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About German Unity Day

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About German Unity Day

German Unity Day, Tag der Deutschen Einheit, is Germany's national day, held on 3 October. It marks the reunification of East and West Germany on 3 October 1990, less than a year after the Berlin Wall opened.

It is a public holiday. A citizens' festival is held each year in a different city, with music, food and stands from every state, and many towns hold concerts and open days.

For many families it is a calm autumn day off: a walk in the forest, a visit to relatives, cake and coffee, and a moment to remember how the country came together.

  • 3 October
  • Reunification, 1990
  • National holiday in Germany

Where it began

After the Second World War, Germany was divided. From 1949 there were two states, the Federal Republic in the west and the German Democratic Republic in the east. In 1961 the Berlin Wall split the city of Berlin.

In 1989 peaceful protests grew in East Germany, and on 9 November the border opened. Talks followed, and on 3 October 1990 the two states united.

Crowds on the Berlin Wall at the Brandenburg GateBerlin, Germany

How it grew over time

  1. 1949

    Two German states were founded.

  2. 1961

    The Berlin Wall was built.

  3. 1989

    Peaceful protests led to the opening of the Wall on 9 November.

  4. 1990

    Germany was reunited on 3 October.

  5. Today

    Each year a different state hosts the main celebration.

How it is celebrated in different places

  • Berlin

    Crowds gather at the Brandenburg Gate for music, food stalls and fireworks.

  • Host state

    The state holding the yearly presidency of the upper house hosts a large citizens' festival.

  • Across Germany

    Towns hold concerts, open days and services of thanks.

German Unity Day moments

The Brandenburg Gate, where crowds meet each 3 OctoberBerlin, Germany
The Quadriga on top of the Brandenburg GateBerlin, Germany
Chipping away at the Berlin WallBerlin, Germany
The Brandenburg Gate behind the Wall before 1989Berlin, Germany

German Unity Day today

People enjoy a day off with family walks, concerts and festivals. Many mosques also hold open days on 3 October, welcoming visitors.

Leaders give speeches about unity, and the day often closes with fireworks in Berlin.

How people celebrate German Unity Day

  • Citizens' festival (Bürgerfest)
  • Concerts and open days
  • Autumn walks
  • Family coffee and cake
  • Flags in black, red and gold
  • Remembering 1989 and 1990

How to wish well

  • "Schönen Tag der Deutschen Einheit" (Have a nice German Unity Day) is a friendly greeting.
  • Messages about togetherness, freedom and friendship fit the day; keep politics out.

Questions about German Unity Day

When is German Unity Day?

On 3 October every year.

What does German Unity Day celebrate?

The reunification of East and West Germany on 3 October 1990.

Is German Unity Day a public holiday?

Yes, it is the only national public holiday set by federal law in Germany.

How do you say Happy German Unity Day in German?

"Schönen Tag der Deutschen Einheit".

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