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.

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.

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.

Maria, Nina, and Matteo are horrified to find that someone has completely destroyed the surprise they put together for Antonio. Luckily, the Peppercorns are on the case.

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]

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!

As Mr. Sass apologizes to Matteo for accusing him of stealing the cash box, Nina announces that the real culprit has turned himself in. Grandpa announces that he’ll be visiting from Italy earlier than expected, and Nina’s dad fends off a secret admirer.

When Max is at a boxing match with Nina, he gets a call from Emma: Eddie has run away! Should they call the police? Max has another idea…

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.

Franzi tells Nina that she was the one who stole the cash box. But Nina doesn’t believe her – so Franzi finally tells Nina the truth about her dad, who’s promised to never steal again. The Peppercorns decide to put him to the test.

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?

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.

Flo, Lukas, and Pauli make up the pop group Deine Freunde (Your Friends) and write songs from kids’ perspectives. "Einfach klein sein" ("Just Be Small") is about the longing of an overscheduled child to have more freedom in his life.

After the Peppercorns conclude that Franzi must have been stealing from their classmates, Max confronts her in the boxing gym. But there's a lot about Franzi that he doesn't know.

Franzi confronts her father, Nina has trouble with Max, and the Pellicanos discuss the accusation made against Matteo – while Mr. Sass threatens to call the youth welfare office.