Germany is undoubtedly one of the most influential countries in the European Union. For starters, it is the largest economy in Europe, with a 4.39% global GDP share.
According to WorldAtlas, Germany’s economy is worth around $3.4 trillion, making it the fourth largest economy in the world. Others like the UK and France trail behind this economic giant, by a substantial margin.
Generally, the German economy is an export-orientated one. It relies heavily on its reputation for quality engineering products produced by companies like Siemens, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and BMW.
But is a large economy the only thing Germany is known for? Certainly not! The country’s rich history, art, politics, and culture, spanning over 1,000 years, are also some things to admire. A haunting past – namely Nazi Germany’s less than glorious twelve-year reign between 1933 and 1945 – has also left its mark on German culture forever.
Understanding German Culture
Here’s a glimpse of some German facts you might not even know:
- The German language is closely related to English.
- There are more than 7,000 different kinds of beer in Germany.
- Germany has four seasons like other countries. They just seem to be less extreme because they’re farther north, and the ground is flatter than most places in Europe.
- Berlin was a divided city from 1961 until 1989, when communism fell across Eastern Europe. It took almost thirty years for it to become reunified. But today, Berliners enjoy living in one of the world’s great cities with its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and lively nightlife scene!
Now, let’s get down to the real business. Get yourself a cup of coffee and stay alert as we seek to unravel more things you didn’t know about Germany and the German people.
Quick German Culture Facts you Might not Know
Let’s do this:
1. Not many things in German Culture are American-Inspired
Many things in German culture – from language to food to architecture – are influenced by other countries. But there is one thing that Germans do not seem to have – influence by American culture.
In fact, some things about the American lifestyle may strike German visitors as a bit odd or repulsive. American things are mostly met with bemusement and amusement among Germans. They are seen as something exotic but not necessarily desirable.
The exceptions might be McDonald’s and Coca-Cola, which both seem to enjoy massive popularity across Germany. That’s despite their association with the US. However, while these two brands may be ubiquitous in Germany, it’s worth remembering that they don’t really represent anything quintessential.
See Related: Driving in Germany
2. There’s more to Germany than just Berlin and Munich Attractions
So you want to go to Germany and experience the culture? Well, there are way more things to do than just visiting Berlin and Munich. Berlin has a huge array of things to offer tourists, such as museums and galleries all over the city. This makes it an ideal place for people who enjoy learning about art and history.
It also offers many different architectural styles, ranging from structures that are hundreds of years old, like the Brandenburg Gate, to modern structures, like the Sony Center, which features a sky bridge that connects two skyscrapers at Potsdamer Platz. With so much variety in architecture alone, including numerous museums, it’s no wonder Berlin was chosen as one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1999.
Munich, on the other hand, is known as the capital of beer. Beer festivals are held all over Munich during September and October. And it seems like just about everyone is in a really good mood.
The tradition of Oktoberfest started way back in 1810 as a wedding celebration for Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. You can imagine that things got pretty lively on the streets back then.
So when you come to Germany, don’t only visit Berlin or Munich and save other things for a later trip. Experience more than just beer halls and museums in these two cities because this is not all they can offer.
You can even take advantage of Germany’s proximity to different European countries. Try some day trips, or even weekend trips, to other cities. For instance, I recommend the Düsseldorf: Altbier-Safari Beer Walking Tour and enjoy the best taste of German beer.
3. Germans use Celsius Instead of Fahrenheit
Were you aware of this? Well, it’s no longer a secret anymore! Germans use the metric system for everything, including measuring temperature. As such, they use Celsius instead of Fahrenheit.
For those who might not know, Celsius is a scale and unit of measurement for temperature. It got its name after its inventor, Swedish astronomer Anders Celsius, who also developed another temperature scale just two years before he died.
The freezing point of water is 0°C, the boiling point is 100°C, and the normal body temperature is around 37°C. Negative numbers denote below-freezing temperatures, while positive numbers represent above-freezing temperatures.
4. Similarity of the German Language to the English Language
If you thought that German was completely different from English, you might be wrong. There are several notable similarities between these two languages. For instance, German vowels have the same sound as their English counterparts. That’s right!
German’s vowel sounds are very similar to American English: “a” is pronounced like “ah” in father; “ei,” like “ay” in say; and “ou,” like “ow” in a cow.
