10 Interesting Facts About Germany You Should Know About!

Here are 10 interesting facts about Germany you should know about and that might surprise you!

#2 One-third of the country is forest and woodlands

If you want to escape into nature to catch a break from long days of studying, Germany has tonnes of green space. Whether it is just a short walk while you’re thinking about an assignment or a weekend camping trip with housemates, there are 11.4 hectares of forest space at your disposal.

#3 Germany is a beer lover’s paradise

1,500 breweries produce over 7,000 kinds of beer in the country! No wonder they host the biggest beer festival in the world; the Oktoberfest, every year in Munich.

#4 There are 1,200 different kinds of Wursts (sausages) in Germany

From Bratwursts and Weisswursts to the Rostbratwurst (the oldest known German sausage), there’s something for everyone. You can have them in a sandwich, with a bun or boiled and fried with a curry sauce (the famous Currywurst!). So get those recipe books out and cook up a storm in your accommodation, what’s the wurst that could happen? (Sorry couldn’t help the pun!)

#5 ‘The country of poets and thinkers’

Although lots of people think of Engineering and Business when they think of Germany, Germans have made significant contributions in the field of arts and culture. From Beethoven to Friedrich Nietzsche, if you’re interested in studying an Arts and Humanities degree, you’ll find inspiration from the country’s greats! And for the literature fans, some of our most famous fairy tales, like Rapunzel and Hansel and Gretel, were created by the German author duo, the Brothers Grimm.

#6 Children get presents to attend school

German school students, on their first day of school, receive a cone of presents, a Schultüte, to help with the stress of a new chapter of life. Unfortunately, universities don’t give out presents to new postgraduates, but it is something you could think about doing between friends!

#7 Germany is home to almost 20,000 castles

For those looking for a history fix, you’re likely to find a castle nearby regardless of where you are in Germany. Castles like the Neuschwanstein and Hohenzollern are thought to be some of the most magnificent in the world. Can you picture yourself studying with a castle for a backdrop?

#8 Bread for breakfast, lunch and dinner!

Germany has more than 600 main kinds of bread. With some globally available, like the pretzel (brezel in German) and some more difficult to find outside the country like the Pumpernickel (a dark brown bread made of rye), Germany is a carb-lover’s paradise.

#9 The Autobahns have no speed limit

There is a 130 km/h speed limit in place (around 80mph), but drivers can go as fast as they want in certain sections. So if you’re taking your car to university with you, be ready to race with the best of them! Just try not to run out of fuel while you’re on them (it is considered an offence!).

#10 The world owes the Christmas Tree to the Germans

Trees set up in German homes and decorated with wafers and candles are thought to have merged with the Christmas Pyramid, a small wooden triangular structure for Christmas figures and candles, in the 16th Century to give us the Christmas Tree of today. Make sure you honour this tradition with your flatmates if you’re around for the festive season!

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