German Architecture (2024)

German Architecture (1)

Germany is home to a fascinating array of architectural styles, with city landmark structures, ‘Disney’ castles, and rural historic homes. Traditional timbered German houses and chalets can be found all over the south of the country, whilst Baltic brick homes from the Medieval era are still found in northern towns today. In the cities, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque sits happily alongside Bauhaus, Modernist, and Contemporary buildings.

In the major urban areas, you can expect cathedrals, churches, concert halls, and even libraries design of which will makeyou gaze upward.

Table of contents

  • History of Architecture in Germany
  • Characteristics of German architecture
  • Famous architectural structures in Germany

History of Architecture in Germany

The architecture of Germany has a long and diverse history

With over 600 millennia of human history and a space that occupies 357,021 km², Germany doesn’t exactly have one distinct type of architecture. The historic cities such as Berlin, Munich, and Cologne are home to the full timeline of German architectural trends from the pre-medieval Carolingian to Medieval Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, and the later Neo-Classical and Neo-Renaissance eras.

Whilst these trends existed in cities, those living in rural areas throughout the medieval and early modern era lived in a variety of houses including the Low German House, a farmhouse found in northern Germany and the High German House, a farmhouse more common in Central Germany.

What does Bauhaus mean?

Bauhaus literally translates to ‘Architecture House’.It was a school of art with its heyday lasting from 1919-1933, and it was founded by Walter Gropius.

The early 20th century, gave birth to the Bauhaus movement of art, design, and architecture, which combined arts and crafts, fine art, and functionality. It is the most famous and influential of all German architecture movements.

It was a precursor to Modernist Architecture as a whole, which has flourished in Germany ever since and includes Brutalism, Art Deco, Deconstructivism, and the International styles. Contemporary architecture in Germany features organic design principles and focuses on the concept of sustainability.

German Architecture (2)

Famous German Architects

  • Walter Gropius
  • Gottfried Bohm
  • Max Dudler
  • Karl Friedrich Schinkel

Architecture Museums

New residents can find out more about German buildings and the country’s architectural history at the German Architecture Museum in Frankfurt. It’s permanent exhibition, titled From Ancient Huts to Skyscrapers, tells a comprehensive story of German architecture history.

Architecture tours

If you’re fascinated by architecture, why not book yourself in for one of the many architecture tours held in most of Germany’s main cities? To get you started, you can tour the ‘new’ Museum Island in Berlin, the arts district of Munich, or take part in the Cologne: Urbanism: Where Old Meets New tour. Castle tours in Bavaria are also extremely popular.

Characteristics of German architecture

Learn more about the classic style of German architecture and typical German houses

There are vast regional differences when it comes to traditional German architecture, which are evident if you travel around the country. In the Baltic towns and cities, such as Lübeck and Rostock, the Brick Gothic style, which is found all over Northern Europe, has been well-conserved.

To the south, you will find traditional Bavarian Architecture which is more Alpine in style, where homes resemble Swiss chalets.

What are the characteristics of German architecture?

Half-timbered buildings can be found all over Germany, which is a key characteristic of traditional architecture. A-frame roofs are also common, especially in traditional Bavarian homes.

But when you think ‘German buildings’, the magnificent castles of Bavaria might come to mind first. These are also an important, iconic, and well-recognized part of Germany’s medieval history.

What are German houses made of?

Many historic houses are made from brick, especially in the north where there was less rock available throughout history. Half-timbered and fully-timbered houses are common all over Germany, and although these arose in the medieval era, the style was used in rural areas until the 20th century.

Modern homes in Germany are frequently built from a brick masonry formed of sand and limestone, along with asphalt roof tiles. Energy efficiency is important in the building of new homes today, which tend to be well-insulated. A surprising 60% of new homes in German are self-built (prefabricated).

What are German style houses called?

People use a variety of words when they are describing German style homes. This includes log cabins and chalets as well as High German and Low German houses.

