A Culture Trip in Europe--German Speaking Countries

Hank Schrader, USMA '71, Europe Destination & Europe River Cruise Expert

Anne Schrader, Certified Travel Counselor & Certified Luxury Cruise Specialist

www.dreamdestinations.com

German is the official language in Germany, Austria and Liechtenstein. It is the co—official language in Switzerland, Belgium and Luxembourg.

According to the website Lingoda, it is estimated that about 92.6 million people speak German in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. The site estimates that about 16% of the European Union’s population speak German as their primary language.

So, I thought I’d write about the 4 main countries that speak German in this blog—Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

So, let’s explore together and learn about German Speaking Europe. I will start with a brief overview of culture, and then tell you about the 4 main German Speaking Countries and German culture in these countries.

German Cultural Influences on Europe

When I was teaching AP Human Geography, I used to identify 8 elements of culture for my students. They are 1) religion, 2) language, 3) art, 4) politics, 5) economy, 6) customs, 7) society and 8) geography.

It is clear that two elements influenced the other elements and are often considered the most important elements of a country’s culture. The two most significant elements are religion (the beliefs of a society, and some of their traditions) and language (the communication system of a culture—the way it expresses itself in speech, writing and symbols).

Even though in the academic world culture is expressed by these 8 factors, for many, culture and food are so closely intertwined, they are one of the most visible factors and symbols of the German speaking countries, and I am glad to share some of the great food we have tried and love in these countries

So, let’s see how the German language and culture has impacted on the 4 countries of Liechtenstein, Switzerland, Austria and Germany

Liechtenstein

In Liechtenstein, it is estimated that about 35,000 speak German—basically, that is the entire population of this tiny country. This micro state is the 6th smallest country in the world.

It does not even have an army and in 2007 was inadvertently invaded by the Swiss when about 100 Swiss Army soldiers wandered into Liechtenstein by accident. When the Swiss government informed the government of Liechtenstein of the incident, no one in the country even knew it had happened, since the borders are not guarded or well-marked—I guess it was the invasion that never really happened!

Liechtenstein is one of the two world countries that is double land locked (Uzbekistan is the other). What that means is all the country’s borders are with Switzerland and Austria, who are land locked with no access to the sea.

The residents speak a dialect that is closer to Swiss Standard German. It is so small, that once a year, the prince ruler invites all (yes all!) of its residents to Vaduz Castle for a beer.

Hard to get more German than drinking a beer—it certainly is one of my favorite pastimes!

I visited Liechtenstein in 1989 and this small country was so peaceful and fun—I want to go back again!

Switzerland

In Switzerland, it is estimated that 4.6 million speak German. Switzerland is a melting pot for different cultures. About 64% of the population speak Swiss German. French is spoken in western Switzerland by about 20% of the population, and about 8% Italian and a small number speak Romansh, a Romance language.

One of the unique items in Switzerland is how well languages are used as a binding force, not a force of division, as most Swiss people often speak at least two languages and often more. However, language does have a strong cultural influence—German areas features an Alpine culture of brats and timbered buildings; French areas have cafes like France: and Italian areas feature pizzas and villas.

Only in a country like Switzerland, could the unofficial internal border between German and French speakers, called Rostigraben, be named after a Swiss-German potato dish. No wonder I like this place!

One of the key influences of Germany culture in Switzerland has been in the food and drink world. The meat heavy dishes of Germany are abundant throughout Switzerland. Potatoes and cheese, and one of my favorites, cheese fondues, and raclette (melted cheese scraped on to bread or potatoes) are staples in restaurants.

Another key influence has been the Christmas markets. We have been in Christmas markets in Basel, Zurich and Lucerne (these 3 cities speak German as their primary language). All have been special—you should go if you get the chance.

Swarovsko crystal tree in the covered Christmas Markets Zurich

Austria

In Austria, it is estimated that 8 million speak German, virtually the entire population of Austria. German influences are also important to Austria. The meat heavy dishes such as Wiener schnitzel and other pork dishes are on most menus in the country.
Austria does have some distinctive cultural features. A great coffee house culture and tempting dessert treats are very important in the capital city of Vienna—the vibe of artists, intellectuals, and writers meeting to exchange ideas and socialize that was important to the city’s lifestyle over 100 years ago still exists today. Austria has a strong culture of classical music, with famous composers and the elegant waltz dance was created here and often delight tourists with dazzling performances.

