Personal space is one of those cultural elements that rarely gets discussed until you accidentally … (More)
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October 29 in German History
October 29, 1268 Death of Konradin (Konrad der jüngere) in Naples, Italy (born in Wolfstein, Germany). The Swabian, Konradin, who held the title “king of the Romans” was the last of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. His downfall came in a conflict with the Frenchman, Charles of Anjou. After losing in battle and being captured, he was […]
Reinheitsgebot
The Reinheitsgebot, literally “purity order”, sometimes called the “German Beer Purity Law” in English, is a series of regulations limiting the ingredients in beer in Germany and the states of the former Holy Roman Empire. The best-known version of the law was adopted in Bavaria in 1516, but similar regulations predate the Bavarian order, and […]
Dating Germans: Exercising Your Sense of Humor
Laughter is known to be one of the best ways of making friends. No good dating is possible without it either. Joking, horsing around, laughing make people more open, break any cultural barriers, and – yes! – help them fall in love. There are some peculiarities of exercising your sense of humor with a German. […]
Traditional German Potato Dishes
Potatoes are one of the most versatile and beloved ingredients in German cuisine. While the potato itself may be simple, German cooks have transformed it into an extraordinary range of dishes that reflect regional history, local ingredients, and everyday eating habits. Traditional German potato dishes are rarely flashy, but they are deeply satisfying, practical, and […]
The Saxon Dynasty, 919-1024 – Medieval Germany
Because the dukes of the East Frankish Kingdom had wearied of being ruled by a foreign king, they elected a German to serve as their king once the Carolingian line expired. The election of Conrad I (r. 911-18), Duke of Franconia, as the first German king has been marked by some historians as the beginning […]
December 24 in German History
December 24, 710 Death of St. Irmina von Ören. St. Irmina was born near Trier, Germany in the 8th century. She was a nun in the monastery at Öhren near Trier. She is said to have assisted St. Willibrord in his missionary work. She was the daughter of a noble and wealthy family and donated […]
German Vocabulary: Encouragements
Everyone understands the importance of encouraging a friend, a student or an employee. Here’s how to do this in German!
The Peace of Augsburg
Imagine a country where the ruler’s religion dictated your own. No choice. No freedom of belief. Just the heavy hand of authority deciding how – and to whom – you should pray. Welcome to 16th-century Germany, a land torn by one of Europe’s fiercest struggles: the battle between Catholicism and Protestantism. And at the heart […]
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, […]
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What Is Mettwurst? Raw-Cured German Sausage Guide
Germany has no shortage of raw meat delicacies, and Mettwurst is one of its finest - a cured, sometimes smoked, raw pork sausage eaten sliced or spread. Its intense flavor, deep color, and smooth or … [Read More...]
October 7 in German History
October 7, 1794 Birth of Wilhelm Müller in Dessau, Germany. Müller was a lyric poet who focused on Greek culture. October 7, 1822 Birth of Rudolf Leuckart in Helmstedt, Germany. Leuckart … [Read More...]
The Magic of the Munich Christmas Market: A Festive Wonderland
As the festive season approaches, the Munich Christmas Market, or "Christkindlmarkt," stands out as a beacon of holiday cheer and tradition. Nestled in the heart of Bavaria, Germany, this market is … [Read More...]
June 5 in German History
June 5, 755 St. Boniface is martyred. St. Boniface (Wynfrith) was an English monk who was appointed by the Pope as Bishop in 722 and sent to christianize Germany. In 745 his diocese was established … [Read More...]
Foreign Policy in the Wilhelmine Era
Foreign policy in the Wilhelmine Era (1890-1914) turned away from Bismarck's cautious diplomacy of the 1871-90 period. It was also marked by a shrill aggressiveness. Brusque, clumsy diplomacy was … [Read More...]
Unveiling the Layers of German Society: Traditions, Modernity, and Cultural Identity
In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and vibrant cultural tapestry. German society, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking … [Read More...]
Understanding Gemütlichkeit: The Art of Coziness and Comfort in German Culture
In the heart of German culture lies a concept that transcends mere translation, embodying a sense of warmth, coziness, and well-being: Gemütlichkeit. This integral part of German life weaves through … [Read More...]
Useful German Phrases for Travelers – Basics
Traveling to Germany can be an exhilarating experience, but knowing some key German phrases can make your journey even more enjoyable and seamless. Whether you're exploring bustling cities like Berlin … [Read More...]
Traditional Sauerbraten Recipe: A German Classic That Stands the Test of Time
Sauerbraten, a gem in the crown of German cuisine, is a pot roast, usually of beef (but other meats such as lamb, mutton, pork, and traditionally, horse), marinated before slow-cooking as pot roast. … [Read More...]
September 2 in German History
September 2, 1790 Death of Johann Nikolaus von Hontheim (pseudonym: Justinus Febronius) in Montquentin, Duchy of Luxembourg (born in Trier, Germany). Hontheim, a Roman Catholic priest was an … [Read More...]