Advertisement

Image: Goldmann/picture alliance

Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution: Germany's domestic intelligence agency

Germany's Bundesamt für Verfassungsschutz (BfV) monitors political extremists with a view to preventing terrorist attacks.

Skip next section News

News

February 26, 2026

German intelligence must pause extremist label for AfD

Show more

Skip next section Reports & Analysis

Reports & Analysis

The image shows a long, narrow corridor inside what appears to be an underground concrete facility. The walls and ceiling are made of unpainted, rough concrete, giving the space a stark and utilitarian appearance. Along the left side of the hallway, several heavy metal doors are visible; some are open, revealing dark interiors. These doors have reinforced frames and metal bars or locking mechanisms, suggesting they were designed for secure or protective purposes.
The floor is plain and worn, and the lighting is dim, casting soft shadows along the corridor. On the right wall, a few metal brackets or hooks are mounted, though their purpose is unclear. The corridor extends into the distance, ending in deeper shadow, creating a sense of depth and confinement.
Overall, the setting resembles a Cold War–era shelter, bunker, or other fortified underground installation.

The image shows a long, narrow corridor inside what appears to be an underground concrete facility. The walls and ceiling are made of unpainted, rough concrete, giving the space a stark and utilitarian appearance. Along the left side of the hallway, several heavy metal doors are visible; some are open, revealing dark interiors. These doors have reinforced frames and metal bars or locking mechanisms, suggesting they were designed for secure or protective purposes.
The floor is plain and worn, and the lighting is dim, casting soft shadows along the corridor. On the right wall, a few metal brackets or hooks are mounted, though their purpose is unclear. The corridor extends into the distance, ending in deeper shadow, creating a sense of depth and confinement.
Overall, the setting resembles a Cold War–era shelter, bunker, or other fortified underground installation.

Germany's unusable bunkers reveals issues in emergency prep

Germany's unusable bunkers reveals issues in emergency prep

Around 600 public shelters in Germany are not ready for use. What should people do in an emergency?

A snow-covered wooden cabin with triangular window amid a snowy pine forest under crescent moon, a heat pump is visible alongside the facade

A snow-covered wooden cabin with triangular window amid a snowy pine forest under crescent moon, a heat pump is visible alongside the facade

Yes, heat pumps really work in freezing cold weather

Yes, heat pumps really work in freezing cold weather

People are increasingly using heat pumps to warm their homes. The devices save money and are good for the environment.

Martin Sellner, a man wearing glasses and a suit, talks to journalists, who hold a microphone and large camera.

Martin Sellner, a man wearing glasses and a suit, talks to journalists, who hold a microphone and large camera.

Germany's AfD bonds with Austrian far-right extremists

Germany's AfD bonds with Austrian far-right extremists

AfD officials are openly reaching out to Austrian right-wing extremist Martin Sellner and his Identitarian Movement.

A group of German police in bullet proof vests walk towards police cars parked in front of the German Federal Court of Justice.

A group of German police in bullet proof vests walk towards police cars parked in front of the German Federal Court of Justice.

Germany: Far-right extremist 'Saxon Separatists' stand trial

Germany: Far-right extremist 'Saxon Separatists' stand trial

The trial of 8 suspected right-wing extremists accused of planning a coup is beginning in the German city of Dresden.

A man in orange work slacks uses a broom to clear snow. In the background a snow clearing vehicle with a shovel can be seen.

A man in orange work slacks uses a broom to clear snow. In the background a snow clearing vehicle with a shovel can be seen.

Winter storms Goretti and Elli batter Germany, France, UK

Winter storms Goretti and Elli batter Germany, France, UK

Severe weather warnings have been issued as winter storms bring hurricane-force winds and heavy snow to northern Europe.

Potsdamer Chaussee illuminated only by cars' headlights

Potsdamer Chaussee illuminated only by cars' headlights

Berlin blackout: How dangerous are left‑wing extremists?

Berlin blackout: How dangerous are left‑wing extremists?

A left‑wing group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a Berlin power plant that left thousands in the dark.

Show more

Advertisement

Skip next section In the spotlight

In the spotlight

Jean-Pascal Hohm speaking at an anti-government demonstration in Cottbus in January 2024

Jean-Pascal Hohm speaking at an anti-government demonstration in Cottbus in January 2024

AfD Youth: A training ground for Germany's far right

The far-right AfD party is launching a new youth organization. Experts expect it to be as radical as its predecessor.

The head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution Sinan Selen speaks during a ceremony marking the 75 years of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, on October 27, 2025 at the Interior Ministry in Berlin

The head of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution Sinan Selen speaks during a ceremony marking the 75 years of the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, on October 27, 2025 at the Interior Ministry in Berlin

German domestic intelligence agency sees cause to celebrate

Germany's domestic spy agency marks its 75th anniversary. How well does the early warning system work?

Does adopting far-right rhetoric help the political center?

A new study has found centrist parties are allowing far-right parties to dominate debate by repeating their rhetoric.

Ganze Kubasik in front of a mural showing her father in the Dortmund soccer stadium

Ganze Kubasik in front of a mural showing her father in the Dortmund soccer stadium

How to tell your son that the NSU shot his grandfather?

Gamze Kubasık's father was murdered by neo-Nazis. Then, German law enforcement treated her family as suspects for years.

A selection of Ferrero Rocher chocolates on display at a candy store in Kyiv, Ukraine, on September 7, 2022

A selection of Ferrero Rocher chocolates on display at a candy store in Kyiv, Ukraine, on September 7, 2022

Turkey's hazelnut frost threatens chocolate supply chains

A cold snap shrank Turkey's hazelnut harvest. Nutella and Ferrero Rocher lovers are bracing for higher prices.

An archive photo of an extreme-right protest from 2015

An archive photo of an extreme-right protest from 2015

In eastern Germany, youths embrace nationalism, extremism

In many parts of eastern Germany, Nazi symbols have become a common sight. DW went to Dessau to find out why.

All content (492) on this topic