"Das Land der Dichter und Denker" ("The land of poets and thinkers") is a common nickname Germans give their country. The German self-identity has always laid emphasis on a shared culture and language, due to Germany not being a unified country at the time nationalism became the latest craze in Europe. And because of certain events during the years 1933 - 1945, seeking patriotic feelings in military accomplishments (or, as is even often the case, expressing any patriotism at all) is no longer en vogue in Germany. This fact has perhaps even strengthened the German emphasis on cultural and scientific achievements.