Over the past 400 years, German emigration happened in waves with various concentrations spread over centuries and geographical areas.  Click here for a timeline as well as an overview by century from 1600 - 2000.

Much in our annual celebrations and holidays was influenced by German heritage, like Christmas trees and Easter bunnies. Find out more here.

Not every German word made its way into the US culture by way of humorous advertising such as Fahrvergnuegen.  Most are much deeper ingrained such as kindergarten, etc.  Find a list of common German words and other German language influences here.

If your heritage has its roots in Germany, you're in good company.  A ton of famous people and celebrities are either German or German American.  Leonardo di Caprio is a fellow German-American and so are author John Steinbeck and ketchup magnate Henry Heinz.   Find a list here of influential and famous Germans in many categories from architecture to science.