For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
May 27 in German History
May 27, 1525 Death of Thomas Müntzer in Mühlhausen. Thomas Müntzer was born in 1489 in Stolberg, Germany and died on May 27, 1525 in Mühlhausen, Germany. He was a leading radical reformer during the Protestant reformation and the leader of the peasants’ revolt in Thuringia in 1524-25. Müntzer was a significant figure in the […]
Spreuerhofstrasse – World’s Narrowest Street
New York has Broadway. Paris, the Champs- Elysées. And Reutlingen? The provincial town in south-western Germany has Spreuerhofstrasse. Spreuerhofstrasse in the south-western town of Reutlingen is just 3.80 meters long and listed as the narrowest alley in the world in the Guinness Book of World Records, with a width of just 31 centimetres (12.2 inches). […]
December 29 in German History
December 29, 1832 Death of Johann Friedrich Cotta. Cotta was a publisher who founded the journal Die Horen with the classic writer, Friedrich von Schiller in 1794. Cotta also published many of the works of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Johann Gottfried von Herder, Christoph Martin Wieland, A. W. Schlegel, Ludwig Tieck, Jean Paul, Heinrich von […]
The Tariff Agreement of 1879 in Germany and Its Social Consequences
Germany experienced an economic boom immediately after unification. For the first time, the country was a single economic entity, and old impediments to internal trade were lifted. The federal chancellery published a new commercial code and established a uniform currency. The indemnity that France had to pay Germany after losing the 1870-71 war provided capital […]
Advent in Germany – Four Weeks Left till Christmas!
In Germany the time from December 1st to December 24th is called “Adventszeit”, which means the time before Christmas Eve. Parents give their children Advent calendars that count down the days. Every day in December they can open one of the doors and receive either a small chocolate in the shape of a star, a […]
Fastenbrot (Fasting Bread) Recipe
Simple, rustic, and nourishing, Fastenbrot or German Fasting Bread is rooted in centuries-old monastic traditions. This dense, fiber-rich loaf was historically prepared during Lent and other fasting periods as a wholesome, satisfying bread that nourished without indulgence. Crafted from whole grains, seeds, and minimal fat, Fastenbrot is still cherished today for its health benefits and […]
Founding of Blumenau: German Roots in Brazil
In the heart of Brazil’s lush southern region, surrounded by dense rainforest and rolling hills, lies a city unlike any other in South America – Blumenau. With its timber-framed houses, Lutheran churches, and German-style bakeries, it feels more like a Bavarian village than a tropical town. But this is no accident. Blumenau was founded in […]
German Bundestag
The Bundestag is the principal legislative chamber, roughly analogous to the United States House of Representatives. The Bundestag has grown gradually since its creation, most dramatically with unification and the addition of 144 new representatives from eastern Germany, for a total of 656 deputies in 1990. A further expansion in 1994 increased the number to […]
Discovering Joy and Tradition: A Visit to the German Christmas Museum
Germany, renowned for its magical Christmas markets and deep-rooted holiday traditions, is home to a gem that encapsulates the spirit of the season: the German Christmas Museum. Nestled in the picturesque town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, this museum is not just a repository of holiday artifacts but a portal into the heart of Christmas […]
Read More
Flädlesuppe – German Pancake Soup
Flädlesuppe, or German pancake soup, is basically a bit like chicken noodle soup except with strips of pancake in the broth. This southern German favorite is perfect as a first course for lunch on … [Read More...]
Bratwurst Recipe
The German Bratwurst, an iconic sausage known for its rich flavors and cultural significance, has been a cornerstone of German cuisine for centuries. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the quaint … [Read More...]
Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup
This creamy sausage, potato and sauerkraut soup is a little taste of Oktoberfest you can have any time of the year! Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, finely diced 1/4 cup flour 1 1/2 … [Read More...]
The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
The Holy Roman Empire, often deemed a paradoxical entity, was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western, Central and Southern Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued … [Read More...]
The Age of Enlightened Absolutism, 1648-1789
Although the Holy Roman Empire no longer had a significant role in European politics after the Thirty Years' War, it remained important in Germany, providing a framework for the many German states' … [Read More...]
German Bundestag
The Bundestag is the principal legislative chamber, roughly analogous to the United States House of Representatives. The Bundestag has grown gradually since its creation, most dramatically with … [Read More...]
German Wedding Traditions
...Walking Down the Aisle Wedding traditions from Germany Never-ceasing and still growing number of emails with questions on German wedding traditions prompted this article's uprise. Indeed, Germans … [Read More...]
Authentic Marzipan Kartoffeln (Marzipan Potatoes) Recipe
Marzipan Kartoffeln, charmingly known as Marzipan Potatoes, are a quintessential German confectionery treat, especially beloved during the Christmas season. These sweet, potato-shaped goodies are not … [Read More...]
Oskar Sala, the Electronic Music Pioneer
Oskar Sala was one of the most important figures and pioneers of electronic music of the 20th century. As a musician, composer, and natural scientist, he fully devoted himself to the playing and … [Read More...]
How to Pack for a Trip to Germany
Avoid disappointment upon your arrival in Germany by knowing the important things in advance. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: varies Here's How: Take a Foreign-German dictionary … [Read More...]