Germany - Innovation, Culture, Heritage – [Hindi] – Infinity Stream

Germany, a country that is one of the world's largest financial institutions. It is also the birthplace of a great scientist like Albert Einstein. World famous cars like BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen are built in this country. Napoleon Bonaparte and Hitler have a deep influence on the politics and history of this country. There are also the famous Bavarian Alps for natural beauty and the historical wall of Berlin. That country is Germany. This country, which is advancing rapidly, has no shortage of natural views, rich historical heritage and modern techniques. And there is a lot to know about this country of Europe. So come with us on a journey to Germany, on the Infinity Stream. Germany, whose full name is Federal Republic of Germany, is a state-of-the-art country in Central Europe. To its north is the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, and to its south is the Alps mountain range. Its borders start from Denmark in the north, Austria and Switzerland in the south, Poland and the Czech Republic in the east and France, Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands in the west. Its total area is 3,57,596 square kilometers and the capital of this country is Berlin. There are 16 constituent states in Germany, which together make it a union state. Its largest state is Bavaria and the smallest is Bremen. The total population of this country is about 84 million and Berlin is the most populous city of Hamburg, Munich, Köln and Frankfurt am Main, Germany. The currency of Germany is Euro and the current price of 1 Euro is equivalent to about 97 Indian Rupees. When daylight saving time is applied in Germany during the summer, the time of this country is 3 hours and 30 minutes behind the time of India. And when the daylight saving time ends in the winter, the time of Germany is 4 hours and 30 minutes behind India. In this country, most people believe in Christianity and some percent believe in Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist and Hinduism. By the way, about 30% of the people in Germany do not believe in any religion. About 95% of the people here speak German and some percent speak Sorbian, North Frisian, Danish, Turkish and Kurdish. The literacy rate shows how strong the education system of Germany is, which is about 99%. Here, special attention is given to education through compulsory and free schooling. The education system here is flexible and focuses on practical learning along with academic excellence. The dual education system here is also special, which includes both formal study and vocational training. Similarly, the health care system of Germany is also considered to be very effective and high quality, which uses advanced medical technology. People of this country with high literacy rate and good health care system prefer to keep their personal and professional life separate. Family is very important for them. Enjoying coffee and cake with your loved ones on weekends is a beautiful part of the culture here. This occasion, which is celebrated as a way to welcome guests and show friendship, helps to strengthen relationships. In addition to spending time with the family during their free time, the Germans also like to exercise and play games. Football or soccer is the most famous game here. In addition to this, handball, ice hockey, basketball and winter sports are also very popular here. The people of Germany give importance to rules, organization and time restriction. And to save the environment, they also understand the importance of recycling, which the people of the whole world need to understand. And now let's understand Germany's environment. From an environmental point of view, Germany can be divided into four areas. North German Plain Central Uplands South German Scaplands Or Southern German Scaplands and Alpine Areas Out of these, the North German Plain is a vast plain spanning from the North Sea to the Baltic Sea. Sandy soil, barren banks, barren areas and sandy banks are its specialty. The Rhine, Weser and Elbe rivers flow from this area, which makes the land of agriculture here very fertile. If we talk about the Central Uplands, it is located in the south of the North German Plain. In this area, there are mountain ranges with low altitudes and mountains covered with forests. Eifel, Palatine Forest, Taunus, Vogelsberg, Rhone and Thuringian Forest are examples of the high mountains of this area. The Danube Main and Rhine rivers also flow from here, which forms the valleys of the river. The Southern German Scaplands area is known for its vast valleys, scarps and black forests. And the Alpine area, which is spread from Switzerland and Austria to Germany, is the highest part of this country. This area is known for its mountainous landscape, Himalayan valleys and high peaks. The highest point in Germany is the Zugspitz mountain of the Bavarian Alps, which is 2962 meters above sea level. And the lowest point of this country is in Neuendorf Sachsenbande, which is 3.54 meters below sea level. It is also important to know about the rivers and lakes of Germany after the Bavarian Alps. Because it plays an important role in Germany's agriculture and economic system. It provides necessary waterways for transportation, supplies water for industries, helps in the cultivation of agricultural land and supports the economy by promoting tourism. If we look at the length of the rivers flowing in Germany, the Rhine is the longest river, which flows for