German Language Day in Germany

When did the German Language Day in Germany start?

The first recorded date of German Language Day in Germany being celebrated on September 13 was in the year 1997.

About German Language Day in Germany Holiday

2023 is an exciting year for Germany, as it marks 40 years since the first official German language day was declared in 1983 with the support of the Council of the European Union. September 9th is now the special day that celebrates many facets of the German language, and allows people from all around the world to explore and appreciate this culturally rich heritage.

For the 40th German Language Day, various events are being held throughout Germany, designed to allow citizens to get a better feel of the language through seminars, workshops, and lectures. These events are free of charge so everyone can get involved and participate!

At the same time, many organizations have created projects to help raise awareness of German language and culture. Steocom Ahaus is launching '#SoundofGermany' allowing people to record audio, submit it, and have it displayed in an interactive exhibit. This is an outstanding project and a great way to learn more about the vast range of topics that are related to the German language.

Along with other projects, groups, and communities that promote German language on a global scale, Germany celebrates its 40th anniversary of the German Language Day and encourages all to take part of this inspiring and meaningful holiday!

German Language Day in Germany

History and Origin

German Language Day is an annual holiday celebrated in Germany on September 9th to promote education of the German language and knowledge of its literature. It was first proposed in 1871 by two professors in the Prusso-German World Exhibition in Rostok, Germany, and officially recognized by the German government as a national holiday in 1886 to honor the day of German cultural commitments in the North German Confederation.

Following the Scharnhorst Decree in 1804, German was codified and became the official language of the Prussian state. This decree, which helped establish German as the official language of instruction in schools, was partially responsible for the resurgence of interest in the study of German language and literature and the rise of German Nationalism.

Another significant influence on German Language Day was the Brothers Grimm, best known for their collection of folk tales, fairytales, and legends that they compiled during the early 19th century. Many of these tales were traditionally passed down from generation to generation. The Brothers Grimm helped to popularize the written works of renowned German authors such as Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Friedrich Schiller, thereby spreading awareness of the German language and its literature.

In more recent times, German Language Day has become closely associated with the idea that a shared German language contributes to a sense of national identity and unity within Germany.

Significance and Meaning

German Language Day celebrates both the importance of the German language and its literature. It is a reminder of the cultural contributions of Germany and is a way for people to appreciate and celebrate their heritage. The holiday also serves to remind people of the importance of learning and understanding the German language, as it has played a major role in German history and in the development of Germany’s contemporary culture.

Traditions and Celebrations

In Germany, German Language Day is typically celebrated in a variety of ways. Popular traditions and celebrations include reading events and literature discussions in libraries, bookstores, and other public spaces. Both children and adults partake in these festivities, as they can learn more about the German language, its literature, and symbols celebrating German national identity.

In addition to these traditional celebrations, many schools in Germany have begun to hold special celebrations in honor of German Language Day. These celebrations often include interactive games, presentations on the history of the German language, and school competitions. Educational institutions often host competitions in areas such as spelling, grammar, and composition in order to test the knowledge of the German language of students and the general public alike.

Geographical Spread

German Language Day is celebrated all across Germany at both a national and a regional level. The holiday is also celebrated by German-speaking communities across the world in countries such as Austria, Switzerland, and Luxembourg.

Perhaps the most popular celebration of German Language Day is the annual German Language Festival (“Deutscher Sprachfes”) held in Berlin. This event, which is held every year in mid-September, includes presentations and readings of famous German works of literature, discussions, and debates related to the German language and literature, and various other activities.

In the German-speaking region of the Tyrol, the celebration of German Language Day (“Tag der deutschen Sprache”) is particularly animated with events such as children’s puppet shows, a traditional parade through the city, and various literary competitions.

In addition to these core celebrations, German Language Day is also celebrated in other parts of Germany, such as Erfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg, with a host of activities such as singing and writing contests.

Modern Day Observations

In the modern day, German Language Day is celebrated in a more relativistic and inclusive manner compared to its celebration in former years. This is apparent in the way in which the holiday is being observed, with local communities taking more ownership of the celebrations as well as by including minority language speakers of other languages, such as English, Spanish, and French, in the festivities.

In 2020, the town of Bad Marienberg in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate was awarded the German Language Day Trophy for its special efforts and innovative approaches in furthering the celebration of German Language Day in their local community. This year’s theme for their celebration was “language is the bridge between cultures”, with the event featuring events such as interpretative dance and intercultural discussion groups.

Interesting Facts or Trivia

• German Language Day is celebrated on the birthday of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, one of the most famous German authors of all time.

• German Language Day has the longest running tradition of any other national holiday in Germany, having been celebrated for over 130 years.

• German Language Day marks the day when the German-based Fraktur script and the blackletter style of typeface ceased to be used in printing presses in the early 20th century.

• The official German Language Day ceremony is held each year in the historic city of Berlin, Germany.

• The traditional German Language Day procession held in Berlin each year includes a display of over 100 local schoolchildren from various parts of the city wearing traditional German clothing and carrying German literary works.

• German Language Day is celebrated by the German-speaking community in the United States through academic events, cultural activities, and literature discussions.

• In 2013, the first-ever German Language Day was celebrated in Vietnam, involving Vietnamese and German speakers.

• To mark German Language Day, thousands of Germans tweet the phrase “I love German” each year.

Holiday Wishes

• Wishing you a joyful observance of German Language Day!

• On the occasion of German Language Day, let us celebrate the rich language and literature of Germany.

• May your day be filled with the warmth and joy of German culture.

• Celebrating German Language Day to spread knowledge and appreciation of the German language.

• Wishing you a day full of celebration, learning, and growth on German Language Day.

Holiday Messages

• Today, we celebrate the elegance and beauty of the German language and literature.

• May the spirit of German language and literature inspire us to learn from each other and create a better future.

• Beside national culture and tradition, let us celebrate and honor the power of the spoken and written word.

• On German Language Day, let us recall the contributions of the German culture and language to the world.

• May German Language Day be a day of appreciation and admiration for the language of our ancestors.

Holiday Quotes

• “Teaching German is more than teaching words; it is teaching culture.” – Martha Farrell Erickson

• “What is Germans language formed out of? Answer: Innumerable little streams.” – Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

• “To understand Germany, you must study their language.” – David Lodge

• “Learning German is not just for German speakers, it is a chance to learn about Germany’s particular culture, history, and literature.” – Amy Plum

• “Learning German is not just about words; it is about discovering a whole new world of experience.” – Robert A. J. Matthews

Other Popular Holiday Info

In addition to celebrating German language and literature, German Language Day is also a day to celebrate Germany’s vibrant culture. Each year, cultural activities such as folk dance performances, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances are held in various locations to commemorate the holiday.

At many restaurants and shops across Germany, special “German Language Day” discounts and offers are available to people celebrating the holiday. These are usually in the form of discounts on food and drinks, as well as free gifts for consumers.

The German government has also sponsored several initiatives related to German Language Day in recent times. These initiatives include providing school supplies to students and hosting competitions that focus on using the German language to build bridges between different communities.

Finally, as the language of the European Union, German plays an increasingly important role in international affairs. German Language Day is an opportunity to not only celebrate German language and culture but also to recognize the importance and impact of the German language in the global context.