German also has the same five diphthongs found in English: “au” (pronounced similarly to ow); “äu” (similar to eh-oo); “ei” (as above); “ie” (as ih-ee), and ue (eh-ue).
However, German has three more vowels that do not appear in American English: ö, ā, and ü. If you are relocating to Germany, whether for studies or work, these are some crucial facts you should note about the two languages
5. The Beer Pilsner has been Around Since 1842
Beer has been around for a long time. But Pilsner, the German beer now among the world’s most famous, has only been around for 160 years. In 1842, Josef Groll brewed up the first batch of this pale lager at his brewery in Plzen (Pils) in Bohemia, which is now part of the Czech Republic.
It’s unknown why he chose to brew a pilsner, but many people think it was because its fresh flavor made it an ideal thirst quencher on hot summer days. It could also have been that Groll wanted to produce a beer with all major ingredients coming from Bohemian soil. These include hops from Zatec, barley from Usti, and water from the Vltava River.
As things turned out, Pilsner quickly became the number-one beer in Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). It then began to spread all across Europe and later around the world.
6. “Apfelstrudel” is apple pie in German, and “Weizenbier” is wheat beer in German
“Apfelstrudel” is apple pie in German, and “Weizenbier” is wheat beer in German. But there are things you need to know about these things!
For example, did you know that “Apfelstrudel” translates to “apple strudel”? Or that it’s made with dough plus six more ingredients? These include apples, cinnamon sugar, butter or oil, raisins (or even chocolate), lemon zest, and sometimes almonds.
On the other hand, “Weizenbier” literally translates to “wheat beer” and has been brewed since the 1500s. We’re almost certain this was the first type of beer ever invented. It’s also often called Hefeweizen, which means “yeast wheat,” because it’s a cloudy beer made with at least 50% malted wheat.
Das Geheimnis: The German words “Apfel” and “Weizen” are both plural forms of the word “Apfel,” meaning apple in German. This leads to things like this: “das Apfelkorn” (apple core = the things you throw away when eating an apple) and “die Weizenkeime” (wheat seeds). Therefore, it’s no surprise that these things are different types.
7. The German Flag Contains Only Three Colors
The German flag consists of three equal horizontal color bands representing the country’s national colors. The first band (top) is black, the second band is red, and the third band (bottom) is gold.
The flag’s proportions are set at 1:2. In terms of protocol when flying or on display. These bands should be arranged in reverse order to distinguish them from their ersatz use as an adornment on vehicles.
The German flag has been used since 1848, when it was established by law that only this design would be allowed to represent Germany. Originally there were no rules for how many color fields were required, but since 1998 a legal specification defines each field as at least 150cm x 150cm in size.
Black, red, and gold have been used to represent Germany and the German people since the Napoleonic Wars in 1813-1815. They were also incorporated into the flag of the German Empire (1871-1918). The current flag was officially adopted by law in 1949.
Black, red, and gold were chosen to represent the German people because they had no personal value or historical connection to a certain ruler. The Germans in 1848 wanted a new start as a nation on their sovereignty without connections to other countries.
Red is historically the color of the cities and burghers (Nuremberg, Lübeck, Frankfurt, etc.), as well as the Hanseatic League. Black was associated with ‘the old Germany’ – especially Prussia. Prussia could be considered a “superior” or “elder brother” to other German states. While the gold in the flag represents civic freedom.
See Related: Things to Do in Vienna with Kids
Facts about the German Language
- German is the Official Language
The largest percentage of German residents (95%) speak German, whether “Low” or “High” German. This is usually divided by geographical regions. Residents of the lower part of the country speak “Low German” or “Plattdeutsch,” derived from Dutch. On the other hand, people in the southern Alps region speak Hochdeutsch, known as High German.
As many might know, Standard German is a form of High German, especially if you learn German online. As such, the terms Standarddeutsch and Hochdeutsch are used interchangeably.
However, there are many different dialects of German. These include Low Saxon, Franconian, Swabian, Alemannic, Ripuarian, Hessian, and Bavarian.
There are also a few minority languages spoken in Germany, such as Danish, Romani, Sorbian, and North and South Frisian. A small percentage only speaks these minority languages of the population and are mostly found in specific regions of the country.
Lastly, many languages from other countries are also spoken in Germany due to the high number of immigrants in recent years. These include Turkish, Kurdish, Polish, and Arabic.
