Angela Merkel · "We can do this."

2015, during the European refugee crisis · Gecheckt op 18 juni 2026

We can do this.

Analyse

The phrase 'Wir schaffen das' (We can do this) was a central slogan used by Merkel in August 2015 to express Germany's resolve to manage the influx of refugees. It was widely reported by international media and remains one of her most quoted statements from that period. The context and wording are accurately recalled.

Achtergrond

In 2015, over a million asylum seekers, many fleeing conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq, arrived in Germany. Merkel's open-door policy and this statement symbolized her government's commitment to humanitarian aid, though it also sparked political debate.

Samenvatting verdict

Angela Merkel did say 'We can do this' during the 2015 European refugee crisis.

Geraadpleegde bronnen

— BBC News: 'Merkel's 'we can do this' refugee phrase turns 10' (2025)

— The Guardian: 'Angela Merkel defends refugee policy with 'we can do this' slogan' (2015)

— Deutsche Welle: 'A look back at Merkel's 'Wir schaffen das' speech' (2020)