20 Interesting Facts You Should Know About Germany

Germany, which is frequently visited, especially by Turkish students for university education, is known for offering many advantages in many aspects. As the 4th largest economy in the world, Germany is one of the most popular destinations for students as well as other visitors. Students who want to study in Germany can apply to German universities, which are recognized as some of the best schools in the world. Students who fulfill the necessary conditions have the right to study in Germany either in German or in English.

Whether you are a student or just a traveler, Here are 20 interesting facts you should know about Germany, the land of opportunity, and its culture.

1. German Is The Language With The Highest Number Of Native Speakers In Europe.

German is one of the most widely spoken native languages in Europe. In Europe, German is recognized as an official or semi-official language in countries such as Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, Liechtenstein, and South Tyrol (Italy). German is also spoken as a minority language in Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, the Czech Republic, France, and many other European countries. In total, there are around 100 million native speakers of German in Europe.

German is spoken as a first language by around 100 million people worldwide and is also learned as a second language. German is one of the most widely spoken languages, along with English, Spanish, French, and Mandarin Chinese. Its grammatical structure can involve some difficulties, such as gendered nouns, conjugation of objects, and different language patterns. German uses different identifiers according to the gender of words, which can affect sentence structure depending on the gender of the word.

2. Danke Does Not Only Mean "Thank You."

The word "danke" is a German expression meaning "thank you", but it can also mean different things. In some regions or in some situations, the word "danke" can mean "no". For example, answering "Danke" to the question "Noch einen Kaffee?" (Would you like another coffee?) can mean "No, thank you". So, if someone offers you something and you want to accept it, make sure you say bitte, which means "please" or "yes"!

3. Germany Is The Second Most Popular Destination For Expats.

Immigrating to Germany means that a person moves from another country to settle and live permanently in Germany. Immigration is often motivated by better job opportunities, economic advantages, educational opportunities, social services, cultural interactions, or family reunification. Germany is a country with one of the largest economies in Europe and offers a variety of career opportunities. In order to obtain a work and living permit in Germany, certain criteria must be met. These criteria are usually based on professional qualifications, language skills, educational status, financial resources, and some other factors.

Germany is the second-most popular destination for expats. The country has been home to people from all over the world for many years. Germany's economic stability, job opportunities, and high quality of life have made it an attractive destination for many expats. Expats who migrate to Germany often do so for reasons such as job opportunities, educational opportunities, or family reunification. The country's major cities, especially Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, and Hamburg, are notable for their international diversity and cultural richness. There are many expatriate communities in these cities, which facilitates the integration process.

4. Most German Public Universities Are Free.

Bachelor's and master's degree programs at German public universities are usually offered free of charge or for a nominal fee. Since Germany has a federal system, the issue of university tuition fees may vary depending on the federal states, but in most states, tuition is free. Foreign students are generally entitled to study in Germany under the same conditions.

Students may usually only have to cover small costs, such as some administration fees or semester student contributions. Other than that, students do not have to pay tuition fees. On the other hand, personal expenses, such as living costs, are the responsibility of the student.

5. Berlin Is 9 Times Bigger Than Paris.

As the capital and largest city of Germany, Berlin is one of Europe's favorite metropolises. At the same time, it is notable for its size, even surpassing Paris. Berlin covers an area nine times larger than Paris. Berlin is known for its large area, large population, cosmopolitan atmosphere, and diverse cultural activities. With its historic and modern architecture, museums, art galleries, parks, and vibrant nightlife, the city offers visitors many opportunities for discovery.

Berlin's symbol, the Brandenburg Gate, symbolizes the unification of East and West Germany, while the Reichstag Building is of historical and political significance. Buildings such as Charlottenburg Palace and Berlin Cathedral reflect the city's rich cultural heritage, while Potsdamer Platz and Alexanderplatz are the pulse of city life.

6. The First Printed Book Was Published In Germany.

The first printed book was printed in Germany, a Latin Bible by Johann Gutenberg. Gutenberg is considered the inventor of the printing press in the mid-15th century. Gutenberg's most important invention was the printing press technique, which made possible the mass production of books through the use of movable metal letters (the printing press type). In Mainz in the 1450s, Gutenberg began using the printing press to print the first book. His first major project was the "Gutenberg Bible", a Latin Bible. It was printed in 42 lines, and every page was masterfully crafted. The Gutenberg Bible is considered a turning point in printing and revolutionized book printing in Europe.

