Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
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Why Germans Love Rules (And What That Says About Their Culture)
Ask any outsider what comes to mind when they think of Germany, and somewhere between “beer” and “efficiency,” the word “rules” is bound to appear. Germans have a reputation for following them, enforcing them, and – quite often – loving them. But where does this reputation come from? Why do rules, structure, and order play […]
Socialism and the SPD in the 19th Century
In the age of kings and industrial capitalists, a new political force emerged in Germany — one that spoke for factory workers, miners, printers, and the millions caught in the whirlwind of industrialization. The rise of socialism and the SPD in the 19th century transformed Germany’s social and political landscape. It gave voice to those […]
Advent and Christmas Celebrations in Germany
The Christmas season is a busy one! Celebrating German Advent will help you slow down and enjoy the real reason for the season. Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent tradition is a religious celebration in preparation for the arrival, or “advent” of the Christ Child (das Christkind) on his “official” […]
September 11 in German History
September 11, 1227 Death of St. Ludwig IV von Thüringen (1200-1227). Ludwig IV has never been formally canonized but has been regarded locally as a saint since shortly after his death. He led a pious life and was a good duke in Thuringia. He is remembered primarily due to the holiness of his wife, the […]
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 early Middle Ages. He was the first recognized emperor in western Europe since the fall of the […]
June 14 in German History
June 14, 1757 Death of Karl August Archduke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He made an intellectual center of Weimar through his invitation and patronage of Goethe, Herder, Schelling, Hegel and Schiller. June 14, 1862 Birth of John Ulric Nef in Herisau, Switzerland. Nef was a chemist who demonstrated that carbon can have a valence. He came to […]
The Rise of Monastic Winemaking in Germany: German Medieval Wine Culture
Germany, renowned for its rich winemaking traditions, has a fascinating history deeply intertwined with the monastic communities that flourished during the Middle Ages. This period witnessed the rise of monastic winemaking, contributing to the development of German medieval wine culture. In this article, we delve into the captivating story of how monastic orders played a […]
Hans Spemann and the Beginnings of Cloning
Hans Spemann (born June 27, 1869, Stuttgart, Württemberg – died Sept. 12, 1941, Freiburg im Breisgau, Ger.), German embryologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1935 for his discovery of the effect now known as embryonic induction, the influence exercised by various parts of the embryo that directs the development […]
Fasching – Carnival in Germany
Fasching is the Roman Catholic Shrovetide carnival as celebrated in German-speaking countries. There are many regional differences concerning the name, duration, and activities of the carnival. It is known as Fasching in Bavaria and Austria, Fosnat in Franconia, Fasnet in Swabia, Fastnacht in Mainz and its environs, and Karneval in Cologne and the Rhineland. Fasching […]
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Eggs in Frankfurter Green Sauce
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 5 hard-boiled eggs 1/2 cup grapeseed oil 5 oz plain yogurt 5 oz sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (e.g. watercress, chives, … [Read More...]
May 13 in German History
May 13, 1717 Birth of Maria Theresa in Vienna, Austria. Maria was the daughter of the Holy Roman emperor, Karl VI. Since Karl had no sons, he sought to bring his daughter to the rule of the … [Read More...]
How did Halloween Come to Germany
How Did Halloween Come to Germany? In the mid-1990s, few in Germany had ever heard of Halloween, and even fewer celebrated it. Now, it's a €150 million a year industry. The holiday's success can be … [Read More...]
Punctuality in Germany: More Than Just Being on Time
If you’ve ever arranged a meeting with a German and arrived fashionably late, you probably sensed it: that subtle disappointment, the glance at the clock, the mental note that you were, in fact, late. … [Read More...]
Germany’s Best-Kept Secret: The Culture and Traditions of the Sorbs
Germany is known for its rich cultural tapestry, but few people know about the Sorbs, one of Europe’s oldest and smallest Slavic minorities. Nestled in the regions of Saxony and Brandenburg, the Sorbs … [Read More...]
The Napoleonic Wars and the Confederation of the Rhine
In the early 19th century, Europe was upended by the ambitions of one man: Napoleon Bonaparte. While his empire rose and fell in just over a decade, his influence reverberated for generations. No … [Read More...]
Albrecht Dürer – Germany’s Master of Art
When we think of the German Renaissance, one name shines brighter than the rest - Albrecht Dürer. Revered as one of the greatest artists of his time, Dürer seamlessly blended Northern European detail … [Read More...]
Katharina Paulus: The German Inventor Who Revolutionized Early Aviation
In the annals of aviation history, few names are as pioneering as Katharina Paulus, a German inventor whose ingenuity and courage reshaped the early world of flight. Her remarkable contribution to the … [Read More...]
The History of German Gingerbread: A Sweet Christmas Tradition
The Scent of the Season The scent of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves wafting through cold December air is enough to transport any German straight into the heart of Christmas. But this isn't just about … [Read More...]
German Wurst: A Delightful Journey Through Germany’s Sausage Heritage
Germany's culinary landscape is as diverse as its regions, and at the heart of this diversity lies an iconic staple: the German wurst (sausage). With a history steeped in tradition and a flavor … [Read More...]