Europe in Brussels part 3: meet the city's German expats

On the dramatic evening of 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall fell as East Germans forced their way through the barrier that divided not just Berlin but in essence Eastern and Western Europe. Less than a year later, on 3 October 1990, the German Democratic Republic (GDR) or East Germany formally ceased to exist as Germany officially reunified. This date is now celebrated as the Day of German Unity.

"The unification of Germany was brought about by a public that went on to the streets not knowing that it could have immediate consequences, including being shot at," says His Excellency Rüdiger Lüdeking, German ambassador to Belgium. "This holiday allows us to think back, take courage and be confident on what we achieved."

German embassy spokeswoman Henrike Radermacher says: "On 3 October we'll invite our Belgian counterparts to the embassy for a big celebration, which is our biggest event here. In Germany there is a central celebration which is not always in Berlin, but is celebrated in the state capital of one of the 16 states of Germany." This year Dresden will have the honours.

Close relations

According to Radermacher, there are approximately 35,000 German nationals, not including those of dual nationality, living in Belgium, mainly working in the EU institutions and in German companies.

Ambassador Lüdeking says there are strong ties and common ground on EU issues shared between both countries, and hopes this relationship can gain further traction especially among the youth.

"While we have this good bilateral relationship I hope and wish for a more closer and intensive exchange amongst young people. It is something that we try to promote, as Belgium is a very interesting country and has a lot to offer in terms of the variety of culture."

The German language is another significantly strong cultural element in Belgium. It is one the country’s three official languages, spoken by approximately 75,000 people in the eastern cantons along the Belgian-German border. Ambassador Lüdeking says while this community identifies itself as Belgian rather than German, it "can serve as a bridge to foster closer relations and better understanding between Germany and Belgium".

German national Matthias Dietrich says it is easy to be absorbed into life in Brussels. Hailing from Berlin, now based in the Belgian capital for 12 years working in translation, he says he was "immediately accepted as a foreigner here". "I feel at home here now," he says. "There are so many things to do and see.”

German presence

Radermacher recommends a visit to the Brussels branch of the Goethe Institut, the official cultural institute for Germany worldwide. "There you can find out more about German Culture and follow German language courses," she says.

There is a significant German presence in the municipality of Wezembeek-Oppem, on the eastern outskirts of Brussels, due to the presence of the German International School. German grocery products can also be found in this area.

In terms of cuisine, there is the well-known Café Maxburg, in the shadow of the EU Commission's Berlaymont headquarters (Rue Stevin 108). And for culture, German theatre groups regularly come to Brussels.

"We also have our own comedy - a German cabaret," says Dietrich. "They come here a couple of times a year. It is political comedy and organised by one of the major political parties. This also helps us to keep in touch with home."

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