ALBA Sprachinstitut

Since the reunification in 1989 Germany is once more one of the biggest countries in Europe with its capital Berlin. Obviously, it contains many geographical features as varied as the shore of the Baltic and North sea and the ecosystem of the Alps.

357,000 sq km are home to 82 million people with almost 80% living in urban areas. Germany shares borders with Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Switzerland.

Population

Germany's population is predominantly Caucasian, with a significant Turkish minority. Germany has absorbed a significant number of refugees from the former Yugoslavia. German is the main language although local dialects can be strong.

Germany is a rather secular country. Even though the vast majority is Christian with 38% of the population being protestant and almost 34% being catholic. There are a certain number of Muslims and Jews forming religious minorities.

Weather and Climate in Germany

Germany's climate is almost as varied as its country but mostly temperate or marine. Extreme temperature lows and hights are rare. Winter temperatures vary from west to east, with about freezing temperatures in the west and well below freezing in eastern Germany. Summer temperatures are typically between 20 and 30°C, with more rainfall during the summer.

Top

Life

Exciting Cities Berlin the capital, traditional Munich close to the Alps, Cologne only five and a half hours from London by rail.

Attractive Landscapes

Romantic Black Forest, scenic river cruises on the Rhine, Moselle, Danube etc, Lake Constance in the south bordering Austria and Switzerland – a popular holiday destination, Garmisch Partenkirchen in the Bavarian Alps – host to international ski competitions.

Vibrant customs & traditions

Charming Christmas markets with romantic atmosphere, well established music and theatre festivals, carnival in the Cologne area, the fairytale road dedicated to the Grimm Brothers, the Passion Play in Oberammergau.

Rich in history & architecture

Neuschwanstein fairytale castle in Bavaria, royal palaces and gardens, Colditz Castle near Leipzig, Brandenburg Gate in the capital Berlin, enchanting, medieval towns ie. Bamberg, Trier, Hamelin, over 25 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Events

Range of music festivals, Love Parade in Berlin, Rhine in Flames, Oktoberfest in Munich, international sport events – host to the football World Cup in 2006.

Good Value for Money

Shopping, accommodation, eating and drinking - generally less expensive than in the UK or USA.

Top Destination for business

International trade fairs i.e. CEBIT, ITB, Book Fair, IAA, state of the art conference venues ranging from hotels to unusual locations.

Excellent Transport Infrastructure

Reliable public transport, ICE trains travelling at speeds of up to 198mph, comprehensive network of motorways, 30 international and regional airports.

Central Location

Easily accessible by all means of transport, borders nine countries, EURO as currency enables smooth travel within Europe.

Food and Drink
Food for Studenta in German

Large variety of beer i.e smoky beer from Franconia and Wheat beer from Bavaria, Kölsch from Cologne, Black Forest gateaux, internationally renown red and white wines, famous German sausages, Christmas specialities ie. mulled wine, Lebkuchen biscuits and Stollen cake.