As many of my dashing readers know, my siblings and I are the latest editions to a long line of proud Germans. With Krieger and Venable on my mothers side and Stover, Heinreich, and Backovic on my fathers side it is impossible for anyone not to know our Deutsch roots. However with that said, many people who aren’t “In The Know” know only of the darkest chapters in German history–Hitler, concentration camps, the assassination of Franz Ferdinand, and so on. Or we are associated with other ethnic stereotypes i.e beer, Oktoberfest, Heidi of the Swiss Alps (I don’t understand that one), raver college students, cut-throat athletes, Volkswagen, and of course, the autobahn. I love spending time in Germany. In fact, we have recently purchased a condo for the family to share in the capital so that we can visit more frequently. Visit https://residential.jll.de/ to see why we couldn’t refuse!
So here, from me to you, is the first installment of the Lift Off series! I hope these fun facts (and tips) serve you well when you next travel to the fair land of Deutschland!Genissen!
1.) We weren’t always Germany! So once upon a time in a galaxy far, far away…oh wait that’s the wrong introduction. Anywho, as stated before Germany was first penned in history books as the country’s name there were dozens of tribal nations that populated the land. Scholars theorize that these tribes settled the area during the Nordic Bronze Age (Pre-Roman Iron Age). To put it in perspective that would be during the 1st Century BC! It is around this period that the nation took it’s first name, Germania. In 9 AD, Arminius of the Cherusci chieftain led Germania to victory against three Roman legions. By 100 AD the Germanic people had settled along most of the Rhine and Danube (now most of modern Germany).
The nations name changed once more in 962 AD when the occupying Romans dubbed it “Sacrum Imperium Romanum” which when translated from German to English means “Holy Roman Empire.” Charles I aka Charlemagne the Great was crowned the first Emperor of the Carolingian Empire on December 25, 800 by Pope Leo III. This territory included the kingdoms of France and Germany which would later divide to create their own separate nations. The Holy Roman Empire was known for its strength, ever expanding reach, prosperity, and military prowess. However, unlike the British Empire, the sun DID set on the Holy Romans. On August 6, 1806 the nation suffered a decisive blow in the Battle of Austerlitz while under the rule of Emperor Francis II. This final move was delivered by none other than Napoleon Bonaparte, the future Emperor of France. Following the empire’s dissolution the nations ofAustria, Prussia, and Germany were born!
PIT STOP FOR TRAVELERS! When touring through Germany don’t forget to swing by German Timber-Frame Road, a popular route for visitors seeking a glimpse at the country’s past. It offers you a look at the homesteads of ye olden Germans.
2.) Germans are kinda a big deal Musically Speaking! What does Ludwig van Beethoven, Amadeus Mozart, Felix Mendelssohn, Johann Sebastian Bach, Carl Orff all have in common? Answer: They are all German! In fact, the vast majority of classical music originated in Germany. Now the second largest music market in Europe–fourth largest globally–the nation plays concert hall commando with American and British powerhouses. Some modern day musical megastars who call Germany home are the Scorpions (“Rock You Like A Hurricane” 1984), Tokio Hotel (“Ready Set Go!” “Scream” Noise” 2007-2012), Nena (“99 Red Balloons/99 Luftballons” 1983), and Scooter (“Hyper Hyper” “Move Your Ass!” 1995).
TIP FOR TRAVELERS! Do NOT under any circumstances ask a German “Do you know of any raves going on tonight?” Not only is it incredibly rude to assume that all of Germany’s youth is part of the rave culture, it also outs you as a foreigner and an ignorant/arrogant one at that. Yes, we know good music and what’s happenin’ in the “underground” scene. However German locals will be less willing to divulge any information if you typecast them. Best way into one of these awesome venues is by invite via the new German buddy you make through POLITE conversation.
3.) There are more German Dialects than fingers for you to count on! In total there are 24 official dialects and a grand total of 35. This is the result of centuries of invasions, foreign occupations, culture contamination, previous dissolution’s, immigration, and emigration. And that doesn’t include the unrecognized languages and Sign Language variations!
FUN FACT FOR LINGUISTS! The most common languages spoken throughout Germany (aside from German and English) is Danish, French, Dutch, Turkish, Kurdish, Polish, and Russian. However in some regions you will find speakers of Spanish, Greek, Arabic, and Italian. Talk about a multilingual melting pot!
4.) Germany is Pro Gay! Known to be one of the most socially tolerant nations in the world, Germany legalized homosexual civil unions in 2001 and fully supports gay couples seeking to adopt. The nation decriminalized same-sex partnerships in 1969 but have been tolerated since the early 1920?s! They were also among the first to offer these couples the same healthcare benefits and legal rights as a heterosexual couple.
Gays and Lesbians are not banned from the military and are not encouraged to hide their sexual orientation. There are laws protecting LGBT’s from discrimination and physical violence. Gays and Lesbians can hold positions within a political party and can run for the nations office. The mayor of Berlin, Klaus Wowereit (Social Democratic Party) famously outed himself in 2001 saying “Ich bin schwul, und das ist auch gut so” or in English “I’m gay, and that is a good thing.” He has been with his domestic partner, neurosurgeon Jorn Kubicki since 1993. Talk about land of the free!
