Dear Reader,

We are thrilled to bring you a fresh edition of GEGENÜBER, filled with thought-provoking insights and compelling stories.

Today, May 8, marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day—an event that reshaped history and liberated Europe from the Nazi regime in 1945. We delve into the complexities of this victory, exploring its immediate aftermath and its lasting significance. Read more in the SNIPPETS article Liberation Without the End of War as we uncover the different ways the occasion is commemorated across Germany, the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Next month we celebrate the birthday of Thomas Mann, one of Germany’s most influential literary figures. Our special issue, 150 Years of Thomas Mann, revisits the life and work of the Nobel laureate and influential German writer, who left Germany in 1933 in defiance of the Nazi regime and spent his exile in the United States advocating for democracy and intellectual freedom. Join us in (re-)discovering his enduring legacy and examine how his ideas remain as relevant as ever.

Treat your ears to fresh tracks from Germany by tuning into our May POPCAST, featuring Die Heiterkeit, Masha Qrella, and more. For a visual feast, don’t miss our latest edition of #artbits. Browse our curated collection of street art focused on hearts, and let us know if you've discovered noteworthy artistic expressions in your own surroundings. Finally, don’t miss out on Binge Fever updates, your go-to column for the best German series to stream. We spotlight binge-worthy picks, such as Der Pass, a.k.a. Pagan Peak, where to watch them, and why they’re worth your time. Check in regularly for fresh recommendations!

Enjoy reading, exploring, and reflecting,
Your GEGENÜBER Editorial Team