Germany's style icons

Perhaps one of Germany's most famous exports in the 1980s, the rock band Scorpions represent a time of great change in the country's history. While the band from Hannover adapted the look of western rock bands as they made it big abroad, they sang what is now remembered as the ultimate "tear down this wall" anthem: "Wind of Change," was released shortly before the Berlin Wall came down.

Famous for his trademark sunglasses, schlager star Heino is seen here with his wife Hannelore Kramm on a "home trainer" in Kitzbühel, Austria. The look may be dated but this was the height of fashion at its time - the exercise bike a sign of luxury, the oversized nylon sweatsuit a nod to a colorful trend out of the US.

Are dogs as pets a "typically German" thing? Can a dog breed be iconic? Photographer Peter Rigaud was sent to Nuremberg to find out. He gained a new respect for German shepherds after meeting Herr Ober (picture) while covering the dog breeding business there. Although there are more cats in German households than dogs, German shepherds are an in-demand breed, fetching thousands of dollars.

With around 30 paid days of annual leave, Germans have often claimed the crown of world's top vacationers. Though today far-flung destinations are trendy, at the time of this picture, a road trip to the countryside or the Baltic or North Sea was quite popular. The image captures quintessential middle-class Germany - a free-standing home, Mercedes parked out front. The German dream, if you will.

One stereotype that seems to hold true: German people love to spend time in nature. With thousands of lakes scattered throughout the countryside, they're easily able to combine their love of the outdoors with a passion for swimming. Bathing nude, or FKK, is part of the culture, along with enjoying the summer sunset while wading in the water with the family. It's a part of life across generations.

While Heidi Klum has made a name for herself as a model mogul, Claudia Schiffer was the first German model to become a household name. Karl Lagerfeld called her a "well-oiled money-making machine," due to her business sensibilities. Yet it was fellow model Tatjana Patitz who was the only German included in George Michael's infamous supermodel-filled video for his hit "Freedom" in 1990.

In a section devoted to German cooking and eating habits (there's more to German cuisine than currywurst!), Munich-based caterer Ulrich Dahlmann sings the praises of "Schnittchen." While the word used for them in English, canapés, may sound more fashionable, the hearty whole wheat bread used in Germany was seen as a luxury in the country in 1960s and 70s.

Debuting in 1981, "Das Traumschiff" (literally, "The Dream Ship") was a hit TV series based on the US show "The Love Boat." It won many fans by ticking a number of boxes on the German bucket list of clichés. The series followed the (often romantic) adventures of a changing cast of passengers aboard a cruise ship heading each week to a new exotic destination.

Though at turns quite traditional, Germans are also known to enjoy a good party. Following the economic miracle of the 1970s, the dream of home ownership became a reality for many - and the party came home. Many children of the time can recall the slow dances of their parents in the wood-paneled basement party room.

Sports writer Florian Haupt looks at the history of sporting in Germany and comes away with the conclusion that sometimes, it really is about more than just the game. He writes about the rigidity of the trainings - sport as a structured plan - and the pride that arose as the national team began a winning streak that took them to the 2014 World Cup.

Released in German on May 15, 2017, the TeNeues book "The Germans: A Nation's Style and Icons" is a comprehensive look at German style and design throughout recent decades. The images of Boris Becker and Claudia Schiffer provide a glimpse into German celebrity and influence, while sections on the hobbies and interior lives of Germans offer a unique perspective on the people.