The fall of the Wall and German reunifi cation n unprecedented historical process, the tal of the Federal Republic — to Berlin. Since end of division and coming to terms the move in 1999, Germany once again has in Awith the past. Berlin a pulsating political center that bears November 9, 1989, the day on which the comparison with the major cities of the big Berlin Wall fell, marked the climax of a trend European neighboring states. In addition to the that was similar to a revolution and in which the newly designed Reichstag building, symbols of citizens of the GDR played the main role. Some, this are the Chancellery and the open Branden- because they did everything in their power to burg Gate, which represents the overcoming of leave a state that refused to grant them the free- the country’s division. For a while there had dom to travel and who by occupying embassies been fears that the government’s move to Ber- abroad forced the authorities into allowing them lin could become an expression of a new Ger- to leave, and others because they proclaimed in man megalomania, with which the country’s no uncertain terms that they wished to stay in economic and political weight would upset the the GDR. However, they also demanded fun- status quo in Europe again. These fears proved damental reforms, which the regime could not to be wrong. Rather, German Unity was to be agree to without setting its downfall in motion. the initial spark that led to the overcoming of Given this assault on two fronts, despite mas- the division of Europe into east and west. sive security measures the GDR collapsed like a As such, Germany actually played a pioneer- house of cards in the space of just a few months. ing role in the political and economic integra- This paved the way for the division of Germany tion of the continent. In addition it gave up one to be overcome and for the country to be reu- of the most important instruments and symbols nited on October 3, 1990. in the unifi cation process, the Deutschmark, to At the beginning of 1989 hardly anybody create a European Monetary Union, the Euro- in Germany, either in the west or east, had zone, which would not exist without Germany. anticipated that the 40th anniversary of the Nor, despite their being heavily involved in the GDR in the fall would also be its last, that the unifi cation process, have the various federal Berlin Wall would soon disappear, and that followed, however was what Bertolt Brecht the population in the west the fi nancial. The has admittedly slowed down in comparison governments since 1990 ever lost sight of Eu- Germany, which was divided into two states, once called “the trudge across the fl atlands”. annus mirabilis of 1989/1990 was followed with the fi rst few years of unity, and the sub- ropean integration, but have played an active would be (re-) united. No one had suspected The diffi culties many Germans had with their by a sober convergence process with a long- sequent shrinking and aging of the population role in its development, which culminated in that as a result the political constellations that newly found freedom were also a conse- term perspective. Furthermore, the success in the new federal states. Transfers from the the Lisbon process. had dominated post-War European politics quence of the fact that it came when hardly stories of the “Aufbau Ost” project, which west, which in 2009 totaled an estimated EUR Ultimately, in the course of the 1990s Ger- for more than forty years would dissolve. But anybody had been expecting it and at a speed were gradually becoming visible, were still 1.6 trillion net (minus the payments made from many’s role in world politics also changed. then everything changed. All at once history, no one was used to. not taken adequate notice of. the east) correspond with the migration from The participation of German troops in interna- which for decades had been evolving at a One of the most spectacular results of the east. The efforts made as part of “Aufbau tional peace-keeping and stabilization missions snail’s pace in Europe, began trotting, before The challenge ‘Aufbau Ost’ “Aufbau Ost“ project was the renovation of Ost” are an example of national solidarity, the makes this increased responsibility visible to fi nally breaking into a wild gallop. The speed Following the collapse of the GDR it inner-city residential quarters not just in cit- like of which could hardly have been expected the outside world. In domestic political dis- of the changes even took the breath away emerged that its average productivity was a ies such as Dresden, Leipzig, Chemnitz, and in a political atmosphere dominated by post- cussion, however, the foreign missions are in from those observers who were mere onlook- third of that of the Federal Republic, such that Halle, which in the GDR had been continually national discourse. Despite all the progress that some cases the subject of controversial discus- ers and not themselves directly involved in instead of the expected DM 600 billion (some decaying. Other examples are the telecommu- has been made, in the future creating equal liv- sion. In the NATO allies’ expectation that the the course of events. A mere ten months after EUR 300 billion) profi t, the Treuhandanstalt, nications facilities in the new federal states, ing conditions in the east and west will remain Federal Republic of Germany take on a share the fall of the Wall the Two Plus Four Agree- the agency commissioned to privatize the which are among the most cutting-edge in a primary topic in fi nally achieving internal of the common obligations commensurate with ment signed on September 12, 1990 paved the state-owned enterprises, ultimately posted a Europe, the establishment of a competitive unity. The Annual Report of the Federal Gov- its size and political weight, it becomes clear in way for the reunifi cation of Germany. DM 230 billion defi cit. The hope of being able university structure, as well as the leading ernment on the Status of German Unity pro- retrospect that as a divided country Germany For a short time, German Unity, which in to fi nance the necessary investments in the in- position of the solar and and environmental vides a regular overview of developments. enjoyed a political status that no longer existed constitutional terms was completed on Octo- frastructure of the new federal states with the technology operations that have now settled when the bipolar world order came to an end. ber 3, 1990 with the accession of the fi ve new proceeds from the privatization of the so-called there. Enormous efforts have also been chan- Berlin — a political center Since there is no longer a risk of confronta- federal states “to the area of validity of the “people’s property” had been deceptive. neled into infrastructure, environmental and Even in the Unifi cation Treaty it was deter- tion between Bundeswehr troops in the west Basic Law of the Federal Republic of Germa- The cost of German Unity grew even faster nature protection, developing tourism and the mined that Berlin be the capital. On June 20, and those of the Nationale Volksarmee in the ny”, triggered exuberant collective joy, borne than even its most pessimistic estimates had preservation of cultural assets. 1991 the Deutsche Bundestag passed a resolu- GDR, there has been continually growing in- by the certainty of being able to shoulder the supposed. The population in the east had to This is countered by the migration of pri- tion to also move the seat of government and ternational expectation for Germany to assume challenges of the unifi cation process. What bear the social burden of unity and, primarily, marily young people from east to west, which Parliament from Bonn — since 1949 the capi- corresponding responsibility. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 II

