Discover More About Germany With These Activities and Games

Want a fun way to explore a new country with your group? Choosing a destination and diving into its people, geography, history, and culture is a fantastic way to learn.

Let's center your next event around Germany, a country with a long, fascinating history and a vibrant modern culture. I’ve gathered key facts about the country, and beyond the basics, I've put together a collection of games, activities, and resources to make your learning session both fun and educational.

This content is ideal for printing and use as a display or for sharing directly with your group. The games and activities below will bring these facts to life!

Did you know? The official name for Germany is the Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland). The country is often referred to as the "Land of Poets and Thinkers" (Das Land der Dichter und Denker).

Geography of Germany:

• Germany is located in Central-Western Europe and is bordered by nine countries—more than any other European nation: Denmark, Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

• The capital and largest city is Berlin, with a population of approximately 3.7 million.

• The country is divided into 16 federal states (Länder).

• Germany's landscape ranges from the flat North German Lowlands along the North and Baltic Seas to the forested hills of the Mittelgebirge (Central Uplands) and the towering peaks of the Bavarian Alps in the south, home to the highest point, the Zugspitze.

Where are the people?

• The population of Germany is about 84 million, making it the most populous country in the European Union.

• It is known for its high standard of living, strong education system, and a remarkably high literacy rate of over 99%.

• The largest immigrant groups often include Turkish, Polish, and Syrian nationals, reflecting its diverse modern society.

Nature and Conservation:

• Forests and woodlands cover about one-third of the country.

• Germany is home to over 400 zoos and animal parks—the most in the world.

• Famous natural areas include the Black Forest (Schwarzwald) and numerous national parks like the Bavarian Forest.

Government and Economy:

• Germany is a federal parliamentary republic and a founding member of the European Union.

• It boasts the largest economy in Europe, relying heavily on exports, with famous industries like automobile manufacturing (BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen) and engineering.

• The official currency is the Euro (€).

Language and Culture:

• The official language is German. There are over 300 varieties of bread in the country!

• A key cultural value is punctuality, as it's viewed as a sign of respect and reliability.

• Germans love sports, with football (soccer) being the most popular, and the national team having won the FIFA World Cup four times.

Food and Traditions:

• Traditional German cuisine is hearty and varies regionally, including famous dishes like Bratwurst (sausage, with over 1,000 varieties), Sauerkraut, and Pretzels.

• World-famous festivals include Oktoberfest in Munich and the countless Christmas Markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) held across the country.

• A unique tradition on a child's first day of school is receiving a Schultüte—a giant, colorful cone filled with school supplies and sweets.