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Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) at the construction site where the cable fire occurred on January 5, 2026

Berlin Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) at the construction site where the cable fire occurred on January 5, 2026

Berlin mayor criticized for playing tennis during blackout

Berlin mayor criticized for playing tennis during blackout

Kai Wegner is facing pressure for taking a tennis break during the first hours of what turned into a days-long blackout.

Skip next section Politics

Politics

Piles of files on the desk at the financial court in Berlin-Brandenburg

Piles of files on the desk at the financial court in Berlin-Brandenburg

Why Germany struggles to fight financial crime

Why Germany struggles to fight financial crime

Germany lacks thousands of state prosecutors to fight financial crime, but the judicial system's problems run deeper.

Two men in orange work gear lay a 110 kilovolt high-voltage cable on a construction site to restore electricity during a blackout

Two men in orange work gear lay a 110 kilovolt high-voltage cable on a construction site to restore electricity during a blackout

Power restored to thousands in southwest Berlin

Power restored to thousands in southwest Berlin

Electricity returned to tens of thousands of homes and businesses In the German capital after a 5-day blackout.

Wide shot of the partly frozen Binnenalster lake in central Hamburg, with birds walking on patches of ice, on January 8, 2026

Wide shot of the partly frozen Binnenalster lake in central Hamburg, with birds walking on patches of ice, on January 8, 2026

Germany news: Snow warnings for Hamburg, 'Elli' storm nears

Germany news: Snow warnings for Hamburg, 'Elli' storm nears

German forecasters warn of disruptive snow and ice in the north, and across most of the country overnight. DW has more.

Children running in a dilapidated school gymnasium

Children running in a dilapidated school gymnasium

Germany's local governments face financial collapse

Germany's local governments face financial collapse

Many cities and municipalities in Germany are near bankruptcy, and they're blaming the federal government.

Germany Berlin 2026 | Employees at the substation after days of power outages in southwest Berlin

Germany Berlin 2026 | Employees at the substation after days of power outages in southwest Berlin

Germany news: Power back in Berlin after arson attack

Germany news: Power back in Berlin after arson attack

Federal prosecutors have taken over a probe into what is the longest power outage in postwar Berlin. DW has more.

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45,000 Berlin households regain power after 5-day blackout

45,000 Berlin households regain power after 5-day blackout

A suspected arson attack left thousands in Berlin's southwest without electricity during a cold snap. DW has more.

Buildings stand without power during a blackout caused by a fire at a power distribution system in Berlin on January 3, 2026

Buildings stand without power during a blackout caused by a fire at a power distribution system in Berlin on January 3, 2026

German prosecutors open terror probe into Berlin blackout

German prosecutors open terror probe into Berlin blackout

Prosecutors cited sabotage and arson among possible crimes in a suspected far-left attack on Berlin's power supply.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron walking past a row of flags at the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. January 6, 2026.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron walking past a row of flags at the "Coalition of the Willing" meeting in the Elysee Palace in Paris, France. January 6, 2026.

Ukraine: Allies endorse 'robust' security guarantees

Ukraine: Allies endorse 'robust' security guarantees

France's Emmanuel Macron said allies had agreed on "robust" security guarantees for Kyiv after an eventual ceasefire.

Potsdamer Chaussee illuminated only by cars' headlights

Potsdamer Chaussee illuminated only by cars' headlights

Berlin blackout: How dangerous are left‑wing extremists?

Berlin blackout: How dangerous are left‑wing extremists?

A left‑wing group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Berlin power plant that left thousands in the dark.

Skip next section Culture and Society

Culture and Society

Sheep pictured in amongst stands of products in the Penny supermarket

Sheep pictured in amongst stands of products in the Penny supermarket

Baa-rgain hunters: 50 sheep visit German supermarket

Baa-rgain hunters: 50 sheep visit German supermarket

German discount chain Penny said the flock paid a visit to one of their Bavarian outlets.

Two young children are seen from behind. They are seated at a table in a library, reading picture book together.

