History of Germany in Timeline
Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is a Central European country bordered by nine other nations. With over 82 million inhabitants, it's the most populous EU member state. Berlin serves as the capital and largest city, while Frankfurt is the main financial hub. The country is situated between the Baltic and North Seas in the north, and the Alps to the south. Its large population and central location make it a key player in European politics and economics.
1904: Annihilation of the Herero and Nama peoples
From 1904 to 1908, the colonial government in South West Africa (present-day Namibia) carried out the annihilation of the local Herero and Nama peoples as punishment for an uprising; this was the 20th century's first genocide.
1908: Annihilation of the Herero and Nama peoples
From 1904 to 1908, the colonial government in South West Africa (present-day Namibia) carried out the annihilation of the local Herero and Nama peoples as punishment for an uprising; this was the 20th century's first genocide.
1912: Babelsberg Studio Established
In 1912, the renowned Babelsberg Studio in Potsdam was established, being the first large-scale film studio in the world.
November 1918: German Revolution
In November 1918, during the German Revolution, Wilhelm II and the ruling princes abdicated their positions, and Germany was declared a federal republic.
August 1919: Weimar Constitution signed
On August 11, 1919, President Friedrich Ebert signed the democratic Weimar Constitution.
1919: Treaty of Versailles signed
In 1919, Germany's new leadership signed the Treaty of Versailles, accepting defeat by the Allies. Germans perceived the treaty as humiliating.
1920: Kapp Putsch
In 1920, conservative elements failed to overthrow the central government in the Kapp Putsch.
1924: Plan to restructure war reparations
In 1924, a plan to restructure Germany's war reparations and the creation of a new currency helped stabilise the government and ushered in the Golden Twenties.
1927: Release of Metropolis
Director Fritz Lang's "Metropolis" was released in 1927 and is referred to as the first major science-fiction film.
1929: Great Depression hits Germany
In 1929, the worldwide Great Depression hit Germany.
July 1932: Nazi Party becomes largest party in Reichstag
After the election of July 1932, the Nazi Party led by Adolf Hitler became the largest party in the Reichstag.
January 1933: Hitler appointed chancellor
On January 30, 1933, President Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler chancellor.
March 1933: Enabling Act gave Hitler unrestricted legislative power
On March 23, 1933, the Enabling Act gave Hitler unrestricted legislative power, overriding the constitution, and marked the beginning of Nazi Germany.
1933: Nazi rise to power
In 1933, the Nazi rise to power led to the establishment of a totalitarian dictatorship, World War II, and the Holocaust.
1935: Nuremberg Laws introduced
In 1935, the regime withdrew from the Treaty of Versailles and introduced the Nuremberg Laws which targeted Jews and other minorities. Germany also reacquired control of the Saarland in 1935.
1936: Olympic Games in Berlin and Garmisch-Partenkirchen
In 1936, Berlin hosted the Summer Olympic Games and Garmisch-Partenkirchen hosted the Winter Games.
1936: Remilitarization of the Rhineland
In 1936, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland.
March 1939: Occupation of Czechoslovakia
In March 1939, Germany occupied Czechoslovakia in violation of the Munich Agreement.
August 1939: Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact negotiated
In August 1939, Hitler's government negotiated the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that divided Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence.
1940: Germany conquered Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France
In the spring of 1940, Germany conquered Denmark and Norway, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and France, forcing the French government to sign an armistice.
1941: German troops invaded Yugoslavia, Greece and the Soviet Union
In 1941, German troops invaded Yugoslavia, Greece and the Soviet Union.
1942: Germany and its allies controlled most of continental Europe and North Africa
By 1942, Germany and its allies controlled most of continental Europe and North Africa
1944: Soviets pushed into Eastern Europe
In 1944, the Soviets pushed into Eastern Europe; the Western allies landed in France and entered Germany despite a final German counteroffensive.
May 1945: Germany surrenders, ending World War II in Europe
Following Hitler's suicide during the Battle of Berlin, Germany signed the surrender document on 8 May 1945, ending World War II in Europe and Nazi Germany.
1945: Trümmerfilm Genre
After 1945, many of the films of the immediate post-war period in Germany can be characterised as Trümmerfilm (rubble film).
1948: West Germany becomes major recipient of reconstruction aid under the American Marshall Plan
In 1948, West Germany became a major recipient of reconstruction aid under the American Marshall Plan.
May 1949: Formation of the Federal Republic of Germany
On 23 May 1949, the western sectors of Germany, controlled by France, the United Kingdom, and the United States, were merged to form the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).
October 1949: Formation of the German Democratic Republic
On 7 October 1949, the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
1949: Konrad Adenauer elected first federal chancellor of Germany
In 1949, Konrad Adenauer was elected the first federal chancellor of Germany.
