Picture a Saturday evening in Hamburg at the end of October. Kids in witch hats are heading down the … (More)
Featured Stories
Rüblikuchen Recipe – Traditional German Carrot Cake
Rüblikuchen is one of the most popular Easter cakes in Germany and Switzerland, prized for its moist texture, nutty flavor, and natural sweetness. Unlike American carrot cake, Rüblikuchen is typically made without a cream cheese frosting and instead glazed with apricot jam or a light sugar glaze. This cake is traditionally decorated with marzipan carrots, […]
Why Germans Still Pay Church Tax
For many newcomers and even lifelong residents, the church tax in Germany is one of the most surprising parts of everyday life. Known as Kirchensteuer, it is a surcharge on the income tax of registered members of the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church in Germany. In a country where weekly church attendance is modest […]
The Saxons and Their Conversion to Christianity
When you picture the Saxons, think fierce, forest-dwelling warriors. Picture long beards, wooden idols, and tribal gatherings by firelight. Now, imagine that within a few generations, these same people are building churches, baptizing their children, and copying Latin manuscripts in monasteries. The transformation sounds dramatic—because it was. The story of the Saxon conversion to Christianity […]
German Red Berry Pudding (Rote Grütze)
This refreshing summer dessert takes advantage of the cherry and berry season. Rote Grütze is a popular specialty from Northern Germany and has a lovely tart flavor. Serve with vanilla custard, cream or vanilla ice-cream. Ingredients: 6 cups fresh or frozen, unsweetened berries (raspberries, strawberries, red currants, or a combination of these) 1/2 cup sugar […]
Saffron Buns (St. Lucia Buns)
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1-1/3 cups milk 1 teaspoon saffron threads, chopped fine and soaked in a few drops of water 1 tablespoon active dry yeast 2/3 cup sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 eggs, divided use 4 cups unbleached flour + flour for kneading Raisins for garnish Cooking: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 1. Melt […]
German Universities and Their Global Influence
Nestled in the cultural heart of Europe, German universities are not just educational institutions; they are grand epicenters of knowledge and innovation that attract minds from across the globe. Renowned for their rigorous academic standards and historical depth, these universities are keystones in the arch of global higher education. Historical Legacy and Cultural Impact The […]
The History of German Beer Steins
The origins of German beer steins date back to the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies throughout Europe shortly thereafter, Germany established several laws in the early 16th century requiring that all food and beverage containers (in our case it’s beer steins) be covered to protect their […]
March 24 in German History
March 24, 1494 Birth of Georgius Agricola (1494-1555) (original name, Georg Bauer) in Clauchau, Germany. Agricola was a humanist, physician and scientist who is often called “the father of mineralogy”. He was one of the first to base his science on the observation of nature rather than speculation. The American president Herbert Hoover (himself a […]
Spiced Potato Soup (Kartoffelrahmsuppe)
Fragrant with nutmeg and marjoram, this creamy potato soup gets a zesty kick from a grating of fresh horseradish root. After cooking, it’s whipped into a smooth, airy froth. Ingredients: 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 3 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 1/2 leek, white and light green parts only, cut […]
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October 3 in German History
October 3 Day of German unity. This is a national holiday in Germany commemorating unification of the two Germanys after 40 years of separation (1949-1989). Germany reunited on October 3, … [Read More...]
December 20 in German History
December 20, 1552 Death of Katharina von Bora (1499-1552), wife of Martin Luther, in Torgau. "Die Lutherin", as she was referred to, was sent at the age of 5 to the Benedictine cloister in Brehna … [Read More...]
The Enlightenment in the German States
In the 18th century, a new intellectual force swept across Europe: the Enlightenment. Germany, long seen as fragmented and provincial, became one of its most vibrant arenas. From royal courts to tiny … [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...]
How Germany Became the Land of Bread: A Deep Dive into 300+ Types of German Bread
Germany is often referred to as the "Land of Bread", boasting an incredible variety of over 300 different types of bread and thousands of regional variations. Bread is not just a staple in Germany; it … [Read More...]
German Breakfast Culture: What Germans Really Eat
If you sit down for breakfast at a German guesthouse expecting pancakes or a stack of cereal boxes, you're in for a bit of a surprise. Instead, you'll probably find a spread that looks more like a … [Read More...]
Nazi and Bauhaus School
The end of Bauhaus The Nazi majority of Dessau suspended the seat of learning. Paul Schultze-Naumburg was the architect that they sent into the school to re-establish pure German art instead of the … [Read More...]
How to Cross the Street In Germany
Make your stay in Germany safe -- follow the simple traffic rules. Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 30 sec Here's How: Be sure to choose a zebra crossing for walking across the … [Read More...]
The German Santa Claus – Weihnachtsmann
If the Christkind represents the quiet, luminous heart of the German Christmas, then the Weihnachtsmann stands at its bustling, cheerful edge. He is the figure most familiar to the outside world - the … [Read More...]
February 8 in German History
February 8, 1487 Birth of Ulrich in Reichenweier, Germany. Ulrich was the Herzog of Württemberg from 1498. Due to political problems he was removed from his position by fellow nobles in 1519. … [Read More...]