The economy returned to expansion at the start of 2025, with previously hoped-for improvement likely dashed by tariff threats.

The German economy grew in the first quarter of the year thanks to consumption and investment, escaping a recession after contracting in the last quarter of last year, data showed on Wednesday. Gross domestic product rose in line with forecasts,

A Reuters poll had projected 0.2% growth from the previous quarter. Germany's economy, the largest in Europe, has long been sluggish, with its GDP flip-flopping between growth and contraction in each quarter throughout 2023 and 2024.

Antonio Rüdiger needs to show "class" and respect for others, German national team sporting director Rudi Völler has said, after the defender appeared to throw ice toward the referee during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey loss to Barcelona.

Antonio Rüdiger needs to show “class” and respect for others, German national team sporting director Rudi Völler has said, after the defender appeared to throw ice toward the referee during Real Madrid's Copa del Rey loss to Barcelona.

Real Madrid and Germany defender Antonio Rüdiger had a knee operation on Tuesday and faces a race to be fit for the Nations League Final Four and the Club World Cup. The centre back was already facing a lengthy ban from the Spanish FA after throwing an object at the referee in Saturday's Spanish Cup final defeat to Barcelona.