For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Currywurst
Legend has it that creator of currywurst was the housewife Herta Heuwer from the Charlottenburg district of Berlin. In 1949, she mixed together Worcestershire sauce, spices and ketchup, blended this with cooked tomatoes and onions and made a warm spicy sauce to cover deep fried sliced Knackwurst (Knockwurst). By trial and error Herta had created […]
The Unification of Germany: How Bismarck Built a Nation from Blood and Iron
In the mid-19th century, Germany wasn’t a country. It was a chaotic jigsaw puzzle of kingdoms, duchies, and principalities—39 in total—each with its own ruler, army, and agenda. But within just a few years, that patchwork was transformed into a unified empire, largely thanks to the vision and cunning of one man: Otto von Bismarck. […]
German Wedding Traditions
…Walking Down the Aisle Wedding traditions from Germany Never-ceasing and still growing number of emails with questions on German wedding traditions prompted this article’s uprise. Indeed, Germans respect and love their traditions and maintain them through time and distances. Foreigners travel to Germany and marry there, Germans living abroad wish to get married in accordance […]
January 14 in German History
January 14, 1683 Birth of Gottfried Silbermann (1683-1753) in Kleinbobritzsch, Germany. Silbermann’s company was the leading builder of spinets, clavichords, harpsichords and organs in the age of Bach. January 14, 1800 Birth of Ludwig Ritter von Köchel in Stein, Austria. Although he had earned a doctorate in law, Köchel devoted his life and studies to […]
German Idioms
German idioms are an integral part of daily communication, adding color and depth to the language. We delve into expressions that might baffle non-native speakers but are second nature to Germans. Join us as we unpack these expressions and their relevance in modern German. Related Articles:German Idioms – Part 1: Everyday Sayings ExplainedGerman Idioms – […]
German Senior Clubs and the Kultur of Active Aging
Retirement in Germany isn’t about slowing down – it’s about showing up. Across the country, senior citizens are filling calendars with dance nights, university lectures, language classes, hiking trips, choir rehearsals, and chess tournaments. The hub of this activity? The German senior club – a unique cultural institution that reflects the country’s deep belief in […]
Prussia Before Germany: The Military State That Shaped a Nation
Before Germany became a unified empire in 1871, there was Prussia—a powerhouse of discipline, precision, and iron will. While today the name Prussia has vanished from maps, its influence still echoes across German history. From its militarized society and brilliant rulers to its role as the engine behind unification, Prussia helped create the modern German […]
Kirschenplotzer – German Cherry Cake
This German cherry cake recipe is called Kirschenmichel or Kirschenplotzer (literally translated as “cherry Michael” or “fallen cherries”). There are several different versions of it in Palatinate, mostly using leftover rolls that are soaked in milk. Kirschenplotzer tastes best fresh baked and still warm. Serve with whipped cream or/and vanilla ice cream. Enjoy! Ingredients: […]
December 22 in German History
December 22, 1694 Birth of Hermann Samuel Reimarus in Hamburg, Germany. Reimarus was a Deist who taught at a Gymnasium in Hamburg. Though he published theological works during his lifetime, his lifetime work, Apologie oder Schutzschrift die vernunftigen Verehrer Gottes, was yet unpublished at the time of his death. Gotthold Lessing was the first to […]
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Mortality in Germany
In the postwar period, the former GDR developed a comprehensive health care system that made steady advances in reducing infant mortality and extending life expectancy for both men and women. Early in … [Read More...]
Why German Compound Words Are So Long
The Language of LEGO Words Ever stumbled upon a German word so long you had to stop and count the syllables? Something like Donaudampfschifffahrtsgesellschaftskapitän or … [Read More...]
October 12 in German History
October 12, 1518 Having been called to the offices of Cardinal Thomas Cajetan, Martin Luther refuses to retreat from the positions taken in his 95 thesis on indulgences. The theses had been posted … [Read More...]
Osterzopf – Traditional German Easter Braided Bread Recipe
Easter in Germany wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Osterzopf, the traditional German Easter braided bread. With its rich, buttery dough, lightly sweetened taste, and golden, glossy crust, … [Read More...]
Internal Security in Germany
The German legal system is the product of many centuries of development, starting with the tribal laws of the first Germans. Those indigenous customs were influenced and changed under Roman law and … [Read More...]
The Thirty Years’ War and Its Impact on Germany
Germany in the early 1600s was a mosaic of duchies, bishoprics, and free cities - all held loosely together within the Holy Roman Empire. But underneath that fragile peace simmered deep divisions: … [Read More...]
Dirndl Decoded: The Meaning Behind Germany’s Most Iconic Dress
Few garments carry as much cultural weight - and visual charm - as the Dirndl. What started as a working woman’s outfit in Alpine regions has become a global symbol of Germany’s cultural heritage. … [Read More...]
March 2 in German History
March 2, 1481 Birth of Franz von Sickingen in Ebernburg, Germany. A character in Goethe's play, Götz von Berlichingen, the historic Sickingen was a defender of the Protestant cause in Germany. His … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]