The federal election of 23 February saw a record turnout: 82,5% of the 59,2 million eligible voters participated to elect 630 members of the federal parliament Bundestag; it's the highest turnout since 1987, which is prior to reunification in 1990

75% of respondents to a survey are in favor of a ban on individuals' use of fireworks, a habit that spikes onNew Year's Eve; Germans had already voiced discontent with the practice and fireworks-free zones have been established in densely populated areas

A 300 kilograms bronze bell of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Bremen was recovered; it was stolen from inside the church overnight on 18 November, and an earlier attempt of theft was registered two weeks ago when it was still placed on the outside

Düsseldorf museum Kunstpalast is taking guided tours to a new level: artist Karl Brandi has introduced the “Grumpy Guide”: the experience has the goal of insulting visitor in an entertaining way; a 70-minute tour to mock and chastise guests is sold at $8

Interior Minister is considering adding war and disaster scenarios to school curricula; schoolchildren prepared for war and disasters would be a "sensible precaution", while others think it's conservative scaremongering