14 German Traditions And Customs That Are Special in German Culture + Vocabulary

Do you want to learn more about German traditions? Germany and other German-speaking countries are full of amazing traditions and customs.

Most of these are filled with parties and great German food and wine. And of course, you can’t forget the German beer culture!

DW EuroMaxx made a great video on all the German stereotypes that are connected to these traditions. Check it out!

In this post, we’ll share the 14 best German traditions with you: what they’re about, what the their history is, and what’s the connected vocabulary.

What are some traditions in a German house?

German traditions are a pretty big deal for folks in Germany, and for good reason.

First off, these German traditions hold the German culture together. And then, who doesn’t like a good excuse to get together and party?

A lot of these German traditions are about bringing people together: for festivals or just simple partying.

Most of these German traditions have been around forever, passed down from grandma to grandchild to keep the family stories and memories alives. And of course, Germany’s got tons of different regions with different traditions and customs.

A lot of German traditions are tied to the seasons too. And boy, you wouldn’t even know that the Germans know how to celebrate!

From folk music and dance to traditional outfits and crafts, there’s a whole artistic side to these traditions that really shows off German creativity.

Family is a big deal in German culture, and many traditions revolve around getting the whole clan together. It’s a chance to catch up, share some laughs, and maybe learn a thing or two from the older generations.

And while each region has its own thing going on, there are also some big nationwide traditions like Oktoberfest or those awesome Christmas markets that bring the whole country together.

In the end, keeping these traditions alive is about more than just having a good time (though that’s definitely part of it!).

It’s their way of saying, “This is who we are, and we’re pretty darn proud of it!”

Let’s explore the 14 German traditions now.

1. Oktoberfest (Oktoberfest)

Ah, the legendary Oktoberfest!

The massive beer festival has been a beloved tradition in Munich since 1810, when it was first celebrated in honor of the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen.

What started as a grand wedding celebration has turned into a world-famous event that draws millions of visitors from around the globe every year.

The Oktoberfest is a true celebration of Bavarian culture, featuring traditional music, folk dances, and, of course, an abundance of delicious beer.

One of the highlights of Oktoberfest is the grand opening parade, where breweries, performers, and traditional costume groups march through the streets of Munich.

Some related vocabulary for Oktoberfest – or, alternatively you can check our Oktoberfest sayings article.

2. Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market)

The enchanting Weihnachtsmarkt, or Christmas market, is another tradition that transforms German cities and towns into magical winter wonderlands each year.

These markets date back to the Late Middle Ages, when merchants and craftspeople would gather in town squares to sell their wares before the Christmas season.

Beautifully decorated stalls line the streets: handcrafted gifts, ornaments, and traditional treats like gingerbread, roasted nuts, and mulled wine (Glühwein).

Check these words and phrases for Christmas markets in German:

3. Karneval (Carnival)

Karneval, or Carnival, is a fun celebration that takes place in different regions of Germany, particularly in the Rhineland area, before the start of Lent.

This tradition dates back to pagan times when people would indulge in revelry and excess before the fasting period of Lent began.

Karneval is a time for letting loose to enjoy the spirit of fun and frivolity.

It’s a celebration of community, laughter, and the joy of living in the moment before the more somber period of Lent begin:

4. Maifest (May Day Celebration)

Maifest, or the May Day celebration, is a spring tradition that has been celebrated in Germany for centuries.

It marks the arrival of warmer weather and the rebirth of nature after the long winter months.

One of the most iconic symbols of Maifest is the Maibaum, or Maypole, which is decorated with colorful ribbons, flowers, and greenery.

In many towns and villages, the Maibaum is erected in the town square or village green, often together with traditional dances, music, and festivities.

The most common German phrases connected to Maifest.

5. Schützenfest (Marksmen’s Festival)

The Schützenfest, or Marksmen’s Festival, is a long-standing tradition that celebrates the skills of shooting clubs and guilds in Germany.

These festivals have their roots in the Middle Ages, when marksmen’s guilds played an important role in protecting towns and cities.

Today, the Schützenfest is a celebration that brings together shooting clubs, traditional costume groups, and local communities.

At the heart of the festival is the shooting competition, where marksmen from various clubs compete to become the “Schützenkönig” (Shooting King) or “Schützenkönigin” (Shooting Queen).

Other important Schützenfest vocabulary:

6. Winzerfest (Wine Festival)

The Winzerfest is a celebration that pays homage to the winemaking traditions of Germany!

This festival is a beloved event in many of the country’s wine regions: in areas like the Rheingau, Mosel, and Palatinate.

One of the highlights of the Winzerfest is the ceremonial crowning of the Wine Queen, a young woman chosen to represent the region’s wine heritage and hospitality.

She then leads the grand parade, accompanied by traditional costume groups, marching bands, and elaborately decorated floats showcasing the winemaking process.

