GermanyOwnership & classification
Founded: 1946
Ownership
Die Zeit, founded on 21 February 1946 in Hamburg (originally with Gerd Bucerius among its publishers), is produced by the Zeitverlag (Zeit Verlagsgruppe). The publisher is owned 50% by Dieter von Holtzbrinck Medien GmbH (DvH Medien, Dieter von Holtzbrinck) and 50% by Georg von Holtzbrinck GmbH (Stefan von Holtzbrinck), the two halves of the family-controlled Holtzbrinck publishing empire. The Holtzbrinck group acquired its stake from the 1990s onward; the paper remains privately, family-owned.
Funding
Financed commercially via paid print circulation, digital subscriptions and advertising; it is one of Germany's best-selling weeklies. No state or party funding.
Affiliation & stance
A liberal, broadly centre-left weekly with a tradition of editorial pluralism and no party or state ties. As it is owned by the private Holtzbrinck family media companies with editorial independence, it is INDEPENDENT.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 936
79/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
1404
Articles
1376
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.
Jeddeloh II shoots Heidenheim in the DFB-Pokal , which is a sensation .
In a stunning upset during the first round of the DFB-Pokal, the Regionalliga team SSV Jeddeloh II defeated the Bundesliga relegation candidate 1. FC Heidenheim 5-2. The match, played at the Oldenburger Marschweg-Stadion, saw Jeddeloh II capitalize on defensive errors by the struggling Heidenheim side. Coach Kristian Arambasic, who had previously suffered four consecutive losses in the DFB-Pokal, led his team to a dominant performance, scoring five goals while conceding two. The victory was highlighted by several impressive individual performances, including a goal from Marvin Pieringer and a hat-trick from Haris Hyseni. Heidenheim, which had been sparring with their coach Frank Schmidt due to a previous suspension, struggled throughout the match.
The Hamburger is the new heath queen of Amelinghausen
On August 23, 2026, Nina May Fischer, a 27-year-old woman from Hamburg, was elected as the new Heidekönigin (Heather Queen) of Amelinghausen during the annual Heideblütenfest (Heather Blossom Festival). The ceremony took place in the town located in the Lüneburg district of Lower Saxony. Fischer won against other contestants in a competition judged by a panel including local representatives and the previous queen, Emma Kremer. She succeeds Kremer, who had undertaken approximately 100 representation duties over the past year. This marks Fischer as the 76th Heidekönigin since the title was first awarded in 1949. The role involves representing the regional community, which includes five member municipalities, the district, and the broader Lüneburger Heide region. Notably, former actress Jenny Elvers was the most famous Heidekönigin, having represented the area 36 years prior.
Attack on human beings: man in custody after assaults
A 40-year-old man has been placed under investigation after multiple violent incidents against others. According to police reports, he assaulted a 71-year-old woman in Ilmenau who refused to give him cash, then attacked a 60-year-old cyclist and threatened and insulted a gas station employee. The suspect allegedly blocked the cyclist’s path and demanded his backpack. The man had previously drawn attention due to similar offenses. He was temporarily detained in Ilmenau, and a warrant issued by the Erfurt prosecutor’s office was approved by a judge. Investigations into the case continue.
Grand Prix at Zandvoort: where Formula 1 becomes too expensive
The article discusses the financial challenges facing the Formula 1 race in Zandvoort, Netherlands, which is set to be removed from the calendar after five years. The event, considered a home race for local driver Max Verstappen, has become increasingly expensive to host, with costs rising to an average of $40 million per race. The organizers, who operate the track privately, claim they cannot afford to continue hosting the event due to financial risks and responsibilities. Despite high attendance and revenue potential, the cost structure makes it unsustainable, with ticket prices required to exceed €300 per attendee, far beyond what the venue’s capacity can support.
Fuel prices: expensive fuel: E10 price close to record high
As of August 23, 2026, the price for E10 super gasoline in Germany has reached nearly record levels, with an average of 2.165 euros per liter, just below the all-time high of 2.203 euros set in March 2022. Diesel prices also remain elevated at 2.260 euros per liter, though still some distance from their previous peak. The ADAC reports that fuel prices have been steadily rising, particularly for diesel, and predicts 2026 could become the most expensive fuel year since 2022. Factors contributing to the price surge include ongoing tensions in the Middle East affecting global oil prices and low water levels on the Rhine River increasing transportation costs. While there was a temporary fuel rebate from May to June 2026 aimed at easing the burden on drivers, prices have since risen again. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and other European ministers have proposed a new tax on oil companies' profits due to increased earnings amid the Iran conflict.