Gutenberg's invention of the printing press enabled books to be produced faster and more economically, allowing them to reach a wider audience. This led to more widespread sharing of knowledge and cultural revolutions. Gutenberg's printing technique started in Germany and then spread to other parts of Europe. Printed books played an important role in the spread of knowledge and ideas and in scientific, cultural, and social developments.

7. The Christmas Tree (Tannenbaum) Tradition Comes From Germany.

The tradition of the Christmas tree (Tannenbaum) comes from Germany. This tradition is widely practiced during Christmas and New Year's celebrations and has been adopted in many countries. The Christmas tree is a source of great joy, especially among children. It is often the centerpiece of a room where the family spends time together, opening presents and sharing sweet snacks. The Christmas tree symbolizes the themes of Christmas, such as warmth, love, and a sense of unity.

Originating in Germany, the Christmas tree tradition spread to Germany's neighboring countries in the 19th century and later to the whole world. Today, it is common practice in many countries to decorate Christmas trees and gather with family and friends in homes as part of the celebrations.

8. Origins Of Most Universities In Germany Date Back To The Middle Ages.

Germany was home to the world's first modern universities. For example, Heidelberg University, founded in 1386, is one of the oldest universities still operating in Germany and the world. Heidelberg University is known for its faculties of medicine, law, theology, and philosophy. Founded in 1409, the University of Leipzig became the center of the Protestant Reformation in Europe and is one of the oldest universities founded in Germany. The University of Leipzig has faculties of medicine, law, theology, philosophy, and social sciences.

These universities are pioneering institutions, founded in the Middle Ages and still operating today. These German universities have played a leading role in education, research, and scientific development and have a globally respected academic heritage.

9. In The State Of Bavaria, Beer Is Actually Considered A Food.

In the state of Bavaria, beer is actually considered a food. Bavaria is a region in the southeast of Germany and has a beer culture that is famous worldwide. In Bavaria, beer is not only considered a beverage but also a traditional food and an important part of the local culture.

Bavaria has a long history of production, consumption, and celebration of beer. The region is known for its beer-specific quality standards, events such as the beer festival Oktoberfest, and many famous beer brands. In Bavaria, brewing is strictly regulated, and beers are often brewed in accordance with regional drinking cultures and traditions.

10. Europe's Largest Train Station Is In Berlin.

This station is Berlin Central Station, also called Berlin Hauptbahnhof. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is located in the center of Berlin, the capital of Germany. Berlin Hauptbahnhof is a modern train station that opened in 2006. It is known for being located at the intersection of Germany's busiest and most important train lines. The station serves local, regional, and international train services.

The architecture of Berlin Hauptbahnhof is striking. The station is spacious and has a modern and transparent design. The interiors are large and spacious, offering passengers a comfortable travel experience. There is a high glass ceiling above the station, allowing natural light to flood in.

11. Munich Is The Second-Most Punctual Major Airport In The World.

Munich Airport is one of the second-most punctual major airports in the world after Tokyo Haneda Airport. Munich Airport (Flughafen München) is an international airport serving Munich, the capital of the German state of Bavaria. Munich Airport serves millions of passengers annually and is considered a major aviation hub worldwide. The airport hosts a large number of flights on a daily basis and offers direct flights to many different destinations around the world.

The airport has an efficient operating process that places great importance on on-time departures and arrivals. It plays a leading role in keeping flights on time, handling baggage quickly and efficiently, ensuring efficiency in security checks, and ensuring overall passenger satisfaction.

12. Some Of The World's Most Famous Inventions Were Invented In Germany.

Germany has been home to many famous inventions. German engineer Karl Benz invented the first practical automobile in 1886. Benz's invention laid the foundation for the modern automobile and contributed greatly to the development of today's automobile industry. In the 19th century, German chemist Felix Hoffmann synthesized aspirin. Aspirin became a common medicine known for its pain-relieving, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

German physicist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen discovered X-rays in 1895. This invention led to a major advance in medical diagnostics and imaging techniques. In the 1980s, German engineer Karlheinz Brandenburg developed the MP3 file format. MP3 revolutionized digital music storage and transmission.

13. The People Of Cologne Have Their Own Language Called Kölsch.

Kölsch is a local dialect spoken in the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, especially in and around Cologne. Kölsch belongs to the Ripuarian language group and is a derivative of German. Kölsch is an important part of Cologne's cultural and social life. It is still preserved as a language widely used in everyday communication among the locals. Although Kölsch is not an official language, it is often heard at various cultural events, such as local festivals, theater plays, and songs.

