Complete Theory – Part 2: German History and Symbols

A comprehensive understanding of Germany's historical development and national symbols is essential for the Einbürgerungstest. This article covers the critical historical periods, events, and symbols that every citizenship applicant should know.

Key Historical Milestones

1. Post-War Division and Reunification

• After World War II (1945), Germany was divided into East Germany (German Democratic Republic/GDR) and West Germany (Federal Republic of Germany/FRG).
• East Germany was under Soviet influence with a socialist system; West Germany aligned with Western democracies and developed a market economy.
• The Berlin Wall was built in 1961 to prevent East Germans from fleeing to the West.
• On November 9, 1989, the Berlin Wall fell—symbolizing the peaceful revolution and the collapse of the East German regime.
• October 3, 1990: Official German reunification (Deutsche Wiedervereinigung). This date is now celebrated as the Day of German Unity (Tag der Deutschen Einheit).

2. The Nazi Regime and World War II

• 1933–1945: Dictatorship under Adolf Hitler and the National Socialist (Nazi) Party.
• The regime abolished democracy, persecuted opponents, and implemented racist policies.
• The Holocaust (Shoah) resulted in the systematic murder of approximately six million Jews and millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, and political opponents.
• May 8, 1945: Germany's unconditional surrender ended World War II in Europe.
• The aftermath led to Germany's commitment to democracy, human rights, and international peace.

3. The Weimar Republic

• 1918-1933: Germany's first democratic republic.
• Established after World War I and the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II.
• The Weimar Constitution guaranteed democratic rights and freedoms.
• The period faced economic challenges, including hyperinflation and the Great Depression.
• Political instability eventually led to the Nazi takeover in 1933.

4. The Basic Law (Grundgesetz)

• Came into force on May 23, 1949.
• Originally intended as a temporary constitution until reunification.
• Now serves as Germany's permanent constitution.
• Its first article, "Human dignity shall be inviolable," reflects Germany's commitment to human rights.
• Contains a "perpetuity clause" that prevents amendments to fundamental democratic principles.

Important Years to Remember

• 1918: End of monarchy; start of the Weimar Republic
• 1933: Nazis come to power
• 1939-1945: World War II
• 1945: End of World War II and Nazi regime
• 1949: Federal Republic of Germany (West) and German Democratic Republic (East) founded
• 1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall
• 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
• 1990: German reunification

National Symbols of Germany

1. The Flag

• Three horizontal stripes: black (top), red (middle), and gold (bottom).
• These colors date back to the democratic movements of the 19th century.
• Symbolizes unity, democracy, and freedom.
• The exact same flag was used by the Weimar Republic (1919-1933).

2. The Coat of Arms

• Features a black eagle (Bundesadler) on a yellow/gold background.
• The eagle has been a symbol of German states since the Holy Roman Empire.
• Represents sovereignty, strength, and protection.

3. The National Anthem

• "Das Lied der Deutschen" (Song of the Germans) or "Deutschlandlied" (Song of Germany).
• Written by August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1841.
• Only the third stanza is officially used as the anthem since reunification.
• Its opening line "Einigkeit und Recht und Freiheit" (Unity and Justice and Freedom) emphasizes Germany's core values.

4. National Holidays

• October 3 – Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day) - the only nationwide public holiday established by federal law.
• May 1 – Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit)
• December 25-26 – Christmas Days
• Other public holidays vary by state but often include Christian celebrations and regional commemorations.

5. The Capital City

• Berlin – Also the largest city in Germany.
• Became the capital again after reunification in 1990.
• Home to the federal government, the Bundestag, and the Federal Council.
• A major political, historical, and cultural hub with landmark sites like the Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag building, and Museum Island.

Post-War European Integration

• Germany is a founding member of the European Union (originally European Economic Community).
• The Treaty of Rome (1957) established the European Economic Community.
• Germany adopted the Euro (€) as currency in 2002.
• European integration represents Germany's commitment to peace and cooperation after World War II.

These historical insights and symbols reflect Germany's journey from dictatorship to a modern democratic state. Being familiar with them will help you not only pass the test but gain a deeper appreciation for your new home country and its values.

Test Preparation Tips for History & Symbols

• Focus on the significant dates: 1949 (Basic Law), 1989 (Fall of Berlin Wall), and 1990 (Reunification).
• Understand the symbolism of the German flag's colors.
• Know which stanza of the national anthem is used and what values it emphasizes.
• Study the federal system that developed after 1949.
• Recognize Germany's commitment to European integration.

Key German Terminology: German History and Symbols

A strong vocabulary of historical and cultural terms will significantly improve your performance on the Einbürgerungstest and deepen your understanding of German history. Here are the essential terms organized by historical periods and themes:

Post-War Division and Reunification

Nazi Regime and World War II

Weimar Republic

German Reunification and Beyond

National Symbols

European Integration

Important Dates to Remember

Memory Tips for Historical Terms

1. Timeline Associations: Create a mental timeline with key dates:
   • 1918: End of monarchy → Weimarer Republik
   • 1933: Hitler's rise → Nationalsozialismus
   • 1949: Two German states → BRD and DDR
   • 1989: Fall of Wall → Mauerfall
   • 1990: Reunification → Wiedervereinigung
2. Visual Connections:
   • Connect "Schwarz-Rot-Gold" with the German flag's appearance
   • Visualize the Bundesadler (eagle) on official documents
   • Picture the Berlin Wall when thinking of "Berliner Mauer"
3. Word Families:
   • Notice related terms: "Einheit" (unity), "Einigung" (unification), "Vereinigung" (reunification)
   • Recognize prefixes like "Bundes-" (federal) in Bundesrepublik, Bundesflagge, etc.
4. Mnemonic Devices:
   • BRD (West) = "Better Rich Democracy" (capitalist system)
   • DDR (East) = "Definitely Different Regime" (communist system)
   • For the national colors: "Schwarz-Rot-Gold" follows alphabetical order in German (G, R, S)

Practice Exercise

Test your knowledge by matching the German terms with their English meanings:

1. Wiedervereinigung
2. Berliner Mauer
3. Nationalhymne
4. Bundesadler
5. Tag der Deutschen Einheit

A. German Unity Day
B. Federal eagle
C. Berlin Wall
D. Reunification
E. National anthem

Answers: 1-D, 2-C, 3-E, 4-B, 5-A

Common Test Questions About German History

These terms frequently appear in Einbürgerungstest questions. Here are sample questions to practice with:

1. Wann fiel die Berliner Mauer? (When did the Berlin Wall fall?)
2. Welche Farben hat die deutsche Flagge? (What colors does the German flag have?)
3. Was wird am 3. Oktober gefeiert? (What is celebrated on October 3?)
4. Wann wurde das Grundgesetz verabschiedet? (When was the Basic Law adopted?)
5. Wann endete der Zweite Weltkrieg in Europa? (When did World War II end in Europe?)