7. Bergkirchweih (Mountain Church Consecration Festival)

The Bergkirchweih, or Mountain Church Consecration Festival, is a unique tradition that takes place annually in the city of Erlangen, located in the Franconian region of Bavaria.

This festival dates back to the 18th century and is deeply rooted in the local culture and history.

The Bergkirchweih commemorates the consecration of the Bergkirche (Mountain Church), a Protestant church located on a hill overlooking the city.

One of the most iconic features of the Bergkirchweih is the “Kärwa-Bier,” a special beer brewed exclusively for the festival.

This locally crafted beer is served in traditional clay mugs and is a beloved part of the celebration. Other related phrases for this German tradition:

8. Räuchermännchen (Smoker Figurines)

The Räuchermännchen, or smoker figurines, are an iconic tradition that originated in the Erzgebirge region of Saxony, Germany.

These wooden figurines, often depicting miners, foresters, or other traditional characters, have been handcrafted in this region for centuries.

The smoker figurines are designed to emit fragrant smoke when lit, adding a warm and cozy ambiance to any room. They are typically made from local woods, such as linden or beechwood, and are carved and painted by skilled artisans.

The Räuchermännchen vocabulary is available here:

9. Erzgebirgische Volkskunst (Erzgebirge Folk Art)

The Erzgebirgische Volkskunst, or Erzgebirge Folk Art, is another tradition that has its roots in the Erzgebirge region of Saxony, Germany.

This area, known for its mining and forestry industries, has a long history of skilled artisans who have crafted beautiful works of art using locally sourced materials.

The Erzgebirgische Volkskunst highlights a range of handcrafted items, such as wooden candle arches, pyramids, and carved ornaments.

The German words connected to this Folk Art:

10. Lebkuchenherzen (Gingerbread Hearts)

Lebkuchenherzen, or gingerbread hearts, are an iconic German tradition that dates back centuries.

This German tradition is popular in the Nuremberg region of Bavaria, where they have been produced and sold since the early 1600s.

The traditional Lebkuchenherzen are made from spicy gingerbread dough that is carefully rolled out and cut into heart shapes.

These edible works of art are not only delicious but also as tokens of affection. They are perfect gifts for loved ones during the Christmas season and at local fairs and festivals.

Learn these phrases for Lebkuchenherzen:

11. Weihnachtspyramide (Christmas Pyramid)

The Weihnachtspyramide, or Christmas Pyramid originated in the Erzgebirge region of Saxony.

These wooden pyramids with carved figures and decorations, have been a part of German holiday celebrations for centuries.

At the heart of the Christmas Pyramid is a carousel-like structure with multiple levels, each with carved figures of miners, angels, or other traditional characters.

As candles or lights are placed at the base of the pyramid, the heat causes the levels to slowly rotate.

Vocabulary connected to this German tradition:

12. Frühlingserwachen (Spring Awakening)

The Frühlingserwachen, or Spring Awakening, is another joyous celebration that marks the arrival of spring in many regions of Germany.

This is an ancient tradition and a colorful festival that honors the renewal of nature and the return of warmer weather.

Children make flower crowns and participate in games and activities, while adults enjoy the traditional food and drink, such as Maibowle (a refreshing wine punch) and Maibock (a strong, seasonal beer).

Create German sentences with Frühlingserwachen vocabulary:

13. Brauchtumsfeste (Folk Festivals)

Brauchtumsfeste, or Folk Festivals show the country’s regional customs, crafts, and delights to give you a unique glimpse into the locals way of life.

We already explained some things about specific folk festivals, so let’s take a look at some general vocabulary:

14. Krampuslauf (Krampus Run)

The Krampuslauf, or Krampus Run is a somewhat unconventional tradition in Austria.

This ancient custom is rooted in pre-Christian folklore and has been celebrated for centuries during the Advent season.

The Krampuslauf involves a group of individuals dressed as the terrifying Krampus, a horned, demonic creature from Alpine folklore. The Krampus figures roam the streets and villages, playfully terrorizing onlookers and misbehaving children.

The origins of the Krampuslauf can be traced back to pagan traditions that celebrated the darker aspects of winter and the struggle between good and evil.

It was believed that the Krampus would punish naughty children, while St. Nicholas would reward the well-behaved ones.

Learn about Krampus-related vocabulary:

Learn German traditions and customs with Conversation Based Chunking

Before we wrap things up, let’s leave you with a final thought.

Learning a language like German goes way beyond memorizing words and grammar rules. And if you want to truly understand the German traditions, you have to immerse yourself totally.

That’s where a method like Conversation Based Chunking really shines.

It allows you to learn vocabulary and expressions in their natural context, together with the German culture traditions that give them meaning.

Instead of isolated words, you’re absorbing lexical chunks that are part of the true, heartfelt conversations in German.

Language and culture are connected. Conversation Based Chunking will help you manage this connection. If you’re curious, you can learn about this method. The only thing you have to do right now is click this button below!