We all know Germany for Beer and Sausages, or probably Engineering. But Germany has more than it meets the eye. If you are heading to Germany, these facts might help you understand the bizarre side of Germany, or help you spark a conversation with a local. After all whatg person doesn’t likes to talk about the infamous facts of their country.
1 – Beer, Bread and Sausages
Everyone knows that Germany is popular for these three things. But did you know that Germany is home to more than 1500 types of beer, yes that is right, you might lose your appetite for drinking beer, but their German varieties won’t end. Germany has more than 300 types of bread and more than 1000 types of sausages. Its really hard to taste them all, unless you are on a long German Vacation.
2 – Beer is food
We all know that Germany is crazy about Beer. Germans love beer like nothing else. But here comes the twist, in the State of Bavaria, beer is considered as food. It might sound crazy but you got to eat your drink.
3 – The Second World War created the soda Fanta
During World War II, trade restrictions were imposed on Germany that led to a cut-off of the supply of Coca-Cola’s syrup to create the soda. But local executives didn’t give up; they came up with a new syrup with whatever they got. They used ingredients like whey and apple pomace, and created Fanta in 1940. After the war, Coca-Cola regained control, and Fanta became one of Coke’s best-selling beverages.
4 – Did someone say inventions
Germany was the nation that revolutionized the printing press in the 15th century. It was Karl Benz whose gasoline-powered car laid the foundation of the automotive industry. Aspirin, which we all have taken at some point in our lives, was invented in Germany. The pocket watch also has a German origin. The jet engine, LCD, and Walkman all originated in Germany. MP3 format also has German origin.
5 – Land Borders – Germany aces them all
Germany has the largest number of land border countries in Europe. It shares border with 9 countries. It neighbors Denmark to the north, Poland and Czechia to the east, Austria and Switzerland to the south, and France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands to the west. This strategic location of Germany gives it an edge in politics, trade, and the economy.
6 – Land of Poets and Thinkers
Germany is also known for its artistic and intellectual contributions, which have earned it “Das Land der Dichter und Denker”. From literary pioneers like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller to philosophical behemoths such as Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Arthur Schopenhauer. It was also the home of composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig von Beethoven, Johannes Brahms, George Frideric Händel, and Richard Wagner.
7 – Largest number of Cultural Spots
Germany is home to more than 7200 museums, and we dare you to visit them all. It has more than 8800 libraries, for all the bookworms out there. It has more than 750 theaters for all the art buffs out there. It doesn’t end here; Germany is home to 54 UNESCO World Heritage sites. From castles to cathedrals to remains of the Berlin Wall.
8 – It’s all in the books
Germany as a country loves books. Don’t be surprised if we tell you that Germany produces more than 60000 titles every year, through independent publishers and global players. Germany is also home to the Frankfurt Book Fair, which is the largest and oldest fair and book market in the world.
9 – Biggest Folk Festival in the world
Oktoberfest, held annually in Munich, is the world’s biggest folk festival and is also known as Wiesn. It all started in 1810, and now the modern version of Oktoberfest comprises beer tents, Bavarian Music, folk attire, and hearty cuisine. It is so popular that many other countries have adapted it into their own version of the festival.
10 – German Capital has shifted 7 times
Berlin might be the capital of Modern Germany, but historically, the capital has shifted a handful of times. The first capital was Aachen, while later on Holy Roman Empire settled cities like Cologne, Frankfurt, Mainz, and Regensburg that became the royal capital. It was in 19th century Berlin became the capital of Prussia and later Germany.
11 – Who said only Venice has bridges
Geographically, Berlin is one of the largest capitals in Europe. Berlin is 9 times the size of Paris. Interestingly, Berlin also has a larger number of bridges than Venice. It is estimated that Berlin is home to 1000 to 2100 bridges. Owing the credit to lakes, canals, and waterways, Berlin is also known as the Venice of the North.
12 – A town of Diamonds
The town of Nordlingen in the state of Bavaria might look like a typical German Town, with a picturesque city centre, cathedrals, and cobbled streets, but interestingly, it is located inside a 15-million-year-old meteor crater. Now here comes the weird part. The town’s buildings consist of tiny diamonds formed under the intense pressure of an asteroid collision. It is estimated that 72000 tonnes of micro diamonds are present in the local stone used to build infrastructure of the town.
