This article is about the civilization in Age of Empires III. For the civilization in Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, see Teutons. For the civilization in Age of Empires IV, see Holy Roman Empire. |
“ | In the New World, the Germans ruled territories in South America in the 1500s, such as Venezuela. They were short lived until were able to successfully colonize in the late 1800s. | ” |
—[1] |
The Germans are a playable European civilization in Age of Empires III. They are primarily based on the Kingdom of Prussia (16th to early 20th centuries).
They are the descendants of the Teutons (featured in Age of Empires II) and a continuation of the Holy Roman Empire (featured in Age of Empires IV) who inhabited regions in modern-day Germany.
Home City[]
- (Default) Explorer names
- First names
- Alexander, Ambrose, August, Augustin, Baron, Carl, Count, Dietrich, Eduard, Friedrich, Gebhard, Georg, Gerhard, Gustav, Hans, Heinrich, Hendrick, Johann, Karl, Ludwig, Martin, Maximilian, Nikolaus, Peter, Robert, Salomon, Wilhelm
- Last names
- Alfinger, Barth, Behaim, Christiansen, Cromberger, Dallmann, Federmann, Gmelin, Herder, Hermann, Kappler, Kohl, Krapf, Lederer, Leichardt, Mauch, Mercator, Müller, Nachtigal, Pining, Pothorst, Ritter, Schliemann, Schromburgk, Steller, Waldseemüller, of Weid, von Bieberstein, von Blucher, von Buchau, von Humboldt
- Torchy - An entertainer who performs tricks with fire (1 point)
- Juggler - A juggling performer (1 point)
- Vendor Cart - A store on wheels hawking goods of all kinds (1 point)
- Home City Chatter - Enable this to show comments made by citizens strolling through this city (1 point)
- Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
- Die Flieder Katze - A sign for the Flying Cat Inn (1 point)
- The Smiling Publican - A sign for a popular drinking establishment (1 point)
- Crates and Baskets - Goods waiting to be unpacked for sale in the market (1 point)
- Scaffolding - The painters set this up yesterday and left it (1 point)
- Market Day Pennants - These bright streamers declare it is market day (1 point)
- The German New World Trade Center - The original version of the German New World Trade Center (Default)
- Nacelsten World Trade Center - A red-themed version of the New World Trade Center's color scheme (1 point)
- Kube New World Goods - A blue and white-themed version of the New World Trade Center's color scheme (1 point)
- Jake's Trading Emporium - A brown and blue version of the New World Trade Center's color scheme (1 point)
- Expeditors of Saxony - A black and white version of the German New World Trade Center's color scheme (1 point)
- Thracian Caverns Trading Halls - An upgraded version of the New World Trading Center (1 point)
- The Persian Market - A red-themed version of the New World Trade Center's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- L. Hoke and Company, Shipping - A blue and white-themed version of the New World Trade Center's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- T. X. E. Bird Imports - A brown and blue version of the New World Trade Center's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- Dietermann New World Goods - A black and white version of the New World Trade Center's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- Decorative Planters - Improve your military cadets' outlook on life with these decorative urns (1 point)
- More Decorative Planters - If two urns are good, six are even better (1 point)
- Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
- Statue of the Sovereign - A tribute to the Empire's famous leader (1 point)
- The Royal Berlin Academy - The original version of the German Academy's color scheme (Default)
- Arcander University - A red-themed version of the German Academy's color scheme (1 point)
- Sallenbach Academy and Naval Institute - A blue and white-themed version of the German Academy's color scheme (1 point)
- Der Bean Bruder Institute - A cream and gold version of the German Academy's color scheme (1 point)
- Der Konig Institute - A black and white version of the German Academy's color scheme (1 point)
- The Guildhall - An upgraded version of the original German Academy's structure and color (1 point)
- Grosshund Academy of Natural Philosophy - A red-themed upgrade to German Academy's structure and color (1 point)
- Doktor Spankenstein's New World Academy - A blue and white-themed upgrade to German Academy's structure and color (1 point)
- Prince Eugene's Conservativium - A cream and gold upgrade to German Academy's structure and color (1 point)
- Holy Roman Emperor's Martial Academy - A black and white upgrade to German Academy's structure and color (1 point)
- The Royal Coach - This coach waits upon the whims of royalty (1 point)
- Musician - A strolling entertainer (1 point)
- The Reverend - A street preacher sharing the good news (1 point)
- Daytime Lighting - (Default)
- Dusk Lighting - (1 point)
- Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
- Kolner Dom - Original version of the German Cathedral's color scheme (Default)
- St. Christine's Chapel - A red-themed version of the German Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)