- The German Language is Not as Hard as You Think
Despite what many believe, German is not as difficult to learn as one might think. Some might even argue that it’s easier than learning other languages, such as French or Spanish.
This is because German grammar is actually quite simple when compared to other languages. A large number of vocabulary words make German seem difficult at first.
The TestDaF is one such example. It’s a general German language exam that assesses your ability to perform various tasks in the German language. These include reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
To pass the TestDaF, you must achieve at least a level B2 in all four skills. This is the equivalent of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
- The German Language has Many International Words
Did you know that many English words actually have German origins? These are known as international or loanwords. Some examples of English words of German origin include bratwurst, hamster, kaput, cringle, and wanderlust.
Interestingly, a lot of these words entered the English language during wartime. This is because English soldiers stationed in Germany would pick up new words and bring them back to England.
Nowadays, international words are often borrowed from American English. This is because American popular culture, such as movies and television shows, is widely consumed worldwide.
See Related: Things to Do in Frankfurt, Germany
Facts about German People
- The German Population is Over 83 Million
Germany has the second-largest population in the European Union, with over 83 million residents. This is followed by France (65 million) and Italy (60 million).
Germany is a very diverse country, with people from all over the world living there. Around 12.5% of the population are foreigners. The largest groups of foreigners come from Turkey, Poland, Italy, Romania, and Greece.
- Germans Tend to be Quite Formal
Germans are known for being quite formal and reserved, especially compared to other nationalities, such as Americans or Italians. This is because Germans value personal space and privacy.
It’s also considered impolite to ask personal questions, such as how much someone earns or where they live.
- Germans are Always Punctual
Germans are punctual people. And it’s considered rude to show up late for an appointment or meeting. If you are running late, it’s best to call ahead and let the other person know.
- German People are Friendly
One thing that might surprise you about Germans is that they are actually quite friendly and hospitable. This is unlike the common myth and stereotype that portray Germans as cold and unfriendly.
If you ever find yourself in Germany, don’t hesitate to talk with a local. You might make a new friend. Once you get to know them, they can be quite warm and welcoming.
Interesting Traditions and Customs
Oktoberfest
Did you know that Oktoberfest is among the most well-known German traditions? This is a 16-18 day festival that takes place in Munich every year. It attracts millions of people from all over the world and is the largest Volksfest in the world.
During Oktoberfest, various traditional Bavarian activities such as folk music, singing, dancing, and drinking beer take place. There are also a lot of rides and games for people to enjoy.
If you happen to be here during Oktoberfest, be sure to try some of the traditional foods such as schnitzel, bratwurst, and pretzels. You can also enjoy a glass (or two) of the traditional Oktoberfest beer. Munich’s Oktoberfest tourwill be a great option to enjoy all that these festivities offer.
See Related: Best Parks in Munich, Germany to Visit
Christmas Markets
Another famous German tradition is the Christmas market. These markets are held in almost every town and city in Germany during the Advent season. They usually start in late November and last until Christmas Eve.
Christmas markets are a great place to do some holiday shopping, as you can find various unique gifts and souvenirs. You can also enjoy traditional German foods such as bratwurst, gingerbread, and stollen cake. And of course, no visit to a Christmas market would be complete without a mug of hot mulled wine.
Easter Traditions
In Germany, Easter is a major Christian holiday celebrated with many traditional customs and activities. One popular activity is decorating Easter eggs. This is usually done by dyeing them in different colors or painting them with festive designs.
Another tradition is hiding the Easter eggs for children to find. This is often done by the Easter Bunny, who leaves them in sneaky places around the house or garden.
If you’re in Germany during Easter, you might also see people participating in Easter egg hunts or going on Easter egg walks. This is where people walk from house to house, looking for hidden Easter eggs.
Finally, another popular German Easter tradition is eating Easter lamb. This is a traditional dish that is served on Easter Sunday and is often accompanied by side dishes such as mashed potatoes, green beans, and carrots.
See Related: Best German Christmas Glass Ornaments
Facts about German Culture and Customs
German Culture
Germany has a unique culture shaped by major intellectuals and popular currents in Europe, both religious and secular. Historically, Germany was even called Das Land der Dichter und Denker (the country of poets and thinkers).
Some of the most famous German authors and poets include Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, Heinrich Heine, and Thomas Mann.
Many famous Germans are also in other fields, such as music, science, philosophy, and politics. Some of the most famous Germans include Ludwig van Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, and Otto von Bismarck.
