National German-American Day

National German-American Day is a holiday that’s observed annually on October 6th in the U.S. It’s a day that celebrates and honors the German heritage that millions of Americans claim as their ancestry. According to 2019 data, there are over 43 million German-Americans in the U.S., making it one of the largest self-reported ancestry groups in the country.

So, it should be no surprise that there’s a holiday celebrating German-Americans in the U.S., and that holiday takes place during Oktoberfest. This is the perfect day to enjoy a bit of German culture, beer, and food with friends and family members.

The History of National German-American Day

This holiday originally began in the 18th century and commemorated the German Mennonite families that traveled from Krefeld, Germany, to Philadelphia on October 6, 1683.

This holiday would end up being pushed to the side during World War I when it became unpopular to be German-American. However, during the 1980s, this holiday gained a resurgence in the U.S., and it is now celebrated by the millions of Americans who identify as German-American.

Interesting Facts About German-Americans

Below are some interesting facts about one of the largest ethnic groups in the U.S.: German-Americans.

  • The first German-born U.S. Senator was Carl Schurz.
  • In St. Louis, the first German immigrants began settling in the city in the late 1830s.
  • Many Germans settled in Missouri because it was promised to be “America’s Rhineland.”

Observing National German-American Day

This holiday is celebrated in a variety of different ways throughout the U.S., but overall, it’s a day on which German-American heritage is embraced. It’s a day to enjoy Apfelkuchen (Apple Cake), Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, Schnitzel, or even Schwenkbraten (Grilled Pork Chops).

It’s a day to embrace the German language, enjoy German beer, and ultimately, spend time with friends and family members. It’s also a day to use the hashtag #GermanAmericanDay on social media.

When is it?
This year (2024)
October 6 Sunday
Next year (2025)
October 6 Monday
Last year (2023)
October 6 Friday
Topic
Culture & History