Day of German Unity
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- 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
Why Germany celebrates 3 October
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.
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The German flag has three equal horizontal bands of black, red and gold. The colours trace back to the uniforms of the Lützow Free Corps during the Napoleonic Wars — black jackets with red trim and gold buttons. They became the colours of the liberal German nationalist movement and were adopted by the Weimar Republic in 1919. The Federal Republic re-adopted them in 1949.
German cuisine varies enormously by region — from the hearty pork and dumplings of Bavaria to the smoked fish traditions of the north coast and the wine-country cooking of the Rhineland. Beer culture is central to German national identity.
What to eat
BratwurstGrilled pork sausage in a bread roll with mustard — eaten at every outdoor event and Christmas market.
SauerbratenPot-roasted beef marinated for days in vinegar and spices — served with dumplings and red cabbage.
PretzelsThick baked dough knots with a shiny, salty crust — the quintessential German snack.
KartoffelsuppeHearty potato soup with smoked sausage — a satisfying autumn staple across Germany.
Schwarzwälder KirschtorteBlack Forest cake — chocolate sponge layered with cherries and whipped cream.
ApfelstrudelThin pastry filled with apple, cinnamon, raisins and breadcrumbs — shared with Austria as a beloved classic.What to drink
German beerFrom Bavarian lagers to Cologne Kölsch and Berlin Weisse — Germany has over 1300 breweries and 5000 beer varieties.
RieslingGermany's finest white wine — produced in the Rhine and Mosel valleys, ranging from bone dry to nobly sweet.
GlühweinMulled red wine with cinnamon, cloves and orange peel — the defining drink of German Christmas markets.Germany culture
Germany's cultural influence on the world through philosophy, music, engineering and design is immeasurable. Beethoven, Goethe, Bach, Kant, Einstein and Bauhaus are all German. The Day of German Unity celebrates a reunited nation's continued contribution.
Brandenburg GateThe symbol of German reunification — the gate in Berlin divided East and West and was at the centre of the Wall's fall.
OktoberfestMunich's annual beer festival — the world's largest folk festival, attracting 6 million visitors each year.
Christmas marketsWeihnachtsmärkte — Germany's Christmas markets are among Europe's most beloved winter traditions.
Berlin clubsBerlin's electronic music scene is one of the world's most influential — Berghain and Tresor are internationally famous.