A Guide to German Etiquette

othing’s as easy as sticking nudity than might be the case in your foot in it when you’re your home country. Saunas, a Nabroad. But don’t worry. minority of swimming pools and Here are the do’s and don’ts. even some public parks on sunny days are considered to be “textile Shaking hands free”, at least at particular times. Germans are great hand-shakers, Getting together completely naked and they like to do so both when in a sauna, however, has no sexual arriving and when departing. It is dimension to it whatsoever. But if common for a person who is join- you feel you would be uncomfort- ing a group to shake hands with able, it may be a good idea to ask every single individual. fi rst before you join a trip to the pool. This attitude spills over to Drinking television, where the programs and Beer and wine are part of a even the commercials can feature normal dinner and alcoholic more nudity than is the case in drinks are usually offered to most countries. guests. Not drinking, however, is completely accepted. Do not insist Greetings on alcoholic drinks if a person has When customers enter shops, es- rejected your initial offer and don’t pecially smaller outlets, they greet order them for them. A German everyone in the shop. The same is who rejects a drink is not just be- true of doctors’ waiting rooms. So ing shy or polite but does not want practice saying “Guten Tag” and to drink. For some cultures it is “Auf Wiedersehen”. uncommon to see teenagers order a beer at restaurants and pubs. Seating in restaurants Remember that the legal drinking It is common to share tables age in Germany is 16 for beer and with perfect strangers when wine and 18 for spirits. still switch when speaking English. paper into the regular garbage, bathroom door in somebody’s restaurants are full and very busy. Names Before you do so, however, always But don’t forget to switch back. your relationship could be strained house does not mean the bathroom Punctuality It is polite to address everyone point to the free seat and ask, “Ist for good. is occupied. Don’t turn up late for an Titles by their family name and “Sie”. dieser Platz noch frei?” (Is this seat appointment or when meeting Kissing Do not leave off double-barreled Telephoning free?). Also, wish the other diners people. Germans are extremely Titles of nobility belong to names, such as Frau Müller- at the table “Guten Appetit.” But punctual, and even a few min- an individual’s name — such as When close friends greet each Weber. Names are inserted into Don’t call people at home after don’t expect any further conversa- utes’ delay can offend. Be fi ve to Fürstin von Metternich. When other, it is common to kiss both conversation after every few 10 pm unless you’ve asked them tion at the table. It may be very 10 minutes early for important in doubt, it is advisable to ask. the left and right cheeks. However, sentences. fi rst if it’s all right. Don’t expect welcome, but you shouldn’t force appointments and be sure to call Academic titles also belong to the this is considered inappropriate in to reach anyone in the offi ce after it. When you leave, be sure to bid the people you are meeting if you name, such as Herr Doktor Müller a business setting. Birthdays 5 pm Monday through Thursday farewell to your table companions. really cannot make it in time. or Frau Professor Weise. You do not have to throw a and after 4 pm on Fridays. When Silverware language party for yourself, but if you do, answering the phone in Germany, Toasting Flowers it is common to identify yourself Du and Sie Crossing the knife and fork on provide food and drinks for all It’s common to clink glasses Bring fl owers if you’re in- with your last name. In private, the older person your plate is an indication that your guests. (In return, they’ll give with a “Prost” (“cheers”) or “Zum suggests using the informal “du” vited to a German home for some you presents.) It is also common Wohl” (“good health”) before social occasion. If the fl owers are you are not yet fi nished with your Fräulein to the younger person. In the meal. Placing knife and fork on the to bring some cake for your col- drinking. At offi cial dinners, it is wrapped in paper, remember to leagues on your birthday. Forget this outdated form of business world, the higher