sign that warns of a "debt brake" set up in fron of the Reichstag with a German flag flying on the background

Fact check: Does lifting debt brake defy an oath of office?

Germany's former finance minister said suspending the country's debt brake would violate his oath. It's not that simple.

A view from above of lawmakers sitting in the German parliament

A view from above of lawmakers sitting in the German parliament

SPD's Stegner defends no-confidence vote delay

Ralf Stegner, of the center-left Social Democrats, spoke with DW about what comes after the collapse of the coalition.

projection of the former synagogue in Dortmund

projection of the former synagogue in Dortmund

A light in the darkness: Remembering Germany's destroyed synagogues

To commemorate the pogroms, images of destroyed synagogues were projected onto their original locations in 2023.

A group of Jewish men marching down a street, the two in the front have a large yellow star tied to them. Men in uniform walk in front of and alongside them

A group of Jewish men marching down a street, the two in the front have a large yellow star tied to them. Men in uniform walk in front of and alongside them

November 9 pogroms showed coming Nazi brutality

On the night of November 9, 1938, Nazis and mobs sympathetic to them carried out pogroms against Jews in plain sight.

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

'Kristallnacht' not strong enough term for anti-Jewish riots

In Germany, the term "Kristallnacht" is falling out of favor when referring to the violent events of November 9, 1938.

Homeopathic globules

Homeopathic globules

Homeopathy – myths exposed

History of homeopathy: myths and truths surrounding this alternative medicine.

DW Arts Unveiled (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Arts Unveiled (Sendungslogo Composite)

Manga, myths & homeopathy - Arts Unveiled

Myths surrounding homeopathy. And Japanese mangas that glorify the military and the Nazis.

A woman stands in front of a piece of the graffiti-covered Berlin Wall.

A woman stands in front of a piece of the graffiti-covered Berlin Wall.

Segments of Berlin Wall — 35 years after fall

The Berlin Wall fell on November 9, 1989. A DW team went looking for still-standing segments of the structure.

Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz speaking to each other in the Bundestag. Archive image from 2023.

Olaf Scholz and Friedrich Merz speaking to each other in the Bundestag. Archive image from 2023.

Germany: Scholz open to new talks with CDU leader Merz

An ally said the chancellor would be willing to speak with the CDU head — after handling urgent Bundestag business.

Reichstag tower with German flag against a dark cloudy sky

Reichstag tower with German flag against a dark cloudy sky

German coalition's demise hits unsettled nation

The government has collapsed at a moment when the national mood is already besieged by multiple crises.

A photo from 1997 by Jordis Antonia Schloesser showing a boy playing in a graffiti-covered bus in the backyard of the Kunstehaus Tacheles.

A photo from 1997 by Jordis Antonia Schloesser showing a boy playing in a graffiti-covered bus in the backyard of the Kunstehaus Tacheles.

Berlin in the 1990s: Playground and wasteland

The decade that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall shaped the city's global image as a hub of creativity and change.

People look at artworks lined up as an open-air installation at river Spree marking the former course of the Berlin Wall

People look at artworks lined up as an open-air installation at river Spree marking the former course of the Berlin Wall

How the Berlin Wall divided East from West

The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years as a symbol of communist oppression, but a popular uprising brought it down.

künftige Moschee Erfurt, erster Moschee-Neubau in der ehemaligen DDR

künftige Moschee Erfurt, erster Moschee-Neubau in der ehemaligen DDR

Building a mosque in East Germany

A Muslim community is building one of East Germany's first mosques with a minaret. Some residents are strongly opposed.

A wide view of the plenary of the German parliament, as people debate

A wide view of the plenary of the German parliament, as people debate

Germany moves to set 'right time' for early election

Calls for a snap election are growing louder within the German parliament, following the coalition's collapse this week.

A young German political activist Pauline speaks to DW that young people must raise their voices to drive real change for Germany.

A young German political activist Pauline speaks to DW that young people must raise their voices to drive real change for Germany.

German youth seek change amid possible early election

While German parties are in distress over government instability, young activists are mobilizing around their beliefs.

