For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Gemischter Salat – Traditional German Mixed Salad Recipe
Crisp, colorful, and wonderfully refreshing – Gemischter Salat, or German mixed green salad, is a staple on restaurant menus and home tables across Germany. Combining fresh lettuce with seasonal vegetables and a simple dressing, this everyday favorite balances heavier main dishes and brings vibrant flavors to any meal. Whether served as a starter, a side, […]
March 15 in German History
March 15, 1614 Birth of Franciscus Sylvius (1614-1672) in Hanau, Germany. Sylvius was a physician who concluded that the basis of life and disease is chemical and that chemical compounds can be used to treat disease. In 1658 he began a teaching career at the University of Leiden. It was there that he constructed the […]
Leberknödelsuppe – German Liver Dumpling Soup
Leberknödelsuppe is a traditional German dish, particularly popular in Bavaria. It is a liver dumpling soup made of beef liver, bread, eggs, and parsley cooked in beef broth. In the Palatinate, Leberknödel are often served with Sauerkraut and mashed potatoes. Ingredients: 2 stale bread rolls 3/4 cup lukewarm milk 2 eggs, beaten 1 onion, finely chopped […]
The Economy and Population Growth in Germany
Germany experienced an economic boom immediately after unification. For the first time, the country was a single economic entity, and old impediments to internal trade were lifted. The federal chancellery published a new commercial code and established a uniform currency. The indemnity that France had to pay Germany after losing the 1870-71 war provided capital […]
September 24 in German History
September 24, 1054 Death of Hermann von Reichenau in Reichenau, Germany. As a chronicler, he has become a primary source of information on his age. September 24, 1521 Death of Paracelsus (Philippus Aureolus Theophrastus Bombastus von Hohenheim), a German-Swiss Renaissance physician, botanist, alchemist, astrologer, and general occultist, in Salzburg, Austria. He attended many universities seeking […]
Semmelknödel mit Pilzen – German Bread Dumplings with Mushrooms
Ingredients: For the dumplings: 200 g dry white bread or 6 stale rolls (Brötchen) 1 glass lukewarm milk salt freshly ground black pepper freshly ground nutmeg 1 onion 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp butter 2-3 eggs flour or breadcrumbs For the mushrooms: 600 g fresh champignons or chanterelles 1/2 lemon (about 3 tbsp juice) […]
Relations Between the Two Germanys
Although Honecker pursued a tough policy against internal dissidents and carefully guarded the GDR’s unique identity as the state in which the old Marxist dream of socialism had become a reality, he was keenly aware of the necessity for communication and reasonable working relations with the FRG. His dream of being received at the White […]
July 7 in German History
July 7, 1720 Maria Bach (wife of J. S. Bach) dies in Köthen, Germany. Maria Bach was the first wife of Johann Sebastian Bach. July 7, 1860 Birth of Gustav Mahler in Kaliste, Bohemia. Mahler composed 10 symphonies. His work was a significant influence on Schoenberg and Shostakovich. July 7, 1884 Birth of the German […]
What’s in a Mettbrötchen? Ingredients and Regional Tips
Mettbrötchen may be one of the simplest dishes in German cuisine – raw minced pork on a roll – but simplicity doesn’t mean uniformity. Across Germany, subtle differences in ingredients, preparation, and presentation create a surprisingly rich world of regional styles and family traditions. Whether you’re a newcomer curious about what’s actually in a Mettbrötchen […]
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Bienenstich – German Bee Sting Cake
Bienenstich or Bee sting cake is a German dessert made of sweet yeast dough with a baked-on topping of caramelized almonds and filled with a vanilla custard, Buttercream or cream. The cake may have … [Read More...]
Prinzregententorte – Bavarian Layered Chocolate Cake
Prinzregententorte is a Bavarian torte consisting of several thin layers of sponge cake with chocolate buttercream filling and a topping of apricot jam upon the very last. The exterior is covered in a … [Read More...]
June 12 in German History
June 12, 1755 Immanuel Kant is granted the doctoral degree at the University of Königsberg. On the occasion Kant delivered an address, "On Easy and Thorough Instruction in Philosophy". June 12, … [Read More...]
Women In German Society
For centuries, a woman's role in German society was summed up and circumscribed by the three "K" words: Kinder (children), Kirche (church), and Küche (kitchen). Sometimes the fourth "K" is mentioned: … [Read More...]
December 15 in German History
December 15, 1878 Birth of Hans Carossa (1878-1956) in Tölz, Germany. Carossa was a physician who wrote successful novels and poetry. He was a great admirer of Goethe. Among his works are Dr. … [Read More...]
Bismarck and the Unification of Germany
Liberal hopes for German unification were not met during the politically turbulent 1848-49 period. A Prussian plan for a smaller union was dropped in late 1850 after Austria threatened Prussia with … [Read More...]
Religion in Modern Germany: Faith in a Secular Age
Religion in modern Germany is defined by two powerful forces: the long Christian heritage that shaped law, education, and holidays, and the steady rise of secular Germany visible in weak church … [Read More...]
Lebkuchen – German Gingerbread Recipe
Lebkuchen, often hailed as Germany's answer to gingerbread, is a traditional treat that encapsulates the heartwarming essence of German baking. This spiced, slightly sweet confection is a staple … [Read More...]
Strawberry Santas
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 1 lb large strawberries 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar (or sugar substitute - to taste) 1 … [Read More...]
Bavarian Beer Roasted Pork
This is the ultimate roast – Bavarian beer roasted pork, also known as Bayerischer Schweinebraten or Krustenbraten - tender, juicy meat and crunchy crackling on top, perfectly roasted and crispy. This … [Read More...]