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Welcome to our list of things that are German! 🇩🇪🥨🍺

Located at the heart of Europe, Germany seamlessly weaves a rich tapestry of history, innovation, and cultural vibrancy. As Europe’s largest economy, it boasts both ancient landmarks like Neuschwanstein Castle and bustling metropolises such as Berlin and Munich. Renowned for its contributions to literature, philosophy, and music, Germany has given the world the likes of Goethe, Nietzsche, and Beethoven. The country is equally celebrated for its traditional festivities like Oktoberfest, its diverse culinary delights, and a deep-seated sense of community encapsulated in the term “Gemütlichkeit.”

Here’s a visual list of things that are German – if you’d prefer categorised descriptions of German things, skip past the gallery to the lists below.

Food

German cuisine is a treasure trove of hearty meals, delectable desserts, and beverages that reflect the country’s regional variations and historical influences. Here’s a detailed list of German foods:

Bratwurst: A type of German sausage made of pork, beef, or veal. The name is derived from the Old High German Brätwurst, from brät-, which is finely chopped meat, and Wurst, or sausage.
Sauerkraut: Fermented cabbage, often served as a side dish, that has a characteristic sour flavor.
Sauerbraten: A pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally, horse), marinated before slow-cooking.
Wiener Schnitzel: A breaded and deep-fried veal or pork cutlet, traditionally served with lemon slices and parsley potatoes.
Kartoffelsalat: Potato salad which varies across regions; some are made with broth, bacon, and onions, while others with mayonnaise.
Knödel or Klöße: Boiled or steamed potato or bread dumplings.
Brezel: Known globally as pretzels, these are baked bread products that come in a unique knot-like shape, often sprinkled with coarse salt.
Kartoffelpuffer: Potato pancakes often served with apple sauce.
Kartoffelsuppe: A hearty potato soup.
Leberkäse: Despite its name (which translates to “liver cheese”), it contains neither liver nor cheese. It’s a type of sausage baked in a bread pan until it forms a crispy brown crust.
Goulash: A stew with meat, often beef, flavored with paprika and other spices.
Currywurst: A fast-food dish, it’s essentially steamed and fried pork sausage cut into slices and seasoned with curry ketchup.
Eintopf: A one-pot stew with various ingredients, including meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
Rote Beete Suppe: Beet soup, similar to the Eastern European borscht.
Rouladen: Thin slices of meat (often beef) wrapped around fillings like onions, bacon, and pickles.
Hasenpfeffer: A traditional stew made from marinated rabbit or hare.
Spätzle: Soft egg noodles that are a staple in Southern Germany, often served with dishes that have sauce or gravy.
Maultaschen: Swabian dumplings that look like ravioli, filled with a mix of meat, bread, onions, and spices.
Weißwurst: A Bavarian sausage made from minced veal and pork back bacon.
Frikadellen: Pan-fried meatballs made from a mix of ground meats, bread, and spices.
Apfelstrudel: A dessert made of tart cooking apples, sugar, cinnamon, raisins, and breadcrumbs wrapped in a thin sheet of dough, then baked.
Schwarzwalder Kirschtorte: Known as Black Forest cake, it’s a layered chocolate cake with cherries and whipped cream, flavored with Kirsch liqueur.
Bienenstich: A “bee sting” cake that has a honey-glazed almond topping and a filling of vanilla custard.
Stollen: A fruit bread containing dried fruit and often marzipan and covered with powdered sugar, traditionally eaten during the Christmas season.
Marzipan: A sweet confection made of almond meal, sugar, and water or rosewater.
Lebkuchen: A traditional German gingerbread cookie often eaten during Christmas.
Brötchen: Small bread rolls that are a staple for German breakfasts.
Pumpernickel: A type of dense, slightly sweet rye bread.
Berliner: A doughnut-like pastry filled with jam or marmalade and topped with powdered sugar.
Königsberger Klopse: Meatballs in a white sauce with capers, named after the city of Königsberg.
Reibekuchen: Grated potato fritters.
Zwiebelkuchen: An onion tart or pie, typically enjoyed in the fall with the new wine.
Aachener Printen: A type of gingerbread originating from the city of Aachen.
Schnapps: A strong alcoholic drink distilled from fruit or grain.
Glühwein: Mulled wine, especially popular around Christmas.
Kölsch: A clear beer from Cologne, served in a tall, thin glass.
Weissbier or Hefeweizen: A Bavarian wheat beer, pale and cloudy in appearance.
Brathering: Fried herring, often served in a sandwich.
Labskaus: A sailor’s dish made of corned beef, herring, mashed potatoes, and beetroot.
Schnitzel mit Pommes: Breaded schnitzel served with fries, a popular combination in many German restaurants.

