German Empire
empire in Central Europe between 1871–1918 This article is about the German nation-state existing from 1871 to 1918. For other uses, see German Empire (disambiguation). German Empire Deutsches Kaiserreich (German) 1871–1918 Flag Coat of arms Motto: Gott mit uns "God with us" Anthem: Heil dir im Siegerkranz (official anthem of the Emperor) "Hail to Thee in the Victor's Crown" Deutschlandlied (unofficial, popular) "Song of the Germans" Die Wacht am Rhein (unofficial) "The Watch on the Rhine" German colonies and protectorates in 1914 Germany on the eve of World War I Capital Berlin 52°31′N 13°24′E / 52.517°N 13.400°E / 52.517; 13.400 Coordinates: 52°31′N 13°24′E / 52.517°N 13.400°E / 52.517; 13.400 Common languages Official: German Unofficial: Danish, French, Polish, Czech, Dutch