GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 2014
Ownership
CORRECTIV is Germany's first non-profit investigative newsroom, launched in 2014 and operated by CORRECTIV – Recherchen für die Gesellschaft gemeinnützige GmbH, based in Essen and Berlin. It belongs to no media conglomerate and is not listed on any exchange; as a charitable GmbH its shareholder functions and key decisions rest with a board of trustees/supervisory body that exists to safeguard editorial independence. Its founding was enabled by the Brost Foundation, which fulfilled the testamentary legacy of publisher's widow Anneliese Brost.
Funding
Funded as a non-profit through foundation grants (the Brost Foundation gave about 3.8 million euros from 2014 to 2018, alongside backers such as Open Society Foundations), corporate and institutional support, plus membership fees and reader donations rather than commercial ownership.
Affiliation & stance
CORRECTIV pursues investigative and fact-checking journalism with a center-left orientation, but it is structured as an independent charitable organization governed by a trustee board, with no party, government or owner exercising editorial control. Its self-governing non-profit structure makes it INDEPENDENT, matching the site's center-left lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Lean Leftbased on 64
87/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
77
Articles
77
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Germany-Liveblog: Jens Spahn attended five meetings with Peter Thiel
How does the protection of the constitution rank the AfD in the federal states?
Reduction of jobs at Volkswagen: VW management silent on the extent of the job cuts, according to employees
This would break up the BSW: internal dispute over possible AfD majority
AfD delegate to Parliament: After the performance in the Bundestag, police were deployed to the hotel
Upgrading: Pistorius reportedly planning to spend on Frigate Project F126
FIFA World Cup: image of Germany fan as Hitler is not real
Germany wants to build a fighter jet without France
Big cities warn of the Reich's heating law
Recent coverage
What Ulrich Siegmund is planning to do in Saxony-Anhalt
The article discusses Ulrich Siegmund, the leading candidate for the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt, highlighting his dual image as a friendly politician and his radical political agenda. It reveals that Siegmund has ties to the banned völkische organization Heimattreue Jugend (HDJ), which influences his political strategy. The article emphasizes the AfD's use of the term 'Remigration' as a vague concept masking a völkish ideology that divides people into 'foreigners' and 'own.' With the AfD leading opinion polls at around 40%, there is concern over their potential influence on state governance, as they are classified as 'securely right extremist' by the constitutional protection agency. The article suggests that Siegmund's plans were outlined during a meeting in Potsdam where he connected with right-wing figures.
No, Annalena Baerbock was not kicked out of the UN.
The article by Correctiv investigates false claims circulating online in June 2026 that German politician Annalena Baerbock was expelled from the United Nations (UN) due to fraud. These claims spread on YouTube and TikTok, where a video received over 7,000 likes. The article clarifies that Baerbock was elected President of the UN General Assembly in June 2025 for a one-year term, which she held until September 2026. She was succeeded by Khalilur Rahman, former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh. The false narrative claimed that Baerbock had fabricated her resume and falsely reported memberships, but these allegations were previously debunked. Correctiv notes that such misinformation has targeted Baerbock since 2021, including false claims about her policies and personal conduct. The article defines disinformation as the intentional spread of false information to manipulate or mislead, often for political reasons.