Drinks

Germany has a rich tradition of beverages, from its world-famous beers to regional specialties. Here’s a list of notable German drinks:

Bier (Beer)
- Pilsner: A type of pale lager; crisp and hoppy.
- Weissbier (or Weizenbier): A wheat beer, often cloudy and with a slightly citrusy flavor.
- Dunkelweizen: A dark wheat beer.
- Bock: Strong lager; variations include Maibock (spring), Doppelbock (double bock), and Eisbock (even stronger and richer).
- Kölsch: A unique beer from Cologne, pale and fruity.
- Altbier: A traditional beer from Düsseldorf; dark and top-fermented.
- Berliner Weisse: A sour and cloudy wheat beer, often served with a shot of raspberry (Himbeersirup) or woodruff (Waldmeistersirup) syrup.
Wein (Wine)
- Riesling: A white grape variety originating from the Rhine region.
- Gewürztraminer: Aromatic white wine grape.
- Dornfelder: A dark-skinned variety of red wine grape.
- Sekt: German sparkling wine.
- Eiswein (Ice Wine): Dessert wine made from grapes that have been frozen while still on the vine.
Schnapps: A strong alcoholic drink distilled from fruit or grain, it’s a traditional digestive.
Korn: A German spirit made from malt (barley, wheat, rye, or oats).
Jägermeister: A famous herbal liqueur originating from Lower Saxony.
Apfelwein (or Ebbelwoi): Apple wine, especially popular in the Hesse region. It’s similar to hard cider.
Hugo: A refreshing, lightly alcoholic drink made from Prosecco, elderflower syrup, mint leaves, and lime.
Radler: A beer mixed with lemonade or a citrus soda.
Bionade: An organic fermented soda, non-alcoholic, and comes in various flavors.
Spezi: A popular soft drink made by mixing cola and orange soda.
Club-Mate: A caffeinated carbonated drink made from the yerba mate plant.
Glühwein: Mulled wine, heated and spiced, traditionally enjoyed during the winter months.
Feuerzangenbowle: A traditional German alcoholic drink made by placing a rum-soaked sugarloaf above mulled wine and setting it on fire.
Underberg: A digestif bitter made from aromatic herbs from 43 countries.
Eierlikör: An egg-based liqueur similar to eggnog, often homemade.
Schwarzwaldmilch: A creamy liqueur from the Black Forest, often compared to Irish Cream but with its own unique flavor.

Animals

Germany boasts a diverse array of wildlife due to its varied landscapes, which include forests, mountains, plains, and coastal areas. Here’s a detailed list of animals native to or commonly found in Germany:

