SOCCER NATION

GERMANY'S NUMBER ONE

EVOLVING TO A NATIONAL SPORT

In 1874, two schoolteachers, August Herrmann and Konrad Koch, put together the very first soccer match on German soil, played out on a simple schoolyard. The game quickly stirred up controversy, since many in the German Empire saw it as un-German. Nationalists and educators alike claimed the sport was too rough, calling it an “English disease” and even comparing its lack of grace to an elephant lumbering around. One critic, gymnast Karl Planck, went so far as to argue that the way players bent their knees would drag Germans back down the evolutionary ladder, turning them into “monkeys” again. That debate eventually led to a ban on soccer for Bavaria’s youth.

But bans and criticism couldn’t hold it back for long. The sport spread from town to town, and not long after the first match, Koch rolled out the first German rulebook, modeled on the 1863 rules of England’s Football Association. The word “soccer” itself came from a shortened form of “association football.” In Germany, most clubs cropped up in larger cities, often started by graduates of technical universities. Many of these new clubs adopted names like “Germania” or “Alemania” and borrowed rituals from student fraternities that had once turned them away—such as wearing special hats and ribboned sashes. Early on, the game still looked like a mash-up of rugby and football, but cross-border competitions gradually hammered out a consistent set of rules. By 1908, Germany had fielded its first national team, and in the roaring twenties of the Weimar Republic, the sport really took off as stadiums began popping up across the country.

To really get why soccer has become such a cornerstone of German cultural life, you have to look at history. As Germany’s Federal Agency for Civic Education points out, soccer represents German identity much in the same way baseball is tied up with American culture. The year 1954 was a turning point: Germany’s national team clinched its first World Cup, marking the end of postwar humiliation and giving the country a fresh sense of pride and momentum.

Since 2016, soccer has stood out as a key symbol of German patriotism—something even longtime skeptics have come around to. By highlighting the history behind the black, red, and gold flag, many of the old doubts were put to rest. Today, soccer cuts across class, age, and background, uniting people from all walks of life and sealing Germany’s reputation as a true soccer nation.

THE BASICS

SOCCER FIELD

THE SOCCERFIELD

THE RULES

Soccer, also known as football, is a sport that is played between two teams of eleven players each. The objective of the game is to score more goals than the opposing team by kicking the ball into the opposing team's goal.

The rules of soccer are as follows:

The game begins with a kickoff from the center of the field, with one team passing the ball to their own teammate. The ball can be played with any part of the body except the arms and hands of the players. A goal is scored when the ball passes over the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

A free kick is awarded to the opposing team if a player commits a foul, such as tripping, pushing, or using excessive force. A yellow card is given to a player for a cautionable offense, such as unsporting behavior, and a red card is given for a sending off offense, such as serious foul play or violent conduct.

Offside is called if an attacking player is beyond the last defender when the ball is passed to them.

The game is divided into two 45-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break.

In the event of a tie, the game can either end as a draw or go into extra time and/or penalty shootouts to determine a winner.

Fouls: Players are not allowed to use excessive force or make any contact with an opposing player while trying to win possession of the ball. Fouls can result in free kicks, penalty kicks, or even yellow or red cards, depending on the severity.

Offside: Players cannot be in an offside position when the ball is passed to them. This means they cannot be closer to the opposing goal than the second-to-last defender at the moment the ball is passed.

Throw-ins: When the ball goes out of bounds on the sidelines, the team who did not touch the ball last is awarded a throw-in. The player must keep both feet on the ground and throw the ball with both hands from behind their head.

Goal kicks: When the attacking team sends the ball over the end line, the defending team is awarded a goal kick. The ball is placed within the goal area and can be kicked by any defending player.

Corner kicks: When the defending team sends the ball over the end line, the attacking team is awarded a corner kick. The ball is placed within the corner arc on the side of the field where the ball went out of bounds and can be kicked by any attacking player.

These are just a few of the basic rules of soccer. The sport has many other rules and regulations that are enforced to ensure fair play and safety of the players.

THE PROMINENT ROLE OF SOCCER

IN GERMAN SPORTS CULTURE

Soccer, without a doubt, holds an exalted status within German sports culture. It is more than just a game; it embodies a national identity, passion, and an intrinsic part of the German way of life. From grassroots levels to professional leagues, the game serves as a unifying force, bringing communities together and creating lifelong bonds. Soccer matches are more than mere spectacles; they are showcases of unwavering loyalty and unbridled enthusiasm.