German flag banned? Contributions to viral video missing context
An incident in Berlin involving a man being stopped by police for displaying the German flag during a demonstration sparked widespread online discussion. The video of the event went viral on social media platforms, particularly among right-leaning outlets like the AfD-aligned 'Deutschland Kurier' and the Instagram account 'Gesichert Unbequem'. Many users claimed there was a general ban on flying the national flag in Germany or Berlin, while others cited the Basic Law to argue that displaying the flag is allowed. Some compared the situation to a previous incident at the Bundestag where an AfD MP, Götz Frömming, suggested that showing the flag could lead to police intervention. Correctiv investigated the matter and confirmed that the man involved was part of a group protesting against the current federal government, specifically targeting Chancellor Merz. The police stated the incident occurred on June 8th near the Reichstag, where around 4,000 people participated in the demonstration, many carrying German flags. The man later clarified in a video that he had organized a train trip from Munich to Berlin for the protest, and that his group was not a tour guide but participants in the示
Pressure on public interest journalism: CORRECTIV starts the process of change
The article discusses the challenges faced by CORRECTIV, an independent, community-oriented journalism organization based in Germany. It highlights the increasing economic pressures on the media industry, particularly due to the introduction of AI-driven summaries in search engines and email services, which have reduced reach and website traffic. These technological changes impact the ability of community-oriented journalism to function effectively. Additionally, the broader economic and geopolitical situation has worsened funding conditions, as CORRECTIV relies heavily on private donations, which are becoming harder to secure. The organization emphasizes its commitment to providing free access to research, fact-checks, and educational content while continuously developing tools for public engagement and understanding. In response, CORRECTIV is undergoing structural changes, including cost reductions and strategic investments, to ensure its continued mission of delivering reliable information for the public good.
Entlassungen bei VW: Die Autobranche muss sich komplett neu ausrichten
Volkswagen has announced further cost-cutting measures due to declining demand and increasing political pressures affecting the automotive industry. The situation has worsened since the company initiated a savings program 18 months ago, with internal recognition that previous cuts were insufficient. The main pressure comes from China, where Chinese competitors are building efficient factories in Eastern and Southern Europe to supply local markets, threatening traditional German manufacturing sites like those in Emden, Zwickau, Hannover, and Neckarsulm. Volkswagen plans to cut up to 60,000 additional jobs globally, while Mercedes-Benz also aims to reduce costs by having employees work longer hours for the same pay. Political resistance to these changes is strong, particularly from entities like Lower Saxony, which owns shares in Volkswagen and seeks to protect its own locations. In East Germany, economic struggles among auto suppliers are being exploited by the AfD, which is capitalizing on voter discontent ahead of regional elections in September. The article emphasizes that the automotive sector must undergo fundamental restructuring to ensure Germany’s future in the industry.
Study: Some clothing at Shein heavily contaminated with chemicals
A study conducted by the Bremen Environmental Institute on behalf of the German Environmental Aid (DUH) found that some clothing items sold on the online platform Shein contain high levels of chemicals, exceeding European Union safety limits. Out of 18 tested garments, seven violated EU regulations, with some products showing extreme chemical contamination. Shein has responded by temporarily removing affected products from sale and conducting a broader review of its inventory. The issue is not unique to Shein, as other budget platforms like Temu have also faced criticism and penalties from the EU for similar concerns. Experts warn that certain chemicals, such as PFAS, which are used to make fabrics water-resistant, accumulate in the environment and human bodies, potentially causing health risks including hormonal disruption and cancer.
Pension reform: more money for climate-damaging industries
The article discusses Germany's proposed reforms to the pension system, which include increasing contributions to pension funds and investing those funds in capital markets. While the goal is to strengthen the financially strained pension system, the reform could lead to investments in climate-harmful industries such as coal, oil, and gas companies. The Rentenkommission explicitly opposes politically driven climate-friendly investment criteria, emphasizing return on investment above all else. However, Baden-Württemberg advocates for sustainable investments, having implemented climate-aligned financial policies since 2023. The state has pushed for sustainability considerations in national pension reforms, but these efforts have faced setbacks due to coalition changes. The article highlights the tension between economic growth-focused pension reforms and environmental concerns.
Spain and immigration?
Spain has implemented a historic regularization program allowing over a million undocumented migrants to obtain legal residency, work permits, and access healthcare. The initiative, based on a royal decree triggered by a popular initiative, bypassed parliamentary approval and has sparked debate. While many applicants are well-qualified, speak Spanish, and contribute significantly to sectors like agriculture, the policy challenges Europe’s broader migration restrictions. Public opinion remains divided, with some supporting the move to address labor shortages and demographic challenges, while others oppose it due to concerns about immigration control.
