The name for Germany in the German language is Deutschland. The population of Germany was around 82 million in 2010. The capital of Germany is Berlin, it is also the largest city. Other major cities include Munich, Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and Frankfurt.
Though it remains far less well known or understood by outsiders than some of its neighbours, since reunification Germany has at last gained a higher profile as a place to visit, thanks partly to the remarkable resurgence of Berlin, one of the most fascinating and exciting cities in Europe. But the appeal of the reunified Germany is not limited to the capital. The 2006 football World Cup was something of a turning point, both with regards to Germany’s image abroad and to its own self-image, rehabilitating the idea of German patriotism for the first time since the war.
Before it was called Germany, it was called Germania. In the years A.D. 900 until 1806, Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1949 to 1990, Germanywas made up of two countries called the Federal Republic of Germany (inf. WestGermany) and the German Democratic Republic .
Christianity is the largest religion in Germany, comprising an estimated ~58.5% of the country's population in 2016. The two largest churches of the country are theRoman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), aProtestant confederation of United Protestant (Lutheran, and Reformed), churches
Though it remains far less well known or understood by outsiders than some of its neighbours, since reunification Germany has at last gained a higher profile as a place to visit, thanks partly to the remarkable resurgence of Berlin, one of the most fascinating and exciting cities in Europe. But the appeal of the reunified Germany is not limited to the capital. The 2006 football World Cup was something of a turning point, both with regards to Germany’s image abroad and to its own self-image, rehabilitating the idea of German patriotism for the first time since the war.
Before it was called Germany, it was called Germania. In the years A.D. 900 until 1806, Germany was part of the Holy Roman Empire. From 1949 to 1990, Germanywas made up of two countries called the Federal Republic of Germany (inf. WestGermany) and the German Democratic Republic .
Christianity is the largest religion in Germany, comprising an estimated ~58.5% of the country's population in 2016. The two largest churches of the country are theRoman Catholic Church and the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD), aProtestant confederation of United Protestant (Lutheran, and Reformed), churches
Here are a few of the key values that the Germans possess.
- Education. Getting a good education is very important to German societies. ...
- Manners. Good manners are a must in the German culture. ...
- Punctuality. Especially in a business setting, Germans pride themselves on their punctuality. ...
- Religion. ...
- History. ...
- PROVERBS.
How did Germany become a country ?
After the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, the German Confederation was formed in 1815. ... In 1871, Germany became a nation state when most of theGerman states (most notably excluding Switzerland and Austria) unified into the Prussian-dominated German Empire.
What is the best time to go ?
Much of the country receives its maximum rainfall in midsummer, so although the weather in June, July and August can be very warm, it can also be unpredictable. For more settled weather with sunshine and comfortable temperatures, late spring and early autumn – May, September and early October – are the best time to visit: the Germans don’t call the harvest season “goldener Oktober” for nothing. The ski season in the Alps runs between Christmas and the end of March.
Where to go in Germany ?
For many visitors, one of Germany’s cities will be where to go first. Berlin is genuinely exciting – a metropolis on fast-forward, growing into its rediscovered role as the nation’s capital yet preserving evidence of its sometimes unhappy role in European history. Many other cities have proud histories as independent city-states or as capitals in their own right: thus, there’s nothing remotely “provincial” about ancient, liberal Cologne, Dresden’s restored Baroque splendour or the proud Bavarian metropolis of Munich.
Food and Drink
Though neither as obsessive as the Italians nor as fussy as the French, Germans nevertheless see eating as a serious business. Consequently standards are high. You’ll rarely find cause to criticize the quality in Germany even if you don’t share a taste for its national cuisine. For most outsiders that means a taste of tradition – Bratwurst (grilled sausage), assorted cuts of pork and, of course,Sauerkraut.
German Bread. Bread (Brot) is a significant part of German cuisine. In Germany about 600 main types of breads and 1,200 different types of pastries and rolls are produced in about 17,000 dedicated bakeries and another 10,000 in-shop bakeries.
After the collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, the German Confederation was formed in 1815. ... In 1871, Germany became a nation state when most of theGerman states (most notably excluding Switzerland and Austria) unified into the Prussian-dominated German Empire.
What is the best time to go ?
Much of the country receives its maximum rainfall in midsummer, so although the weather in June, July and August can be very warm, it can also be unpredictable. For more settled weather with sunshine and comfortable temperatures, late spring and early autumn – May, September and early October – are the best time to visit: the Germans don’t call the harvest season “goldener Oktober” for nothing. The ski season in the Alps runs between Christmas and the end of March.
Where to go in Germany ?
For many visitors, one of Germany’s cities will be where to go first. Berlin is genuinely exciting – a metropolis on fast-forward, growing into its rediscovered role as the nation’s capital yet preserving evidence of its sometimes unhappy role in European history. Many other cities have proud histories as independent city-states or as capitals in their own right: thus, there’s nothing remotely “provincial” about ancient, liberal Cologne, Dresden’s restored Baroque splendour or the proud Bavarian metropolis of Munich.
Food and Drink
Though neither as obsessive as the Italians nor as fussy as the French, Germans nevertheless see eating as a serious business. Consequently standards are high. You’ll rarely find cause to criticize the quality in Germany even if you don’t share a taste for its national cuisine. For most outsiders that means a taste of tradition – Bratwurst (grilled sausage), assorted cuts of pork and, of course,Sauerkraut.
German Bread. Bread (Brot) is a significant part of German cuisine. In Germany about 600 main types of breads and 1,200 different types of pastries and rolls are produced in about 17,000 dedicated bakeries and another 10,000 in-shop bakeries.