- Cathedral of the Divine Ensemble - A blue and white themed version of the German Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)
- All Paul's Cathedral - A green and gold version of the German Cathedral's color scheme honoring men named Paul (1 point)
- St. Charlie's Cathedral - A black and white version of the German Cathedral's color scheme (1 point)
- The Artist - An artist who sets up his easel and paints (1 point)
- Thug - A brutish and unpleasant fellow (1 point)
- Equestrian Statue - A tribute to the Empire's most notable explorer (1 point)
- Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
- Broken Cannon - A cannon awaits repair at the foundry (1 point)
- Cannon - A recently repaired cannon (1 point)
- The Surly Sword - Sign for a public house of poor reputation (1 point)
- The Crimson Drake - Sign for a rowdy place attracting a high class crowd (1 point)
- Street Lamps - Technology making the streets safer at night (1 point)
- Signboard - Help Wanted. Talented machinists apply within (1 point)
- Packing Crates - Crates full of technological marvels ready to improve colonial life (1 point)
- The Kruttz Metal Werks - The original color scheme for the German Manufacturing Plant (Default)
- Holeshot's Flash and Fury - A red-themed version of the German Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
- D. H. Kritterwerkz and Co. - An orange version of the German Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
- Jaquays Bergbau Versorgungsmaterial - A blue and white-themed version of the German Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
- Slusser Metallherstellung - A black and white version of the German Manufacturing Plant (1 point)
- Schnitzer Wilhelm's Workshop - An upgraded version of the original German Manufacturing Plant's structure (1 point)
- Herr Kirsche Paint and Body Shop - A red-themed upgrade to the German Manufacturing Plant's structure and color (1 point)
- Kohler Fabrik - An orange and green version of the German Manufacturing Plant's structure and color (1 point)
- Todesgarnele Fabrik - A blue and white-themed upgrade to the German Manufacturing Plant's structure and color (1 point)
- Schwarze Metallherstellung - A black and white version of the German Manufacturing Plant's structure and color (1 point)
- Drunk - A sailor who has overindulged in adult beverages (1 point)
- Nice Lady - A woman in a red dress (1 point)
- Fisherman - A man who would rather be fishing (1 point)
- Patriotic Bunting - The citizens show their national pride by decorating with patriotic banners (1 point)
- Crates - These crates might be ready for Shipment to the New World (1 point)
- Gold Clock - A golden clock that's right twice a day (1 point)
- Potted Plants - Decorative urns with decorative plants (1 point)
- Pennants - Colorful banners to flutter and snap in the breeze (1 point)
- Verbinator's House of Change - Original version of the German Dock's color scheme (Default)
- Cloverdose Expediting Emporium - A red-themed version of the German Dock's color scheme (1 point)
- Wings of Icarus Shipping - A blue and white themed version of German Dock's color scheme (1 point)
- Hehman's Environmental Miracularium - A green and gold version of the Dock's color scheme (1 point)
- Santos New World Transport - A red and gold version of the Dock's color scheme (1 point)
- Troubled Waters Shipping - An upgraded version of the Dock's structure and original color scheme (1 point)
- Old Bones' Transport and Hauling - A red-themed upgrade to the Dock's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- Sousa Werkz - A blue and white-themed upgrade to the Dock's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- Crow's Rest - A green and gold upgrade to the Dock's structure and color scheme (1 point)
- Goodman, Ryan, and Hudson, Outfitters - A red and gold upgrade to the Dock's structure and color scheme (1 point)
Characteristics[]
Civilization bonuses[]
- Starts with 300 food, 100 wood, 100 coin, and three Settler Wagons
- Receive Uhlans with Home City shipments (except TEAM ones) from Commerce Age and beyond (mercenary shipments contain more units instead), but Home City shipments require +10% XP to be earned
- Choose Politicians to advance in Age
- Royal Guard units: Skirmisher (Needle Gunner), Uhlan (Prussian Uhlan)
Unique units[]
- Settler Wagon: A German villager that is more expensive but gathers faster than a Settler.
- Landwehr: Affordable German ranged infantry armed with a rifle. Inflicts higher base damage at the expense of less bonus damage.
- Doppelsoldner: Heavy swordsman with a sweep attack.
- Uhlan: Hand cavalry that sacrifices hitpoints for attack.
- War Wagon: Hussite horse-drawn wagon outfitted with cannon.
Unique building[]
- Mercenary Camp: Trains sinister outlaws and mercenaries.
Allies, mercenaries and natives[]
- Mercenaries trainable in the Mercenary Camp: Landsknecht, Jaeger, Giant Grenadier, Black Rider, Pandour.
- Mercenaries shippable from the Home City: Landsknecht, Jaeger, Giant Grenadier, Black Rider, Pandour, Bosniaks, Harquebusiers, Elmetti, Highland Army, Holy Roman Army.
