GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1945
Ownership
The Süddeutsche Zeitung was first published in Munich on 6 October 1945, the first newspaper licensed by the U.S. military administration in Bavaria. It was controlled for decades by five founding families until 2007, when most sold out to the Stuttgart-based Südwestdeutsche Medien Holding (SWMH), which today holds about 81% of the Süddeutscher Verlag, with founding-family descendants (notably the Friedmanns) retaining the remainder. SWMH's largest shareholder is Medien Union (around 47.5%).
Funding
It is financed commercially through subscriptions, a digital paywall, single-copy sales and advertising; it takes no state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
SZ is a privately owned quality daily controlled by a commercial publishing holding with no party or state ownership, so it is INDEPENDENT. Its editorial line is liberal centre-left, matching the site's INDEPENDENT type and CENTER_LEFT lean.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 347
73/100
Factual
71/100
Objective
509
Articles
509
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
The AfD in Saxony-Anhalt: the extreme right and its henchmen
In Sachsen-Anhalt wird am Dienstag ein neuer Landtag gewählt, der möglicherweise eine Regierung mit Vertretern der AfD und BSW bilden könnte. Die AfD erreichte 43,8 Prozent der Zweitstimmen und benötigt drei zusätzliche Sitze für eine absolute Mehrheit. Die Artikel analysiert die Mitglieder der AfD- und BSW-Fraktion, beschreibt sie als rechtsradikal und mit Verbindungen zu Neonazis, Putinsupportern und Vetternwirtschaft. Ulrich Siegmund, ein prominenter AfD-Politiker, wird als potenzieller Ministerpräsident diskutiert, und seine Verbindungen zur Vetternwirtschaft sowie seine Rolle bei einem 'Remigrationstreffen' werden hervorgehoben. Oliver Kirchner, Fraktionsvorsitzender der AfD, wird kritisiert wegen rassistischer Äußerungen und Verschwörungstheorien. Hans-Thomas Tillschneider, ein Islamwissenschaftler, wird als führendes Mitglied der rechten Flügel der AfD beschrieben.
In case you missed the Oktoberfest, these were the best moments in pictures.
The article from Süddeutsche Zeitung highlights some of the most beautiful moments from the Oktoberfest, presented in images. It serves as a visual retrospective for those who missed the event, showcasing iconic scenes and festivities associated with the annual Munich beer festival. The focus is on the cultural and celebratory aspects of the Oktoberfest, emphasizing its traditional and vibrant atmosphere. While the article does not delve into political issues, it provides a nostalgic look at the event’s highlights through photography.
The AfD is anti-constitutional
The article from Süddeutsche Zeitung accuses the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party of acting 'verfassungsfeindlich,' which translates to 'constitutionally hostile.' The piece frames the AfD's actions and rhetoric as undermining the principles of the German constitution, particularly regarding democratic values and the rule of law. It highlights specific instances where the AfD has been criticized for promoting ideas that conflict with constitutional norms. The article does not provide direct quotes from AfD members but emphasizes the broader implications of their stance on democracy and governance. The tone suggests a critical view of the AfD’s position within the political landscape.
Zidane-Elf turn the game: Bayern star Olise dismembered Belgium - Italy extends Turkish suffering
In a Nations League match at the Stade de France, France came back strongly after falling behind Belgium, thanks largely to Bayern Munich star Michael Olise who scored twice and provided an assist, leading his team to a 4-1 victory. This win helped France maintain their position at the top of Group 1 and keeps them on track for the quarterfinals. Belgium, under new coach Mark van Bommel, suffered their second loss in two matches against France, having previously lost 0-1 in the first encounter. Meanwhile, Italy continued their recovery from years of crisis by defeating Turkey 3-1 in their Nations League return match, extending Turkey's struggles.
Student protests: what students in France are demanding also affects Germany - Politik - SZ.de
The article discusses student protests in France and draws parallels to similar movements in Germany. It highlights the demands made by French students, such as calls for higher education reform, improved living conditions, and greater political representation, and suggests these issues are also relevant in Germany. The piece explores the broader implications of these protests, including their potential impact on education policy and youth engagement in politics. While the article does not provide specific details about German protests, it frames the situation as part of a larger European trend.
