For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Federalism in Germany
Germany has a strong tradition of regional government dating back to the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Since unification in 1990, the Federal Republic has consisted of sixteen Laender: the ten Laender of the former West Germany, the five new Laender of the former East Germany, and Berlin. (However, Berlin and the eastern […]
May Day in Germany
May 1st is an international holiday in Germany known as May Day The first of May is Labor Day (Tag der Arbeit). The International Workers’ Congress in Paris designated May Day as a public holiday in 1889, and in 1919 the National Assembly in Weimar declared it a public holiday in Germany. It is observed […]
Common German Grammar Mistakes to Avoid
There is nothing wrong with making mistakes – the point is to learn from them when you make them so you can avoid making them again and come yet one step closer to proficiency. Two of the common errors that beginners typically make are: first, those garbled sentences that you can avoid only by learning […]
Helmut Schmidt
Following Brandt’s resignation in May 1974, the SPD-FDP coalition partners unanimously agreed that Minister of Finance Helmut Schmidt should head the new government. At fifty-five, Helmut Schmidt became the youngest chancellor of the FRG. Born in Hamburg in 1918, he served as an officer in World War II. After the war, he joined the SPD […]
Mettbrötchen – Raw Minced Pork Sandwich
When you think of German cuisine, generally two things come to mind: sauerkraut and something including meat. Germans love meat. Minced meat especially. They love it so much, they even eat it raw, especially in the North, where it’s spread on a bread roll, sprinkled with chopped onions, and eaten for breakfast. Mett is a […]
June 15 in German History
June 15, 1520 The Roman Pope, Leo X, threatens to ex-communicate Martin Luther. June 15, 1866 Prussia attacks Austria as a result of a dispute over Schleswig-Holstein. Prussia won the war by the 1st of July at the Battle of Königsgrätz. June 15, 1890 Birth of Georg Wüst (1890-1977) in Posen, Germany (now Poland). Wüst […]
The History of the German Pretzel
A Twist That Tells a Story With its golden crust, chewy interior, and unmistakable knotted shape, the German pretzel (Brezel) is one of the most iconic baked goods in the world. But behind its satisfying crunch lies a story that stretches back centuries – through medieval monasteries, royal banquets, and bustling beer halls. In Germany, […]
Strawberry Santas
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 1 lb large strawberries 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 3-4 Tablespoons powdered sugar (or sugar substitute – to taste) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract sesame seeds Cooking: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* Rinse strawberries and cut around the top of the strawberry. You want to cut just enough to make the hat with. Clean out the […]
Hamburg – European Melting Pot
Over the years Hamburg is well-known city all over the world and the main reason of such popularity is its famous incredibly huge harbor. Hamburg harbor can be called its ‘gates’ providing both commercial and cultural prosperity of the city. Serving the country as the European entry for centuries Hamburg harbor inhabited city with thousands […]
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Unveiling the Unique Charm of German Humor
When it comes to humor, each culture has its unique flavors and idiosyncrasies, and Germany is no exception. Often misunderstood or stereotyped, the German sense of humor is an intriguing blend of … [Read More...]
February 22 in German History
February 22, 1455 Birth of Johannes Reuchlin in Pforzheim, Germany. Reuchlin was a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin who also developed a keen interest in Hebrew language and literature. In 1509 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Party Like a German
It's party season, and to help you seamlessly blend into German life and culture we've put together our top ten ways you can avoid embarrassment while you're keeping out the winter chill. 1. Arrive … [Read More...]
The Congress of Vienna and the German Confederation
In the aftermath of the Napoleonic Wars, Europe was in disarray. Borders had been redrawn, monarchies had toppled, and centuries-old empires were in ruins. The French Revolution and Napoleon’s … [Read More...]
German Quizzes & Exercises – Test and Improve Your Skills
Learning German isn’t just about reading rules - it’s about applying them until they become second nature. Quizzes and exercises give you that hands-on practice, helping you spot gaps in your … [Read More...]
German Stereotypes: What’s True and What’s Not
Imagine you’re about to meet someone for the first time. Before you even shake hands, someone whispers in your ear: “They’re always serious. They love rules. They have no sense of humor.” Now you … [Read More...]
Why German Bureaucracy Is So Complicated (And Weirdly Comforting)
Few things strike fear into the heart of a newcomer to Germany like the words Termin beim Amt - appointment at the office. Whether you’re registering your address, applying for a visa, or simply … [Read More...]
Look Here – We’re in Germany! Christmas Vacation in Germany
Christmas is a family holiday which people use to spend at home waiting for Santa Claus near the friendly crackling fireplace, the smartly decorated tree, and a festive table. You have already … [Read More...]
Rotkohl – Traditional German Braised Red Cabbage Recipe
Rotkohl is Germany’s iconic red cabbage dish, a comforting balance of sweetness, tang, and spice. Slow-cooked with apples, onions, vinegar, and cloves, it’s the traditional side for Easter roasts, … [Read More...]