The list of the biggest cities in Germany is a cumulative list of the top ten of the most famous and best hubs of the European country of Germany based on several aspects such as geographical area, city population, work opportunities, places of attraction, and living conditions.
With the fourth-highest nominal GDP globally, Germany is one of the most powerful economies. With low unemployment rates, German cities boast of several innovative high-tech companies. German cities offer diverse job opportunities with high salaries, desirable living conditions, and additional benefits such as free education and health insurance.
Subsequently, many students and ex-pats travel for higher study and work prospects in Germany and seek a better future.
But there is much more that adds to the fascination of the major German cities: history and culture, shopping opportunities, thriving nightlife are some of those.
Based on the performance of Germany’s many cities, in aspects such as total population, job availability, salaries, living costs, and prospects, we present the list of the biggest cities in Germany.
Top 10 Biggest Cities in Germany
1. Berlin
Size: 891 km² Population: approx. 3,520,031
Berlin, the nation’s capital, is one of Germany’s largest cities in terms of population and territory. It has city-state status since the state of Brandenburg encircles it. Some of the most important employers and well-known companies worldwide have headquarters.
Lowlands and swampy forests surround Berlin. About 30% of the town is covered with plenty of lakes and forests. It has a moderate continental climate.
The history of Germany’s capital has seen a lot of upheaval over the centuries. East Berlin evolved to become the capital of East Germany after World War II, while West Berlin was an enclave of West Germany surrounded by the Berlin Wall. However, Berlin has been the capital of Germany ever since the German reunification in 1990.
Berlin leads the energy and environmental technology market. Its Manufacturing sector is also exceptionally lucrative, combining traditional and modern means of working in this industry. Employment sectors also encompass of ICT, media, and Innovative technology.
84 percent of jobs are in the service sector. Berlin, however, offers an endless supply of employment options and career paths. People travel to Berlin from all over the world in quest of better lives and employment.
Lifestyle in Berlin ranges from chic, grungy, hip to international. The living costs in Berlin are high compared to other cities in Germany. Berlin is also a thriving center for culture, literature, arts, and media. It is home to some of the most famous universities such as Humboldt University, Freie University of Berlin, etc.
2. Hamburg
Size: 755 km² Population: 1,787,408
It is frequently referred to as “the Harbor to the World,” and Hamburg, Germany’s second-biggest city, is a pleasant northern metropolis with a maritime atmosphere and lovely architecture, especially along the Binnenalster. It serves as a significant commercial centre for the country.
Hamburg’s Harbor on the river Elbe is about 110 km inland from the North Sea. It has a thriving service sector, including trade, tourism, education, and health, making it a strong economy. Salaries in Hamburg are higher than in other German cities.
Apart from the famous Harbor of Hamburg, there are several other attractions. The old storehouse district (Speicherstadt), the Reeperbahn (red-light district), the Elbphilharmonie concert hall, and the Binnenalster are famous places of tourist attractions. Hamburg is home to several bridges in the entire world.
3. Munich
Size: 310 km² Population: 1,450,381 Capital of Bavaria
The largest city in the state of Bavaria and the third-largest metropolis in all of Germany is Munich. Additionally, it has Germany’s highest population density. Munich enjoys a solid international reputation in the industrial sector, particularly in engineering, cutting-edge technology, and health. It is a prospective employee’s paradise.
Employment in Munich involves trade, communication, science, transportation, government, entertainment, and the manufacturing industry. The immersive environment makes Munich one of the best cities in Germany for work.
The cost of living in Munich is much higher than in other German cities. However, the salaries of highly qualified employees are high enough to support the lifestyle.
The football squad and traditions of Munich are well-known. The main draw is the brand-new, neo-gothic town hall on Marienplatz.
Munich, which is well-known for Oktoberfest, is a well-liked vacation spot. Most of Munich’s attractions are located in the historic city center, between Karlstor and Isartor. The most well-known landmark in Munich is the “Frauenkirche.” The English Garden, one of the biggest parks in the entire world, is also housed there (The Englische Garten). The city’s notable attractions also include food and beer.
4. Cologne/ Köln
Size: 405 km² Population: 1,060,582
Cologne is another of Germany’s largest cities. Belgium and the Netherlands border Germany just across the Rhine from Cologne. Natural topography around the city, cultural gems, and a blending of modern and classical environments color the life in Cologne. Wages are higher and allow a high standard of living.
Many manufacturing and business industries have attached themselves to the land. Cologne is a highly developed economy and is one of Germany’s best cities to work in.
The automotive industry drives the economy of this city. The media and insurance service sectors are also highly developed.
The Cologne Cathedral, one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions, is another reason for Cologne’s fame. Around 20,000 people visit the Cologne Cathedral each day, known for its lengthy construction period of 632 years. On the southern tower’s viewing platform, the twin towers also offer breathtaking vistas of Cologne.
The local Kölsch beer is a favored delicacy. The Kölner Karneval, a major carnival in Cologne, showcases fancy-dressed people, street parades, and pubs. The Christmas markets in the city are another major attraction.
5. Frankfurt
Size: 248 km² Population: 752,000
The list of the biggest cities in Germany would be incomplete without mentioning Hesse’s largest city- Frankfurt.
Frankfurt has high-tech industries and offers a promise of a fulfilling lifestyle. It is also the seat of the leading national and European bank headquarters. Aside from this, its unique charm and vibrant environment provide a good work culture.