European Red Deer: The largest deer species in Germany, often found in forested areas.
Wild Boar: These are common in German forests and have been known to venture into urban areas.
Gray Wolf: After being almost extinct in Germany, conservation efforts have allowed the wolf populations to rebound, particularly in the eastern parts.
European Brown Bear: Once common, the brown bear is now rare in Germany, with occasional sightings in the Bavarian Forest.
Eurasian Lynx: Reintroduced to the Bavarian Forest and the Harz mountains, this wildcat is still quite rare.
European Badger: Commonly found in woods and farmlands, these are nocturnal creatures with a black and white striped face.
European Pine Marten: A tree-dwelling species, it’s a small carnivore found in German woodlands.
European Otter: Commonly found in German waterways, they feed primarily on fish.
White Stork: Often associated with folklore and fairy tales, these large birds can be seen nesting on rooftops in rural areas.
Golden Eagle: Found in the alpine regions of Germany, it’s one of the largest birds of prey.
Peregrine Falcon: The fastest bird in the world, they can be found throughout Germany.
European Beaver: After facing near-extinction, conservation efforts have helped increase their numbers, especially in Bavaria.
Chamois: A goat-antelope species found in the alpine regions of Germany.
Roe Deer: Smaller than the red deer, they are widely distributed throughout Germany.
European Hare: Common in fields and grasslands, these are different from rabbits and are larger with longer legs.
Black Woodpecker: The largest woodpecker in Germany, they are found in mature forests.
Common Kingfisher: A small bird with vibrant blue and orange coloring, found near lakes and rivers.
European Mink: A small carnivorous mammal, it’s now rare due to habitat loss and competition from the introduced American mink.
Alpine Salamander: Found in the high altitude areas of the Bavarian Alps, they are black and slow-moving.
Fire Salamander: Recognizable by its bright yellow markings on a black body, it’s found in moist habitats.
European Adder (Vipera berus): A venomous snake found in heathlands and grassy areas.
Common Buzzard: A bird of prey, frequently seen soaring in circles in the German countryside.
Common Crane: They migrate through Germany and can be seen in large numbers during certain times of the year.
Mouflon: A type of wild sheep with curved horns, originally from Corsica and Sardinia, but now found in German forests.
Eurasian Nuthatch: A small bird that climbs tree trunks and branches, often seen in wooded areas.
European Pond Turtle: Found in freshwater habitats, it’s the only native turtle species in Germany.
Western Capercaillie: A large grouse found in the coniferous forests of Germany.
European Hedgehog: A nocturnal creature covered in spines, often found in gardens and parks.
Common Toad: Widespread in Germany, they are often seen after rainfall.
Edible Dormouse: Despite its name, it’s a protected species in Germany. It has a squirrel-like appearance and is found in wooded regions.
European Ground Squirrel: Also known as the souslik, it’s found in open grasslands.
Barn Owl: A nocturnal bird of prey, often found in rural areas.
European Bison: Though once extinct in the wild, there have been efforts to reintroduce them in limited areas.
European Wildcat: Similar in appearance to domestic cats, they are elusive and found in remote forests.

Plants

Germany’s flora is as varied and diverse as its landscapes, with each region offering its own unique plants and flowers. Many of these plants also hold significant cultural, historical, or economic value for the country. Here’s a list of notable plants found in Germany:

German Chamomile: Known for its medicinal properties, it’s used to make calming tea and essential oils.
Norway Spruce: A tall evergreen tree that’s common in German forests and is often used as the traditional Christmas tree.
Beech Tree: Germany is home to significant beech forests which turn a captivating copper color in autumn.
Cornflower (Knapweed): This blue flower is native to Germany and is associated with old agricultural fields.
Oak Tree: Especially the English and Sessile oaks, they have played a significant historical and cultural role in Germanic traditions.
Lily of the Valley: Found in forested areas, this delicate, fragrant flower is also considered a symbol of luck.
Edelweiss: Although more associated with the Alps, this rare and iconic mountain flower can be found in the southern parts of Germany.
European Silver Fir: Common in the mountainous areas, especially the Black Forest.
Heather: Dominates the heathlands of Northern Germany, producing a landscape of purple blossoms.
Pasque Flower: A spring flower that’s found in calcareous grasslands, known for its purple petals and feathery appearance.
Yew Tree: A long-lived tree that’s often found in ancient German forests and sacred sites.
Alder Tree: Commonly found along rivers and wetlands, it’s known for its water-resistant wood.
Stinging Nettle: While it’s often avoided because of its sting, it’s also used in traditional medicine and as a food source.
European Hornbeam: This tree, with its smooth gray bark, is often found in mixed deciduous forests.
Wolf’s Bane: This mountain plant has bright blue flowers but is highly toxic.
Rampion Bellflower: Also known as “Rapunzel”, it’s a wildflower found in meadows and woodland clearings.
Mugwort: A herb used traditionally for medicinal and culinary purposes.
Rowan (Mountain Ash): Known for its bright red berries, it’s also associated with many legends and folklore.
Birch Tree: Recognizable by its white bark, it’s a pioneering tree in German landscapes.
Dandelion: While often considered a weed in gardens, it’s also recognized for its medicinal properties.
Mistletoe: Often associated with winter celebrations, it grows parasitically on various trees.
Hawthorn: A tree or shrub known for its medicinal properties and its white or pink blossoms.
Juniper: A shrub producing berries that are used for flavoring gin.
Wild Garlic (Bärlauch): Found in forests during spring, it’s a popular culinary herb in German cuisine.
Blackthorn (Sloe): Known for its dark blue berries, which are used to make Schlehenfeuer, a type of schnapps.
Lady’s Slipper Orchid: A rare and protected wild orchid species found in some parts of Germany.
Hops: Essential for beer production, Germany’s hop-growing regions are world-renowned.
Rye: Cultivated extensively, especially in northern and eastern Germany, for bread and other food products.
Elder: The berries and flowers are traditionally used to make syrups, wines, and teas.
Lime Tree (Linden): Often found in German towns and villages, it’s also the inspiration for many songs and poems.
Goat Willow: A shrubby tree, often found along waterways and in wetlands.
Ferns: Various species, like the Lady Fern and Male Fern, are commonly found in the moist habitats of German forests.
Cranberries: Found in the bogs of Northern Germany.
Goldenrod: A wildflower that’s used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Hazel: The shrubs are known for their nuts and are commonly found in German woodlands.

Sports and Activities

From traditional sports to modern recreational activities, Germany’s sporting culture is as diverse as its people, reflecting the country’s historical, geographical, and cultural nuances.

Fußball (Soccer): The most popular sport in Germany, with the Bundesliga being one of the top professional leagues in the world. The German national team, known as “Die Mannschaft”, has won the FIFA World Cup multiple times.
Handball: A team sport where players pass a ball and aim to throw it into the opponent’s goal. Germany has a strong handball tradition, with its clubs and national teams achieving significant success in European and World Championships.
Tennis: Popularized by German legends like Boris Becker and Steffi Graf, tennis holds a special place in the country’s sporting history, with numerous tournaments and clubs.
Biathlon: Combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, biathlon is particularly popular in Germany’s winter sports regions. The country regularly produces top competitors in world championships and the Olympics.
Eishockey (Ice Hockey): While not as popular as soccer, ice hockey has a dedicated following, with the DEL being the top professional league in the country.
Motorsport: Germany has a strong motorsport heritage, especially in Formula 1, with drivers like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel. The country also hosts the iconic Nürburgring track.
Golf: While not native to Germany, golf has gained popularity over the years, with several beautiful courses and emerging players making a mark on the international scene.
Skiing: The Bavarian Alps are a hotspot for skiing and snowboarding, drawing enthusiasts from all over the country and beyond.
Table Tennis: Highly popular both recreationally and professionally, Germany boasts some of the top players in the world rankings.
Cycling: Whether it’s road cycling, mountain biking, or casual biking tours along the scenic routes, Germany offers varied terrains suited for all types of cyclists. The country also hosts the annual Deutschland Tour.
Rowing: With numerous rivers and lakes, rowing has a strong tradition in Germany. The country has produced many Olympic and world champions.
Hiking: Given Germany’s diverse landscapes, from the Black Forest to the Harz Mountains, hiking is a favored activity. The country has thousands of kilometers of marked hiking trails.
Sailing: Popular in the northern regions near the Baltic and North Seas. The Kieler Woche in Kiel is the largest sailing event in the world.
Volleyball: Both beach volleyball and indoor volleyball enjoy considerable popularity in Germany, with numerous clubs and leagues.
Equestrian: Germany has a strong tradition in equestrian sports, especially dressage and show jumping. Events like CHIO Aachen attract international competitors.
Canoeing and Kayaking: With its numerous rivers and lakes, paddle sports are popular, especially in areas like the Spreewald in Brandenburg.
Athletics: Track and field events have a solid base in Germany, producing world-class athletes in various disciplines.
Basketball: The popularity of basketball has grown in recent decades, thanks in part to players like Dirk Nowitzki making a mark in the NBA.
Boxing: Historically popular in Germany, the country has produced several world champions and continues to have a thriving professional scene.
Swimming: With numerous indoor and outdoor pools, as well as natural lakes, swimming is a popular activity and sport in Germany. The country has produced several Olympic champions and world record holders.