Two young children are seen from behind. They are seated at a table in a library, reading picture book together.

Cologne library celebrates Germany's Black community

Cologne library celebrates Germany's Black community

The Theodor Wonja Michael Library, a first in North Rhine-Westphalia, is dedicated to Germany's Black community.

Eva Schloss, step-sister of Anne Frank and Honorary President of the Anne Frank Trust UK, taking part in a candle lighting ceremony during a reception for the Anne Frank Trust at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, London

Eva Schloss, step-sister of Anne Frank and Honorary President of the Anne Frank Trust UK, taking part in a candle lighting ceremony during a reception for the Anne Frank Trust at the InterContinental London, Park Lane, London

Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss dies at 96

Holocaust survivor Eva Schloss dies at 96

Austria native Eva Schloss — stepsister of diarist Anne Frank — dedicated decades to educating people on the Holocaust.

A man playing accordion on a wall, there are mountains in the background and a city in the valley behind him.

A man playing accordion on a wall, there are mountains in the background and a city in the valley behind him.

Accordion renews image as Germany's top instrument for 2026

Accordion renews image as Germany's top instrument for 2026

The accordion, Germany's instrument of the year, is used across various genres, from tango to heavy metal.

Grok on a phone screen with Elon Musk in the background

Grok on a phone screen with Elon Musk in the background

Grok under fire for sexualizing women and children's images

Grok under fire for sexualizing women and children's images

Grok feature allowed modification of pictures to create images of undressed women and children.

Two middle-aged men stand next to a bike in an outdoor location in Africa. They are smiling, and one is giving the thumbs up sign

Two middle-aged men stand next to a bike in an outdoor location in Africa. They are smiling, and one is giving the thumbs up sign

German pastor embarks on Peace Bike Tour across Africa

German pastor embarks on Peace Bike Tour across Africa

On a mission to promote peace, a retired German pastor and his Swiss friend have pedaled from Europe to Africa.

People sit at outdoor cafe tables in Trencin, in the fall. A large sign reading "Trencin 2026" sits on the grass behind them.

People sit at outdoor cafe tables in Trencin, in the fall. A large sign reading "Trencin 2026" sits on the grass behind them.

What to know about 2026 European Capitals of Culture

What to know about 2026 European Capitals of Culture

Oulu, Finland, and Trencin, Slovakia, will become Europe's cultural flagships for the next 12 months.

Skip next section Business

Business

A gray Volkswagen Vento parked outside the company's showroom in Mumbai

A gray Volkswagen Vento parked outside the company's showroom in Mumbai

As China sales slow, can India drive German car growth?

As China sales slow, can India drive German car growth?

German carmakers relied on China for years. Now sales are down as their key market, China, goes electric.

A gas station stand without power during a blackout, at night

A gas station stand without power during a blackout, at night

Power outage costs Berlin economy millions of euros

Power outage costs Berlin economy millions of euros

Many businesses in the German capital were left scrambling for ways to power their machines after the arson attack.

A large number of new cars awaiting export at the car terminal at the Bremerhaven port in northern Germany. Archive image from April 2025.

A large number of new cars awaiting export at the car terminal at the Bremerhaven port in northern Germany. Archive image from April 2025.

Germany news: Merz issues business SOS in letter to allies

Germany news: Merz issues business SOS in letter to allies

Chancellor Merz told coalition politicians the situation for some key German businesses was "very critical." More on DW.

Various bottles of alcohol, from beer to vodka

Various bottles of alcohol, from beer to vodka

Germany: Alcohol prices well below EU average

Germany: Alcohol prices well below EU average

Alcohol is cheaper in Germany than many other EU countries, with consumption still relatively high.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivers a keynote address at the Consumer Electronics Show

Mercedes, Nvidia target thinking AI cars by 2026

Mercedes, Nvidia target thinking AI cars by 2026

The annual Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas is in full swing, as tech companies roll out their latest products.