Architecture in Berlin

Take a trip to or around Berlin to see for yourself the remains of the famous contrasts between East (GDR) and West German architecture as well as the famous TV Tower or Fernsehturm that’s over 368 meters high and which has a lot more East-West political history than you may have thought!

Famous architectural structures in Germany

These buildings are all worth a visit!

The Semperoper, Dresden

This beautiful Opera House and Concert Hall was originally built in 1841, designed by architect Gottfried Semper. Devasted by a fire, it was rebuilt in 1878 in a Neo-Renaissance design (also known as Revival Renaissance or Dresden Baroque). During the WWII Dresden bombings in 1945, the interior was completely ruined, and it was been largely rebuilt once again. It is considered one of the finest concert halls on Earth.

Cologne Cathedral

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most-visited landmark in Germany, Cologne Cathedral is also the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne. It is the tallest twin-spired building in the world and the biggest Gothic building in Northern Europe. Cologne Cathedral is a fine example of German Gothic architecture.

Stadtbibliothek Stuttgart

This public library was only built in 2011 but demonstrates Stuttgart’s continued commitment to modernity, clean lines, and functionalism. Designed by Yi Architects, this 45 x 45 meter cube has perfectly geometric patterned windows on each façade. The interior is white, light, and truly meditative. This public library is a great example of modern German architecture.

duch*ess Anna Amalia Library, Weimar

The home of duch*ess Anna Amalia (1739–1807) was established as a library during her lifetime. Today, this UNESCO-protected building is a public library and is still home to the duch*ess’ own collection of Shakespeare and one of the best collections of German Literature in the country. Located in the so-called Green Castle, the library has a stunning oval-shaped Rococo Hall at its heart.

Hohenzollern Castle, Baden-Württemberg

This imposing castle is a memorial to the two former castles that enjoyed the same hilltop position. The first was built in the 11th century for the House of Hohenzollern. The current, and third, castle was built as a memorial in the mid-1800s. It was inspired by both the English Gothic Revival movement and the French Chateaux of the Loire Valley.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

Quite probably the most photographed castle on Earth, and the very castle on which the Disney logo is based, this is one of the most famous structures in Germany. It has a classic fairy-tale design and was built in the Romanesque Revival style in 1869. Only a castle in name, it was actually a palace for King Ludwig II in honor of Richard Wagner.

Frauenkirche, Dresden

This Lutheran Church is an excellent example of Baroque architecture. It was built in the 18th century to replace a church that had been in the location previously, and at that time, it had one of the biggest domes in Europe. Built as a testament to the strength of German Protestantism, it sadly suffered in the Dresden bombing of WWII. In recent years it has been rebuilt to its former glory.

Reichstag, Berlin

The home of the German parliament (Bundestag), the imposing Reichstag Building is, for some, the heart of Berlin. Completed in 1894 in a Neo-Renaissance style, the building was later ravaged by both fire and war and has been renovated a number of times. Most notably, it had a glass dome viewing area added in 1999, designed by Norman Foster as a testament to the original cupola of the building.

Elbphilharmonie, Hamburg

One of the world’s newest and most-talked-about concert halls, the Elbphilharmonie is so-named because it was constructed on the banks of the River Elbe. The main body is a glass construction, designed to look like a sail or wave, that sits atop an old warehouse. Referred to by locals as the ‘Elphi’, it is home to the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra.

Gendarmenmarkt, Berlin

The Gendarmenmarkt Square in Berlin is home to a stunning ensemble of famous German architecture. This includes the 18th century ‘French Church’, the rebuilt ‘German Church’ and the modern Konzerthaus (Concert Hall). In December, the square hosts one of Berlin’s most famous Christmas markets.

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German Architecture (2024)

FAQs

German Architecture? ›

Architecture of Germany

During the medieval period, the Romanesque style dominated. In the 13th century, as the Gothic style took hold, some of Germany's most notable structures were built, including the cathedrals at Cologne (begun 1248) and Strasbourg (planned 1277).

