As you gear up for your academic journey in Germany, you might be curious about what makes this country stand out beyond the lecture halls and libraries. We’ve put together some lesser-known, entertaining facts about Germany that showcase the lighter side of life in this diverse nation. These facts will not only serve as great conversation starters with your new classmates but will also offer you glimpses into the quirky and delightful aspects of German culture. So, as you prepare to dive into your studies, let’s take a short detour through the fun and intriguing curiosities that await you in Germany. Enjoy this collection of facts that will enrich your stay and might just make you fall in love with your new home away from home. Willkommen in Deutschland!
- Historical Landmarks: Germany is home to numerous historical sites, including castles, palaces, and monuments. The country currently has 46 UNESCO World Heritage sites
- Geographical Heart of Europe: Germany's central location in Europe makes it easy for students to travel and explore surrounding countries such as France, Austria, the Netherlands, and many others.
- Innovation Hub: Home to numerous tech companies and automotive giants like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, Germany is a leader in engineering and innovation, offering abundant research and internship opportunities.
- Bread and Sausage Variety: Germany offers an astonishing variety of bread (over 300 types) and sausages (over 1,500 types), delighting food enthusiasts and those interested in culinary explorations.
- Spaghetti Ice Cream: Germany has a dessert known as 'Spaghettieis', which resembles a plate of spaghetti but is actually vanilla ice cream extruded through a press to look like pasta, topped with strawberry sauce (tomato sauce) and white chocolate shavings (Parmesan cheese).
- Coffee and Cake Tradition (Kaffee und Kuchen): In the afternoon, it’s a common German tradition to enjoy a leisurely break with coffee and cake. International students will have no trouble finding a cozy café to partake in this delicious ritual.
- Quality Beer: Germany has strict beer purity laws resulting in high-quality brews. With over 1,300 breweries producing more than 5,000 different types of beer, students have ample opportunity to taste and learn about beer-making traditions.
- Candy Capital: Germany is the world’s number one candy consumer, with a wide array of chocolates, gummies (Haribo, which was founded in Germany, is a global giant), and marzipan treats. Students with a sweet tooth can delight in discovering the country’s confectionery variety.
- Board Games Galore: Germany has a vibrant board game culture, known in German as "Brettspiele." Internationally acclaimed games like Settlers of Catan and Carcassonne originated in Germany. International students can enjoy countless local board game cafes and meet-ups.
- Football (Soccer) Passion: Football is a big part of German culture. Cities pulse with excitement during matches, and attending a game can be an exhilarating experience for international students.
- Obsession with Insurance: Germans are known to insure just about everything. You can find insurance policies for specific body parts, from one’s thumb to their vocal cords, and policies like "Bad Weather Insurance."
- Eccentric Museums: Germany offers a museum for almost anything you can think of. There's the Currywurst Museum in Berlin, the German Hygiene Museum in Dresden, and even the Deutsches Bananenmuseum (Banana Museum) showcasing the history and cultural significance of bananas.