Skip to main content
Open meta menu Menu
+
Open settings
Close menu
+

Language selection

Display and barrier-free access

Dark Mode
Enlarge text
deutschland.de in sign language
In focus:
Topic of the week: Social security system
Doctor
Social security system
Society

How the German healthcare system works

Almost everyone has health insurance, and the standard of healthcare is high. But rising costs are putting the system under pressure to reform.
Beratungsgespräch
Working in Germany
A fresh start
Consultation services and training opportunities are available to help unemployed people in Germany to quickly find a new job.
Couple
Society
Pensions in Germany: a system undergoing reform
The statutory pension is the most important pillar of retirement provision. But demographic change poses challenges for its funding.
Quick fact
Healthcare expenditure in Germany in 2025 (provisional estimate):
€580 billion
Quick fact
Total healthcare expenditure of €580 billion is equivalent to around 13 per cent of Germany’s gross domestic product.
Source: destatis

Newsroom

Ticker Foreign Relations
21.09.2026: Wadephul calls on UN to make progress on resolving crises 18.09.2026: Pistorius assures UN of continued support for peacekeeping 17.09.2026: Canada and EU seek closer partnership

Newsroom

Newsroom
Stimmabgabe
Federal states
Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania and Berlin go to the polls
The AfD won the most votes in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, while Die Linke came first in Berlin.
General Carsten Breuer
Defence
German general to head NATO Military Committee
NATO faces major decisions. Carsten Breuer will become Secretary General Mark Rutte’s principal military adviser, putting a German officer in one of NATO’s most influential military positions.
Kampfjet F-35
Defence
Germany receives F-35 fighter jet from USA
It is a major step forward for the German air force: the first F-35 fighter jet is being handed over in the USA. It is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Thyssenkrupp-Stahlwerk in Duisburg
Business
German industry’s order backlog at record high
German industry is increasingly optimistic that the current phase of economic weakness is coming to an end. Defence contracts provide much-needed boost, but another key sector has also seen growth.
Ein laufender Roboter
Defence
Merz discusses AI for industry and defence with Strategy Group
At the third meeting of the Strategy Group at the Federal Chancellery, experts discussed Germany's AI strategy and innovations for the defence sector.
Verteidigungsminister Pistorius und sein US-amerikanischer Amtskollege Hegseth beim Empfang im Pentagon
Defence
Hegseth: harnessing German industry for NATO defence
Germany and the USA want to integrate their defence industries more closely and work together to produce more weapons and ammunition faster.
Drei Flugzeuge im Himmel
Defence
Pistorius keen to expand defence cooperation with US
Germany and the US want to cooperate more closely on arms production. During a visit to the US, Boris Pistorius talks about other joint projects.
Über ein mögliches Verbotsverfahren gegen die AfD wird in Deutschland diskutiert. Pros and cons
Pros and cons
Banning the AfD: what are the arguments for and against?
Should proceedings to ban the AfD be initiated? Historian Norbert Frei and former President of the Federal Constitutional Court Hans-Jürgen Papier take opposing views.

Investing in Germany

Video Play video

Dieses YouTube-Video kann in einem neuen Tab abgespielt werden

YouTube öffnen

Third party content

We use YouTube to embed content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details and accept the service to see this content.

Open consent form

Piwik is not available or is blocked. Please check your adblocker settings.

zwei Wissenschaftlerinnen
Mainz is thinking big
In Mainz, universities, research institutes and biotech companies work particularly closely together. This is not a coincidence: it is the result of a clear strategy.
Raffinerie
A refinery unlike any other
Instead of crude oil, the facility processes wood. Why a Finnish biotechnology company chose Germany as the location for its bold project.
Junge Menschen in einem Büro
We have a question about Germany as a business location
Several, in fact. Five different perspectives on the opportunities Germany has to offer.
Professionelles Porträtfoto einer blonden Frau mit kinnlangem Haar, die einen schwarzen Blazer über einem roten Oberteil trägt und mit verschränkten Armen vor einem unscharfen grünen Hintergrund lächelt.
“Germany is especially attractive just now”
Skilled workforce, research, infrastructure: Germany attracts investors with its many strengths, stresses Julia Braune, CEO of Germany Trade & Invest.
Digital magazine: Europe’s largest economy – Investing in Germany
Download our free 54-page magazine to find out all about investing in Germany.
Read the e-magazine now.
Invest

