Five Years On: Reflecting on Germany's First COVID-19 Lockdown

The 2020 lockdown reshaped daily life in Germany, with lasting impacts on society, the economy, and public health policies.

The first COVID-19 lockdown in Germany began on March 16, 2020, with sweeping closures of schools, businesses, and public spaces to curb infections.
A majority of Germans still view the lockdowns as necessary, though many found them personally and economically burdensome, according to recent surveys.
The lockdown's primary goal was to prevent the healthcare system from collapsing, a strategy defended by then-Chancellor Angela Merkel in her memoirs.
Criticism persists over insufficient measures to mitigate the long-term effects on children and youth, which officials now acknowledge as a major oversight.
Calls for a comprehensive review of Germany's pandemic response continue, with officials emphasizing the importance of addressing unresolved issues to rebuild public trust.