Ulrich Siegmund and Co.: Racism, but in a good mood
The article profiles Ulrich Siegmund, a leading candidate for the AfD (Alternative for Germany) in Saxony-Anhalt, during his campaign activities ahead of the 2026 federal party congress and state elections. It describes Siegmund’s friendly and charismatic public appearance at an event where he interacts with attendees, including young people and older individuals, while promoting the party’s image. The piece highlights the contrast between Siegmund’s outwardly pleasant demeanor and the more extreme views associated with his close associates, such as Simon Kaupert, who has ties to far-right movements like the Identitären Bewegung and has been involved in organizing far-right protests. Kaupert is portrayed as helping shape the AfD’s visual identity through artistic projects that align with the party’s nationalist agenda.
Hotheads and populism: the outdoor pool as a political issue
As summer approaches in Germany, public swimming pools have become a focal point for both leisure and controversy. Recent incidents, such as a crowd of 100 people causing disturbances at a pool in Saarland and reports of sexual harassment in Frankfurt, have drawn significant media attention. In Halle, a beachside pool sparked outrage by restricting entry to those with sufficient German language skills, citing the need for visitors to understand safety rules. This decision faced criticism from the Federal Anti-Discrimination Agency. While there is no dispute that conflicts occur in these spaces, questions remain about whether the situation has worsened compared to previous years and whether perpetrators are predominantly foreigners. Political figures like CDU’s Carsten Linnemann and former Chancellor Olaf Scholz have commented on violent incidents in Berlin’s pools, leading to increased police presence and new safety measures. Data from Berlin indicates a decline in reported crimes, including assaults and sexual offenses, since the implementation of these policies.
VW is considering the sale of stakes in Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart
Volkswagen is considering selling its stakes in two German Bundesliga clubs, FC Bayern Munich and VfB Stuttgart, as part of a major cost-cutting package. The move would involve divesting shares held through subsidiaries Audi and Porsche, though the company has not yet decided on the sale. The decision comes amid broader efforts to reduce costs, including potential job cuts and plant closures. While Volkswagen remains committed to supporting other clubs like Wolfsburg and Ingolstadt due to their societal relevance, it is evaluating whether exiting Bayern and Stuttgart might impact advertising effectiveness. Audi and Porsche currently sponsor these teams, but other partners like Deutsche Telekom remain unaffected. The plan is under review by Volkswagen’s supervisory board, which is set to discuss the measures on July 9th.
FAQ on the new report: 1,500 pages on the unconstitutionality of the AfD
The Society for Freedom Rights (GFF) has published a 1,500-page report concluding that the Alternative for Germany (AfD) is unconstitutional due to its violation of constitutional principles such as human dignity and democracy. The report argues that the AfD aims to undermine the democratic order through its goals and the behavior of its supporters, suggesting that a ban could likely succeed. The GFF analyzed over 2,500 pieces of evidence, including data points and organizational structure, to support this conclusion. The report highlights the AfD’s strong membership base, parliamentary presence, financial stability, and connections to international far-right groups like the MAGA movement in the U.S. and Russia. This follows previous legal precedents set by the Federal Constitutional Court regarding the Nazi Party (NPD), which outlined three core elements necessary for a democratic state: human dignity, democratic principles, and the rule of law.
WhatsApp keeps usernames a Hand mobile number remains private
WhatsApp, der weltweit am meisten genutzte Messenger-Dienst, bringt eine neue Funktion ein, bei der Nutzer ihre private Handynummer nicht mehr preisgeben müssen, um mit anderen zu kommunizieren. Stattdessen können Benutzername verwendet werden, um sich zu identifizieren. Diese Funktion wird ab dem 29. Juni 2024 global verfügbar sein, und die vollständige Umsetzung erfolgt schrittweise. Die Handynummer bleibt weiterhin erforderlich, um ein Konto einzurichten, aber bei Chats und Anrufen wird der Benutzername angezeigt. WhatsApp betont, dass dies ein wichtiger Schritt im Bereich Datenschutz ist, da die Handynummer oft mit sensiblen Informationen verbunden ist. Zudem ermöglicht WhatsApp Nutzern, ihre Namen aus Instagram oder Facebook zu importieren, und gibt keine öffentliche Liste von Benutzernamen heraus, um Spam zu reduzieren.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
