The oak is considered the ultimate German tree. In numerical terms, that's not entirely true. Beech trees are even more common in Germany than oak trees. Since oak trees belong to the beech family, the claim as a “Tree of the Germans” can be maintained.
What significance does the oak have in Germany?
The oak is known as the “Tree of the Germans” and in Germany, English and sessile oaks are the second most common deciduous trees with a share of nine percent. They are valued for their longevity and their hard, hardly rotting wood, which is used in many different ways.
Oaks are widespread worldwide
Oak trees are widespread worldwide. Only in Australia do they not occur in nature. It is difficult to say how many species there actually are. The numbers vary between 600 and almost 1,000 oak species.
In Germany, the population of English and sessile oaks accounts for nine percent. This makes the oak the second most common deciduous tree here.
Oak is valued for its longevity and hard, hardly rotting wood. The durable, solid wood is used for many purposes such as:
- Furniture
- railway sleepers
- Barrels
- Floors
- hydraulic engineering
- Firewood
History of the oak in Germany
Oak trees have existed in Germany since ancient times. Trials were held under her expansive crown. An example of this is the Femeiche, one of the oldest German oaks, which stands near Borken.
The oak has been considered the German national tree since the 18th century.
After the Franco-Prussian War (1870 – 1871), peace oaks were planted all over Germany. This was done in the hope that peace between the countries would be maintained as long as an oak tree lives.
The oak in art
How important the oak was and still is to people is shown in the numerous depictions of oak trees not only in art, but also as military badges.
In the Gothic period, the oak, acorns and oak leaves are a recurring motif. Because the oak tree was associated with Saint Mary because of its durability, images of the tree can be found on many Bible covers.
Military rank insignia, not only in Germany, contain oak leaves, which are considered a symbol of higher ranks.
Tips & Tricks
Hamburg's Speicherstadt was built on hundreds of oak piles. The oak wood is particularly strong and does not rot if it is permanently in water. That's why this construction method was used not only in Germany, but also in Holland, for example, when the subsoil does not allow permanent buildings.
