Information regarding COVID-19 in Germany

Reliable answers and concrete information on how to protect yourself and help others.

Information on the subject of vaccination and testing for members of the public is available in English, Turkish, Russian and Arabic at the country-wide and free-to-call telephone number 0800 0000837.

Basic knowledge about coronavirus

What is COVID-19? Here you can find general information on modes of transmission, the origin of the virus as well as sickness symptoms. Inform and protect yourself.

Die Infografik zeigt im rechten Bildrand eine Frau, die sich ins Gesicht fasst. Um ihre Hand und um das Gesicht herum sind Punkte abgebildet, die Tröpfchen symbolisieren. Links von der Frau ist eine Blase abgebildet, in der eine Hand zu sehen ist, die eine Oberfläche anfasst. Die Oberfläche ist mit Punkten bedeckt. Diese Grafik zeigt, wie sich Viren über Schmierinfektion verbreiten: Fasst eine nicht infizierte Person eine kontaminierte Oberfläche an und greift sich danach an Mund, Nase oder Augen, kann es ebenfalls zu einer Infektion kommen.

Coronavirus infection - this is how the coronavirus spreads

Coronavirus infection takes place above all via droplets and aerosols. Smear infection from surfaces is also possible. Read on to learn what modes of coronavirus transmission exist and what factors raise the risk of infection.

Eine Frau liegt auf der Couch und hält ein Telefon in der Hand. Sie hat einen besorgten Blick. Vor ihr auf dem Tisch stehen eine Tasse, ein Glass Wasser und eine Packung Taschentücher.

Fever, coughing, feeling unwell: Suspicion of COVID-19

In addition to fever, coughing and a runny nose are often symptoms of COVID-19. However, there are also other symptoms that could indicate that you have the disease. Here you can find out how to recognise COVID-19 and what you should do if you suspect you might have it.

From suspected infection to isolation

What should I do if I suspect I may be infected with the novel coronavirus? Here you will find information on how to handle symptoms of COVID-19, what to do in a suspected case of novel coronavirus, as well as information on quarantine and isolation.

Eine Hand in blauem Handschuh hält ein Medikament zwischen Zeigefinger und Daumen. In der anderen Hand liegen mehrere Tabletten.

COVID-19 – Treatment, medicinal products, long-term effects

Most cases of coronavirus infection result in a progression of mild or moderate severity. There is as yet no specific treatment for severe progressions of the disease, but supportive measures and the first active substances do exist. Find additional information in this article.

Eine Frau leidet unter den Spätfolgen einer Coronavirus-Infektion.

Long COVID – What are the long-term effects of a COVID-19 infection?

The longer the pandemic lasts, the more apparent the harm caused by the coronavirus to people’s health becomes. This article will tell you more about potential long-term effects of COVID-19.

Current information for travellers

What should you pay attention to when travelling in Germany or abroad? What rules apply to flights? What regulations must be followed by travellers from risk areas? National and international regulations are continually adapted as the pandemic develops. Here you can find up-to-date and important information for travellers.

When do I have to quarantine or self-isolate?

What should you do if you seriously suspect that you have COVID-19 or if there is a suspected case in your family, flat-share or at work? And what is the difference between quarantine and self-isolating at home? Read on to learn which rules apply in each case.

Masking up: FFP2 masks to protect others and yourself

When number of cases is high, community masks are often no longer sufficient. At this point, it has become mandatory to wear FFP2 or other face masks that provide medical protection in public spaces. Find out what you need to know about the masks here.

Fighting the pandemic together!

We can all do our part to contain the coronavirus by keeping a distance, following hygiene rules and, where there is little room, wearing a community mask.

Eine ältere Dame sitzt an einem Holztisch und schaut verzweifelt auf ihren Laptopbildschirm. Ihre linke Hand stützt dabei ihre Stirn.

Fraud in times of the coronavirus pandemic: please remain vigilant

Be it with “fake shops”, as “fake police officers” or as “fake public health officials” – criminals are currently taking advantage of people’s fears during the pandemic. This article explains what tactics are being used by scammers and how best to protect yourself.

Four people touch each other with their elbows. All persons wear an FFP2 mask. You observe the distance and hygiene rules that are important in the coronavirus pandemic.