A man takes a photo of a large display at Checkpoint Charlie

A man takes a photo of a large display at Checkpoint Charlie

What was it like when the wall fell at Checkpoint Charlie?

Amateur photographer Mathias Brauner captured the atmosphere when the Berlin Wall fell at the former border crossing.

Protesters holding up a banner reading 'Femicide is no singular incident'

Protesters holding up a banner reading 'Femicide is no singular incident'

Partner violence is often deadly in Germany

A woman is killed by a partner or ex-partner every two days in Germany. Activists say the state fails to fight femicide.

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

DW Euromaxx (Sendungslogo Composite)

Euromaxx — Lifestyle in Europe

35 years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, studying at the University of Edinburgh, bold claims about Italian cuisine.

Robert Habeck giving a statement on November 7, 2024 at his ministry

Robert Habeck giving a statement on November 7, 2024 at his ministry

Habeck wants to be Germany's next chancellor

After the coalition's fall, the economy minister has announced his intent to run as the Greens' chancellor candidate.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, gives a statement before a session of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, in Berlin, Germany, November 8, 2024.

Friedrich Merz, leader of the conservative Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, gives a statement before a session of the Bundestag, Germany's lower house of parliament, in Berlin, Germany, November 8, 2024.

Germany's coalition collapse: Merz's CDU ready to take power

Riding high in the polls, the center-right Christian Democrats are eager to fight a federal election campaign.

A defendant sits in the courtroom during the continuation of the trial at the Dresden Higher Regional Court (OLG) and holds a writing pad with the words "Free Lina" in front of his face

A defendant sits in the courtroom during the continuation of the trial at the Dresden Higher Regional Court (OLG) and holds a writing pad with the words "Free Lina" in front of his face

Germany: Suspected left-wing extremist arrested in Thuringia

German police have arrested an alleged violent left-wing extremist leader in the eastern state of Thuringia.

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Trump victory, German coalition collapse

What does Trump mean for European security and Ukraine? What does Berlin's government coalition collapse mean for it?

DW In Good Shape Sendungslogo

DW In Good Shape Sendungslogo

Living with a colostomy bag

Philipp Stehler is frank about his chronically inflamed colon. His ordeal included having a stoma.

Omar Marmoush celebrating scoring against Slavia Prague in Europa League action.

Omar Marmoush celebrating scoring against Slavia Prague in Europa League action.

Omar Marmoush: The Bundesliga – and Egypt's – next big star

Mo Salah's Egyptian teammate Omar Marmoush has gone from largely unkown to one of the Bundesliga's hottest commodities.

DW Projekt Zukunft Sendungslogo Englisch (Tomorrow Today)

DW Projekt Zukunft Sendungslogo Englisch (Tomorrow Today)

Tomorrow Today — The Science Show

AI is changing many fields. Could it also improve weather forecasts and start providing mental health services?

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Scholz pressured to call no-confidence vote

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is under pressure to clear the way for an election fast.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy shaking hands with Annalena Baerbock

Volodymyr Zelenskyy shaking hands with Annalena Baerbock

Is Germany still able to act on foreign policy?

Germany's government collapsed over budget issues such as increasing aid to Ukraine, but the opposition vows continuity.

This is "Berlin Briefing"

This is "Berlin Briefing"

Trump victory, German coalition collapse

What does Trump mean for European security and Ukraine? What does Berlin's government coalition collapse mean for it?

AfD leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel at the far-right party's convention in Essen

AfD leaders Tino Chrupalla and Alice Weidel at the far-right party's convention in Essen

Germany's far-right AfD looks to capitalize on snap election

Though unlikely to govern, how does the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany party want to reach German voters?

A black-and-white photo of two young girls wearing dirndls

A black-and-white photo of two young girls wearing dirndls

Surviving the Holocaust: 'There is no God'

The film "Verity Circle" tells the story of two sisters who survived the Theresienstadt Ghetto.

