16 Surprising Facts About Germany You Never Knew

Fun and Interesting Facts About Germany

We have visited Germany several times and each journey reveals unique insights about this incredible country. From fascinating facts about German cuisine to captivating architecture, Germany never fails to surprise!

Keep reading to uncover the most intriguing facts about Germany that you probably didn’t know!

1. Germany Has 1,000 Varieties of Sausages!

Germany boasts over 1,000 varieties of sausage, illustrating the country’s love for this delightful food. Some popular types include:

• Bratwurst
• Blutwurst
• Weisswurst
• Knackwurst
• Currywurst

Each sausage variety is seasoned with distinct spices, offering a flavorful experience for all who try them.

2. The Most Popular German Surname is Müller

Müller ranks as the most common surname in Germany, with over 900,000 individuals sharing this last name! Other well-known surnames include:

• Schmidt
• Schneider
• Fischer
• Weber
• Meyer
• Wagner
• Becker

These surnames often link back to traditional occupations, much like their English counterparts.

3. Beer is a Food in Bavaria

In Bavaria, beer transcends mere refreshment and becomes a cultural staple. The average Bavarian consumes around 150 liters of beer each year! Bavarians lead Germany in beer consumption, with nearly half of the nation’s breweries located in this region.

Bavaria is famous for its expansive beer halls and cellars, celebrating beer as an integral part of local culture. Beer lovers should definitely make it a point to explore Bavaria’s impressive brewery scene!

4. Germany Loves Bread

Germany is a paradise for bread enthusiasts, featuring over 300 types of bread and more than 1,200 varieties of pastries, cakes, and baked goods! Here are some must-try breads:

• Brötchen
• Pretzel
• Vollkornbrot
• Milchbrötchen

The country’s love for carbohydrates offers visitors a delightful culinary adventure.

5. Gummy Bears are a German Invention

In 1920, Hans Riegel of Bonn created a sweets company after leaving a monotonous confectionery job. Starting with hard, colorless candies, he soon innovated by introducing gelatin-based fruit snacks, inspired by Turkish delight and Japanese rice candy.

6. The First Oktoberfest Was a Wedding

The inaugural Oktoberfest occurred on October 12, 1810, celebrating the marriage of the Bavarian crown prince to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. This joyous event evolved into an annual celebration filled with music, food, and festivities, drawing more than six million attendees each year!

7. JFK Was Not a Jelly Donut

In a famous speech in 1963, President John F. Kennedy declared, “Ich bin ein Berliner” at the Berlin Wall, which many humorously misinterpret as him claiming to be a jelly donut. In Berlin, the term “Berliner” refers to a donut, while the local term is “Pfannkuchen.” Nonetheless, Kennedy’s words resonated profoundly with the people of Berlin.

8. Germany Has the World’s Largest Cathedral

Located in Cologne, the Cologne Cathedral is the largest Gothic church in Northern Europe, renowned for its magnificent spires. Construction began in 1248 and was completed in 1880, making it a marvel of architectural history.

9. Attempting to Escape Jail Is Legal in Germany

In Germany, prisoners escaping jail won’t face additional penalties solely for the act of attempting to escape. However, if they commit further crimes during their escape, such as vandalism or violence, they will be prosecuted for those actions.

10. Germany Loves Castles

With over 20,000 castles, Germany is a treasure trove for castle enthusiasts. Notable castles worth visiting include:

• Neuschwanstein Castle
• Hohenzollern Castle
• Schwerin Castle
• Heidelberg Castle
• Wartburg Castle
• Marburg Castle

Each castle offers a glimpse into Germany’s rich history and architecture.

11. Germany Has Thousands of Unexploded Bombs

Surprisingly, Germany still has numerous unexploded bombs from WWII scattered across the country, with over 2,000 tons discovered annually. Before new construction begins, specialists must ensure the area is free from munitions.

12. Germany’s Drinking Age is 16

In Germany, citizens can legally drink beer and wine at 16. However, they must wait until they turn 18 to consume stronger spirits, reflecting similar regulations found in other European nations.

13. Germany Did Daylight Savings Time First

Germany pioneered Daylight Savings Time in 1916, an initiative that quickly spread across Europe and later reached the United States.

14. German Celebrations

Oktoberfest is just one of the major celebrations in Germany. The modern Christmas tree, which originated in Germany, symbolizes holiday traditions that trace back to ancient civilizations. Germany has successfully preserved these festive customs, enriching global holiday experiences.

15. Germany Has Over 400 Zoos

Germany is home to an impressive 414 zoos, surpassing the total number found in the entire United States. The Berlin Zoological Garden is both the oldest and largest, featuring an extensive collection of animals and attracting millions of visitors annually.

16. A Third of Germany is Covered in Forests

Germany is adorned with over 11.4 million hectares of forests, encompassing roughly 32% of its land area. Nature lovers can revel in the beauty of these sprawling woodland areas, offering outdoor activities galore.

Want to Experience These Facts About Germany First Hand?

Which of these fascinating facts about Germany resonated with you? Whether you’re captivated by castles or tempted by beer, Germany has something for everyone!