For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
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The Birth of the German Democratic Republic
As with the birth of the FRG, the formation of a separate nation-state in the Soviet zone also took only a few years. In late 1947, the SED convened the “German People’s Congress for Unity and a Just Peace” in Berlin. To demonstrate the SED’s claim of responsibility for the political future of all Germans, […]
Schultüte (School Cone)
A “Schultüte” (or School Cone, even though the word “Tüte” translates more as “bag” from German), is a paper or plastic bag in form of a big cone. When children in Germany, Czech Republic, close to the borders with Germany, parts of Poland (Greater Poland, Upper Silesia, Warmia), Austria, and parts of Switzerland set off […]
April 4 in German History
April 4, 397 Death of St. Ambrose (ca. 340 – 397) St. Ambrose was born in about 340, most likely in Trier (modern Germany). He was the son of a Roman nobleman who was serving in the northern provinces of the Roman Empire as Prefect of Gallia. Upon the death of his father in about […]
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 early 1970s, sponsored an initiative calling for the convening of a Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe (CSCE). For the West, such meetings […]
Austria and Prussia
The most important German power after the Peace of Westphalia was Austria, followed by a few other states with much smaller populations, most notably Brandenburg, Saxony, and Bavaria. Austria retained its preeminence until the second half of the nineteenth century, but in the eighteenth century Brandenburg had become a serious rival, annexing valuable Austrian territory. […]
The History of the Autobahn: From Bismarck to the Bundesautobahn
The Autobahn is not just a network of highways but a historical artifact that reflects Germany’s past from the industrial age to modern times. This article traces the evolution of the Autobahn, debunking common myths about its origins and highlighting key historical milestones that contributed to its current status as an icon of automotive freedom […]
August 2 in German History
August 2, 1934 Paul von Hindenburg dies in Neudeck, Germany (now in Poland). Von Hindenburg had been a general and became the President of the Weimar Republic (Germany from the end of WWI to the rise of Hitler). Hindenburg became president in 1925 upon the death of the first president of the Republic, Friedrich Ebert. […]
April 25 in German History
April 25, 1849 Birth of Felix Klein (1849-1925) in Düsseldorf, Germany. Klein was a German mathematician, known for his work in group theory, complex analysis, non-Euclidean geometry, and on the connections between geometry and group theory. His 1872 Erlangen Program, classifying geometries by their underlying symmetry groups, was a hugely influential synthesis of much of […]
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 south and east, toward the Germanic lands. From the late 8th to the 11th centuries, the Vikings touched many corners of Europe, and their encounters with […]
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How to Make Traditional German Bratwurst at Home
Few dishes represent German comfort food quite like Bratwurst. This iconic sausage, with its juicy interior and perfectly browned casing, is a favorite at beer gardens, barbecues, Oktoberfest … [Read More...]
How Germans Vacation: The Culture of ‘Urlaub’ and Why It’s Sacred
Ask a German about their upcoming Urlaub (vacation), and you’ll likely receive a passionate answer. Germans don’t just take holidays - they plan, treasure, and protect them like national heirlooms. … [Read More...]
German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
German history is a fascinating journey through centuries of cultural, political, and economic developments. From the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, … [Read More...]
June 9 in German History
June 9, 1640 Birth of Leopold I in Vienna. As Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire he brought Austria to a position of influence. June 9, 1775 Birth of Georg Friedrich Grotefend in Münden, … [Read More...]
Valentine’s Day in Germany: From American Import to Cultural Tradition
When florists across Germany arrange elaborate bouquets of red roses on February 14th, when restaurants set romantic tables adorned with candles and hearts, when couples exchange chocolates and … [Read More...]
November 30 in German History
November 30, 1744 Birth of Karl Ludwig von Knebel near Nordlingen, Germany. Knebel was a poet and close friend of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. It was Knebel who introduced Herzog Karl August to … [Read More...]
The Art of German Bread: A Delightful Culinary Tradition
German bread is renowned worldwide for its unparalleled quality, diverse flavors, and rich cultural heritage. Baking bread in Germany is considered an art form, and the country boasts an impressive … [Read More...]
November 18 in German History
November 18, 1786 Birth of Carl Maria von Weber in Eutin, Germany. The composer is known primarily for his operas Der Freischütz (1821), Euryanthe (1823) and Oberon (1826). His operas greatly … [Read More...]
How to Date a German: Cross-Cultural Romance Tips
Dating someone from another culture can be both exciting and confusing, especially when that culture is as distinctive as Germany's. If you’ve ever found yourself puzzled by a German’s reserved … [Read More...]
The Dachshund: A Spotlight on Germany’s Endearing Canine Icon
Germany, known for its rich cultural heritage, engineering genius, and a love for beer and sausages, also boasts a fine pedigree of dog breeds. Of these, the Dachshund is arguably the most iconic. … [Read More...]