ranking right side of the plate in parallel is more common to lift the glass by person — regardless of age and take off the wrapping just before addressing young women. These the stem and nod meaningfully to sex — would always be the one to you enter the home. a signal to the waiter that you have Closed doors days, rather than being seen as the others. The host should lead suggest switching to “du”. A nice fi nished and that the plate can be Germans enjoy quietness and polite, it can be offensive. Just use the toast. intermediate step is to address a Garbage cleared away. privacy. They may thus often close the normal “Frau Müller”. At a dinner party or in a restau- person by their fi rst name but then Germans are extremely their doors but will be happy to rant, you should not start eating use the formal “Sie”. Always ask, environmentally conscious and Knocking receive you if you knock on the Nudity or drinking until everyone in the however, before you decide to take separate their garbage to facilitate When entering an offi ce, it is door. A closed door doesn’t neces- In Germany, you might be group has received their drink or this step. If you’re not on a fi rst- recycling. If your neighbors spot common to knock fi rst and then sarily mean that the person cannot confronted with a much more their meal, and then follow the name basis in German, you can you throwing recyclable glass or enter the room immediately. be disturbed. Likewise a closed tolerant, open attitude to public lead of the host. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 III

Welcome to Germany: past is very much present wherever you go repare for a roller-coaster ride of feasts, treats and temptations ex- Pperiencing Germany’s soul-stirring scenery, spirit-lifting culture, big-city beauties, romantic palaces and half-tim- bered towns. Bewitching Scenery There’s something undeniably artistic in the way Germany’s scenery unfolds; the corrugated, dune-fringed coasts of the north; the moody forests, romantic river valleys and vast vineyards of the centre;and the off-the-charts splendour of the Alps, carved into rugged glory by glaciers and the elements. All of these are integral parts of a magical natural matrix that’s bound to give your camera batter- ies a good workout. Get off the highway and into the great outdoors to soak up the epic landscapes that make each delicious, slow, winding mile so precious. Pleasures of Civilisation You’ll encounter history in towns where streets were laid out long before Columbus set sail, and in castles that loom above prim, half-timbered villages where fl ower boxes billow with crimson geraniums. The great cities — including Berlin, Munich and Hamburg — come in more fl avours than a jar of jelly beans but all will wow you with a cultural kalei- doscope that spans the arc from art mu- seums and high-brow opera to naughty cabaret and underground clubs. And wherever you go, Romanesque, Gothic and baroque classics rub rafters with ar- chitectural creations from modern mas- ters such as Daniel Libeskind, David Chipperfi eld and Frank Gehry. Gastro Delights Experiencing Germany through its food and drink will add a rich layer to your memories (and possibly to your belly!). You’ll quickly discover that the local food is so much more than sausages and pretzels, schnitzel and in springtime, chanterelle mushrooms High on History the printing press, the automobile, aspirin left their mark on human history. You can roast pork accompanied by big mugs of in summer and game in autumn. Sam- and MP3 technology. It’s the birthplace of stand in a Roman amphitheatre, sleep in a foamy beer. Beyond the clich”s awaits Few countries have had as much impact a cornucopia of regional and seasonal ple not only the famous beer but also on the world as Germany, which has given Martin Luther, Albert Einstein and Karl medieval castle and walk along remnants palate-teasers. Share the German peo- world-class wines, most notably the us the Hanseatic League, the Reformation Marx, of Goethe, Beethoven, the Brothers of the Berlin Wall — in Germany the past ple’s obsession with white asparagus noble Riesling. and, yes, Hitler and the Holocaust, but also Grimm and other heavyweights who have is very much present wherever you go. ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 IV

