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GERMANY EXPLAINED

The five most underrated things about Germany

Though well-known throughout the world for being the home of great beer, a (former) footballing prowess, and its work and educational opportunities, there are some other surprising things that are really great about Germany.

A vineyard in front of Albrechtsburg Castle and Cathedral in Saxony.
A vineyard in front of Albrechtsburg Castle and Cathedral in Saxony. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Sebastian Kahnert

Its rich wine culture

Though the Bundesrepublik is most famous for its beer, it’s also the eighth-largest wine producer in the world and a real gem for wine enthusiasts.

There are 13 different growing regions in Germany, and each region has its own unique grape varieties and styles.

From the Mosel, Rheingau, and Pfalz to Franken, Baden, and Sachsen, German wine-growing regions stretch along picturesque river valleys and offer a diverse range of wine varieties: from dry to sweet, white to red, and even sparkling wines (known as “Sekte” in Germany), there is something to suit every palate.

Steep slopes, such as here on the Moselle, offer ideal terrain for wine production. Photo: picture alliance/dpa/Deutsches Weininstitut | Deutsches Weininstitut

What also sets German wine culture apart is the emphasis on quality and precision in production. Winemakers place great value on craftsmanship and sustainability and many wineries employ environmentally friendly cultivation methods and carefully select grapes, resulting in wines of high quality and distinct character.

READ ALSO: Meet the man introducing internationals to German wine

As well as quality wines, the cosy atmosphere of German wine festivals and wine bars is also worth mentioning. Germans know how to celebrate their wine culture and are happy to share their passion with visitors.

The summer weather

When planning a summer holiday, most tourists will look firstly to other European destinations like Spain, Greece or Italy for a guaranteed week in the sun.

But the German summer is surprisingly warm and sunny, too. From June to September temperatures average between 21 and 25 degrees and in some regions, the weather is consistently in the high 20s throughout the summer months.

Which regions in Germany have the best (and worst) weather?

The highest average annual temperatures in Germany are usually found in the Upper Rhine region between the Vosges and Jura Mountains, but even the cities like Munich, Berlin, Stuttgart, and Karlsruhe see persistently hot temperatures and little rainfall during the summer months.

Germany’s abundant sunshine has also contributed to the growth of its solar panel market, as the country harnesses its solar energy potential to meet renewable energy goals and reduce carbon emissions.

Its contributions to world culture

Art and culture may not always be the first things that come to mind when people think about Germany, but the country has left an unmistakable mark on world culture.

The philosophical ideas of thinkers such as Immanuel Kant, Friedrich Nietzsche, and Karl Marx have greatly influenced philosophical discourse around the world and writers such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe have produced enduring works that resonate across time and borders.

A musician of the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra rehearses the Beethoven Symphony No. 3 during a dress rehearsal in the Great Hall at the Laeiszhalle. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Marcus Brandt

Germany has also produced many legendary composers, including Johann Sebastian Bach and Ludwig van Beethoven, whose compositions continue to captivate audiences around the world today.

German cinema, too, has had a huge influence on filmmaking. The era of German expressionism in the early 20th century yielded groundbreaking films like “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” and “Metropolis,” and the bold and visionary filmmaking of directors such as Werner Herzog, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Wim Wenders has further cemented Germany’s cinematic legacy.

READ ALSO: 10 epic German movies you have to watch before you die

The outstanding nature

Many people may associate Germany with its bustling cities, technological advancements, and industrial prowess. But Germany is also blessed with a rich variety of natural wonders. 

From the Alps in the south to the Black Forest, Germany boasts stunning mountain ranges, rolling hills, vast forests, and serene lakes. 

Tourists stand on the Bastei rock at sunrise in the Saxon Switzerland National Park and take a selfie. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Philipp Schulze

Some particular, lesser-known highlights, include the Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site with a winding river, vineyard-covered hills, medieval castles, and charming towns, and Saxon Switzerland National Park, known for its dramatic sandstone rock formations, deep gorges, and the iconic Bastei Bridge.

READ ALSO: Holiday like a local: Five of the best camping regions in Germany

Germany’s commitment to environmental conservation has also helped maintain the pristine quality of its landscapes, preserving their beauty for generations to come.

Its regional diversity

Many people may perceive Germany as a nation with a singular, strong national identity. But Germany has a complex history and, prior to unification in the 19th century, was made up of various kingdoms, duchies, and independent states.

These regions developed their own distinct identities, traditions, and dialects and many of these are still surprisingly visible today. 