As you can see, Germany has produced numerous great minds over the centuries. And this is just a small sampling of the many famous Germans that have shaped our world today.
German culture is also shaped by its regions. Each region has its unique customs and traditions. For example, in the north, people are typically more reserved, while in southern Germany, people are generally known for being more outgoing and friendly.
There are also some regional differences when it comes to food and architecture. In the north, you’ll find dishes such as Matjes and Aalsuppe; in the south, you’ll find dishes such as Spätzle and Schweinshaxe.
And when it comes to architecture, you’ll find a mix of traditional German style (half-timbered houses, for example) and more modern designs. No matter where you go in Germany, you’re sure to find a rich culture and fascinating history. A three-hour bike tour can help you interact with the locals and see how they live.
Religion in Germany
Most Germans are Christian (52.7%), with the largest denominations being Protestant and Catholic. However, there is a significant minority of Germans who do not identify with any religion (27%).
Islam is the second largest religion in Germany, with 3.5% to 6% of the population. Other religions, such as Judaism, Buddhism, and Hinduism, comprise less than 1% of the population.
Religion has played a significant role in shaping German culture and history. For example, the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century profoundly impacted German society. And more recently, religion has been a controversial issue in German politics, with some politicians calling for a ban on Muslim immigration.
German Values
Germany is somewhat of a liberal country. While German society is largely rooted in Christian values, it also tries to balance this with democratic and humanistic values.
Germany might be considered an advanced or modern society primarily due to its inclusive attitude. For instance, the country boasts some of the most robust policies regarding immigration, gender equality, and LGBT rights.
However, some might say the country struggles to keep up with the changing social tides. There have been various debates on issues such as same-sex marriage, euthanasia, and medical marijuana. But overall, Germany is a country that values progress, democracy, and human rights.
Germans are also known to have high regard for family. Many still live with their parents well into adulthood; it is not uncommon to see even three generations living nearby. This has helped families to maintain family ties and values.
Family values are also evident in the country’s attitudes towards child-rearing. For example, maternity leave is generous (up to 14 months), and many benefits and subsidies are available for families. They even have parental leave that can extend up to three years.
Family plays a central role in German culture – that’s more than clear. And this is just one of the many ways that Germany is a great place to live.
See Related: Weird Laws in Germany
German Culture Clothes
The type of clothing that German citizens wear depends on the occasion. For example, they usually wear formal clothes such as a suit or dress if they are going to work. But if they go to a party or out for a night on the town, they dress more casually.
The most popular German clothing brands include Adidas, Jil Sander, ACRONYM, and Hugo Boss. But you can also find many American and European brands in Germany.
When it comes to traditional German clothing, a few items come to mind. For men, this includes lederhosen (leather breeches), and women often wear dirndls (traditional dresses). These items are typically worn for special occasions such as Oktoberfest.
Germans are generally well-dressed people. They take pride in their appearance and often spend much money on clothes. So if you’re ever in Germany, dress your best. It will definitely be appreciated. Or, if you travel during Oktoberfest, try wearing this German Bavarian Oktoberfest Costume for men or this GRACIN Women costume.
Art in Germany
Germany has a long and rich history of art. Some famous German artists of all time include Albrecht Dürer and Caspar David Friedrich. There are also many famous museums in Germany, such as the Museum Island in Berlin (five museums) and the Pinakothek Museums in Munich.
If you’re interested in art, Germany is undoubtedly the place for you. There are countless museums and galleries to explore, and you’ll be sure to find something that you like.
If you wish to get the best feel of German history and art, book tours like the Third Reich Walking Tour or Street Art Tour. You’ll certainly love it.
See Related: Best Museums in Frankfurt, Germany
Facts about German Lifestyle
While the German nation is known to be exceptionally hardworking, the people here also learn how to have fun. Here are some lifestyle facts you might not know about Germans:
Germans Love to Drink Beer and Wine
That’s no secret. Germany is the fifth largest producer of beer in the world (after China, the US, Brazil, and Mexico). And regarding wine, Germany is the 10th largest producer in the world, according to WorldAtlas.
Germans Love to Travel
They are some of the most frequent travelers in the world. Every year, Germans take over 50 million vacation trips. Now, this is a pretty huge number of trips.
Germans supersede any other European country regarding per capita spending on international travel. They love traveling to Spain, Italy, and Austria.
