Germany is home to a diverse population of people with various cultural and religious backgrounds, with close to 20% of its citizens tracing their ancestries to other parts of the world. These ethnic minorities significantly contribute to the German culture in terms of art, music, cuisine, and lifestyle. Since October 2017, same-sex couples in Germany have been able to marry with all rights and obligations of marriage.
German wedding traditions include bridal wear, ceremonial log cutting, auctioning off brides’ shoes, and the unique veil dance. Couples in love may undergo acts such as buying their partner jewelry or giving them a passionate smooch to represent their ancestors. German Muslim matrimony services, such as REER3, are trusted by millions of single Muslims since 1998.
Germany is a federal parliamentary republic with 16 federal states, each with its own distinct culture, traditions, and governance. The main language is German, and the dominant religion is Christianity. NRI brides in Germany are increasingly popular choices for potential grooms and families looking for blessed matrimony.
In a highly mobile and globalized world, settling down with NRI brides for marriage in Germany is no longer considered a challenge. Discrimination based on race, ethnic origin, religion, disability, age, or sexual orientation is forbidden by the General Act on Equal Treatment. American wedding customs, such as wearing a white wedding dress and holding a flower banquet, are still incredibly popular.
📹 Vietnamese Wedding vs German Wedding
Since we’re going to have two weddings, there’s lots of different customs and traditions. So in this video we decided to sit down …
How are German weddings different from American weddings?
Bridesmaids and groomsmen. German weddings don’t have attendants, so there’s no need to choose bridesmaids or groomsmen. At German weddings, the bride and groom each have a witness, but they don’t stand with them at the wedding ceremony. Another difference between German and North American weddings is that the couple usually arrives together and walks down the aisle together. In North America, it’s bad luck for the bride and groom to see each other before the wedding. Flower girls. Like weddings in North America, German weddings have flower girls. They’re the show stealers. At a wedding in Germany, one of the flower girls dropped her basket of rose petals and was upset. So cute, but I felt bad for her.
What happens when you marry a German?
If you marry someone who is German, you don’t automatically become German. You can get a three-year residence permit if you and your partner want to live together in Germany. How do I register my marriage? You don’t need to be married to live with your partner and have children in Germany. Many still get married. To register your marriage in Germany, you need to prepare. Here’s what you need to know before registering your marriage. It is easier for foreign citizens to register their marriage abroad (e.g., in Denmark) because they need to submit fewer documents. Call Pro Asyl’s hotline at 069-242 314 20 for legal advice in German and English.
Which countries value marriage the most?
The countries with the highest marriage rates are West Bank & Gaza, Fiji, Egypt, the Bahamas, and Uzbekistan. Each has over nine marriages per 1,000 people.
Marriage and divorce rates. Marriage rates worldwide in 2018, by country. Lowest marriage rates worldwide in 2018, by country. Lowest divorce rates worldwide in 2020, by country. Divorce rates in Europe in 2020, by country (per 100 marriages). Number of countries that recognize same-sex couples in 2020, by continent. Number of countries that permit same-sex marriage in 2022, by continent. Number of U.S. Same-sex households in 2022, by marital status; Number of civil partnerships in the UK 2005-2021; Number of same-sex marriages in Australia 2020, by state and celebrant affiliation; Number of same-sex marriages in France 2013-2023; Number of straight and same-sex marriages in the Netherlands 2001-2022; Number of same-sex marriages in Norway 2010-2022, by gender; Same-sex marriage and civil partnerships. Number of countries that recognize same-sex couples by continent Number of countries that permit same-sex marriage by continent Same-sex households in 2022, by marital status; Number of civil partnerships in the UK 2005-2021; Number of same-sex marriages in Australia 2020, by state and celebrant affiliation; Number of same-sex marriages in France 2013-2023; Number of straight and same-sex marriages in the Netherlands 2001-2022; Number of same-sex marriages in Norway 2010-2022, by gender.
Who pays for the wedding in Brazil?
Wedding cost. Brazilian weddings are expensive. In the past, the bride’s family paid for the wedding. Now, both the bride and groom’s families split the cost. The cost is shared by the bride and groom and both families help with preparations. It doesn’t matter if you have a traditional or modern wedding. What matters is the celebration, the enjoyment, and the commitment. Weddings are one of the biggest moments in a person’s life. Meeting your soulmate makes a big difference. Couples often like Brazilian wedding traditions because they’re fun and positive. If you do a Brazilian wedding, you better have fun.
Did German brides wear black?
German brides wore black dresses with white veils. Today, brides wear white wedding dresses without trains. Another German tradition is saving money for years to buy wedding shoes. Long-range wedding planning!
More German customs: Have a friend or family member dress up in fancy clothes with lots of ribbons and go to people’s houses to invite them to your wedding. The invitation request should rhyme. When a guest accepts the invitation, they pin a ribbon to the invitee’s hat. On the day of the wedding, friends and family gather with old plates. Guests smash the plates, and the bride and groom clean them up to keep their marriage intact. This often turns into an informal party. The bride carries salt and bread to ensure a good harvest.
