Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
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June 8 in German History
June 8, 1650 Death of Maximilian von Trauttmansdorff in Vienna, Austria. Von trauttmansdorff was an Austrian diplomat who had played a key role in Habsburg imperial politics for many years when he was called upon to negotiate an end to the Thirty Years’ War. After negotiations lasting for five years the War ended with the […]
The Republikaner and the German People’s Union
On the opposite end of the political spectrum from the Greens are two parties of the far right, the Republikaner (Die Republikaner–REP), with about 23,000 members, and the German People’s Union (Deutsche Volksunion–DVU), with 26,000 members. As of mid- 1995, these two parties had not gained sufficient support to win seats in the Bundestag, but […]
Do You Know German Etiquette?
Germans are known for their precision—not just in engineering, but also in etiquette. From punctuality to proper greetings, Germany’s social code is rich in unspoken rules. Whether you’re a traveler, expat, or just culturally curious, understanding these customs is essential for making a good impression. Before you test your knowledge, explore the foundations of German […]
The German Influence on Classical Music: Composers Who Shaped the World
Classical music owes much of its development to the profound contributions of German composers. The rich musical heritage of Germany has produced some of the most influential and revered figures in the history of classical music. These composers not only shaped the music of their time but also left a lasting legacy that continues to […]
December 27 in German History
December 27, 1571 Birth of Johannes Kepler in Weil der Stadt, Germany, in 1571. He studied at the University of Tübingen. While a student he became convinced that Copernicus had been correct in his astronomical system. Early on he rejected the idea that the stars and planets can influence human lives. He developed the idea […]
The Amber Room Reconstruction
In the early 1980s, serious work on recreating the Amber Room based on old photographs and reminiscences was undertaken in the Catherine Palace, but the lack of funds threatened to put an end to the works. The process was left to the fate, but it seemed to be merciful to the Amber Room’s re-creators. Ruhrgas […]
Heinrich Theodor Böll
Heinrich Theodor Böll was born on December 21, 1917 in Cologne. His father was a sculptor and cabinet-maker. Böll’s Catholic, pacifist family opposed the rise of Nazism. Between 1924 and 1928, the future writer attended elementary school in Köln Raderthal, and from 1928 to 1937, the state-run Kaiser-Wilhelm classical secondary school in Cologne. He successfully […]
He Was the First, or Happy Birthday, Computer!
He Was the First, or Happy Birthday, Computer! Konrad Zuse is considered to be the inventor of the first computer in the world. Z3 — the first fully functional program-controlled electromechanical digital computer in the world — was completed by Konrad Zuse in 1941. Konrad Zuse was born on June 22, 1910, in Berlin. He […]
January 13 in German History
January 13, 1505 Birth of Joachim II Hektor (1505-1571) in Cologne, Germany. Joachim II Hektor was the Elector of Brandenburg at the time of the Reformation. He remained true to the Catholic Church and to the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, but he tolerated Protestantism in the areas under his governance. On several occasions […]
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German Sausage with Apples, Sauerkraut and Onions
Ingredients: 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 links assorted fully cooked German sausages 1 large white onion, thin sliced 2 crisp red apples, such as Gala or Braeburn, cored and cut into 1 cm … [Read More...]
Karl der Große, or Charlemagne
Charlemagne (April 2, 742 – January 28, 814), numbered Charles I, was King of the Franks from 768, King of the Lombards from 774 and Emperor of the Romans from 800. He united much of Europe during the … [Read More...]
Are Germans Friendly or Rude? Breaking the Stereotype
Are Germans friendly - or rude? It’s a question many travelers, expatriates, and curious readers ask. At first glance, German behavior can seem distant, blunt, or even cold, especially compared to … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Otto von Bismarck and Realpolitik
In the mid-19th century, Europe was a stage of revolutions, rising nationalism, and crumbling empires. Amid this backdrop, one man emerged as the architect of modern Germany - not through fiery … [Read More...]
Boiled Potatoes with Quark – Pellkartoffeln mit Quark
Fresh boild potatoes combined with the creamy quark make for a wonderful snack or side dish. Perfect springtime dish for vegetarians and those who mind their waistline! Ingredients: 1 kg of new … [Read More...]
January 30 in German History
January 30, 1687 Birth of Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753) in Eger, Austrian Empire (now in the Czech Republic). Neumann was the leading architect of the Baroque period in Austria and Germany. In … [Read More...]
German Zeppelin: The Rise and Fall of Germany’s Giant Airships
When Count Ferdinand von Zeppelin's first rigid airship lifted slowly into the sky over Lake Constance on July 2, 1900, witnesses watched a vision of the future take form - an enormous aluminum … [Read More...]
April 19 in German History
April 19, 1560 Death of Philipp Melanchthon (1497-1560) (Philipp Schwartzerd) in Wittenberg, Germany. Melanchthon was a friend and enthusiastic supporter of Martin Luther. In 1518 he was … [Read More...]
German Pacifism After 1945: Values and Reality
German pacifism is one of the most distinctive features of modern German identity. Born from the wreckage of war and the moral reckoning that followed, it has shaped law, education, public debate, and … [Read More...]