Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
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August 13 in German History
August 13, 1655 Birth of Johann Christoph Denner in Leipzig, Germany. Denner was a musical instrument maker who invented the clarinet. Denner was born in Leipzig to a family of horn-tuners. With his father, Heinrich Denner, a maker of game whistles and hunting horns, he moved to Nuremberg in 1666. J. C. Denner went into […]
Northern German Dishes: Herring, Kale, and Maritime Flavors
When people think of German cuisine, images of bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels often come to mind – all staples of southern Germany. But head north, and you’ll discover a culinary world shaped not by alpine traditions, but by coastlines, rivers, and seafaring history. Northern German cuisine is salty, hearty, and shaped by centuries of maritime […]
German Vocabulary: Weather
In Germany, like in most countries, talking about the weather is always a good topic when there is nothing else to talk about or if you want to break the ice with people you have just met. Here is a list of German words related to weather.
Schinken-Sauerkrautrollen – Sauerkraut and Ham Rolls over Cheesy Potatoes
Ingredients: 700 g potatoes 400 g sauerkraut 8 ham slices 2 cups grated cheese 1 1/2 cup milk 4 tbsp flour 2 tbsp butter nutmeg, pepper, salt Directions: 1. Peel, wash and cut potatoes in 4. Boil in salted water until tender. 2. Drain the sauerkraut. 3. Melt a tiny bit of butter on a […]
Brötchen (Crusty German Rolls)
Brötchen is a small crusty roll that is cherished in Germany. It is also perfect for a sandwich or as a roll for a bratwurst. “Kipfen – Wecken – Semmel – Weggli – Schrippe – Feierabend Brötchen – Rundstück”. These are all words for the very normal, white, small, round roll that you see in […]
April 4 in German History
April 4, 397 Death of St. Ambrose (ca. 340 – 397) St. Ambrose was born in about 340, most likely in Trier (modern Germany). He was the son of a Roman nobleman who was serving in the northern provinces of the Roman Empire as Prefect of Gallia. Upon the death of his father in about […]
The Reunification of Germany and Its Aftermath
The East German and West German economies at the time of unification looked very similar. They both concentrated on industrial production, especially machine tools, chemicals, automobiles, and precision manufactures. Both had a well-trained labor force and an important export component, although their exports went largely in opposite directions. But the East German economy was highly […]
Recycling in Germany: A Cultural Obsession or Environmental Success?
Visitors to Germany are often shocked by what seems like an obsession with separating garbage. Paper in one bin. Plastics in another. Food waste in a third. Then there’s the glass – sorted by color. And don’t even think about tossing your deposit bottle (Pfandflasche) in the wrong bin. To many outsiders, it feels overwhelming. […]
October 18 in German History
October 18, 1748 The Treaty of Aachen ends the War of Austrian Succession. October 18, 1777 Birth of Heinrich von Kleist in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany. Kleist was one of the outstanding writers of the 19th century. He read deeply of Kant and found many emotional conflicts in his attempts to realize Kant’s ideals. […]
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July 29 in German History
July 29, 1605 Birth of Simon Dach in Memel, Prussia (now Lithuania). Dach was one of the outstanding German Baroque poets. July 29, 1889 Birth of Ernst Reuter in Apenrade, Germany. Reuter was … [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...]
Strange German Surnames
Surnames play a huge role in our life and you can expect any surname you can think of already exists. But it gets really bizarre when you start to browse through the German telephone book. Here are 9 … [Read More...]
German Dog Breeds: Schnauzer
Born from the wide range of German dog breeds, the Schnauzer is a charismatic, courageous, and intelligent breed that has captured the hearts of many dog lovers worldwide. Known for their distinctive … [Read More...]
Castle Stein in Saxony
Stein Castle, or Burg Stein is a Saxon castle located southeast of Zwickau in the village of Stein in the municipality of Hartenstein on the banks of the Zwickauer Mulde. The settlement of the Ore … [Read More...]
Erbsensuppe mit Würstchen (Split Pea and Sausage Soup)
This is a truly nourishing soup – high in protein, fiber and flavor. It’s also very versatile because not only can you serve it as an appetizer, it also makes a wholesome light meal with a chunk of … [Read More...]
German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels
Hearty, meaty chunks of German bratwurst are simmered in beer and caraway before being combined with pieces of soft, flavorful pretzel rolls. Next, they're mixed with tangy sauerkraut, stone ground … [Read More...]
German Reformation and Early Modern Period
Did you know that a simple act of nailing 95 theses to a church door sparked a cultural earthquake that reshaped Europe? Welcome to the German Reformation and Early Modern Period, where fiery sermons, … [Read More...]
June 15 in German History
June 15, 1520 The Roman Pope, Leo X, threatens to ex-communicate Martin Luther. June 15, 1866 Prussia attacks Austria as a result of a dispute over Schleswig-Holstein. Prussia won the war by … [Read More...]
Mainau, Germany’s Flower Island in Lake Constance
The Flower Island of Mainau in Lake Constance may only cover 45 hectares of land, but it is home to an extraordinary diversity of trees, flowers and shrubs. Its other attractions include a 13th … [Read More...]