Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
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Germany’s Wine Regions: A Traveler’s Guide to Rhine and Mosel Valleys
Germany may be best known for its beer gardens and steins, but for travelers in the know, it’s the wine valleys of the Rhine and Mosel that offer the country’s most enchanting journeys. Here, rows of vines snake up sun-drenched slopes, medieval towns dot the riverbanks, and a crisp glass of Riesling tells the story […]
Pflaumenkuchen (German Plum Pie)
Ingredients: Pastry: 4 cups flour 3 sticks (~330 g) butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 4 egg yolks (save whites) 1 tsp vanilla 1 – 1.3 kg little purple plums (quartered) 1 cup apricot or peach jam Directions: 1. Make a dough from flour, butter, sugar, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla. 2. […]
Krautsalat – Traditional German Recipe
Simple, crunchy, and delicious – Krautsalat, or German coleslaw, is a time-honored side dish that plays a starring role in German cuisine. Unlike American-style coleslaw, which often uses mayonnaise, Krautsalat is vinegar-based, with a lighter and tangier flavor. It’s a staple at beer gardens, BBQs, and Sunday family meals. This classic salad is a perfect […]
December 25 in German History
December 25 Christmas Day in Germany. December 25, 800 Karl der Große (Charlemagne) is crowned Emperor of the empire which would come to be called the Holy Roman Empire. December 25, 1046 Enthronment of Suidiger (Pope Clement II), the second German pope. Suidiger had been the bishop of Bamberg. He was installed as pope by […]
The German Easter Bunny: The Origin of the Osterhase
Every Easter, children around the world eagerly anticipate the arrival of the Easter Bunny, who delivers chocolate eggs, sweets, and surprises. But did you know that the Easter Bunny tradition began in Germany? The Osterhase (Easter Hare) has been a part of German folklore for centuries, originating in pagan fertility symbols and later merging with […]
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 […]
November 23 in German History
November 23, 912 Birth of Otto I in Germany. Otto became the German King in 936 and the Holy Roman Emperor in 962. He brought order to the empire, which was greatly fragmented, strengthened the position of the church, and made possible a period of prosperity and development of culture referred to as the “Ottonian […]
Easter Sunday vs. Easter Monday in Germany – Why Two Holidays?
Easter in Germany is not just a one-day event—it extends into Easter Monday (Ostermontag), a public holiday that many countries don’t recognize. While Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) is the Christian high point of the holiday, marking the resurrection of Jesus, Easter Monday provides an extra day for rest, family gatherings, and regional traditions. For many Germans, […]
Osterbraten – Traditional German Easter Roast Recipe
Osterbraten is a classic German Easter roast, typically made with pork shoulder or beef brisket and slow-roasted with onions, garlic, and herbs until juicy and tender. Served with traditional sides like potato dumplings (Kartoffelknödel) and red cabbage (Rotkohl), it’s the perfect dish for a festive Easter Sunday. While lamb and fish are also traditional Easter […]
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Mettbrötchen – Traditional German Recipe
Few German foods spark more curiosity - or controversy - than Mettbrötchen. This traditional sandwich of raw minced pork on a bread roll may seem unusual to outsiders, but in Germany, it's a beloved … [Read More...]
German Idioms – Part 3
In Part 3, we delve deeper into German idioms that offer insights into the nation's mindset and values. Expressions such as “Den Nagel auf den Kopf treffen” and “Sich zum Affen machen” not only enrich … [Read More...]
Weizenbrötchen – German Rolls
Every German region has them, called "Rundstück" in Hamburg, "Schrippe" in Berlin, "Semmel" in Munich, or simply "Brötchen" (= little bread). The typical Brötchen has a crackly crisp crust and a … [Read More...]
March 12 in German History
March 12, 1821 Birth of Luitpold in Würzburg, Germany. Luitpold was the third son of Ludwig I. During the reign of Ludwig II ("Mad King Ludwig" who built the wonderful castles) he served as … [Read More...]
Favorite German Drinks to Try
No matter how hot the weather, Germany has got you covered! 1. Schorle is a beverage where sparkling mineral water and juice are mixed, comparable to a spritzer. This is as refreshing as a soft drink … [Read More...]
Christmas Stories
The beauty of Christmas time Winter time in Germany abounds in beautiful pre-Christmas, Christmas, and post-Christmas traditions. It is in December and January that so many Saints are … [Read More...]
Forgotten German Christmas Traditions That Deserve a Comeback
Germany is known for its magical Christmas traditions, from twinkling Weihnachtsmärkte (Christmas markets) to the scent of warm Glühwein (mulled wine). However, many once-beloved customs have faded … [Read More...]
Oktoberfest…The Fest Of Times
Oktoberfest was started long ago, it dates back to 1810, when a royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen took place on Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields"). As time … [Read More...]
October 24 in German History
October 24, 1273 Rudolf I is crowned in Aachen as the German King. October 24, 1648 The final Treaty of Westphalia is signed, ending the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). The Peace of Westphalia … [Read More...]
Grebbel (Fried Dough)
Grebbel is deep-fried dough, something like a doughnut, which is fried and then served with powdered sugar sprinkled on it, while still warm. Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup soft butter (no … [Read More...]