Rizal in Germany: Finding his Tribe in the Land of Thinkers

The image of José Rizal, the Philippines’ national hero, often conjures thoughts of his poignant novels, his unwavering nationalism, and his ultimate sacrifice. But beyond the shores of his homeland, Rizal embarked on extensive journeys that profoundly shaped his intellect and worldview. Among the most significant of these sojourns was his time spent in Germany during the latter half of the 1880s. This wasn’t merely a stopover; it was a period of intense intellectual ferment, professional development, and the forging of crucial connections. Germany, the “Land of Thinkers,” became the crucible where Rizal refined his ideas, completed his magnum opus, Noli Me Tangere, and, perhaps most importantly, found an intellectual “tribe” that recognized and nurtured his brilliance.

Why Germany? What drew this young Filipino intellectual to the heart of Europe, known for its rigorous academic traditions and burgeoning scientific advancements? This post delves deep into Rizal’s experiences in Germany, exploring his motivations, his studies, the cities he inhabited, and the influential figures he encountered. We will trace his steps from the romantic streets of Heidelberg to the bustling intellectual hub of Berlin, examining how his time in this land of thinkers catalyzed his growth as a scholar, scientist, patriot, and writer. Join us as we uncover the story of Rizal finding his community and solidifying his purpose amidst the vibrant intellectual landscape of 19th-century Germany.

Key Takeaways

Purposeful Journey: Rizal went to Germany primarily for advanced ophthalmology training, affordable living, and exposure to its esteemed intellectual and scientific environment.
Heidelberg Haven: Studied under Dr. Otto Becker, honed his ophthalmology skills, and penned the evocative poem “A las Flores de Heidelberg.”
Berlin’s Intellectual Crucible: Engaged with prominent scientific societies, associated with figures like Rudolf Virchow, and faced immense hardship while completing Noli Me Tangere.
Finding the “Tribe”: Forged deep, lasting connections with German and Austrian scholars like Ferdinand Blumentritt, Rudolf Virchow, Feodor Jagor, and Adolph Meyer, who provided intellectual stimulation, support, and validation.
Completion of Noli Me Tangere: Despite poverty and illness, Rizal finished his seminal novel in Berlin, significantly aided by his friend Maximo Viola.
Profound Influence: His German experience instilled scientific rigor, broadened his perspective on nationalism, and significantly shaped his methods and confidence as a writer and reformist.

Why the “Land of Thinkers”? Rizal’s Motivations for Germany

Rizal’s decision to travel to Germany in February 1886 was not arbitrary. It stemmed from a calculated blend of practical needs and intellectual aspirations following his time in Paris and Spain. Several key factors drew him to the German Empire:

Advanced Medical Training: While Paris offered excellent medical education, Germany, particularly Heidelberg, was renowned for its cutting-edge ophthalmology clinics. Rizal, already a licensed physician, sought specialized training to treat his mother’s failing eyesight. He aimed to learn from the best, and Germany represented the pinnacle of this specific field at the time.
Cost of Living: Compared to the expenses of living and studying in Paris or Madrid, Germany offered a more economical option. Rizal, often reliant on remittances from his family that didn’t always arrive on time, needed to be prudent with his finances. Germany allowed him to stretch his limited resources further while still accessing world-class education.
Intellectual and Scientific Reputation: The 19th century was a golden age for German science, philosophy, and scholarship. Figures like Kant, Hegel, Goethe, Schiller, Virchow, and Helmholtz had established Germany’s reputation as the “Land of Thinkers and Poets” (Das Land der Dichter und Denker). Rizal was eager to immerse himself in this environment, observe German society, learn the language, and engage with its intellectual currents. He believed understanding German methods and discipline could benefit the Philippines.
Desire for Observation: Rizal was a keen observer of societies. He wanted to understand the factors contributing to Germany’s progress, its governance (despite being under Bismarck’s unifying but autocratic influence), its educational system, and the character of its people. He saw this as vital comparative knowledge for his reformist goals in the Philippines.
Language Acquisition: Mastering German would open doors to a vast body of scientific literature, philosophical works, and historical texts, further enriching his intellectual toolkit.

His journey wasn’t just about acquiring a skill; it was about holistic intellectual and personal growth, finding inspiration, and gathering tools for his larger mission: the awakening and reform of his beloved Philippines.

Heidelberg: Romance, Rigor, and Reflection (February – August 1886)

Rizal arrived in Heidelberg in February 1886, a city famed for its ancient university, picturesque castle ruins, and romantic setting along the Neckar River. This period marked a significant phase in both his professional development and his poetic expression.