Community protection: Why solidarity is of such importance during the coronavirus pandemic

Coronavirus vaccination does not protect only those who are vaccinated from severe COVID-19 infections. The more people are vaccinated, the better protected the people who cannot be vaccinated will be. Read more about the importance of herd immunity and how we can attain it here.

Eine Ärztin in blauer Schutzkleidung zieht eine Spritze mit einer Flüssigkeit aus einer Ampulle auf.

Information about the COVID-19 vaccination

Various information and materials in numerous languages about the vaccination against COVID-19 have been made available here for you to download.

In der rechten Bildhälfte sitzt ein Mensch in weißem Schutzanzug, mit Maske und Laborbrille, an einem Tisch. Er befindet sich in einem Labor. Er füllt eine Tabelle mit einem Bleistift aus.

Vaccines, Immunity and Medicines: Combating COVID-19

Around the world, researchers are working on a COVID-19 vaccine. Read on to learn about the phases of vaccine development and what Germany and the EU are doing to make a vaccine available quickly.

Im Vordergrund sitzt ein älterer Herr in grünem Hemd, mit Brille und Maske, der einer Ärztin zusieht, wie sie den Corona-Impfstoff aus der Glasflasche in die Spritze zieht. Sein rechter Ärmel ist für die bevorstehende Impfung hochgekrempelt.

Information on organising coronavirus vaccinations and arranging appointments in the Federal states

Since late December 2020, vaccines have been available and in the meantime vaccination is being conducted at high speed across the country. We have compiled an overview of who can be vaccinated when and what you need to do in advance.

Eine Frau im gelben T-Shirt sitzt mittig des Bildes. Sie trägt eine Maske. Neben ihr sitzt ein Mann in blauer Schutzkleidung und verabreicht eine Impfung in den Arm der Frau. Auf der rechten Seite des Bildes ist eine Menschenschlange zu sehen. Sie halten Abstand voneinander. Sie warten darauf, dass sie von der Frau am Empfang, die hinter einem Tresen steht, an eine Impfstation gewiesen werden.

Getting vaccinated in a vaccination centre: An overview of the most important information

Coronavirus vaccinations are being carried out in several hundred vaccination centres across Germany. But how is vaccination organised there and how do you get an appointment? Find answers to the most important questions here.

An elderly lady with gray hair receives the vaccination against Corona, which is given to her by a healthcare professional. The vaccination protects against COVID-19 disease.

Vaccination in doctors’ practices: here is what you need to know

Vaccination is well underway in Germany. Across the entire nation, doctors’ practices are significantly contributing toward facilitating this success. This article tells you all you need to know about coronavirus vaccination in doctors’ practices.

A woman is being vaccinated by a doctor.

Important documents for your vaccination appointment

Here you can find important documents for download to make sure you are well informed before your vaccination appointment. They include information leaflets on the various vaccines, as well as consent forms and substitute confirmations for the coronavirus vaccine.

Zwei Wissenschaftlerinnen oder Wissenschaftler halten eine Impfdosis in ihren Händen.

COVID-19 vaccines – a logistical challenge

Not only is COVID-19 vaccine manufacture and authorisation a challenge, the logistics are also complex. Find out what steps a vaccine must pass through before it can be used in a vaccine centre here.

Mehrere Impfdosen stehen aufgereiht nebeneinander. Auf dem Etikett steht Pfizer/BioNTech. Hinter den Impfdosen ist ein gelber Impfpass zu sehen.

Vaccines against COVID-19: Comirnaty® by BioNTech/Pfizer

BioNTech/Pfizer’s vaccine was the first to be globally authorised for use against COVID-19. An overview of important facts regarding safety and efficacy of coronavirus vaccination with Comirnaty®.

Auf dem Bild sieht man eine Schachtel mit Moderna-Impfdosen. Daneben stehen drei weitere Impfdosen. Sie haben rote Deckel.

Overview of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine

All vaccines authorised in Germany are safe and effective. This includes the Moderna® COVID-19 vaccine manufactured by the US firm Moderna. Here you can find key facts at a glance.

Das Bild zeigt zwei Impfdosen von Johnson & Johnson mit gelben Deckel. Von rechts oben wird eine Spritze ins Bild gehalten.

