German Geography and History PDF

# 3. Kapitel: Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland ## Das pulsierende Herz Europas ### Lage in Europa A map of Europe shows the location of Germany, bordered by nine countries: - Denmark - North - Switzerland and Austria - South - Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France - West - Czech Republic and...

# 3. Kapitel: Die Bundesrepublik Deutschland ## Das pulsierende Herz Europas ### Lage in Europa A map of Europe shows the location of Germany, bordered by nine countries: - Denmark - North - Switzerland and Austria - South - Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and France - West - Czech Republic and Poland - East ## Allgemeines Germany is located in the heart of Europe and is part of the German-speaking region. ## Geschichtlicher Hintergrund - After WWII, the Allies divided Germany into four occupied zones. - Soviet Union: East Germany, which later became known as the DDR - France, Great Britain and the USA: West Germany, later renamed the BRD - Berlin was also divided into four zones, mirroring the division of the country. - The Oder-Neiße border, which became the final border between Germany and Poland, was recognized by the BRD. - Elsass-Lothringen was returned to France. - In 1949, East Germany declared its independence and made East Berlin its capital. - In 1961, East Germany started building the Berlin Wall along the border between West and East Berlin, separating the two halves of the city. - The wall existed for over four decades until the peaceful revolution of 1989, when it was opened. - On October 3, 1990, Germany officially reunited after the signing of a reunification treaty. - This day, known as "Tag der deutschen Einheit", is now Germany's national holiday. ## Land und Leute - With a population of more than 80 million, Germany is the most populous country in Europe, excluding Russia. - Germany covers an area of 357,000 square kilometers. - It is smaller than both France (552,000 km2) and Spain (505,000 km2). ### **Geographic Regions** 1. **Norddeutsche Tiefebene (das Tiefland)**: This is the North German Plain, which includes the North Sea and Baltic Sea coast. 2. **Mittelgebirgsland:** This is the Central Highlands, which stretches from the North German Plain down to the Danube River. 3. **Alpenvorland:** This is the German Alpine Foothills, located between the Danube River and the Alps. 4. **Die Alpen:** These are the Alps, which are located at the extreme southeast corner of Germany. ### **Klima** - Germany has a moderate climate, with winters that are not too harsh and summers that are not too hot. - Precipitation occurs relatively uniformly throughout the year, there are no distinct wet or dry periods. - In the west, particularly the southwest, the temperate is slightly warmer. - The coastal regions of northern Germany benefit from the moderating influence of the sea during summer and winter. - Eastern Germany experiences warmer summers and cooler winters than the rest of the country, characterized by a more continental climate. - Germany's precipitation, which tends to be frequent, can mean overcast days that may not ideal for vacationers. The average temperature in Germany is 9°C, with summer highs surpassing 30°C and winter lows often dipping below -10°C. - Despite the overall wet and cold climate, the soil and weather conditions make Germany an excellent location for agriculture. This is largely due to the fact that most agricultural activities can be pursued without the need for artificial irrigation. ## Sprache - German is part of the Indo-European language family, which includes English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, Icelandic, Dutch and Flemish. - German is an official language for: - Austria - Liechtenstein - Northern Switzerland - South Tyrol, Italy - Smaller regions of Belgium - Elsass and Lothringen, France - Luxembourg - German is also spoken by minority groups in Poland, Romania, the Czech Republic, and the GUS (Commonwealth of Independent States). - Overall, German is the mother tongue of more than 110 million people. - It is the tenth most widely translated language in the world. - Deutsch is the third most widely translated language from, following only English and French. - Deutsch is, however, the most translated language into, particularly within the fields of Arabic studies and Islamic studies. - 15 Million people learn German as a foreign language, with the highest rates in: - Former Soviet Union - France - South Korea - Netherlands - Former Yugoslavia - USA - Poland - Turkey - Italy - Indonesia - Other countries ## Die BRD - ein Einwanderungsland - After World War II, West Germany's economy grew rapidly thanks to American aid. This led to a strong demand for workers, which was met through recruitment programs. - The main countries that supplied these workers included: - Italy - Spain - Yugoslavia - Greece - Turkey - These migration patterns established a second and third generation of immigrants in Germany, who often grew up with bilingualism. - The German government has attempted to address the "Ausländer-problematic," which encompasses issues of assimilation and cultural integration. - Despite the efforts, many immigrants retained their original cultures. - This led to feelings of alienation and suspicion amongst those who felt culturally German. # 6. Kapitel: Das Großherzogtum Luxemburg - Luxembourg recognizes both the Luxembourg franc and the Belgian franc as legal tender. - Luxembourg is a major financial center and has one of the highest per-capita incomes in Europe. - Luxembourg is also home to a number of European Union institutions. - This makes it an important hub for international administration. ## Verwaltung und Politik - Luxembourg is a constitutional hereditary monarchy. - The constitution, first adopted in 1868, has been amended multiple times and establishes a democratic framework. - The Grand Duke or Grand Duchess holds the position of head of state. - As Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Grand Duke or Grand Duchess has both executive and legislative powers under the constitution, including the ability to dissolve Parliament. - The government is led by a Prime Minister and at least three other ministers. - The council of state is an advisory body comprised of 21 members appointed by the Grand Duke for life. - Luxembourg is divided into twelve cantons. - Each canton encompasses numerous communes, which are led by mayors.