This is a website that presents a variety of information about Germany.
The idea is to let you explore different aspects of Germany.
Dies ist eine Website, die eine Vielzahl von Informationen �ber Deutschland pr�sentiert.
Die Idee ist, dass Sie verschiedene Aspekte Deutschlands erkunden k�nnen.
In the High Middle Ages, the regional dukes, princes and bishops gained power at the expense of the emperors Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation against the Catholic Church after 1517, as the northern states became Protestant, while the southern states remained Catholic The two parts of the Holy Roman Empire clashed in the Thirty Years' War (1618-1648), which was ruinous to the twenty million civilians living in both states The Thirty Years' War brought tremendous destruction to Germany, more than 1/4 of the population and 1/2 of the male population in the German states were killed by the catastrophic war [1][2] 1648 marked the effective end of the Holy Roman Empire and the beginning of the modern nation-state system, with Germany divided into numerous independent states, such as Prussia, Bavaria and Saxony
Elevation ranges from the mountains of the Alps (highest point: the Zugspitze at 2,962 meters (9,718 ft. )) in the south to the shores of the North Sea (Nordsee) in the northwest and the Baltic Sea (Ostsee) in the northeast Between lie the forested uplands of central Germany and the low-lying lands of northern Germany (lowest point: Neuendorf-Sachsenbande at 3 54 meters (11 6 ft. ) below sea level), traversed by some of Europe's major rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and Elbe[1]
According to the first census since the reunification, Germany's population was counted to be 80,219,695 on May 9, 2011,[6] making it the 16th most populous country in the world Until 2014, Germany's population has been characterized by zero or declining growth,[7] with an aging population and smaller cohort of youths The total fertility rate has been rated around 1 4 in 2010[8][9](the highest value since 1990[8]) and has in 2011 even been estimated at 1 6 after accounting for the fact that older women contribute more to the number of births than in previous statistic models, and total fertility rates increased in younger generations [10] In 2008 fertility was related to educational achievement (with the less educated women having more children than the educated ones) [11] In 2011 this was no longer true for Eastern Germany where college educated women now had a somewhat higher fertility rate than the rest of the population [12] Persons who adhere to no religion have fewer children than Christians, and studies also found that among Christians the more conservative ones had more children than the more liberal ones [13][14]In vitro fertilization is legal in Germany, with an age limit set at 40 [15]
Climate
Germany's climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy, wet winters and moderate warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic and rain falls all the year round Winters there are relatively mild and summers comparatively cool In the east, the climate shows clear continental features; winters can be very cold for long periods, and summers can become very warm Dry periods are often recorded
In the center and the south, there is a transitional climate which may be predominantly oceanic or continental, according to the general weather situation Winters are mild and summers tend to be cool, though maximum temperatures can exceed 30 °C (86 °F) for several days in a row during heat waves The warmest regions of Germany can be found in the south-west Here summers can be hot with many days exceeding 30 °C (86 °F) Sometimes, minimum temperatures do not drop below 20 °C (68 °F), which is relatively rare in other regions [2][3]
Culture
Easter-
The characteristic animals for the German Easter celebration are the “Easter Rabbit� and the “Easter Lamb � Children believe that the Easter Rabbit comes on Easter Sunday and jumps around hiding Easter eggs It is a family tradition to have a breakfast with hard boiled eggs, and then attempt to find the hidden eggs
They have a traditional joint of lamb, beef or pork. People also make big Easter Fires to celebrate this holiday. These fires are a sign of victory of light and warmth over the hardness, darkness, and coldness of the winter
Day of German Unity-
This is a national holiday in Germany commemorating reunification of the two Germanys after 40 years of separation. Germany was unified on October 3, 1990. People come together in Berlin to celebrate the reunification
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest is a traditional festival that lasts two weeks In October 1810, Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese married, and invited the whole town of Munich to the reception The importance of the origin of the celebration allowed it to become a part of German tradition People dress in traditional clothing, and enjoy music, dancing and drinking Now, it has become a celebration of beer that draws people from all over the world
All Saints Day-
