Germany calls up Cologne's teenage prodigy, Said El Mala, for the World Cup qualifiers against Luxembourg and Slovakia, marking his senior team debut. Established players like Kimmich and Gnabry join, while injuries sideline key figures, and Germany aims for direct World Cup qualification.

Germany's Bundestag is scrutinizing the AfD over potential ties to Russia, amid allegations of sharing sensitive information. Thuringia's interior minister claims the AfD's actions resemble a Kremlin agenda, heightening espionage concerns.

Germany is hosting a high-stakes steel summit to tackle industry challenges posed by rising costs, climate goals, and foreign competition. Key discussions focus on policy adjustments for electricity pricing, green transition strategies, and EU-wide actions to maintain sector competitiveness.

Kennet Eichhorn, a 16-year-old Hertha Berlin midfielder, is attracting attention from top clubs like Liverpool and Manchester United, with a potential €20 million price tag. As scouts from elite teams circle, experts suggest patience for his development, despite the rising transfer interest.

Adidas launches new home jerseys for various national teams, including Argentina and Mexico, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, blending heritage with modern design elements. The kits use advanced technology for player comfort and feature cultural motifs, with reactions from fans and players highlighting their visual appeal and potential impact on team performance.

DeepL has launched two major innovations: DeepL Agent, an AI coworker for automating knowledge tasks, and the Customization Hub for centralized language management. These tools aim to enhance efficiency and maintain accuracy, positioning DeepL competitively in the AI tools market against giants like Microsoft and Google.

Germany's newly formed National Security Council held its inaugural meeting, focusing on countering hybrid threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The council aims to streamline crisis governance across ministries and strengthen national security resilience, despite past coordination challenges.

Germany introduces the i-Kfz app, digitizing vehicle registration for smartphone use, with features like QR code sharing and offline access, aiming to enhance efficiency and security. Despite praise from ADAC and the police union, concerns about uneven implementation and security persist, as the government plans broader digital initiatives, including a digital driving license by 2026.

Rheinmetall is on track to become a global leader in the defense industry, with significant growth expected from a strong fourth quarter and major Bundeswehr contracts. Despite budget delays, the company remains optimistic about 2025, driven by rising NATO defense spending and strategic expansions in Europe.

Germany debates resuming deportations of Syrian refugees amid mixed political reactions and recent court rulings. The CDU and government officials clash over Syria's security situation and asylum policies.

A leading critic calls for banning Germany's AfD party, citing evidence of anti-democratic activities threatening the country's democratic order. Philipp Ruch argues that the party's rhetoric and actions meet the criteria for a constitutional ban, drawing parallels to historical precedents of rising extremism.

A 2024 report by BAG TäHG reveals most perpetrators of partner violence in Germany escape accountability, with only 23% completing mandated counseling programs. The report highlights a need for more court-ordered interventions, as current programs reach a mere fraction of the estimated offenders.

The DFB is set to invest 100 million euros to professionalize the Frauen-Bundesliga over eight years, creating a joint venture with clubs to boost women's football in Germany. This plan aims to curb talent migration and enhance league profitability amidst debates on spending levels and competitive balance with international leagues.

A BUND study reveals widespread PFAS contamination in German drinking water, with 42 out of 46 samples testing positive for these hazardous chemicals. The findings, which highlight potential regulatory gaps, underscore the urgent need for comprehensive regulation and the phasing out of PFAS use across Europe due to associated health risks and environmental persistence.

Zalando announces a major partnership with the German Football Association, featuring extensive branding on DFB team kits and media presence. This collaboration is part of Zalando's strategy to blend sport, lifestyle, and digital culture, with exclusive offers for Plus members and future expansion plans.

A new study suggests German households can significantly cut electricity costs by switching from default suppliers, with 41% still using the pricier Grundversorgung. Experts recommend reviewing contracts and using automated services to ease the switch, as government relief in 2026 could further reduce charges.

The Bündnis Sahra Wagenknecht (BSW) proposes dropping 'Sahra Wagenknecht' from its name, opting for 'Bündnis Soziale Gerechtigkeit und Wirtschaftliche Vernunft' to emphasize broader ideals. This shift aims to reduce reliance on Wagenknecht's personal brand, with the decision set for the December party congress in Magdeburg.

Starting Friday evening, the A7 in Hamburg will close entirely for the weekend, impacting traffic through the Elbtunnel until Monday morning. This closure supports infrastructure upgrades, coinciding with two major events that may further congest local roads.

A study warns that closing the deteriorating Norderelbbrücke on the A1 could severely disrupt Hamburg traffic, affecting 125,000 vehicles daily. Planned maintenance aims to extend its service until 2029, but rising detours and ongoing restrictions highlight the urgency for a new bridge.