Tea and coffee houses are still popular places to hang out. And the hot drink you go for has almost become a question of national identity: While in Britain it is undoubtedly tea, in Germany coffee has the upper hand. On average, Germans drink 150 liters of coffee per year - more than beer, wine or mineral
German Beliefs
Religion in Germany – Christianity. About 65% to 70% of the population are followers of the Christian religion in Germany. They are more or less evenly split between the mainstream denominations of Lutheran-Protestantism and Calvinismunited in the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) and the Roman Catholic Church.
Festivals
Germans like their festivals. From city to village, wherever there are people there’ll usually be a festival of some kind, whether a major event for thousands that programmes international artists or just a summer fair. The diversity is astounding – high-quality classical music and theatre events, wine festivals, unbridled parties and atmospheric Christmas markets. Notwithstanding the latter, most are staged from May to August, when you’re almost sure to roll into a good-humoured town centre crammed with stalls and stages, with much food and beer being consumed by all.
www.berlinale.de
Karneval
Karneval or Fasching, the German carnival or mardi gras, officially starts from 11 November at 11.11 to the following Ash Wednesday, but the main celebrations start on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally on this day, women could kiss any man after cutting off his tie. There are huge street parades and parties on the weekend before, on Rose Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Most cities around Germany will put on their own celebrations.
Oktoberfest
It’s beer, beer and more beer, as well as traditional Bavarian foods, oompah bands and lots of men wearing leiderhosen at what the Germans call Wiesn, after the fields or grasslands (wiese) where the first Oktoberfest was held. If you’re going in a group of 10 or more to this massive beer festival in Munich, think about reserving a table – free of charge – in one of the 30+ beer and food tents (afternoons are the least crowded times). Each one has its own atmosphere – yodelling, families, celebrities, footie fans – and its own website for reservations.
www.oktoberfest.de
Festival-Mediaval
Sure, this major medieval festival held in the town of Selb, close to the German-Czech border, has mock battles, archery, birds of prey and everything else you might associate with medieval life but it’s also Europe’s largest medieval music festival. Take your tent and chill out to modern interpretations of medieval rock, contemporary folk, pagan folk and metal from around the world.
www.festival-mediaval.com
German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkts)
You’ll find Christmas markets – quaint little stalls selling seasonal gifts, foodstuffs and spiced wine – all over Europe but Germany likely has the most (Berlin alone has 50) and also some of the best, making it one of the most magical places at Christmas time. These markets are worth making a special trip: Nuremburg, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Worms.
Climate
German weather can be a real mixed bag at any time of year, thanks to the way in which continental and maritime air masses collide in this part of Europe. That said, those used to British variability and poor weather are likely to find German weather much better; while those used to the searing summer heat of much of North America will also be pleased. Summer temperatures rarely hit 30°C and temperatures tend to stay comfortable well into the evening, allowing beer gardens and outdoor cafés to bustle as darkness falls as late as October.
Religion in Germany – Christianity. About 65% to 70% of the population are followers of the Christian religion in Germany. They are more or less evenly split between the mainstream denominations of Lutheran-Protestantism and Calvinismunited in the EKD (Evangelical Church in Germany) and the Roman Catholic Church.
Festivals
Germans like their festivals. From city to village, wherever there are people there’ll usually be a festival of some kind, whether a major event for thousands that programmes international artists or just a summer fair. The diversity is astounding – high-quality classical music and theatre events, wine festivals, unbridled parties and atmospheric Christmas markets. Notwithstanding the latter, most are staged from May to August, when you’re almost sure to roll into a good-humoured town centre crammed with stalls and stages, with much food and beer being consumed by all.
Berlin International Film Festival
The world’s second largest international film festival after Cannes has one massive advantage over its French rival: you don’t have to be invited to watch the Berlin International Film Festival’s 400 films (mostly European and international premieres) as anyone can buy tickets online via their website. www.berlinale.de
Karneval or Fasching, the German carnival or mardi gras, officially starts from 11 November at 11.11 to the following Ash Wednesday, but the main celebrations start on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday. Traditionally on this day, women could kiss any man after cutting off his tie. There are huge street parades and parties on the weekend before, on Rose Monday, Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday. Most cities around Germany will put on their own celebrations.
Oktoberfest
It’s beer, beer and more beer, as well as traditional Bavarian foods, oompah bands and lots of men wearing leiderhosen at what the Germans call Wiesn, after the fields or grasslands (wiese) where the first Oktoberfest was held. If you’re going in a group of 10 or more to this massive beer festival in Munich, think about reserving a table – free of charge – in one of the 30+ beer and food tents (afternoons are the least crowded times). Each one has its own atmosphere – yodelling, families, celebrities, footie fans – and its own website for reservations.
www.oktoberfest.de
Sure, this major medieval festival held in the town of Selb, close to the German-Czech border, has mock battles, archery, birds of prey and everything else you might associate with medieval life but it’s also Europe’s largest medieval music festival. Take your tent and chill out to modern interpretations of medieval rock, contemporary folk, pagan folk and metal from around the world.
www.festival-mediaval.com
German Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmarkts)
You’ll find Christmas markets – quaint little stalls selling seasonal gifts, foodstuffs and spiced wine – all over Europe but Germany likely has the most (Berlin alone has 50) and also some of the best, making it one of the most magical places at Christmas time. These markets are worth making a special trip: Nuremburg, Cologne, Hamburg, Stuttgart and Worms.
Climate
German weather can be a real mixed bag at any time of year, thanks to the way in which continental and maritime air masses collide in this part of Europe. That said, those used to British variability and poor weather are likely to find German weather much better; while those used to the searing summer heat of much of North America will also be pleased. Summer temperatures rarely hit 30°C and temperatures tend to stay comfortable well into the evening, allowing beer gardens and outdoor cafés to bustle as darkness falls as late as October.