German fans are renowned for their passionate chants, choreographed displays, and colorful fan culture. The "Ultras," organized groups of dedicated supporters, bring unmatched fervor to stadiums, creating an atmosphere that is second to none. These fan traditions, with their distinctive songs, scarves, and flags, contribute to the unique identity of German soccer.

Soccer also plays a pivotal role in fostering social integration within German society. The sport acts as a common ground, bringing people together from diverse backgrounds and fostering a sense of belonging. Local soccer clubs serve as vital community hubs, providing a platform for people to interact, forge friendships, and share experiences. Soccer transcends societal divisions and acts as a catalyst for social cohesion.

Germany's commitment to youth development and grassroots soccer is another testament to the sport's importance in the national sports culture. The country boasts an extensive network of soccer academies and training centers, nurturing young talent and ensuring a sustainable pipeline of future stars. The emphasis on youth development underscores the long-term vision of German soccer and its desire to maintain a competitive edge on the global stage.

GERMANY'S FOOTBALL TEAMS

PROMOTION AND RELEGATION: The Bundesliga, Germany's top professional football league, follows a principle known as promotion and relegation. This system allows teams to move between different divisions based on their performance. In contrast, the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States and Canada does not employ promotion and relegation. The promotion and relegation system creates an environment of competitiveness where clubs strive to remain in the top tier or earn promotion from the lower divisions. It provides opportunities for smaller clubs to rise through the ranks and challenge the established teams, fostering excitement and unpredictability throughout the league.

SUCCESSFUL FOOTBALL CLUBS: From traditional powerhouses to up-and-coming challengers, each team brings its unique strengths to the pitch. The following list is not complete but aims to introduce some of the most notable football teams in Germany.

One team that needs no introduction is FC Bayern Munich. With a rich history and a record number of Bundesliga titles to their name, Bayern Munich is synonymous with success. The team's attacking prowess and technical brilliance have made them a force to be reckoned with both domestically and on the international stage. This football team consistently sets the standard for excellence.

Another team that captures the hearts of fans is Borussia Dortmund. Known for their passionate supporters and electric atmosphere at Signal Iduna Park, Dortmund has a reputation for nurturing young talents and playing an exciting, high-intensity style of football. The "Yellow Wall," as their fan section is known, creates an intimidating atmosphere for opponents. 

Bayer 04 Leverkusen, a club with a rich history in German football, consistently competes at the top end of the table. Leverkusen's success stems from their emphasis on developing young talents and playing an attractive, attacking style of football. Leverkusen has produced several notable players over the years and remains a strong contender in the Bundesliga.

RB Leipzig is a relatively new addition to the Bundesliga but has quickly made a name for themselves. With a unique ownership structure and a focus on data-driven analysis, Leipzig has built a talented squad capable of challenging the established giants. 

Founded in 1945, VfL Wolfsburg has emerged as a competitive force in the Bundesliga. Wolfsburg is known for its solid defensive play and has consistently challenged the top teams in the league.

Eintracht Frankfurt is a team with a passionate fan base and a reputation for exciting and attacking football. They have a history of performing well in cup competitions and have made their mark in European competitions in recent years.

Based in Berlin, Hertha BSC is one of the oldest and most traditional clubs in German football. While the team has had its ups and downs, they have a loyal fan base and the potential to compete at a high level.

FC Schalke 04, based in Gelsenkirchen, has a passionate fan base and a storied history. While the team has recently faced challenges and was relegated to the second division, they have a loyal following and a strong desire to return to the top flight.

Sources / Quellenangabe:

"Die DFB Geschichte."Deutscher Fussball-Bund, DFB

https://www.dfb.de/index.php?id=1000477

Gebauer, Gunter."Vom Proletensport zum Kulturgut."Bundeszentrale für politische Bildung, bpb, 16 February 2016.

https://www.bpb.de/gesellschaft/medien-und-sport/bundesliga/164726/vom-proletensport-zum-kulturgut?p=0

Gunkel, Christoph."Ein Spiel? Ein Kampf!" Spiegel Geschichte, vol 6, 2020, pp.74 -78.