German is one of the most important languages in the world.
In Europe, it is more widely spoken than English and French.
Over 100 million Europeans speak German as their mother tongue, and in addition at least 100 million people from around the world speak German as a foreign language.
This is the most important language in the very heart of Europe, and the main means of communication from the Baltic Sea to the north to the Apennines to the south.
It is an official language in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Liechtenstein and is the second official in Luxembourg.
It is spoken also in parts of Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark and Italy (South Tyrol).
In some countries, such as Romania, Hungary and Slovakia, the language has official status in some settlements with a considerable number of German speaking population.
Outside Europe there are large groups of German speakers in the U.S., Brazil, Angola, Venezuela and many other countries, especially in Latin America.
1. Berlin, Germany – 3,460,725 people
In the 21st century, Berlin is the most important cultural center in Europe and is often called the European capital of culture. It is unparalleled in its diversity and is considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities on the planet today.
2. Hamburg, Germany – 1,786,448 people
Hamburg is the second largest city in Germany and is the largest German port. Located on the banks of the Elbe River, approximately 83 kilometers from the North Sea coast, the city is one of the most important engines of the German economy.
3. Vienna, Austria – 1,714,142 people
Known for its palaces, gardens and museums, Vienna is one of the most aristocratic cities in the world.
A number of world-famous composers, such as Beethoven, Brahms and Mozart, have lived and worked in the capital of Austria.
4. Munich, Germany – 1,353,186 people
Besides being one of the best cities to live in the world, Munich is very important tourist destination. Oktoberfest, one of the most famous festivals in the world, takes place in Munich every year in October (or late September)!
5. Cologne, Germany – 1,007,119 people,
Cologne is a very attractive city, and the most beautiful building there is the amazing Cologne Cathedral “St. Peter and St. Mary”. This exceptional building is a real masterpiece of architecture and is the result of almost two centuries of hard work.
6. Frankfurt, Germany – 679,664 people
Frankfurt is one of the most important financial centers in Europe and in the world. The city is known for its skyscrapers and specific North American appearance. Destroyed during World War II, today the city is more beautiful and vibrant than ever.
7. Stuttgart, Germany – 606,588 people
America has Detroit and Europe has Stuttgart. The German city is a world leading center of automotive industry as well as one of the most important technology centers in the country.
8. Graz, Austria – 599,049 people
Graz is one of the most respected university centers in Europe. Furthermore, the city is considered one of the world’s culinary capitals together with cities such as Lyon, France. The city is the second most important urban and economic center in Austria.
9. Düsseldorf, Germany – 588,735 people
On the background of the highly developed and industrialized Germany, Düsseldorf is notable for its culture, art, architecture and beer. Düsseldorf is the German fashion capital and one of the most exciting shopping centers in the world.
10. Dortmund, Germany – 580,444 people
Unlike most large and modern cities, Dortmund doesn’t suffer from a lack of green spaces. In fact, parks, gardens and woodlands cover approximately ½ of the total area of the city.
11. Essen, Germany – 574,635 people
Essen is one of the least industrialized and technological cities in Germany, because its economy is heavily dependent on the tertiary sector (or the service sector as it is more commonly known).
12. Bremen, Germany – 547,340 people
Even with a population of “only” half a million people, Bremen is the center of a large agglomeration with a population of nearly 2.5 million people. This is the main reason why Bremen looks so vibrant and hectic.
13. Dresden, Germany – 523,058 people
Dresden is considered the most beautiful city in Germany, and you will realize that after a short walk down the streets.
Museums, palaces, gardens and exquisite architecture have turned the city into the most attractive place for tourism in the country.
14. Leipzig, Germany – 522,883 people
Leipzig is one of the most important educational centers in Germany, but it is also known for something else. With a few dozens of companies in the city, Leipzig is the most important center of the printing industry in Germany.
15. Hanover, Germany – 522,686 people
Hanover is a very important educational center not only in Germany but also around the world. The city is also known for its beautiful parks and gardens and is an attractive place for tourism.
16. Nuremberg, Germany – 505,664 people
Nuremberg is a very beautiful city, which is famous far beyond Europe with its incredible old architecture. The city carries the spirit of Western and Central Europe intertwined with the feeling of modernity and harmony.
17. Duisburg, Germany – 489,599 people
Once known for its deposits of minerals, today Duisburg is a city which increasingly relies on tourism and services sector.
Duisburg has a lot to offer, including beautiful architecture, numerous parks, gardens and restaurants as well as exciting theaters and cinemas.
18. Zurich, Switzerland – 383,708 people
If you are looking for a wealthier city than Zurich, probably you will never find one, at least not on this planet. The city is a symbol of prestige and is a center of attraction for the rich and famous people from around the world.
19. Bochum, Germany – 374,737 people,
In 1850, Bochum was just a small town with less than 4,000 people, but today it is the 19th-largest German-speaking city in the world.
But Bochum is not only a city with rapidly growing economy and population. It is a thriving center of culture, a city with a number of galleries, museums and cultural events throughout the year.
20. Wuppertal, Germany – 349,720 people
Wuppertal is a modern city in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is legendary famous for its unique Suspension Railway – an innovative project realised in 1900.
