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A dream came true....How Germany has changed its international approach

by Udo Seiwert-Fauti, Edinburgh

Worldwide radio and tv broadcasts in many languages, charm offensives through advertising, publications and on the internet, even regular rebuttals in relation to the British media…nothing it seemed could change the prejudices and stereotypes many countries had about us: the more than 80 million Germans and Germany. More than 60 years of "no war from German soil", more than 50 years of being heavily involved in the development of Europe and even more than 15 years of unification, nothing seemed able to shift the thinking of many people worldwide. Until that is June 2006, when a "summer dream" - Sommermärchen - the title of the movie by the German film producer Sönke Wortman about this everything-changing event in Germany - came true.

Sommermärchen Thanks to our English friends who had beaten Germany 5:1 in an obviously history- making (English that is) football match at Munich´s old Olympic stadium on 1 September 2001 (Germans rarely remember this event!), Germany decided not only to re-direct and re-plan the national football team but also decided it wanted to organise the World Championships in Europe´s largest country again, in Germany.

So here we are. We....only nearly…. made it to the top, with a young and motivated team under Coach Jürgen "Klinsi" Klinsmann. Many Germans still think being third with a very young team behind Italy and France is not the worst that could have happened compared with other countries who thought one win would make them World Champions.

Many Germans, me included, are convinced we have finally reached world-class level thanks to the World Cup 2006. Reached that level where the world can see how Germany really is, what we have to offer and who we REALLY are today. The "summer dream" World Cup without any doubt has initiated a new national feeling, a modern and new national identity for many Germans.

To be very honest, none of us would have ever expected to see young and old wholeheartedly singing the national anthem together, or that they would fly the national flag with pride and without any of the old nationalistic feelings. The World Cup made it possible for Germany to be finally united heart and soul.

I cannot forget the surprised faces of visitors I saw during the World Cup weeks. World-wide people suddenly and with something like shock, noticed that Germans like a good sense of humour, are friendly with other nations and people and welcoming to them, they like celebrations and even enjoy partying outside Oktoberfest.

I have no doubt: this world event has changed Germany completely… but will the dream go on?

German car factory It seems so. Thousands of Germans and fans continue to gather to celebrate in the now world-renowned "fan-zones "(areas where fans can watch footy events on large TV screens in city centres) when Germany is playing. The World Cup even kicked off the economy. Shortly after the World Cup was over Germany regained its place as Export Champion of the world. And we are taking up our responsibilities in international politics, we are ready to send German peacekeeping troops where they are needed (even Israel now accepts this) and to help other countries.

German Presidency of the EU 2007 logo Two events in 2007 will hopefully clearly demonstrate and cement these changes. Germany takes over the EU Presidency for the first half of 2007 and will lead the G-8 summit in Germany.

One thing is for sure: Germany has learned the lessons of its past. Germans agree that the developing role of Europe will be the main agenda for the future. Building a Europe where very different nations with very different national identities can peacefully live and work together to create a joint future. If Germans - together with many others - can truly reach this target, then our summer dream really will have come true.

The movie Sommermärchen was broadcast on 6 December in Germany on ARD TV. More than 17m viewers, a new record, watched it.

Udo Seiwert-Fauti was born in Koblenz, Germany. Since 1998 he has lived and worked in Scotland as Managing Editor for ARD radio and TV and is a regular contributor to a wide range of German language press and European media. His reporting focuses on Scottish politics, media developments, business, high tech and in particular sport.