German Culture, Traditions, and Values • FamilySearch (2024)

Germany is famed for its rich history, often at the forefront of European thought and history. Its history and people form a special set of arts, music, and food that make up German culture.

German Traditions

Cultural traditions enable deep connections with one’s country, history, and family. These are just some of the German traditions that make up the country’s rich cultural heritage:

• Lost items: If someone stumbles on something lost, such as a single glove, they’ll often perch the item on a nearby tree. This makes it easier for the item’s owner to find it.
• Sundays: German people often create clear boundaries between work and home life. On Sundays, virtually everything is closed, giving German workers designated time to be with their friends and family.

• Advent calendars: Have you ever enjoyed advent calendars filled with goodies throughout the countdown to Christmas? This widespread tradition originated in Germany.

• German celebrations: Germany is home to many carnivals and festivals filled to the brim with music, costumes, parades, and more. German holidays also share unique traditions and festivities.
• Lederhosen and dirndl: Traditional German clothing is instantly recognizable, and Germans still bring it out for celebrations such as Oktoberfest.
• Polterabend: German weddings carry many unique traditions, one of which is called polterabend. On the night before a wedding, guests shatter porcelain at the couple’s feet to bring luck.
• Schultüte: As children start school, anxiety and fear can run high. On the first day of school, parents and grandparents will sometimes give kids a schultüte—a decorated paper cone filled with gifts to bring light-hearted fun to the day.

Religions in Germany

Germany was a historically Catholic nation, but in the 1500s, German-born Martin Luther intensified the Protestant Reformation in Germany. This divided the country and eventually led to local leadership deciding an area’s religion. Southwest Germany was, and still is, predominantly Catholic, while northeast Germany was primarily Protestant. This change became visible in local politics, architecture, and culture.

As East Germany came under communist rule in the 1940s, religion was viewed as direct opposition to communism. As such, religion was widely suppressed. Eastern Germany still has the largest population of nonreligious Germans.

Despite this, Christianity is currently the dominant German religion with over 50% of the population identifying as Christian, while roughly 20–30% are nonreligious. Other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism each make up 5% or less of the population.

German People

Through the ages, Germany was historically known as das Land der Dichter und Denker, or “the land of poets and thinkers.” It’s the home to famous thinkers and artists alike, such as Ludwig van Beethoven, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, Johannes Gutenberg, and the brothers Grimm.

Modern Germans hold many of the same values. Here’s a quick look at German people and culture.

What Is the Population of Germany?

As of 2022, Germany has a population of over 84 million people—a record high. Conversely, Germany is also experiencing a birth deficit, meaning more people die than are born in a year. So why does it have a record-high population?

While births remain low, Germany has a progressive and welcoming immigration policy. Immigration is the only reason Germany’s population continues to grow, and roughly a quarter of the population is made up of immigrants.

German Values

These intrinsic values in German culture play an important role in daily life for many German people:

• Order and organization: Germans are often considered highly efficient and matter-of-fact people. They value punctuality, rules, and order.
• Privacy and space: Personal information is often kept private, and it is common for Germans to keep a clear distinction between their personal and professional lives.
• Progress: Germany has one of the highest education levels worldwide and are renowned for their productivity levels and technological development.
  

German Hobbies and Interests

While German individuals are as diverse and unique as any other population, some passions stand out in German culture:

• Nature: Germany is home to 16 national parks, and over 30% of the country is covered in forests. Germany also has over 400 zoos, and many Germans enjoy gardening.

• Cuisine: Germans are famous for their love of cheeses, breads, and sausages, famously featured in Oktoberfest.
• Travel: Germans are some of the most well-traveled people in the world. They rank high in travel spending as well as international trips taken.
• Board games: Board games are a frequent pastime, and Germany is the biggest producer of board games worldwide. International favorites such as Ticket to Ride, Carcassonne, and Settlers of Catan all hail from Germany.

• Music: While many people love music, Germans stand out from the rest. They are the top consumers of music in Europe and third in the world. Some of the best music festivals are also found in Germany.

What Does German Culture Mean to You?

Do you have family connections to German culture, or have you experienced it first hand? Personal connections can really bring life to traditions and culture. Take time to reflect on your own experiences with Germany, and share the meaningful moments.