While the northern regions, including cities like Hamburg, Bremen, and Lübeck, have a maritime influence and are known for their Hanseatic heritage and stand-offish demeanour, Bavaria in the southeast is known for its love of folk festivals and conservatism.

READ ALSO: Thrifty Swabians and haughty Hamburgers: A guide to Germany’s regional stereotypes

The capital Berlin is like a country of its own, with a diverse population and thriving arts and techno scene, and the Rhineland is renowned for its vibrant carnival celebrations, wine festivals, and cheerful spirit.

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INSIDE GERMANY

Inside Germany: ‘Ampel’ makeover and can Euro 2024 bring Germans together?

From how the Euros are providing a sense of relief in Germany amid heightened tensions to a traffic light transformation in Frankfurt and lucky chimney sweeps, here's what we've been talking about this week.

Inside Germany: 'Ampel' makeover and can Euro 2024 bring Germans together?

Inside Germany is our weekly look at some of the news, talking points and gossip in Germany that you might not have heard about. It’s published each Saturday and members can receive it directly to their inbox by going to their newsletter preferences or adding their email to the sign-up box in this article.

The Euros are bringing Germans together – but tension remains 

Whichever way you look at it, it’s been a turbulent few years. In the aftermath of the Covid pandemic, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, sparking forced migration, an energy crisis and fears over war spreading in Europe. 

In Germany, the cost of living crisis has been gripping residents for years, resulting in increased strike action and protests. Meanwhile, the economy has tanked, support for the coalition government is falling dramatically, division remains over war in the Middle East and the the far-right has climbed in the polls. At the recent European parliament elections, Alternative for Germany (AfD) took second position in the national vote. 

READ ALSO: What do Germany’s far-right gains in EU elections mean for foreigners?

With these unresolved issues, you might think that Germany would struggle to come together to organise the UEFA Euro 2024 tournament this summer.

But so far, Deutschland has been a fantastic host.

The scenes of fans from different countries gathering in German cities and mixing with locals have been joyous to see. 

Games and logistical matters are taking place without any major problems (at least most of the time).

Hammering Scotland 5-1 in the opening game may have brought Germans a much needed boost. Seeing residents from all walks of life huddle around TVs on streets or attend fan zones to cheer on their team has felt like something we’ve all needed after such heavy years. 

Perhaps if the German team goes far, it will unite people even more. 

But the tension is still around. 

A recent survey by broadcaster WDR’s Sport Inside, found that one in five respondents would prefer if the German national team had more “white” players, highlighting racist attitudes. 

It comes after German partygoers were filmed singing “foreigners out!” on the holiday island of Sylt. 

The Euros are providing much-needed light relief in Germany right now – but football won’t fix everything. 

Frankfurt Ampelmann gets makeover

Football figures on the traffic lights in Frankfurt to celebrate Euro 2024.

Football figures on the traffic lights in Frankfurt to celebrate Euro 2024. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Andreas Arnold

Football fever is gripping the nation – and Frankfurt has updated its traffic lights or Ampeln to to celebrate

Anyone walking through central Frankfurt might spot the Ampelmann (traffic light man) giving a red card or kicking the ball – depending on the colour. 

German cities are known for their unusual traffic light figures. 

The most famous are the Ampelmännchen (little traffic light men) in Berlin. These were first created in what was then East Berlin back in 1961 and now appear on various traffic lights in the centre of the German capital. 

Germany in Focus

In the latest episode of our Germany in Focus podcast, we talk about our highlights of Euro 2024 so far, why the German coalition is hanging by a thread, the postal system reform, how offices are preparing for the German citizenship law changes and the German vocabulary you need to watch football. 

Lucky chimney sweeps

My building recently received a visit from a lovely Schornsteinfeger (chimney sweep) to check our boilers were in working order. 

It reminded me that seeing a chimney sweep is meant to bring good luck in Germany. 

That’s because they traditionally came to homes to clean out chimneys, removing soot and dirt, which would help ward off the possibility of fires (as well as unwanted evil spirits). 

A chimney sweep on a roof on Maulbronn, Baden-Württemberg in 2023.

A chimney sweep on a roof on Maulbronn, Baden-Württemberg in 2023. Photo: picture alliance/dpa | Bernd Weißbrod

They may not actually be going into chimneys and getting covered in soot these days but they’re still providing maintenance and checking on various heating systems which can only be a Glücksbringer (lucky charm).

You’re supposed to get even more luck if you touch a chimney sweep – for example by shaking their hand or twisting one of their silver buttons – but you should probably ask them first. 

If you see a Schornsteinfeger on New Year’s Day or on your wedding day it’s meant to be even luckier.

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