I’m guessing you’ve probably heard of Germany. It’s one of the world’s most popular countries, and it has a lot to offer! From its rich history that spans centuries, to its modern cities that are filled with life, there is so much for travelers to enjoy when exploring this European country.
What is Germany known for? Germany is known for its diverse landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people. The country has everything from beaches to mountains, forests to cities. Germany is also home of Oktoberfest which is one of the biggest beer festivals in the world. If you are traveling abroad make sure you visit this beautiful country!
“Germany,” a country that has been known for many things throughout its rich history, is also known for many quirky and interesting facts about their culture. Here are 21 of the most popular facts about Germany!
Berlin
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Germany is probably Berlin, the capital city. It’s home to great museums, the Brandenburg Gate, and an awesome nightlife!
German Beer
Germany is also known for its delicious beer! With nearly 1,000 breweries scattered throughout this country it’s no wonder why so many people enjoy drinking their local brews. This popular drink may have been invented in Germany!
Oktoberfest
The world-famous festival, Oktoberfest, takes place every year in Munich and has become one of Germany’s most famous traditions.
This 16-day event attracts millions of visitors each year who come to partake in the festivities which include eating traditional German food, singing folk songs, and dancing in the streets.
German Language
If you’re going to visit Germany it’s a good idea to learn a little bit about their language! Although English is becoming more popular, knowing some German phrases can help make your trip even better.
For example, “hello” in German is “hallo,” and “thank you” is “danke.”
Soccer
Soccer has been one of the most popular sports throughout the world for many decades now, and Germany is known for having won several World Cup titles.
If you’re visiting during this time of year (summer), check out a local soccer game and cheer on your favorite team! They might just be the next World Cup champs!
Beer Pong
People my age will most likely know about beer pong, which was created in Germany by college students at the University of Maryland!
The game involves trying to toss a ping-pong ball into your opponent’s cups in order to get them drunk. If you’re looking for a fun drinking game while visiting this country, check out some German beer pong!
Berlin Wall
During the Cold War, Germany was divided in two. The west side of the country had capitalistic tendencies, while the east had dictatorial views.
This wall separated these sides for nearly 30 years (1961-1989). After it fell, Berlin experienced a stagnation of its economy which allowed their culture to flourish!
German Shepherds
This breed of dogs is known for being loyal and intelligent. They are an extremely popular breed that can be found almost anywhere throughout the world.
If you’re looking for a new furry friend this might be the perfect place to get one!
WW II
We all know about World War II; most students learn about this tragic time in history during elementary. It’s also known as “The European War” and was one of the deadliest conflicts in human history.
Germany is known for its role as an instigator of this war, but it’s also known for how they handled their loss: by rebuilding and becoming a stronger country today!
Mercedes-Benz
Although many car companies can be found throughout the world, Mercedes Benz cars are especially popular in Germany. These vehicles have been around since 1886 and were used as German military vehicles during WWII .
Autobahn
One of the most unique things about Germany is their love for driving fast on open roads with no speed limit!
This freeway system has caused many crashes over the years due to excessive speeding, which is unfortunately a common issue throughout Germany. Driving safely while in this country is imperative.
Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein was a German physicist who is known for his theory of relativity, which was published in 1916. His theories laid the groundwork for modern physics and changed how we view our universe!
He also helped create the Manhattan Project which led to the creation of nuclear weapons . His discoveries allowed Germany to develop their own atomic bomb before WWII ended, but thankfully they never used it.
BMW
This car company is also commonly known as Bavarian Motor Works, and was founded in 1913 by Karl Rapp.
One of their most popular models of cars is the 3 Series , which comes in a coupe and sedan design. They’re perfect for long road trips across this beautiful country!
Adidas
Some people who live outside of Europe may not know about this popular brand which began in Germany!
It’s known for its three parallel bars which also correspond to their company slogan – “the three stripes.” These slacks have been around since 1949 and are now one of the top brands throughout the world.
Munich
This city is a popular place for tourists to visit and offers many attractions! One of the most famous places in this city is the Hofbräuhaus, which was founded in 1589.
It has been a popular spot for Oktoberfest celebrations since 1810 when Crown Prince Ludwig threw his own celebration at this location . In addition, it’s also known as “Beer City” because it produces 534 million gallons of beer annually!
Bavaria
Bavaria is a state located in the southeast of Germany that’s known for its beautiful castles! It was first mentioned as early as 858 AD, which makes it one of the oldest states in the country.
There are many castles to visit here, but Neuschwanstein Castle is especially popular among tourists .
Religion
Although many people in Germany are atheists , the majority of citizens claim Christianity as their religion with around 60% practicing Catholicism and 30% Protestantism . Pope Benedict XVI was born here, and is the only pope to resign from his position (in 2013).
However, 21.4% of people are non-religious and 7.8% follow other religions like Islam or Judaism.
Hamburg
Hamburg is one of the largest cities in Europe and has a major port that accounts for 17% of Germany’s total trade! It’s also known as “the Gateway to the World” because it provides access to other countries like Russia and China. Hamburg has been an important seaport since 1432, and many people visit here each year for its famous fish market.
This city is located on the Elbe River and is the second-largest port in Europe. Many people visit this spot for its famous fish market, but it also has other attractions like Alster river boats, parks , museums , restaurants , and shows!
German Food
Although food varies throughout different parts of Germany, many staples are enjoyed across the entire country.
Foods like bratwurst (sausage), pretzels, sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), rye bread (particularly eaten during Christmas time, currywurst, Ritter Sport Chocolates, Lebkuchen, and beer (of course!) are popular among Germans and tourists visiting here.
Cleanliness
Germans take cleanliness very seriously, and that’s one of the reasons why Germany is known for their public restrooms! Most people who travel, especially in Europe, will appreciate well-maintained public restrooms when nature calls .
They’re also known for recycling, so it’s important to sort your garbage or you’ll get in trouble with the law!
Sausages
German sausages are some of the most famous in all of Europe! They come in many shapes and sizes, but bratwurst is one of the most popular.
These sausages are usually made with pork , beef , or veal and served with accompanying foods like potatoes, sauerkraut (pickled cabbage), or rye bread.
*Wrap It Up
In the end, Germany is a beautiful country that offers many attractions and things to do while you’re here. There are certainly many more things that are known for this country, but hopefully this list provides some insight into one of the world’s most powerful countries in Europe!
So Germany is known for many things! Some of them are more popular than others, but each one contributes to the country’s unique identity. What do you appreciate most about Germany? Feel free to leave a comment below!
Read more: What Is Italy Known For?