Celebrating the Gemütlichkeit Spirit and Germany’s Evergreen Influence in Greater Seattle

Every Fall, Washingtonians flock to celebrate the 1810 marriage of the Crown Prince of Bavaria (who later became King Louis I) to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Today we call it Oktoberfest, but 200 years ago the name hadn’t caught on yet. Whether it’s a weekend away in Leavenworth to embrace the gemütlichkeit spirit—a term that loosely translates to warmth, friendliness and good cheer—or a day trip to Fremont’s Oktoberfest, we celebrate this time-honored tradition as a cherished way to embrace German culture and influence in the region.

Beyond Oktoberfest, Germany’s influence in Greater Seattle has an evergreen presence, as some of the most prominent companies in our region are, or are owned by, German companies. These include T-Mobile (Deutsche Telecom), Qualtrics (SAP), DHL, Varan Aviation, Just Evotec Biologics, Siemens, Jedox, Peakboard, and Kuka Systems. Just look up at the Space Needle and you will see Germany’s influence, as its design was inspired by the Stuttgart Tower in Germany.

From an economic standpoint, Greater Seattle and Germany are inextricably linked, and this is good for both economies. Within the last 10 years Amazon created over 12,000 jobs in Germany, and Microsoft has invested over $3.5 billion in capital expenditure. Germany boasts the largest economy in Europe and according to the World Bank, the 3^rd largest GDP in 2023, only behind the U.S. and China. Germany is also Washington’s 8^th largest trading partner with $2.6 billion in total trade—$2.2 billion of which is with greater Seattle.

Today, Washington and Greater Seattle seek to continue strengthening these bonds with Germany. The Washington State Department of Commerce and Germany’s Niedersachsen Ministry for Economic Affairs have signed an MOU to advance trade and boost cooperation in the manufacturing, clean technology, and renewable energy sectors of both regions. In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, Germans accounted for 15% of immigration to the U.S. with over 6.9 million immigrating between 1820-1970. Prominent immigration to the Pacific Northwest occurred around 1880 initially due to aggressive recruitment by railroad companies (source). Today, there are around 501,600 Germans in greater Seattle, 11,340 of whom were born in Germany.

Greater Seattle and Germany are more connected than ever, with daily direct flights to Frankfurt via Condor and Lufthansa Airlines and 1-stop flights to Berlin, Munich, Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Stuttgart, and Cologne. Seattle also houses a German Honorary Consul on First Hill, which offers consular services and cultural and economic relations to support German citizens and the relationship between Germany and Seattle.

If you’re looking for German culinary options right here in greater Seattle, consider checking out Bruno’s restaurant or Hess Bakery & Deli in Lakewood, Hans German Sausage & Deli in Burien, or Kaffeeklatsch in Lake City. Whether at home or abroad, there are numerous occasions and opportunities to embrace the gemütlichkeit spirit.

Intrigued? Greater Seattle Partners and The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce are leading an International Leadership Mission to Munich, Berlin, and Hamburg Germany in June to forge stronger relationships with key global leaders and businesses.

Written by Victoria DePalma, Ph.D.