Kata (cruise manager for AmaWaterways), Anne in her drindel purchased in Vienna and our bar server friend

It is an alpine country—62% of Austria’s land is in the Alps Mountains. As stated earlier, it is a landlocked country, with no access to the sea. However, even without a coast, about half of Austria’s electricity comes from Hydro-power from dams and rivers in the Alpine regions.

One of the more interesting Austrian traditions, is called the first day of school cone. It roots come from Germany. When 6 year olds start school, they receive a cone full of candy, school supplies and toys. The idea is to make the stressful first day of school a little more fun.

Again, the Christmas markets are really cool in Austria. Vienna has several and the little town of Melk also has a small gem, with craftsmen working right in front of you. Here are some photos you might enjoy;

Christmas Markets at Schonbrunn Palace grounds in Vienna

Booth at Schonbrunn Palace Christmas Markets

Christmas Markets in Vienna at the town hall

Blacksmiths at work in the small Christmas Market in Melk, Austria

Germany

Germany has over 80 million who speak German. It is the second most populous country in Europe, after Russia (according to the World Fact Book). Its’ economy is the 5th largest in the world.

Anne and I love German food. Here are a few of our favorites:

Hank with a beer and a brat in Nuremberg

Perhaps one of the most important German traditions that has been exported to the world are their Christmas traditions and celebrations .Decorating Christmas trees and the world famous Christmas markets are traditions that have spread throughout Europe, but especially to German language areas off Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Having visited the Christmas Markets in all these countries except Liechtenstein, I can promise you it is a magical experience.

Cologne, Nuremberg and Regensburg stand out as our favorites during the Christmas Markets season. I have also talked a lot about their food culture in this blog and how German cuisine has been a big influence on its German speaking neighbors.

It is clear to me German culture has spread in these Alpine countries from their daily use of the German language.

Regensburg Christmas Market near the Dom

Thurn and Taxis Christmas Market—our favorite in all Germany, Regensburg, Germany

Anne and Hank with their German Hats at the Thurn and Taxis Christmas Market

Our Final Thoughts

I hope you have learned a little more about the influences the German speaking countries have had on Europe. These are wonderful places to visit and we hope one day you will let us plan a trip to one or all of these great places.

We are travel experts, ocean and river cruise specialists, and Europe destination experts. We have first-hand knowledge of almost anywhere you want to visit in Europe. We know our products and the vendors who sell them to you. We have designed special tours for dozens of clients, led several and will continue to find just the right vacation that will exceed your expectations.

When you are spending your hard-earned money for a vacation, you want an advisor who can match you with the right trip. You want someone who will understand your expectations and fuel your anticipation (or excitement) to get you the best possible trip experience. And, you want someone who can help you with the decision making process. We think we have all these qualities.

Whatever your Dream Destinations are, we are here to help you get the best possible vacation based on what is important to you! We will provide you high quality, expertly planned travel. Please give me a call 713-397-0188 (Hank) or email me at hschrader@dreamdestinations.com. We want to help you: Savor life…make memories…Visit Dream Destinations! Your journey begins here!

ANNE has earned a degree from the University of Houston in Hotel and Restaurant Management. Serving as the President of Visit Dream Destinations, LLC, since 2016, she is uniquely experienced professional travel advisor with over 26 years’ experience in the travel industry. Among her numerous certifications, she is a Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) by the Travel Institute, considered the gold standard in travel agent certification and she is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), as well as a Luxury Cruise Specialist also from CLIA. Having traveled often to Europe since 1989, she has expanded on her certification as a Destination Specialist in Western Europe (DS) with extensive first-hand experience in luxury vacations. She holds numerous other specialty designations from individual vendors. An expert photographer, she delights in capturing the true essence of destinations to share with all.

HANK is a certified Western European Destination Specialist (DS) who has been traveling to Europe for 50+ years. He is also an Accredited Cruise Counselor (ACC), conferred by the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA). This recognized expert in cruise and leisure travel is a retired Army Officer, and taught World Geography for 8 years. He is a `71 graduate of West Point and has earned 2 master’s degrees. His other Certifications:

AmaWaterways River Cruise Specialist
Viking River Cruise Specialist
Scenic River Cruise Specialist
Emerald Waterways Specialist
Avalon Waterways Specialist
Brit Agent

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