WATCH: Germany's Angela Merkel sounds the alarm on rise of right-wing 'dark forces' in Europe and America

In an interview with CNN's Christine Amanpour, German Chancellor Angela Merkel both lamented and warned the rise of "dark forces," in Europe, decrying a surge in nationalism that threatens the continent in a way that echoes Germany's Nazi past.

Speaking with the CNN host who called Merkel the "face of good Germans," the German leader noted that citizens of her country should know better than to fall prey to extremism.

"In Germany, obviously, they always have to be seen in a certain context, in the context of our past, which means we have to be that much more vigilant than others," she explained.

"There's not a single day care center for Jewish children, not a single school for Jewish children, that does not need to be guarded by German policemen, she continued before adding, "We have to face up to the past. We have to tell our young people what history has brought over us and others, and these horrors."

"[That's] why article one of our basic law, human dignity is inviolable, is so important. it has to be taught to every generation," she concluded. "You're right, the task has become harder, but it needs to be done."

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