Download
Why is Germany testing its public warning system?
Mark Webster
Europe;Germany

Translating...

Content is automatically generated by Microsoft Azure Translator Text API. CGTN is not responsible for any of the translations.

Warnings appear on people's phones (or Apple Watches). /CGTN
Warnings appear on people's phones (or Apple Watches). /CGTN

Warnings appear on people's phones (or Apple Watches). /CGTN

The German authorities will no doubt be hugely relieved: They finally successfully tested a nationwide warning system designed to be used in the case of any crisis. 

 

What is the early warning system?

It's a combination of sirens in public spaces and alerts sent to people's phones. 

 

When would it be used?

It could be used, for instance, if there's a terrorist attack, or a leak from a nuclear power plant, or a natural disaster such as a violent storm or heavy flooding. 

 

Why would the authorities be relieved?

The reason they'll be so relieved is that two years ago, when they first tested it, some of the sirens simply didn't go off and the warnings sent to people's phones took up to half an hour to arrive. 

 

Do other countries have a system like this?

Germany's certainly not the only country in Europe that has a similar system. In France, for instance, authorities test their sirens on the first Wednesday of every month in 2,000 villages and towns right around the country. It's a traditional check that has happened right since World War II. 

What the German government is saying is that they now have in place a system which will alert people if there is any danger – and could, in time, save lives.

Error loading player: No playable sources found
01:04

MORE FROM CGTN

{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

16:09, 18-Jul-2025

Meeting the media, Merz seeks stability at home and clarity abroad
{"type":2,"value":"Peter Oliver in Berlin","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

15:34, 18-Jul-2025

Israel allows Syrian troops into Sweida, Netanyahu calls Pope
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

14:12, 18-Jul-2025

Leaking pipes as climate warms: Bulgaria faces water crisis
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Europe

11:46, 18-Jul-2025

TOP NEWS

China's consumer market strengthens as a key economic driver
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

China

02:00, 18-Jul-2025

Commerce minister: Any attempt to 'decouple' China-U.S. bound to fail
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Politics

10:24, 18-Jul-2025

Global automakers eye deeper role in China's smart supply chains
{"type":2,"value":"CGTN","commentator":[],"valueShow":true,"commentatorShow":false}

Technology

10:26, 18-Jul-2025

Search Trends