Cars Are Important
Germans are passionate about cars and driving. Germany is home to some of the world’s most iconic car brands, such as BMW, Audi, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Volkswagen.
Many Germans will drive to pass the time or relax. Also, since their motorway (Autobahn) has no speed limits, cars are an excellent mode of transport here.
See Related: How to Move to Germany [Step-by-Step Guide]
Germans Love Parks
With 16 national parks and numerous hiking trails, it’s no wonder that Germans love spending time outdoors. And their love of nature has seen a recent trend in “urban gardening.” More and more people are growing their food in the city.
Board Games
Germans are passionate about board games. Did you know that Germany is the number one board game producer globally? Some of the biggest names in board games originated in Germany.
The most popular German board games include Carcassonne, Catan, and El Grande. Families and friends will often spend some quality time playing board games together.
The Cuisine is Underrated
When we mention German food culture, a few things come to mind: sausages, pretzels, and beer. But German cuisine is actually much more diverse than that.
First, there are more types of sausages here than you can exhaust. Some famous examples include, bratwurst, weisswurst, and bockwurst. To be a bit clear, Germans have over 1,500 types of sausages.
Regarding beer, there are over 7,000 different brands and flavors to choose from. This means you’ll not lack a good brand that matches your taste.
With these two facts, it’s easier to see why Germans are said to be huge consumers of beer and sausages. And if you thought that this was just a stereotype, you couldn’t be more wrong. Food and beer are an important part of German culture.
But that’s not all there is about German cuisine. Generally, German food can be categorized based on geographic regions. For instance, Northern Germany’s famous recipes include Labskaus and Schwenkerbraten.
Schwenkerbraten includes marinated pork or beef grilled over an open fire. Labskaus is a stew made from corned beef, potatoes, beetroot, and herring.
On the other hand, the southern parts of the country also have their specialties. For example, in Bavaria, you can find Weisswurst or White Sausage. This sausage is made from veal and pork and is usually served with sweet mustard and a pretzel.
And last but not least, let’s not forget about the world-famous Black Forest Cake, which originates from the southwestern region of Germany. This chocolate cake is made with several layers of chocolate sponge cake filled with cherries and cream. It is then covered in chocolate icing and garnished with more cherries.
German Cultural Symbols
We can’t talk about German culture and leave out the country’s cultural symbols. Like any other country, Germany has its own set of symbols that represent the nation as a whole.
Being a historically Christian nation, you can bet that some symbols originate from the Holy Roman Empire. These include the holy crucifix and the eagle. The eagle is the national animal of Germany and the main figure in the country’s coat of arms.
Also, with the Muslim population growing rapidly, several Islamic symbols are now commonly seen in Germany. These include the crescent moon and the star, also found on the Turkish flag. Other notable cultural symbols include:
- The Oak Tree: The oak tree symbolizes strength and stability and is often used to represent Germany.
- The Colors Black, Red, and Gold: These are the colors of the German flag and are also featured on the country’s coat of arms.
- Bread and Salt: These are two of the most important staples in German cuisine. As such, they are often used as gifts to welcome visitors into a home.
- Artists: Famous names in German art, philosophy, and politics, such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl Marx. These are figures that are also quite well-known all over the world.
Lastly, no German cultural symbol would be complete without a reference to beer. After all, beer is synonymous with Germany.
As such, it’s not surprising that the Beer Stein is one of the most popular German cultural symbols. This stone mug is often used during Oktoberfest, the world’s largest beer festival, annually in Munich.
German Art
German art is characterized by a focus on realism and naturalism, as well as the use of light and shadow to create depth. The country has produced some of the most famous painters in history, such as Albrecht Dürer, Lucas Cranach the Elder, and Hans Holbein the Younger.
The Italian Renaissance and the Dutch Baroque style heavily influenced German artists. This is evident in the work of artists such as Matthias Grünewald.
German artists from various generations have widely explored and shown impeccable Baroque, Rococo, and Neoclassicism art skills. Plus, Romanticism wouldn’t be left out here. If you are into art, some amazing German paintings you will love to see include:
- Caspar David’s “Sea of Fog” painting
- Franz Stuck’s “The Sin”
- The “Heller Altarpiece” by the famous duo Matthias Grünewald and Albrecht Dürer
- The “Studio Wall” by the famous Adolf Menzel
And these are just the tip of the German art iceberg.
