In 1977, a group of journalists boarded a train in Paris, bound for Reims. There was no concert and … (More)
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October 25 in German History
October 25, 1760 Death of George II in London (born in Hanover). George II followed his father, George I as Elector of Hanover (Holy Roman Empire) and King of England. George II was born in Hanover, Germany like his father and grew up on the continent. Unlike his father, he learned English before he became […]
German Bread: The Heart of Germany’s Baking Culture
Bread in Germany isn’t just food – it’s a birthright, a ritual, a national obsession. With more than 3,200 officially recognized varieties, Germany proudly holds the title of the most diverse bread culture in the world. Whether you’re biting into a warm, crusty Brötchen at breakfast or savoring a thick slice of dense Pumpernickel at […]
German Beer Steins
The origins of beer steins date back to the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies throughout Europe, Germany established several laws in the early 16th century requiring that all food and beverage containers be covered to protect their contents. By combining a lid, hinge, and thumblift, these […]
Fuggerei
The Fuggerei is the world’s oldest social housing complex still in use. It is a walled enclave within the city of Augsburg, Bavaria. It takes its name from the Fugger family and was founded in 1516 by Jakob Fugger the Younger (known as “Jakob Fugger the Rich”) as a place where the needy citizens of […]
Simple Reasons Why Learning German Is Worth Your While
Many people arrive in Germany without speaking a word of the language. While some put months of their lives into mastering the language, others choose not to. There are lots of reasons for that: family life, jobs or just the sheer omnipresence of English can hold us back. But there are really good reasons to […]
September 3 in German History
September 3, 1757 Birth of Karl August, Archduke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He made an intellectual center of Weimar through his invitation and patronage of Goethe, Herder, Schelling, Hegel and Schiller. September 3, 1846 Birth of Alfred Brandt in Hamburg, Germany. Brandt was a lead engineer in the building of the Simplon Tunnel. It is the longest […]
March 30 in German History
March 30, 1858 Birth of Lassa Francis Lawrence Oppenheim in Windecken, Germany. Oppenheim, a jurist, immigrated to London in 1895 to teach at the London School of Economics. In 1908 he became a professor at Cambridge University. He specialized in international law. He based his concept of international law on adherence to specific agreements and […]
Liebfraumilch Wine: Discovering Germany’s Sweet Secret
Nestled in the heart of Germany’s winemaking regions lies a sweet secret that has charmed palates for centuries: Liebfraumilch wine. This delectable white wine, known for its smooth, fruity flavor, has a history as rich as its taste. In this article, we’ll embark on a journey through the vineyards of Germany, uncovering the history, production, […]
The Holy Roman Empire
Imagine an empire born from the ghost of Rome, ruled by kings crowned by popes, stitched together from dozens of duchies, cities, and bishoprics. It wasn’t quite holy, or Roman, or an empire – at least not in the way you’d expect. Yet for over 1,000 years, the Holy Roman Empire played a central role […]
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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 … [Read More...]
Nuremberg Christkindlesmarkt: Germany’s Most Famous Christmas Market
Germany’s oldest and most beloved Christmas market comes alive each winter in the heart of Nuremberg - the Christkindlesmarkt. With its wooden stalls trimmed in red and white, the scent of roasted … [Read More...]
April 15 in German History
April 15, 1659 Death of Simon Dach in Königsberg, Prussia (now Russia). Dach was one of the outstanding German Baroque poets. April 15, 1707 Birth of Leonhard Euler in Basel, Switzerland. A … [Read More...]
Rügen Island
Rügen is Germany's largest island by area. It is located off the Pomeranian coast in the Baltic Sea and belongs to the state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Rügen has a maximum length of 51.4 … [Read More...]
May 11 in German History
May 11, 1686 Death of Otto von Guericke (1602-1686), a German scientist, inventor, and politician, in Hamburg, Germany. Von Guericke invented an air pump in 1650. That is not very remarkable, … [Read More...]
Rise of Brandenburg-Prussia
In the aftermath of the Thirty Years’ War, most of Germany lay in ruins - disunited, depopulated, and politically fragmented. Yet out of this chaos rose a seemingly unlikely power: … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Public Etiquette in Germany
Sometimes, when coming to Germany, visitors have the stereotype of dour, rigid, and humorless Germans firmly lodged in their mind. Fortunately, this cliché regarding German customs and behavior is … [Read More...]
A Journey Through German Cuisine: A Feast of Tradition and Diversity
Germany, with its rich and diverse food traditions, has long been celebrated for its culinary prowess. Its regional specialities vary widely, reflecting the cultural influences, agricultural … [Read More...]
Sesambrötchen (Sesame Rolls) Recipe
Golden, fluffy, and topped with a delicate crunch Sesambrötchen or German Sesame Rolls are a breakfast favorite throughout Germany. Whether picked up fresh from the local Bäckerei or baked at home, … [Read More...]