Germany

A simple Video about Germany

To the details,

The capital

Berlin

It’s located

West central Europe

Germany Official Language

German is the official language in Germany

Germany Official Religion

Germany does not have an official religion. The main religion in Germany is Christianity, with around two-thirds of the population identifying as Christian. The country has a mix of Roman Catholic and Protestant Christians, but even more Germans identify as nonreligious or unaffiliated

Do and Don'ts in Germany

DO

Do be on Time

Do Share Rides

Do Bring Enough Cash

Do Make Eye Contact When Raising Your Glass

Do Buy a Transport Card

Do try German Bread and Beer

Don’t

Don’t Call After 20:00

Don’t Ignore Recycling Rules

Don’t Make Noise Whenever You Feel Like It

Never Walk in the Cycling Lane

Don’t Talk or Even Mention the Third Reich

Do be on Time

Being on time means being early in Germany – there’s no harm in sich verfrühen here. The concept of being fashionable late is frowned upon. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say dates, timetables, appointments, and deadlines have the weight of a solemn oath in this country. Being late is equivalent to contract breach. If it happens, you need to call to warn people in advance and have a good excuse.

Do Share Rides

Cabs are a bit pricey in Germany. The minimum fare is EUR 5.00 even if you’re taking the cab to somewhere within walking distance, which you might be doing if you overindulged in the local beer. It’s best to avoid taxis outright if you’re on a shoestring budget, Share rides if taking a cab is your only option. There are many ridesharing options here irrespective of distance. In very small towns or villages, there probably won’t be any Uber. You’ll have to make do with buses and cabs. One alternative is car rental.

Do Bring Enough Cash

Unlike the US, cards aren’t accepted everywhere. What’s more, there might not be an ATM in sight. If it is, it might not be your issuing bank’s and you’ll pay upwards of 5 euros as a withdrawal fee. It really is best to have cash on you everywhere you go. In addition, Germans themselves prefer paying cash because it’s easier for them to monitor how much they spend this way. It must work because Germans are very savvy when it comes to finances. Their level of debt is extremely low compared to that of Americans and most other European nations. To make a long story short, the restaurant of your choice might not accept cards, so always have Euros on you to avoid inconvenience.

Do Make Eye Contact When Raising Your Glass

Admittedly, a lot of countries have this custom, but in very few is it such a big deal when you don’t make eye contact during a toast. It’s considered disrespectful. Some Germans also believe you will be unlucky in love if you don’t look someone in the eye when raising your glass.

Do Buy a Transport Card

Germany was one of the first countries to have a very well-developed public transport network. There is a myriad of bus and subway lines in most towns and cities. For instance, Bonn, a city of fewer than 350,000 people, has around 15 subway lines. A 2 or 3-day pass will allow you to use any bus or train for free and for as long as you like. If you’d rather buy tickets, make sure you always stamp them. You’ll find subways don’t have ticket sellers and transport inspectors (Kontrolleure) are a rarity.

Do try German Bread and Beer

Hundreds of types of bread in all sizes and shapes are produced in Germany. This is a staple food and an important part of the country’s culture. It’s freshly baked daily and smells delightful. More than 5,000 beer brands are produced in Germany’s (about) 1,400 breweries. Sorts include Hellbier, Kölsch beer (popular around Cologne and Bonn), Altbier, and Weißbier. If you don’t try German beer and bread, it’s like you never went to Germany.

Don’t Call After 20:00

It’s rude to call someone after 8 pm unless you’re really close. This is considered a disturbance of their evening routine, which usually revolves around dinner and Tatort, the German version of CSI.

The Main Sports News is on From 6 and 7 pm on Saturday

Making this the worst interval for calls. Lively comments on social networks accompany the head sports emission. Predictably, messages on Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram are tolerable at all hours.

Don’t Ignore Recycling Rules

Germany was one of the first European countries to adopt strict recycling rules, and waste separation rules remain in full force to this day. It is a mortal sin to dispose of organic waste in the bin for recyclables and vice versa.

