If you sit down for breakfast at a German guesthouse expecting pancakes or a stack of cereal boxes, … (More)
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The History and Meaning of German Coat of Arms and National Symbols
Germany’s national symbols and coat of arms carry deep historical significance, reflecting centuries of political, cultural, and social evolution. From the majestic Black Eagle to the striking colors of the German flag, these symbols have undergone transformations while maintaining their national identity. In this article, we will explore the history and meaning of the German […]
Resistance to Lutheranism in Germany
Although Lutheranism had powerful supporters, its survival was by no means certain. Its main opponent was the Habsburg emperor Charles V, who had inherited Spain, the Netherlands, southern Italy, Sicily, and the Austrian lands as patrimony and who hoped to restore the unity of the German Empire by keeping it Roman Catholic. Charles had been […]
German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
German history is a fascinating journey through centuries of cultural, political, and economic developments. From the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany’s rich past has shaped not only its own destiny but also the course of European history. In this article, we delve into the […]
Augustusburg castle – the German Heritage
The Augustusburg castle located in North Rhine-Westphalia near Cologne was valued by UNESCO as the world heritage. This decision was made in 1984 and drew attention to the castle’s eventful and rich history. The history of the Augustusburg castle is worth studying, and its architecture, construction, interior and surroundings serve as colorful evidences. The castle […]
Dialects vs. Standard German: Why Both Still Matter
To an outsider, the German language may seem straightforward – especially if you’re learning it from a textbook or app. But once you set foot in Germany, you quickly realize that there’s not just one German. Instead, you’ll hear dozens of regional flavors, from the melodic drawl of Bavarian to the crisp consonants of Saxon. […]
German History Timeline
References: A Country Study. US Library of Congress Country Studies
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 celebrated — more than during the rest of the year taken together! Pre-Christmas time begins with St. Martin’s Day on November 11, then goes on to St. […]
Oktoberfest Beyond the Beer: Traditions You Didn’t Know Existed
When most people think of Oktoberfest, one image springs to mind: overflowing beer steins in massive tents filled with laughing tourists in Dirndls and Lederhosen. But for those who’ve experienced the Wiesn firsthand – or who grew up with it – Oktoberfest is far more than a drinking holiday. It’s a living tradition, deeply rooted […]
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 number of prominent people to the world: Goethe and Hitler, Dietrich and Bismarck, Einstein and Honecker. Militancy and arrogance are […]
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April 28 in German History
April 28, 1849 On this date the Prussian king Friedrich Wilhelm rejected the title of "Kaiser" as offered to him by the Frankfurt Parliament a month before. He also rejected the new constitution of … [Read More...]
March 27 in German History
March 27, 1178 Death of Bl. Frowin (? - 1178) Frowin has never been formally canonized but is referred to as "blessed" by the medieval chroniclers. They also state his feast day as March 7 and … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Soft Homemade Pretzels
Those big, warm, soft pretzels you can get at the big game or a fair... only at home! Be sure you eat them the same day you make them though, preferably while they’re still warm. But that shouldn’t be … [Read More...]
Otto von Bismarck and Realpolitik
In the mid-19th century, Europe was a stage of revolutions, rising nationalism, and crumbling empires. Amid this backdrop, one man emerged as the architect of modern Germany - not through fiery … [Read More...]
The Thirty Years’ War – Military Campaigns
The Thirty Years' War resulted from a local rebellion, but the admixture of religion transformed it into a European conflict that lasted for more than a generation and devastated Germany. In 1618 … [Read More...]
Germany’s Best-Kept Secret: The Culture and Traditions of the Sorbs
Germany is known for its rich cultural tapestry, but few people know about the Sorbs, one of Europe’s oldest and smallest Slavic minorities. Nestled in the regions of Saxony and Brandenburg, the Sorbs … [Read More...]
September 28 in German History
September 28, 1811 Birth of Friedrich Hecker in Eichtersheim, Germany. He was a liberal politician who was involved in several actions attempting to eliminate the monarchy and establish a republic. … [Read More...]
German Sense of Humor
German humor style is often a hasty rude satire. Popular German cabarets of pre-war period are worldwide famous for their nipping jokes. The traditions of German political satire are rather old and … [Read More...]
November 25 in German History
November 25, 1844 Birth of Carl Benz in Karlsruhe, Germany. In 1885 he built the world's first working automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. He founded the motor company, Benz u. Co. … [Read More...]