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World War II

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When Germany invaded Poland in September 1939, it propelled the world into the most widespread conflict in history. World War II lasted from 1939 to May 8,1945.

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Germany: AfD's Höcke trial moved to more prominent court

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Reports & Analysis

A view of the entrance to the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, Poland, from October 10, 2023. A green banner above the gate says "Building a Jewish future in Krakow." Above it hangs a yellow and blue banner in Ukrainian. A Ukranian flag hangs to the left, and rainbow-colored umbrellas hang beyond the gate.

A view of the entrance to the Jewish Community Center in Krakow, Poland, from October 10, 2023. A green banner above the gate says "Building a Jewish future in Krakow." Above it hangs a yellow and blue banner in Ukrainian. A Ukranian flag hangs to the left, and rainbow-colored umbrellas hang beyond the gate.

Poland: How Jewish identity is revived in Krakow

Poland: How Jewish identity is revived in Krakow

In Krakow, one of the closest cities to Auschwitz, the Jewish Community Center brings Holocaust survivors together.

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

Fire engulfs Berlin's Eberswalde Synagogue on November 9, 1938

'Kristallnacht' not strong enough term for anti-Jewish riots

'Kristallnacht' not strong enough term for anti-Jewish riots

In Germany, the term "Kristallnacht" is falling out of favor when referring to the violent events of November 9, 1938

White roses sit on a railroad track.

White roses sit on a railroad track.

Berlin's Jewish memorials are places of remembrance

Berlin's Jewish memorials are places of remembrance

Many memorials in Berlin commemorate victims of the Nazi' Holocaust. Their message is now more relevant than ever.

Adolf Hitler standing at a podium giving a speech to Nazi members at the Munich beer hall, Nov. 8, 1939.

Adolf Hitler standing at a podium giving a speech to Nazi members at the Munich beer hall, Nov. 8, 1939.

Germany looks back at Adolf Hitler's coup attempt

Germany looks back at Adolf Hitler's coup attempt

What became known as the Beer Hall Putsch put Adolf Hitler on the political map.

Screenshot from the video game 'The Light in the Darkness,' showing a standing man with one arm around the shoulder of a seated woman.

Screenshot from the video game 'The Light in the Darkness,' showing a standing man with one arm around the shoulder of a seated woman.

How video games tackle the Holocaust

How video games tackle the Holocaust

Video games often feature Nazis, but rarely focus on the Nazi dictatorship's crimes and the Holocaust. That is changing.

A high school class room.Students sit facing the electronic board where a teacher stands and writnes things down

A high school class room.Students sit facing the electronic board where a teacher stands and writnes things down

Teaching about Nazis and the Holocaust in German schools

Teaching about Nazis and the Holocaust in German schools

What do German students learn about the Nazi era at school? DW visited a Berlin high school to find out.

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In the spotlight

Brandenburg Gate illuminated with Israeli flag on October 7, 2023

Brandenburg Gate illuminated with Israeli flag on October 7, 2023

Germany's unique relationship with Israel

Since Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel, German officials have repeated Germany's solidarity and special responsibility.

The building where Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria

The building where Hitler was born in Braunau am Inn, Austria

Austria: Hitler's birthplace to become a police station

The police are to move into Hitler's birthplace in the Austrian town of Braunau. The move has sparked protests.

Man sitting next to a Volksempfänger radio

Man sitting next to a Volksempfänger radio

Nazi Germany: Radio propaganda turns 90

The Nazis were masters of propaganda. The primary tool was, at the time, a revolutionary new technology: radio.

black and white photo of Stauffenberg, Hitler, General Fromm from July 15, 1944

black and white photo of Stauffenberg, Hitler, General Fromm from July 15, 1944

'Operation Valkyrie': The failed plot to kill Adolf Hitler

One act of resistance against the Nazi dictator had more of a long-term impact than all the others.

Bullet holes on the door of the Old Synagogue in Essen

Bullet holes on the door of the Old Synagogue in Essen

Germany: Racism, antisemitism reporting on the rise

Two new studies indicate that anti-Jewish racism and various forms of discrimination are widespread in Germany.

An Israeli flag flies with a glass dome of the German Bundestag in the background

An Israeli flag flies with a glass dome of the German Bundestag in the background

Five lessons from Meron Mendel's 'Talking about Israel'

"Talking about Israel," a book by Israeli professor Meron Mendel, analyzes how Israel is discussed in German society.