Freaked out by the idea of a pilotless plane? How about one without any moving parts at all – no turbines, no propellers? The next generation of aircraft could involve ion propulsion, which allows planes to take off and land anywhere – all without making a sound.

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]

Learn about traditional East Frisian costumes, German greetings and codes of conduct, and amusing proverbs in Part II of Cettina’s video on customs and traditions.

What kinds of customs and traditions are characteristic of Germany? What are some common stereotypes about Germans? Find out the answers to these questions and more in this video. Enjoy!

Mieke is a prematurely born seal pup who was rescued from an island in the North Sea and brought to Seal Centre Friedrichskoog in Schleswig-Holstein. After making tremendous progress under the guidance of her human caretakers, she is now ready to be released into the wild. Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]

Californian sea lions are quite adept on land, but spend most of their time in the water. They are considered to be elegant and intelligent animals with outstanding swimming abilities.

The Goethe-Institut’s #180sec short video series, which explores different cities around the world, visits Leipzig, where a group of people are actively involved in a cooperative community garden. Not only do vegetables grow here at Annalinde, but friendships as well.

Imagine you've met someone cool and exchanged numbers – and now you want to find a time to hang out. Eylin and Sabine will show you what to say when you call them.

We continue following the humpback whales, learning about their migration patterns and how they raise their young. We also meet Californian sea lions, which, despite their heft, are very agile and adept — and also very peaceful.

What sounds like a distant vision of the future is already possible today – at least when it comes to technology. Will quadcopters and "soulless" unmanned aircraft soon be transporting hundreds of passengers over long distances?

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]

Nevin is stopped by the police after running a red light on her bicycle. And she doesn’t have her passport with her either…

Air travel has been the focus of much scrutiny lately due to its devastating effects on the environment. How will the aircraft of the future address this problem?

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]

German summers are getting hotter and hotter — but the Environmental Agency in the small city of Giessen, in the state of Hesse, has come up with an innovative tool for helping residents keep cool: a special city map! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]