Former civil rights activist Roland Jahn and photographer Andreas Rost both played a role in the resistance and fall of the Berlin Wall. Thirty years later, they recall some of the crucial moments from a period in recent German history that was characterized by both unity and division.

As the 30th anniversary of the fall of Berlin Wall approaches, this report takes stock of how far Germany has come, and what still needs to be done. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and freedom of speech has helped reunite the nation – but other divides have also emerged.

Do you remember when Barack Obama visited Berlin? Chancellor Angela Merkel talks about the values shared by Germany and the United States, and the political relationship between the countries.

Jan Böhmermann and his team from the late-night show Neo Magazin Royale went to Dresden to understand why right-wing populism finds so much acceptance there. Together with Ralf Kabelka, Moritz Neumeier, and the audience in the Staatsoperette Dresden, he dedicates the show to the question of whether it is helpful or counterproductive to make them the subject of his jokes again and again. Here in the first part, you'll learn about the motives and conditions of the following discussion.

A member of the audience discusses differences in anti-immigrant sentiment in Bavaria and Saxony, and in rural and urban communities.

The panel discusses the possibility that AfD (Alternative für Deutschland) supporters are not always opposed to immigrants, but may be voting for the far right for other reasons. They continue to consider what the role of comedy is in all of this.

The panelists talk more about stereotypes of eastern and western regions of Germany and what motivates people to join the AfD. One audience member reminds the group that actions speak louder than words.

Audience members talk about a recent demonstration and how reactions to populist movements have changed in cities such as Dresden.

The panel talks about how the infrastructure in Germany may contribute to the rise of far right sentiment in the eastern part of the country.

Jan Böhmermann and his peers discuss freedom of expression, recent changes in the way the press is viewed, and the effect this has on satirists and comedians who deal with current events.

Two members of the audience discuss perceptions of democracy and political engagement in Germany, while Jan Böhmermann considers how the meanings behind certain political terminology are shifting. They are grateful for the fact that the ZDF network has put a spotlight on Saxonians who are against far-right extremism in Germany.

Determined to hear from anyone who has a question or comment, the panel members continue to call on audience members. One person points out that the problem of right-wing extremism is hardly confined to Germany, and that age has a lot to do with the perception of immigration as a threat rather than something that benefits society.

This segment begins with a discussion about generational differences, and then continues on to an exploration of the roles and responsibilities of the government and of the people.

Jan Böhmermann and the panel discuss to what extent people really live in "filter bubbles" in which they only hear political perspectives that reinforce their own ideas. He thinks it's not as big of a threat as people believe.

In this final segment, Jan Böhmermann and the rest of the panel talk about to what extent jokes can be made about certain groups. Are there times when they create actual stereotypes and thus become harmful?

Following the Brexit vote, Scotland is at a crossroads. Many citizens feel more affinity with the European Union than the United Kingdom. Will Scotland choose to secede?

Angela Merkel made a speech in the German Parliament regarding Great Britain's vote to cease to belong to the European Union, making it clear that there are many guidelines, as well as a timeline, that need to be followed. You can read the full text here.
Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Cettina and Sara talk about Baden-Württemberg, a federal state in the south of Germany that has a number of defining geographical features and cultural hallmarks.

Cettina and Sarah prepare a typical dish from the region of Swabia. Maultaschen are like German ravioli, and are served either fried or in broth.

Could you point to the Rhineland on a map of Germany? Since when has the area officially been Rhineland-Palatinate? And why do tourists flock to it? In this video, you can learn all about the geography, demographics, and landscape of this federal state.

Today, Cettina and Sabine are making "Pfälzer Fläschknepp,” a regional dish from the western state of Rhineland-Palatinate. “Fläschknepp” means “meatballs” in the local dialect. These flavorful, savory meatballs are made from fresh ingredients, and are served with a pungent horseradish sauce. Enjoy!

Alina has prepared well for today's questions. Thanks to her knowledge, we can learn some key facts about the German state of Saxony.

In this video, Francesco shows us how to make Saxon Quarkkeulchen, a potato-based dessert. The recipe is easy to follow and the results delicious!

The final part of our series on the federal states focuses on Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, which is one of the most popular domestic vacation destinations in Germany. Why is that? You can find out in this video with Alina and Ms. Klimper.