Oktoberfest 2026

Oktoberfest: eine riesige Party Festivals and traditions Festivals and traditions Oktoberfest – Munich’s world-famous beer festival
Visitors pack the beer tents to drink and celebrate at the “Wiesn”, while fairground rides, live music and a lively atmosphere add to the fun. Find out more about the world’s biggest traditional fair.
Oktoberfest Festivals and traditions Festivals and traditions The "Oide Wiesn" at the Oktoberfest
The “Oide Wiesn”, the traditional fairground at the Munich Oktoberfest, captivates visitors with the nostalgic charm of olden times.
What is your experience of Germany?
Tell us how you see the country and find out just how typically German you are.
Take part now
What's Germany Like

deutschland.de Stories

History

medizinische-forschung-deutschland-charite-berlin
Why is science so important in Germany?
The research culture that was established at Charité Berlin has left its mark on Germany to this day. The institution’s history also illustrates why an ethical framework is essential in research.
Darstellung der Völkerschlacht bei Leipzig im Oktober 1813
Why Germans struggle to define their national identity
From Germanic myths to the Kaiser and the Nazi era, our nation’s history is multifaceted, and our legacy is complex.
Zwei Grenzsoldaten der DDR-Grenztruppen der Nationalen Volksarmee der DDR (NVA) bei einem Wachgang an der innerdeutschen Grenze bei Motzlar in der Rhön in Thüringen (zu Hessen), aufgenommen im Oktober 1968.
Why Germans value data protection so much
Germany’s data protection culture reflects the country’s history of two dictatorships which systematically collected data for repressive purposes.
August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (1798–1874), Dichter und Verfasser des „Lieds der Deutschen“.
German National Anthem
At state ceremonies, international events and football matches, Germany’s national anthem can be heard. But why is only the third verse of the Deutschlandlied sung?

Beyond the Buzz

Regional Focus

Frau in weißem Kittel Research
Research
How cells sense forces
What happens inside a cell when it is subjected to pressure or stretching? Sara Wickström is researching this question – and will receive the 2026 Körber Prize.
Strahlende Sieger: Proxima Fusion aus München Innovation
Innovation
Harnessing the power of the stars
Ranked third in the Innovation Index, Germany boasts more start-ups than ever before - and some are really taking off.
Serverraum Europe
Europe
AI made in Germany
China and the USA have so far been the front runners when it comes to large language models. A German research consortium has now developed its own model in a very short time.

Find out more about Germany and the world

Schnitzel & small talk

Democracy

Weitsprung-Olympiasiegerin Malaika Mihambo Heroes of democracy
Heroes of democracy
Democracy needs movement
Olympic and World Champion Malaika Mihambo campaigns for equal opportunities, inclusion and environmental protection.
Matthias Brandt Heroes of democracy
Heroes of democracy
„Now. Not sometime in the future“
Matthias Brandt is campaigning against right-wing radicalism. The actor is the son of Willy Brandt, the former chancellor and Nobel peace laureate.
Porträt von Marina Weisband, lächelnd Heroes of democracy
Heroes of democracy
Democracy begins in the classroom
Marina Weisband is teaching children democracy by engaging them in debates, rather than instructing them. A core message is that their young voices count.

Pros & Cons

Flugzeug Pros and cons
Pros and cons
Is flying still appropriate in this day and age?
Air travel facilitates human and cultural connection, but is also a burden on the climate. An aviation expert and a scientist discuss who is accountable and whether air travel needs to change.

Famous Germans

Deutsche Rock-Legende: Udo Lindenberg
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
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.
Martin Luther
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
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.
Theologe Dietrich Bonhoeffer
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.
Gutenberg-Denkmal in Mainz
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 1969 in München
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
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
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 1916
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.

Subscribe to our newsletter

Videos

Video
Video
Video
More videos
Overlay schließen
Play video

Dieses YouTube-Video kann in einem neuen Tab abgespielt werden

YouTube öffnen

Third party content

We use YouTube to embed content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details and accept the service to see this content.

Open consent form

Piwik is not available or is blocked. Please check your adblocker settings.

