German People: Interesting Facts You Didn't Know
German People: Interesting Facts You Didn't Know
German languages
There are four distinct German languages: High German, Low German, Frisian and Bavarian. All are spoken by different groups of people, and all are very different from one another. Bavarian was the language of the peasants of the Upper Palatinate, whereas High German was spoken in the medieval universities in both northern and southern Germany. Low German was spoken in the Rhine valley, in the center of Germany, and on the continent of Europe.
Germans are fast learners
Germany has four official languages: German, English, French and (to a lesser degree) Dutch. All four are gaining popularity as younger generations learn the language at school.
German people
1. Fewer Germans live in Germany
In 2013, there were approximately 82 million Germans in the country. This number includes both native Germans and those from other countries. While other European countries see migration in significant numbers, there's not much happening in Germany's population density. The average German citizen is almost seven times more likely to be born in another country than a Swede.
2. Most Germans do not use English
Germans are not just pretentious and uncultured like they are often portrayed. Their knowledge of English is very, very limited. They use it in large part for ordering food and drinks, but not when speaking with fellow Germans.
3. Germans love their sausages and sauerkraut
The most popular German dish is Wiener Schnitzel.
German culture
Germany's culture is very strong. A little known fact, Germans have more parks per person than anywhere else in the world, and four of the 10 most visited national parks in the world are in Germany. But they are also famous for an obsession with hygiene. Even in the countryside, inhabitants have to keep everything clean, because they don't want to transmit diseases to their livestock.
With just 16 million people in 2016, it seems Germans like to travel as much as they can. Germany is an expensive country, but they still travel quite a bit. The A8 highway which runs from Berlin to Hamburg, the Heiligendamm and Kiel Canal and Lake Constance all connect to other parts of Germany. It makes travelling around quite easy. But that's not all.
German food
For centuries, Germans have been eating sausages, bangers, and mash, sour candy, and strudel. Fried chicken, schnitzel, waffles, ice cream, and even beer are just some of the German specialties that you won't be able to find anywhere else. Their sweet tooth is also a point of pride, and you can expect to find the local confectioneries sold in nearly every village, city, and town. Not to mention, their wines and beers are world-class.
Germans and history
Germans are very keen history buffs. If they find themselves in the vicinity of important historical landmarks, such as the Berlin Wall or the Reichstag, it's not uncommon to see people taking photos of themselves there. They also have a strong national and emotional attachment to their history, which can be seen in the popularity of films like The Sound of Music and documentaries like The White Rose.
Germans and sports
Because of their tough history and resistance to defeat, Germans are often characterized as "sports-free." Most people don't enjoy sports for the sake of fitness or competition, they enjoy them for the fun of it. When you come from a culture where the words "speedo," "roller-skating," and "gymnastics" have negative connotations, you learn to embrace these activities.
Teaching in Germany
Education is one of the most important rights in German culture. Germans want the best for their children, and they will do everything they can to support them. A lot of schools have full-time principals, rather than contract educators, and kindergartens are state funded, with budgets for materials and staff.
Germans and hobbies
Germans have been taking to the seas for centuries, but today they're doing more than just sunbathing on the beach. The number of Germans who go on holiday abroad has increased by an astonishing 30% over the last decade, making Germans the fourth-biggest travelers in the world, after Brazilians, Indians, and Chinese. A total of one in three Germans plans to travel this year, but the second-biggest group will go for sightseeing or to see a live performance, says VISIT Europa. Their motivations are diverse, and depend on whether they're travelling with friends, with family, or on their own. Four out of five Germans get a vacation each year, but their plans for this year differ.
Germans and music
Germans love music. They grew up on folk music, marched with Johnny Horton and clapped to La Marseillaise. They had everything from Bach to Wagner to Beethoven. In fact, Bach is the most translated composer in the world.
Conclusion
The Germans are an impressive people, who are not only famous for their dark beer, jubilees, and lederhosen, but also for the ability to travel. So go forth, get drunk, and wander the world, enjoying every last minute of it.
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