13 – There is a Barbie Doll of Angela Merkel
In 2009, Mattel celebrated 50 years of Barbie by creating a Barbie Doll of Angela Merkel, the first female chancellor of Germany. It was unveiled at the international toy fair held in Nuremberg. The Angela Merkel Barbie had the signature strawberry-blonde bob hairstyle and was dressed in a classical black pantsuit, with low-heeled shoes. It was meant to showcase Merkel’s professional attire. It was created as a role model for women worldwide.
14 – Albert Einstein once worked at Oktoberfest
In 1896, when Albert was just 17 years old, he helped install electric lighting in the Schottenhamel tent, the festival’s oldest and most iconic beer tent. At that time, he worked for Einstein & Cie, his father’s electric engineering company, which had taken several contracts to install electric lighting in Oktoberfest tents.
15 – 800 Million currywurst
Sausages have a special place in German Cuisine culture. It is estimated that around 800 million currywurst are eaten annually in Germany, with 70 million eaten alone in Berlin. The origin of currywurst dates back to 1949, when Herta Heuwer mixed ketchup with curry powder to create a unique sauce. She even patented it under the name of “Chillup” in 1951. Today, currywurst has taken over the German gastronomic scene and is served with Fries or Bread Rolls.
16 – Europe’s largest beer producer
We all know about the German obsession with beer, but did we know that Germany is Europe’s largest beer producer? Annually, it produces 84 million hectolitres of beer. Here comes the interesting part. Germany might be the largest beer producer, but it ranks 7th in beer consumption, with 93.3 litres per person each year.
17 – German Turkish Food
Interestingly, the most popular German food comes from Turkey. In Germany, you will find a Doner Kebab shop on every corner. The history goes back to the 1970s, when Turkish expat Kadir Nurman introduced Doner Kebabs in Berlin. Germans consume around 1.3 Billion Kebabs each year, with 400,000 kebabs consumed daily just in Berlin.
18 – World’s largest Cuckoo Clock
Yes, you heard that right: Schonach im Schwarzwald has the world’s largest cuckoo clock. It stands just 5 meters in height and works like any other cuckoo clock. It was built by local craftsman Josef Dold, and it took 5 years to complete. Every hour, a giant cuckoo bird weighing 150 kilograms appears to make the cuckoo music.
19 – It’s illegal to run out of fuel on the Autobahn
On the Autobahn, you might speed up to 200 km/hr in a few stretches, but stopping the car without a valid reason is illegal, and running out of gas is considered preventable negligence. The law is placed to protect the highway, which is one of the busiest in the world. If your tank runs dry and you have to pull over, you will face fines and penalties, but if it causes an accident, you might also be looking at prison time.
20 – Prison Escape is unpunishable in Germany
Breaking prison might be a serious offense in other countries, but in Germany the desire to be free is considered a basic human instinct and is not a crime. However, damaging property, assaulting guards, or stealing a getaway vehicle are all punishable crimes that might be an accessory to escape. Once the escapee is caught, of course it is sent back to prison to finish their term.
21 – Greenest country
Germany is one of the greenest countries in the world. Germany is considered one of the leaders in environmental sustainability. It is at the forefront of green energy, recycling, and conservation of nature, making it one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world. It is one of the countries that have a major share of wind, solar, and hydropower energy in consumption.
22 – Europe’s Largest Train Station
Germany is home to Europe’s largest train station, Hauptbahnhof railway station, which is a five-storey building in the heart of Berlin, and it took 10 years to complete its construction.
23 – Home to 20,000 Castles
When we think of castles, one country that comes to mind is Scotland. But here Germany takes a clean sweep. It is estimated that Germany is home to more than 20,000 castles. They are centuries old, and they all wrap a piece of history. Majority of them have been converted into museums, hotels, and cultural centres.
24 – Christmas Tree Tradition
Germans were behind the world’s first Christmas tree, or Tannenbaum. Thanks to German Royalty, this tradition was soon spread across the country and Europe. This tradition was brought to America by German immigrants, and by the nineteenth century nearly everyone was involved in this tradition.
25 – World’s narrowest street
Germany is also home to the world’s narrowest street. It is only 31 centimeters wide. This alleyway is located in Reutlingen, Germany, and we dare you to walk across it, as long as you fit.
Gern geschehen!