Training under Dr. Otto Becker

Heidelberg’s primary draw for Rizal was the University Eye Clinic, headed by the esteemed Professor Otto Becker. Becker was a leading ophthalmologist, known for his contributions to ophthalmic pathology and surgery. Rizal enrolled as an assistant physician, attending lectures and, more importantly, gaining hands-on experience in eye surgeries and diagnostics. He diligently observed Becker’s techniques, meticulously noting procedures and patient cases. This specialized training was crucial; it equipped him with the advanced skills he desperately wanted to bring back to Calamba to help his mother, Teodora Alonso, who suffered from cataracts. His letters from this period often detail his medical observations and the progress he was making.

Immersion in German Life and Language

Beyond the clinic, Rizal embraced life in Heidelberg. He found lodging, initially with German law students, which helped him rapidly improve his German language skills. He attended lectures at the University of Heidelberg, not just in medicine but likely in other fields that piqued his broad intellectual curiosity. He explored the city’s historic streets, walked along the Neckar River, and frequently visited the magnificent Heidelberg Castle overlooking the town. He found the German student life, with its traditions and camaraderie, fascinating, though distinct from his experiences in Spain.

“A las Flores de Heidelberg” (To the Flowers of Heidelberg)

The beauty of Heidelberg, particularly the blooming flowers along the Neckar in the spring of 1886, deeply moved Rizal. However, this beauty also evoked a profound sense of longing for his homeland. This bittersweet feeling culminated in one of his most famous poems, “A las Flores de Heidelberg,” written on April 22, 1886.

In the poem, Rizal addresses the flowers, asking them to carry his message of love and remembrance back to the Philippines. He contrasts the beauty surrounding him with the cherished memories of his distant home. The poem is a poignant expression of nostalgia (Heimweh), patriotism, and the enduring connection he felt to his roots, even amidst the stimulating environment of Germany. It highlights how, even while pursuing European knowledge, his heart remained firmly anchored in the Philippines.

Go to my country, go, O foreign flowers,
Sown by the traveler on his way,
And there, beneath its azure sky,
Where all my affections lie;
There from the weary pilgrim say,
What faith is his in that land of ours!

Heidelberg was more than just a training ground; it was a place of reflection where Rizal balanced rigorous scientific learning with deep emotional connection to his national identity.

Expanding Horizons: Wilhelmsfeld, Leipzig, and Dresden (August – October 1886)

After several productive months in Heidelberg, Rizal sought new experiences and continued his journey through Germany.

A Pastoral Interlude: Wilhelmsfeld

Before moving on, Rizal spent a summer vacation (around August 1886) in Wilhelmsfeld, a village near Heidelberg. He stayed with Pastor Karl Ullmer and his family. This period offered a glimpse into German family life in a rural setting. Rizal enjoyed the tranquility, practiced his German further in a relaxed environment, and continued his writing, likely working on chapters of Noli Me Tangere. His interactions with the Ullmer family provided him with warm hospitality and a different perspective on German society, away from the academic intensity of Heidelberg.

Leipzig: Translation and Historical Studies

In mid-August 1886, Rizal moved to Leipzig. This city was a major center for publishing and intellectual life. Here, Rizal focused on several key activities:

Translation: He undertook the significant task of translating Friedrich Schiller’s play “Wilhelm Tell” from German into Tagalog. This choice was deliberate; the play’s themes of rebellion against tyranny and the fight for freedom resonated deeply with Rizal’s own nationalist sentiments. He also translated Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales into Tagalog, likely for his nephews and nieces, showing his commitment to enriching Filipino literature and education even from afar.
University Attendance: He attended lectures in history and psychology at the University of Leipzig. This reflects his insatiable appetite for knowledge across disciplines, seeking to understand the forces shaping human societies and minds.
Ethnology and Anthropology: Leipzig further fueled his interest in these fields. He likely visited museums and engaged with scholarly materials, continuing the ethnographic research that would become increasingly important in Berlin.

Dresden: Art, Museums, and a Key Encounter

Rizal’s journey continued to Dresden in late October 1886. Known as the “Florence on the Elbe,” Dresden impressed him with its rich art collections and Baroque architecture. He visited museums, including the famous Zwinger Palace complex, absorbing European art and culture.