- European natives trainable in the Native Embassy through the Prince Electors card: Mounted Infantry, Line Infantry, Totenkopf Hussar, Black Brunswicker, Drummer, Royal Huntsman, Northern Musketeer, Trabant, Saxon Cuirassier, Mountain Trooper, Chevauleger.
- European natives shippable from the Home City: Trabant, Saxon Cuirassier, Mounted Infantry, Line Infantry.
The Germans cannot research the Mercenary Contractor in the Fortress Age to get additional mercenaries in the Tavern/Mercenary Camp.
Politicians[]
- The Inventor, The Logistician, The Naturalist, The Philosopher Prince, The Quartermaster (Commerce Age)
- The Bishop, The Exiled Prince, The Gentleman Pirate, The Marksman, The Sergeant at Arms (Fortress Age)
- The Cavalry Marshal, The Engineer, The Papal Guard, The Tycoon, The Viceroy (Industrial Age)
- The Black Duke, El Presidente, The General, The Mercenary Contractor, The Knight (Imperial Age)
Revolutions[]
- Argentina, Gran Colombia, and Hungary (since the Definitive Edition)
- José de San Martín and Simón Bolívar (in The WarChiefs and The Asian Dynasties)
Overview[]
The Germans start off with fewer, but faster-gathering villagers than other civilizations. They receive free Uhlans with almost every Home City shipment, though they require more experience points per shipment (the opposite of the Spanish). Their early-age economy is good, since their Settler Wagons essentially work at the rate of two villagers. The two Settler Wagon shipments in the Exploration Age and the three Settler Wagon shipment in the Commerce Age are very useful. Although Settler Wagons are only available through the Home City in the beginning, they can later be trained at the Mill with the "Germantown Farmers" card. This card requires a level 25 Home City.
Because the Germans almost always have Uhlans, they have a lot of cavalry, but their late-developing army is diverse. They have a powerful anti-infantry force, since German Skirmishers can be upgraded to Needle Gunners and the Doppelsoldner is a formidable close-combat infantry unit.
German cavalry are one of the strongest in the game in terms of attack. The War Wagon has a large amount of hit points, while the Uhlans have low hit points, but a devastating attack. The War Wagon is slower than other Dragoon-type units (speed of 6 vs 7.25) but has additional range (16 vs 12 unupgraded) and has 20% hand resistance instead of the usual 30% ranged resistance. Also, War Wagons have a mini setup-animation-delay before shooting, where other units shoot almost instantly. Therefore, players cannot hit-and-run with War Wagons.
Their cavalry can further be strengthened with over five shipments that can aid their combat ability, though two of them are not efficient. The Germans can also obtain free mercenary shipments at a lower Home City level than any other civilization.
They appear in the Act I: Fire (The WarChiefs) as the Hessians, and are allied with the British. The reason for this is because the British used several Hessian mercenaries in the War of Independence.
The German AI in skirmish is the only AI to utilize Imperial Cannons, because AIs do not use Factories to produce artillery.
Campaign appearances[]
This section needs expansion. You can help by adding to it. |
- Act I: Fire
- The Rescue
- Hessians
- Crossing the Delaware
- Hessians
- Saratoga
- Kuechler's Army
- The Battle of Morristown
- Hessians
- The Battle of Yorktown
- Cornwallis (only before the Definitive Edition)
- The Rescue
In-game dialogue[]
- Main article: Germans' dialogue lines
German units (including mercenaries) speak modern Standard German with a standard theater pronunciation ("Bühnendeutsch"), although this does not represent the form of German spoken in the Age of Empires III timeframe.
Common[]
- Select
- Ja? - Yes?
- Bereit - Ready
- Auftrag? - Order?
- Aufgabe? - Orders?
- Hallo - Hello
- Move
- Jawohl - Yes
- Verstanden - Understood
- Wird erledigt - It will be done
- Ja - Yes
- Richtig - Right
- Wird gemacht - Will be done
- Attack
- Angriff! - Attack!
- In den Kampf! - Into the fight!
- Jawohl! - Yes!
Settler[]
- Build Zimmermann - Carpenter/House builder (masculine, female settler should have used the feminine form Zimmerfrau here)
- Female Farm Bäuerin - Farmer (feminine)
- Male Farm Bauer - Farmer (masculine)
- Female Gather Coin Händlerin - Merchant (feminine)
- Male Gather Coin Händler - Merchant (masculine)
- Female Gather Fruit Sammlerin - Gatherer (feminine)
- Male Gather Fruit Sammler - Gatherer (masculine)
- Female Gather Meat Jägerin - Huntress
- Male Gather Meat Jäger - Hunter
- Female Gather Wood Holzfäller - Lumberjack (masculine, female settler should have used the feminine form Holzfällerin here)
Explorer[]
- Claim In Namen von Deutschland fordere ich dieses Land! - In the name of Germany, I claim this land!