Multiple container ships are docked at Container Terminal Altenwerder at Hamburg Port in Germany

Multiple container ships are docked at Container Terminal Altenwerder at Hamburg Port in Germany

Can Germany escape its economic slump in 2026?

Can Germany escape its economic slump in 2026?

After years of economic downturn, the German economy desperately needs a boost in 2026.

Students in an internship at the university, Freiburg, Baden Württemberg

Students in an internship at the university, Freiburg, Baden Württemberg

Indian workers earn highest median pay in Germany

Indian workers earn highest median pay in Germany

Elevated pay levels among Indian employees are largely driven by their concentration in technical and academic roles.

A Miele washing machine being refurbished

A Miele washing machine being refurbished

German company Miele to sell more refurbished appliances

German company Miele to sell more refurbished appliances

Heavy, bulky items like washing machines are rarely refurbished and resold. That could soon be changing.

A fax machine

A fax machine

Why Germany struggles to go digital

Why Germany struggles to go digital

How can a nation of tech pioneers still lean on fax machines and paperwork for basic public services?

Skip next section Science and Environment

Science and Environment

Two plastic cups filled with the rest of slushies are standing next to a sidewalk

Two plastic cups filled with the rest of slushies are standing next to a sidewalk

Why plastic bans aren't working and what needs to change

Why plastic bans aren't working and what needs to change

Four years after Europe banned single use plastics, why are things like plastic bags and straws still around?

A glass of red wine against a white background

A glass of red wine against a white background

Women get drunk faster than men due to biology not tolerance

Women get drunk faster than men due to biology not tolerance

Alcohol can affect women's brains differently. Its effects are stronger, sometimes more rewarding — but more addictive.

An illustration photo shows the hand of a person holding a smartphone showing the blue ChatGPT Atlas app download page

An illustration photo shows the hand of a person holding a smartphone showing the blue ChatGPT Atlas app download page

AI chatbots are 'alarmingly' biased against dialect speakers

AI chatbots are 'alarmingly' biased against dialect speakers

Don't speak perfect Oxford English? You may face "shocking" levels of discrimination when using ChatGPT.

A search and rescue dog sniffs rubble after a 2023 earthquake in Turkey

A search and rescue dog sniffs rubble after a 2023 earthquake in Turkey

Can dogs really sense danger?

Can dogs really sense danger?

Research shows what canines really can sense — and how human projection fuels belief in their supernatural abilities.

Child's fingers resting on a table with a mat showing letters illustrated with faces. A smartphone displaying the ChatGPT app lies between the hands.

Child's fingers resting on a table with a mat showing letters illustrated with faces. A smartphone displaying the ChatGPT app lies between the hands.

2025: The year AI got personal

2025: The year AI got personal

AI didn't just change tech in 2025; it changed us. Here's what you need to know for 2026.

Skip next section Travel

Travel

visible grass indicating lack of snow on slope in southeastern France, December 2025

visible grass indicating lack of snow on slope in southeastern France, December 2025

Climate change leaves ski slopes skimpy across Europe

Climate change leaves ski slopes skimpy across Europe

Despite a forecast of snow like in the "good old days," Europe's ski hills are feeling the effects of climate change.

Mark Smith, a middle-aged man with a rucksack in front of a train

Mark Smith, a middle-aged man with a rucksack in front of a train

Forget planes. Meet the man who will only travel by train

Forget planes. Meet the man who will only travel by train

Trains or planes? For Mark Smith — the man from Seat 61 — there's only one way to travel. Even long-distance.

The interior of the ice chapel with the meltwater stream flowing through it can be seen.

The interior of the ice chapel with the meltwater stream flowing through it can be seen.

Bavarian Alps: 'Ice chapel' on Watzmann collapsed

Bavarian Alps: 'Ice chapel' on Watzmann collapsed

End of a tourist attraction: In the Berchtesgaden Alps, the so-called ice chapel has collapsed.

Three tourists on the sunny deck of a solar-powered boat in Berlin, Germany.

Three tourists on the sunny deck of a solar-powered boat in Berlin, Germany.