1949: Post-war Germany organised into two separate polities
In 1949, after World War II and Allied occupation, Germany was organised into two separate polities with limited sovereignty: the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), or West Germany, and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), or East Germany.
1949: Domination of the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party begins
Since 1949, the Christian Democratic Union and the Social Democratic Party of Germany have dominated the party system.
1949: Grundgesetz (Basic Law)
The German political system operates under a framework laid out in the 1949 constitution known as the Grundgesetz (Basic Law).
1951: FRG founding member of European Economic Community
In 1951, The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) was a founding member of the European Economic Community.
1951: Berlin International Film Festival
The Berlin International Film Festival, known as "Berlinale", awarding the "Golden Bear" and held annually since 1951, is one of the world's leading film festivals.
1954: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1954.
January 1957: Saarland joined West Germany
On January 1, 1957, the Saarland joined West Germany.
1961: Construction of the Berlin Wall
In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built, preventing East German citizens from escaping to West Germany, becoming a symbol of the Cold War.
1972: Summer Games in Munich
Munich hosted the Summer Olympic Games of 1972.
1972: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1972.
1974: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1974.
1979: The Tin Drum Wins Oscar
The Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film ("Oscar") went to the German production The Tin Drum (Die Blechtrommel) in 1979.
1980: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1980.
1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall
In 1989, Hungary decided to dismantle the Iron Curtain and open its border with Austria, causing the emigration of thousands of East Germans to West Germany via Hungary and Austria. This had devastating effects on the GDR, where regular mass demonstrations received increasing support. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 became a symbol of the Fall of Communism, the dissolution of the Soviet Union, German reunification and Die Wende ("the turning point").
October 1990: German reunification
In October 1990, after the fall of the communist led-government in East Germany, German reunification saw the former East German states join the FRG on 3 October 1990.
1990: Germany and Russia establish a "strategic partnership"
After 1990, Germany and Russia worked together to establish a "strategic partnership" in which energy development became one of the most important factors, leading Germany to import most of its natural gas and crude oil from Russia.
1990: Reduction in primary energy consumption
Germany has reduced its primary energy consumption by 11% between 1990 and 2015.
1990: German Unity Day
Since 1990, 3 October has been a national day of Germany, celebrated as the Tag der Deutschen Einheit (German Unity Day).
1990: Germany maintains a strong alliance with France and all neighboring countries
Since 1990, Germany has maintained a strong alliance with France and all neighbouring countries.
1990: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 1990.
1992: Signing of the Maastricht Treaty
In 1992, since reunification, Germany has taken a more active role in the European Union, signing the Maastricht Treaty
1992: Crime rate at a level not seen since 2018
The crime rate in 1992 was at a level not seen again until 2018, when the rate fell to its lowest since 1992.
1994: Federal Constitutional Court ruling defines "defence"
After a ruling of the Federal Constitutional Court in 1994, the term "defence" has been defined not only to include protection of the borders of Germany, but also crisis reaction and conflict prevention, or more broadly as guarding the security of Germany anywhere in the world.
1994: Berlin/Bonn Act
Based on the Berlin/Bonn Act (1994), Berlin again became the capital of Germany, while Bonn obtained the unique status of a Bundesstadt (federal city), retaining some federal ministries.
1996: UEFA European Championship Victory
The German men's national football team won the UEFA European Championship in 1996.
1999: Relocation of the government completed
In 1999, the relocation of the government was completed.
2001: Women may serve in all functions of service without restriction
Since 2001 women may serve in all functions of service without restriction in the Bundeswehr.
2002: Germany introduces the euro
Germany introduced the common European currency, the euro, in 2002.
2002: Nowhere in Africa Wins Oscar
In 2002, the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film went to Nowhere in Africa (Nirgendwo in Afrika).
2005: Angela Merkel becomes first female chancellor
In 2005, Angela Merkel became the first female chancellor of Germany.
2005: Germany ranks fourth in research and development expenditure
Since 2005, Germany ranks fourth in research and development expenditure.
2007: The Lives of Others Wins Oscar
In 2007, The Lives of Others (Das Leben der Anderen) won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
2007: Signing of the Lisbon Treaty
In 2007, since reunification, Germany has taken a more active role in the European Union, signing the Lisbon Treaty.
2007: The Left becomes a staple in the German Bundestag
Since 2007, the democratic socialist party The Left has been a staple in the German Bundestag, though they have never been part of the federal government.
2009: German government approves stimulus plan
In 2009, the German government approved a €50 billion stimulus plan.
2011: Jewish Community Size
In 2011, formal members of the Jewish community represented no more than 0.2% of the total German population, with 60% residing in Berlin.