about 865 kilometers in Germany. This river, which flows in six countries, starts from Switzerland, passes through Germany and meets in the North Sea. It is also an important waterway for trade, which connects cities such as Cologne and Dusseldorf. And Elbe is the second longest river in Germany. This river, which covers a distance of about 727 kilometers in Germany, originates in the Czech Republic, enters Germany and flows through important cities such as Hamburg and falls into the North Sea. Like the Rhine, this river is also an important transportation route for Germany. Similarly, Danube is also a special river of Germany. After the Volga, it is the second longest river in Europe. Its total length is 2850 kilometers, out of which it covers a distance of about 635 kilometers in Germany. It starts from the Black Forest of Germany and passes through a total of 10 countries, including Danube Germany, and flows from the west to the east and meets in the Black Sea. Its flow is opposite to the flow of most rivers in Europe, which makes it even more special. This river is not just a waterway, but a lifeline for the entire European continent. Its historical and cultural importance is very high, because it has been connecting many civilizations, cities and countries for centuries. In addition, the Oder River is also of special importance. This river, which makes the border between Poland and Germany, acts as an important link in the Eastern European trade network. If we look at the lakes after the rivers, the number of lakes in Germany is less than expected. Among them, Constance Lake is the largest, and shares it with Germany, Switzerland and Austria. This lake is also quite famous as a major tourist destination, which attracts tourists in large numbers every year. On the other hand, the largest natural lake in Germany is the Muritz Lake, In addition to this, the Dumer, Steinhuter, Chiemsee, Starnberger and Amersie lakes are also very special due to their specialties and natural beauty. And the climate here is also, The climate of Germany is temperate, which means that it is neither too hot nor too cold, but the weather can change very quickly here. There is a lot of difference in temperature and rain in different parts of the country. In the north-west, there is more moisture and less rain in the eastern part. There is more rain in the mountains, while some valleys remain dry. In the upper Bavaria, there is a hot wind called Fohen, and the winters in the northern region are colder. So, after knowing the nature of this climate, now it's time to name Germany and know its history. Germany got its name from the Latin word Germania. It is believed that this name must have come from the name of the Germanic people, to whom the Roman people came in contact. And then Roman writers like Julius Caesar used this name for the people living in the east of the Rhine River. And since then, this name has come into circulation. Its German name is Deutschland, which means German land or our land. Because the German people have given this name to their land. The roots of this country's history are found in the Frankish Empire, which was a powerful empire of Western Europe. In the year 820, the chief ruler of this empire, Charles Lehmann, was crowned the emperor of the Roman Empire. After his death, the Frankish Empire was divided in 843, which became the former Francia, and it is considered to be the initial state of Germany. After this, in 962 AD, Otto I founded the Holy Roman Empire, whose main center was the German area. However, this gradually became weak. In 1517 AD, Martin Luther's Reformation Movement completely changed the religious and political environment. As a result, there was a 30-year war between 1618 and 1648 AD. This war gave the regional states more freedom. After this period, in the 18th century, powers such as Prussia rose rapidly, which gave a new shape to the political environment of the German areas, and later played an important role in the direction of unification. Then came the beginning of the 19th century, in which Napoleon Bonaparte's military and political power increased. He won over the German states and ended the Holy Roman Empire in 1806. Napoleon formed the Rhine-Paris Alliance and reformed the administration in Germany, which strengthened the German nationalist sentiment and indirectly laid the foundation for the unification of the country. After this, in 1871, Otto von Bismarck unified Germany under the leadership of Prussia and the new German Empire was established. This empire had to face defeat in the First World War, after which the Versailles Treaty was signed and the Weimar Republic was established. In 1933, Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany and established Nazi rule. Due to his genocidal and expansionist policies, the Second World War and the Holocaust, against the Jews, were massacred, killing millions of people. In 1945, after the defeat of Germany in the Second World War, this country was divided into East and West Germany. West Germany made rapid economic progress While East Germany remained under communist rule, the Berlin Wall became a symbol of this division in 1961. This wall completely separated West Berlin from East Berlin and the rest of East Germany. As time progressed, the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, which marked the end of the Cold War and a historic and revolutionary moment After this, the process of unification between East and West Germany became rapid. In 1990, this country was reunited and