Day of German Unity 2027

Reunification brought economic and social challenges that are still worked through today — the inner German border may be gone, but differences in income, infrastructure and cultural outlook between east and west persist.

The symbol of German reunification — the gate in Berlin divided East and West and was at the centre of the Wall's fall.

On 3 October 1990, East and West Germany were officially reunited into a single sovereign state for the first time since 1945. The date marks the accession of the five eastern German states to the Federal Republic of Germany — an event that followed the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 and the subsequent collapse of the East German state.

German reunification was one of the defining moments of 20th-century European history. After 45 years of division — reinforced by the Iron Curtain, the Berlin Wall and two sharply different political and economic systems — the two Germanys merged with remarkable speed. The Monetary, Economic and Social Union took effect on 1 July 1990; political reunification followed on 3 October.

The Day of German Unity is marked with official celebrations that rotate each year between the 16 German states. A central ceremony with the federal president, chancellor and leaders of all states is held in whichever city is presiding. The evening brings concerts, fireworks and public gatherings.

Germans mark the day with pride but also reflection. Reunification brought economic and social challenges that are still worked through today — the inner German border may be gone, but differences in income, infrastructure and cultural outlook between east and west persist.

• 1949Federal Republic of Germany established in the West
• 1989Fall of the Berlin Wall — German reunification begins
• 1990German reunification — East and West Germany become one state

• Currency: euro
• Language: German
• Driving: on the right
• Capital: Berlin
• Phone: +49
• Emergency: 112
• Electricity: 230 V, plugs C/F