The Airport of Frankfurt happens to be one of the busiest airports globally, providing several work opportunities.
Frankfurt has a high living cost. However, the variety of modern industries provides several ways to generate the required sustenance.
Frankfurt offers a lot to its visitors. Museums, culture, history, and shopping opportunities are endless across the city. The annual book fair (Buchmesse) is the largest in the world.
It’s amazing to see the skyline from the other side of the river. The delicacy “Appelwoi” apple wine is a must-have. Another notable sight is the recently constructed town hall known as “Römer.” The high-rise structures in Frankfurt’s banking district distinguish its skyline from other European cities.
6. Stuttgart
Size: 207 km² Population: 623,738 Capital of Baden-Württemberg
Baden-Stuttgart Wurttemberg’s is one of the nation’s most significant commercial hubs. The thrifty and hardworking Swabians call it home. Additionally, it is among the largest cities in Germany.
Stuttgart of the Neckar valley is surrounded by hills, vineyards, and forests, therefore giving the city green and lush appearance.
The Swabian metropolis is home to Daimler (Mercedes-Benz) and Porsche- making it a central industrial region. Both the population and the economy of the region are expanding. The country’s high-tech sector, which includes Bosch, helps the economy. Nonetheless, many job opportunities are available, regardless of expertise in a particular field.
The town is also a significant center for culture and the arts. Hearty food and wine, the spirit and soul of this city, are only two of the pleasures Stuttgart has to offer visitors.
Stuttgart’s principal gathering area is Schlossplatz, a popular tourist site and home to the new palace. The Königstrasse, sometimes known as “King Street,” is a lengthy pedestrian mall and a haven for shoppers. Additionally, the New Castle is a stunning tourist destination.
7. Dusseldorf
Size: 217 km² Population: 612,178
One of the biggest cities in Germany, Düsseldorf, is the center of public administration activities in the state capital- North Rhine-Westphalia. It is also a national and global center of business and science.
This Rhine metropolis of Düsseldorf is well-known for its fashion and art industries. The city holds large urban areas- that boast high salaries and equally high quality of life, alongside various job opportunities. The major developed industries in Dusseldorf are health services and innovative and industrial technology. The fashion sector also brings a lot of revenue to the local economy.
Düsseldorf is a city steeped in historical traditions, with a past that dates back to the 17th century. Düsseldorf’s classical music and theatre are well-known worldwide.
Königsallee, also known as just “Kö,” is one of Düsseldorf’s busiest retail avenues and is lined with upscale stores. Amazing structures created by renowned architects along the Media Harbour waterway, making for pleasurable strolls for both tourists and locals.
8. Dortmund
Size: 280km² Population: 586,181
Dortmund is the second-largest city in Germany after Berlin. Dortmund is situated in the same state as Düsseldorf, North Rhine-Westphalia. The coal and steel industries formerly dominated this area.
Dortmund was founded in or around the year 882. More bombs fell on Dortmund than any other city during the Second World War. Numerous industrial landmarks serve as persistent reminders of times past. One such monument is the former Dortmund Phoenix-West blast furnace factory.
The Ruhr Area, a heavily urbanized and industrialized region of Germany, is centered in Dortmund. It serves as a hub for education, the arts, and culture.
9. Essen
Size: 210 km² Population: 582,624
Essen, a city in the Ruhr region, is on the list of the largest cities in Germany. About 90% of the town was destroyed during World War II. Numerous German corporations, notably the biggest energy firms in the country, E.ON and RWE are based in Essen.
Essen makes up for its lack of architecture with a lot of greenery. With a lot of woodland and green area, it is renowned for being among the greenest cities in the nation. The Zeche Zollverein, a World Cultural Heritage Site, is also located there.
A swimming pool, festivals, exhibitions, and other forms of entertainment may now be found inside the former coal mine.
10. Leipzig
Size: 297km² Population: 560,472
The list of Germany’s biggest cities ends with Leipzig. Leipzig is located around 160 kilometers southwest of Berlin. The largest in all of Europe is Leipzig’s main train station.
Leipzig is an industrial city, and it prides a thriving job market regarding diversity and wages. The most extensive industry functioning in this city is the automotive industry. The two worldwide acclaimed companies, BMW and Porsche, are based in Leipzig and are the biggest employers in the area. This is one of the biggest cities in Germany.
Recent years have seen a rise in the environmental technology industry in Leipzig. The high-quality standard of living makes Leipzig one of the best cities in Germany for work. Leipzig is a livable city and attracts mainly young and creative individuals.
The leading university is located- in the middle of the town center, surrounded by many shopping facilities, restaurants and parks. Hence Leipzig is famous as an ideal student city.
Tourists flock to its distinctive Renaissance-style buildings and famous opera house, Oper Leipzig.
Some other major cities in Europe can be found here.
Conclusion
Apart from the biggest cities in Germany listed above, there are several other important cities such as Aachen, Dresden, Freiburg, Lower Saxony, Bremen, Erfurt, etc.
Although not as big as the cities listed above, these cities are vital portals of education, tourism, and industries. If you happen to visit Germany, check out the above biggest cities in Germany. The towns await to show you their hospitality and cuisine.
It was very informative and precise, the way the cities have developed after the war makes me feel to go and check them out..