today, after such a long and difficult journey, Germany has made its mark as a strong country. The national flag of this country is made of black, red, and golden stripes. These colors are often associated with the German nationalist movement, which began during the Napoleonic Wars. These three colors represent a free and united German nation and the freedom of the people. A black eagle on a golden shield is enshrined on its coat of arms. This eagle is a symbol of strength, capability, and independence. The use of this coat of arms is often seen on amulets and government buildings which show the strong identity of this country. Similarly, the economy of Germany is also very strong and the main reason for this is the industries here which play a major role in the total production of the country. Germany is one of the largest traveling countries in the world which reflects the heavy demand for its production internationally and the open economy of this country makes foreign trade easy. Its high-performing small and medium-sized enterprises i.e. SMES are considered to be the backbone of the German economy. There are also some special cities in Germany which promote its economy. For example, Munich, which is ahead in the high-tech industry, Stuttgart, which is a major automotive hub, and Frankfurt, which is a finance hub. All these cities together continuously promote innovation and growth in the country. They also promote economic development. Like the economy, the infrastructure of Germany is also very good especially in terms of transportation. There is a big network of roads here which includes the famous Autobahn. Autobahn is the famous highway system of Germany. These are high-speed roads which are not only known for their high speed but also for their efficiency and safety standards. This country also has a network of large airports and waterways as well as a strong rail network. However, Germany is facing challenges related to improving its old infrastructure. Nevertheless, its overall infrastructure is considered to be efficient and reliable. This is what supports its economic strength. And now let's talk about the political structure. Germany is a federal republic and a parliamentary democracy i.e. a union state and a parliamentary democracy. This means that the power of the state is divided between the central government and various states. And the government runs through the representatives elected by the people. The federal chancellor is the head of the government in Germany and he has the power to make the most political decisions. At the same time, the federal president is the head of the German state and according to the protocol, he is the highest official of the country. However, his role is only as an advisor. Out of the 16 states of this country, 11 are western states and 5 are eastern states. Each state has its own state government and its own parliamentary assembly. These states can take their own decisions on issues such as education and culture. Whereas, issues such as protection, foreign policy and national law are with the central government. This country, which manages its economy and politics in a better way, also gives a lot of importance to its democracy. That is why this country is also prosperous in democracy and to keep it safe, there is a large network of parks and reserves. There are 16 national parks here, including Bavarian Forest National Park, Bacchartis Garden National Park and Black Forest National Park. In addition to this, there are 14 biosphere reserves and 98 nature parks in Germany which make the conservation efforts of biodiversity even stronger. There are many types of trees and plants here including spruce, hornbeam, birch and pine. Birch is the national tree of Germany and cornflower is the national flower of Germany. And now if we talk about wildlife, there are many types of mammals such as deer, wild boar, badger, European rabbit and fox. Germany's national symbol is the black eagle which is also known as Bundesadler. In addition to this, there are also white-tailed eagles and golden eagles. Reptiles include grass snakes, slow worms and European green lizards. Germany is actively working to protect its unique ecosystem and local populations which is really commendable. In addition, the natural scenery of this country and historical sites are also highly praised. From vibrant cities like Berlin and Munich to beautiful university towns like Heidelberg, there is something or the other for every type of tourist. Whether you want to see the magnificent architecture or enjoy the delicious taste or immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of this country, Germany can give you all these experiences. So let's show the hidden tourist inside you Germany's very beautiful tourist spots which start from the capital of Germany, Berlin which is not just a city but a walking history book. The Bredenburg Gate here, which used to divide the city has become a symbol of Germany's uniqueness. You will also find the remaining parts of the Berlin Wall which remind you of a painful but important chapter of history. If you want to see the treasures of art and culture then you will find five world-class museums on Museum Island. In addition, areas like Kreuzberg and Prenzlautberg are known for their alternative culture and street art and the nightlife of Berlin is also quite famous. After Berlin, we will go to the city of Berlin which is the capital of Bavaria, Munich which is a magnificent mixture of tradition and modern vibe. Just a short distance