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Germany

Germany Culture Overview

  • Capital: Berlin
  • Population: approx. 84 million
  • Official Language: German
  • Currency: Euro
  • Germany is the 7th biggest country in Europe.
  • The most popular sport in Germany is football (soccer).
  • You can find about 20,000 castles in Germany.
  • More than 800 million currywurst sausages are eaten every year in Germany. The snack is so popular that there’s even a museum dedicated to it in Berlin.
  • One-third of Germany is covered in forests and woodlands.

Tips On Traveling to Germany

When traveling to Germany, it's important to be aware of items that are prohibited or restricted at customs.

Prohibited Items3

  • Meat, fish products, eggs, and honey produced outside the European Union (with some exceptions)

Restricted Items3

  • Live animals
  • Fur, ivory, leather, stuffed animals, or birds
  • Plants, seedlings, seeds, and bulbs
  • Long-wave radio transmitters

If entering Germany from a non-EU country with €10,000 or more in cash or securities, you must declare it in writing to customs. If entering from another EU country, you must orally declare it when asked.4

Helpful numbers in case of emergencies in Germany5,6

There are several important emergency numbers to know in case you ever experience an emergency or need emergency help:

  • Police (110)
  • Fire and Medical (112)
  • Domestic ADAC Roadside Assistance (089 20 20 4000)
  • 24-hour emotional support hotline (0800 111 0 111)
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Passing away Germany7,8

A physician or hospital must confirm the death and issue a formal death certificate known as the “Totenschein.”

The death must be reported to the local Registry Office (“Standesamt”) within three working days. This can be done by a family member or a funeral home. The Standesamt will then issue the official death certificate (“Sterbeurkunde”).

Depending on the deceased’s marital status, various documents may be required, including:

  • Passports of the deceased and spouse
  • Original marriage certificate (with translation)
  • Birth certificate (if needed)
  • Death certificate of a spouse (if widowed)
  • Divorce decree (if divorced abroad, subject to German legal validation)

Tip: Always ensure documents are translated into German or are international versions to avoid delays.

Repatriating Mortal Remains 5,6

When repatriating a body out of Germany and to its home country, the following documents are required:

  • Clearance Certificate (“Unbedenklichkeitsbescheinigung”) issued by a doctor or the local Health Authority (“Gesundheitsamt”).
  • Corpse Transit Permit (“Leichenpass”) issued by the Standesamt. To have this issued, you’ll need:
    • The “Totenschein” (cause of death)
    • The “Sterbeurkunde” (death certificate)
    • A medical certificate confirming safe transport
    • Confirmation of proper coffin and transport arrangements

Additional support is available through local funeral homes, which often assist with paperwork and logistics.

Emotional and Mental Health Support