Which country has the most beautiful wedding culture?
India: Mehndi art. Japan: The Veil of Purity. … Mexico: Tying the knot with a lasso. … Sweden: A playful kiss. … Greece: Sharing sweetness and unity. … South Korea: Falaka Ceremony. … Philippines: Releasing white doves of peace. Every culture has its own way of celebrating weddings. From intricate Mehndi designs in India to surprise serenades in Italy, wedding traditions around the world add an enchanting touch to the celebration of love. Let’s look at wedding customs from different cultures.
1. India: Mehndi art. In India, the days before the wedding are filled with intricate Mehndi designs. Brides get henna tattoos on their hands and feet, sometimes with hidden messages for the groom. Mehndi is believed to symbolize love, prosperity, and the bond between the couple.
2. Japan: The Veil of Purity. Japanese weddings blend tradition and symbolism. The bride wears a white kimono, symbolizing purity and new beginnings. A tsunokakushi, or head covering, hides the bride’s horns of jealousy and reflects her modesty as she enters a new chapter of life.
Why do brides wear white origin?
The practice probably started more than 2,000 years ago, during the Roman Republic (509 B.C. – 27 B.C.). Brides wore white tunics. White symbolized purity and a woman’s transition to a married Roman matron.
Wedding gown, 1836. The Ohio State Historic Costume & Textiles Collection.
A wedding gown is more than just a dress. “It’s a dream,” said Vera Wang. Most American brides dream of a beautiful white wedding gown. It’s a tradition that little girls dream of. In 2018, 83% of brides wore white dresses on their wedding day, according to a Brides Magazine survey. Such a big number makes us wonder: Why do we think white is for wedding gowns? How long has this tradition been around?
How long do Germans date before marriage?
How fast a relationship changes depends on the people in it. German couples usually live together for months or years before getting married. A man would ask a woman’s father for permission to marry her. Many Germans still do this out of respect. Couples who get married in Germany follow some unusual traditions. One tradition is for the groomsmen to kidnap the bride after the ceremony and take her to a bar. There, she must wait for the groom to find her. Friends of the bride and groom also play pranks on the couple, such as filling their bedroom with balloons or hiding alarm clocks.
The role of the family in dating. Germans value their families. You’ll probably spend a lot of time with your partner’s parents and siblings. But attitudes towards having children are changing in Germany.
What is marriage like in Germany?
In Germany, you can get married in a registry office or a church. In Germany, you can only get married in a registry office. In Germany, marriage must be registered, but a religious ceremony is optional. In Germany, marriage must be registered. You can have a religious ceremony if you want. This pamphlet gives general information. Contact the registrar’s office for more information. File your application at the registrar’s office where either party lives. If neither party lives in Germany, the registrar’s office where the marriage will take place must be contacted. The German civil registrar’s office can tell you what documents you need. Contact the registrar’s office early to make sure you can be married on the intended date. The registrar’s office can answer any questions you have. The registrar’s office is the only source of binding information.
What are German weddings like?
German weddings are more relaxed than British weddings. The official weddings are smaller and less formal, but even at full church weddings, the relaxed atmosphere continues. In the UK, the groom, best man, ushers, and father of the bride must wear matching suits. In Germany, this is not required. Some guests don’t dress up at all, even though they’re at a wedding. German weddings are relaxed, including speeches. Speeches are a highlight of most British weddings. The best man speech is the main event. Speeches are not always entertainment at German weddings. My brother-in-law gave two speeches at weddings. Neither was prepared in advance. He didn’t look up jokes or worry about it. He just did them. The speeches aren’t important, but there are other weird and wonderful things to look forward to. Before a German wedding, couples often have a party called a Polterabend at their homes. Guests drink, eat, and smash plates, which the wedding couple cleans up. It doesn’t always have to be plates. It can be pots, pans, and even old sinks and toilets. People do this for luck or to let off steam. I think it’s also funny to watch people you care about doing manual labor while everyone else gets drunk.
Watch out for other things on your wedding day. In Bavaria, newlyweds saw a log in half. The log represents all the problems a relationship could face. Cutting the log in two shows they’re a team. Weddings often have a section where friends and family of the bride and groom perform for the other guests. Nothing shows you care more than singing or performing in front of a group of people you barely know. You can also wish the married couple well with a quiz or video. They can be embarrassing, amazing, and usually involve the audience. If everyone looks stupid, no one looks stupid.
