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1770–1831) 1745 Ewald G Kleist invents the first electric condenser A PORTRAIT OF GERMANY  39 1989 Wolfgang Paul and Hans Dehmelt receive the Nobel prize for research into nuclear and molecular physics and for their work in the 1950s developing the “Paul trap” – a device for capturing ions 1813 Karl Freiherr von Drais invents the first two-wheeled vehicle – a kind of bicycle 1991 Erwin Neher and Bert Sakmann receive the Nobel prize for research into defining the process of communication between cells 1874 Otto Lilienthal constructs the first 1999 Günter glider for engineless flights 1876 Nikolaus Otto invents the 1987 Georg Bednorz and Karl A internal combustion engine Müller receive the Nobel prize for discovering high temperature superconductivity in metal oxides Blobel is awarded the Nobel prize for discovering the process that determines the direction of movement and the location of proteins within cells 1831 Justus von Liebig develops a new method of chemical analysis 1841 Julius Mayer 1922 The Nobel formulates the principle of conservation of energy Prize is awarded to Albert Einstein, who developed the theory of relativity 1865 Rudolf J E 1882 Robert Clausius formulates the second law of thermodynamics Koch discovers the tuberculosis bacillus (Nobel prize in 1905) 1850 1900 1950 1850 1900 1950 2000 2000 1963 Nobel Prize awarded to Karl Ziegler for his work on industrial production of polymers 1885 Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler construct the first petroldriven car 1886 Heinrich Hertz discovers radio waves 2012 Germany 1918 Nobel Prize awarded to Max K Planck who founded the principles of quantum theory 1903 Arthur Korn demonstrates how to transmit a photograph from a distance 1944 Nobel Prize awarded to Otto Hahn for discovery (with Lise Meitner) of the process of nuclear fission is named as the world’s top photovoltaics (PV) installer; the country has a solar PV capacity of more than 32 gigawatts, as of December 2012 1866 Ernest W Siemens develops the dynamo 1850 Wilhelm Bauer constructs a submarine 1938 Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll construct the first electron microscope 1841 Christian Schönbein discovers ozone 1826 Georg S Ohm shows that the ratio of a steady current to voltage is a constant 1941 Konrad Zuse constructs the Z3 calculator – the first digital “computer” 1901 Nobel Prize awarded to Wilhelm C Röntgen, for his discovery of X-rays and their uses 40  INTRODUCING GERMANY German Beer Although fine wines are produced in Germany, beer is unquestionably the country’s favourite alcoholic drink.

The Kröpeliner Tor in Rostock (see p480) is one of 22 towers on the defensive walls around the medieval city centre.  56 INTRODUCING GERMANY retained it until 1740. Attempts at political reform in the second half of the 15th century failed. The most ambitious reformer was Maximilian I.

On the Monday there is a superb costume parade, known as Rosenmontagsumzug. Berlinale – the grand festival of world cinema Winter December is synonymous with Christmas festivities. Every city has fairs where you can buy Christmas-tree decorations, delicacies and presents. In December, shops have longer opening hours and the skiing season begins in the Alps. January and February are a time for parties and balls (the Carnival season), with enjoyment reaching a peak in the last few days of the season.