Police in Cologne are investigating reports of sexual assaults that occurred during New Year's Eve celebrations. Thousands were packed into the city's main square when the attacks occurred.
Germany is struggling with 1 million migrants who applied for asylum this year. Officials say the key to integration is education, and many schools have made accommodating migrants a priority.
Germany has been generous in welcoming refugees, but is stepping up deportations to dissuade more from coming. Chancellor Angela Merkel says many Afghans seeking asylum shouldn't expect to stay.
Berliners and migrants are getting to know each other through popular songs from Germany, Syria and Eritrea. Every German interested in joining must bring an asylum-seeker with them.
Berlin is a favorite among Hollywood's top directors and actors. In the past year, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay — Part 2, Homeland and Bridge of Spies were all shot on location in the German capital.
After the Paris attacks, refugees in Berlin have felt increased scrutiny, as police comb their numbers for potential threats. But many Syrians there say they fear ISIS as much as their hosts do.
Schmidt worked with French leaders to start the annual World Economic Forum — and, separately, to set into motion the monetary system that today unites the economies of the European Union.