Germans are famously unyielding when it comes to following rules and laws, from their culture, language and cuisine. There’s plenty to discover in Germany! Here are some fun facts!
Imagine yourself driving down Germany’s highway system known as the Autobahn with your hair blowing in the wind while pedaling away at maximum speed; that is possible on over 65% of their highway network!
1. Germany is the birthplace of Oktoberfest
Germany is well known for its beer and sausages, but it’s also rich with history – making it an excellent destination for students exploring European history. Here are some unexpected facts about Germany that you may have never known:
The Oktoberfest began in 1810 to honor Crown Prince Ludwig of Saxe-Hildburghausen and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen’s marriage, featuring horse races and an agricultural fair. Since that first event, it has taken place each year except World War I or cholera epidemic years. As one of the world’s largest folk festivals – featuring parades, amusement rides, games, and lots of beer (over 6 million gallons are consumed at each annual Oktoberfest!) it remains an annual institution!
Alongside beer, Oktoberfest is also famous for its delicious wursts and pretzels – two staple foods so beloved that there’s even an annual competition to select the “Kurte Wurstmeister”, an honorific title held high throughout Germany! The winning maker will be declared at the conclusion of Oktoberfest and his title of Kurte Wurstmeister declared by Germany!
Germany is widely celebrated for being the birthplace of Oktoberfest, but also boasts numerous technological innovations. German inventors are responsible for some of the world’s most significant inventions such as the light bulb, automated calculator, automobile engine, paraffin fuel cell system for gasoline/diesel engines and television (partially). Furthermore, they contributed the clarinet, pocket watch, gastric ulcer medication insulin.
If you’re moving to Germany, make sure that your language skills are up to par before your arrival. According to German law, it is illegal to address police officers with an informal “du” and jaywalking may result in unpleasant looks from officers! Smoking in public buildings or school grounds is prohibited as well; since Germany doesn’t have minimum wages either it would be wise to bring extra spending money with you for entertainment and camping trips in its beautiful forests!
2. Germany is the country with the most bridges in the world
Germany is home to an astounding abundance of bridges; over 2100 bridges can be found just in Berlin alone and the country as a whole has an estimated total of 9,694 (depending on whether water or road bridges count as separate categories).
Germany is home to some of the world’s most iconic bridges, such as Reichsbrucke, Spreebrucke, Bruckenbrucke and Donnersbergerbrucke. Not only beautiful in appearance, these famous German bridges can often be considered works of art as well. Willy Astor wrote an award-winning song dedicated to Donnersbergerbrucke Bridge in Munich which has since become one of its signature landmarks; every train leaving Hauptbahnhof passes over it while simultaneously Mittlere Ring (central ring road) also crosses it!
Hamburg is practically surrounded by water – Binnenalster and Aussenalster Lakes flank each side, while River Elbe runs straight through its center, creating an abundance of canals and streams – leading to many bridges being constructed across its numerous canals and streams. Estimates claim that Hamburg may even surpass Venice, Amsterdam and London combined in this respect!
German bridges are known for being in good condition, which can be attributed to being constructed of concrete – which makes up most of them. While this material provides strong durability, over time some German bridges have seen their condition decline due to increased traffic volumes that these concrete spans cannot bear.
However, the government is taking steps to improve the state of these bridges. They have established a special program called “Bridge Rescue”, designed to preserve our nation’s beloved bridges through various measures such as installing new railings or replacing old concrete with modern materials; additionally they will work towards increasing funding for such projects.
3. Germany is the country with the most acorns in the world
Germany boasts many positive qualities, from tuition-free universities and quality beer to its diverse population and unique landscape. However, did you know it also has one of the largest populations of oak trees globally?
Acorns can be found throughout German forests, where they’re eaten by squirrels, chipmunks and deer. Acorns play an integral part in ecosystems globally – yet most abundantly so in Germany where their pods grow into massive oak trees.
Joseph Beuys created a project entitled 7000 Oaks wherein he planted 7,000 oak trees throughout Kassel city in Germany, turning these living sculptures into living sculptures that link art with climate activism. British artists Ackroyd & Harvey traveled to Kassel and collected acorns from these original trees which will then become part of an interactive tree sculpture at Tate Modern that encourages gathering and reconsidering our ties to nature.
4. Germany is the country with the most sausages in the world
Germany is one of the most beloved European nations and home to renowned landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate, Munich Oktoberfest and Hofbrauhaus from 16th-century. Yet Germany offers much more than meets the eye – did you know it has more sausages than any other nation worldwide?
Germans are famously fond of beer and sausage, yet did you know they boast over 1,200 types of Wurst? Each region in Germany boasts their own specialty Wurst varieties; famous examples are Frankfurters eaten with mustard or ketchup on a bun; Bratwurst from Franconia; Bregenwurst from Saxony; Pinkel from Bremen; Teewurst from Pomerania are just a few favorites among many!
Germans love sausages! But why so many? Some believe this phenomenon stems from Germany’s longstanding history of sausage production dating back to 500 BCE. Not only are sausages delicious and practical for consumption purposes; smoked and salted varieties help ensure they last longer than fresh meat products.
Looking back to some of the oldest sausage recipes in this country, some of the oldest versions featured ingredients like intestines, stomach contents, brain matter and liver! While such sausages may no longer be made regularly today, they were once an affordable way to stretch limited meat supplies further.
Germany is known for producing delicious sausages made with all sorts of different proteins – pork being just one! But there are plenty of vegan-friendly varieties too! So next time you tuck into a hot dog or munch on a frankfurter, remember Germany as it boasts the highest concentration of tasty sausages around! Germans certainly know how to create delicious meals, making their cuisine beloved around the globe.