German work culture is often described as efficient, structured, and highly professional. But what … (More)
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August 26 in German History
August 26, 1882 Birth of James Franck in Hamburg, Germany. Frank became a professor of physics at the University of Göttingen in 1920. He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1925 for his work on the excitation and ionization of atoms by electron bombardment. He fled Germany in 1933. In 1935 he accepted a […]
The Austro-Prussian War (1866)
In the summer of 1866, two German-speaking giants clashed in a war that would forever change the political landscape of Central Europe. The Austro-Prussian War, also known as the Seven Weeks’ War, was short but decisive. It ended centuries of Austrian dominance over the German Confederation and marked the rise of Prussia as the leader […]
Sauerkraut Martini
This cocktail is polarizing. It’s one of those “love-it” or “hate-it” things. And don’t think you only have to drink it during Oktoberfest — it’s just that people are far more affectionate toward pickled cabbage during this time of year. This tart and briny cocktail is only good when it’s ice cold, so get your […]
August 25 in German History
August 25, 1744 Birth of philosopher and critic, Johann Gottfried von Herder in Modrungen, Germany (now in Poland). His writings prepare for the Sturm und Drang movement as well as the Romantic movement in literature. He is perhaps, though, most remembered for his profound intellectual influence on the young Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. August 25, […]
Germany in World War I
Germany’s leadership had hoped for a limited war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. But because Russian forces had been mobilized in support of Serbia, the German leadership made the decision to support its ally. The Schlieffen Plan, based on the assumption that Germany would face a two-front war because of a French-Russian alliance, required a rapid […]
Lübeck – The City of Marzipan and Sea Ports
Lübeck is a northern German city distinguished by Brick Gothic architecture that dates back to its time as the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading confederation. Lübeck is the largest Baltic harbour of Germany, and the port is a major employer in the city. Paper and wood products, fruit, grain, automobiles, salt, […]
October 11 in German History
October 11, 1491 Death of Blessed Jakob Griesinger. Little is known of Jakob Griesinger, also known as Jakob von Ulm and as Alemannus. He was born in Ulm, Germany in 1407 and trained as a glass blower. He undertook a trip to the holy sites in Rome and on the return trip stooped to pray […]
February 28 in German History
February 28, 1552 Birth of Joost Bürgi (1552-1632) in Lichtensteig, Switzerland. A watchmaker, astronomer and mathematician, Bürgi invented logarithms, possibly as early as 1588, and had compiled his logarithmic tables by 1603. (The Scottish mathematician, John Napier, who is often credited with the invention in British histories, invented logarithms independently and published his tables in […]
Women In German Society
For centuries, a woman’s role in German society was summed up and circumscribed by the three “K” words: Kinder (children), Kirche (church), and Küche (kitchen). Sometimes the fourth “K” is mentioned: Kleider (clothes). Throughout the 20th century, however, women have gradually won victories in their quest for equal rights. In 1919 they received the right […]
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July 14 in German History
July 14, 1093 Death of St. Ulrich von Zell (1029 – 1083). St. Ulrich was born in Regensburg, Germany in 1029. He was educated in St. Emmeran. In entered the Abbey of Cluny (France) in 1061 and was … [Read More...]
January 16 in German History
January 16, 1820 Birth of Johannes Rebmann (1820-1876) in Gerlingen, Germany. Rebmann was a missionary and explorer in Africa. In 1848 he was the first European to see Mount Kilimanjaro and in … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
August 9 in German History
August 9, 378 In one of the most decisive battles in history, a large Roman army under Valens, the Roman emperor of the East, is defeated by the Visigoths at the Battle of Adrianople in … [Read More...]
May 7 in German History
May 7, 973 Death of the Emperor Otto I in Memleben, 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, … [Read More...]
German Adjectives in Pictures – Part 3
An easy, fun way to learn German adjectives! A series of pictures by Delia Tello is so self-explanatory, no translations are needed. … [Read More...]
November 19 in German History
November 19, 1299 Death of St. Mechtilde von Hackeborn (ca. 1241-1298) Mechthilde was born near Halle, Germany in about 1241. At her own insistence she entered the cloister at Rodardsdorf at age 7. … [Read More...]
What Germans Believe Today: Faith, Values, and Identity
What do Germans believe in today? For a country so often defined by its past, it’s a surprisingly difficult question. Once shaped by Protestant reformers, Catholic traditions, and two world wars, … [Read More...]
Rearmament and the European Defense Community
The outbreak of the Korean War in 1950 convinced Western leaders of the growing threat of international communism. The United States began to encourage the Europeans--the FRG in particular--to … [Read More...]
The History of Easter in Germany: Pagan Roots & Christian Traditions
Did you know that the word Easter might have Germanic pagan origins? In Germany, Ostern is a holiday filled with traditions that date back centuries, blending ancient fertility rites, Christian … [Read More...]