Germany: A Country of Great Culture
The flag of Germany.
The region located in Europe that is referred to as Germany has been viewed by many as “...a modern, cosmopolitan country with about 82 million inhabitants.” This country has been shaped by its society, which includes "...a plurality of [different] lifestyles” (Reimann). Germany has been looked down upon by nations in the world due to its history including Hitler, but from that time period forth many changes have taken place. As William Spencer states, “Much has happened to... [Germany] and its people in the twenty centuries since Germania appeared as a vast, vaguely defined area on Roman maps,... [yet] many elements in the German character forged by the historical experience of these centuries survive” (145). A country with the amount of culture as Germany should definitely be considered as a destination when planning a trip to Europe, for it will enrich the cultural knowledge of this region a person may possess.
Although the official language of Germany is German, foreigners do not have to worry about communication. A common misconception is that all people residing in this nation only speak German. In reality, many people have come to develop the knowledge of speaking English, as it is a lingua franca of the world. Tourist that travel to this region have the ultimate advantage if they speak English, but even so the do not fully receive the cultural experience they would if they spoke the national language (Weltgeschichte 349).
Germany has “the most highest skilled work force on the face of the earth, a youth unemployment rate lowest among the industrialized nations, and a sense of self- worth and competence among those starting out to work that would [put shame to other nations]” (Spencer 147). Students are educated to work from first grade forth, since they have to choose what to do with their lives at the mere age of ten. At the time which students have graduate the fourth grade, they have completed their primary schooling and will now move on towards secondary schooling. “[There are] three forms of secondary schooling: Gymnasium for a pre- university course, Realschule for a general education or Hauptschule to prepare for apprenticeships” (Germany 149).
This system of education is extremely useful to encourage students to enter the work force, since it does not require the student to continue with their schooling if they do not wish so past the age of sixteen. Depending on the view on this subject, one could argue if this system is beneficial to the student or not, since it leaves the decision upon the student. Schools that are located in Germany have higher expectations than those in several other countries, which improves the self- worth and competence among the students, traits that will stay with them throughout their entire lifetime.
“Passed down from one generation to the next, [German] traditions and customs help define who [people] are and often function as milestones in [their] lives” (Reimann). The people of Germany rely on their traditions and customs to define their life, as these events are important reminders of their ancestors. A tradition that is loved around the country by children completing their years in Kindergarten is the giving of a Schultüte. These cones contain little trinkets and school supplies, as well as enormous amounts of candies to calm each child’s nerves on the first day of school. This tradition originated in 1810, when a teacher began to give little gifts to each of her students on the first day of school (Reinmann).
Another tradition that children enjoy greatly is the celebration of St. Martin’s day. This celebration is a beautiful display, and is sure to put joy in everyone’s heart. On November 11th of every year, children across Europe gather in the streets after dark to walk along with their guardians, carrying homemade lanterns that are lit by light. Although the origin of this tradition is unknown, it is proceeded to celebrate St. Martin’s birthday. In order to get everyone into the spirit of this tradition, local residents of towns and villages have taken it upon themselves to act the legend of this brave man out in great detail. Silvana Reimann summarizes this legend as follows:
“Legend has it that at the gates of Amiens Martin met a poor, scantily clothed beggar, who asked him for help from the freezing cold. But Martin had nothing with him other than his military cloak, so he decided to share it with the man. With one stroke, he split his warm cloak in two and gave one half to the man, who was deeply grateful. After performing this act of generosity, Martin left the military service and had himself baptized a Christian so he could help people in need and value love greater than force.”
As this tradition clearly shows, the people of Germany tend to remember the honorable and celebrate their good deeds in a fun, yet meaningful way.
October is a month filled with holidays and events that are taking place all over the country of Germany. “The Day of German Unity, Germany’s national holiday, marks the day [of October 3,] 1990 on which the German Democratic Republic (East) acceded to the Federal Republic of Germany” (Reimann). Just as in the Americas people celebrate July 4th with fireworks, the night sky of October 3rd is filled with the glowing colours and sounds that have been created by fireworks. A little later in the month, the now world- wide event of Oktoberfest takes place. In Munich, over six million people attend this event for sixteen days, gathering in large tents that have been established especially for this occasion (Reimann). During the time of Oktoberfest, several events happen in accordance with it, including free concerts (R*****). An event that was focused mainly at teenagers to begin with but has now been modified to include everyone is the ‘Battle of the Year.’
This event is a competition of break dancers held in Braunschweig during the month of October. It was “founded by German breaker Thomas Hergenröther in 1990 as a face-off between Germany-based crews in Hanover. Battle of the Year is recognized as the largest international event for “b-boys” [break dancers], attracting up to 10,000 fans each year” (Reimann). Although this event started as a ‘face- off,’ it has now been developed into a real competition, giving each participant a chance to become a professional dancer. These events are all held during the month of October, giving tourists the opportunity to experience German culture in many different ways.
Germany is a great country for it has a vast amount of history, as well as a variety of traditions and customs. Although the national language is German, many people have taken it upon themselves to learn English in order to be able to communicate with more tourists. As William Spencer states, “The German people [are bound] to their past, while at the same time stretching ... toward the future” (147). The residents of Germany have a rich culture, for they keep their past always in mind, incorporating it into their everyday lives. Germany is a country that everybody who travels to Europe should visit, for it offers so many different things to view and experience.
There are of course bad sides to this country, such as the waste that is being created by factories, and the fact that there are several people not accepting to foreigners (Weltgeschichte 351). No, country is truly perfect, but in most cases, the good qualities overshadow the bad.
Sources
Chorlton, Windsor, Patricia Clough, Frederic V. Grunfeld, Alan Lothian, Mark Roseman, and Margaret Wightman. Germany (Library of Nations). Ed. John Cottrell. Virginia: Time- Life Books Inc., 1986.
Reimann, Silvana. “Culture, Lifestyle, Travel.” German.info. Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. 19 March 2009 <http://www.germany.info/ Vertretung/usa/en/05__Culture/00/____Culture.html>.
R*****, Heidrun. Personal Interview. 18 March 2009.
Spencer, William. Germany, Then and Now. New York: Franklin Watts, 1994.
Weltgeschichte in Farbe für Mädchen und Jungen. Ed. Burkhardt Kiegeland. Deutschland: Verlag Karl Müller, 1980.
