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Featured Stories
October 17 in German History
October 17, 1707 Shortly after accepting a position as organist at St. Blasius’s in Germany, composer Johann Sebastian Bach marries his second cousin, Maria Barbara Bach. The couple had seven children together, but only four survived to adulthood. October 17, 1778 Death of Johann Hummel in Weimar, Germany. The composer, Hummel, studied in Vienna with […]
German Values and Beliefs: What Shapes Daily Life
What truly defines German culture? Beyond stereotypes about punctuality, rules, and efficiency lies a deeper system of values that shapes everyday life in Germany. These values influence how Germans work, communicate, build relationships, and organize society. Understanding German values and beliefs is essential for anyone visiting, living, or working in Germany. What may seem strict […]
Krampus – the Dark Side of St. Nicholas
Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word Krampen, meaning pickaxe, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. Originally, Krampus was a purely pagan creation, said to be the son of Hel from Norse mythology. But he got grafted onto Christian tradition as a sidekick of St. Nicholas. The legendary […]
January 7 in German History
January 7, 1742 Birth of the enlightenment philosopher, Christian Garve. Garve was a professor at the University of Leipzig. He was noted as a moral philosopher and the translator to German of Cicero’s De Officiis and the works of Edmund Burke and Adam Smith. January 7, 1830 Birth of Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902) in Solingen, Germany. […]
Frühschoppen
Frühschoppen might sound like a much-loved female activity (namely, shopping) reserved for early during the day, but in fact it’s not. It is a traditional, German and Austrian equivalent of brunch, i.e. a combined breakfast and lunch normally eaten in the mid- to late morning. Usually it takes place on Sundays. You meet friends and […]
May 13 in German History
May 13, 1717 Birth of Maria Theresa in Vienna, Austria. Maria was the daughter of the Holy Roman emperor, Karl VI. Since Karl had no sons, he sought to bring his daughter to the rule of the Habsburg empire through a new regulation, Die Pragmatische Sanktion, which changed the custom of excluding women from the […]
The Holy Roman Empire
Imagine an empire born from the ghost of Rome, ruled by kings crowned by popes, stitched together from dozens of duchies, cities, and bishoprics. It wasn’t quite holy, or Roman, or an empire – at least not in the way you’d expect. Yet for over 1,000 years, the Holy Roman Empire played a central role […]
The Economic Impact of the Autobahn on German Commerce
The Autobahn is not just a marvel of engineering but also a critical economic asset for Germany. Spanning over 13,000 kilometers, it connects cities, industries, and markets, playing a vital role in the economic dynamics of the country and the wider European continent. Facilitating Trade and Mobility: Boosting Regional Economies: Innovations in Logistics: Economic Challenges […]
How the German Pension System Works (And Who Really Benefits)
Germany’s pension system is widely regarded as one of the most comprehensive and structured in the world, yet to outsiders, it can seem intimidating and opaque. For millions of Germans, however, it represents security, predictability, and the foundation of a dignified retirement. But how does it actually work? Who pays in, who gets what, and […]
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November 23 in German History
November 23, 912 Birth of Otto I in Germany. Otto became the German King in 936 and the Holy Roman Emperor in 962. He brought order to the empire, which was greatly fragmented, strengthened the … [Read More...]
Johannes Gutenberg
Johannes Gensfleisch zur Laden zum Gutenberg (born in Mainz around 1400 – died on February 3, 1468) was a German blacksmith, goldsmith, printer, and publisher who introduced printing to Europe with … [Read More...]
Retiring Abroad as a German: Trends, Destinations, and Cultural Clashes
For decades, German retirees typically stayed close to home, aging in familiar towns surrounded by family, clubs, and well-maintained public services. But that’s changing. Today, more Germans than … [Read More...]
Feuerzangenbowle – Glühwein with a Twist!
Feuerzangenbowle is a traditional German alcoholic drink for which a rum-soaked sugarloaf is set on fire and drips into mulled wine. It is often part of a Christmas or New Year's Eve tradition. The … [Read More...]
Carl Spitzweg – German Romanticist Painter
Carl Spitzweg (born on February 5, 1808 – died on September 23, 1885) was a German romanticist painter, especially of genre subjects. He is considered to be one of the most important artists of the … [Read More...]
Tertiary or Higher Education in Germany
With hundreds of respected universities to choose from as well as its location in the heart of Europe, it’s no wonder that Germany consistently ranks as one of the most popular countries in the world … [Read More...]
Women in Post-War Germany
Post-War life for German women was harsh. Trümmerfrau (literally translated as ruins woman or rubble woman) is the German-language name for women who, in the aftermath of World War II, helped clear … [Read More...]
German Air Force – Luftwaffe
The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) has faced dramatic changes in structure and strategic concepts as a result of the diminished threat in Central Europe and shrinking budgetary resources for modernized … [Read More...]
Apfelküchle – German Apple Fritters
Few things say "comfort food" quite like a warm, cinnamon-scented apple fritter straight from the pan. Apfelküchle, or German apple fritters, are a beloved treat that has been warming hearts and … [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...]