Olaf Scholz in Munich, Germany standing in front of US and Ukraine flags

Olaf Scholz in Munich, Germany standing in front of US and Ukraine flags

Trump's win, German government crisis threaten Ukraine aid

With Donald Trump winning the US election and the German government collapsing, where does that leave Ukraine aid?

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wearing a yellow helmet

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wearing a yellow helmet

German government crisis: Businesses demand economic fixes

After the collapse of Germany's governing coalition, calls are mounting for rapid action to shore up the ailing economy.

Olaf Scholz walks outside, looking sideways at the camera

Olaf Scholz walks outside, looking sideways at the camera

What next for Germany after government collapse? A timeline

With the collapse of the fractious governing coalition, Germany faces an early election. DW explains the next steps.

1. FC Magdeburg huddle up before a game

1. FC Magdeburg huddle up before a game

35 years after Berlin Wall, East German football struggling

East Germany’s political collapse was mirrored in football, but a focus on youth brings hope for the future.

Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz looking grim

Robert Habeck and Olaf Scholz looking grim

Political wrangling starts after German coalition collapse

German Chancellor Scholz wants to continue heading a minority government of Social Democrats and Greens. Will it work?

German newspapers front-pages with President-elect Donald Trump are seen at a station kiosk in Cologne, Germany

German newspapers front-pages with President-elect Donald Trump are seen at a station kiosk in Cologne, Germany

'The nightmare': Germany's media react to Trump's victory

In a country where Donald Trump is unpopular, German media were busy explaining how and why the billionaire won.

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Germany's governing coalition collapses: What now?

Chancellor Olaf Scholz, of the Social Democratic party, has called for a confidence-vote in January.

Signs and a flag in front of the German Bundestag building

Signs and a flag in front of the German Bundestag building

What is Germany's debt brake?

Germany's government reportedly collapsed because of differences over a borrowing ban called the debt brake. What is it?

Dänemark | Debatte um Methansteuer für Rinder

Dänemark | Debatte um Methansteuer für Rinder

Focus on Europe — Spotlight on People

Denmark is the first country to start taxing climate-damaging emissions in the agricultural sector.

A man works on the production line in a car factory

A man works on the production line in a car factory

What Trump's tariffs mean for Germany's struggling industry

German businesses are bracing for the impact punitive tariffs from the US could have on their bottom lines.

Stefan Ortega makes a save for Manchester City

Stefan Ortega makes a save for Manchester City

Nagelsmann names final Germany squad of 2024

Before the 2026 World Cup draw and the end of 2024, Germany have two Nations League group matches to play.

Man inside the Finow ship lift

Man inside the Finow ship lift

The XXL ship elevator in Germany

In Niederfinow, Germany, cargo ships are lifted 36 meters into the air. We take a closer look.

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

Nach Ampel-Aus | Bundespräsident Steinmeier übergibt Entlassungsurkunde an Lindner

German political crisis

The governing coalition collapsed after Chancellor Scholz fired his finance minister, paving the way for an early vote.

Police in Dresden at the site of one of the raids

Police in Dresden at the site of one of the raids

Far-right AfD moves to expel 'Saxonian Separatist' militants

The group follows Nazi ideology and seeks to use social collapse to seize parts of eastern Germany.

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

Olaf Scholz addressing the media on Wednesday evening (November 6, 2024)

German Chancellor Scholz runs out of patience with coalition

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz displayed unusual fervor in explaining why he sacked his FDP coalition partner.

Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner on their way to a joint press conference (file photo)

Robert Habeck, Olaf Scholz, Christian Lindner on their way to a joint press conference (file photo)

What's behind Germany's coalition government collapse?

Chancellor Scholz's announcement of a confidence vote could trigger an early parliamentary election by the end of March.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) during a joint press conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (L) and German Finance Minister Christian Lindner (R) during a joint press conference

Germany's coalition government collapses over ailing economy

Divisions over how to save Germany's feeble economy have led to the collapse of its government.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses a press conference

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses a press conference

Germany's Scholz sacks FDP finance minister

German Chancellor Scholz sacks Finance Minister Lindner and says he wants to call a confidence vote in January.