Germany Culture, and Germany History
Travel tips for your trip to Germany Hotel Maps Famous Places in Germany helps you to make your trip to Germany in the holiday a Splendid One
The territory that we now know as Germany was for many centuries a loose collection of independent (and often warring) states, attaining unification after victory in the Franco-Prussian war of 1871. There followed a period of political, military and economic advancement that placed it as a genuine world power.
Following defeat in World War I, however, the Treaty of Versailles led to the country being divided once more, this time into East and West Germany. An economic crisis led to the emergence of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party, making Adolf Hitler head of state.
Initial military success in World War II ended in further defeat, although the country’s economy this time recovered more quickly. Reunification took place in October 1990.
From 1995 onwards, a new leadership under would-be chancellor Gerhard Schröder emerged to challenge the long-standing Helmut Kohl Christian Democrat (CDU) government. Schröder came to power in 1998, his reign coming to an end amid confusion following September 2005's inconclusive election. Germany faced weeks of uncertainty resulting in a deal that saw Angela Merkel sworn in as Germany's first female chancellor. She currently faces major economic challenges as a result of the global recession.
Religion:
Approximately 34% Protestant, 34% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim, with Jewish and other non-Christian minorities.
Social conventions:
Handshaking is customary, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Before eating, it is normal to say "guten Appetit" to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is "gleichfalls". It is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, one should always give an uneven number, and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover's gift).
Courtesy dictates that visitors should utter a greeting such as "guten tag" (or "grüss gott" in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying "auf wiedersehen" or "tschüss" can also cause offence. Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theatre, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited where notified and on public transport and in most public buildings.
Following defeat in World War I, however, the Treaty of Versailles led to the country being divided once more, this time into East and West Germany. An economic crisis led to the emergence of the National Socialist German Workers’ (Nazi) Party, making Adolf Hitler head of state.
Initial military success in World War II ended in further defeat, although the country’s economy this time recovered more quickly. Reunification took place in October 1990.
From 1995 onwards, a new leadership under would-be chancellor Gerhard Schröder emerged to challenge the long-standing Helmut Kohl Christian Democrat (CDU) government. Schröder came to power in 1998, his reign coming to an end amid confusion following September 2005's inconclusive election. Germany faced weeks of uncertainty resulting in a deal that saw Angela Merkel sworn in as Germany's first female chancellor. She currently faces major economic challenges as a result of the global recession.
Religion:
Approximately 34% Protestant, 34% Roman Catholic, 4% Muslim, with Jewish and other non-Christian minorities.
Social conventions:
Handshaking is customary, and it is considered rude to address people by their first name unless invited to do so. Normal courtesies should be observed. Before eating, it is normal to say "guten Appetit" to the other people at the table to which the correct reply is "gleichfalls". It is customary to present the hostess with unwrapped flowers (according to tradition, one should always give an uneven number, and it is worth noting that red roses are exclusively a lover's gift).
Courtesy dictates that visitors should utter a greeting such as "guten tag" (or "grüss gott" in Bavaria) before saying what it is that they want; to leave without saying "auf wiedersehen" or "tschüss" can also cause offence. Similarly, when making a telephone call, asking for the person you want to speak to without stating first who you are is impolite. Casual wear is widely acceptable, but more formal dress is required for some restaurants, the opera, theatre, casinos and important social functions. Smoking is prohibited where notified and on public transport and in most public buildings.