German in Colombia

Introduction / History

Ethnic Germans have a long history dating back to tribes who fought against the Roman Empire 2000 years ago. Their ancestors included the Saxons, the Franks, the Goths, and the Alemannis among others. Germanic tribes settled in what was the western half of the Roman Empire after it began to dissolve in the 400s. Over time, the Franks became the dominant tribe, and Frankish King Charlemagne established the Holy Roman Empire in 800. What is now Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire. The Holy Roman Empire collapsed in the 1800s. This made way for the multiethnic Kingdom of Prussia, which incorporated ethnic Germans into the German Empire in 1871. A large number of Germans lived in Austria-Hungary. During this time, Germans emigrated to many places in the world, especially Brazil, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

They have a population in Colombia today, mainly in in the departments of Andean Region and Caribbean Region. The first Germans came to Colombia in the 1500s, sent by the Spanish crown. There was a wave of German immigrants to that country in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Germans have left their mark in Colombia primarily through business, engineering, architecture and the cattle industry. Others have been models, actors, professional athletes, lawyers and politicians.

Germans have a strong work ethic, but they also value free time for hobbies and vacations. Quality time is also family time for most. Germans enjoy soccer, good beer, and every year, the Octoberfest is a grand event in any country where there is a significant German-speaking population.

On a personal basis, they do not like small talk, so there is often dead time in conversations. This is true on a social level and in the workplace. They value punctuality and following rules, even those that others find trivial.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Germany was the hotbed of the Protestant Reformation, and there is a high percentage of ethnic German Protestants today. They also have a high percentage of Roman Catholics. About a third regard themselves as non-religious.

What Are Their Needs?

Germans in Colombia are emotionally self-sufficient, and they often see no need for God. There is every kind of gospel material in the German language, but they don t see their need for it.

Prayer Points

Pray for spiritual hunger among Germans in Colombia.
Pray that soon Germans in Colombia will be discipling others.
Pray for the Lord to show himself powerful and loving to the Germans in Colombia.

Text Source:   Joshua Project