5 German Pens You Must Try!
Germany is one of the world's leading manufacturers of fountain pens. More importantly, Germany is a country that still considers the fountain pen a helpful and effective writing tool, which is evident in their diverse pen designs.
While there are certain generalizations that can be made about German design and engineering, German fountain pens offer a wealth of personality and variety. That's why I've selected five German-made fountain pens that you must have!
LAMY 2000
First on the list is the iconic LAMY 2000. LAMY is a titan of the fountain pen industry, producing an impressive array of fountain pens, including the safari and AL-star, directly from their factory in Heidelberg. However, the LAMY 2000 is unparalleled when discussing the quality of German engineering.
The 2000 is crafted from matte polycarbonate, making it a warm, comfortable, and durable writing tool. Beyond the material, its shape is unique because you can position your grip virtually anywhere you like, whether far from the page or close. Since the 2000 has a snap cap, there are no threads to interfere with your grip and its tiny 14k gold nib is semi-hooded, allowing you to write at a very low angle.
Filling this fountain pen is distinctive because it fills from a tiny hole near the front, making it easy to access even the shallowest of vessels! Finally, capping the 2000 keeps air away from your nib and feels satisfying in the hand. The gratifying 'pop' when capping the pen comes from the inconspicuous tabs that ensure the cap stays secure. It's no wonder this pen has remained virtually unchanged for over 50 years!
Diplomat Magnum
Though the Diplomat fountain pen brand may not be as well-known as LAMY, it continues to establish its reputation by offering a selection of enjoyable fountain pens, such as the Diplomat Magnum, that you should consider trying for yourself!
The Magnum is a very affordable fountain pen that might feel foreign in-hand at first encounter, but don’t underestimate its powers. Diplomat uses nibs from the German manufacturer JoWo in all of their pens, ensuring a consistent and recognizable look and feel.
The Magnum's small #5 nib is exceptional; when you write with it, you won't encounter the rigidity often associated with small steel German nibs. Instead, it offers a soft and bouncy feel, which is the Magnum's unique strength. The nib also performs surprisingly well under pressure, allowing you to apply a heavier hand in certain areas if desired.
Pelikan M1000
When discussing the most iconic German fountain pens, the LAMY 2000 and the Montblanc 149 will probably come to mind almost immediately, but there’s one more pen that deserves a spot in the top three German fountain pens: the Pelikan M1000.
The M1000 is quite different from the Diplomat Magnum, as it is larger, heavier, and significantly more expensive compared to the Magnum. However, once you try this nearly $900 pen, you'll have a truly unforgettable writing experience. The M1000 boasts an outstanding build, but its glorious nib is the real star of the show–many people I've spoken to consider this massive gold nib to be one of the best on the market. Lastly, the pen's weight provides a smooth, consistent stroke, and if you have the good fortune to write with one of these pens, it's likely that you'll be very satisfied.
Diplomat Aero
Next on the list is the Diplomat Aero. This easily recognizable fountain pen features a unique, blimp-like shape that is beloved by many enthusiasts. Plus, capping the Aero is one of the most satisfying experiences in the entire pen world, thanks to the audible 'snap' you hear.
Although the shape and cap of the Aero are notable, they are somewhat superficial reasons for this pen being considered a top German-made fountain pen. The main reason to try this pen is its large aluminum body, which may seem heavy but is actually quite manageable. Its metal grip section feels comfortable in hand and makes writing with it a breeze. Diplomat creates beautifully engineered pens, and the Aero, their most popular model, is no exception. It embodies Germany's strength in imaginative yet simple design combined with precise execution and reliability.
Kaweco Supra
Kaweco is one of Germany's most globally recognized brands because it has spent decades perfecting affordable, fun, and practical fountain pens for every type of fountain pen user.
Although Kaweco offers many models, including the Sport, Perkeo, and Liliput, the Supra is the fountain pen that will close out this list. Kaweco is known for making pocket pens, and the Supra follows this tradition. One of the best reasons to try the Supra is its versatility; it comes fully assembled as a standard-sized fountain pen, but if you remove the Supra’s middle section and reassemble it, it transforms into a pocket pen. This unique feature makes the Supra ideal for writers who may sometimes prefer a larger pen, but also enjoy the option to switch it up.
The Supra comes equipped with a larger #6 nib and is available in steel, brass, and aluminum, each offering a distinct feel in your hand.
All in all, German fountain pens strike the perfect balance between quality, function, and design. Each pen mentioned in this list provides a unique in-hand experience that will elevate your writing experience. If you have any questions about any of these German pens, or anything else we sell, please contact our Customer Care team for more information. Have fun and write on!