Is the industrial giant Tradition-rich factories of great value ready for the future?

Artful work in the porcelain manufactory Meissendpa Nomos Glashütte — the largest tinues to produce new hues, is also fi t for the future. watch manufacturer in Germany Diversity of shapes, When he visited the workshop of Nomos colours and know-how: Glashütte Lamberts — the world Glashütte a few years ago, the American three German manufac- market leader for mouth-blown plate writer Gary Shteyngart perceived a “mo- turers that inspire people glass he Federation of German Industries sioned by the BDI. around the globe. nastic silence”. He returned enthusiastic: “It’s reminiscent of a dance: everyone has to Conference (TDI) will be looking at Business and ethics “At Nomos, the dignity of work is still Germany is a modern the key challenges facing the world’s know exactly where his colleague is standing.” T In view of digitisation, profi t maximisation celebrated,” he wrote in a 2017 article for high-tech and industrial Robert Christ, general manager of the Glashütte fourth-largest industrial nation. the New Yorker, praising the manufactory country, but at the same and growth, business representatives and poli- Lamberts, is talking about well-choreographed Innovation, demographic change, fair taxa- in Glashütte, Saxony, as a place of creative time there are a multi- ticians must also face up to their responsibility work performed near blazing heat. Many hand- tion, digitisation and globalisation: these are production. No other company in Germany tude of tradition-rich fac- holds have to come together before a glowing, to ensure social justice and the sustainable use manufactures so many watches — and with tories where great value the key issues for the future of Germany’s in- soft vitreous mass becomes globally sought- dustry. of resources — in Germany and worldwide. extremely careful handcraft: it can take sev- is attached to genuine One long-term problem is the demographic eral years before a watch is completed. handcraft and masterly after plate glass. Currently, Glashütte Lam- Hard work for the future trend in many western industrial nations: Japan skill. Here are three of berts, located in the Upper Palatinate, is mak- Accolades such as “world export champion” and Germany are the countries with the high- Meissen — the oldest porcelain Germany’s most presti- ing glass for the clock faces of the London bell and the “Made in Germany” seal of quality est average age. The lack of young people and factory in Europe gious big manufacturers. tower Big Ben; Lamberts glass has long been Meissen porcelain requires precisely decorating the Cologne Cathedral, New York’s characterise Germany as an industrial nation skilled workers is already being felt, which is Rockefeller Centre and the underground station — but not for all eternity. German industry is why the migration and integration of qualifi ed working moulders, embossers with a sense of artistic design, and even Schwerterer, or of the airport in the Chinese city of Shenzhen. facing a number of huge challenges. workers is necessary. Furthermore, technolo- manufactory was founded in Saxony in There are only two other glassworks producing For one thing, there is the country’s depend- gies and products must be developed to meet “sworders”. The last are what the special- ized painters are called who have been ap- 1710. The variety of model forms used by mouth-blown plate glass, in France and Poland. ence on global markets and the risk of its ex- the needs of an ageing population. plying by hand the cobalt blue trademark the craftsmen and preserved to a large extent Unique to Lamberts, however, is the variety of port activities being curtailed as a result of nas- Facts about German industry of two crossed swords since 1722 to cups, over the centuries is still unique worldwide. over 5,000 different colours in which its glass cent protectionism. ● plates, bowls and much else. The porcelain The factory’s colour laboratory, which con- is produced. And for another, critics of Germany’s export Germany is the world’s fourth-largest surplus point out that Germany imports and economic power, behind the USA, China and Japan invests too little. Investment and innovation ● are important engines for future growth. High World’s highest export surplus of 253bil- quality education and support for start-ups are lion euros in 2016 ● 7.5 million people employed in industry essential to ensure that new ideas can be turned ● into reality. Half of the jobs in industry depend on ex- ports Industry 4.0 ● Companies with the highest sales vol- Digitisation in everyday life is advancing at umes: Volkswagen AG, Daimler AG, Eon SE such a pace that German industry really needs ● Leading exports: cars and vehicle acces- to push ahead if it does not want to get left sories, machines, chemical products, electron- behind. This poses a challenge for small and ics, optical products, pharmaceuticals medium-sized enterprises in particular. If they ● 90 percent of the companies are small or fail to measure up, industrial value adding in medium-sized (Germany’s Mittelstand), with Germany stands to lose as much as 220billion annual sales of less than 50 million euros and euros by 2025,according to a study commis- fewer than 250 employees. Precision handcraft at Nomos Glashüttedpa Embosser at work in the porcelain manufactory Meissendpa ARAB TIMES, THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2019 V

