German windmill architecture dates back to the 12th century, with the first documented windmill built in the city of Weimar in 1180. Over time, windmills became commonplace in Germany, with some estimates indicating that there were over 200,000 windmills across the country by the 19th century.
In the early years, windmills were primarily used for grinding grain into flour, but they were also used for other purposes, such as pumping water and generating electricity. The design of German windmills evolved over time, with some of the most distinctive features including the octagonal or hexagonal shape, the use of wooden shutters to control the speed of the blades, and the placement of the blades at the top of the structure.
Today, many windmills in Germany are no longer in use, but they remain a significant part of the country's cultural heritage. Many have been preserved and restored as tourist attractions or museums, offering visitors a glimpse into the history of German windmill architecture and the role these structures played in the country's agricultural and industrial development.
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