For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
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, […]
Oktoberfest Quiz
Think Oktoberfest is just about beer? Think again. This world-famous Bavarian festival is steeped in history, tradition, and style – from royal beginnings to lederhosen and dirndls. Before testing your knowledge, explore the rich history of Oktoberfest and discover the surprising traditions beyond beer that make the festival so unique. Not sure what to wear? […]
The “Socialist State of the German Nation”
The building of the Wall effectively halted large-scale emigration from the GDR. Although the SED failed to gain the active support of the majority of the population, young people, especially, began to tolerate the regime, at least passively. In the absence of any alternatives, they fulfilled their routine duties in youth organizations, schools, and workplaces. […]
Why German Kids Carry a Giant Cone on Their First Day of School
If you happen to stroll past a German elementary school on the first day of classes in August or September, you’ll see an endearing and colorful sight: children dressed in neat outfits, nervous but proud, clutching oversized decorated cones. These cones – often bigger than the children themselves – are called Schultüten. They are packed […]
Hackbraten – Meatloaf
Hackbraten is a great dish for dinner parties – it’s a nice-looking meat dish yet comparably cheap because it’s made with minced meat. What’s more, you can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge and let it bake in the oven while you entertain your guests. Serve with mashed potatoes or Spätzle. Ingredients: […]
Pflaumenkuchen (German Plum Pie)
Ingredients: Pastry: 4 cups flour 3 sticks (~330 g) butter or margarine 1 cup sugar 1 tsp salt 4 egg yolks (save whites) 1 tsp vanilla 1 – 1.3 kg little purple plums (quartered) 1 cup apricot or peach jam Directions: 1. Make a dough from flour, butter, sugar, salt, egg yolks, and vanilla. 2. […]
Moosbeereherbstblätter Bowle
Ingredients: – 4 cups apple juice (the lighter, the better) – 2 cups cranberry juice – 2 cups white grape juice – 1 bottle champagne (or for non-alcoholic use ginger ale) – 1 cup sliced ripe peaches (fresh, not canned!) – 1 cup vodka – 1 lemon (thinly sliced) – 1 orange (thinly sliced) – […]
Eintopf – Sauerkraut Stew with Sausages
Ingredients: 500 g potatoes 2 onions 40 g butter 1 can Sauerkraut 3/4 l broth (instant) 1 bay leave 8 Thuringia Rostbratwuerstchen or normal Bratwurst or Knackwurst 100 ml heavy cream 1 tbsp mustard salt, pepper, caraway seeds 1-2 tsp sugar 1 bunch chives Cooking: Peel the potatoes, cut them into cubes. Peel and cut […]
German Christmas Tree: Tannenbaum History and Traditions
On Christmas Eve in Germany, as twilight descends and church bells begin to ring, a quiet moment takes place in countless homes across the country. A door opens to a darkened room, and there, illuminated by candles or warm lights, stands the Tannenbaum – the Christmas tree – its evergreen branches adorned with glass ornaments, […]
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Bertha Benz – the Automotive Pioneer
Bertha Benz (May 3, 1849 – May 5, 1944) was a German automotive pioneer. She was the business partner and wife of automobile inventor Karl Benz. In 1888, she was the first person to drive an … [Read More...]
Bizarre German Idioms and What They Mean
When Language Gets Weird – and Wonderful Let’s be honest - no one does linguistic weirdness quite like the Germans. In what other language can you “have pigs,” “live like a maggot in bacon,” or … [Read More...]
German Bread Quiz
Germany isn’t just the land of poets and thinkers – it’s the land of bread. With over 300 varieties, German bread culture is as rich and diverse as its regions. From hearty rye loaves to crusty … [Read More...]
Biergartens in Germany: An Ode to Open-Air Drinking Culture
In the heart of Germany, where tradition weaves through the fabric of daily life, the Biergarten stands as a testament to communal joy and the simple pleasure of a good beer under the open sky. … [Read More...]
German Blitz Torte
This German Blitz Torte recipe is such a quick and easy cake to make. Even though this recipe looks long and complicated, it isn't. Blitz means lightning or with lightning speed, and that's what this … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Lachs mit Senfsauce – German Salmon with Mustard Sauce Recipe
Lachs mit Senfsauce is a delicate, flavorful dish often served during Easter and spring holidays in Germany. It features lightly seared or poached salmon, topped with a creamy mustard sauce, usually … [Read More...]
Arminius and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
One of the most pivotal events in early German history—and a defining moment for the identity of the Germanic tribes—was the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. At its heart was Arminius, a … [Read More...]
German Christmas Stollen
Stollen is a fruit bread containing dried fruit and often covered with powdered sugar or icing sugar. The bread is usually made with chopped candied fruit and/or dried fruit, nuts and spices. Stollen … [Read More...]
June 27 in German History
June 27, 1786 Death of Joseph Green, Immanuel Kant's closest friend over many years. The two of them dined together very frequently and had long conversations. Some of the vocabulary of … [Read More...]