Opponents of the certificate, which restricts entry to events and restaurants to mostly vaccinated people, forced Sunday's referendum. Most voters, instead, have backed the government's approach.

Some German politicians insist a COVID-19 vaccine mandate would divide society. Others argue it would be unconstitutional. Ines Eisele believes these are weak arguments and an excuse to do nothing.

Even if mandatory vaccinations are deemed legal and the unvaccinated show up for their shots, requiring everyone to get vaccinated won't solve Germany's COVID crisis. We need another lockdown, writes DW's Joscha Weber.

The EU Commission on Wednesday (1 December) unveiled its plan to invest €300bn by 2027 in global infrastructure in digital and climate projects - as an alternative to China's Belt and Road initiative.

The EU has called the plan a "road map for investment" in the developing world. It is seen as an eventual alternative to China's "Belt and Road" global infrastructure strategy

The coronavirus Delta variant is spreading across Europe, with almost all new infections in people who have not been vaccinated. Yet many still refuse to be inoculated. Healthcare workers in France and Greece will soon have to decide: either be vaccinated or face unemployment. Is it the right way to go?

The general global trend towards protectionism has been boosted by the pandemic, as countries try to buy more locally. That's a serious threat to jobs in Germany.

German judoka Marie Dinkel was sexually abused by her coach when she was 13. Now 25, she speaks to DW about her experience, lack of trust and how she hopes to help others.

Germany is to shut down its last nuclear reactors next year. However, the country still has no place to store the 27,000 cubic metres of highly radioactive material it has already produced, with the amount set to grow as power stations are decommissioned and dismantled. German authorities have set a deadline of 2031 to find a permanent storage location – but for now, the waste is being stored in temporary locations, much to the anger of local residents. Our correspondents report.

Germany’s short-time work model prevents mass layoffs during an economic downturn when workers have less to do. When they do work, they get paid as usual. When they don't work, they get an allowance from the state. This helps keep the economy stable.

The new German parliament has elected Olaf Scholz as chancellor as Angela Merkel departs after 16 years at the helm of Europe's largest economy. He is now scheduled to be sworn in, along with a new Cabinet.

What will happen at Chancellor Olaf Scholz's swearing-in ceremony? Here's why Germany's event is devoid of the pomp seen in inauguration ceremonies elsewhere.