In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and … (More)
German Culture
Germany, a country in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, diverse influences, and continuous innovation. This website covers almost all aspects of German culture, offering a glimpse into what makes it both unique and universally appealing.
German culture has been shaped by major historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, industrialization, two World Wars, and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each era left an indelible mark on German society, influencing its traditions, values, and global perception.
German, Germany’s official language, is known for its precision and depth. The country has a rich literary tradition, with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and more contemporary authors like Günter Grass and Herta Müller. The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales have captivated children worldwide, while their work in linguistics has had a lasting impact on the study of Germanic languages.
Germany’s contribution to the arts is monumental. In classical music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner have left a legacy that defines the genre. In visual arts, the German Renaissance, and later movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus, have influenced art globally.
From the Romanesque and Gothic churches to modernist Bauhaus buildings, German architecture displays a range of styles. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism, while the Berlin skyline showcases cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
German culture is rich in traditions and customs, many of which are celebrated through various festivals and events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is world-famous, drawing visitors from across the globe to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and food in a festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing like Lederhosen and Dirndl are often worn, showcasing regional folk costumes.
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are magical, with their origins dating back to the Middle Ages. These markets, found in nearly every town, are filled with festive decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights like Glühwein and Lebkuchen.
The Carnival season, particularly strong in the Rhineland region, features parades, costumes, and balls. It’s a time when traditional roles are reversed, and revelers enjoy a sense of freedom and humor.
Cuisine
German cuisine is as diverse as its regions, known for its hearty and robust flavors. Dishes like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Pretzels are globally recognized. Each region has its specialties, like the seafood dishes of the North, the apple wine of Hessen, or the Spätzle of the South.
Germany is famous for its beer, with a brewing tradition rooted in the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516. The country boasts a variety of beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Kölsch. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in picturesque vineyards along rivers like the Rhine and Mosel.
This comprehensive website of German culture highlights its depth and diversity, offering a window into a nation that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Germany’s rich cultural tapestry has something to intrigue and inspire everyone.
Featured Story
Featured Stories
St. Barbara’s Day
Barbara, the daughter of the rich merchant Dioscuros, grew up in Nikomedia (today’s Izmet, Turkey). In order to retain her innocence, Barbara’s father locked her up during his absence, in a tower with only two windows. When Dioscuros returned from his journey, he found the third window in the tower. Barbara was baptized by a […]
German Red Berry Pudding (Rote Grütze)
This refreshing summer dessert takes advantage of the cherry and berry season. Rote Grütze is a popular specialty from Northern Germany and has a lovely tart flavor. Serve with vanilla custard, cream or vanilla ice-cream. Ingredients: 6 cups fresh or frozen, unsweetened berries (raspberries, strawberries, red currants, or a combination of these) 1/2 cup sugar […]
February 2 in German History
February 2, 962 The Magdeburger Reiter: a tinted sandstone equestrian monument, c. 1240, traditionally intended as a portrait of Otto I (detail), Magdeburg Otto I is crowned as Augustus (Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire) in Rome by Pope John XII. The empire as founded by Karl der Große (Charlemagne) had been divided after his […]
February 28 in German History
February 28, 1552 Birth of Joost Bürgi (1552-1632) in Lichtensteig, Switzerland. A watchmaker, astronomer and mathematician, Bürgi invented logarithms, possibly as early as 1588, and had compiled his logarithmic tables by 1603. (The Scottish mathematician, John Napier, who is often credited with the invention in British histories, invented logarithms independently and published his tables in […]
German Dog Breeds: Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is one of the oldest of herding breeds. With a history possibly dating back to the Roman Empire, the Rottweiler may be a descendant of ancient Roman drover dogs – a mastiff-type dog that was a dependable, rugged dog with great intelligence and guarding instincts. During their quest to conquer Europe, the Roman […]
August 8 in German History
August 8, 1732 Birth of Johann Christoph Adelung in Anklam, Germany. Adelung was the most significant German-language scholar before the Grimms. He was the librarian to the Elector of Saxony. August 8, 1824 Death of Friedrich August Wolf in Marseille, France (born in Haynrode, Germany). “Pro le go me na ad Homerum” (1795); Therewith he […]
Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Beer, cabbage and smoked sausage in one warming and cozy pot – what’s not to love? Enjoy this delicious mix on chilly afternoons. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 400 g beef smoked sausage, cut into bite-size slices 1 onion, sliced into thin semi-circles 1/2 head small cabbage, halved again, cored and thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon […]
The Schuhplattler: A Tradition of Bavarian Dance
Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance native to the Alpine regions of Bavaria in Germany and Tyrol in Austria. Renowned for its athletic leaps, impressive spins, and rhythmic clapping, Schuhplattler is a dance that carries the heritage, folklore, and history of its homeland in every step and stomp. Historical Background The origins of Schuhplattler date […]
Bismarck and the Unification of Germany
Liberal hopes for German unification were not met during the politically turbulent 1848-49 period. A Prussian plan for a smaller union was dropped in late 1850 after Austria threatened Prussia with war. Despite this setback, desire for some kind of German unity, either with or without Austria, grew during the 1850s and 1860s. It was […]
Read More
December 28 in German History
December 28, 1233 The Charter of Culm (Culmer Handfeste) is issued by the Teutonic Knights as a part of their efforts to colonize Prussia. The charter granted settlers civic freedoms which were … [Read More...]
Complex World Of Germany: Cultural Heritage
Switch on Deutschland - complexity and exactness are reflected in its name as well as in its sound like in the mirror. Complexity is a peculiarity of German Culture, too. This country has given a … [Read More...]
July 3 in German History
July 3, 1709 Birth of Wilhelmine Friederike Sophie, Margravine of Bayreuth, in Berlin. She made Bayreuth a cultural center, constructing an opera house and attracted intellectuals and artists to … [Read More...]
March 22 in German History
March 22, 1459 Birth of Maximilian I in Wiener Neustadt. Maximilian was the archduke of Austria, the German king and the Holy Roman emperor. He did much to expand and consolidate the Habsburg … [Read More...]
Wiener Schnitzel in Lemon Sauce
A staple of German cuisine with a brightly flavored sauce. A lemon dill sauce highlights the traditional lemon flavor often paired with schnitzel, but also adds the poignant flavor of dill. Best … [Read More...]
Beer Bratwurst with Caramelized Sauerkraut
Ingredients: 1 onion, sliced 1 bottle of bock style beer 450 g fresh bratwurst 2 cups beef broth 2 tbsp butter 3 cups sauerkraut, drained 1/4 cup frozen sweet peas … [Read More...]
July 16 in German History
July 16, 1664 Death of Andreas Gryphius in Glogau, Germany (now Poland). Gryphius was one of the greatest of the German Baroque writers. Gryphius is noted for his poetry and his dramas. He is the … [Read More...]
The French Revolution and Germany
The French Revolution, which erupted in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille in Paris, at first gained the enthusiastic approval of some German intellectuals, who welcomed the proclamation of a … [Read More...]
January 29 in German History
January 29, 1499 Birth of Katharina von Bora (1499-1552), wife of Martin Luther, in Lippendorf, Neukieritzsch, Germany. "Die Lutherin", as she was referred to, was sent at the age of 5 to the … [Read More...]
Boiled Potatoes with Quark – Pellkartoffeln mit Quark
Fresh boild potatoes combined with the creamy quark make for a wonderful snack or side dish. Perfect springtime dish for vegetarians and those who mind their waistline! Ingredients: 1 kg of new … [Read More...]