2011: Islam in Germany
In 2011, the census indicated that 1.9% of respondents in Germany (1.52 million people) identified as Muslim, but this figure is considered unreliable due to underreporting.
2011: Military service suspended
Until 2011, military service was compulsory for men at age 18, but this has been officially suspended and replaced with a voluntary service.
2012: Television Market Size
Germany's television market is the largest in Europe, with over 38 million TV households as of 2012.
2012: Meat Production Statistics
In 2012, over 99% of all meat produced in Germany was either pork, chicken, or beef.
2013: Healthcare Funding
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2013, Germany's health care system was 77% government-funded and 23% privately funded.
2013: Beer Consumption
German beer consumption per capita stood at 110 litres in 2013 and remains among the highest in the world.
2013: Germany's Positive Influence
Global opinion polls from the BBC revealed that Germany is recognised for having the most positive influence in the world in 2013.
2013: Germany's Music Market Size
In 2013, Germany was the second-largest music market in Europe, and fourth-largest in the world.
2014: Obesity Study
A 2014 study showed that 52 percent of the adult German population was overweight or obese.
2014: Germany as Study Destination
According to an OECD report in 2014, Germany is the world's third leading destination for international study.
2014: Germany's Positive Influence
Global opinion polls from the BBC revealed that Germany is recognised for having the most positive influence in the world in 2014.
2014: Healthcare Spending
In 2014, Germany spent 11.3% of its GDP on health care.
2014: FIFA World Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA World Cup in 2014.
2015: European migrant crisis
During the 2015 European migrant crisis, the country took in over a million refugees and migrants.
2015: Reduction in primary energy consumption
Germany has reduced its primary energy consumption by 11% between 1990 and 2015.
2015: Contribution of travel and tourism to German GDP
In 2015, domestic and international travel and tourism combined directly contributed over €105.3 billion to German GDP and supported nearly 4.2 million jobs.
2015: Germany hosted second-highest number of international migrants
In 2015, following the 2015 refugee crisis, Germany hosted the second-highest number of international migrants worldwide, about 5% or 12 million of all 244 million migrants.
2016: Land use in Germany
As of 2016, 51% of Germany's land area is devoted to agriculture, while 30% is forested and 14% is covered by settlements or infrastructure.
2016: Germany's murder rate at a low
In 2016, Germany's murder rate stood at a low of 1.18 murders per 100,000.
2017: Germany divided into 401 districts
As of 2017, Germany is divided into 401 districts at a municipal level, consisting of 294 rural districts and 107 urban districts.
2017: Germany's household recycling rate
As of 2017, Germany's household recycling rate is among the highest in the world—at around 65%.
2017: German troops stationed in foreign countries
As of 2017, the German military has about 3,600 troops stationed in foreign countries as part of international peacekeeping forces.
2017: Frank-Walter Steinmeier becomes President
In 2017, Frank-Walter Steinmeier became the President of Germany, assuming the role of head of state with primarily representative responsibilities.
2017: Same-sex marriage legalized
In 2017, same-sex marriage in Germany became legal, and LGBT rights in the country are generally protected.
2017: Germany accounted for 28% of the eurozone economy
In 2017, the country accounted for 28% of the eurozone economy according to the International Monetary Fund.
2017: Alternative for Germany gains representation in parliament
In the 2017 German federal election, the right-wing populist Alternative for Germany gained enough votes to attain representation in the parliament for the first time.
2017: FIFA Confederations Cup Victory
The German men's national football team won the FIFA Confederations Cup in 2017.
2018: Renewable energy usage
In 2018, Germany meets its power demands using 40% renewable sources.
2018: Germany ranked fourth globally in terms of number of science and engineering research papers published
In 2018, Germany ranked fourth globally in terms of number of science and engineering research papers published.
2018: Overall crime rate falls to its lowest since 1992
In 2018, the overall crime rate in Germany fell to its lowest since 1992.
2018: Michelin Guide Stars
The 2018 Michelin Guide awarded eleven restaurants in Germany three stars, giving the country a cumulative total of 300 stars.
February 2019: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
April 2019: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
June 2019: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
November 2019: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
2019: Life Expectancy and Cause of Death
In 2019, Germany ranked 21st in the world in life expectancy according to the WHO, with 78.7 years for men and 84.8 years for women. The principal cause of death was cardiovascular disease, at 37%.
2019: Percentage of migrants in the country's population
In 2019, Germany ranked seventh among EU countries in terms of the percentage of migrants in the country's population, at 13.1%.
2019: Wine Production
In 2019, Germany was the ninth-largest wine producer in the world.
2019: Germany as world's second-biggest aid donor
In 2019, Germany was the world's second-biggest aid donor after the United States.