Critically, it was in Dresden that Rizal met Dr. Adolph B. Meyer. Meyer was the Director of the Anthropological and Ethnographical Museum in Dresden. This meeting was significant because Meyer was a respected scholar with interests in the Philippines (he had published works on Filipino linguistics and ethnography). This encounter likely bolstered Rizal’s confidence in his own ethnographic studies and provided him with another valuable connection within the German academic world. They discussed anthropological topics, and Meyer would later become one of Rizal’s contacts in the scientific community.

These interludes in Wilhelmsfeld, Leipzig, and Dresden were crucial stepping stones. They broadened Rizal’s cultural exposure, allowed him to engage in important translation work, furthered his historical and psychological studies, and led to key encounters that paved the way for his pivotal experience in Berlin.

Berlin: The Crucible of Ideas and the Birth of Noli (November 1886 – May 1887)

If Heidelberg was about specialized training and romantic reflection, Berlin represented the zenith of Rizal’s intellectual engagement in Germany. Arriving in the capital of the German Empire in November 1886, Rizal stepped into a vibrant, albeit challenging, metropolis teeming with scientific activity, political discourse, and cultural dynamism. This period would be marked by intense intellectual growth, significant hardship, and the culmination of his literary masterpiece.

Immersion in Berlin’s Intellectual Milieu

Berlin was a powerhouse of scientific and scholarly institutions. Rizal, armed with letters of introduction and his growing reputation, quickly sought to connect with its leading minds. His primary focus shifted towards anthropology, ethnology, and geography, disciplines crucial for understanding human societies, cultures, and their development – knowledge he deemed essential for analyzing the Philippine situation.

Key activities during his Berlin stay included:

Joining Scientific Societies: This was perhaps the most significant aspect of his Berlin experience. Rizal actively sought membership and participated in the meetings of prestigious organizations:
- The Anthropological Society of Berlin (Berliner Gesellschaft für Anthropologie, Ethnologie und Urgeschichte): Introduced by Feodor Jagor and recommended by Rudolf Virchow, Rizal was inducted into this esteemed society. He even delivered a lecture in German on Tagalog metrics and versification (“Tagalische Verskunst”) in April 1887, demonstrating his scholarly prowess and earning the respect of his German peers.
- The Ethnological Society of Berlin: Closely linked to the Anthropological Society.
- The Geographical Society of Berlin: Further expanding his network and knowledge base.
Association with Rudolf Virchow: Rizal’s association with Professor Rudolf Virchow was a highlight. Virchow was a towering figure in German science – a renowned physician, pathologist (pioneer of cellular pathology), anthropologist, and liberal politician. Virchow recognized Rizal’s intellect and potential, welcoming him into Berlin’s scientific circles. This interaction exposed Rizal to the highest standards of scientific methodology and critical thinking. Virchow’s emphasis on empirical evidence and rigorous analysis likely influenced Rizal’s own approach to studying Philippine society.
Learning and Observation: Beyond the societies, Rizal continued to learn voraciously. He improved his French, Italian, and English, frequented libraries (like the Royal Library), attended university lectures when possible, and keenly observed the political and social life of the German capital under Bismarck. He noted the discipline, efficiency, and scientific spirit of the Germans, contrasting it with the situation in the Philippines and Spain.

The Hardship and Completion of Noli Me Tangere

While Berlin was intellectually stimulating, it was also a period of extreme poverty and hardship for Rizal. Remittances from home were delayed or insufficient, and the cost of living in the capital, though perhaps less than Paris, strained his resources. He lived frugally, often skipping meals, and the harsh Berlin winter took a toll on his health. He suffered from malnutrition and feared he might be developing tuberculosis.

Despite these dire circumstances, Berlin was where Rizal put the finishing touches on his first novel, Noli Me Tangere (Touch Me Not). He had begun writing it in Madrid and Paris, but the final revisions and preparations for printing occurred amidst his struggles in Berlin. The intellectual atmosphere, his scientific engagements, and his observations of German society likely sharpened the novel’s critique and analysis.

The completion of the Noli was fraught with despair. At his lowest point, Rizal nearly threw the manuscript into the fire, believing he would not live to see it published, nor did he have the funds for printing. It was the timely arrival of his friend Dr. Maximo Viola from Barcelona that saved the novel. Viola, seeing Rizal’s plight and recognizing the importance of the work, generously lent him the money (300 pesos) needed to print the first 2,000 copies at the Berliner Buchdruckerei-Actiengesellschaft Setzerinnenschule.