Migration

Deutschland ist seit Jahrzehnten ein Einwanderungsland. Migration policy
Migration policy
Germany remains a country of immigration - with clear rules
Germany’s new Federal Government wants to noticeably reduce irregular migration and accelerate processes - while at the same time specifically encouraging skilled immigration.
Eine Polizistin der Bayerischen Grenzpolizei stoppt ein Fahrzeug mit einem Handzeichen. Migration
Migration
Clear rules for migration in Europe
The Common European Asylum System (CEAS) protects those who are suffering persecution, accelerates processing times and steps up action to combat irregular migration.
Flüchtlinge auf einem überfüllten Boot People smuggling
People smuggling
Lies typically told by smugglers - and how to recognise human trafficking
Smugglers and human traffickers lure in their victims with quick solutions. How to detect their tricks and scams.

Services of our partners

This may also be of interest to you! If you wish to learn more about German politics, studying and research in Germany, the country’s culture and language, then simply visit our partners’ Websites. There you will in-depth and exciting information.
Goethe Institut
Deutsche Welle
Land der Ideen
Germany means Business
ifa
DAAD
E+Z
Tatsachen über Deutschland
Overlay schließen
Goethe Institut
Deutsche Welle
Land der Ideen
Germany means Business
ifa
DAAD
E+Z
Tatsachen über Deutschland

Economy

Deutschlands Startup-Szene hat kräftigen Rückenwind.
Germany as founder nation
More start-ups, more capital, more AI: Germany’s start-up scene is gaining momentum and becoming increasingly attractive – including for people from other countries.
Der ersten „Gigafabrik“ in Salzgitter sollen weitere an anderen Standorten folgen, etwa im spanischen Valencia.
New momentum for electric mobility in Europe
Germany’s automotive industry has launched an ambitious endeavour to catch up in the field of battery manufacturing. The goal is to increase independence from Asian competitors.
Die moderne Landwirtschaft ist zunehmend datengetrieben.
High tech in the fields
Driverless farm machinery, artificial intelligence and smart livestock breeding are making agriculture more precise, efficient and sustainable - in Germany and worldwide.
Cloud-Spezialist Santhosh Jayaprakash in Berlin
“I’m especially impressed with the German Mittelstand”
IT expert Santhosh Jayaprakash has established a number of start-ups in Berlin. What are his impressions – and his tips?
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.
Video
Germany’s Hidden Champions: unknown but indispensable innovation drivers
Video
German Mittelstand “We are the backbone of the economy”
Video
Germany’s big players: driving innovation forward
Video
“Germany is a great place to found a startup”
Video
Fraunhofer: a hub for cutting edge research and innovation
Overlay schließen
Video
Video
Video
Video
Video

Humanitarian aid

Frauen und Kinder in einem großen Zelt
German help for people in need around the world
Millions suffer in the wake of war or natural disasters. Here is where German humanitarian aid is making a difference.
Ein Offroad-Fahrzeug im Wasser
Digital innovations save lives
Innovative technologies such as AI and blockchain help to deliver humanitarian aid to people in remote locations.
Menschen verteilen Kanister und Pakete
“We are able to foresee crises”
The guiding idea of anticipatory humanitarian action is to act before disaster strikes. It can help to protect people from the impacts of El Niño.
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.
Somalia
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.
Find everything you’re looking for!
All information and services at a glance
To the service finder
Fernglas
Fernglas

Getting Started in Germany

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.
Ankommen in Deutschland
How to get off to a successful start in Germany
The digital magazine from deutschland.de provides international skilled professionals with useful tips when they arrive in Germany – updated in 2026.
Khaled Elbarbary
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.

Choose your topic

Die neue Bundesregierung
Germany - the Federal Government
better together
#BetterTogether: Global engagement
Neuankommende Fluechtlinge im Registration Center Kakuma, Kenia
Humanitarian Assistance
Erneuerbare Energien
Renewable energies
UN- und Deutschland-Flaggen
Germany in the United Nations
Arbeiten in Deutschland
Working in Germany
Studieren in Deutschland
Your guide to studying in Germany
Deutsch lernen
Learning German
Eisbergabbruch
Climate Protection
Roboterhand, Menschenhand
Digitization
Was Europa zusammenhält
The EU at a glance
Brandenburg gate at sunset
Destination Germany