Halloween does not exist in Germany, but instead they celebrate All Saints Day on November 1. On this day, families visit their relatives’ graves. Afterward godparents come with gifts of braided sweet bread called “Strietzel� to their godchildren's homes. "Strietzel" is a long bread, and it can be more than three feet long. Germans can buy Strietzel from the neighborhood baker, but it is traditionally made at home
In 2014, Germany recorded the highest trade surplus in the world worth $285 billion,[18] making it the biggest capital exporter globally.[19]Germany is the third largest exporter in the world with 1.13 trillion euros ($1.28 trillion) in goods and services exported in 2014.[20][21][22] The service sector contributes around 70% of the total GDP, industry 29.1%, and agriculture 0.9%. Exports account for 41% of national output.[23][needs update][24] The top 10 exports of Germany are vehicles, machineries, chemical goods, electronic products, electrical equipments, pharmaceuticals, transport equipments, basic metals, food products, and rubber and plastics.[25]
Germany is rich in timber, iron ore, potash, salt, uranium, nickel, copper and natural gas. Energy in Germany is sourced predominantly by fossil fuels (50%), followed by nuclear power second, then gas, wind, biomass (wood and biofuels), hydro and solar. Germany is the first major industrialized nation to commit to the renewable energy transition called Energiewende. Germany is the leading producer of wind turbines in the world.[26] Renewables now produce over 27% of electricity consumed in Germany.[27]
Germany is the world's top location for trade fairs.[29] Around two thirds of the world's leading trade fairs take place in Germany.[30] The largest annual international trade fairs and congresses are held in several German cities such as Hanover, Frankfurt, Cologne and Düsseldorf.
German is a West Germanic language spoken mainly in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Belgium, Luxembourg and Italy. It is recognised as a minority language in Czech Republic, Denmark, Hungary, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Namibia, Poland, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Croatia, Serbia, South Africa, Vatican City and Venezuela. There are also significant German-speaking communities in the USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Paraguay, New Zealand and Peru.
Number of speakers
Standard German (Hoch Deutsch) has around 90 million native speakers, and other varieties of German have some 30 million. There are about 80 million people who speak German as a second language, and many others study it as a foreign language.
Written German
The earliest known examples of written German date from the 8th century AD and consist of fragments of an epic poem, the Song of Hildebrand, magical charms and German glosses in Latin manuscripts. A short Latin-German dictionary, the Abrogans, was written during the 760s.
The German flag - the tricolore - was designed in 1832. The black, red and gold were taken from the uniforms of German soldiers during the Napoleonic Wars.
Motto: "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit " "Unity and Justice and Freedom "
National Anthem
Das Deutschlandlied (third stanza), music by Joseph Haydn; lyrics by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallerslebem
Tree: Oak
National Symbols
Coat of Arms: The country's coat of arms (featuring an eagle) is said to have originated around 1200
Over the centuries many variations have been adopted for military and political reasons, but the eagle has remained as the central theme. The modern seal features the same colors as the German flag. The eagle is also used on the German one Euro and two Euro coins
National Flower
Cornflowers
This stunning blue-violet bloom is the national flower of Germany. The cornflower (or cyani flower) became symbolic of Germany during the 19th century due to its color, Prussian blue. During this time in Germany, it was customary for unmarried men and women to communicate their marital status by wearing the flower in their buttonholes
National Animal
The eagle is depicted on German currency as well as its coat of arms and military ensigns. The coat of arms features the same black, red and yellow color scheme as the German flag, but with an eagle prominently displayed in its center as a black silhouette with outspread wings. Courage, strength and victory are some of the qualities attributed to the eagle as a popular heraldic symbol
Cities and Landmarks
The five most important regions, collectively often called the "Big Five",[3][4] are frequently compared with other European metropolitan areas for investments and market development [5]
Each of them forms types of clusters and achieves varying levels of performance in areas such as business activity, human capital, information and technology exchange, cultural experience, and political engagement [7]
1. Konrad Adenauer (1876-1967) West Germany’s first chancellor after the Second World War (1949-63). He played a key role in the re-integration of Germany in European and international affairs. He forged closer ties with France, US and the European Community.
