For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Wooden Toys from the Ore Mountains
Ore Mountain folk art (Erzgebirgische Volkskunst) is a well-known form of highly artistic wood carving from East Germany. Typical creations include Christmas decorations and products such as wooden miners’ figures (Bergmannsfigur), Christmas angels (Weihnachtsengel), Reifendrehen figures of animals made by wood turning, smoking figures (Räuchermann), Christmas mountains (Weihnachtsberge) and Christmas pyramids (Flügelpyramiden), as well as […]
May Day in Germany
May 1st is an international holiday in Germany known as May Day The first of May is Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit). The International Workers’ Congress in Paris designated May Day as a public holiday in 1889, and in 1919 the National Assembly in Weimar declared it a public holiday in Germany. It is observed […]
September 14 in German History
September 14, 1313 Death of St. Notburga von Rattenberg (ca. 1265 – 1313) (Rattenberg is near Innsbruck, Austria) St. Notburga is the patroness of servants and peasants. During her lifetime she is said to have been a servant to a wealthy and noble family and used her position to contribute to the needs of the […]
Oktoberfest in Germany
Oktoberfest is a 16-day beer festival held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, running from late September to the first weekend in October. Oktoberfest is one of the most famous events in Germany and is the world’s largest fair, with more than 5 million people attending every year. Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, […]
The Rich Tapestry of German Literature: From the Brothers Grimm to Contemporary Authors
Germany’s literary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of history, philosophy, and imagination. From the enchanting fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm to the profound novels of contemporary authors, German literature boasts a rich heritage that has significantly influenced the global literary scene. This article explores the evolution of German literature, shedding […]
Free Democratic Party of Germany
The Free Democratic Party (Freie Demokratische Partei–FDP) is much smaller than the CDU or SPD, but its limited electoral strength masks the party’s inordinate influence. Prior to the 1994 election, the FDP had experienced its worst results in national elections in 1969 (5.8 percent) and 1983 (7 percent). Both of those poor showings occurred following […]
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 functionary, diplomat, and founder of the Humboldt University of Berlin, which was named after him in 1949 (and also after his younger brother, Alexander von […]
Essential German Phrases
If there are only a few phrases you are willing to learn before your trip to Germany, it should be these. They could help you out if tight situations. If in a German speaking country the natives will also be more friendly and helpful even when only trying to speak in German. Talk to a […]
Mastering Doppelkopf: The Complete Guide
Doppelkopf, often called “Doko,” is one of Germany’s most beloved and strategic card games. Played widely in pubs, clubs, and tournaments, it combines clever partnerships, tactical trick-taking, and sharp memory skills. Popular especially in northern and western Germany, Doppelkopf remains a cultural staple, connecting generations through competitive yet social gameplay. If you enjoy strategic card […]
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Lent in Germany: Traditions, History, and Rituals
Lent in Germany is a season that invites the country to take a long, thoughtful breath. It sits between the exuberant chaos of Carnival and the joyful renewal of Easter, offering a period of … [Read More...]
Haselnussmakronen (German Hazelnut Macaroons): A Delightful Treat from Germany
The aroma of freshly baked Haselnussmakronen, or German hazelnut macaroons, is enough to evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia. These delightful treats, not to be confused with French macarons, are a … [Read More...]
Osterbrot – Traditional German Easter Bread Recipe
Osterbrot is a traditional German Easter bread, enjoyed during the holiday season as part of a festive breakfast or brunch. This soft, slightly sweet yeast bread is enriched with raisins, almonds, and … [Read More...]
The History of Traditional German Clothing
When you picture traditional German clothing, your mind likely conjures images of women twirling in colorful dirndls and men in sturdy leather shorts raising beer steins at Oktoberfest. While these … [Read More...]
German Minimalism: Why Less is Often More in Daily Life
Germany may not be the birthplace of minimalism, but it has certainly made the concept its own. From uncluttered homes and capsule wardrobes to understated architecture and simple yet functional … [Read More...]
How to Color the Easter Eggs
Coloring eggs for Easter is an old tradition dating back to the times when the liquid wax techniques were used for that. Learn how to do it easily and in a natural way nowadays -- with onion … [Read More...]
The Vikings and Their Influence on Germany
When most people think of Vikings, they imagine longships slicing through foggy waters, warriors in hornless helmets raiding English monasteries. But the Vikings didn’t only head west—they also looked … [Read More...]
The King’s Treat (Kaiserschmarrn)
The name of the dessert (Kaiserschmarrn, or Emperor’s mess) came from the Emperor's wife, Elisabeth, who was obsessed with maintaining her waistline, directed the royal chef to prepare only light … [Read More...]
Age-Gender Distribution in Germany
In the early 1990s, an age-gender distribution pyramid of unified Germany's population displayed at its apex the legacy of heavy war casualties: a preponderance of elderly women too great to be … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]