27 fun facts about Germany that you probably didn’t know

Do you like to learn more about Germany? Continue reading this listicle to learn more about this entertaining country also known as Deutschland. These facts about Germany will restore your interest to learn German without getting bored.

Germany is a country with a rich cultural and historical heritage. It has a diverse set of customs as well as stunning scenery, including forested hills, snowy mountains, river valleys, and more.

Every region of this Central European country is worth visiting: the relaxed city of Munich, the Romanesque architecture of Cologne, the impressive Berlin, the futuristic skyline of Frankfurt, the grand Dresden, and so on.

Germany has a lot to offer its visitors and residents. Learn German and its very fun words if you want to learn more about German culture. Discover what makes this country so unique. Is it due to the food? Is it due to the music? Is it due to its history? Is it due to its people? Exploring Germany will increase our interest in this amazing country and its dialects.

This lovely country is remarkable for reasons so, whenever you are ready, go to Germany and immerse yourself in the diverse German culture. But for now, let’s look at some interesting facts about Germany.

Fun facts about Germany

1.    The largest train station in Europe is in Berlin

The five-story Berlin Hauptbahnhof railway station took ten years to build. However, the large train station can be found in the heart of Berlin.

2.    Berlin is nine times the size of Paris

Isn’t it interesting? Yes, Berlin is nine times the size of Paris.

3.    In Germany, there are over 20,000 castles

More than 20,000 castles can be found in Germany. The majority of them are over a century old and have been converted into museums, hotels, or cultural centers.

4.    Germany has the largest economy in the EU

Germany has the largest economy in the European Union, with a GDP of over 3.3 trillion Euros.

5.    German is the world’s third most widely taught language

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6.    There are 35 dialects of German

German is a diverse language with approximately 35 regional dialects. High German, Bavarian, Middle German, Low German, Frisian, and Alemannic are some of the most popular dialects. So, knowing German accents can help you get along with German people living in different regions.  

7.    In the Bavarian region, beer is considered food

Beer is an important food group in Germany, so beer is considered food in the Bavarian region.

8.    In Germany, there are over 1,000 different types of banger

Germany is also well-known for its sausages. There are over 1,000 different types of bangers in Germany.

9.    Germany has over 3000 different types of bread

Bread is another important symbol of Germany. There are over 3000 bread varieties in the country.

10. The Christmas tree tradition originated in Germany

Germany invented the first Christmas tree or Tannenbaum. With the assistance of several German royals, the tradition had spread throughout the country and neighboring areas by the nineteenth century. The custom, on the other hand, was brought to America by German immigrants.

11. The majority of taxis in Germany are Mercedes-Benz

The luxury brand “Mercedes-Benz” is the vehicle of choice for German taxi drivers.

12. The first printed magazine was published in 1663

In Germany, the Gutenberg Press was established. Johann Rist, a German poet, founded the first-ever published magazine, Erbauliche Monaths-Unterredungen.

13. Currywurst has its own museum in Berlin

The Deutsches Currywurst Museum is a currywurst sausage museum in Berlin.

14. Germany has over 7,000 different beers

The Germans adore beer. And there are over 7,000 different types of beer in the country.

15. Forests and woodlands cover more than one-third of Germany

Over 90 billion trees cover approximately 33% of Germany. Spruce trees are the most commonly planted, followed by Pine, Beech, and Oak.

16. Germany is a climate and energy policy leader

Germany has one of the most institutionalized Green Movements in the world. The country aims to be carbon neutral by 2045.

17. Germany is one of the world’s largest automobile producers

Germany’s automotive industry is among the best in the world. Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen are the best-selling German car brands.

18. The world’s narrowest street can be found in Reutlingen

The world’s narrowest street measures only 31 centimeters wide. The alleyway is located in Reutlingen, Germany.

19. 65% of highways have no speed limit

German highways, also known as Autobahn, have no mandated speed limit, and running out of gas on the Autobahn is illegal.

20. There are over 400 registered zoos in Germany

In Germany, there are over 400 registered zoos. The Berlin Zoological Garden, the world’s largest zoo, is located in Berlin. You can learn animal names in German before visiting any zoo in Germany.  

21. It took 632 years to build the Cologne Cathedral

The Cologne Cathedral is Germany’s second-largest religious structure. It was completed in 1880, 632 years after it began construction. Despite heavy bombing during WWII, the massive architecture stood firm.

22. Germany was the first country to implement daylight saving time

Daylight Savings Time was first implemented in Germany in 1916, and the concept quickly spread throughout Europe.

23. In Germany, you can order beer with just your thumb.

Try ordering a beer with your fingers to feel like a true German. If you have your thumb out, you’re ordering one beer. You’re ordering three beers if your thumb, index, and middle fingers are all missing.

24. When German children start school, they are given gifts known as Schultüte

German first-graders are given a Schultüten on the first day of school. A Schultüte is a school cone made by parents that are filled with goodies and school supplies. And this tradition dates all the way back to the nineteenth century.

25. Baby names can be denied under German law

In Germany, baby names must be approved by the Standesamt or the German civil registration office. If the name is rejected, it must be changed or the decision must be appealed.

26. In Germany, discrimination against members of the LGBTQ+ community is illegal

Same-sex marriage became legal in Germany on October 1st, 2017. Furthermore, the German government is committed to promoting equal rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community.

27. The hamburger is named after the German city of Hamburg

Hamburger derives its name from the seaport city of Hamburg. It is believed that the sailors brought back some uncooked shredded beef after returning from trading in the Baltic regions. An unknown German chef then prepared the shredded beef, and thus the hamburger was born.

These were 27 interesting facts about Germany. We hope you are still now wondering why learning German as this language holds great importance in the business industry. In fact, knowing German can bring you a lot of work opportunities.

Conclusion

These facts about Germany are not only entertaining but they are powerful enough to revitalize your interest in the language. Try using interest as a resource to find out more about Germany and its people.

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