2. Martin Luther (1483-1546) Luther Sought to reform the Roman Catholic Church which he felt had been corrupted and lost its original focus. Considered the father of Protestantism for his reforming zeal.
3. Karl Marx (1818 – 1883) – German philosopher, exiled to Britain for his radical views. Karl Marx wrote Das Capital and The Communist Manifesto, which was hugely influential in shaping left wing thought.
4. Sophie and Hans Scholl (1921/ 1918 -1943) – The Scholls opposed the Nazi ideology of Hitler’s Germany and distributed anti-Nazi propaganda to students in Munich. Both were executed for high treason.
5. Willy Brandt (1913-1992) German politician and statesman. Opposed to Hitler, he fled to Norway in 1933. After war, he became Mayor of Berlin. As Chancellor of Germany he made famous gesture of reconciliation to victims of Nazi Germany in Warsaw. He sought rapprochement with the East and a united Europe.
6. Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) German composer and musician. Considered one of greatest composers of all time. Bach composed some of the most loved choral and orchestral works.
7. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-1832) Poet, playwright, author and statesman. Goethe was a prolific writer, notable works including: Faust, Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship and Elective Affinities. Also a noted polymath, Goethe left a rich cultural legacy.
8. Johannes Gutenberg (1400-1468) Inventor of movable type printing in Europe . Gutenberg started a ‘printing revolution; which enabled the spread of printed works across Europe. Also produced the ‘Gutenberg Bible’.
9. Angela Merkel (1954 – ) Leader of Christian Democrat Union (CDU). Merkel has been chancellor of Germany since 2005. Merkel has also gained a position as de facto leader of the European Union and has made many decisions affecting European integration and the European financial crisis.
10. Otto von Bismarck (1815-1898) Politician responsible for creation of German Empire in 1871, and its first chancellor. Bismark is credited with uniting the states of Germany and pursuing a relative moderate foreign policy of keeping the peace.
Other Famous Germans
Albert Einstein (1879-1955) German born theoretical physicist who came up with the general theory of relativity, which played a key role in the nuclear age. Einstein also a noted humanitarian who promoted peace.
Beethoven (1770 – 1827) German composer born in Bonn, then capital of Electorate of Cologne. Beethoven was a musical genius who bridged classical and romantic periods. Beethoven wrote 9 symphonies, 5 concertos for piano, numerous chamber music, and choral works, including Missa solemnis).
Oskar Schindler (1908 – 1974) An ethnic German who joined the Abwehr and later Nazi party. He was a businessman who successfully protected over 1,000 Jews employed in his factory.
Mozart (1756 – 1791) Austrian classical composer. Mozart is considered one of greatest composers of all time, writing over 600 classical works.
Michael Schumacher (1969 – ) Born in Hurth, West Germany. Schumacher is a retired German motor racing driver. Seven times World Champion – considered greatest driver of modern age.
Steffi Graf (1969 – ) Born in Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg, West Germany. Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles – the highest number in the Open era. Was world number one for a record 377 weeks.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer (1906 – 1945 ) A Lutheran Pastor who was an influential critic of Hitler and Nazism, executed in 1945. He publically spoke against the Nazi policy of euthanasia and the murder of Jews.
Boris Becker (1967 – ) Born in Leimen, Germany. Becker was an outstanding tennis player, winning 6 grand slam singles titles and 49 career titles, including the youngest player (17) to win Wimbledon
Martin Niemöller (1892 – 1984) Lutheran pastor and anti-nazi theologian. Born in Wiesbaden. He was a founder of the Confessional church which sought to reject the Nazification of churches.
Hildegard von Bingen (1097 – 1179) German writer, mystic, composer and polymath. Hildegard was considered one of the most educated and influential people of her generation, at a time when women rarely played any significant role in society.
Claus von Stauffenberg (1907 – 1944) An aristocratic German military officer born in Jettingen-Scheppach. Stauffenberg was a principle member of the resistance to Hitler within the Wermacht. He led the unsuccessful July 1944 bomb plot against Hitler.
Bernhard Lichtenberg (1875 – 1943) A Roman Catholic Priest who condemned the Nazi policy towards Jews and the policy of euthanasia. For his criticism of Nazi policy, he was sent to Dachau concentration camp, where he died in transit.