See Related: Are Germans Nordic? What You Need to Know
German Philosophy
Germany has always been a hotbed for philosophical thought. Some of the most famous philosophers in history come from Germany, including Kant, Hegel, Nietzsche, and Marx.
A focus on metaphysics and epistemology often characterizes German philosophy. For instance, Kant’s famous work, Critique of Pure Reason, is a metaphysical work that explores the nature of knowledge and reality.
On the other hand, Hegel’s philosophy focuses on history and the idea that human societies progress through various stages. This is known as the Hegelian dialectic.
And then there’s Nietzsche, best known for his work “Thus Spoke Zarathustra.” In this book, Nietzsche explores the idea of the Übermensch or Superman. This is someone who has transcended morality and lives according to their values.
Lastly, there’s Karl Marx, whose philosophy is focused on economic and social issues. He is best known for his work “The Communist Manifesto,” which outlines his vision for a classless society.
German Politics
Germany has a long and complicated history when it comes to politics. The country has been through several empires and republics over the centuries, including the Holy Roman Empire. And more recently, it was divided into two separate countries: West Germany and East Germany.
The separation between Western and Eastern Germany occurred in 1949, when East Germany, or the German Democratic Republic, was formed. The GDR was under the Communist Soviet Union. Through this, the East German Population was cut off from the West by the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961.
West Germany (the rest of the country) became the Federal Republic of Germany. This part of the country was more flexible regarding the people’s sovereign rights and had a more independent society.
These two countries reunited in October 1990, which saw the Iron Curtain and the Berlin Wall falling. Since reunification, Germany has become one of the leading countries in the European Union.
The Nazi era is also something that can’t go unmentioned. Headed by Adolf Hitler, the Nazi Party was in power from 1933 to 1945. This was a dark time in German history, as Hitler led the country into World War II and initiated the Holocaust, which saw the mass murder of six million Jews.
This is a part of the country’s history that no one wants to remember, but it has greatly influenced what Germany is today. Jews are an integral part of German society, and many memorials and museums are dedicated to the Holocaust.
Today, Germany is a federal parliamentary democracy. This means there is a separation of powers between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government.
See Related: Best Islands in Germany to Visit
German Music
A huge percentage of the German population adores music. Most Germans will count music as one of their favorite pastime activities. The country is Europe’s number one music market and the third largest globally – that’s just how much these folks love music.
Germany has some of the best music festivals in the world, where events such as Rock am Ring, Wacken Open Air, and Highfield Festival attract people from all over the globe.
When it comes to German music, there is a huge variety of genres and styles to choose from. There’s classical music, of course, with composers such as Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms. These artists were quite instrumental in the transition of German music to Western classical music, from classical and romantic.
Germany is also the birthplace of many forms of music, and let’s not forget about metal music, which has a huge following in Germany. Some of the most famous metal bands, such as Rammstein, Scorpions, and Blind Guardian, are from Germany.
It’s emotional depth and complex harmonies often characterize German music. For instance, Bach’s Mass in B minor is a complex work full of emotion, while Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9 is uplifting and triumphant. If music is your thing, then Germany is definitely the place for you.
German Architecture
Do you want to see some of the world’s most fascinating architecture? Then it would be best if you headed to Germany. The country is home to many architectural styles, from Romanesque to Gothic, Baroque, Ottonian, and Carolingian styles.
Some of the most famous buildings in the world can be found in Germany, such as Cologne Cathedral, Berlin Cathedral, and Heidelberg Castle. These are just some of the many examples of German architecture that are worth checking out.
Cologne Cathedral is a Gothic masterpiece whose construction began as early as 1248. It is one of the tallest churches in the world and has two huge spires that reach 515 feet.
The cathedral’s interior is equally impressive, with beautiful stained glass windows and intricate stone carvings. A tour of this place would be a treat to your eyes, and it would give you an idea of how creative and skillful German architects were in the past.
If you’re interested in more modern architecture, then you should definitely pay a visit to the city of Frankfurt. This is where you’ll find some of Germany’s most iconic skyline, with skyscrapers like the Commerzbank Tower and the Messeturm.
Generally, many cities in Germany saw a lot of destruction during World War II. Many buildings from this time have been built using more modern styles.
However, since the 1970s, Germans have been prioritizing cultural preservation. As such, the historical aspects of these cities are highly guarded. Book a Frankfurt tour today and enjoy some of Germany’s most incredible modern structures.