Germany, or “Deutschland” as it’s known in its native tongue, has one of the most intriguing pasts in all of Europe. It is a country with a rich but complicated history, which has seen it change hands multiple times, become unified and then split again, and currently be one of the most powerful countries in the European Union. But why is Germany called “Deutschland”?
To answer this we must take a look at its history, its language and its geographical boundaries. In this article, we’ll explore the creation of the name “Deutschland”, why it was used to name Germany and the importance it has to the country and its people.
So, come along with us as we face our way back through German history and explore the answer to this intriguing question.
Why is Germany Called Deutschland?
Germany, a country that lies in the heart of Europe, is officially called Deutschland by its inhabitants.This article seeks to explore the history of the name and find out why the country is so-called.
The Name Deutschland
The name Deutschland is derived from the Germanic tribal name “the Deutsche. ” The name was first used in the 9th century A.D. , when France was divided into regions ruled by dukes.
The German duchies were consistently referred to as “teutonic” or “teutonici. ” Over time, the name evolved and changed to the modern word “Deutschland. ”
After the Unification of Germany
After the unification of Germany in 1871, the nation became known as the “German Empire.” The name was soon changed to the “German Reich,” which literally translates as “realm of the Germans. ” This name was used until the end of the Second World War in 194
Post-WW2 Germany
After Germany’s defeat in 1945, the Allied Powers divided the country into East Germany (the German Democratic Republic) and West Germany (the Federal Republic of Germany).East Germany used the name Deutschland, while West Germany kept the name German Reich. As unification occurred in 1990, the reunited Germany adopted the name Deutschland, as it is still called today.