Green tourism: How Berlin is leading the way

Green tourism: How Berlin is leading the way

Germany's capital draws millions yearly and is easing the strain with eco-hotels, solar boats and sheep-grazed parks.

Containers are stacked on a cargo ship, at a loading terminal in the harbour in Hamburg, Germany.

Containers are stacked on a cargo ship, at a loading terminal in the harbour in Hamburg, Germany.

Insta vs. Reality? A look at Hamburg, Germany

Insta vs. Reality? A look at Hamburg, Germany

Hamburg, Germany's second-largest city: What is there to see and do?

Skip next section Sports

Sports

Bayern Munich players celebrate after a goal

Bayern Munich players celebrate after a goal

What to watch out for as the Bundesliga resumes play

What to watch out for as the Bundesliga resumes play

Bayern Munich seem to have the Bundesliga title all but sealed. But could a serious challenger still emerge?

A young blond-haired girl in a wetsuit standing at the railing of a sailing ship

A young blond-haired girl in a wetsuit standing at the railing of a sailing ship

An 11-year-old with paraplegia's sporting journey

An 11-year-old with paraplegia's sporting journey

11-year-old Nomine Fabian is already a para sailing champion, and dreams of taking on the world at the Paralympics.

Six ways the 2026 World Cup will be different

Six ways the 2026 World Cup will be different

The US, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup. DW fills you in on why this tournament will be different.

Connor McDavid of Canada carries the puck as USA forward Auston Matthews looks on

Connor McDavid of Canada carries the puck as USA forward Auston Matthews looks on

What to look forward to in the world of sports in 2026

What to look forward to in the world of sports in 2026

2026 looks like a banner year for sports fans, with the highlight for most being the men's World Cup in June and July.

Close-up of 81-year-old Friedhelm Adorf smiling and raising his arm

Close-up of 81-year-old Friedhelm Adorf smiling and raising his arm

How an 81-year-old sprinter chases a world record

How an 81-year-old sprinter chases a world record

How do you stay fit in old age? Friedhelm Adorf has an answer.

Selina Cerci in front of fans during Germany vs. Spain

Selina Cerci in front of fans during Germany vs. Spain

Euro 2029 in Germany about more than profit margins

Euro 2029 in Germany about more than profit margins

Hosting Euro 2029 is a chance for women's football to leave a legacy that proves investment in women is smart.

Skip next section DAILY DRONE

DAILY DRONE

Ski Arena, Oberhof „Daily Drone“

Ski Arena, Oberhof „Daily Drone“

#DailyDrone: Ski Arena, Oberhof

#DailyDrone: Ski Arena, Oberhof

On to the cross-country ski run: our #DailyDrone takes you to the winter sports Arena in Oberhof in Thuringia.

Severin Freund Ski-Springen Skispringen Garmisch-Partenkirchen Vier Schanzen Tour

Severin Freund Ski-Springen Skispringen Garmisch-Partenkirchen Vier Schanzen Tour

#DailyDrone: Olympic Ski Jump, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

#DailyDrone: Olympic Ski Jump, Garmisch-Partenkirchen

Impressive even without snow: The Olympic ski jump in Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The #DailyDrone takes you there.

Schanzenlange Oberhof „Daily Drone“

Schanzenlange Oberhof „Daily Drone“

#DailyDrone: The Kanzlersgrund ski jump, Oberhof

#DailyDrone: The Kanzlersgrund ski jump, Oberhof

Not only for ski jumping fans: today we show you a bird's eye view of the Kanzlergrund ski jump in Oberhof. Langtext:

Skip next section About German News Service

About German News Service

231012-GNS-DW_Composite-Road-en

231012-GNS-DW_Composite-Road-en

About GNS

About GNS

The German News Service is a free news wire from DW and dpa for everyone who is interested in German issues.

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231017-GNS-DW_Road-Newsletter_Composite

GNS Newsletter

GNS Newsletter

Once a week, the most important news from Germany directly to your inbox.