German philosophy refers to the body of philosophical thought that originated in Germany, particularly from the late 18th century to the early 20th century. It includes influential movements such as Idealism, Romanticism, and Existentialism. Key figures include Immanuel Kant, who explored the limits of human understanding, and Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel, known for his dialectical method. This tradition also encompasses the works of Friedrich Nietzsche, who challenged traditional moral values, and Martin Heidegger, who focused on the nature of being. German philosophy has significantly shaped modern thought, influencing various fields such as political theory, ethics, and aesthetics.