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July 20 in German History
July 20, 1839 Birth of the pathologist, Julius Cohnheim, in Demmin, Prussia. He worked with the effects of tuberculosis on tissue. July 20, 1847 Birth of the artist, Max Liebermann, in Berlin, Germany. He was a leader in the German impressionist period. July 20, 1850 Birth of Georg Müller in Grimma, Germany. Müller was a […]
Schwarzbrot (Black Bread) Recipe
Dark, dense, and undeniably flavorful, Schwarzbrot – German Black Bread – is the bold cousin of rye and whole grain loaves. Packed with fiber, rich in sour tang, and often baked in brick-like loaves, this bread has been a dietary staple in Germany for centuries, particularly in the north. If you’re looking for something hearty […]
Radio and Television in Germany
Radio and television are administered in a decentralized fashion as prescribed in the Basic Law. The intent behind the pattern of regional decentralization is to prevent the exploitation of the media by a strong national government, as had happened under the Nazi dictatorship. Germany has two public broadcasting corporations. The first, ARD, was established in […]
Johannes Kepler
Johannes Kepler (December 27, 1571 – November 15, 1630) was a German mathematician, astronomer, and astrologer who discovered the ovoid movements of the planets around the sun. The first astronomer to state the fundamental laws of planetary motion, Kepler was also known for his works in geometry, optics and philosophy. His significant achievements have been […]
Overcoming the Hardest Part of Learning German
What’s the hardest part of learning German? For English speakers, it is most probably German word order. It’s one of the many obstacles that need to be overcome for German learners. It might seem confusing and bizarre at first, but in time it will eventually begin to click. Learn the rules of German word order […]
Semmelknödel – Bavarian Bread Dumplings
These traditional Bavarian bread dumplings, or Semmelknödel, are great when you’ve got delicious gravy to soak up. They taste especially great served with Sauerbraten! Ingredients: 8 day-old white rolls or slices of white bread 1 cup warm milk 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon butter 2 eggs 2 tablespoons flour a pinch of salt […]
Bertha Benz – the Automotive Pioneer
Bertha Benz (May 3, 1849 – May 5, 1944) was a German automotive pioneer. She was the business partner and wife of automobile inventor Karl Benz. In 1888, she was the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance. In doing so, she brought the Benz Patent-Motorwagen worldwide attention and got the company […]
The Saxon Dynasty, 919-1024 – Medieval Germany
Because the dukes of the East Frankish Kingdom had wearied of being ruled by a foreign king, they elected a German to serve as their king once the Carolingian line expired. The election of Conrad I (r. 911-18), Duke of Franconia, as the first German king has been marked by some historians as the beginning […]
Aschaffenburg
Aschaffenburg is a city in northwest Bavaria, Germany. The town of Aschaffenburg is not considered part of the district of Aschaffenburg, but is the administrative seat. Aschaffenburg belonged to the Archbishopric of Mainz for more than 800 years. The city is located at the westernmost border of Lower Franconia and separated from the central and […]
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Wartburg Castle – the Place of Luther’s Inspiration
Wartburg Castle, located near town of Eisenach, is one of the oldest castles in Germany. It was founded by the German Duke Ludwig de Springer in 1067 AD. There is an amazing legend about the castle's … [Read More...]
German Learning Tips – Strategies, Tools, and Motivation
Learning German is a marathon, not a sprint - and like any long-distance challenge, the right strategy makes all the difference. Some learners dive into grammar drills, others rely on phrasebooks, … [Read More...]
December 14 in German History
December 14, 1788 Death of Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach in Hamburg. He was the son of Johann Sebastian and Maria Bach. His first position was that of harpsichordist to Friedrich II of Prussia. In … [Read More...]
Dinkelbrot – Traditional German Spelt Bread Recipe
Nutty, wholesome, and wonderfully aromatic, Dinkelbrot - German Spelt Bread - is a traditional favorite making a big comeback in modern kitchens. Made from spelt flour, an ancient grain prized for its … [Read More...]
Germany Today – German Online Newspapers and Magazines
The best way to let people around the world know about your country is to use mass media. Thus, you can get the latest news on Germany and its life from newspapers, radio and TV. It would be great to … [Read More...]
May 26 in German History
May 26, 1799 Birth of August Kopisch in Breslau, Germany (now in Poland). Kopisch was a painter and poet. Two of his books of poetry are Gedichte (1836) and Allerlei Geister (1848). Allerlei … [Read More...]
The Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Keen to gain international recognition of its sphere of interest and believing that such recognition would solidify its grip on its East European satellite states, the Soviet Union, beginning in the … [Read More...]
Osterlamm Recipe – German Easter Lamb Cake
Easter in Germany is full of beautiful traditions, and one of the most beloved is baking an Osterlamm, the German Easter lamb cake. This light and fluffy sponge cake, baked in a lamb-shaped mold, is a … [Read More...]
Germany Exploration: Basic German Phrases for Travelers
Traveling to Germany soon? Whether you're heading to Berlin's urban jungles, the Black Forest's lush woods, or the Bavarian Alps, knowing a handful of basic German phrases can make your journey … [Read More...]
September 11 in German History
September 11, 1227 Death of St. Ludwig IV von Thüringen (1200-1227). Ludwig IV has never been formally canonized but has been regarded locally as a saint since shortly after his death. He led a … [Read More...]