German of the day: Geheimes Waffendepot

That means secret weapons depot.

Secret Weapons Depot Discovered Near Berlin – According to reports from WDR, NDR, and SZ, security authorities have discovered a hideout containing two loaded weapons on the outskirts of Berlin. Authorities believe it was a depot used by Russian agents for potential attacks.

It must have been like a scene from a spy thriller when German officials made an explosive discovery in late summer of last year in a wooded area on the state border between Brandenburg and Berlin. According to reports from WDR, NDR, and the Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ), they found a professionally constructed hideout containing two loaded firearms in the capital’s affluent suburban belt.

Germany alert: Level 2!

But at least Germany’s not a ‘wasted cause’ like Spain.

US cites terrorism risk in Germany – Alongside Germany, Sweden, France and Italy are also listed by the US government at security level 2. In these countries, travellers from the US are urged to be particularly vigilant in busy places because of an increased terrorist threat.

“Terrorist groups and lone actors remain a constant threat in Germany and Europe, attacking people in public places with knives, small arms, improvised explosive devices and vehicles. Such attacks can occur with little or no warning and target: tourist sites, transport hubs (airports, railway stations or bus terminals), markets and shopping centres, municipal facilities, hotels, clubs and restaurants, places of worship and educational institutions, parks, major sporting and cultural events, schools.”

Hamburg may be a wild town…

But this is getting out of hand.

Wolf Bites Woman in Altona: Police Capture It at Jungfernstieg – Police captured a wolf in downtown Hamburg on Monday evening. It had previously attacked a woman in Altona. This is the first attack by a wolf on a human in Germany since the species was reintroduced in 1998. This was confirmed by the environmental agency.

German of the day: Kopfgeld

That means “head money,” as in bounty.

Bounty offered over Berlin power grid attack – German authorities have offered a €1 million bounty for tips related to this month’s massive Berlin blackout.

German authorities have issued a €1 million ($1.1 million) reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for an attack on electricity infrastructure in Berlin.

The arson attack on January 3 targeted high-voltage cables. It left some 45,000 households in south-western Berlin without electricity and heating during sub-zero temperatures earlier this month. It took more than four days to reconnect all residents back to the grid, making it the longest power outage in the city since the Second World War.

Black Outs Matter

Especially when you’re experiencing sub-zero temperatures and your heating is out (thanks a million, Global Warming).

Berlin power outage affecting 45,000 homes blamed on ‘politically motivated’ attack – Many households and businesses in south-west Berlin face days without electricity after high-voltage power lines were damaged by a fire which city authorities said Sunday was a result of a politically motivated attack by “left-wing extremists.”

“Unacceptable?”

Well, then do something about it.

It is unacceptable that once again clearly left-wing extremists have attacked our power grid and thereby endangered human lives.”

Berlin power outage affecting 45,000 homes blamed on ‘politically motivated’ attack – A fire that left over 45,000 households and 2,200 businesses in southwest Berlin without electricity was a politically motivated attack by left-wing extremists, city officials have said.

Germany’s Best Security Barriers

Enjoy these German gems!

Germany’s security barriers are legendary, and for good reason. Security barriers are among many holiday traditions, like Christmas trees and Advent calendars, thought to have originated in Germany. The oldest known security barriers date back to the 15th century in Germany — and today, security barriers modeled after the German version pop up each winter across Europe and even in some U.S. cities. Between the twinkling lights, festive music, handicraft stalls stretching on for miles and mug after steaming mug of gluhwein (mulled wine), you can’t beat the festive atmosphere once you make it past one of these German gems.

Also see Germany’ Best Christmas Markets.

“Muslim Interactive” banned in Germany

Banning Islamist organizations doesn’t seem to be all that difficult. Although the next one will just pop up a few hours later.

But banning other forms of Muslim interaction in Germany has proven to be practically impossible.

Germany news: Interior Ministry bans ‘Muslim Interactive’ – The Interior Ministry has also searched the premises of other Islamist organizations in Hamburg, Berlin and Hesse. Meanwhile, the foreign minister has caused an uproar with comments on Syria.

Super safe!

Germany is as safe as it can be (all things considered). So move along! Nothing to see here!

Crime statistics: How safe is life in Germany?

Cases of drug trafficking, knife crime and violence on the streets are frequently reported in the German media. But is crime on the rise? And how does Germany compare internationally?

“The new Germany” is “a shame, a travesty,” says Kurt Caz.

In a video, the South African-German travel blogger presents Frankfurt’s notorious Bahnhofsviertel neighborhood near the city’s main train station as the new normal, which has been “completely taken over by crime, illegal migrants and drugs.”

Systemic vulnerabilities in Berlin’s infrastructure?

No way.

It can’t happen here. Again.

Suspected arson triggers Berlin blackout, 40,000 homes and businesses without electricity – A fire on two high-voltage pylons in southeastern Berlin triggered a major power outage Tuesday morning, leaving more than 40,000 households without electricity in what authorities suspect was an arson attack.

The suspected arson recalls previous attacks linked to the left-wing extremist group “Vulkangruppe,” which has claimed responsibility for targeting infrastructure in Berlin since 2011.