In this edition of Yabla News, Alina gives us an overview of the coronavirus variants that have appeared so far in Germany and how they differ from each other.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the publication of Mickey Mouse comics in Germany. Here, we are also introduced to Erika Fuchs, the translator of the comics, whose work brought Mickey and Donald to a new audience – and also had a profound impact on the German language.

A primary vote, a secondary, vote, and the five-percent hurdle: The German election is much more than two Xs on a ballot. In this video on the ABCs of Bundestag elections, you’ll learn all about these terms and the election process overall. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

At European Hansemuseum in Lübeck, a special exhibition — built entirely out of Lego bricks! — depicts the history of the Hanseatic League. “Hanseatic League: Brick-Rich” will also be traveling to Emden, Braunschweig, and the Netherlands.

Pets often provide great comfort to aging humans. But what happens to these faithful companions when their owners suddenly pass away? Dogs, cats, and other furry animals have good chances of being rehomed; the story is different for the snakes and lizards at the reptile sanctuary in Munich. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The battle against coronavirus continues: Adults are now being vaccinated quickly in Germany, but vaccines are still being approved for teenagers and children. What are some of the key differences between adults and young people when it comes to corona and vaccines, and how are they being addressed?

copyright: dpa

Comedian Hazel Brugger sits down for a sassy and hard-hitting interview with Barbara Hendricks, German Minister for the Environment. The main question: Do we really need to save every animal?

The German national soccer team is making a clear statement on human rights in anticipation of the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, BioNTech/Pfizer are now testing their vaccine on younger children.

In an online dialogue, Chancellor Angela Merkel called for Germans to stick together and show solidarity in the midst of the corona crisis – which means avoiding unnecessary contact and adhering to other safety measures. The news about the development of a vaccine, however, is a reason to stay optimistic. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The return of large predators, such as wolves, to certain regions in Germany means that local herders need to take extra steps to predict their flocks. Here in the Eifel mountain range in western Germany, two “livestock guardian dogs” named Günther and Biene protect the sheep and goats of herder Heike Dahm-Rulf. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

It sounds like science fiction: Researchers at the University of Augsburg are developing an app that can recognize a coronavirus infection whenever a potential carrier speaks into the phone. So far, the app has a hit rate of over 80 percent. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

In this episode of the satirical heute-show, host Oliver Welke pokes fun at how schools are handling education in the time of coronavirus. Many schools are not equipped for distance learning—and even when they are, teachers often don’t understand how to use the technology.

It’s time to celebrate Halloween at Hamburg’s Tierpark Hagenbeck — and to get into the holiday spirit, the elephants were treated to special seasonal goodies: pumpkins, corn on the cob, and apples! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

After a relatively relaxed summer, Germany once again finds itself in a critical phase of the corona pandemic. Here, in a recording released on October 17, 2020, Chancellor Angela Merkel makes an appeal to citizens to significantly reduce their social outings and to refrain from unnecessary travel and celebrations.

Rail travel is down 50% in Germany — but Deutsche Bahn is relying on scientific studies to prove that traveling by train does does not pose an increased risk to travelers. The strict hygiene and protective measures implemented so far appear to be working. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]