Engagements in Germany: traditions, trends and current changes!

Engagements in Germany: traditions, trends and current changes!

Deutschland - The engagement in Germany has a long and multifaceted story that goes back to the Middle Ages. It was originally a formal act, often arranged by the families of the bride and groom. It represented the connection of two families and was strongly shaped by financial and social considerations. Over time, however, the focus shifted from these family contracts to the individual wishes and feelings of the partners. This change can also be seen in the current importance of the engagement, which is considered to be a serious intention to build a future together, and is shaped by a growing romantic understanding, as Kosmo reports.

Currently the average engagement period in Germany is 14 months. This represents a decline, because in the past 50 years the average engagement period has been reduced from 24 to about 14 months. After the world wars, the average time even fell to less than 12 months. Nevertheless, around 30% of couples opt for a longer engagement of more than 18 months. In particular, younger couples under the age of 25 are recommended to consider a engagement period of 18 to 24 months.

traditions and challenges of engagement

The engagement is characterized by numerous regional traditions and customs. In Bavaria, for example, there is the "marriage prospective", while in northern Germany the "Mahlschatz" is known. Such traditions are accompanied by special rituals, such as the exchange of rings and engagement celebrations, which are an integral part of German wedding culture. These celebrations vary in shape and size and often contain gifts as well as special dishes.

The legal aspects of engagement are less binding in Germany. While registration with the registry office plays a central role, the engagement itself has only limited consequences, especially with regard to marriage. Couples have to present documents such as identity card, registration certificate, birth certificate and single certificate for engagement. The registry office offers comprehensive consultations to prepare couples for their upcoming marriage.

Despite the many positive aspects of long engagement, there are also challenges such as the feeling of "getting stuck", family pressure and the so -called "wedding planning fatigue". Experts recommend a engagement period of 12 to 18 months to promote emotional growth and to ensure better preparation for marriage. In addition, 42% of couples already live together in Germany before their engagement, which also influences the dynamics and planning of the engagement.

In recent years, Covid 19 pandemic has changed the engagement patterns and produced new trends, such as micro weddings or longer engagements. Couples are instructed to adapt to these new circumstances and to design their schedule accordingly. Tips for couples with a long engagement time include the scheduling wedding -free days, the management of expectations in the environment and the creation of detailed schedules.

Overall, the development of engagement reflects both social changes and the shifts from economic considerations to the individual needs of the partners. The influence of traditional thinking meets modern wishes, which remains the engagement a complex and meaningful phase in the life of many couples, which is formalized by the registry office, as well as trau-dich illustrated.