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Name of Country Using the Euro: Germany Population: 8.2 million Currency used before the Euro: Deutsche marks Date previous currency expired: February 28, 2002 In Germany, 1 euro = about two Deutsche marks Other interesting facts about Germany and its money: • Gold coins were issued in 14th century. • There were some coins made of iron. • The Deutsche mark was introduced in 1871. • German money became almost worthless in 1922 and 1923, and sometimes people showed how worthless it was by burning it. • The thaler (equal to an English dollar) is equal to five Deutsche marks. • East and West Germany used different currencies from 1948 to 1990, but they joined their economy together after the Berlin Wall came down. • On March 1, 2002, no one can use Deutsche Marks. • Changing to the euro currency is going to cost altogether 1.9 billion marks. •Germany is surrounded by five countries participating in the euro: Austria, France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and The Netherlands. This is what each of the German euros has on the national side. The links will take you to websites that show you pictures or give you information about the images on the German coins. • On the national side of the German 1 euro cent, there is a picture of an oak leaf. • On the national side of the 10, 20 and 50 coin, there is a picture of Brandenburg Gate (Brandenburger Tor), which is in Berlin. • On the national side of the 1 and 2 euro, there is a picture of a German Eagle because the it is the traditional symbol of Germany. The eagle, surrounded by the stars of Europe, shows on these coins. This design was made by Heinz and Sneschana Russewa-Hoyer. • None of the German Euros say the words Germany or Deutschland.   Brandenburg Gate, Berlin It is worth 10, 20 and 50 euro cents. It is a symbol of division of Germany when it was divided into East Germany and West Germany. To see the national sides of all the German coins, click here. To learn more about Germany, click here.