Journey through German history

Germany’s fi rst W orld Heritage Site: Aachen Cathedral Stralsund’s old town A multimedia show tells the event- Wilhelmshöhe Mountain ou shouldn’t miss these ful story of the works, which was seven World Heritage Sites closed down in 1986. Park Yin Germany. Europe’s largest mountain park 41 historically important cities Würzburg Residence testifi es to the gigantomania of a and outstanding buildings in Ger- landgrave (German count). Water many, plus three Natural Heritage It took just 24 years for one of the most spectacular castles in Europe fl ows down over rocks, stone stairs Sites, are currently on UNESCO’s and cascades into the valley, where it World Heritage List. But not all are to be built under the direction of court architect Balthasar Neumann. shoots up into the air in a 50-meter- well-known. We’d like to introduce high fountain — and the statue of you to seven particularly interesting The Baroque complex from the Hercules watches over everything. ones: 18th Century has 300 sumptuously Historic centres of furnished rooms. Maulbronn Monastery But the real highlight awaits you This Twelfth-Century Cistercian Stralsund and Wismar in the stairwell: look up and you’ll monastery is one of the best-pre- Brick trading houses and store- see the largest one-piece ceiling served medieval monasteries. With houses characterize the Hanseatic fresco in the world, which was its residential and commercial build- towns, which were founded in the painted by Giovanni Battista Tie- ings, schools, hospital wards and Middle Ages. You can imagine the polo. Take your time to admire the beautiful gardens, the monastery hustle and bustle at the harbours detailed allegorical representations functioned like a city for centuries. Ironworks at Völklingen back then whenever ships brought of the continents. in goods from faraway lands. Luther memorials in Aachen Cathedral Ironworks at Völklingen Eisleben and Wittenberg The Aachen Cathedral was the What moved Martin Luther to de- The Völklinger Ironworks is a fi rst cultural monument in Germany velop his reformatory ideas? You can gigantic relic of the steel industry. to make it onto the UNESCO World fi nd answers at his birthplace and the Explore factory halls and corridors Heritage List in 1978. In the Eighth- house where he died, both of which that still smell of metal and slag, Century church you can admire the are in Eisleben. You can also get right imagine the noise of the machines, throne of Charlemagne, one of the up close to the great reformer in the and climb up to the observation most powerful rulers in the world at Augusteum and the Melanchthon platforms on former blast furnaces. that time. House in Wittenberg.

W ürzburg Residence

Aachen Cathedral

W ilhelmshöhe Mountain Park

Fountain House at Maulbronn Monastery

Luther Monument in Wittenberg