Introduction / History

Ethnic Germans have a long history dating back to tribes who fought against the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Among others their ancestors included the Saxons, the Franks, the Goths, and the Alemanni. Germanic tribes settled in what was the western half of the Roman Empire after it began to dissolve in the 400s. Over time, the Franks became the dominant tribe, and Frankish King Charlemagne established the Holy Roman Empire in 800. What is now Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire collapsed in the 1800s. This made way for the multiethnic Kingdom of Prussia, which incorporated ethnic Germans into the German Empire in 1871. A large number of Germans lived in Austria-Hungary. During this time, Germans emigrated to many places in the world, especially Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. In all, Germans live in 78 countries.

Hessian soldiers were among the first Germans to emigrate to Canada. They were on the losing side of America’s Revolutionary War, and Canada was a logical place for those who sympathized with the British crown. Religious nonconformists such as Quakers and Mennonites fled to Canada and the United States in the 1800s. In the 1890s, Germans came to Canada’s western provinces to farm. They were used to the harsh weather, so they adapted well.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Germans have left their mark in every area of Canadian society. They have excelled in various sciences, through sports, music, business, and politics.

On a personal basis, Germans generally do not like small talk, so there is often dead time in conversations. This is true on a social level and in the workplace. They value punctuality and following rules, even those that others find trivial.

Germans have a strong work ethic, but they also value free time for hobbies and vacations. Quality time is also family time for most. Germans enjoy soccer and skiing; you will often see their teams winning in international events. Every year the Octoberfest is a grand event filled with German foods and beer.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Germany was the hotbed of the Protestant Reformation in the 1500s, and there is a high percentage of German Protestants today. They also have a high percentage of Roman Catholics. About a third regard themselves as non-religious.

What Are Their Needs?

Germans in Canada are emotionally self-sufficient, and they often see no need for God. There is every kind of gospel material in the German language, but they don t see their need for it.

Prayer Items

Pray for spiritual hunger among Germans in Canada.
Pray for God to use Germans all over the world to draw people to the light of the Scriptures.
Pray that soon Germans in Canada will be discipling others.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Germans.

Scripture Prayers for the German in Canada.

References

https://www.studying-in-germany.org/german-culture/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Germans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_early_Germanic_peoples
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_Canadians
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_German_Canadians