What is German style architecture called? ›

Architecture of Germany

During the medieval period, the Romanesque style dominated. In the 13th century, as the Gothic style took hold, some of Germany's most notable structures were built, including the cathedrals at Cologne (begun 1248) and Strasbourg (planned 1277).

What is German architecture known for? ›

In the cities, a blend of Gothic and Romanesque sits happily alongside Bauhaus, Modernist, and Contemporary buildings. In the major urban areas, you can expect cathedrals, churches, concert halls, and even libraries design of which will make you gaze upward.

What are traditional German houses called? ›

It is known by a variety of other names, many of which indicate its regional distribution: Ernhaus (hall house, hall kitchen house) Oberdeutsches Haus (Upper German house) Thüringisches Haus (Thuringian house) Fränkisches Haus (Franconian house)

What is the famous German architectural style well known all over the world? ›

The Bauhaus style later became one of the most influential currents in modern design, modernist architecture, and architectural education.

What is Bavarian style architecture? ›

Bavarian Baroque

Based on the French Baroque buildings, this style of architecture made it to Germany in the 18th Century and included notable buildings in Bavaria like the enormous and grand Ottobeuren Abbey.

What is Bauhaus architecture? ›

Bauhaus architecture is a school of design and architecture founded by architect Walter Gropius in 1919, in Weimar, Germany. The school was founded to unite fine arts (like painting and sculpture) with applied arts (like industrial design or building design).

What are the characteristics of German design? ›

The curator Barbara Bloemink linked german design with "its overall emphasis on high functionality - solidity, simplicity, precision, superior engineering and technology, and reliability".

Is German architecture Gothic? ›

Gothic architecture is an important and defining part of Germany's architectural history and the painting and sculpture that accompany these Gothic buildings often provide an important insight into the medieval period.

What are the features of German houses? ›

Identifiable Features
  • Steeply pitched gable roofs.
  • Stone, brick, log or frame construction.
  • Double doors, four over four front facade.
  • Dual gable end chimneys.
  • Usually two and a half stories.
  • Summer kitchen located just behind main house.

What is a German square called? ›

Notice that there are two words for square, Viereck and Quadrat.

What is a German chateau called? ›

Schlösser), formerly written Schloß, is the German term for a building similar to a château, palace, or manor house.

What are German cottages called? ›

The Low German house or Fachhallenhaus is a type of timber-framed farmhouse found in northern Germany and the easternmost Netherlands, which combines living quarters, byre and barn under one roof.

What architectural style is Berlin? ›

The Berlin Style (also referred to as Berlin Classicism) is a neotraditional style of architecture that has developed in Germany since the fall of the Berlin Wall.

What is the difference between German and Bavarian German? ›

When it comes to learning German, you should know that Bavarian German is a dialect distinct from standard German – one that comes from the region in which Bavaria and Austria meet. Just like the English language varies across America, Great Britain, and Australia, Bavarians also have a regional dialect of their own.

What architectural style is Dresden? ›

If there is one thing Dresden is particularly famous for, it is the magnificent architecture. Although known primarily for its Baroque buildings, the city has several other architectural styles present too, such as Renaissance, Historicism, Modernism and Post-modernism.

Why is Bavarian German so different? ›

The reason why Bavarian can be viewed as a separate language is its relative distance from Standard German: the difference between Bavarian and Standard German is larger than the difference between Danish and Norwegian or between Czech and Slovak.

Is Ikea Bauhaus? ›

Just 10 years after the Bauhaus' closure, this principle would become the theoretical and functional foundation for IKEA. 'Design for everyone', IKEA's guiding principle, is both the embodiment of Bauhaus ideals and a business plan that has seen modernism repackaged in the form of a global consumer goods empire.

What is the difference between Bauhaus and brutalist architecture? ›

Where Brutalist architecture uses concrete and brick, the Bauhaus style features glass and steel.

What does Bauhaus mean in German? ›

What does “Bauhaus” mean? “Bauhaus” literally translates to “house of building,” which was derived by inverting the German word Hausbau, or “building of a house.”