Tourist Sites and Attractions

From historical cities, architectural wonders, natural beauty, to vibrant festivals, Germany offers a diverse range of attractions catering to all kinds of travelers.

Neuschwanstein Castle: Located in Bavaria, this fairy-tale-like castle inspired the design of Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.
Brandenburg Gate: An iconic monument in Berlin symbolizing German reunification.
Berlin Wall Memorial: A reminder of the Cold War era, parts of the wall are still standing with informative exhibitions about its history.
Cologne Cathedral: An impressive Gothic cathedral located in Cologne, it’s one of the largest cathedrals in Europe.
Heidelberg Castle: Overlooking the town of Heidelberg, this romantic ruin offers panoramic views of the River Neckar.
Black Forest: A dense forest area in southwestern Germany known for its scenic beauty, cuckoo clocks, and the iconic Black Forest cake.
Dachau Concentration Camp Memorial: Located near Munich, it’s a solemn reminder of the horrors of the Holocaust.
Oktoberfest: The world’s largest beer festival held annually in Munich, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Romantic Road: A picturesque route passing through medieval towns, castles, and beautiful countryside in Bavaria.
The Rhine Valley: Renowned for its vineyards, historic towns, and the Lorelei rock, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Museum Island: Located in Berlin, it’s home to five world-renowned museums, including the Pergamon Museum.
Zugspitze: Germany’s highest peak located in the Bavarian Alps, offering skiing in winter and hiking opportunities in summer.
Bauhaus in Dessau and Weimar: Celebrating the Bauhaus architectural and design movement of the early 20th century.
Rothenburg ob der Tauber: A well-preserved medieval town, it’s a highlight of the Romantic Road.
Europa-Park: Located in Rust, it’s Germany’s largest theme park and one of the most popular in Europe.
Hamburg’s Speicherstadt and HafenCity: The largest warehouse district in the world and the modern HafenCity, both UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Dresden’s Altstadt (Old Town): Home to stunning baroque architecture and the rebuilt Frauenkirche.
Lutherstadt Wittenberg: The birthplace of the Protestant Reformation, where Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses.
Nuremberg’s Old Town: Steeped in history, it’s home to medieval architecture, the Imperial Castle, and the poignant Nuremberg Trials Memorial.
Baltic Sea Beaches: The beaches of Rügen and Usedom islands offer beautiful coastlines and seaside resorts.
Frankfurt’s Römer: The old city hall in Frankfurt, it’s a symbol of the city’s rich history.
The Mosel Valley: A picturesque region known for its Riesling wine production and charming villages.
Potsdam’s Sanssouci Palace: A rococo palace often compared to France’s Versailles.
The Bremen Town Musicians: A statue in Bremen inspired by the Grimm Brothers’ fairy tale.

