Fast cars, football, and fun festivals–this is likely what comes to the minds of many Americans regarding Germany and its culture. The automobile industry in Germany has always thrived, similar to their national soccer team, Die Mannschaft, which has won four world cups and is considered one of the greatest national soccer teams in the world. My interest in German culture was kindled when I began participating in local Oktoberfest festivities, and this may be the case for other Montgomery County residents as well.
German culture has a wide sphere of influence, as can be seen in many parts of Europe and even in the United States. The nation has the largest economy in Europe, and the fourth largest in the world, according to the Chicago Council on Global Affairs as of 2015. Furthermore, German carmakers control 90% of the US market on vehicles according to business news publication reuters.com. Everyone has heard of Bavarian Motor Works (BMW), Audi, Porsche, etc. The German soccer league, Bundesliga, is the most watched soccer team in the world.
Quince Orchard senior Ela Dhankhar noted the importance of the sport when she was there. “I went to Germany for about a month a few years ago. I stayed with a German friend and got to attend school there for a while,” Dhankhar said.
“Most people I met were very kind and easygoing. There was always an excuse for families to get together. People seemed to always have time put aside for their hobbies such as dance, soccer, art, [and] travel. I went on more field trips with their school than I have in all of high school here,” Dhankhar continued.
One thing Dhankhar noticed about German culture is that it is very accepting. “The Germans I met were very open to other cultures and happy to share theirs. They were especially happy to get me to try new foods and partake in soccer-related festivities. They were always open to learning and trying new things,” Dhankar said.
Quince Orchard Senior Brooke Buchner has lived in the states all of her life. Her family, however, has strong ties to Germany. On her father’s side, Buchner has a grandmother from Salzburg, Austria and a grandfather from Berlin, Germany. Her grandfather on her mother’s side is also from Germany, although he immigrated to the US at a young age. Buchner’s family works hard to keep the German tradition alive. “
My mom makes German food such as bratwurst, cucumber salad, veiner schnitzel, and spaetzle,” Buchner said. “I have never been to Germany but I would love to visit someday! My dad always talks about his amazing memories there.” Like me, Buchner enjoys celebrating her heritage at Oktoberfest. “I love how in German culture, everyone is very close and connected. I am not very involved in the German culture, but I love going to the October festival,” Buchner said.
Sophie Weinruh has had a bit of a different experience. Weinruh is completing her junior year at Quince Orchard as a part of a foreign exchange program. “My family is originally from Ukraine,” Weinruh said. “I was born in Germany and lived my whole life in Germany.” During the holidays, the streets of Germany are lit up and lively. “I personally love the winter time in Germany because everything is so decorated and we have a winter market. It’s basically a place with a lot of little houses and in these houses you can buy some sugar cookies, waffles, crepes, hot chocolate, hot dogs, [or] self made products like soap, clothes, [and] puppets,” Weinruh said. “My favorite holiday is New Year. The sky is [filled] with fireworks at midnight.”
Germans will likely continue to pave the way for motor vehicles, soccer, and more. The influence of the nation’s ability is palpable. However, the culture is richer and the tradition runs deeper than many might think.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Ayesha Shahzad of Quince Orchard High School