In a rare televised address, Chancellor Angela Merkel urges the public, directly and in plain language, to take drastic steps to prevent COVID-19 from spreading in Germany. She calls the coronavirus one of the greatest challenges the country has faced.

Chancellor Angela Merkel discusses the essential actions the German government has taken to slow the spread of COVID-19, including shutting down social activity and tightening border controls. The people's responsibility, she says, is to remain calm and not engage in panic buying (such shopping trips are referred to as die Hamsterkäufe in German) when it comes to groceries.

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.

Yamina of “Moin Yamina” is an influencer based in Malaysia, where wearing a mask when you're sick has long been part of everyday life. Here, she shows us how to make stylish masks at home using old items of clothing.

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.

To draw attention to the difficult situation facing artists during the corona pandemic, the three musicians of the Crackerjacks gave a special concert above the town of Cloppenburg in Lower Saxony — in a hot-air balloon, at an altitude of roughly three hundred meters! Giant loudspeakers were hung from the basket, filling the skies with the acoustic cover band’s uplifting music. 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]

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

Yabla's own Cettina interviews mothers at the lake to find out how they understand their role and what they strive for in raising their children.

Cettina talks about the German traditions that take place on Pentecost and Whit Monday.

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.

One of the steps to becoming a German citizen is passing a multiple choice test with questions about Germany. Jenny goes through some of the questions and their correct answers. You can read the Yabla German Lesson based on this video here!
Here's a trial exam of the Süddeutsche Zeitung.