Italians in Germany

Italian Germans are people in Germany who have Italian roots, either by birth or by becoming citizens. Their ancestors came from Italy to Germany as part of the big movement of Italians living outside their country, known as the Italian diaspora. Some moved for jobs, while others came for family, study, or political reasons. Today, Italian Germans are one of the biggest groups of people from another country living in Germany.

We don’t exactly know how many people in Germany have Italian background because the government doesn’t ask about people’s heritage. But by looking at a special yearly check called the “microcensus,” which looks at a small part of the population, experts believe there are at least 873,000 people with Italian roots in Germany. This makes them one of the largest groups of people from another country in the nation.

History

Italians have lived in Germany since the early Middle Ages, often as architects, craftsmen, and traders. During the Renaissance, many Italian bankers, architects, and artists moved to Germany and became part of German society.

After World War II, Germany needed workers for its growing economy. In 1955, Germany and Italy signed an agreement allowing many Italians to move to Germany for jobs. Most worked in mining, construction, and manufacturing, especially in southern Germany. Over time, these workers and their families settled in Germany permanently. They opened restaurants and became part of many industries, helping to build the German economy. Today, Italian Germans are one of the largest immigrant groups in the country.

Social integration

Italians have played an important role in shaping German culture, especially in food. Many Italian dishes are now common in German homes and restaurants. They have also influenced art, design, and popular traditions.

In the past, Italian workers faced unfair treatment and separation from local communities. Today, while Italians are popular in Germany, some still face challenges in schools and daily life. Despite this, many Italian families have built strong economic lives and created community groups to support each other. There is even a monthly magazine in the Italian language called Corriere d'Italia.

Italian dishes

Italian language

Bensheim

Saarlouis

Die Zeit

Hauptschule

Sonderschule

immigrants of Islamic culture

Youth unemployment

German stereotypes about Italians

Because Germans and Italians have different cultures and ways of thinking, some Germans have had unfair ideas about Italians over the past century.

Some Germans used mean words to describe Italians, like calling them "spaghetti eaters" or saying they had too many children. Sadly, some people who liked the old Nazi ideas called Italians "traitors" because of events during World War II.

Even German news and TV sometimes showed bad pictures of Italians. For example, a magazine cover in 1977 showed spaghetti with a gun on it, linking Italians to a very violent time in Italy’s history. In 2008, a TV ad made fun of an Italian fan by showing him as a dishonest person. The ad was later taken off the air.

Notable people

Arts & Entertainment

Many talented Italian-German people have made their mark in the arts. Painters, sculptors, and actors like Mario Adorf and Franka Potente are well known. Musicians such as Lou Bega and Nino de Angelo have also gained popularity.

Film & Television

The film industry has seen many Italian-German stars. Actors like Oliver Masucci and Lisa Vicari have appeared in many popular shows and movies.

Music

Musicians from this community include famous names like Ferruccio Busoni, a great composer and pianist, and modern singers such as Daniele Negroni.

Writers

Writers with Italian roots in Germany include authors like Clemens Brentano, known for his poetry and novels.

Business

In business, notable figures include Daniela Cavallo, a business leader, and members of the influential Astor family.

Military

Some have served in the military, such as naval commander Albrecht Brandi.

Politics & Law

Politics has seen Italian-German influence with leaders like Heinrich von Brentano and current elected officials such as Stella Merendino.

Science

In science, Bernhard Bolzano, a mathematician and philosopher, is one of the notable figures from this community.

Sports

Sports stars include racing drivers like Rudolf Caracciola and football players such as Daniel Caligiuri.

Football players

Many football (soccer) players have Italian roots, including popular names like Marco Terrazzino and Roberto Soriano.