Norwegian football star: Haaland parted his hair
Erling Haaland, der norwegische Fußball-Stürmer von Manchester City, hat sich kürzlich von seinen langen blonden Haaren getrennt und sich stattdessen einen rasierkurzen Frisur (Buzz Cut) geben lassen. Die Entscheidung wurde in einem siebenminütigen YouTube-Video erklärt, in dem Haaland seine neue Looks zeigt. Er begründete den Wechsel damit, dass es Zeit für einen Neuanfang sei, insbesondere vor der neuen Saison. Obwohl er einen Rat von Zlatan Ibrahimovic ignorierte, der ihm empfahl, seine Haare nicht zu rasieren, setzte Haaland den Entschluss konsequent um. Die Reaktionen der Fans waren gemischt, mit positivem Feedback sowie skeptischen Kommentaren, die Zweifel äußerten. Die Änderung seiner Erscheinungsform könnte auch Auswirkungen auf die Popularity und die Fan-Kultur haben, da Haalands Haare in der Vergangenheit oft Gegenstand von Memes und Diskussionen waren.
Doubtful video evidence in the World Cup final:
The article discusses doubts surrounding a potential incorrect offside decision in the FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina. A research by Süddeutsche Zeitung (SZ) questions the accuracy of FIFA’s graphics used to determine the offside call, suggesting they may have been manipulated or contain errors. The report highlights inconsistencies such as different hand and arm positions in the graphics compared to the actual footage, and a misaligned vertical distortion calculation. These concerns extend beyond this single incident, raising broader issues about the transparency and reliability of FIFA’s semi-automated offside technology. The article also critiques the perceived bias against Argentina during the tournament, especially considering the host nation and Messi’s home country. It further argues that while technology like VAR has improved precision, it remains subjective and prone to human error, calling for a more serious debate around AI in football.
US-Canada trade war: 50 percent tariffs for the old friend
The trade conflict between Canada and the United States has escalated after failed negotiations on a tariff compromise. The U.S. imposed 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports worth approximately $28 billion annually. In response, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that Canada would retaliate with equivalent tariffs to protect workers and businesses. The U.S. cited the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 as the legal basis for these tariffs, a law often blamed for exacerbating the Great Depression. According to Canada, the talks collapsed because the U.S. demanded last-minute changes to proposed terms that were deemed unfair and economically unsustainable. The U.S. accused Canada of rejecting the agreement reached earlier in the week, despite offering Canada the best market access among major exporters. The failure of the negotiations casts doubt on the future extension of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which is currently set to be renewed for another 16 years.
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.
Sword attack in Fagersta: suspect in custody after attack on Swedish school
Ein 18-jähriger Mann hat am 22. August 2026 mit einem Schwert eine Schule in der schwedischen Stadt Fagersta angegriffen und eine 17-jährige Schülerin getötet, drei weitere Personen verletzt. Der Täter wurde von der Polizei erschossen und festgenommen, wobei er unter 'dringendem Tatverdacht' steht. Laut Berichten war der Angreifer ein ehemaliger Schüler der Schule mit Vorstrafen gegen Körperverletzung. Die Ermittlungen sind in einem frühen Stadium, mit Durchsuchungen und Verhören von über 80 Personen sowie der Planung, fast 450 Schülern und Lehrkräften zu befragen.
Middle East: Iranian President Peseshkian wants to work towards conflict resolution
The Iranian President, Massud Peseschkian, has expressed his intention to work towards resolving the conflict in the Middle East based on a framework agreement with the United States. In a speech reported by state media, he described the current situation as a 'standstill', neither war nor peace, and stated that the joint declaration with the U.S. represents the best path out of this impasse. The agreement was signed in June with former U.S. President Donald Trump, aiming to end hostilities and pave the way for negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program within 60 days. However, the deadline has passed without further progress, and talks are currently stalled. Peseschkian acknowledged economic challenges facing Iran, including inflation and unemployment, and emphasized the need to mitigate risks affecting capital and investment. He also claimed Iran is in a 'position of strength,' asserting global recognition of its 'victory' in the conflict.
Hacker attack in the UK: Hacker attack leaves UK power plant idle for days
Ein Hackerangriff auf eine kleine britische Energieanlage im Juli 2026 wurde von mehreren britischen Medien gemeldet. Die Täter sollen Verbindungen zum Iran haben, wobei keine Auswirkungen auf die nationale Stromversorgung festgestellt wurden. Ein Regierungssprecher bestätigte, dass der Vorfall lediglich einen kleineren Energieerzeuger betraf und das übergeordnete Energiesystem nicht gefährdet war. Gleichzeitig wurden ähnliche Angriffe in den USA gemeldet, bei denen mutmaßlich iranische Hacker kommunale Wasserversorgungsnetze angreifen ließen, ohne die Versorgung zu beeinträchtigen. In Deutschland werden ebenfalls zunehmende Cyberangriffe auf kritische Infrastrukturen gemeldet, wobei Russland als potenzieller Schuldiger genannt wird.