The clothing

The Modern Clothes

Modern German Fashion

Streetwear: German streetwear is known for its minimalist and functional designs. Brands like Adidas and Puma, both founded in Germany, are popular for their sporty and casual clothing.

High Fashion

 Germany is home to many high-end fashion designers, such as Jil Sander and Karl Lagerfeld. German fashion is often characterized by clean lines, tailored fits, and attention to detail.

Eco-Friendly Fashion

– Germany is also known for its sustainable and eco-friendly fashion brands. Many German designers prioritize ethical production practices and use environmentally friendly materials in their clothing.

 Slow Fashion

 The slow fashion movement, which promotes sustainable and ethical fashion practices, is gaining popularity in Germany. Many Germans are opting for high-quality, timeless pieces over fast fashion trends.

Top Trends

Germany is known for its fashion-forward culture, with a unique blend of traditional and modern styles. If you’re curious about what clothes are popular in Germany right now, look no further. Here are some of the top trends that you’ll find on the streets of Germany:

1. Athleisure Wear

Athleisure wear has become a staple in German fashion, with many people opting for comfortable yet stylish clothing that can easily transition from the gym to the streets. Look out for sleek leggings, cool sneakers, and oversized hoodies.

2. Minimalist Design

Germans are known for their minimalist approach to fashion, opting for clean lines and simple silhouettes. You’ll often see people wearing solid colors and classic pieces that can be easily mixed and matched.

3. Sustainable Fashion

With a growing focus on sustainability, many Germans are turning to eco-friendly and ethical fashion choices. Look for organic cotton clothing, vegan leather accessories, and upcycled denim.

4. Vintage Revival

German fashionistas love to mix vintage pieces into their modern wardrobes. Keep an eye out for retro dresses, thrifted accessories, and statement pieces that add a unique touch to any outfit.

Famous Landmarks

Schwerin Castle

Nestled on an island in the captivating city of Scherwin, Scherwin Castle is a majestic palatial schloss. In the past, this remarkable palace is home to dukes and grand dukes of Mecklenburg-Schwerin. It showcases a stunning Neo-Renaissance architectural design that will surely blow you away. Besides its breathtaking facade, it houses ornate rooms with intrinsic designs. Additionally, Schwerin Castle holds a vast collection of European art, from paintings to sculptures and other masterpieces. Outside lies a garden with lush greens and a picturesque view of the lake.

Reichstag Building

If you are very much into culture, history, and architecture, be sure that you add Reichstag Building to your itinerary on your trip to Germany. This iconic building is located in Platz der Republik 1, Berlin. It was constructed in the year 1884 to serve as home to the diets of the German Empire, but that only lasted till 1993, after being destroyed by fire. It was then reconstructed to be a symbol of history and tourists are welcome to explore this stunning structure. On top of the building, you’ll see a remarkable glass dome. Visitors are allowed to climb up there to see panoramic views of the city.

Zugspitze, Bavaria

Zugspitze, the highest peak in Germany at 2,962 meters, is a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Located in the Bavarian Alps, it offers stunning panoramic views extending across four countries on clear days. Visitors can ascend to the summit via cable car or cogwheel train, enjoying breathtaking vistas en route. The area is popular for its diverse recreational activities, including hiking on various trails, mountaineering, and in winter, skiing and snowboarding. The Zugspitze summit features a restaurant and a weather station, providing a unique experience at Germany’s rooftop. Its year-round appeal makes Zugspitze a top destination for both outdoor sports and leisurely scenic enjoyment and is a must-visit if you want to see German famous landmarks.

Neuschwanstein

It's perhaps the most recognizable castle in the world, and a feather in the cap among famous architecture in Germany. You may not know its name (it's a bit of a mouthful), but its spires piercing the Schwangau landscape are instantly identifiable.

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

The Brandenburg Gate is an iconic neoclassical monument in Berlin that has played a significant role in the city’s history. Constructed in the late 18th century as a grand entrance to the city, it has witnessed many pivotal events, including Napoleon’s arrival and the fall of the Berlin Wall, During the Cold War, the gate stood near the Berlin Wall and symbolized the division between East and West Berlin. Its iconic structure consists of 12 Doric columns, creating five open passageways. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, it became a symbol of German reunification and continues to be a site of major cultural and historical importance, visited by millions annually.