away from here is the Neuschwanstein Castle which is very famous. It is also known as the Fairy Tale Castle and it was a source of inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. The Marion Plaths here with its glockenspiel clock tower is considered to be the heart of this city. You can also visit the Englischer Garten which is a huge green park in the middle of the city where you can see people surfing. The beer culture of Munich is world-famous and sitting in the beer garden here and tasting the local dishes is a different experience. And now let's talk about the largest port city of Germany, Hamburg which has a different sea attraction. Here, Elbphilharmonie or Elphi is located which is a world-famous concert hall built on the Elbe River and is also known as the Elbphilharmonie. It is also known for its unique architecture and high-quality sound. Similarly, the historic Speicherdest is a major attraction. It is the world's largest warehouse district built on wooden pillars and is also included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites because of its beauty. In addition to this, there is also a mini tour wonderland which is considered to be the world's largest model railway system by Guinness World Records. It has also been voted as the most famous tourist destination in Germany. So you should definitely see it. And now let's talk about the western German city of Cologne whose identity is its magnificent Cologne Cathedral. The tall minarets of this cathedral, which is included in the highest churches in Europe, can be seen from a distance. This city, located on the banks of the Rhine River, is also famous for its Roman monuments and walking on the banks of this river is also an interesting experience. Here, the Museum Ludwig, as well as many other excellent museums and art galleries are also there, which you should definitely see. And now let's move on to Dusseldorf. Dusseldorf, located on the banks of the Rhine River, is a stylish and culturally prosperous city. It is known for its luxury shopping street, connoisseur modern art museum, Kunst-Im-Tunnel and the magnificent scenery from the tall Rhine Tower. Due to more than 260 pubs in the city, it is known as the world's longest bar. And if you want to see the cultural center of Germany and the Wittia capital together, then the tour of Frankfurt will be excellent for you. This city is famous for its modern skyscrapers and historical sites. The heart of the city, Romerberg Square, is famous for its colourful half-timbered house. And next to it is Goethe House. This is where the great German writer Johann Wolfgang von Goethe was born. For literary lovers, this place is a great opportunity to understand their life and writing. To see the beautiful skyline of Frankfurt and the ancient architecture together, you should definitely go to the top of the main tower, from where the panoramic view of the city really makes the heart happy. Heidelberg, where we are staying, is known for its beauty as a university town. To see the Heidelberg Castle, to roam the narrow streets of the old town, to see the Baroque architecture, and to sit in a cafe and have coffee can be a memorable experience for you. If you want to see the world of cars closely, then go to Stuttgart, which is located in south-west Germany where the Mercedes-Benz Museum will take you on an interesting journey from the history of cars to modern engineering. But Stuttgart is not limited to cars. The magnificent Opera House, the green Rosenstein Park and the wineyards around it give this city a different color. In these colorful and beautiful cities, Stuttgart is known for its historical old town. The impressive Kaiserberg Castle tells the beauty and history of the city. In addition, the Christmas market of Nuremberg, also known as Christ Kindlesmarkt, is one of the largest and most traditional Christmas markets in Germany. This is a major attraction of the Christmas season, which attracts hundreds of tourists every year. Similarly, the city of Leipzig, is famous for its rich cultural heritage. Here, the St. Thomas Church, one of the oldest birdhouses in the world, and the famous book fair at the international level make it an attractive tourist destination. In this way, this beautiful city of Germany is not only known for its historical and cultural heritage, but also gives you a chance to get to know the diversity and lifestyle of the country. And then here, there are more than 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the magnificent church and mosque of Germany, such as the Aachen Cathedral, where the state anointment of the German emperors took place for centuries. In addition, the Cologne Cathedral and the Speyer Cathedral are also known for their magnificent architecture. Here, the monuments connected to Martin Luther, Eisleben, Wittenberg and Wurttberg Castle are also important, which tells the story of the religious reform movement. In addition, there are many historical cities whose entire center has been protected by UNESCO, such as the Hanseatic city of Lübeck, the Greek-Gothic architecture of Wismar and Stualzend, which will take you to medieval Europe. In addition, the historic Spikerstadt of Hamburg is also an important site. In addition to ancient history, modern architecture examples are also included in these World Heritage Sites, such as the Bauhaus site of Weimar and Dessau, which is a symbol of design and innovation. Germany is also famous for its magnificent palaces, such as the Sensoki Palace of Potsdam, whose magnificent and