📹 German-Turkish Culture: Guest Workers, Doner Kebabs And Cultural Identity | Meet The Germans
Turkish culture can be spotted all over Germany – in fact Rachel was introduced to the Lahmacun or “Turkish pizza” on one of her …
I think leaving from the wedding reception to go directly to the honeymoon is more common in the U.S.! I live in the south of the U.S. and my husband and I left directly from the reception and I’ve attended many weddings with the same thing. People will do a special send off with sparklers or bubbles or something for the bride and groom to walk through! ✨🫧
In the mid-1990s, we had only one Turkish family in my rural village in East Frisia (north-west Germany), and I started school with one of their boys. He hardly spoke any German, I spoke no Turkish, but we still understood each other and he learned the language very quickly. I was often invited to his family’s house and was treated like one of their own children. One day I had an operation, was pretty sick and while none of the neighbours or my (german) mates showed up, he suddenly appeared at the door with his whole family to celebrate my recovery. When they realised that my family circumstances were in disarray (parents divorced, I stayed with my father), I became much more closely integrated into the Turkish family. They did it without condemnation, most of the (German) neighbours or village people talked behind their backs and there was hardly any help, as a single father my father had a hard time, that was not a given back then. My father, in turn, knew that there were always watchful eyes on us boys (we only had shenanigans in our heads and made a lot of pranks, hehe!). We in turn helped the Turkish family when they needed support in dealing with the administration. Unfortunately, they moved away when I was around 12 and the contact broke off. Three weeks ago, my father was refereeing football (“soccer”) in our closest district town and a Turkish player came up to my father – it was the boy from back then! My father first did not recognise him, because he is an adult (like me 34 years old).
My father was “Betriebsratsvorsitzender” (chair person of the worker’s council) in a large German brewery, which hired many “Gastarbeiter”, Turks, Yugoslavians, Italians, Spaniards and surprisingly quite a few Brazilians These were mostly young men who had no family or social circle (yet), lived in company sponsored dorms, which were, let’s say adequate. Especially during the holidays these young men did not really have anything to do, so my dad invited many to join our family during Christmas. There were sometimes 20 or more people and perhaps 2 or 3 spoke the same language. It still is one of my fondest childhood memories.
When I was an exchange student in Köln in 1979, many Turkish shared our dorm floor, and thus the kitchen. I shopped where they shopped and cooked using their recipes. The dual culture shocks of attending a German university by day and living on a Turkish dominated dorm floor by night was a truly thrilling experience. (:
When my father came to Germany (Blackforest), he lived in a rented condo. He and his tenant became very good friends and the homeowner even wanted to inherit the house to my father after a couple of years, because he hated his own family. My father didn’t accept this and organized to reconcile with his own family. Which they then did. After the successful reconciliation, my father moved out and brought my mother to Germany too. I’m proud to be a child of the Blackforest as much as I’m proud to be from the Black Sea. I sometimes joke about the following: I’m a Turk (Made in Germany) <3
Amazing content, thank you for making this informative article. My grandfather moved to Cologne in the early 1960s and also worked at the Ford Motor Company. He was as old as me back then and started a family here in this beautiful city. Without the work, accomplishments and achievements under hard conditions, their descendants would not be able to live here in convenience. RIP to those “Gastarbeiter” who passed away and a long blessed and healthy life for those who still are living and sharing their amazing stories with us.
It would be also nice to comment ongoing migration of skilled people from Turkey (New Wave Turks) due to political and financial issues as we are considerably a large community as well. Interrelationship with the existing Turkish diaspora is somewhat complicated. Many people that I’ve met here always refer differences between New Wave Turks and the existing ones. From political perspectives to the way of living. Maybe an idea for another article! Good job Rachel! Love your articles!
My grandfather was guestarbeiter/worker in German mines. But in the 80s with German incentives he came back to Turkiye again permanently. My mother born in Germany but she was 8 years old when they moved back. I raised up in Türkiye and i am an engineer but now i came back to Germany for my master degree and i am learning German language/culture. In the article, you have should mention about German founders of first vaccination of covid19 has Turkish roots (Uğur Şahin, Özlem Türeci).
You mentioned a very important point, which is that turks who came here in the 60’s and 70’s were discouraged to learn the language because they were seen as temporary work force, not as people immigrating. Therefore, there are still loads of older turkish people, especially women, just like you mentioned, who can’t speak German very well. Germans tend to be indignant about it because they don’t know the full story and that’s what makes it so frustrating for me. Turkish people make very awesome friends 🥰 Very glad they are part of the German culture.
I have moved to Germany in February 2021 and I have seen so many differences between Turkish people in Germany and in Turkey. I feel like Turkish people in Germany are a bit more conservative in terms of religion and “customs”. I think this might be a reflex to the marginalisation by a totally different country, culture and religion. Additionally most majority of them had been sent to Germany from villages, where education levels were probably very low… I can also spot so many differences between New Wave Turks and Turks who have been born and raised in Germany. Really interesting…
What I found interesting in this article is the food and the mix of Turkish and German culture within the food. I also enjoyed learning and hearing from Turkish workers about their experiences, because it really opened your eyes to what truly went on during that time period. It gave you a deeper dive and understanding of what Turkish people went through with their identity and life overall.