News and current affairs from Germany and around the world

Chicago-born Robert Francis Prevost delivered his inaugural Mass as Pope Leo XIV, the head of the Catholic Church, on May 18, 2025. A member of the Order of Saint Augustine, he is the first pope from the United States.

Pope Leo waves on the staircase of his plane before leaving Angola

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A police officer in Bavaria raises her hand to stop a car approaching a check-point

Germany news: Bavarian police arrest suspected spies

Also, Frankfurt Airport's new terminal has opened and Barack Obama has praised a German climate activist. DW has more.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

Africa

A young child is being held by a woman while a nurse administers a malaria vaccine

World Malaria Day: Uganda vaccine rollout shows promise

Uganda’s malaria vaccine rollout is gaining trust, with early impact seen across Africa.

Asia

A "Type-88" missile test-launches on northern island of Hokkaido, Japan

Japan rethinks security policy in face of expansionist China

Japan scraps arms export curbs to boost security ties with allies as China's military activity in Asia Pacific grows.

Germany

Germany unveils first ever military strategy for Bundeswehr

For the first time, the Bundeswehr has adopted a military strategy, intended to prepare Germany for future threats.

Europe

Split-screen composition with two separate portraits placed side by side, both depicting individuals wearing camouflage military-style uniforms.
Left side:
The left image shows a person outdoors in a forested environment. Snow or frost is visible on the ground and trees in the background, suggesting cold weather. The individual is wearing a camouflage jacket, a protective helmet or head covering, and a communication headset. The clothing appears bulky and layered, consistent with winter field conditions. The background is slightly blurred but clearly shows trees and a natural setting.
Right side:
The right image shows another person indoors, standing against a plain, light-colored wall. This individual is also wearing a camouflage uniform, but without visible protective gear such as a helmet. The lighting is even and artificial, typical of an indoor setting. The uniform is clearly visible from the chest upward.

Baltics: How volunteer troops prepare for a Russian conflict

Thousands of men and women volunteers are training for a conflict with Russia that they hope never comes.

Middle East

Libyan soldiers from both armies of the split country train in Libya under US-leadership

Libya oscillates between cooperation and illusion

The Flintlock exercise brings both Libyan factions together for the first time. Is there hope for reunification?

North America

Palantir: Why its political manifesto is causing a stir

Critics see the controversial US tech company’s 22-point manifesto as evidence of "techno-fascism."

Latin America

A tanker truck belonging to Venezuela's state energy company PDVSA

Will Venezuela's oil sector reform attract investors?

Venezuela's leaders are opening the country's oil industry up for private capital, but they lack democratic support.

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Football and freedom: Afghan women against the world

Afghan footballer Najma Arefi fled Taliban rule and reunites in exile with Afghan Women United to play for her country.

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Video news

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Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Benjamin Netanjahu (left) and Donald Trump (right) shake hands in front of US and Israeli flags in December 2025

Amnesty International paints a grim picture for human rights

In its 2025/2026 report, the human rights watchdog Amnesty International calls out "predatory behavior."

Young, distraught women cling to the t-shirt of their father, whose face is not visible, as he is removed by immigration agents.

'Separated by ICE' wins World Press Photo of the Year

Trauma, war, climate change, hope: The images of the 2026 World Press Photo Contest depict the reality of our time.

Giulia Gwinn celebrates a goal for Bayern Munich

Bayern Munich on the brink of historic 'double treble'

With Bundesliga titles in the bag and cup finals to come, Bayern's men and women have a chance of something unique.

Debris lies on desks and the floor in a classroom at Shahid Mahallati School following bombing

School's out in Iran: No phone, no internet, no classes

Iran's schools are closed because of the war. Classes are being held via TV programs and the national intranet.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu places a wreath during a ceremony commemorating Israel's Remembrance Day for fallen soldiers in Jerusalem on Tuesday, April 21, 2026.

Israel marks 78 years of independence amid ongoing war

Official celebrations in Jerusalem were met with alternative events reflecting differing views on the country's future.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (R) meets with Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (L) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, April 15, 2026. Both men are smiling

What's behind Pakistan's deepening ties with Saudi Arabia

Pakistan and Saudi Arabia share one of the closest — and least understood — relationships in the Muslim world.

Skip next section Most viewed

Most viewed

Germany news: Lufthansa scraps 20,000 flights
PoliticsApril 22, 2026
Avoid men, German police association chief tells women
CrimeApril 22, 2026
Climate change impacts India's harvest festivals
Nature and EnvironmentApril 19, 2026
German finance minister wants to scrap spousal tax splitting
PoliticsApril 22, 2026
Iran war: Trump orders shoot to kill on mine-laying boats
ConflictsApril 23, 2026

Skip next section Specials & Events

Specials & Events

Science Unscripted

The science stories that will actually change your day — and maybe make you laugh.

Skip next section Living

Living

White and blue building, with the sign The Open Book at the entrance.

A booklover's dream holiday in Scotland

As UNESCO celebrates World Book Day on April 23, we visit a Scottish coastal town that was saved by books.

Women sit at a table with mugs, knitting. In the background, rolls of yarn are on display to be sold

Craft cafes in Brussels are a refuge from digital stress

At these Belgian cafes, laptops and phones are out — replaced by knitting needles or arts and crafts supplies.

Close-up of calf’s brain with potatoes and capers in a butter-lemon sauce.

Calf's brain: a delicacy not for the faint of heart

We visited a Parisian bistro and watched the French delicacy of calf's brain being prepared.

A red and black humanoid robot called Lightning seen running on April 19, 2026 in Beijing

Humanoid robots outrun humans at Beijing half-marathon

A robot, aptly named Lightning, has raced past his human competition at a running event in China's capital.

The famous Frauenkirche baroque church in Dresden’s Old Town at dusk

Is Dresden as impressive as social media makes it out to be?

Is the German city of Dresden really as beautiful as Instagram makes it out to be? We check it out.

The Hallerbos in Halle, Belgium, a stand of large trees surrounded by a carpet of blue flowers

Bluebells blossom in Belgium, Britain

When the bluebells bloom, shady garden areas and woodlands are transformed into luminous carpets of flowers.

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Pope Leo XIV