Every nation’s strength stems from unique cultural foundations, and Germany is no exception. During my three years as a student in Germany, I repeatedly asked why, despite both world wars originating here, Germany still commands global respect. How is it that the world seems so “forgiving” toward Germany? Near the end of my studies, I had the chance to live with a German family, and through this experience, I began to understand some of the deeper cultural forces at play.
Initially, I thought German parenting was surprisingly relaxed — children seemed free to explore, climb, and play in the dirt. But I soon learned there was much more to it. Germany is one of the few countries that formally outlines parents’ responsibilities in its constitution, reflecting the value placed on family education.
German parents focus less on rote learning and more on instilling skills, habits, and problem-solving abilities. This emphasis on cultivating self-reliance and civic-mindedness from a young age may help explain the high levels of personal responsibility and social consciousness prevalent in German society today.
Over time, I realized that certain cultural practices and values, deeply ingrained in German society, play a crucial role in its strength. From the emphasis on family education to a deep respect for reading, these foundational elements shape individual character and ultimately strengthen the nation.
Reading shapes a strong nation
The German language accounts for 12 percent of all published books worldwide, yet Germans comprise only 1.2 percent of the global population. Germany also boasts the world’s highest density of bookstores, with one for every 17,000 people in Berlin, and these stores are rarely empty. In airports and subways, young and old people are often immersed in books instead of their phones. Even young children, as early as five or six, are usually seen reading picture books in public spaces, quietly absorbed in their stories.
Germans also tend to avoid e-books; their homes and bookstores are filled with printed books covering various subjects, especially for children. Unlike in some countries where preschool education focuses primarily on academics, Germany encourages parents to read with their children, viewing reading as a joyful, lifelong habit. My landlord once said, “Reading is the most romantic form of education. A child who loves books will never be lonely.”
Sound character builds powerful individuals
Many admirable qualities in Germans—such as conscientiousness, respect for rules, trustworthiness, and public-mindedness — are deeply rooted in their family upbringing. Many children’s books in Germany are dedicated to instilling good values and fostering positive habits. These engaging stories teach children the importance of character and help them understand right from wrong.
Let’s look at some of the critical themes these books explore.
Commitment
In Germany, promises are deeply valued and respected. The phrase “Ein Mann, ein Wort” (One man, one word) reflects this cultural value — commitments are never made lightly and must be upheld once given. The most common word in German is ” terminal” (appointment). All meetings need an appointment, and any changes require advanced notice. This culture of commitment is a hallmark of the German “spirit of contract,” which fosters trust among people and has established global confidence in German brands.
Collaboration
Another recurring theme in German children’s literature is collaboration, often illustrated through heartwarming stories of teamwork. One such book, One for All, All for One, tells the tale of a tiny mouse with a limp who sets out on an adventure. Along the way, the mouse meets friends with unique strengths and overcomes challenges. The story conveys a simple yet powerful message: “Wer alleine arbeitet, addiert. Wer zusammen arbeitet, multipliziert.” (Individual effort adds, but teamwork multiplies.)
This focus on teamwork is not just confined to books — a value I saw reflected in real life among German students. They excel at working together, a skill unfamiliar to many international students.
Public-mindedness
Germany strongly emphasizes fostering a sense of public responsibility from an early age. Children are taught the value of social harmony, helping others, being considerate, and fulfilling civic duties. This responsibility extends beyond family education into social education, where every citizen is expected to contribute to the next generation’s well-being — not just their children but all children in society.
Citizens take pride in maintaining their spaces, caring for shared public areas, and working together to clear snow from walkways. On the road, drivers consistently slow down for pedestrians, demonstrating respect at every turn. This pervasive sense of public-mindedness contributes to a society where people feel safe and valued.
Empathy
German children’s books often feature characters with imperfections, disabilities, or unique challenges, promoting empathy from an early age. This emphasis on kindness extends into everyday life, where it’s common to see Germans offering help to those in need, whether the elderly or those facing physical challenges. I experienced this firsthand when, on a rainy night, an elderly gentleman went out of his way to help me, a stranger, find shelter and even paid for my stay without hesitation. This deep-seated empathy is integral to German family education, teaching children the importance of kindness and understanding.
Alongside values like empathy, responsibility, generosity, perseverance, etiquette, and independent thinking, the core focus is nurturing well-rounded, resilient individuals.
Parental presence: The ultimate education
It’s often said that Germany prohibits “preschool education,” but this is a misconception. Germany does have preschools, but these institutions focus on social education rather than academics. Preschool teachers concentrate on life skills, teaching children how to navigate public transportation, follow rules, and even sort waste for recycling.
During early childhood, the emphasis is on building a secure emotional bond between parents and children, which forms the foundation for healthy mental and emotional development. Many German families have “family days” for bonding, where parents engage in activities like biking and playing and teach children responsibilities such as tidying up and completing small household tasks. By age six, most German children are already remarkably self-sufficient.
As the saying goes, “A nation’s prosperity depends on the quality of its citizens, their education, foresight, and integrity. It is where genuine power comes from.” This is as true for a nation as it is for each child.
Germany has produced a dazzling array of world-renowned figures, from Einstein and Röntgen to Hegel, Nietzsche, Goethe, and 102 Nobel laureates. Their industrial manufacturing, art, and medical science achievements are no accident. Germans believe that character, integrity, and good habits are cultivated rather than taught, with the “seed” of these qualities being planted early on. Over time, this seed grows into the “fruit” of a robust and ethical individual.
In German family education, the first lesson is always this: how to shape a well-rounded, complete person. Their foundational approach to upbringing ensures that children grow up with the values and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to society.
Germany fosters successful, ethical, and community-minded individuals by prioritizing personal development alongside academic learning. This commitment to nurturing strong, capable individuals underpins Germany’s enduring strength and global achievements.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Tatiana Denning
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