5.) We are a sporting people… From volleyball and horse riding to ice hockey and rowing Germans just can’t be kept indoors. With a reported 27 million Germans enrolled in sports clubs and an additional 12 million pursing sports individually it is no wonder why Germans were voted as one of the “Healthiest People in the World.” Keeping fatty processed foods to an ultimate minimum and daily outdoor activity high they are not only physically fit but know how to toss the ball around. Accordingly the nation hosted the Summer Olympics twice, once in Berlin (1936) and once in Munich (1972). They were also the host nation for the 1936 Winter Games in Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
More recently, the Deutsch have carved out a niche in the football/soccer community. They won the FIFA World Cup in 1954, 1974, 1990, and this last summer in 2014. They were also the UEFA European Champions in 1972, 1980, and 1996!
6.) We ARE rocket scientists…Well sorta… Though not all of us are nuclear physicists and chemists a good few of history’s most influential scientists hail from Germany. Mr. E = mc2 aka Albert Einstein was born in the city of Ulm which was part of the Kingdom of Wurttemberg in the German Empire. He failed his standard entrance exams but clearly excelled in physics and mathematics. Before he skyrocketed to science stardom young Einstein worked in a patent office after searching in vain for years for a teaching position. It wasn’t until 1908 that he got the ball rolling and was appointed lecturer at University of Bern upon the completion of his dissertation which garnered him a PhD. It was while he was visiting America in 1933 that Adolf Hitler came to power. Einstein did not return to Germany because he was Jewish. Instead he settled in the States and died in Princeton, New Jersey in 1955 at the age of 76.
Another notable German science fiend would be Hans Geiger. He’s the mastermind behind a little device you may have heard of, the Geiger Counterwhich detects alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays using ionization. Then there’s the winner of the first Physics Noble Prize (1901)Willhelm Rontgen, the father of X-Rays. Followed by none other than the pioneer Otto Hahn, renowned scientist of radioactivity and radiochemistry as well as the man who discovered nuclear fission.
7.) Germans are Fashionista’s at their finest! Sure France may be the birthplace of Haute Couture and fashion powerhouses such as Balenciaga, Dior, Chanel, and Yves Saint Laurent. And yeah, Paris and Milan Fashion week are the traditional choices for the fashionably inclined. However do not count Germany out. Starting with Hugo Boss (we’ll ignore his “colorful” past history) the German fashion market has grown steadily and rapidly. Some illustrious names in the industry that call Germany home are Karl Lagerfeld, Wolfgang Joop, Etienne Aigner, Philipp Plein, and Tomas Maier. In addition some of the hottest models of German decent are Claudia Schiffer, Heidi Klum, Diane Kruger, Toni Garrn, Alsi Bayram, Nadja Auermann, and Julia Stegner!
8.) A German is responsible for Gummy Bears I know it’s hard to believe, those cute and deliciously sweet critters coming from Germany but I’ll have you know that Germans are notorious for their sweet tooth. They were invented by Hans Riegel Sr. who founded Haribo in 1920!
9.) Germans love their bread! With over 300 distinctly different types of bread it is safe to say we Germans are carb crazy. Moreover we have full museums dedicated to bread!
10.) Literature in Germany is also a Big Deal! Many people know that the Brothers Grimm were German academics responsible for the resurgence of traditional German Folklore. However did you know that Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Hermann Hesse, and Gunter Grass are all German. Furthermore, German speaking publishers produce 700 million books annually, with 80,000 titles and 60,000 new titles.
Our list of Germanic Philosophers isn’t too shabby either. Included among the ranks is Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche, Friedrich Engles (the ACTUAL father of the Marxist Theory) and Immanuel Kant.
11.) Germans are just a blast in general! Although this is technically opinionated I have to say that as a young American female travelling through Germany, I have never felt more at ease with my surroundings than while I was touring good ol’ Deutschland. The locals are warm and inviting and the cities are the cleanest I have ever seen. The young adult daughters of the family I was staying with while abroad were sweet, fiery, and knew the best places to shop and sight-see as well as the spots only natives of the area knew of. It helped that I knew conversational German (thank you Dad!) and had an open mind when it came to food because some things you have to taste before you write them off as strange. And for all you ladies looking for a good time I’ll have you know that a vast majority of the men that walk the streets of Germany are well-spoken and true modern gentlemen. Additionally, they are absolutely stunning. It was refreshing to see sidewalks full of well dressed men with neatly groomed hair after coming from Cali where nearly all the young men are wearing Boho style garb that does not fit correctly and don’t wash their hair for the beatnik look and refuse to move out of their parents house. The best part was is that these men will take their ladies out for a night on the town and won’t expect the world of you in return.
It’s just a light, fun, free atmosphere that you simply must experience to believe! So plan your trips, pack your bags, and be sure to bring a camera and some rouge lipstick because you will want to remember your tour of Germany!
Stay strange and stay lovely!
Your liaison,
-Mars M.J.S.
NEXT UP IN THE LIFT OFF SERIES! *Drumroll* JAPAN, LAND OF MYSTERY AND INTRIGUE AND REALLY WICKED HAIR!
For more interesting, strange, fun facts about Germany I recommend reading the spread done by Confessed Travelholic. The research is dead on and comprehensive. Some of these little tid bits are hard to believe but trust a seasoned globe trotter when I say They’re Real!