COVID-19 vaccines: Overview of the COVID-19 Vaccine Janssen® by Johnson & Johnson

The vaccine manufactured by the US firm Johnson & Johnson provides safe and effective protection against severe COVID-19 disease progressions. Find more information on the vaccine here.

Man sieht zwei Frauen im Gespräch. Beide tragen eine FFP2-Maske. Eine von ihnen ist schwanger. Die andere Frau ist eine Ärztin und notiert sich Gesprächsnotizen.

Coronavirus vaccination – Should pregnant women get vaccinated?

Owing to insufficient data, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) has not issued a general recommendation on the vaccination of pregnant and breast-feeding women against COVID-19 at this point in time. This article contains the latest developments in the research on coronavirus vaccination for pregnant women.

A pregnant woman in cozy clothes is sitting on the couch in her living room with children's clothes in her hands. She looks thoughtful.

Pregnancy: How can I protect my baby and myself from a coronavirus infection?

Pregnant women also need to protect themselves and their newborn child from the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Here you can find out what you need to pay attention to during pregnancy and the latest findings on this subject.

A woman uses her cell phone to scan a code on a piece of paper. She loads the digital vaccination certificate onto her mobile phone.

How the digital vaccination certificate works

Getting vaccinated against the coronavirus protects you and those around you while allowing you to benefit from certain eased rules. The precondition is reliable proof of full vaccination provided by the yellow vaccination booklet – or the digital vaccination certificate on your smartphone. More information in this article.

Ein junges Mädchen wird von einer Ärztin geimpft.

Coronavirus vaccination from the age of 12: Which children should be getting vaccinated

The European Commission has authorised the first coronavirus vaccine that is also for children and adolescents from the age of 12. How safe is the vaccine? And for what children is it recommended? Answers to important questions.

Ein junge Frau hält sich ihren Oberarm, auf dem ein weißes Pflaster klebt. Sie wurde gegen Corona geimpft. Ihr Gesichtsausdruck verrät, dass sie Schmerzen hat.

Vaccine reactions and side effects after coronavirus vaccination

Fever, fatigue, headaches – just like with any other medicinal product, vaccines too can cause adverse reactions after administration. Yet, vaccine reactions are not uncommon and tend to subside quickly. By contrast, serious side effects, vaccine complications or vaccine injuries are very rare. This article will tell you what to do in the case of suspected side effects.

Eine Person in medizinischer Schutzkleidung streckt ein Test-Stäbchen in die Richtung einer Frau um einen Corona-Test durchzuführen.

The National Test Strategy

Who is being tested for COVID-19 according to the current National Test Strategy? Find out more here.

Eine Hand hält einen Corona-Schnelltest. Das Ergebnis ist negativ.

Rapid tests - a vital tool for stemming the coronavirus pandemic

Test, test, test: This allows hitherto undetected coronavirus infections to be identified faster and infection chains to be interrupted. Regular testing is a vital tool in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.

Eine Frau mit kurzen braunen Haaren verwendet ein Stäbchen für einen Nasenabstrich. Sie hat die Augen geschlossen und ist der Kamera zugewandt.

Self-test to detect the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus

By testing regularly, coronavirus infections can be identified faster and more effectively. This enables us to interrupt infection chains and stem the spread of the coronavirus. The new self-tests are also helping. Find out how to obtain these tests and what you should remember.

Auf der Grafik ist eine Frau mit dunklen Haaren, mit einem grünen Mund-Nasen-Schutz und in weißem Kittel zu sehen, die einen Corona-Test bei einem Mann im grünen T-Shirt durchführt. Er sitzt vor ihr. Sie bewegt das Teststäbchen in Richtung seiner Nase.

Testing more to reduce coronavirus

Inform yourself now and find a suitable coronavirus test faster and more easily. Vaccination, testing and the DHM+A rule: effective together against coronavirus

Mind Your Mental Health - Adults

Limited contact, restrictions on recreational activities, worrying about falling ill and infecting others and feelings of uncertainty about the future are just a few of the challenges we must contend with during this difficult time.

Mind Your Mental Health - Parents with children

Working from home, homeschooling and far fewer recreational opportunities – families have been greatly impacted by restrictions. As yet, it is unclear whether further restrictions on childcare options will be required. It’s no wonder then if families are feeling stressed and tense.