Americans of German Descent
For centuries, German Americans have shaped history, culture, and innovation. From architecture to industry, music to cuisine, their influence runs deep in the fabric of the Unites States.
The German American Legacy celebrates this profound impact—honoring the stories, contributions, and traditions that continue to shape U.S. society today.
A Lasting Influence on American Culture
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Pioneering Innovation: German Americans have been at the forefront of technological and industrial advancements, from the automobile industry to brewing and beyond.
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Cultural Enrichment: From festive gatherings that celebrate German tradition like Octoberfest to the craftmanship of skilled artisans, the lasting impact of German cultural expression is abundantly clear within the United states.
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Leadership & Vision: Influential German Americans, from John Peter Zenger, Christian Frederick Martin, Jacob John Astor, Dwight D. Eisenhower, Carl Schurz, Marlene Dietrich, and Donald Trump, have revolutionized science, business, politics and the arts.
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Census: As of the 2020 American Community Survey, approximately 40 million people in the United States reported German ancestry. This makes German ancestry one of the largest reported ancestries in the country.
Learn how the values—hard work, ingenuity, and perseverance of German American pioneers, entrepreneurs, and visionaries have inspired generations.
Preserving Traditions for the Future
As we honor the past, we also celebrate the future, to ensure that the German American legacy remains vibrant for years to come.
Our goal is to reach the German-American community and all those interested in the bond that connects Americans and Germans through culture and history.
Join the German American Celebration
Be part of this journey by exploring our resources, attending events, and connecting with a community that values history and heritage.
Whether you have German heritage, a passion for history, or simply an appreciation for cultural diversity, we invite you to explore, learn, and participate.
German Americans: FAQ
German immigration to America began in the late 17th century with settlers seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities, particularly in Pennsylvania. The 19th century saw a large influx due to economic hardship and political unrest in Germany, leading many to settle in the Midwest. German immigration continued into the 20th century, especially after the two World Wars.
German Americans have significantly influenced American culture through music, art, literature, education, and cuisine. They introduced musical forms like polka and classical traditions, established kindergartens, and popularized foods like pretzels and bratwurst. German Americans also contributed to the beer brewing industry and founded many iconic American breweries.
Popular German American festivals include Oktoberfest, which celebrates German culture with music, dance, and beer, and Christkindlmarkt, a German-style Christmas market. Other celebrations, like Wurstfest, highlight German cuisine and community spirit.
The German language is preserved through bilingual education programs, German-language media, and cultural organizations. These efforts ensure that the language remains a part of American society and heritage.
Traditional German American foods include pretzels, bratwurst, sauerkraut, strudel, stollen, and various breads. German immigrants also influenced the American beer industry, introducing styles like lagers and pilsners.
You can learn about your German American ancestry through genealogical societies, online databases, and historical records. Organizations like the German American Heritage Foundation offer resources and support for tracing family histories.
German Americans were instrumental in establishing kindergartens in the United States and played a significant role in higher education by founding and supporting numerous colleges and universities. Their contributions helped shape the American educational system.
German Americans have made notable contributions to arts and literature by introducing classical music traditions and creating influential visual art. German American authors have enriched American literature with works that reflect their immigrant experiences.
Organizations like the German American Heritage Foundation, local German clubs, and cultural societies support German American heritage by organizing events, offering educational resources, and promoting the preservation of German culture and language. These groups play a crucial role in maintaining the cultural identity of German American communities.
Connect with your heritage
German-Americans Statistics and Facts