At the beginning of Number the Stars, Annemarie loves Denmark but does not yet understand the true meaning of patriotism. As she matures over the course of the novel, however, she begins witness the harm the Germans are inflicting on her country. She realizes that it is vital for everyone, including young people like herself, to make certain sacrifices to keep their fellow Danes safe. Papa has taught Annemarie about patriotism and national pride since her early childhood. She recalls his statement that every Dane would die for King Christian X. When Annemarie sees the Gestapo terrorizing the Jewish families she knows, she realizes that she is willing to sacrifice her personal safety in order to help her community.