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Nearly 70,000 German Students Trained for Disaster Scenarios
๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Germany /Disasters & Emergencies

Nearly 70,000 German Students Trained for Disaster Scenarios

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • Nearly 70,000 students in Germany participated in civil defense and first aid courses between 2025 and early 2026.
  • The courses aim to improve the public's ability to handle civil protection scenarios and emergencies.
  • Despite the high participation, the Green Party faction in the Bundestag believes further action is needed.

Germany has seen a significant mobilization in civil defense preparedness, with nearly 70,000 students completing specialized courses for disaster scenarios. From 2025 through the first quarter of 2026, a total of 69,008 students participated in free training programs focused on "First Aid with Self-Protection Content" (EHSH).

These courses, conducted by five certified aid organizations, are designed to enhance the public's skills in civil protection and extraordinary emergency situations. The initiative aims to build a more resilient population capable of responding effectively when disaster strikes.

However, the Green Party faction within the Bundestag has indicated that these efforts, while substantial, are not sufficient. Bundestag member Leon Eckert stated that while educational institutions are a key component, they do not represent a universal solution. The party suggests that additional measures are necessary to further bolster the nation's preparedness for emergencies.

The program's success in reaching a large number of young people highlights a growing emphasis on disaster preparedness within Germany's educational system. The data, obtained through a parliamentary inquiry by the Green Party, underscores the scale of the training initiative.

educational institutions are a central element, but they do not represent a universal panacea.

โ€” Leon EckertA Member of the Bundestag for the Green Party, commenting on the need for further action in civil defense training.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.