Berlin Cathedral

Located on the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Museum Island, the current iteration comes after Emperor Wilhelm II replaced the original cathedral (1465) with his answer to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. Construction began in 1894 and was completed in 1905. Like many other historical landmarks in Germany, World War II saw extensive devastation throughout Berlin. The cathedral was no exception after a liquid firebomb destroyed the main nave and Hohenzollern crypt. Reconstruction took place over thirty years and was completed in 2002.

Cologne Cathedral, Cologne

Cologne Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Germany famous landmark celebrated for its breathtaking Gothic architecture and towering twin spires the construction of this architectural marvel began in the 13th century and spanned over 600 years. Its intricate facade, adorned with detailed sculptures and vast stained-glass windows, is a testament to the artistry of the Gothic period. Inside, visitors are greeted by impressive, vaulted ceilings, a monumental choir, and an array of religious artifacts. The twin spires, rising over 157 meters, dominate Cologne’s skyline. The cathedral not only serves as a place of worship but also houses a rich treasury of relics and artworks leading to its status as a symbol of the city’s historical and religious heritage.

The Famous Festivals in Germany

1. Carnival of Cultures, Berlin

The Carnival of Cultures showcases the diverse multicultural upbringing of Germany. It is Berlin’s most popular street festival where it serves as an appropriate platform for cultural conglomeration featuring Germany’s diverse culinary delights, cultural performances, and grand costumes. The highlights of this important festival in Germany are the colorful and cheerful street parades with over 4,000 participants from around the world. What started as a political statement against xenophobic ideals has turned into a cosmopolitan event, a testament to the friendly and empathetic nature of Germans as a whole. Check out the Carnival of Cultures in Berlin if you want to experience fun-filled sights and sounds, coupled with mouthwatering cuisines of many different countries.

2. Cologne Carnival, Cologne

Cologne Carnival is one of the largest German street festivals. It attracts over a million visitors on the streets to watch the marching bands and colorful parades. It features a number of floating boats, unique and crazy costumes, and other small events that constitute the whole Cologne Carnival. The carnival spirit of Germany is greatly uplifted by the Cologne Carnival. Now, if you are seeking an exciting tour of Cologne, then do check out the carnival. A fun fact to note is that the Cologne Carnival is as old as the city itself. Though the old program greatly differs from now, the organized fashion of Cologne Carnival that we know today only existed for about 190 years.

3. Bach Fest, Leipzig

Since 1904, festivals to honor Johann Sebastian Bach, the legendary composer and musician of the Baroque period, have been held in Leipzig. Nowadays, Bach Fest has been able to establish itself as the premier music fest that features classical music amidst the saturated music festivals of Germany. It features the original Bach locations where J.S. Bach once worked as well as the high quality of the program itself. In it, the music fest showcases serene performances such as a mixture of secular and sacred concerts, atmospheric jazz interpretations, chamber concerts, open-air events, and organ trips. If you are opting for some classical music performances and a spirit-lifting atmosphere, you should certainly check out this music fest.

4. Oktoberfest, Munich

Munich’s Oktoberfest is perhaps the most legendary beer consumption event in the world. Every beer-loving country has its own version of Oktoberfest, a testament to the fame attached to this wide-reaching cultural event in Germany. This annual beer festival attracts a gargantuan amount of six million visitors from local and foreign origins, and a mind-blowing seven million liters of beer are consumed! During the festival, visitors eat through thousands of pork sausages, chicken, fish, and pork shanks. These wild numbers surely do ring a bell inside your head and make you want to go pay a visit. Oktoberfest is actually a celebration in the honor of the marriage of Bavarian crown prince Ludwig to princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen in 1810.

International Film Festival in Berlin

Every February, Berlin rolls out the red carpet to host the Berlin International Film Festival. What to expect? More than 400 films from all over the world, parties, historic theatres and special events open to everyone who loves film. Besides Cannes and Venice, Berlinale is the most important film festival in Europe.

