Germany in My Heart: A Country I’ve Never Visited but Deeply Feel Connected To

  

There is a place I have never stepped into physically, yet it lives vividly in my imagination — Germany. My connection to this country began long before I consciously realised it. It started with my grandfather’s words, spoken casually yet filled with conviction: “One day, you will visit Germany.” That single sentence somehow planted a quiet seed of longing in me. Over the years, that seed grew into a genuine fondness, almost an emotional bond.

Among the many European countries, Germany has always stood out for me. My reading marathon with Goethe–Max Müller Bhavan in 2012 was a turning point. It opened a door to a world I had only glimpsed before. Through their books, magazines, and videos, I discovered the unique character of the German states, the rich cultural traditions, the academic depth, the precision in their daily life, and the warmth of their festivals. It wasn’t just information — it felt like an invitation into another way of living.

The more I read, the more Germany stopped being a faraway place on a map and slowly became a familiar presence. I found myself imagining the tidy streets, the efficient public transport, the Christmas markets glowing with lights, and the quiet beauty of the countryside dotted with timber houses. Even the German language — sharp, rhythmic, and expressive — became something I felt instinctively drawn to.

Yet my sense of connection didn’t grow from books alone. It deepened through people. Our family friend Suganya, who lives in Germany, often shares stories about her life there — the discipline, the greenery, the community warmth, and the everyday charm of the cities she has made her home. My cousins — Archit, Dhivya & Mukesh, and Rajalakshmi — also speak about their experiences, weaving tales of both comfort and discovery. Their words created a bridge between my imagination and reality. Through them, Germany began to feel less like a foreign land and more like a place waiting for me — patiently and quietly.

Perhaps it is the blend of these influences — my grandfather’s early blessing, my exposure to German literature and culture, and the lived experiences of people close to me — that has created this deep, unshakeable connection. I may not have walked on German soil yet, but a part of me feels as if it already belongs there. And maybe, one day, life will fulfil the prophecy my grandfather set in motion, and I will finally step into the country that has lived in my heart for so long.