2019: Germany was the world's seventh-largest consumer of energy
In 2019, Germany was the world's seventh-largest consumer of energy.
2019: Muslim Population Estimate
In 2019, it was estimated that there were 5.3–5.6 million Muslims with a migrant background in Germany, representing 6.4–6.7% of the population, alongside an unknown number of Muslims without a migrant background.
2019: Modernisation of the East German economy was scheduled to last until 2019
Modernisation of the East German economy was scheduled to last until 2019.
January 2020: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
January 2020: Germany's unemployment rate
The unemployment rate published by Eurostat amounts to 3.2% as of January 2020, which is the fourth-lowest in the EU.
February 2020: Average monthly temperatures in Germany
From February 2019–February 2020, average monthly temperatures in Germany ranged from a low of 3.3 °C (37.9 °F) in January 2020 to a high of 19.8 °C (67.6 °F) in June 2019. Average monthly precipitation ranged from 30 litres per square metre in February and April 2019 to 125 litres per square metre in February 2020. Average monthly hours of sunshine ranged from 45 in November 2019 to 300 in June 2019.
2020: Germany was the fifth-largest exporter of major arms
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, from 2020 to 2024, Germany was the fifth-largest exporter of major arms in the world.
2021: German military budget
In 2021, the German military budget was 53 billion euros.
2022: Christianity as the largest religion
According to the 2022 census, Christianity is the largest religion at 49.7% of the population.
2022: Fertility rate
In 2022, the fertility rate was 1.57 children born per woman.
2022: Population with migration background
In 2022, there were 23.8 million people—28.7 percent of the total population—who had a migration background.
April 2023: Refugees from Ukraine recorded in Germany
As of April 2023, over 1.06 million refugees from Ukraine were recorded in Germany.
2023: Population not affiliated with religious organizations or denominations
A study in 2023 estimated that 46.2% of the population are not members of any religious organisation or denomination and that a majority of the population no longer belongs to a Christian denomination (48.5% Christians).
2023: German census shows population of 84.7 million
According to the 2023 German census, Germany has a population of 84.7 million.
2023: Phasing out of nuclear power plants in Germany
All German nuclear power plants were phased out in 2023.
2023: Germany's economic sectors contribution to GDP
As of 2023, Germany's service sector contributes approximately 72% of the total GDP, the industrial sector 27%—with Germany having the largest manufacturing output in Europe—and its agricultural sector 1%.
2023: Germany ranked third in the quality-adjusted Nature Index
In 2023, Germany ranked third in the quality-adjusted Nature Index.
2023: The German automotive industry's production and export value
In 2023, the German automotive industry was the sixth-largest by production and largest by export value.
2023: German military spending was the seventh-highest in the world
In absolute terms, German military spending in 2023 was the seventh-highest in the world. In 2023, military spending according to NATO criteria amounted to $73.1 billion, or 1.64% of the country's GDP, well below the NATO target of 2%.
May 2024: Bundeswehr strength
As of May 2024, the Bundeswehr has a strength of 180,215 active soldiers and 80,761 civilians.
2024: Germany is the seventh-most-visited country
As of 2024, Germany is the seventh-most-visited country.
2024: Germany's PPP-adjusted GDP per capita
Germany's PPP-adjusted GDP per capita amounted to 115% of the EU average in 2024.
2024: Germany's largest trading partners
Germany's largest trading partners in 2024 were the United States, China, and the Netherlands.
2024: Germany exceeded the NATO target for military spending
In 2024, Germany reported $97.7 billion to NATO, exceeding the NATO target of 2% at 2.12% of GDP.
2024: Germany ranked 9th in the Global Innovation Index
In 2024, Germany was ranked 9th in the Global Innovation Index.
2024: Violent crime reaches a 15-year high
In 2024, it was reported that violent crime in Germany reached a 15-year high, with overall crime rising as well.
2024: Number of German companies in Fortune Global 500
Of the world's 500 largest stock market-listed companies by revenue in 2024, the Fortune Global 500, 29 were based in Germany.
2025: UNESCO World Heritage List
As of 2025, UNESCO inscribed 55 properties in Germany on the World Heritage List.
2025: Friedrich Merz becomes Chancellor
In 2025, Friedrich Merz became the Chancellor of Germany, assuming the role of head of government and exercising executive power.
2030: Goal for reduction in primary energy consumption
Germany has set itself goals of reducing its primary energy consumption by 30% until 2030.
2050: Climate change could cost Germany up to €900 billion
By 2050, climate change could cost Germany up to €900 billion.
2050: Goal for reduction in primary energy consumption
Germany has set itself goals of reducing its primary energy consumption by 50% by 2050.
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