The Local Germany

Berlin Wall 'reminds us to defend democracy': Merkel

Sat, 09 Nov 2019 17:52:45 +0100

Chancellor Angela Merkel on Saturday urged Europe to defend democracy and freedom as Germany marked 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall, warning that such gains must not be taken for granted.

Germany marks 30th anniversary of fall of Berlin Wall

Sat, 09 Nov 2019 08:09:44 +0100

Germany on Saturday marks 30 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall that ushered in the end of communism and national reunification.

14 facts you never knew about the Brandenburg Gate

Sat, 06 Aug 2016 09:00:00 +0200

The Brandenburg Gate is a military monument that has come to symbolize peace and unity. Here are a few facts about the iconic monument that you probably won't know.

Merkel reaches 10-year mark under a cloud

Thu, 19 Nov 2015 12:11:02 +0100

Chancellor Angela Merkel celebrates ten years in power on Sunday, facing the fight of her political life over her liberal stance on refugees, which provoked a party revolt, and fresh fears sparked by the Paris carnage.

Putin's biker cavalcade reaches Berlin

Fri, 08 May 2015 17:05:54 +0200

Members of the Night Wolves Russian biker gang, reputed to be close to President Vladimir Putin, commemorated the end of the Second World War in Berlin on Friday.

'I saw them build the Wall step by step'

Wed, 13 Aug 2014 19:19:00 +0200

Germans visited the Berlin Wall memorial at Bernauerstrasse on Wednesday, the 53rd anniversary of the day the barrier between east and west was first raised. Those who lived through it shared their memories of that dark time, while youth recalled the importance of the Wall's history.

Taking her first gasp during East Germany's last

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 09:00:00 +0100

Two minutes have bestowed a title on Sarah Klier for life. She came into the world on October 2, 1990 in Leipzig – two minutes before midnight – making her the last child born in communist East Germany.

Berlin remembers the day the Wall went up

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 10:05:00 +0200

On Thursday Germany marks the fateful summer day in 1961 when Berliners woke to find their city carved in two - an anniversary that still awakens painful memories on both sides of the fallen Wall.

Berlin Wall art restoration in full swing ahead of anniversary

Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:48:00 +0200

As the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall approaches, 91 artists are feverishly working to restore their original contributions to the famed East Side Gallery. The Local’s Andrew Mach reports.

‘City of losers’ makes a comeback from communist past

Wed, 15 Jul 2009 10:48:00 +0200

Even for East Germany's communist rulers, Chemnitz was only second choice when they were seeking a "model Socialist town" to rename as Karl Marx City in 1953. AFP’s Deborah Cole reports.

Israeli historian praises German democracy

Sun, 24 May 2009 16:53:00 +0200

In comments published in Israeli newspaper Haaretz on Sunday, renowned historian Tom Segev said Germany had drawn the right lessons from its past and had reason to celebrate on its 60th anniversary.

Germany marks 60th birthday with Berlin street party

Sat, 23 May 2009 12:50:00 +0200

Thousands turned out to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Germany's constitution on Saturday at a street fair near Berlin's historic Brandenburg Gate.