Germany.info - Latest News

Eurozone Finance Ministers Finalize Second Aid Program for Greece

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:58:31 GMT

At the end of a marathon session, the eurozone finance ministers finally agreed on a second aid program for Greece. The Greek government has pledged to implement all necessary reforms by the end of February. The aim is to get Greece back on the road to growth and to reduce the country’s debt level.

Glitz, Glamour, and Golden Bears: The Berlinale 2012

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:38:12 GMT

“Even during these frosty days, the lines before the ticket counters are longer than ever,” noted the Tagesspiegel at the mid-point of this year's Berlin International Film Festival. Indeed, the annual event kept on growing in 2012.

Studio Babelsberg Celebrates 100 years

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:04:16 GMT

On February 12, Studio Babelsberg--the world's oldest large-scale film studio complex and the birthplace of German film--is celebrating its 100th anniversary. The "Happy Birthday, Studio Babelsberg" program of this year's Berlinale is shining a spotlight on its illustrious history.

Classical Saxophone Ensemble Alliage Quintett to Play Embassy Concert

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:28:06 GMT

On Thursday evening, February 23, the greater Washington, DC community is invited to embark on a musical journey across the surprising range of the classical saxophone in a concert by the Alliage Quintett, sponsored by the German Embassy.

Revisiting German Literary Legend Georg Büchner in 2012 and 2013

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:51:11 GMT

He was a revolutionary, a scientist and a writer - and one of the most famous Hessians of all time. A major German literary prize is named after him.

G20 Foreign Ministers: Strengthening Global Governance

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 21:16:58 GMT

At their informal get-together from February 18 to 20 in Los Cabos, Mexico, the ministers consulted on how the G20 can most effectively approach the most pressing global challenges together.

Germany Funds Emergency Aid Project for People in Syria

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 21:49:51 GMT

Germany is providing funds for an emergency aid project run by the German Red Cross in cooperation with the Syrian Red Crescent. Since last year, a total of about 3 million euros has been made available for measures to help particularly affected population groups in Syria as well as refugees.

Word of the Week: Bratkartoffelverhältnis

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:52:07 GMT

A "Bratkartoffelverhältnis," which literally means "fried potato relationship," is not about how much Germans love fried potatoes, but it is about finding a meal ticket, or at the very least someone who cooks for you.

Word of the Week: Torschlusspanik

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:51:58 GMT

When a German soccer player scores a goal the ball has been shot into the "Tor." But when somebody experiences "Torschlusspanik" (gate-shut panic), they are worried about missing out on a different kind of chance to "score" in life.

German Defense Minister Thomas de Maizière in USA

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:57:54 GMT

German Defense Minister de Maizière's five-day trip to the US has taken him from the East Coast to military bases out West and back again. In addition to visiting German troops, de Maizìere met with US Secretary of Defense Panetta at the Pentagon and presented CIA Director Petraeus with one of Germany’s highest honors.

Speech by the Federal Minister of Defense Dr. Thomas de Maizière on the occasion of the Award of the Knight Commander’s Cross with Star of the Federal Republic of Germany to General David Petraeus

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 15:55:13 GMT

"To the German troops you were a demanding, honest and caring commanding General – never making any distinction between German and American comrades."

Owner of a German Heart

Sat, 18 Feb 2012 00:53:51 GMT

Despite the false impression that some may have of Germans as romantically reserved, the German heart is far from chilly. The highly regulated American culture of "dating" is however totally alien to Germans - and most Europeans, for that matter.