- Disabled Ich bin verwundet und kann mich nicht bewegen - I've been wounded and can't move
- Ransomed Danke, dass du mein Lösegeld gezahlt hast - Thanks for paying my ransom
- Revived Es geht mir besser - I'm feeling better
History[]
“ | At the time of Columbus' first voyage, Germany consisted of four hundred separate entities, including cities, principalities, and feudal states. Though nominally part of the Holy Roman Empire, they were in fact beyond the control of the Holy Roman Emperor in Spain. There was no central government that dictated policy, collected taxes, or marshaled armies. In 1517 a German monk, Martin Luther, protested against a variety of practices of the Catholic Church by nailing his arguments to a church door in Wittenberg. This was a traditional way of opening a debate at the university there, but he started something larger than a scholarly debate. His act set off the Protestant Reformation, as copies of his theses, translated from Latin into German and other languages, spread throughout Germany and the rest of Europe. The Reformation in turn brought about the Counter-Reformation as the Catholic Church reordered itself. The struggle between the two religious views broke out into the Thirty Years' War, which was particularly brutal and devastating in Germany. German provinces ended up choosing to be either Catholic (primarily in the south) or Protestant (primarily in the north). The small Baltic duchy of Prussia gradually began expanding in the sixteenth century thanks to good leadership and a growing military tradition. It repulsed Swedish encroachments in the seventeenth century and rose to real prominence under Frederick the Great in the eighteenth century. The Prussians were particularly noted for their disciplined infantry, elite Grenadiers, and cavalry. They fought a series of wars with the much larger Austrian Empire to the south, usually with great success, up to the Napoleonic Era. Germans briefly attempted to colonize Venezuela in the sixteenth century. Augsburg banking families obtained the rights to the country in 1526 and began exploring the land in 1529, mainly looking for El Dorado, the famed city of gold. Approximately two hundred settlers landed at Coro. They continued to search for gold and established some sugar plantations worked by African slaves. The colony reverted to Spanish control in 1556. Most of the German colonists had died from disease or native attacks, especially during their treks into the interior searching for gold. | ” |
—In-game history section |
The Kingdom of Prussia was one of the nation states in Germany and was a European kingdom from the early 16th century until the early 20th century. The Prussians fought several wars against France during the 18th and 19th centuries, usually with Great Britain as its ally. In the 1870s, the several nation states in German lands (including Prussia) finally united, resulting in the formation of the German Empire.
Trivia[]
- The German flag shown in the original game appears to be a combination of the state flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1750–1801) and Imperial Banner of the Holy Roman Emperor (ca. 1430–1806). It was changed to the Imperial Standard of the Holy Roman Empire (16th–19th century) in the Definitive Edition.[2]
- The use of the Holy Roman flag with Frederick the Great is historically inaccurate, as he was never Holy Roman Emperor, though he did serve as an Elector within the Empire.
- According to early screenshots prior to the release of Age of Empires III, the German flag in the game would be the Colonial flag used by the German Empire between 1884–1918.
- According to the Age of Empires III User's Manual, the German flag in the game would be the State flag of the Kingdom of Prussia (1750–1801).
- The German civilization represents all the states that formed the Holy Roman Empire, and their units come from various different lands of the Holy Roman Empire:
- The Settler Wagon is from the Electorate of Bavaria, since he is dressed in traditional Bavarian clothing.
- The Landwehr is from the Kingdom of Prussia, since its in-game appearance resembles the soldiers from Prussian Landwehr Regiments.
- The Doppelsoldner is a Landsknecht – Landsknechts were exclusively recruited from areas of today's Southern Germany and Western Austria.
- Their Royal Guard upgrade for the Skirmisher (Prussian Needle Gun) states that he is from the Kingdom of Prussia.
- The Uhlans are Prussian cavalry from Poland – as stated by the Royal Guard and Consulate Uhlans' name and by the history section. Historically, Prussia only dabbled with Uhlan regiments on a few occasions with limited success.
- Before update 14.43676, the Uhlans were Poles from Austria – the Habsburgs heavily utilized Uhlans in their army. The Home City Cards "Spanish Riding School" and "Lipizzaner Cavalry" heavily imply that those units were Austrian, and the Royal Guard and Consulate Uhlans were named after the high, four-pointed cap used by Polish Uhlans.
- The War Wagons are from the Kingdom of Bohemia, since the unit description states they are Hussites.
- The Germans have similarities to the Teutons and Holy Roman Empire from Age of Empires II and Age of Empires IV, being an infantry-focused civilization with a strong economy. Much like the Teutons from Age of Empires II, the Germans also have potent cavalry. The biggest difference is the Germans have better rush potential (since all of their Home City Cards ship an Uhlan), while the Teutons and Holy Roman Empire have strong turtling potential.