1. The largest economy in the EU
Germany has the largest economy in the EU, followed by France and Italy. In terms of gross domestic product (GDP), it is the third largest economy worldwide, behind the USA and China (year 2024). Exports of motor vehicles and vehicle parts, as well as chemical products, have made Germany the world's third-largest exporter to date. The service sector accounts for the largest share of the country's GDP, at 70%.
2. Nature in vast forests
One third of Germany's land (11.5 million hectares) is covered by forests. The most common tree species are conifers, such as spruce (21%) and pine (22%), followed by deciduous trees, such as beech (17%) and oak (12%). The largest contiguous forest in Germany, covering over 179,000 hectares, is the Palatinate Forest in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate.
3. Germany's highest mountain
At 2,962 metres, the Zugspitze is the highest peak in the Wetterstein mountain range and the highest mountain in Germany. The Zugspitze massif is located southwest of Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Bavaria and in the north of Tyrol. Around 600,000 visitors from all over the world take the cable car up to the Zugspitze every year.
4. Land of palaces
Germany's magnificent palaces, castles, and manor houses are a testament to the country's history. Around 25,000 of these structures remain today. Many still stand in their former glory, while others are ruins that evoke a bygone era. The most famous palace is Neuschwanstein Castle, which is located in a stunning spot above the Alpsee in Bavaria and boasts playful turrets and battlements. Bavarian King Ludwig II commissioned the construction of the fairy-tale castle in 1869 but lived in it for only a few months before his death in 1886, before its completion.
5. The first printed book
The first printed book, a Latin Bible, was printed in Germany by Johann Gutenberg. In the 15th century, he developed letterpress printing with movable type in Mainz, an invention considered one of the most important in human history. This marked a turning point, both technically and socially. The widespread distribution of written products became possible for the first time and coincided with the social developments that occurred at the end of the Middle Ages. It was only through the letterpress printing process that scientific and philosophical knowledge could be made accessible to the general public.
6. The Christmas tree tradition
The Christmas tree is the world's best-known Christmas symbol. The tradition originated in Germany in the 16th century when Christians began bringing decorated trees into their homes. While the Christmas tree is a Christian invention, it is above all a symbol of hope across all religions.
7. Spread of the German language
Around 130 million people worldwide speak German as their first language. It is the most widely spoken native language in the EU and an official language in Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein, and Switzerland. Additionally, around 7.5 million people in 42 countries worldwide belong to German-speaking minorities. It is one of the five most widely taught foreign languages in the world.
8. The longest German word
The longest German word is "Donaudampfschifffahrtselektrizitätenhauptbetriebswerkbauunterbeamtengesellschaft." This fictitious word has 79 letters and describes the staff of a hydroelectric power plant on the Danube. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the longest published word in German.
9. 3,200 types of bread
Germany is known for its wide variety of breads, ranging from regional to seasonal specialties. According to the Central Association of German Bakers, there are 3,200 types of bread in Germany. Classics include rye bread, mixed breads, pumpernickel, and pretzels. German bread culture is unique in the world. In 2014, the national UNESCO commission added it to the national list of intangible cultural heritage.
10. German beer
Beer brewing is also part of Germany's intangible cultural heritage. The German Purity Law of 1516 defines the ingredients used to make beer, contributing to its high quality and good reputation. Germany has around 1,500 breweries producing more than 5,000 types of beer. Pilsner is the undisputed favorite type of beer in this country. However, non-alcoholic beers and beer cocktails are also growing in popularity. Beer is often colloquially referred to as "liquid bread" because both beer and bread are made from the same basic ingredients: grain, water, and yeast.
You might also be interested in: Discover Germany and Europe by train