Do Germans have high cheekbones? ›

German people will also tend to have faces with more prominent cheekbones that are higher up on the face. What is this? This feature can be seen in profile, a little bit better from the front, but most clearly from a 45 degree angle.

What is Germanic style? ›

There are tell-tale clues that distinguish the Germanic style from the other familiar styles of the time: a massive central chimney, steeply pitched roofs, casem*nt windows, plank shutters, side-lapped wooden shingles, flat head dormers, chevron doors and walls of fieldstone or half-timber clad in wood siding.

What design movement was based in Germany? ›

Bauhaus was an influential art and design movement that began in 1919 in Weimar, Germany. The movement encouraged teachers and students to pursue their crafts together in design studios and workshops.

Is Gothic French or German? ›

The Gothic style first developed in France. Territories that constitute modern-day Germany adopted the French Gothic and developed regional distinctions to this style.

What is the quintessential example of German Gothic style? ›

The Cologne Cathedral is probably the best-known example of the German Gothic style. Construction of the cathedral started in 1248 and ended 1880 after the original plans were rediscovered.

What country has a lot of Gothic architecture? ›

While the signature Gothic style originated in France, the architectural movement spread across Europe, especially in Italy, Spain, Germany and Britain. Some of the best Gothic architecture examples can be seen in France, one of the earliest being the Basilica of Saint-Denis in Paris completed in 1144 CE.

What are the characteristics of German Gothic architecture? ›

Characteristics of German Gothic architecture include many elements shared by its French predecessor, including stained glass, pointed arches, and buttresses. German hallmarks include brick construction instead of stone and the popularity of hall churches.

How are German homes different from American homes? ›

German houses and apartments are often sold with no lighting fixtures installed. The new owners get to select (and buy) their own. American houses and apartments have built-in closets and storage space. German houses and apartments usually have no built-in closets or storage space.

What is unique in Germany? ›

Beer, bread, bratwurst, cheese and chocolate are just a few of the incredible things you need to try when visiting this culturally-rich country. As a result, some of these items definitely hit the mark when looking for the best German souvenirs to take home with you.

What are the two dots German? ›

/ˈʊmlaʊt/ If you've ever studied German, you've seen an umlaut. It's a mark that looks like two dots over a letter, and it signifies a shift in pronunciation.

What is the German triangle? ›

1890 - An estimated 2.8 million German-born immigrants lived in the United States. A majority of the German-born living in the United States were located in the "German triangle," whose three points were Cincinnati, Milwaukee, and St. Louis.

What do Germans call the first floor? ›

Etage, 1. Stock, and 1. Obergeschoss all denote the first level above the ground floor (Erdgeschoss).

What are Bavarian houses called? ›

However, the only architectural style unique to Bavaria is the regional variation of the farmhouse. We erroneously call this style a chalet. Its German name is the Bauernhaus.

What castle did Disney copy in Germany? ›

The fairytale castle Neuschwanstein is a popular sight in Germany. The castle in Hohenschwangau (Bavaria) was built by order of King Ludwig II and the inspiration for the Disney Cinderella castle.

What is the Bavarian word for house? ›

Haus, Zuhause, Heim

It translates to house and means a building.

What are German closets called? ›

Other uses: Schrank (shortened form of kleiderschrank), a tall wardrobe-like German chest with double doors.

What is the German word for house? ›

[haʊs] noun Word forms: plural houses [ˈhaʊzɪz] 1. Haus nt ; (= household) Haushalt m.

What is a German timber frame house called? ›

Known as fachwerk in German and maison à colombages in French, these timber-framed buildings with their sloping roofs and dark wooden beams, so typical of the building style of the late medieval period, may also date back as far the 12th century.

What architectural style is Salzburg? ›

Salzburg City is a baroque jewel north of the Alps. Commissioned by the prince-archbishops, during the 17th and 18th centuries many churches, houses, gardens and fountains were created or refashioned in the style of the Baroque.

