Angela Merkel explains that social distancing will help to slow the spread of COVID-19, acknowledging how difficult it is to not be able to visit loved ones in uncertain times. She also discusses the government's responsibility to consider all possible approaches and keep the public informed.

A private lab in Germany is working to create a vaccine for COVID-19 as quickly as possible. The US and German governments are already vying for access to the results.

Justus Kliss offers an analysis of Chancellor Angela Merkel's coronavirus television address and what it means for the coming weeks. He compares her strategy to that of French President Emmanuel Macron, and finds it admirable how she focuses on solidarity.

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.

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]

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]

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

On some sections of the Hessian autobahn speed limits have been lifted or raised. The Green Party is not very enthusiastic about that and feels that the climate protection is being neglected.

Located in the southwest corner of Germany, Europa-Park is a theme park with all sorts of rides and attractions.

Up till now, hundreds of thousands of refugees have been permitted to enter Germany. Now the German government has changed course by temporarily reintroducing border controls.

Somewhere between 150,000 (according to police) and 250,000 (according to event organizers) took to the streets of Berlin to protest the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP). Read more here about the international Stop TTIP initiative.

From spareribs to chicken wings: At the German Grill-Master Championship, it is not only about the sausage. Who will be crowned as "Barbecue King?" Guten Appetit!
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The German federal state of North Rhine-Westphalia has the biggest COVID-19 outbreak in Germany, and is therefore introducing stricter measures to ensure social distancing. Among other penalties, restaurants that stay open will have to pay up to 4000 euros in fines, while individuals who meet in groups will have to pay 200 euros.

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Rail and air transport throughout Germany are getting back to normal after the day-long industrial action at the start of the week. However, commuters and travelers are still experiencing some disruptions.

The "Femeiche" oak tree in North Rhine-Westphalia may well be the oldest living tree in Germany, dating from the first millenium AD. (video copyright dpa)

In order for zoo animals to stay healthy, their skin, hooves, and horns need regular upkeep. In this video we visit Safariland Stukenbrock, where zookeepers care for elephants, rhinos, and bison – and develop special bonds with them through the grooming rituals. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

The next time you are waiting for your baggage at Frankfurt Airport and feel something sniffing the back of your leg, remember to be polite: it may be an official from the German Customs — in the form of a highly trained dog! A dog trainer from the German Customs explains what qualities they look for in their future canine employees. (video copyright dpa)

From the German constitution to Fasching... If you want to become a naturalized citizen, you have to prove a lot - including a sound knowledge of German culture. You can find the current requirements in this video.

The great inventors' exhibition begins soon at the Nuremberg Exhibition Hall, where more than 700 inventions are on display. Check out just a few of the many clever ideas being presented. (video copyright dpa)