GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1946
Ownership
Die Welt is a national German daily founded in Hamburg in 1946 by the British occupying forces as a quality paper modeled on The Times, and bought by publisher Axel Springer in 1953. It is published by Axel Springer SE, one of the EU's largest media groups (which also owns Bild and US outlet Politico). Axel Springer SE has been controlled since a 2020 take-private by US private-equity firm KKR together with the Springer family/foundation interests and CEO Mathias Döpfner.
Funding
Financed commercially through advertising and reader revenue, including a WELTplus digital subscription/paywall and print sales, as part of the Axel Springer publishing business.
Affiliation & stance
Die Welt has a center-right, economically liberal and pro-transatlantic editorial line reflecting Axel Springer's house principles, but it is a privately, commercially owned newspaper with no party or state control. Private corporate ownership makes it INDEPENDENT, in line with the site's center-right lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Conservative
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 1269
69/100
Factual
63/100
Objective
1466
Articles
1423
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
Recent coverage
Debate on the AfD in the CDU: The AfD is a Western party
Reiner Haseloff, former Minister-President of Saxony-Anhalt and member of the CDU, warns against any cooperation with the AfD after the upcoming state election on September 6. He argues that parts of the AfD in Saxony-Anhalt are unconstitutional and would lead to a fundamentally different system with a completely different value system if such collaboration were allowed. Haseloff emphasizes that the CDU cannot work with the AfD unless the party changes its current radical stance. While he remains firm against cooperation with the Left Party, he criticizes the media for their 'Western perspective' and claims they contribute to a negative portrayal of East Germany, which plays into the hands of the AfD. Haseloff acknowledges past contributions to East-West divisions within his own CDU but insists that the AfD is primarily a Western party.
Sintiki: Riot in Greek prison camp Dozens of migrants are fleeing
The article reports on an uprising at a Greek detention center where dozens of migrants attempted to flee. The incident highlights tensions within the facility, which is part of Greece's immigration management system. While the exact number of individuals involved and the broader implications of the event are not detailed, the situation underscores challenges faced by migrant detainees in Greece. The report focuses on the immediate action taken by the migrants rather than providing extensive background or context.
Effects of low water: Port of Duisburg under stress
The article discusses the ongoing low water levels in the Rhine River affecting the Duisburg port and related industries. The port operator Duisport reports that despite recent rainfall, the river level remains below normal, with the current level at 1.49 meters, lower than during the severe drought of 2018. Officials warn that this situation poses risks to shipping and industrial supply chains, particularly for inland waterway transport. Federal and state authorities, including NRW Minister Oliver Krischer, have met to discuss urgent measures, criticizing the slow progress of initiatives aimed at improving river navigability. The federal government has reduced funding for transforming inland shipping by half, leaving only 37 million euros available, which officials argue is insufficient. There is also pressure to implement planned improvements to the river channel. The Duisburg port, Europe’s largest inland port, handles over 20,000 ships and 25,000 trains annually, supporting around 52,000 jobs directly and indirectly, making it a critical economic pillar in the region.
Helge Schneider cancels his appearance after 20 minutes
The article reports that German comedian Helge Schneider abruptly ended his performance after just 20 minutes, stating 'I have had enough.' The headline highlights his emotional reaction, suggesting personal frustration or exhaustion during the event. No further details about the cause of his abrupt exit are provided beyond his verbal statement. The piece focuses on the incident itself rather than offering broader commentary or analysis.
Football: 25-year-old pro collapses on the pitch and dies in hospital
A 25-year-old professional football player collapsed on the field during a match and later died in the hospital. The incident occurred during a game, raising concerns about player safety and the risks associated with competitive sports. Emergency services were called, but the player was pronounced dead at the hospital. The event has sparked discussions about medical protocols in sports and the need for improved emergency response systems. Details about the cause of death are still under investigation.
A driver with a medical problem: car races through pedestrian zone in Hesse - eight injured - n-tv.de
A driver with a medical issue caused a car to crash through a pedestrian zone in Hesse, resulting in eight injured individuals. The incident highlights concerns about road safety and the potential risks posed by drivers experiencing health problems behind the wheel. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether the driver was aware of their condition at the time of the collision. Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, providing medical assistance to those affected. The event has sparked discussions about the need for stricter regulations or monitoring of drivers who may have underlying health conditions.
There is a dramatically negative attitude of the population towards the Federal Government
The article from Die Welt reports that there is a 'dramatically negative attitude' towards the federal government among the population. The headline suggests a significant level of public dissatisfaction with the current administration. While the article does not provide specific data or detailed findings, it highlights a general sentiment of disapproval toward governmental policies and actions. This indicates a potential crisis of trust between citizens and the ruling authorities. The piece emphasizes the emotional tone of public opinion rather than offering concrete evidence or analysis.
