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- The printing press was invented in Germany.
- There are very few drinking fountains in Germany because most people prefer sparkling water to tap water.
- Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi are all types of cars that originated in Germany.
- To wish for good luck, Germans don’t cross their fingers; they “press the thumb” (fold a thumb in, and close fingers on it).
- On many German highways there is no speed limit, so people can drive as fast as they want.
- When leaving an elevator, Germans say good-bye to the other riders even if they did not talk to them during the ride.
- German adults like to garden. Even if they live in an apartment, they might rent or own a small garden plot in or near the city.
- Some of the world’s greatest composers—Bach, Beethoven, Wagner, Mendelssohn, Handel, and Schumann—came from Germany.
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View detail map as PDF
View outline map as PDF |
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The flag of Germany, last officially adopted in 1949, features three horizontal stripes: black, red, and gold. The colors originate from the uniform colors of the volunteer student corps, the Preussiches Freikorps von Lützow, who fought bravely against Napoleon in the 1813 Battle of Nations.
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The black eagle was on Germany’s official coat of arms from 1871 to 1933 and again after 1950. Eagles of various types were symbols for German rulers of the Holy Roman Empire. |
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