We can do this.
Analysis
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.
Background
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.
Verdict summary
Angela Merkel did say 'We can do this' during the 2015 European refugee crisis.
Sources consulted
— 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)