For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
October 3 in German History
October 3 Day of German unity. This is a national holiday in Germany commemorating unification of the two Germanys after 40 years of separation (1949-1989). Germany reunited on October 3, 1990. October 3, 1210 It is most likely that Hermann von Salza was elected Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights on this date. He held […]
June 13 in German History
June 13, 1539 Birth of Jost Amman in Zürich, Switzerland. Amman was a leading painter and Printmaker of his age. June 13, 1809 Birth of Heinrich Hoffmann in Frankfurt am Main. Hoffmann is most widely known as the author of Struwwelpeter, a classic children’s book. June 13, 1885 Birth of Elisabeth Schumann in Merseburg, Germany. […]
August 11 in German History
August 11, 1086 Birth of Heinrich V, King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor. He was the son of Heinrich IV and like his father led the investiture battle with the popes. He came to power by arresting his father and forcing him to abdicate. He won in the investiture battle too by arresting […]
May 2 in German History
May 2, 1507 Martin Luther is consecrated a priest at the Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, Germany. May 2, 1601 Birth of Athanasius Kircher (1601-1680) in Geisa, Germany. Kircher studied in Fulda, Paderborn, Cologne and Koblenz. In 1628 he was ordained a Jesuit priest in Mainz. In 1634 he moved to Rome and took up the […]
Family Life in Germany: Traditions, Structure, and Modern Reality
From the outside, German family life might seem quiet, structured, even a little rigid. But beneath the surface lies a complex, evolving balance of tradition and modernity – where respect, independence, and Ordnung (order) meet progressive policies, diversity, and shifting gender roles. Whether you’re a tourist curious about daily life, an expat raising children in […]
Public Transport Etiquette in Germany: The Unspoken Social Code
You step onto a German tram. It’s clean, quiet, and surprisingly fast. But as you fumble for a seat and begin a phone call, you notice something odd: everyone is silent. Some passengers glance up. A few frown. You’ve just broken one of the unwritten rules of German public transport. Trains, trams, buses, and subways […]
Alois Alzheimer
Aloysius Alzheimer (June 14, 1864 – December 19, 1915), known as Alois Alzheimer, was a German psychiatrist and neuropathologist and a colleague of Emil Kraepelin. Alzheimer is credited with identifying the first published case of “presenile dementia”, which Kraepelin would later identify as Alzheimer’s disease. From his youth Alois Alzheimer excelled in science and attended […]
Lübecker Plettenpudding
A dessert that really tastes like Sunday. Plettenpudding is a kind of trifle with vanilla pudding and raspberries. This dessert is featured in one of Germany’s most popular novels, the family epic The Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. The Lübeck-born author won the Nobel Prize for literature for his first novel which he wrote in his […]
German-Style Sausage and Potatoes
Ingredients: 700 g medium potatoes 4 teaspoons anise seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seed 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/3 cup beer 1/4 cup vinegar 3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard 1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/4 teaspoon pepper few dashes Worcestershire sauce few dashes bottled hot pepper sauce 2 medium onions, […]
Read More
The German Confederation, 1815-66
The Congress of Vienna (1814-15), convened after Napoleon's defeat, sought to restore order in Europe disrupted by revolutionary and imperial France. Its members' objective was a constellation of … [Read More...]
Family Life in Germany: Traditions, Structure, and Modern Reality
From the outside, German family life might seem quiet, structured, even a little rigid. But beneath the surface lies a complex, evolving balance of tradition and modernity - where respect, … [Read More...]
St. Barbara’s Day in Germany
St. Barbara’s Day, celebrated on 4 December, is one of Germany’s most atmospheric and quietly powerful winter traditions. While it receives less international attention than St. Nicholas Day or … [Read More...]
Silence in German Culture: Why Quietness Is a Virtue
If you’ve ever ridden a German train, sat in a waiting room, or stood in line at a bakery and thought, “Why is everyone so quiet?”, you’ve stumbled upon one of the most distinct features of German … [Read More...]
German Blutwurst Recipe: A Traditional Delight
German Blutwurst, or blood sausage, is a unique and traditional delicacy that has been a staple in German cuisine for centuries. With its rich flavors and distinct texture, Blutwurst is a testament to … [Read More...]
Rudolf Diesel, His Invention and Mysterious Death
Circumstances of Rudolf Diesel’s death are considered to be a suspicious enigma for us even now. Dr. Rudolf Diesel boarded “SS Dresden”, a cross-channel ferry, at Antwerp in September 1913. He … [Read More...]
January 12 in German History
January 12, 1519 Death of Maximilian I in Wels, Austria. 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...]
Almabtrieb and Viehscheid – Bringing Cattle Home from Mountain Pastures
Bavaria may be the home of BMW and Audi, but there are still some age-old rural traditions that surprise even visitors from other parts of Germany. One of which is the annual festival which celebrates … [Read More...]
When to Visit German Wine Country: Seasons, Festivals, and Travel Tips
Planning the perfect wine-focused trip to Germany? Timing is everything. While German wine regions offer something special all year round, your experience will vary dramatically depending on the … [Read More...]
October 16 in German History
October 16, 1708 Birth of the biologist Albrecht von Haller in Bern, Switzerland. He was a professor of medicine, anatomy, and surgery at the University of Göttingen. He was the first to understand … [Read More...]