beautiful gardens will give you a glimpse of royal life. In addition to Germany's industrial heritage, the Zollverein coal mine of Essen and the Klangen Iron Works of Wolke are also important World Heritage Sites. The Wadden Sea located on the northern coast and the ancient beech forest regions of Germany are also included in the World Heritage Sites. And yes, the Mid Rhine Valley, which is also known for its beautiful views, grape gardens and medieval palaces. Now, if you think that these tourist spots and World Heritage Sites make Germany special, then you should also know about the festivals here, which have their own unique style and identity. For example, the carnival in Cologne and Mainz, which is a part of Germany's ancient history, shows the life and culture of Germany. There is a festive atmosphere here, filled with parades, colorful costumes and parties on the streets. The annual carnival in Dusseldorf is also very special, where you can also see a glimpse of Japanese culture. The world's largest beer festival is held in Oktoberfest Munich. This is not just a beer festival, it is a huge event. Here, you can enjoy the sound of Bavarian music and delicious food in these huge beer tents and see millions of people wearing traditional dresses celebrating together. Similarly, there is a grand display of German wine culture Bad Dürkheim city's Worst Market Festival, which is considered the world's largest wine festival. Here, you can enjoy the best wine, live music and fireworks. It would be better to know that wine is a deep part of Germany's social and cultural life, which began about 2000 years ago, during the Roman Empire. UNESCO has also recognized this wine culture as an intangible cultural heritage. Similarly, beer also has a deep cultural significance in Germany. Beer has not only been a famous drink for centuries, but also a way to connect communities, maintain traditions and promote peace and harmony. In addition to these festivals, the famous Rhein in Flames event on the banks of the Rhine River in Germany is known for its magnificent fireworks. It takes place in many different cities where palaces and forts on the banks of the river glow in the light of fireworks. Similarly, the Reeperbahn Festival in Hamburg is a unique music festival. It is also a place of nightlife and cultural diversity. Like these magnificent festivals and events, the food culture of Germany is also very special. There are famous dishes such as bratwurst, currywurst and Rindrollade. Bratwurst is a traditional German sauce. These sauces made from wheat or pork are often fried or grilled in a pan. Then it is served with bread and spicy mustard. This is called Bratwurst, which has its own unique taste. Similarly, Berlin's famous street food is Currywurst, which is a cut bratwurst. Curry powder and a special spicy sauce are added to it. Rindrollade is also a very popular traditional food, in which a thin slice of meat is rolled with pickle, onion and bacon stuffing. Black Forest cake is very famous here and beer and wine are the first to be served as a drink. There are many varieties of beer and wine in this country and each region has its own special beer and wine. By the way, Eiffel Chorley is also a favorite drink which is a fresh mixture of apple juice and carbonated water. In this way, the food culture of Germany is also well represented. After traditional and popular food items, we now know the traditional clothing of Germany, which is called Trakt. In this, the traditional leather pants of men, are often worn on festivals and special occasions. Similarly, the traditional dress of women is called Dirndl, which has a fitted upper part, blouse, flared skirt and an apron. It is an important part of the German culture and is still worn in many festivals, especially beer festivals and folk festivals. These traditional dresses are associated with the traditions of Germany, just like the habits and nature of the people of Germany. The people of Germany are bound by time and also know how to protect and support the environment through recycling. They also have a straightforward approach, and like to speak clearly and give a lot of importance to their personal space. There are some rules of Germany's roads in which it is forbidden to walk on the cycle lane or cross the road from the wrong place and it can also be dangerous. Understanding these basic things about Germany will make your experience of this country's journey even better, so take special care of these things and then make a plan to visit Germany because the weather is often good. To go from India to Germany, you should have a passport and a Schengen visa. The good thing is that with this visa you can travel to 29 countries in Europe. The straight distance between India and Germany is approximately 5769 km and direct flights from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata to Frankfurt, Munich and Berlin cities in Germany are also available. And while coming from there, take some of the German chocolates, cuckoo clocks, beer steam mugs, German Christmas ornaments and handmade wooden toys as souvenirs and gifts. And for now, we are leaving you with beautiful memories of Germany's journey. We will meet again soon with another new documentary. Until then, keep sharing your love and support to become a part of our Infinity Stream family. Subscribe to this channel and press the bell icon so that you never miss any notification. Until then, I, Ruby Parikh, will say keep diving into the ocean of knowledge with Infinity Stream. Thank you.