Spanish Prime Minister Sánchez announces early elections
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has announced early general elections, which will take place on July 23rd. This decision comes after his coalition government lost a confidence vote in the Spanish parliament, making it impossible for him to continue governing under the current arrangement. The move marks a significant shift in Spain's political landscape, as the snap election could lead to a change in leadership and policy direction. Sánchez had previously sought support from smaller parties to maintain his majority but failed to secure enough backing.
Award: Shida Bazyar has won the German Book Prize
The article announces that Shida Bazyar has won the German Book Prize. The headline highlights her achievement, but no further details about the book, its content, or the judging process are provided. The award is a significant recognition in German literature, typically awarded annually to a novel that stands out for its literary merit. The absence of additional information suggests the piece may be a brief announcement rather than an in-depth review or analysis.
The Nobel Prize in Medicine: a victory for basic research
The Nobel Prize in Medicine has been awarded to Peter Hegemann, Georg Nagel, and Karl Deisseroth for their groundbreaking work in optogenetics. Their research involves using light-sensitive proteins derived from algae to control neurons, enabling scientists to study brain function at an unprecedented level. This method allows researchers like Markus Rothermel to explore how attention forms, how memories and emotions are created by nerve cells, and other complex neurological processes. The development of optogenetics began with studies on the green alga *Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*, which uses a photoreceptor similar to human rhodopsin to move toward light. This discovery led to the identification of light-sensitive ion channels that could be used to activate neurons. Despite initial skepticism, the breakthrough was achieved in 2002 by Hegemann and Nagel, and later refined by Deisseroth, who applied the technique to neuroscience.
Klopp-era is not coming into play: Press opinions on the DFB team
The article titled 'Klopp-Ära kommt nicht in Gang' discusses the mixed reactions from the German media regarding the appointment of Jürgen Klopp as the new coach of the German national football team (DFB-Team). While some outlets acknowledge Klopp’s reputation as a successful manager, others express skepticism about his ability to immediately transform the team’s performance. The piece highlights the broader debate around Klopp’s suitability for the role, including concerns about his experience with international teams and the challenges he faces in adapting to the high-pressure environment of German football. It also references the expectations placed on Klopp to quickly improve Germany’s standing in international competitions.
The AfD in Europe: No one likes you - Culture - SZ.de
The article titled 'Die AfD in Europa: Keiner mag dich' by Süddeutsche Zeitung explores the declining popularity and social rejection of the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party across Europe. It highlights how the AfD, known for its far-right policies and controversial stances, has increasingly been viewed negatively by both mainstream political parties and the general public. The piece discusses the party’s struggles to gain traction in European politics, emphasizing its lack of support and the broader societal aversion to its ideology. While the article does not provide specific polling data or detailed policy critiques, it frames the AfD’s position as isolated and unpalatable within contemporary European political discourse.
Three days, three premieres, one disappointment
The article titled 'Volksbühne geht endgültig baden: Drei Tage, drei Premieren, eine einzige Enttäuschung' by Die Welt discusses the closure of the Volksbühne theater in Berlin after a three-day run with three premieres, resulting in widespread disappointment. The piece highlights the emotional and critical reception of the performances, emphasizing the audience's dissatisfaction despite the initial anticipation. It reflects on the cultural significance of the theater and the expectations associated with such productions. The article does not provide specific details about the plays or the reasons behind the closure, focusing instead on the overall reaction to the event.
Brazil elections: Bolsonaro emerges as winner from the first round - not President Lula - Politics - SZ.de
The article reports on the first round of Brazil's presidential election, highlighting that Jair Bolsonaro emerged as the winner, while former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva did not. The headline emphasizes Bolsonaro's victory over Lula, suggesting he has secured enough votes to win outright. The piece focuses on the outcome of the initial voting stage and does not provide detailed results or further analysis beyond confirming Bolsonaro’s lead.
Contrast program: ZDF show with Florian Schroeder to make satire against left and green
The article discusses a new satirical television show produced by ZDF, Germany's public broadcaster, featuring comedian Florian Schroeder. The show is described as targeting left-wing parties, specifically the Left Party (Die Linke) and the Greens (Bündnis 90/Die Grünen), through humor and satire. The program aims to critique policies and positions held by these parties, using comedic elements to highlight perceived flaws or inconsistencies. Such satirical programming often reflects broader societal debates and political discourse within Germany.