The printing was completed around March 21, 1887. Rizal, overjoyed and relieved, sent copies to his close friends and contacts, including Ferdinand Blumentritt, marking a monumental achievement born from the crucible of Berlin’s intellectualism and personal adversity.

Berlin tested Rizal to his limits but ultimately forged him. It was where he gained recognition from world-class scholars, honed his scientific approach, and, against all odds, brought his explosive novel into existence.

Finding His Tribe: Rizal and the German Scholars

A defining aspect of Rizal’s time in Germany was his connection with a network of German and Austrian scholars who became his intellectual peers, mentors, and steadfast friends. This went beyond mere academic acquaintance; it was the formation of a genuine intellectual “tribe” – a community bound by shared interests in science, culture, linguistics, and a mutual respect that transcended nationality and race. This validation from the esteemed “Land of Thinkers” was incredibly significant for Rizal.

Ferdinand Blumentritt: The Foremost Mentor and Confidante

The relationship between Rizal and Professor Ferdinand Blumentritt stands as one of the most important intellectual friendships of Rizal’s life. Although Blumentritt was Austrian (living in Leitmeritz, Bohemia, then part of Austria-Hungary), their connection blossomed during Rizal’s German period and was deeply intertwined with the German scholarly world.

Initial Contact: Their relationship began through correspondence before Rizal arrived in Germany. Rizal, having read Blumentritt’s works on Philippine ethnography and languages, initiated contact in July 1886 by sending him a copy of his book Aritmética written in Tagalog and Spanish.
Shared Interests: Blumentritt, a secondary school principal with a passion for Philippine studies (despite never having visited the islands), was thrilled to correspond with an educated Filipino native. They exchanged numerous letters discussing Philippine languages, culture, history, and ethnography. Blumentritt became Rizal’s trusted source for academic information and a sounding board for his ideas.
Meeting in Leitmeritz: After leaving Berlin in May 1887, Rizal, accompanied by Maximo Viola, made a special trip to Leitmeritz to finally meet Blumentritt and his family in person. The visit was a resounding success, cementing their bond.
Enduring Support: Blumentritt became Rizal’s staunchest defender in Europe, writing articles praising his work and countering negative Spanish propaganda. He wrote the preface for Rizal’s second novel, El Filibusterismo, and introductions for other works. Their correspondence continued until Rizal’s final days, with Blumentritt’s last letter arriving after Rizal’s execution. Blumentritt was more than a scholar; he was a mentor, brother, and father figure who deeply understood and supported Rizal’s mission.

Rudolf Virchow: The Scientific Luminary

As mentioned earlier, Professor Rudolf Virchow was a giant of German science. His acceptance and mentorship of Rizal within Berlin’s scientific societies were invaluable.

Scientific Validation: Virchow’s respect for Rizal’s intellect and his sponsorship for membership in the Anthropological Society provided crucial validation. Being accepted as a peer by someone of Virchow’s stature demonstrated that Rizal’s scholarship met rigorous European standards.
Influence on Method: Exposure to Virchow’s emphasis on empirical observation, pathology, and the scientific method undoubtedly influenced Rizal’s approach to analyzing the “social cancer” plaguing the Philippines in Noli Me Tangere. He sought to diagnose the ills of his society with a similar scientific detachment and rigor.

Feodor Jagor: The Experienced Observer

Dr. Feodor Jagor was another significant German contact. A naturalist and ethnologist, Jagor had traveled extensively in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, decades before Rizal’s time (in 1859-1860).

Influential Work: Jagor’s book, “Reisen in den Philippinen” (Travels in the Philippines), published in 1873, was a well-regarded ethnographic work. Rizal had read it earlier and admired Jagor’s observations, although he also noted Jagor’s prediction that the Philippines might eventually fall under American influence.
Personal Connection: Meeting Jagor in Berlin, likely facilitated through Virchow, provided Rizal with a direct link to a European scholar who had firsthand experience of his homeland. Jagor welcomed Rizal, shared insights, and helped introduce him to Berlin’s scientific community, including Virchow. Jagor’s prior work and his respect for Rizal added another layer of validation.

Adolph B. Meyer: The Museum Director

Met in Dresden, Dr. Adolph B. Meyer, director of the Royal Ethnological Museum, represented another important node in Rizal’s network. Their discussions on ethnology and linguistics further integrated Rizal into the European scholarly discourse on Asia and the Pacific. Meyer, like the others, respected Rizal’s contributions and perspective as an educated native informant and scholar.

