German Wizarding World

The German wizarding community holds a significant, albeit often dark, place in the history of the magical world. It is most notably associated with the rise and eventual defeat of the powerful Dark Wizard Gellert Grindelwald, who centered much of his reign of terror in continental Europe. Germany also has a presence in the international magical community through its participation in global events such as the Quidditch World Cup.

• Gellert Grindelwald: While educated at the Durmstrang Institute, Grindelwald's origins and primary sphere of influence were rooted in German-speaking Europe. He rose to power in the first half of the 20th century, advocating for a new world order where wizards ruled over Muggles “For the Greater Good.” His campaign of terror across Europe was eventually ended in 1945 when he was defeated in a legendary duel by his former friend, Albus Dumbledore.

• Nurmengard: A grim fortress-like prison constructed by Gellert Grindelwald to incarcerate his opponents. The name is believed to be derived from the German city of Nuremberg. Carved over the entrance was his slogan, “For the Greater Good.” After his defeat in 1945, Grindelwald himself was imprisoned in Nurmengard's highest cell, where he remained until he was murdered by Lord Voldemort in 1998.

• Quidditch: Germany fields a national Quidditch team that competes at an international level. During the lead-up to the 1994 Quidditch World Cup, the German team played against England. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports, commented on the match, noting that the English Chasers were no match for their German counterparts.

The German language is present in the etymology of several key names within the wizarding world, reflecting the country's connection to Gellert Grindelwald's story.

• Grindelwald: This is the name of a real village in the German-speaking region of Switzerland, located in the Bernese Alps.
• Nurmengard: The name strongly evokes the German city of Nuremberg (Nürnberg), which is historically significant for the post-World War II trials where Nazi leaders were prosecuted for war crimes. This parallel reflects the idea of justice being served to Grindelwald and his followers.

• The German equivalent of the Ministry of Magic is known as the Deutsches Zaubereiministerium (German Ministry of Magic) (Pottermore).
• The German National Quidditch Team is considered one of the sport's strongest, known for its strategic and effective Bludger-work (Pottermore).
• In the film Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, the German Ministry of Magic, located in Berlin, is a key location where candidates for the election of the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards gather. The Ministry is shown to have an ornate, golden interior within the shell of a Muggle building (film).