An American exchange student once told me about her first week in a German shared apartment. Her new … (More)
Featured Stories
The Domestic Economy of Germany
The German economy is full of contradictions. It is modern but old-fashioned. It is immensely powerful but suffers from serious structural weaknesses. It is subject to national laws and rules but is so closely tied into the European Union that it is no longer truly independent. It has a central bank that controls European monetary […]
German Easter Bunny Recipes
Some last-minute recipes of Easter bunny-shaped cakes and cookies Easter is not all about hard-boiled eggs. You cannot make it with egg salads only! Let’s honor Easter rabbit – the one who hides Easter eggs – by putting him on the festive table. Easter Bunny Ingredients: 1 kg flour 1 tsp salt 160 g soft […]
April 6 in German History
April 6, 912 Death of Bl. Notker Babulus (der Stammler)(ca. 840 – 912). Blessed Notker was born near St. Gallen, Switzerland in about 840. He studied at the school of the Monastery of St. Gallen and became a monk there. He wrote a large number of works during his lifetime as a teacher at the […]
The Rise of German Food Trucks in America
German cuisine might conjure images of beer halls, Oktoberfest tents, and cozy Alpine inns – but lately, it’s also appearing in parking lots, festivals, and curbside lunch rushes across the United States. Enter the German food truck: a growing phenomenon that blends street food culture with hearty European classics. From bratwurst to schnitzel, spätzle to […]
Schloss Bürresheim – a Medieval Castle in the Woodlands
The castle of Bürresheim is located at northwest of Mayen on a rock spur in the Nettetal. It belongs to the local church Sankt Johann. Together with Burg Eltz and the castle Lissingen, it is one of the few castles in the Eifel that were never conquered or devastated and were able to survive unscathed […]
Bohnensalat – Traditional German Green Bean Salad Recipe
Fresh, zesty, and incredibly satisfying – Bohnensalat, or German green bean salad, is a simple side dish with bold flavor. Featuring tender green beans in a tangy vinaigrette, often enhanced with onions, bacon, or herbs, this salad is a staple in many German households. Served cold or lukewarm, it’s a versatile companion to meats, potatoes, […]
Apple Crumb Cake – Apfel-Streuselkuchen
Golden, buttery crumbs over a juicy apple layer on a soft cake base – Apfel-Streuselkuchen, or German Apple Crumb Cake, is the cozy hug of the dessert world. A staple at bakeries, birthdays, and Sunday coffee tables across Germany, this comforting classic is as beautiful to look at as it is satisfying to eat. Whether […]
Green Party of Germany
In the early years of the FRG, several minor parties representing a range of political views from the neo-Nazi right to the communist left played a role in the political system. Support for these parties dwindled over time, and, after 1961, the FDP was the only smaller party to cross the 5 percent threshold necessary […]
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 smoother and more enriching. While many Germans speak English, especially in tourist areas, attempting to communicate in their native tongue is always appreciated and […]
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Christmas Stories
The beauty of Christmas time Winter time in Germany abounds in beautiful pre-Christmas, Christmas, and post-Christmas traditions. It is in December and January that so many Saints are … [Read More...]
Electoral System of Germany
The Basic Law guarantees the right to vote by secret ballot in direct and free elections to every German citizen eighteen years of age or older. To be eligible to vote, an individual must have resided … [Read More...]
German-Style Fried Potatoes (Bratkartoffeln)
If there’s one side dish that defines rustic German cooking, it’s Bratkartoffeln - crispy, golden-brown slices of pan-fried potatoes that are as versatile as they are irresistible. Often made with … [Read More...]
Liverwurst Recipe
German Liverwurst, or Leberwurst as it's known in its homeland, is a culinary treasure steeped in tradition and flavor. This savory sausage, celebrated for its rich taste and smooth texture, is a … [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...]
Germany’s Quietest Holiday: What’s So Special About Allerheiligen?
As the autumn leaves turn to shades of amber and gold, and a gentle chill settles over the landscape, Germany pauses for one of its most understated yet profoundly moving holidays: Allerheiligen. … [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...]
Celebrating Christmas in Germany
Christmas in Germany is more than a holiday. It is a season, a cultural experience, a slow-building ritual that begins long before December arrives and stretches well into the deep winter weeks. It is … [Read More...]
The Rich Tapestry of German Traditions
Germany, a land steeped in history and brimming with cultural diversity, offers a treasure trove of traditions that captivate locals and visitors alike. From globally renowned festivals like … [Read More...]
The German Military in Two World Wars
Prussian-German excellence in military matters was an accepted fact of life, but in the twentieth century the excessive accent on militarism led to two disastrous world wars. Germany's insistence on … [Read More...]