The Collective Impact: Validation and Encouragement

The collective support and intellectual engagement Rizal received from these figures were transformative. In a colonial context where Filipinos were often denigrated, being treated as an equal by leading European thinkers affirmed Rizal’s capabilities and the value of his work. This “tribe” provided:

Intellectual Stimulation: Challenging discussions and exposure to cutting-edge research.
Methodological Training: Reinforcement of scientific rigor and analytical skills.
Networking Opportunities: Access to influential societies and publications.
Moral Support: Encouragement and defense against detractors.
Validation: Confirmation of his own worth as a scholar and thinker on the world stage.

This intellectual community in Germany provided a crucial counter-narrative to the colonial biases Rizal fought against, empowering him to continue his work with greater confidence and authority.

Summary of Key German Connections and Influences

To better visualize the network Rizal built, here’s a table summarizing his key interactions:

Name	Field(s)	Key Interaction/Influence	Location(s) Associated
Dr. Otto Becker	Ophthalmology	Supervised Rizal’s advanced clinical training in eye surgery and diagnostics.	Heidelberg
Pastor Karl Ullmer	Theology (Host)	Provided hospitality, insights into German family life, and a peaceful environment for writing.	Wilhelmsfeld
Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt	Ethnography, Linguistics, History	Foremost correspondent, mentor, confidante, defender. Shared deep interest in Philippine studies. Provided preface for Fili.	Leitmeritz (Austria)
Prof. Rudolf Virchow	Medicine, Pathology, Anthropology	Sponsored Rizal into Berlin scientific societies, respected his intellect, influenced his scientific approach.	Berlin
Dr. Feodor Jagor	Natural History, Ethnology	Author of Travels in the Philippines, welcomed Rizal in Berlin, facilitated introductions to scientific circles.	Berlin
Dr. Adolph B. Meyer	Anthropology, Ethnology	Museum director, discussed scholarly topics with Rizal, part of his network of German experts on Asia.	Dresden, Berlin
Members of Berlin Societies	Anthropology, Ethnology, Geography	Provided a platform for Rizal to present his research (e.g., Tagalog metrics) and engage with peers.	Berlin

This table underscores the breadth and depth of Rizal’s engagement with the German intellectual world.

The Lasting Impact of Germany on Rizal

Rizal’s approximately year-and-a-half sojourn in Germany (early 1886 to mid-1887) left an indelible mark on him, profoundly influencing his intellectual development, his methods, his magnum opus, and his approach to nationalism.

Scientific Rigor and Discipline: Exposure to German universities, clinics, and scholars like Virchow instilled in Rizal a deep appreciation for scientific methodology, empirical evidence, and meticulous research. This influenced not only his medical practice but also his sociological analysis of the Philippines. He approached the study of his nation’s problems with a more systematic and analytical lens.
Completion and Character of Noli Me Tangere: Germany provided the backdrop – both challenging and stimulating – for the completion of his first novel. The intellectual ferment of Berlin, coupled with the validation he received from German scholars, likely bolstered his confidence to publish such a politically charged work. The hardship endured possibly sharpened the novel’s critique of societal injustices.
Broadened Worldview: Living in Germany allowed Rizal to observe a different model of society, governance (albeit complex under Bismarck), and national consciousness. He admired German discipline, education, and scientific progress, even while critically noting aspects of its society. This comparative perspective enriched his understanding of nationalism and potential paths for Philippine development.
Professional Advancement: The specialized ophthalmology training under Dr. Becker in Heidelberg was a primary goal achieved, equipping him with valuable skills he would later use to help his mother and countrymen.
Validation and Confidence: Being accepted and respected by luminaries like Virchow, Blumentritt, and Jagor was crucial psychological and intellectual reinforcement. It affirmed his capabilities on a global stage and countered the colonial inferiority complex that Spain sought to impose.
Strengthened Nationalist Conviction: While immersed in European culture, Rizal’s patriotism paradoxically deepened. Experiences like writing “A las Flores de Heidelberg” and translating “Wilhelm Tell” show his constant reflection on his homeland’s plight. His interactions with scholars interested in the Philippines further fueled his desire to study and uplift his nation’s culture and history.
Enduring Friendships: The deep bonds formed, especially with Blumentritt, provided Rizal with lifelong support, intellectual partnership, and a crucial European voice advocating for his cause.

Germany was not just a place Rizal visited; it was a formative experience that equipped him intellectually, professionally, and psychologically for the challenging path that lay ahead in his fight for reform and national identity.