Carnival of Cultures in Berlin

Berlin celebrates its own unique carnival in summer, the colorful Carnival of Cultures - more than 1,5 million visitors pay tribute to the multicultural spirit of Germany’s capital with this four-day street festival. Enjoy exotic food and drinks, concerts, parties, and a carnival parade with decorated floats, singers, and dancers from over 70 different countries.

The Security Situation in Germany

Germany’s global commitment to peace and secur­ity, promoting human rights and protecting minor­ities are unchanging foundations of its foreign policy and are rooted in the Basic Law. On the one hand, Germany accepts this duty out of recognition of its historical responsibilities. On the other hand, it is in Germany’s interest to prevent crises and manage conflicts, as the effects of crises may be felt around the world, including in Germany. Russia’s illegal war of aggression against Ukraine gravely undermines international security and stability in Europe.

Germany’s multilateral links form the basis for its foreign policy activity. For example, deployments of the armed forces always take place within systems of collect­ive defence or security. Above all, these involve international organisations such as the United Nations (UN), the European Union (EU) or the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The Bundestag must also approve deployment of German forces abroad. For this reason, the German armed forces are considered a parliamentary military force.

Crisis Prevention on the Climate Change topic

For the Federal Government, paying close attention to the connections between the climate crisis and issues around peace, security and sustainable development is an essential task, so as to identify climate-related conflicts at an early stage. Increasingly, the focus is on new threats to global security in cyberspace. The Federal Government has created a new National Security Strategy to counter these challenges, which was adopted by the Federal Cabinet in June 2023. The Strategy is based on a comprehensive security concept which takes a holistic view of human security. Robustness, resilience and sustainability have been defined as the key dimensions of German security policy.

A reliable partner in NATO

Ever since the formation of the federal armed forces in 1955, Germany has been integrated into NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) both politically and militarily. Germany’s place at the heart of the north Atlantic alliance is part of the DNA of German foreign policy. Collective defence is the most important principle of the alliance: its member states pledge to protect one another and to respond jointly in the event of a conflict.

The German armed forces are a major provider of NATO troops

Taking part in international missions and alliance defence activities. For example, Germany has contributed to the NATO KFOR security force in Kosovo since 1999. In Lithuania, German armed forces are also taking a leading role as a “framework nation” to help secure NATO’s eastern frontier. This is part of the enhanced Forward Presence mission (eFP), which contributes to safeguarding Eastern European states. Germany is supporting the close cooperation between NATO and the EU and consistently advocates for the impact of climate change to be given greater consideration in security policy.

In the context of Russia’s war of aggression

The Federal Government set up a special armed forces fund in 2022 worth 100 billion euros. Germany is modernising the equipment used by its armed forces and strengthening its national defences and those of its allies. By doing this, Germany is meeting its obligations from the 2014 NATO summit in Wales and the June 2022 Madrid summit most recently, and is making long-term investments in necessary military capacities.

Trusted and valued member of the United Nations

Ever since Germany joined the UN in 1973, the Federal Republic has been a committed, reliable and valued member of the organisation. Germany is the fourth-largest contributor to the UN general budget. In 2024, Germany contributed 6.1% of the budget, worth around 219 million dollars (US). Germany is likewise the fourth-largest contributor to the budgets of the individual peace missions. Its support for the missions includes providing stabilisation measures, making efforts to achieve mediation through diplomacy and providing aid in the aftermath of crises. It also supplies troops, police officers and expert personnel.

The Organ­ization for Security and Co-oper­ation in Europe (OSCE)

Which Germany supports in intensive and varied ways.

The Commitment to Disarmament and Arms Controls

Germany is making an important contribution to global security through its commitment to disarma­ment and arms control. The Federal Government is working towards a world free of nuclear weapons, based on the foundation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT). In addition, Germany is campaigning to promote the universality and implementation of international treaties and agreements relevant to this area, such as the Chemical Weapons Convention, which codifies rules prohibiting the use of chemical weapons. Germany is also actively involved in promoting the global ban on mines and cluster munitions. Specifically, the Federal Government is supporting humanitarian efforts to clear mines and weapons and to care for victims.