Otto Hahn (1879-1968)German chemist born in Frankfurt. Hahn discovered nuclear fission (1939), and was a pioneering scientist in the field of radio-chemistry. Awarded Nobel Prize for Chemistry (1944)
Meister Eckhart (1260- 1327) German mystic, theologian and philosopher born in Gotha, Thuringia. Eckhart’s practical spiritual philosophy was popular and an indirect challenge to the teachings of the church.
George Frederick Handel (1685 – 1759) German born composer who spent a lot of time in England. He wrote operas and oratorios. He was court composer for prince George, the Elector of Hanover. Ironically, after living many years in London, Prince George became King George I of England and found his court composer was already there in London.
Immanuel Kant (1724 – 1804) Influential German philosopher born in Königsberg. Kant’s ‘Critique of Pure Reason’ sought to unite reason with experience and move philosophy on from the debate between rationalists and empiricists.
Felix Mendelssohn (1809 – 1847) Born in Hamburg. Mendelssohn was a German composer of the romantic period. Mendelsshon wrote symphonies, concerti, oratorios, piano music and chamber music.
Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883) German composer who wrote epic operas such as the Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung).
Johannes Brahms (1833 – 1897) Born in Hamburg, Brahms was a German composer who spent most of his life in Austria.
Karl Benz (1844–1929), German inventor and entrepreneur. Benz developed the first practical petrol-powered car, gaining patent in 1879. Benz also became a successful manufacturer.
Rudolf Diesel (1858–1913) Born in Paris, to German parents, Diesel was the inventor of the diesel engine in the early 1890s. Diesel sought to build an engine which had much greater efficiency than the petrol engine.
Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992) German-American actress born in Schöneberg. Dietrich’s career spanned several decades from silent movies to becoming one of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Walter Hallstein (1901 – 1982) German diplomat and statesman born in Stuttgart. Hallstein was one of the key architects of the European Coal and Steel Community – the forerunner of the EEC.
By size, Germany is the seventh-largest European country and from north to south the topography varies quite dramatically
The North European Plain extends across the northern reaches of the country; this flat, lowland terrain is dissected by numerous bogs, rivers and streams, and is mostly used as farmland
In the northeast, and then stretching to the south of Berlin, Germany's land remains sandy and punctuated by dozens of mostly small lakes formed by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age
The land then rises into the forested uplands of central Germany Major landforms here include the volcanic in origin Harz Mountains and the thickly wooded Rothaargebirge Mountains
In the far south the land remains mostly hilly, with heavily forested mountains The Bohemian Forest covers a lower mountain range along the Czech Republic border, and along the country's far-southwestern border with the Rhine River and France stands the thick (story-book famous) Black Forest
The Bavarian Alps, the highest mountains in Germany stretch across its southern border with Austria Snow covered Zugspitze, Germany's highest point is found here
Stretched along the northern coastline, the Frisian Islands, East and North are separated from the mainland by the Waddenmeer These barrier islands provide a small level of protection from the North Sea
The country is drained by dozens of rivers The longest river in Germany is the Rhine Rising in the Alps of Switzerland, it's overall length runs (820 miles) (1,319 km), and along it path numerous tributaries and branches stretch in all directions
Another river of note is the Danube, which rises in the Black Forest to then stretch across central Europe all the way to the Black Sea
Across Germany a large series of man-made canals join navigable rivers, creating thousands of miles of interconnecting inland waterways They're used for commercial and local traffic, and by large fleets of cruising riverboats and charter barges
Each of them forms types of clusters and achieves varying levels of performance in areas such as business activity,
human capital, information and technology exchange, and political engagement
7 Things about Germany
They have a traditional joint of lamb, beef or pork. People also make big Easter Fires to celebrate this holiday.
These fires are a sign of victory of light and warmth over the hardness, darkness of the winter
Life in Germany
In the northeast, and then stretching to the south of Berlin, Germany's land remains sandy and punctuated by dozens of
mostly small lakes formed by retreating glaciers during the last Ice Age
Hamburg
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