Topic 4: Political Symbols of Germany

Lesson 3: What are some political symbols and who are some of the political leaders of Germany?

Lesson Objective

The student will describe Germany in relation to national symbols.

Materials and Resources

Transparency 18 -
“Political Symbols”

Teacher Resource 14 -
“Imperial Anthem”

Worksheet 16 - “Flags”
Worksheet 17 - “Coats of Arms”
Crayons, color pencils or markers
Handout 19 - “Political Symbols Fact Sheet”
Teacher Resource 15 - “National Leaders”

Introduction

The Germans refer to their country as Deutschland (DOYTCH-land). Germany is composed of 16 states (called Länder in Germany), three of which are also cities: Hamburg, Bremen, and Berlin. Unlike people living in the 50 states in the U.S., most German citizens do not relate emotionally to political symbols such as the flag, the federal coat of arms, or the national anthem. This reserved position is based on the nationalistic experiences of the Nazi-period 1933-1945, when the nation was totally manipulated by the Ministry of Propaganda via national symbols and slogans.

Strategies

German political symbols do exist, however. Distribute Worksheet 16, “Flags” and Worksheet 17, “Coats of Arms” for students to color. Transparency 18 , “Political Symbols,” shows these icons in color. Handout 19, “Political Symbols Fact Sheet” will provide basic information about these symbols and the German national anthem. Students can listen to the melody of the German national anthem on the Internet at http://nationalhymne.de/HYMNE/Deutschland/MELODIE/. Teacher Resource 14, “Imperial Anthem” provides a score and the words to the anthem.

For enrichment, ask students to research the historic background of the selection, creation and symbolism of U.S. political symbols (e.g. Betsy Ross and the U.S. flag; the selection of the bald eagle over the turkey as our national emblem; Francis Scott Key and the Star Spangled Banner). Teacher Resource 15, “National Leaders” will familiarize students with U.S. President George W. Bush and German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder. Explain to students that the President Horst Köhler’s duties are largely ceremonial. The powers of the President of the United States are a combination of those of the German Chancellor and President.