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German Unification, 15 Years Later

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West and East Germany became one country on October 3, 1990, less than a year after the Berlin Wall fell and the Cold War was relegated to history.

Amid the initial euphoria, there was also a realization that creating a unified Germany would be a long and difficult process.

The old border that separated East and West may have blurred with time, but 15 years on, the effects of reunification are still being felt by people on both sides of the divide.

DW-WORLD looks back on the events that led up to German unification, examines how the country has changed as a result, and asks what challenges still remain for the future.

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Reports & Analysis

Genscher: "Unification Was the Only Way"

Germany is gearing up for its national day, when the country celebrates the Oct. 3, 1990 unification of West and East Germany. DW-WORLD spoke to the foreign minister at the time, Hans-Dietrich Genscher.

Leipzig Thriving Under Reunification

After 15 years of German reunification, the city of Leipzig is booming. That can't be said for all of the former East Germany.

The European Legacy of the Fall of the Wall

German reunification and the EU's eastward expansion have a lot to do with each other. After the Wall fell, it was clear that the other nations of Europe, now free from Soviet hegemony, were eager to be integrated.

German East Accused of Misappropriation

Next week, East German states are required to tell Finance Minister Hans Eichel how they spent the billions of euros in subsidies the federal government transferred last year. A new study does not paint a pretty picture.

Germany's Slow Economic Reunification

The German government has, over the past years, been harshly criticized for its investment in rebuilding the former East Germany, but Berlin is sticking to its program of support.

Reunification's Cultural Challenge

Politically and economically speaking, the two German states couldn’t have been more different after 40 years of separation. But the common cultural tradition was considered the basis for one nation.

Unification: A Tale of Two Cities

Back in 1990, pundits predicted it would take a generation to meld the two Germanys. DW-TV sent two reporters to take a look at how the other half lives 15 years later, just beyond the halfway mark.

How Two Armies Became One

The reunification of Germany in 1990 not only meant the unity of political entities. The two German armies, once prepared to shoot at each other, had to put mistrust aside and be combined smoothly into one unit.

Focus on Eastern Germany

DW-WORLD takes a closer look at current issues in eastern Germany.

The Fast Track to Reunification

On October 3, 1990, the reunification of Germany was official. For over 45 years, West and East Germany existed side-by-side but in two different worlds. In a matter of months, the improbable became reality.

Opinion: Germany Must Accept Differences

Instead of being proud of what they've achieved in 15 years of unification, Germany's mood is dominated by discontent. But after 40 years of separation, how could the differences have been leveled out any more quickly?