Musical Instruments

Germany has a rich musical heritage and has contributed several unique musical instruments to the world. Here’s a list of musical instruments that have German origins or significant connections to German culture:

Zither: A stringed instrument with a flat body and multiple strings, played either with fingers or a plectrum. Popular in Alpine folk music.
Alphorn: A long, curved natural horn made from wood, historically used by mountain dwellers in the Alps as a communication device.
Hackbrett: The German name for the hammered dulcimer, a trapezoid-shaped stringed instrument struck with small mallets.
Kontrabass: The double bass in German, it’s the largest and lowest-pitched bowed string instrument in the modern symphony orchestra.
Bandonion: A type of concertina particularly popular in Argentina and Uruguay, essential for traditional tango music. It was developed in Germany in the 19th century.
Waldzither: A stringed instrument similar to the cittern, it experienced a revival during the early 20th century German folk movement.
Schalmei: The name for a family of double-reeded woodwind instruments, ancestors of the modern oboe.
Glockenspiel: A percussion instrument made of a set of tuned metal bars struck with mallets, often used in marching bands.
Sackbut: An early trombone used in Renaissance and Baroque music. The name “sackbut” is derived from the Middle French “saqueboute” and the German “Posaune” (meaning trombone).
Drehleier (Hurdy-Gurdy): Although not exclusively German, this stringed instrument, played by turning a crank, has strong historical connections to various European countries, including Germany.
Piano: While the piano was invented by the Italian Bartolomeo Cristofori, Germany has been significant in its development and production. Notably, brands like Bechstein, Blüthner, and Steinway (founded by a German in the US) have had profound influences on the instrument’s evolution.
Glass Armonica: Invented by Benjamin Franklin, but it gained popularity in Europe, especially in Germany where famous composers like Mozart wrote music for it.
Stroh Violin: A violin that uses a metal horn instead of a wooden body to project its sound. It was not exclusively German but was used by German-speaking communities.
Trommel: The German word for drum. Various forms of drums, like the Große Trommel (bass drum) and Kleine Trommel (snare drum), have been integral to German music.
Panflute: While the origins of the panflute are ancient and global, the German Romani musician Horea Crishan popularized it in Germany in the 20th century.

Notable People

Germany has produced numerous influential figures in various fields over the centuries. Here’s a list of notable German individuals across different domains:

Johann Sebastian Bach (Music): A renowned Baroque composer known for works like the “Mass in B minor” and “The Well-Tempered Clavier.”
Ludwig van Beethoven (Music): A pivotal figure in Western music, transitioning from the Classical to the Romantic era.
Albert Einstein (Physics): Developed the theory of relativity and made significant contributions to the foundation of modern physics.
Martin Luther (Religion): Initiated the Protestant Reformation with his Ninety-Five Theses.
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (Literature): Author of “Faust” and “The Sorrows of Young Werther,” a leading figure in German literature.
Friedrich Nietzsche (Philosophy): Philosopher known for introducing concepts like the “Übermensch” and “eternal recurrence.”
Karl Marx (Philosophy/Economics): Co-author of “The Communist Manifesto” and author of “Das Kapital,” laying the groundwork for Marxism.
Angela Merkel (Politics): The first female Chancellor of Germany and one of the world’s most powerful women.
Konrad Adenauer (Politics): The first Chancellor of West Germany post-WWII, playing a key role in the country’s recovery.
Werner Herzog (Film): Acclaimed filmmaker known for “Aguirre, the Wrath of God” and “Grizzly Man.”
Immanuel Kant (Philosophy): Critical philosopher known for “Critique of Pure Reason.”
Max Planck (Physics): Originator of quantum theory, fundamentally transforming our understanding of atomic and subatomic processes.
Anne Frank (Literature): Wrote “The Diary of a Young Girl” detailing her life hiding from the Nazis in Amsterdam.
Marlene Dietrich (Entertainment): Actress and singer known for “The Blue Angel” and her Hollywood films.
Klaus Kinski (Film): Prolific actor known for his intense performances and collaborations with Werner Herzog.
Otto von Bismarck (Politics): The first Chancellor of the German Empire, key in the unification of Germany.
Günter Grass (Literature): Nobel Prize-winning author of “The Tin Drum.”
Michael Schumacher (Sports): One of the greatest Formula 1 racing drivers of all time.
Johannes Gutenberg (Innovation): Introduced the movable-type printing press to Europe.
Friedrich Schiller (Literature): Playwright and poet, known for works like “Ode to Joy” and “Mary Stuart.”
Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel (Philosophy): Developed a comprehensive philosophical framework describing the evolution of consciousness.
Rudi Dutschke (Politics): A prominent spokesperson of the 1960s student movement in Germany.
Miroslav Klose (Sports): Footballer and top scorer in FIFA World Cup history.