Conclusion: Rizal’s German Chapter – A Legacy of Thought and Connection

José Rizal’s journey through Germany was far more than a mere educational detour. It was a pivotal chapter in his life, a period where the seeds of his intellect, sown in the Philippines and nurtured in Spain and France, came into full bloom amidst the fertile ground of German scholarship and science. In the “Land of Thinkers,” Rizal found not only advanced knowledge in ophthalmology but also a profound resonance with the spirit of inquiry, discipline, and rigorous analysis that characterized German intellectual life.

From the romantic inspiration of Heidelberg, where he penned verses longing for home while mastering surgical techniques, to the demanding intellectual crucible of Berlin, where he rubbed shoulders with scientific giants like Virchow and completed Noli Me Tangere against formidable odds, Rizal absorbed, synthesized, and grew. He didn’t just learn; he engaged, contributed, and earned the respect of his European peers, delivering lectures and joining prestigious societies.

Crucially, Germany was where Rizal found his “tribe” – a network of scholars like Blumentritt, Virchow, Jagor, and Meyer who saw him not merely as an exotic colonial subject, but as an intellectual equal. Their validation, mentorship, and friendship provided invaluable support, bolstering his confidence and sharpening his resolve. They formed an intellectual brotherhood that transcended borders, united by a quest for knowledge and mutual respect.

The impact of this German sojourn resonates throughout Rizal’s subsequent work and actions. The scientific rigor influenced his social critique, the completion of the Noli catalyzed the Propaganda Movement, and the enduring friendships provided a vital lifeline of support. Rizal left Germany in May 1887 not just as a more skilled ophthalmologist, but as a more confident scholar, a more focused patriot, and a writer whose voice was ready to shake the foundations of a colonial empire. His time in the Land of Thinkers was instrumental in forging the national hero the Philippines venerates today.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why did José Rizal choose to go to Germany?

A: Rizal went to Germany primarily for three reasons: 1) To pursue advanced specialized training in ophthalmology, particularly at the renowned University Eye Clinic in Heidelberg under Dr. Otto Becker. 2) Germany offered a lower cost of living compared to other major European cities like Paris, which was crucial given his financial constraints. 3) He was drawn to Germany’s reputation as a center of science, philosophy, and rigorous scholarship – the “Land of Thinkers” – wanting to immerse himself in its intellectual environment and learn from its methods.

Q2: Who were the most important people Rizal met in Germany?

A: Several figures were crucial, forming his intellectual “tribe”:

Prof. Ferdinand Blumentritt: (Austrian, but their connection solidified during this time) Became his closest confidante, mentor, and defender.
Prof. Rudolf Virchow: A leading German scientist who respected Rizal, sponsored him into Berlin’s scientific societies, and influenced his scientific thinking.
Dr. Otto Becker: His ophthalmology professor in Heidelberg.
Dr. Feodor Jagor: German ethnologist who had traveled the Philippines and welcomed Rizal into Berlin’s scholarly circles.
Dr. Adolph B. Meyer: Museum director met in Dresden, another contact in the ethnological field.
Pastor Karl Ullmer: Hosted Rizal in Wilhelmsfeld, providing insight into German family life.

Q3: Did Rizal only study medicine in Germany?

A: No. While ophthalmology was a primary focus, especially in Heidelberg, Rizal’s intellectual curiosity was vast. He attended lectures in history and psychology (Leipzig), actively engaged in anthropology, ethnology, and geography (especially in Berlin), improved multiple languages, translated literary works (Schiller’s Wilhelm Tell), and keenly observed German culture, society, and governance.

Q4: Where did Rizal finish writing Noli Me Tangere?

A: Rizal finished writing and oversaw the printing of Noli Me Tangere in Berlin, Germany. This occurred during a period of significant financial hardship and poor health, and the printing was funded by his friend Maximo Viola who arrived in Berlin in late 1886.

Q5: How long did Rizal stay in Germany?

A: Rizal stayed in Germany for approximately 15 months, from his arrival in Heidelberg in early February 1886 until his departure from Berlin (to begin his European tour with Maximo Viola, starting with a visit to Blumentritt) in May 1887.

Q6: What famous poem did Rizal write in Germany?

A: Rizal wrote the poignant poem “A las Flores de Heidelberg” (To the Flowers of Heidelberg) in April 1886. It expresses his deep nostalgia and love for the Philippines while observing the beauty of the German spring.

Category: Questions Asked