For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
St. Nicholas Day in Germany
The patron of all kids Few German holidays blend history, folklore, and family warmth quite like St. Nicholas Day. Celebrated each year on 6 December, it is a tradition that reaches deep into medieval Christian practice, yet lives on today as a beloved childhood ritual across the country. For many German families, St. Nicholas Day […]
German Women – Scientists and Inventors
Here are seven German female inventors whose innovations, both large and small, have improved our world in various ways. Caroline Lucretia Herschel Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848) was the first woman to receive full recognition in the world of astronomy. Between 1786 and 1797, she discovered eight comets and 14 nebulae. She received many rewards, including […]
German Government and Politics
As of mid 1995, Germany was a country coming to terms with the recent unification of its western and eastern portions following four decades of Cold War division. Achieved in October 1990, German unification consisted, in effect, of the incorporation of the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany) into the Federal Republic of Germany […]
November 16 in German History
November 16, 759 Death of St. Othmar (? – 759) St. Othmar was a monk in St. Gallen where he united the monks in the area into a monastery of the rule first of St. Columban and later of St. Benedict. He was noted for his ministry to the poor. After refusing to allow the […]
Foreign Policy in the Wilhelmine Era
Foreign policy in the Wilhelmine Era (1890-1914) turned away from Bismarck’s cautious diplomacy of the 1871-90 period. It was also marked by a shrill aggressiveness. Brusque, clumsy diplomacy was backed by increased armaments production, most notably the creation of a large fleet of battleships capable of challenging the British navy. This new bellicosity alarmed the […]
What is so remarkable in English Garden in Munich?
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) stretches all the way from Munich’s city center to the northeastern city limits. It was created in 1789 by the British physicist Sir Benjamin Thompson. Sir Benjamin was primarily a physicist but also worked as a government administrator. He spent 11 years in Munich organizing the Bavarian army. This garden […]
Why Germans Love Bureaucratic Language: A Look at Amtsdeutsch
Open your mailbox in Germany and you might find a letter that begins: “Sehr geehrte Damen und Herren, im Rahmen des Verwaltungsverfahrens gemäß § 23 Absatz 4 Satz 2 VwVfG…” You’re not being sued. You’re just being notified that your recycling schedule has changed. Welcome to Amtsdeutsch – the official language of German bureaucracy. Amtsdeutsch […]
The Napoleonic Wars and the Confederation of the Rhine
In the early 19th century, Europe was upended by the ambitions of one man: Napoleon Bonaparte. While his empire rose and fell in just over a decade, his influence reverberated for generations. No region was more profoundly affected than the German-speaking lands, which experienced the violent collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, sweeping legal and […]
The Schuhplattler: A Tradition of Bavarian Dance
Schuhplattler is a traditional folk dance native to the Alpine regions of Bavaria in Germany and Tyrol in Austria. Renowned for its athletic leaps, impressive spins, and rhythmic clapping, Schuhplattler is a dance that carries the heritage, folklore, and history of its homeland in every step and stomp. Historical Background of Schuhplattler The origins of […]
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Roots of German Winemaking: From Romans to Riesling
Germany might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be. With vineyards older than most European nations, a deep cultural reverence for terroir, and a … [Read More...]
Zeppelin Airships
On July 2, 1900, the first Zeppelin airship took its maiden flight over the Lake Constance near Friedrichshafen. Its creator, Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin, spent two years and all his resources to … [Read More...]
June 22 in German History
June 22, 1767 Birth of Wilhelm von Humboldt in Potsdam, Germany. Friedrich Wilhelm Christian Karl Ferdinand von Humboldt (22 June 1767 – 8 April 1835) was a Prussian philosopher, government … [Read More...]
Brandenburg Lamb
Ingredients: 800 g fresh lamb 2 medium - sized onions butter, oil 1/2 cup red wine pepper and salt 2 cups broth 500 g green beans 400 g potatoes fresh herbs to serve with … [Read More...]
Der, die, das – German Articles
"Every noun has a gender, and there is no sense or system in the distribution; so the gender of each must be learned separately and by heart. There is no other way. To do this one has to have a memory … [Read More...]
German-Style Sausage and Potatoes
Ingredients: 700 g medium potatoes 4 teaspoons anise seeds 1 1/2 teaspoons coriander seed 1 teaspoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon mustard seeds 1/3 cup … [Read More...]
German Wine 101: Grape Varieties, Label Terms, and What to Drink
German wine can be one of the most rewarding – and most intimidating – areas of the wine world to explore. With its long compound names, steep classification system, and multiple levels of sweetness, … [Read More...]
German Quizzes & Exercises – Test and Improve Your Skills
Learning German isn’t just about reading rules - it’s about applying them until they become second nature. Quizzes and exercises give you that hands-on practice, helping you spot gaps in your … [Read More...]
The Best Homemade Currywurst Recipe
If there’s one dish that screams Berlin, it’s Currywurst – a juicy sausage smothered in tangy-sweet curry ketchup and served with a pile of crispy fries or a crusty roll. Simple? Yes. But its place in … [Read More...]
Frederick the Great and the Potato
On a warm summer day in the 1740s, Prussian peasants working their fields reportedly witnessed a curious sight - royal guards posted around a royal potato field, ostensibly protecting the precious … [Read More...]