Kölsch is a language that reflects the local identity and pride of the people of Cologne. It is part of Cologne's unique cultural heritage and an important symbol of local life and character in the city.

14. The World's First Faculty Of Electrical Engineering Is In Berlin.

The world's first electrical engineering faculty was established at the Technical University of Berlin in Berlin, Germany. In 1884, the renowned German physicist and inventor Werner von Siemens founded the Faculty of Electrotechnics at the Technical University of Berlin. The faculty of electrical engineering is designed for teaching and research in the fields of electricity and electronics. It has been a center for advances in electrical engineering and the development of electrical technology.

The establishment of the Faculty of Electrotechnics at the Technical University of Berlin led to the recognition of the discipline of electrical engineering and inspired the establishment of similar faculties at other universities. This historic step was an important milestone in the development of the electrical engineering discipline.

15. Germany Was The First Country To Implement Daylight Saving Time (Dst).

Germany was the first country to introduce Daylight Saving Time (DST). Daylight Saving Time (DST) is the movement of time zones forward in the summer and backward in the winter so that more sunlight is utilized in the evening hours.

Germany introduced DST on April 30, 1916. It was introduced to save energy during World War I. The idea behind DST is to save electricity by having less energy consumption and use of light during the evening sunshine hours.

16. The Term "Ecology" Was First Used By A German.

German scientist Ernst Haeckel was the first to use the term "ecology." In his work "Generelle Morphologie der Organismen" (General Morphology of Organisms), published in 1866, Ernst Haeckel defined the term "ecology" as a discipline related to the study of environmental relations, interactions of organisms, and natural systems.

With Ernst Haeckel's use of the term ecology, the discipline of ecology has gradually developed and expanded. Today, ecology is a discipline closely related to biology, environmental sciences, and other related fields and covers topics such as the study of natural systems, species interactions, ecosystem functioning, biodiversity, and the effects of human interactions on ecosystems.

17. First Passenger Airline Delag Was Founded In Germany.

DELAG (Deutsche Luftschiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft), the first passenger airline, was founded in Germany. The Zeppelin company founded DELAG, an airline that operates to transport passengers in airships. With their gigantic size and gas-filled interior, Zeppelin airships ushered in a new era in air transportation.

DELAG is an airline company founded by the Zeppelin company that operates to transport passengers in Zeppelin airships. Zeppelin airships ushered in a new era in air transportation with their gigantic size and gas-filled interiors.

18. Germany Is Among The Top 5 Countries With The Most Nobel Prizes

Germany is among the top five countries with the most Nobel Prizes. German scientists, literary figures, and peace activists have received many Nobel Prizes for their achievements. To date, Germany has won 107 Nobel Prizes. The distribution of these prizes is as follows:

• Physics: German physicists have won a total of 31 Nobel Prizes in Physics.
• Chemistry: German chemists have won 31 Nobel Prizes in Chemistry.
• Physiology or Medicine: German scientists have been awarded 18 Nobel Prizes in Physiology or Medicine.
• Literature: German writers have received 13 Nobel Prizes for Literature.
• Peace: German peace activists and diplomats have been awarded 14 Nobel Peace Prizes.

19. Germany Is Among The World's Largest Automobile Manufacturers

Germany is one of the world's largest automobile manufacturers. Throughout its history, the German automobile industry has been recognized for superior quality, innovation, and engineering skills. German automakers are in demand worldwide for their high-quality vehicles, advanced technologies, and engineering skills. Germany's automobile industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy in terms of job creation, export earnings, and technological progress.

Germany is home to several major car manufacturers. Globally recognized companies such as Volkswagen Group, Daimler AG (owner of Mercedes-Benz), and BMW are based in Germany. These companies are leaders in car production worldwide and have a wide range of different makes and models.

20. Hamburg Is Known As The "Venice Of The North."

Hamburg is also known for its cultural events, arts, and entertainment. It offers many cultural venues and events, such as museums, theaters, concert halls, opera houses, and music festivals. The theater and music scenes create a lively arts and entertainment atmosphere in the city.

Hamburg is often referred to as the "Venice of the North". This is because Hamburg's waterways and canals are similar to Venice's waterways and lagoons. Hamburg is the second-largest city in Germany and home to one of the largest ports in Europe. The city is built on a series of islets in the Elbe River and consists of many districts connected by waterways.