You are a foreigner, what are you doing here? Where citizens are suddenly the eyes and ears of the police
The article discusses a growing trend in Germany where citizens, particularly foreigners, are being asked by police to act as informal informants during investigations. This practice has raised concerns among civil liberties advocates, who argue it blurs the line between law enforcement and citizen surveillance. The piece highlights specific cases where individuals were approached by officers under the guise of community policing, often without clear legal justification. While some residents support the initiative as a way to improve safety, others fear it could lead to discrimination and over-policing of minority communities. The situation reflects broader tensions around immigration and security policies in Germany.
Behavioural scanners in Berlin: Harsh criticism of AI surveillance
In Berlin startet die Installation von Videokameras am Kottbusser Tor, was die erste dauerhafte Videoüberwachung eines öffentlichen Raums in der Stadt darstellt. Die Kamerateams werden algorithmisch analysiert, um Bewegungsmuster zu erkennen. Kritik kommt von Politik, Wissenschaft und Anwohner*innen, die befürchten, dass die Überwachung nicht effektiv gegen Gewalt oder Betäubungsmittelschmuggel wirkt und stattdessen Kriminalität in Wohngebiete verlagert. Die Bezirksbürgermeisterin Clara Herrmann (Grüne) warnt vor der hohen Kostenbelastung und betont den Mangel an finanziellen Mitteln für soziale Projekte. Niklas Schrader (Die Linke) kritisiert die zunehmende Überwachungsdichte und die mögliche Nutzung von Daten zur KI-Training. Vasili Franco (Grüne) nennt die Pläne des Senats 'Irrsinn' und betont, dass Studien zeigen, dass Videoüberwachung Kriminalität nur verlagert. Felix Ruppert (Jurist) sieht in der Verhaltensanalyse eine zusätzliche Grundrechtseingriffsebene.
Migration: Matteo Salvini stirs conflict with Germany over secondary migrants
The article reports on tensions between Italy and Germany over the handling of secondary migrants. Italian Vice Prime Minister Matteo Salvini threatens that Italy will no longer accept migrants returned by Germany, criticizing German NGOs for rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean and bringing them to Italy, some of whom then travel to Germany. Salvini, who is part of the right-wing coalition led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, argues that Germany has no right to return undocumented immigrants while these NGOs continue their operations. The conflict arises under new EU asylum and migration rules introduced in June 2026, which aim to allow countries like Germany to repatriate migrants who entered via Italy but later traveled elsewhere within the EU. Despite these rules, Italy has not accepted any returns from Germany since the regulations took effect. Official figures show Italy rejected around 80,000 'return applications' from other states since 2023, citing an overloaded national reception system. Reports suggest there may be discussions between Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and German Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt regarding the issue.
Mannheim against Kaiserslautern: Minister of the Interior and DFB criticize riots at the cup game
During a DFB Cup derby match between SV Waldhof Mannheim and 1. FC Kaiserslautern in Mannheim, violent fan clashes resulted in 85 injuries, including 35 police officers who were lightly injured. The German Football Association (DFB) announced an investigation into the incidents, emphasizing that dangerous behavior has no place in football. Security forces, including around 1,400 personnel from multiple regions, intervened to restore order after fans stormed the pitch and fireworks were fired into the stands. The event took place at a sold-out stadium with approximately 23,500 spectators, many of whom were supporters of both teams. The conflict between the two fan groups dates back to the early 1980s and involved pyrotechnics, firecrackers, and elaborate choreographies. The police are now investigating potential charges such as insults, assault, property damage, breach of the peace, attacks on police officers, and violations of the Explosives Act. Baden-Württemberg’s Interior Minister Manuel Hagel (CDU) condemned the violence.
Fagersta: Sword attack on 17-year-old in Sweden The girl was apparently a random victim
A 17-year-old girl was attacked with a sword in Sweden, reportedly as a random victim. The incident occurred in Fagersta, a town in southern Sweden. Local authorities are investigating the attack, which has raised concerns about safety in the area. The victim is currently receiving medical attention, and police are looking into possible motives behind the assault.
China's sprinting robots are running faster than Usain Bolt
The article discusses advancements in humanoid robotics, particularly highlighting China's progress at the World Humanoid Robot Games. During the event, a robot developed by the Chinese team X-Humanoid set a new record by completing a 100-meter sprint in 9.39 seconds, surpassing the human world record held by Usain Bolt (9.58 seconds). Another robot from the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Honor previously broke this record further, achieving a time of 9.32 seconds. The competition includes various disciplines such as long jump, weightlifting, table tennis, football, and everyday tasks like household chores and rescue operations. Over 660 teams from 16 countries are expected to participate, with most coming from China. Additionally, the article notes the growing interest in robotic technology in China, with companies like Unitree experiencing significant stock market success after their initial public offering.