Germany feels familiar to many people, not least because it’s home to one of the largest Turkish communities outside Türkiye. Even so, while making our documentary we came across plenty of fascinating details that rarely get talked about. We’ve grouped the 14 facts below under history, everyday life and travel. If you’re planning a trip, our Germany guide is waiting for you.
Curiosities from history
1. A beer law more than 500 years old. The “Reinheitsgebot” (purity law), issued in Bavaria in 1516, required beer to be made only from water, barley and hops. Yeast wasn’t on the list because it hadn’t yet been identified. The law is often cited as one of the oldest food regulations in the world.
2. The printing press was born in Mainz. The movable-type printing technique Johannes Gutenberg developed in the 15th century transformed the way knowledge spread. The Gutenberg Museum in Mainz tells the story.
3. Cologne Cathedral took more than 600 years to finish. Construction began in 1248, and the cathedral wasn’t completed until 1880. The tallest church spire in the world is also in Germany, at Ulm Minster.
4. The Christmas tree tradition spread from Germany. The custom of decorating an evergreen tree was born in German lands and spread around the world in the 19th century. Christmas markets are part of the same culture.
5. “Kindergarten” is a German word. The concept and the name come from Friedrich Fröbel in the 19th century, and the word passed unchanged into many languages, including English.
6. Fanta was invented in Germany. During World War II, when cola syrup couldn’t be imported, the bottling plant in Germany created a new drink from the ingredients it had on hand.
The rules of everyday life
7. Sunday is a “day of rest.” Most stores are closed, and noisy chores (drilling, mowing the lawn) are frowned upon.
For travelers: Do your grocery shopping on Saturday; for emergencies, supermarkets in train stations are open.
8. Bottles carry a deposit. Thanks to the “Pfand” system, you pay a small deposit on many drink bottles and cans; return the empty to the machines at supermarkets and you get the money back. That’s why bottles left on the street get picked up quickly.
9. Sorting trash is serious business. There are different colored bins for paper, packaging, organic and other waste. Follow the rules where you’re staying.
10. Punctuality is a form of courtesy. Being even a few minutes late to an appointment calls for an apology. Ironically, train punctuality has become a hot topic in recent years.
Geography and travel
11. Nine neighbors. Germany borders Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands, making it one of the countries with the most neighbors in Europe.
12. Highways without speed limits. Some sections of the Autobahn network have no general speed limit, but the recommended speed is 130 km/h, and many sections do have limits.
13. Thousands of castles. Germany has thousands of castles, fortresses and palaces of every size. Neuschwanstein is the most famous, but the castles along the Rhine Valley and Hohenzollern are just as impressive.
14. Oktoberfest starts in September. Despite its name, Munich’s famous festival begins in mid-September and ends in the first days of October.
For travelers: Hotel prices in Munich rise sharply during the festival; if you’re not going for it, check the calendar.
Final note
What makes Germany so enjoyable is how rules and relaxation coexist: respecting the Sunday quiet, then sharing a long table with locals at a beer garden in the late afternoon. You’ll find more of these facts, in visual form, in the video.
Frequently asked questions
Are stores open on Sundays in Germany?
Most stores are closed. Supermarkets in major train stations and airports are the exception.
What is Pfand?
It’s a deposit paid on plastic and glass bottles and cans; you get it back when you return the empty container to the machines at supermarkets.
