Germany
Explore the culture and cuisine
Phrases
Guten Morgen
Pronunciation: GOO-ten MOR-gen
Translation: Good morning
Wie geht's?
Pronunciation: Vee gates?
Translation: How's it going?
Danke schön
Pronunciation: DAN-ke shurn
Translation: Thank you very much
Auf Wiedersehen
Pronunciation: Owf VEE-der-zay-en
Translation: Goodbye
Popular Foods
Sauerbraten
A pot roast, typically of beef, marinated before slow cooking, often served with red cabbage and dumplings.
Bratwurst
A German sausage made of finely minced meat, usually pork, beef, or veal, and seasoned with various spices.
Pretzel
A type of baked bread product, usually twisted into a knot shape and sprinkled with coarse salt.
Black Forest Cake
A rich chocolate sponge cake layered with cherries and whipped cream, originating from the Black Forest region.
Culture Highlights
Oktoberfest
A famous beer festival held annually in Munich, celebrating Bavarian culture with local beers, traditional foods, and various events.
Christmas Markets
Traditional outdoor markets during the Advent season selling handmade crafts, festive foods, and mulled wine, attracting locals and tourists alike.
Karneval
A pre-Lenten festival celebrated in many parts of Germany, featuring parades, costumes, and lively street parties.
Stuttgart Wine Festival
An annual wine festival in Stuttgart showcasing local wines, regional dishes, and cultural performances.
Wurst Culture
Germany is known for its diverse sausage varieties, often served at street festivals and public gatherings.
GEMA Law
Regulates the use of music in public spaces and ensures that artists and composers receive royalties.
Youth Protection Law
Restricts the sale of certain products to minors, including alcohol and tobacco, with the aim of protecting youth.
Recycling and Waste Management Laws
Strict regulations that mandate sorting waste into recyclables, compostables, and trash to promote sustainable practices.
Lärmschutzgesetz (Noise Protection Law)
Laws designed to protect residents from excessive noise pollution, especially in residential areas.
Anti-Discrimination Law
Prohibits discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, and other characteristics in various sectors including employment and housing.
Landmarks
Brandenburg Gate
The Brandenburg Gate is an 18th-century neoclassical monument that has become a symbol of Berlin and Germany. It was commissioned by King Frederick William II of Prussia and was completed in 1791. The gate has witnessed many historical events and served as a military checkpoint during the Cold War.
Location: Berlin, Germany
Neuschwanstein Castle
Neuschwanstein Castle is a 19th-century Romanesque Revival palace located in the Bavarian Alps, commissioned by Ludwig II of Bavaria. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Germany and inspired Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Location: Schwangau, Germany
Cologne Cathedral
The Cologne Cathedral, or Kölner Dom, is a stunning Gothic cathedral located in Cologne. It is renowned for its awe-inspiring architecture and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. The construction of the cathedral began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, and it houses the Shrine of the Three Kings.
Location: Cologne, Germany