Germany in 2014: Emotional highlights
Recalling the Berlin Wall, winning the World Cup, debating Pegida - an emotional year is drawing to a close in Germany. DW looks back at some of the people and moments that captured the country's attention.
Surprise coming-out
For the most part, homosexuality is still a taboo in German soccer. On January 9, 2014, former national player Thomas Hitzlsperger became the first prominent German soccer player to come out as gay. In a video message, he explained his desire to make a contribution to the debate about homosexuality among sports pros.
More women in the Bundeswehr
Meet Janine Asseln. The 27-year-old lieutenant is Germany's first female watch officer on board a submarine, part of the U31 crew since January 2014. When she was a child, she watched submarines enter and leave the naval base in her hometown. Now, she's not only conquered a male domain - a personal dream has come true for the young woman.
A president goes to jail
He was powerful, and somewhere along the way, he lost touch with reality. Uli Hoeness, long-time Bayern Munich manager and president, was a gambler. He played the stock market and evaded at least 28.5 million euros ($34.7 million) in taxes. On March 13, 2014, Hoeness was convicted for tax evasion, and he began his sentence on June 2. He might be eligible for parole in March 2016.
A "selfie" with Chancellor Merkel
She is respected - sometimes even feared - on the political scene. At home and abroad, Angela Merkel commands attention as a leader. But that's no detriment to her popularity with the public - on the contrary. Even young people want to be close to her. And in May 2014, the US magazine "Forbes" pronounced the German head of state the "most powerful woman in the world" for the fourth time running.
A German in space
On May 28th, German astronaut Alexander Gerst left Earth for the international space station ISS on board a Soyuz spacecraft. He returned on November 10th. For half a year, he observed the world from above. Rarely before had an astronaut shared his impressions of the "Blue Planet" in such an emotional way. Gerst is the eleventh German astronaut to travel through space.
A fourth star
The German team had failed to win the title in 2006 and 2010, but they finally succeeded in Brazil in the summer of 2014. The fourth star on their jerseys comes as a result of plenty of talent, long-term support of young players and tactical finesse. Even Germany's opponents were thrilled by coach Löw's achievement. The national team's triumph at the World Cup captivated the country.
Carnival atmosphere in Berlin
A "third" half for the returning heroes: hundreds of thousands of people welcome the world champions in the German capital at the Brandenburg Gate. After 1954, 1974 and 1990, Germany had won the World Cup for the fourth time. A gigantic summer party saw everyone singing, dancing, cheering. Afterwards, the players had just one thing on their minds: going on vacation.
The fall of the mighty
On August 5th, Formula One tycoon Bernie Ecclestone had to stand trial in Munich, being charged with large-scale bribery. He allegedly paid a former Bavarian State Bank manager $44 million dollars. The case is dropped in exchange for a 75 million euro payment from Ecclestone, who only narrowly escapes serving time in prison.
Destination Germany
In 2014, about 200,000 people sought asylum in Germany - the highest number in a long time, with many petitions from Syria, Iraq and countries in Africa. With Germany now trailing only the US in immigration, its number of asylum seekers has grown politically controversial. Nonetheless, the German people on the whole are still ready and willing to support war refugees.
Foreign policy muscle
Thus far, only outlines of a new German foreign policy are recognizable. But it's a fact that the government wants to take on more responsibility in crisis areas and war zones. In 2014, the most prominent advocates of this course were Germany's chief diplomat Frank-Walter Steinmeier, President Joachim Gauck and the first-ever woman in charge of the Ministry of Defense, Ursula von der Leyen.
Violence in Cologne
Germans took to the streets to protest against Islamists at an October 26 demonstration in Cologne that was dominated by belligerent football hooligans, including some right-wing extremists. 5,000 participants from all over Germany turned their anti-Salafist protest into an urban riot. Despite a heavy police and security presence, the protests became markedly violent.
Once there was a wall...
Hard to believe: the end of the division of Germany now dates back a quarter of a century. On November 9, over a million people celebrated the 25th anniversary in Berlin, with many on hand who could personally remember the night on which the inner German border opened up after 28 years. Angela Merkel commemorated the fall of the Wall: "Dreams can become reality. Nothing has to stay the same."
Farewell, Tugce
After trying to settle a dispute in a McDonald's restaurant, Tugce, a young woman with Turkish roots, was beaten to death. In November, thousands paid their respects at the funeral of the courageous student. Thousands petitioned online to have the national Order of Merit awarded to Tugce, who died on account of showing civil courage.
All eyes on Dresden
Autumn 2014 saw the inception of "Pegida," a public campaign mobilizing thousands of people in Dresden. Critics call the anti-Islamization group out for right-wing and racist motives, while supporters see Pegida as offering justified criticism from the mainstream of society. The political debate about the "Patriotic Europeans Against the Islamization of the West" is sure to rage on into 2015.
Mirror, mirror on the wall
A global survey certifies that, of all countries in the world, Germany has the best reputation. It's considered successful, reliable and attractive; its citizens are viewed as honest. For the first time, it is more popular than the US. The survey of the Society for Consumer Research (GfK) is based on polls of 20,000 people in 20 countries.