Inventions

Germany has a rich history of innovation and has contributed many significant inventions and discoveries to the world. Here’s a list of notable German inventions:

Automobile: Although the concept of a self-propelled vehicle dates back centuries, Karl Benz is credited with inventing the first true automobile in 1885-1886.
Bicycle: Baron Karl von Drais invented the first two-wheeled, pedal-less “running machine” or “Draisine” in 1817.
X-rays: Discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen in 1895, this breakthrough revolutionized medical diagnostics.
Diesel Engine: Invented by Rudolf Diesel in 1893, offering a more efficient alternative to gasoline engines.
Aspirin: Developed by Felix Hoffmann at Bayer AG in 1897 as a pain reliever.
MP3: The MP3 format, which revolutionized the music industry, was developed by the German company Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in the 1980s.
Gummy Bears: Invented by Hans Riegel in the 1920s, founder of the Haribo company.
Jet Engine: While there were multiple inventors worldwide, Hans von Ohain is credited with creating the first operational jet engine in the late 1930s.
Thermos Flask: Reinhold Burger invented the vacuum flask in 1904, which became popularly known as the Thermos due to the brand.
Theory of Relativity: Although not a tangible invention, Albert Einstein’s groundbreaking theory in 1905 reshaped the way we understand the universe.
Electromagnetic Frequency Theory: Presented by James Clerk Maxwell, it was experimentally confirmed by Heinrich Hertz in the 1880s, paving the way for wireless communication.
Zeppelin: Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin designed these rigid airships in the early 20th century.
Accordion: Although its origins are debated, the modern accordion is attributed to Christian Friedrich Ludwig Buschmann in the early 19th century.
Contact Lenses: Adolf Gaston Eugen Fick is credited with creating the first successful contact lenses in the late 19th century.
Printed Circuit Board (PCB): Albert Hanson is credited with the invention of the printed circuit board in the early 20th century.
Modern Helicopter: While helicopters were theorized for centuries, Heinrich Focke’s Fw 61 (1936) is considered the first functional helicopter.
Maglev Train: The idea and early versions of the magnetic levitation train were developed in Germany in the early 20th century.
Tape Recorder: Fritz Pfleumer invented the magnetic tape recorder in 1928.
Walkman: Although popularized by Sony, Andreas Pavel patented his “Stereobelt” personal stereo concept in the 1970s, predating the Walkman.
Draisine or Handcar: Invented by Baron Karl von Drais, this hand-pulled or hand-pumped rail vehicle was used on early railroads.
Nivea Cream: Introduced by the German company Beiersdorf AG in 1911, becoming one of the world’s most iconic skin creams.
Kindergarten: Founded by Friedrich Fröbel in the 19th century, this early-childhood education system spread globally.
Modern Football (Soccer) Cleats: Adolf Dassler, founder of Adidas, developed them in the 1950s.
Calculator: The first mechanical calculator, the “Step Reckoner,” was invented by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in the 17th century.
Coffee Filter: Melitta Bentz invented the paper coffee filter in 1908.

