👯Culture

Considered a country of thinkers, poets, and, nowadays, businesspeople, German culture and people are, to a large extent, all about reason and logic. Germany shares a lot of culture and tradition with neighboring countries, especially the Germanic-speaking Austria and Switzerland.

German culture symbols

As a historically Christian country, the crucifix and indirect symbols such as the shape of a pretzel (said to represent the Holy Trinity). With a large Muslim population, the Moon and Star of Islam are now also considered an important culture symbol in Germany.

Other symbols of German culture are famous names from the arts, politics, and philosophy such as Goethe, Beethoven, Klee, Kant, and Marx (and David Hasselhoff probably belongs on this list, too – quite seriously). Modern culture symbols include both the German flag and the flag of the European Union.

German customs and traditions

There is a wide number of historic and traditional German customs. There are also a number of customs that have emerged in the modern postwar era.

What are some of Germany’s traditions?

As a Christian country, there are many protestant and catholic traditions which are observed and celebrated throughout the year. To make sure you are familiar with Germany’s calendar of national and regional holidays and celebrations, make sure to take a look at our German Holidays and Celebrations page.

Contemporary German traditions include ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’, the equivalent of an English Afternoon tea, whereby families and friends stop working to come together in the afternoon for coffee and cake. The annual Munich Beer Festival, known the world over as Oktoberfest, is also a key tradition.

Traditional clothes

Traditional clothing in Germany includes the world-famous Lederhosen, an outfit once worn by rural men, traditionally those undertaking farm work or manual labor. A knee-length set of breeches complete with braces, worn over a short sleeve shirt, Lederhosen are traditionally associated with Bavarian and Tyrolean culture.

For women, traditional German clothes include the Dirndl, a dress made from a bodice, pinafore and full skirt. The shirt underneath is usually low cut and made with short puffy sleeves. Today these clothes are no longer seen on farmworkers, but on the staff and party goers at beer festivals. 10 Important festivals important