Brilliant — or tacky? A confectionery shop in Lower Franconia is tapping into the spirit of the times by offering a chocolate Saint Nicholas wearing a face mask. Proprietor Herbert Häcker has received orders from all over Germany for the novelty candy, and even had to bring on another employee to keep up with the demand. But on social media, not everyone is amused… Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

More than four-and-a-half million Germans visit the Spanish island of Mallorca every year—so many that the destination actually been nicknamed “Germany’s 17th Federal State.” But since the coronavirus outbreaks in Spain led to the Mediterranean party hotspot being declared a risk territory, the once-packed bars, strips, and beaches are now totally deserted. 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.

On October 3, 2020, Germany celebrated 30 years since the official reunification. The Wall itself may be long gone, but for many Germans, a “wall” still exists in their minds. How does the generation that grew up in a united Germany feel about it?

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]

Faster Internet, more affordable Internet connections for pupils, and more devices for teachers: This is what the German ministers of education and Chancellor Angela Merkel have decided upon in order to facilitate distance learning during the corona crisis. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

School is back in session in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany’s most populated state. To protect against coronavirus infections, masks are mandatory in school buildings and classrooms. How are the students and teachers dealing with the new requirements? Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The German government has decided to lift travel restrictions for most European countries beginning June 15. Foreign Minister Heiko Maas announced that the measure applies to the EU countries, the other countries of the Schengen area, and the United Kingdom. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Reduction of VAT rates, aid for municipalities, subsidies for families, relief for electricity costs: The leaders of the coalition have agreed on a 130-billion-euro economic stimulus package to combat the negative effects of the corona crisis in Germany. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

How has the coronavirus outbreak changed life in Germany? Cettina gives a short overview of the various developments that have taken place over the past few months, and how she and her family are coping.

Deutsche Welle’s Michaela Küpfer speaks with Gerd Müller (CSU), Federal Minister of Economic Cooperation and Development, about the ways in which the coronavirus is exacerbating the economic disparity between the first world and the developing world. Müller finds it scandalous that big companies have continued to makes billions in profits throughout the crisis, and agrees that the “turbo-capitalism” of the past 30 years needs to end.

Spring has sprung in Germany, with warm temperatures in almost all regions – and a lack of rain that is actually problematic for the environment.