TV Shows, Songs, Entertainment

Germany has a rich history in entertainment across various mediums. Here’s a list spanning TV shows, songs, games, and more:

“Tatort”: A long-running crime drama series that’s been on the air since 1970.
“Dark”: A science fiction thriller on Netflix.
“Deutschland 83”: A historical drama set during the Cold War era.
“Stromberg”: A mockumentary-style series similar to “The Office.”
“How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)”: A recent Netflix series based on a true story.
“99 Luftballons” by Nena: A 1980s pop song that became an international hit.
“Da Da Da” by Trio: A globally recognized German song from the ’80s.
“Wind of Change” by Scorpions: A power ballad often associated with the end of the Cold War.
“Ein bißchen Frieden” by Nicole: The winning song of the Eurovision Song Contest 1982.
“Durch den Monsun” by Tokio Hotel: A hit song from the popular German rock band.
“The Settlers” Series: A popular strategy game series.
“Crysis” Series: First-person shooter games known for their impressive graphics.
“Anno” Series: A city-building real-time strategy game series.
“Farming Simulator” Series: A simulation game series about agriculture.
“Run Lola Run” (Lola rennt): A critically acclaimed film.
“Good Bye Lenin!”: A tragicomedy capturing East Germany before and after reunification.
“Oh Boy”: A film about a young man wandering Berlin.
“Victoria”: A film noted for being shot in a single continuous take.
“The Settlers of Catan”: One of the most successful board games internationally.
“Carcassonne”: A tile-based board game.
“Ticket to Ride”: A board game rooted in the German-style board game tradition.
“The NeverEnding Story” (Die unendliche Geschichte): A fantasy novel by Michael Ende.
“Perfume” (Das Parfum): A historical fantasy novel by Patrick Süskind.
“Inkheart” Trilogy (Tintenwelt-Trilogie): Fantasy novels by Cornelia Funke.
“Radio Heimat”: A popular radio show capturing stories from Germany.

Slang/Phrases

German, like all languages, has its own collection of colloquialisms and slang. Here’s a list of some common German slang and phrases (remember, slang varies across regions and age groups, so some of these terms might be more prevalent in certain areas or among specific demographics):

“Alter”: Literally means “old one,” but it’s used among friends, similar to “dude” or “man” in English. For instance, “Was geht, Alter?” can be translated as “What’s up, dude?”
“Geil”: Originally meaning “horny,” it’s now commonly used to say something is cool or awesome.
“Krass”: Can mean “intense,” “wild,” or “crazy” depending on the context.
“Mucke”: Slang for “music.”
“Schick”: Means “stylish” or “chic.”
“Kohle”: Literally means “coal,” but it’s slang for “money.”
“Stuss”: Nonsense or rubbish.
“Bock haben”: To feel like doing something. For example, “Hast du Bock?” means “Do you feel like it?”
“Bescheuert”: Crazy or stupid. It’s a slightly harsher term, so be cautious with its use.
“Quatsch”: Nonsense. For example, “Mach kein Quatsch!” means “Don’t be silly!”
“Kumpel”: Buddy or mate.
“Laber nicht!”: Literally, “Don’t babble!” It means “Stop talking nonsense!”
“Hammer”: Awesome or fantastic. For example, “Das ist der Hammer!” means “That’s awesome!”
“Abhauen”: To take off or flee. “Ich haue ab” means “I’m outta here.”
“Schnapsidee”: A crazy or ludicrous idea, often one thought of while drunk. “Schnaps” is a type of strong alcohol.
“Tussi”: A somewhat derogatory term for a woman, similar to “bimbo” in English.
“Null Bock”: Literally “zero desire,” meaning “I don’t feel like it.”
“Verarschen”: To make fun of someone or to pull someone’s leg. “Willst du mich verarschen?” translates to “Are you kidding me?”
“Bleib locker”: Stay cool or relax.
“Schluss machen”: To break up with someone.
“Heulen”: To cry or to whine.
“Assi”: Short for “asozial,” which means “anti-social.” It’s used derogatorily to describe someone who behaves badly or looks unkempt.

We hope this list of German things was useful and that you found what you needed!

We did our best to cover all of the varied meanings of “German” with our visual gallery of German things and descriptive list. But if you feel there’s something we missed, please feel free to let us know and leave a comment.

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Tag: Deutsch

Things That Are German