One Year of Friedrich Merz as Leader of Germany

May 11, 2026, 08:37
EuropePolitics

Introduction

Friedrich Merz became the leader of Germany one year ago. Many companies hoped for a better economy, but the economy is not growing.

Main Body

Friedrich Merz wanted to help businesses. He promised to make the economy strong. But he did not change the laws. Now, many business leaders are worried. They say there are too many rules and not enough growth. War in the Middle East and Iran also hurt Germany. Ships cannot move goods easily. Oil prices are high. Because of this, many companies are closing and people have less money. The leaders in the government do not agree. Some want more money for the rich and some want more money for the poor. They fight and cannot make new laws. Many people are unhappy, but Mr. Merz will not have new elections.

Conclusion

Germany has a weak economy. The leaders are still working together, but they have many problems.

Learning

💡 The Power of 'NOT'

In this text, we see a simple way to change a sentence from 'yes' to 'no'. This is essential for A2 learners to describe problems.

The Pattern: Subject + do not / does not + Action

Examples from the text:

  • The economy is not growing. (Using 'be')
  • He did not change the laws. (Past time)
  • Leaders do not agree. (Present time)

🛠️ Word Swap: Rich vs. Poor

Notice how the text compares two opposite groups. Using opposites helps you speak more clearly.

  • Rich →\rightarrow Money/Wealth
  • Poor →\rightarrow No money

Context: "Some want more money for the rich and some want more money for the poor."

🚢 Why things happen (Cause →\rightarrow Result)

Look at this specific phrase: "Because of this..."

When you want to explain a result without using a long sentence, use this bridge:

Problem →\rightarrow Because of this →\rightarrow Result

  • Example: Oil prices are high →\rightarrow Because of this →\rightarrow people have less money.

Vocabulary Learning

leader (n.)
person who leads
Example:The leader gave a speech to the crowd.
economy (n.)
system of buying and selling
Example:The economy grew faster this year.
companies (n.)
businesses that make products
Example:Many companies hired new workers.
businesses (n.)
places that sell goods or services
Example:Small businesses help the local community.
laws (n.)
rules made by the government
Example:New laws protect workers' rights.
rules (n.)
instructions people follow
Example:The rules say you must wear a helmet.
growth (n.)
increase in size or amount
Example:Growth in the city attracted many tourists.
war (n.)
conflict between countries
Example:The war caused many people to leave home.
ships (n.)
large boats that carry goods
Example:Ships travel across the ocean.
oil (n.)
liquid from the ground used for fuel
Example:Oil is used to power cars.
prices (n.)
how much something costs
Example:Prices of food went up this month.
money (n.)
paper or coins used to buy things
Example:She saved money for a new phone.
government (n.)
group that runs the country
Example:The government announced new policies.
rich (adj.)
having a lot of money
Example:The rich man donated to charity.
poor (adj.)
having little money
Example:The poor child needed a warm coat.
fight (v.)
to argue or compete
Example:They will fight for the best deal.
new (adj.)
not old, recently made
Example:He bought a new bicycle.
elections (n.)
choosing leaders by voting
Example:Elections will be held next month.
weak (adj.)
not strong
Example:The weak bridge collapsed.
working (v.)
doing tasks
Example:She is working on her homework.
together (adv.)
in a group
Example:They worked together to finish the project.
problems (n.)
difficulties or issues
Example:The problems need to be solved.