1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
Live TV
Latest audioLatest videos
In focus
Israel-Hamas warUkraineAlternative for Germany
SocietyGermany

COVID in Germany

Rina Goldenberg
November 17, 2021

In January 2020 the coronavirus reached Germany. Since then, nothing is as it was before. The fourth wave threatens to overwhelm the country.

https://p.dw.com/p/4378L
Brandenburg Gate and discarded COVID face mask
The capital Berlin has introduced restrictions for the unvaccinatedImage: Sascha Steinach/dpa/picture alliance

Since October 2021, Germany has been reporting ever higher infection numbers. And hospitals in parts of the country are already struggling.

Less than 70% of the population is vaccinated and the incidence of hospitalizations for unvaccinated COVID-19 patients between 18 and 59 is currently about four times higher than for vaccinated ones. For patients over 60, it’s about six times higher. 

It is the unvaccinated who are falling seriously ill. Strict restrictions are aiming to nudge them to get their jabs.

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

People stand in front of a vaccination bus of a mobile corona vaccination team

Why can't Germany deal with its new COVID crisis?

Germany is deep into its fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, but yet again its authorities seem ill-prepared.
HealthNovember 11, 2021
women shouting at a police officer during an anti-covid demonstration in Berlin

COVID-deniers threaten German doctors

German doctors are receiving threats from vaccine opponents as pandemic fatigue sets in.
SocietyNovember 14, 2021
a certificate of vaccination and a child receiving injection into its arm

Germany: Vaccines have always been political

Who decides what is being done to your body — you or the state? Here's a political history of vaccinations in Germany.
HealthJanuary 14, 2021
syringe and bottle with vaccine

Chronology: How COVID has spread in Germany

In January 2020 the coronavirus reached Germany. Since then, nothing is as it was before.
SocietyDecember 28, 2021
DW went to the city of Bautzen to see how people feel about rules meant to stop the spread of COVID.

COVID cases reach record highs in Saxony

DW went to the city of Bautzen to find out how people feel about new rules meant to stop the spread of COVID.
SocietyNovember 9, 202102:28 min
Animal profiles on Tinder

Puppy Tinder

During the COVID lockdown, Germans acquired hundreds of thousands of pets, but now many don't want them anymore.
SocietyNovember 14, 2021
Children playing in a park

Lockdowns have harmed children's health

The running, jumping and climbing essential to kids' well-being has been curbed. But hope is in sight.
SocietyMay 11, 2021
Drug addict in Hamburg injecting heroin

COVID hampers Germany's battle against drugs

Drug-related deaths have spiked during the pandemic, but many users get no help due to lack of funding.
HealthNovember 12, 2021