Deborah, there are many wonderful people subscribed here who know far, far more than I reference research in Germany. However, I can help a little. Germany has what are called Federal States.
As an example: The area that was once Brandenburg, Prussia, is now the Federal State of Brandenburg, Germany. The areas of Saxony have always been confusing to me, so hopefully (if you can't find something by "Googling") one of our more knowledgeable subscribers will send you more information.
Cheers,
Leslie Kohler