Germany

Ismaning – September 10, 2026 -- As daylight hours shrink, many people notice a familiar slump: low energy, tension, and a mood that dips no matter how much comfort food is on offer. Health experts point to a lack of light as the main culprit, since shorter, darker days throw off the body's internal clock and can trigger sluggishness and reduced mental resilience.

Sunlight and movement reset the body's rhythm

Direct sunlight with UVB rays triggers vitamin D production in the skin, while bright light entering through the eyes regulates serotonin and melatonin levels. Specialists recommend getting at least 30 to 40 minutes of light exposure daily, either through a UV-filtering daylight lamp or a walk or jog during the brightest part of the day -- even cloudy skies still let enough light through.

Munich – September 10, 2026 -- Journalist Ali Gutsfeld launches the second season of the ARD podcast "Nicht mehr mein Land" on September 17, streaming on ARD Sounds, this time investigating the online world known as the manosphere and its most prominent figure, Andrew Tate.

Over five episodes titled "In der Manosphere," Gutsfeld examines why millions of young men follow influencers like Tate, who promises success in careers, relationships and life while simultaneously spreading misogynistic messages, conspiracy narratives and an authoritarian model of masculinity. Tate is currently under investigation in multiple countries on various criminal allegations.

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- Nearly 68 percent of all Airbnb bookings in Germany this summer went to rural destinations, according to new data from the company covering check-ins between June 15 and August 31, 2026.

Booked experiences told a similar story: over 40 percent fell into the "Nature & Outdoor" category, ahead of "History & Culture" at 31 percent and "Food & Drink" at 20 percent.

Ten destinations saw the sharpest rise in search interest

Measured by growth in search queries compared to the previous year, the coastal town of Hohwacht on the Baltic Sea topped the list, followed by Dreieich in Hesse, Scharbeutz on the Baltic coast, Traunstein in Bavaria, and Plau am See in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

Frankfurt am Main – September 10, 2026 -- J&T Direktbank will raise interest rates on its overnight and fixed-term deposit accounts starting September 8, 2026, offering savers up to 3.50% per year.

Overnight savings rate climbs to 2.25%

The bank's flexible overnight deposit account (Tagesgeld) will pay 2.25% annual interest, up from 2.00%. Customers can withdraw funds at any time without losing access to the rate, and the bank applies the same terms to new and existing customers.

Fixed deposits see gains across most terms

Fixed-term deposit rates are rising for nearly every duration except the 6-month and 10-year terms, which remain unchanged at 2.70% and 3.50% respectively. The 1-year rate increases from 3.05% to 3.30%, while both the 18-month and 2-year terms rise to 3.35%. Terms of 3, 4, 5 and 7 years all move up to 3.40% from 3.20%.

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- The Deutsche Sepsis-Hilfe e. V. has released a free children's book, "Papas kleiner Gemeinling," to help families explain sepsis to kids when a parent is suddenly hospitalized.

Sepsis, commonly known as blood poisoning, is the most severe form of an infection and ranks among the leading causes of death in Germany. At least 230,000 people in the country are diagnosed with sepsis each year, and at least 85,000 die from its effects.

The book follows a girl named Hannah as her father battles sepsis

Written by children's author Saskia Heinl and illustrated by Julia Hannes, the story explains in age-appropriate terms what happens during treatment and rehabilitation. It aims to acknowledge children's fears while offering reassurance during a frightening time.

Düsseldorf – September 10, 2026 -- Ahead of World Sepsis Day on September 13, pharmacies in North Rhine, Germany are urging the public to recognize four warning signs that can distinguish a routine infection from a life-threatening emergency.

Sepsis, once commonly known as blood poisoning, occurs when the body's immune response to an infection spirals out of control and begins damaging its own tissue and organs. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections and infected wounds can all trigger it. "Many people still associate sepsis mainly with an infected wound. In fact, any infection can trigger it," said Thomas Preis, chairman of the North Rhine Pharmacists' Association.

Munich – September 10, 2026 -- German auto club ADAC has found that winter tires start losing significant safety performance once tread depth drops below four millimeters, well above the legal minimum of 1.6 millimeters allowed in Germany.

ADAC tested five tires worn down to specific depths

Researchers took five winter tires from different manufacturers and price ranges and used a specialized machine to wear them down to four millimeters and two millimeters of remaining tread. The tires then underwent handling and braking tests on wet and snow-covered surfaces.

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- TCL unveiled its AI-driven home ecosystem and next-generation display lineup at IFA 2026, centered on an immersive exhibit called "Inspiration Habitat."

TCL's X11L TV hits 10,000 nits of HDR brightness

The TCL X11L SQD-Mini LED television offers up to 100% of the BT.2020 "All-Scene" color gamut, precise brightness control, and a peak HDR brightness of 10,000 nits. TCL also showed the RayNeo GT Max, which the company says are the first Dolby Vision-certified augmented reality glasses, extending premium visual experiences beyond the living room into mobile use.

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- Potensic returned to IFA Berlin for the third consecutive year to showcase its newest camera drone, the ATOM 3, under the theme "SEE BEYOND."

The drone weighs under 249 grams, qualifying for Europe's lighter-touch EASA C0 category

That weight class means users face fewer regulatory hurdles before flying, a key selling point for casual hobbyists and travelers.

A 1/1.3-inch sensor and dual 48mm focal lengths capture both wide landscapes and detailed close-ups

The ATOM 3 records 4K/60fps HDR video designed to hold detail across varying light conditions. The European version offers up to 40 minutes of flight time, a 16km video transmission range, and AI Follow 2.0 tracking aimed at travelers, hikers, cyclists, and families.

Berlin – September 10, 2026 -- ECOVACS, a global service robotics company, has won two Gold Awards at the 2026 IDG Global Product Technology Innovation Awards, announced at IFA Berlin, a leading consumer electronics and home appliance trade fair.

WINBOT W2S PRO OMNI takes window-cleaning innovation prize

The ECOVACS WINBOT W2S PRO OMNI window-cleaning robot received the Window Cleaning Robot Innovation Gold Award, recognizing its automated window-care technology. Judges evaluate entries based on technological innovation, practical utility, and market impact.

T1000 4WD Pro honored for smart lawn-edge trimming

The ECOVACS T1000 4WD Pro smart mowing robot won the Smart Edge Trimming Technology Innovation Gold Award. The award cites its high-precision edge trimming, four-wheel-drive mobility, terrain capability, and intelligent route planning that adapts to complex lawn layouts.