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Germany Debates the Family

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As Germany celebrates International Day of the Family for the very first time, the domestic debate about family life continues to rage. With the lowest birth rate in Europe and a rapidly aging population, Germany is facing a demographic crisis. Political parties here have finally realized that family issues are not just the resort of parents, or indeed only of mothers.

However, since Family Affairs Minister Ursula von der Leyen -- herself the mother of seven -- proposed that new fathers should also take time out from work to care for their offspring, conservative politicians have been up in arms.

Read this selection of DW-WORLD.DE articles on the issues surrounding families in Germany, and the country's search for a new approach to family politics.

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Reports & Analysis

New Parenting Legislation Focuses on Fathers

The falling birth rate is forcing the German government to look for ways to sponsor family-building. A new child care bill would give fathers an extra incentive to stay home: money.

Opinion: Mother's Day Isn't What it Used to Be

To the delight of florists and chocolate shops around the country, Germany is celebrating Mother's Day, but behind the scenes of maternal joy, a brutal debate on who does what within the family is still taking place.

EU Family Profile Anything But Traditional

Today's average European Union family looks more and more unconventional compared to the past, with nearly one of every two marriages ending in divorce and a third of births out of wedlock, according to new statistics.

Fewer European Couples Tying the Knot

Marriage is on the wane all over Europe, as couples prefer living together to walking down the aisle, according to a study published Thursday.

Coalition Partners Tussle for Custody of Germany's Families

Walking a fine line between cooperating in a government coalition and campaigning in state elections, Germany's Christian and Social Democrats are trying to score points by promoting better childcare opportunities.

German Women Take the Rap for Declining Birth Rate

The government's family report paints an unexpected picture of contemporary women. They're not working as much as they should but that's not because they're raising families -- they're just too busy enjoying themselves.

Germany's Population Problems No Longer Taboo

The German government wants to combat the falling birth rate with better family policies. Tainted by controversial associations during the Nazi era, the issue was all but taboo until a few years ago.

Minister's Compulsory Kindergarten Year Proposal Draws Fire

German Family Affairs Minister Ursula Von der Leyen has stirred further debate by proposing that kindergarten attendance should be compulsory for every child in Germany for at least one year before school.