What is European architecture style called? ›

Architectural style: Gothic/Renaissance architecture. Features of Gothic architecture include pointed arches, flying buttresses and vaulted ceilings. Renaissance architecture often includes orderly arrangements of columns, semi-circular arches and domes, with a focus on symmetry and geometry.

What type of architecture is in Munich? ›

Munich was arguably the most important city for Baroque Architecture north of the Alps and is also home to many highlights of Gothic and Renaissance Architecture.

What is the art capital of Germany? ›

Berlin: Art capital of the world.

What was the Art Nouveau style called in Germany? ›

Jugendstil, artistic style that arose in Germany about the mid-1890s and continued through the first decade of the 20th century, deriving its name from the Munich magazine Die Jugend (“Youth”), which featured Art Nouveau designs.

What crafts is Germany known for? ›

5 traditional German crafts that make a perfect souvenir
  • Screen Prints. About. The East German city of Leipzig established a printing industry in 1650, and by the mid-19th century it had garnered a reputation worldwide. ...
  • Porcelain. About. ...
  • Brass instruments. About. ...
  • Playing cards. About. ...
  • Crystal. About.
Jul 9, 2022

Who has the most beautiful architecture? ›

The world's most beautiful buildings have been uncovered in a new study, with London's St. Paul's Cathedral scooping the top spot. Research conducted by Roofing Megastore used the golden ratio — an ancient algebraic equation — to analyse 100 of the most famous buildings around the world.

Who is No 1 architect in the world? ›

1. Rafael Aranda. Rafael Aranda is a renowned Catalan architect, known for being the precursor of a type of architecture that is local and rooted to his land, but with a global and universal language. Originally from Olot, Girona, he can be considered one of the best architects in the world and of our times.

Which country has the best architecture in the world? ›

Italy, Spain, UK, France, Gemany, Russia, the list goes on... ALL the European countries have superb, historical architecture second to none. Italy is amazing period.

What was the German modern architecture style name that was also a school? ›

The Bauhaus was arguably the most influential architecture, art and design school of the 20th century. Founded in Weimar, Germany, in 1919 by architect Walter Gropius, it attracted some of the key figures in the evolution of Modernism.

Is Bauhaus Art Nouveau? ›

Summary of Bauhaus

The Bauhaus was influenced by 19th and early-20th-century artistic directions such as the Arts and Crafts movement, as well as Art Nouveau and its many international incarnations, including the Jugendstil and Vienna Secession.

What was the name of the new style of architecture in Germany in the 1920s? ›

Bauhaus literally means 'school of building', and is founded by Walter Gropius in 1919. The objective of the movement is to establish a 'total' work of art that encompasses all the arts, including architecture, and brings them into unity with one another.

What is Bavarian architecture called? ›

Its German name is the Bauernhaus. In mid-size to large cities, the classic styles mentioned above predominate, but in the villages and small towns the Bauernhaus was, and is today, the predominant building style.

What are the 3 types of German? ›

The varieties of German are conventionally grouped into Upper German, Central German and Low German; Upper and Central German form the High German subgroup. Standard German is a standardized form of High German, developed in the early modern period based on a combination of Central German and Upper German varieties.

What are 3 characteristics of Germanic people? ›

Six Distinct Stereotypical German Personality Traits
  • They are hardworking. ...
  • They are humorous. ...
  • They are well-organized. ...
  • They respect punctuality. ...
  • Traditions are important to Germans.
Oct 9, 2018

What are the 7 characteristics of the Bauhaus design? ›

Characteristics of Bauhaus Style

Bauhaus designs are characterized by clean lines, simple, useful shapes with little or no decoration, primary colors, and rational use of modern materials such as glass, concrete, and steel. The most important contribution of the Bauhaus is in the field of industrial design.

What is Bauhaus design style? ›

The Bauhaus is a German artistic movement which lasted from 1919-1933. Its goal was to merge all artistic mediums into one unified approach, that of combining an individual's artistry with mass production and function. Bauhaus design is often abstract, angular, and geometric, with little ornamentation.

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