A friend of mine moved to Munich for a new job, walked into a small café on her first weekend, … (More)
Featured Stories
Germany vs UK Culture: Key Differences
Ask a Brit who’s just moved to Germany how the first few weeks went, and you’ll usually get some version of the same story: a German colleague gave blunt, unfiltered feedback on a work presentation, and the Brit spent the rest of the day wondering if they’d done something wrong. They hadn’t. That’s just how […]
Halloween Recipes
While this celebration of all things ghoulish and creepy isn’t celebrated on such a grand scale as it is in the United States, Halloween has become increasingly popular in Germany over the past decades. German children have discovered the delights of dressing up in funny or spooky costumes to practice the fun tradition of trick-or-treating. […]
Schäufele – Pork Shoulder Baden Style
Schäufele (also “Schäuferle”, “Schüfeli”, “Schäuferla” or “Schäufelchen”) is a traditional dish from the south of Germany. It is made from the pig’s shoulder meat, which gives the dish its name, “Schäufele”. The meat is cured and smoked before it is simmered in a broth of water, red wine, onions, bay laurel, cloves and other spices. […]
Spargelsalat – Traditional German Asparagus Salad Recipe
Tender, elegant, and bursting with freshness – Spargelsalat, or German asparagus salad, is a beloved springtime specialty. Often prepared with white asparagus – Germany’s prized “white gold” – or sometimes green asparagus, this salad captures the bright, delicate flavors of the first harvests. Lightly cooked and paired with a tangy dressing, Spargelsalat offers a refreshing […]
The “Socialist State of the German Nation”
The building of the Wall effectively halted large-scale emigration from the GDR. Although the SED failed to gain the active support of the majority of the population, young people, especially, began to tolerate the regime, at least passively. In the absence of any alternatives, they fulfilled their routine duties in youth organizations, schools, and workplaces. […]
Helmut Schmidt
Following Brandt’s resignation in May 1974, the SPD-FDP coalition partners unanimously agreed that Minister of Finance Helmut Schmidt should head the new government. At fifty-five, Helmut Schmidt became the youngest chancellor of the FRG. Born in Hamburg in 1918, he served as an officer in World War II. After the war, he joined the SPD […]
World War Memories
Life in Germany before and after the Versailles Treaty, and Hitler’s rise to power By Dorothea von Schwanenfluegel Lawson It is a pleasure to share a few thoughts with the Internet world. You must understand, all this technology is new to me, & frankly at my age, I’m not sure I can keep up with […]
Fascinating World of Medieval Justice at the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a gateway to the arcane world of medieval justice. Nestled within the well-preserved walls of this iconic Bavarian town, the museum offers a deep dive into the legal systems, penal codes, and social norms that governed Europe during the Middle Ages. This comprehensive […]
Georg Cantor
Georg Cantor was an outstanding violinist, but an even more outstanding mathematician. He was born on March 3, 1845, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he lived until he was eleven. Thereafter, the family moved to Germany, and Cantor received his remaining education at Darmstradt, Zürich, Berlin and (almost inevitably) Göttingen before marrying and settling at […]
Read More
Saffron Buns (St. Lucia Buns)
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1-1/3 cups milk 1 teaspoon saffron threads, chopped fine and soaked in a few drops of water 1 … [Read More...]
Helmut Schmidt
Following Brandt's resignation in May 1974, the SPD-FDP coalition partners unanimously agreed that Minister of Finance Helmut Schmidt should head the new government. At fifty-five, Helmut Schmidt … [Read More...]
Linsensalat – Traditional German Lentil Salad Recipe
Hearty, nourishing, and packed with earthy flavor - Linsensalat, or German lentil salad, is a traditional dish that brings together lentils, vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette. It’s a popular side or … [Read More...]
Traditional German Clothing: The Stories Behind the Styles
From the vibrant alpine folds of Bavaria to the hidden valleys of the Black Forest, Germany’s traditional clothing tells the story of centuries-old customs, regional pride, and cultural symbolism. … [Read More...]
Speed Limit Debates on the Autobahn: Perspectives and Proposals
The Autobahn is famous worldwide for its sections without speed limits, a hallmark that defines the essence of driving freedom in Germany. However, this characteristic also places it at the center of … [Read More...]
Is Mettbrötchen Safe to Eat?
To many outside Germany, the idea of eating raw minced pork on a bread roll sounds more like a recipe for food poisoning than a traditional delicacy. Yet for millions of Germans, Mettbrötchen is a … [Read More...]
August 3 in German History
August 3, 1872 Death of Karl August Devrient in Hannover, Germany. Devrient was a heroic actor who achieved fame on the stage of Hannover. Some of his noted roles include Faust, King Lear and … [Read More...]
April 27 in German History
April 27 Feast day of St. Peter Canisius. Peter de Hondt (St. Peter Canisius) was born in Nimwegen (Germany at that time, now the Netherlands). In 1536 he began his studies at the University of … [Read More...]
Advent and Christmas Celebrations in Germany
The Christmas season is a busy one! Celebrating German Advent will help you slow down and enjoy the real reason for the season. Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent … [Read More...]
Quarkhasen – Traditional German Easter Quark Bunnies Recipe
Quarkhasen, or quark bunnies, are a beloved Easter pastry in Germany. Made with a simple quark-based dough, these soft, slightly sweet pastries are shaped like rabbits and enjoyed by children and … [Read More...]