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September 14 in German History
September 14, 1313 Death of St. Notburga von Rattenberg (ca. 1265 – 1313) (Rattenberg is near Innsbruck, Austria) St. Notburga is the patroness of servants and peasants. During her lifetime she is said to have been a servant to a wealthy and noble family and used her position to contribute to the needs of the […]
Valentine’s Day in Germany – Valentinstag
February 14th is Valentine’s Day, and though celebrating Valentine’s Day has only become popular within the last few decades in Germany, there are several traditions Germans have taken on wholeheartedly. This includes giving cards, sweet treats and flowers to their loved ones on this special day. As the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day is quite […]
How to Peel White Asparagus
Learn how to peel white asparagus Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Here’s How: White asparagus must be peeled, as the outside is fibrous and even woody at times. The usual way to peel asparagus is to hold it in your non-dominant hand, gripping it gently right below the head with the thumb and […]
Exploring the German Language Dialects
The German language, known for its precision and richness, is not a monolith but a mosaic of dialects that paint a colorful linguistic landscape across German-speaking regions. These dialects, deeply rooted in history and culture, offer a fascinating window into the diversity of the German-speaking world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various […]
30 German Phrases to Maintain the Conversation
People are often a little afraid of getting into awkward situations where they have no clue how to express what they want to say. So, by learning how to express things such as your language level or how to ask for clarification and help with understanding or explaining, you can keep the conversation flowing and […]
October 14 in German History
October 14, 1806 The Prussian army is crushed by Napoleon at the Battle of Jena. October 14, 1871 Birth of Alexander Zemlinsky in Vienna, Austria. Zemlinsky was a composer and conductor. Arnold Schoenberg was his brother-in-law. He wrote 6 symphonies and 10 operas including, Eine florentinische Tragödie and Der Zwerg. October 14, 1874 Birth of […]
Vollkornbrot (Whole Grain Bread)
Dense, nutty, and nourishing, Vollkornbrot – or German Whole Grain Bread – is the kind of bread that practically defines German breakfasts. Made with whole grains, hearty flours, and often a hint of sourdough tang, it’s a staple found in bakeries and kitchens across the country. Whether it’s topped with cheese, cold cuts, or just […]
Germany’s Pagan Past: How Ancient Germanic Tribes Lived and Worshipped
Before Germany became the land of castles, beer halls, and high-speed highways, it was a vast wilderness ruled by fierce Germanic tribes who lived in harmony with nature and worshipped powerful gods. Long before Christianity took root, these ancient peoples had their own beliefs, rituals, and way of life—one deeply connected to the forests, rivers, […]
German Wedding
Champagne, Bridal Soup and a Saw! A traditional wedding day in Germany could actually last three days. First, German couples who are getting married must have a civil ceremony at the city center, which only family and close friends attend. After that a religious procedure is available. There is a large difference between a civil […]
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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 … [Read More...]
The Smaller States of Germany: German History
By the eighteenth century, none of the other states of the German empire were strong enough to have territorial ambitions to match those of Prussia and Austria. Some of the larger states, such as … [Read More...]
The Meaning of Osterfeuer: Germany’s Easter Fire Tradition
Easter in Germany isn’t just about painted eggs and chocolate bunnies - it’s also about fire. Every year, communities across Germany gather around towering Osterfeuer (Easter fires), lighting up the … [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...]
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 … [Read More...]
The Art of German Small Talk (And Why It’s Not So Small)
When you think of Germany, you might picture precision engineering, punctual trains, and orderly sidewalks. But casual conversation? That’s a little less obvious. In fact, for many visitors, “small … [Read More...]
July 9 in German History
July 9, ca. 751 July 9 is St. Agilof's day. St. Agilof was a bishop in Cologne, Germany. Although the circumstances of his death are not clearly documented, he is believed to be a martyr. He is … [Read More...]
April 26 in German History
April 26, 1774 Birth of Leopold Freiherr von Buch in Angermünde, Germany. Buch's travels and reports were instrumental in the development of the study of geography in the 19th century. He studied … [Read More...]
The Empire Under the Early Habsburgs – Medieval Germany
The Great Interregnum ended in 1273 with the election of Rudolf of Habsburg as king-emperor. After the interregnum period, Germany's emperors came from three powerful dynastic houses: Luxemburg (in … [Read More...]
August 11 in German History
August 11, 1086 Birth of Heinrich V, King of the Germans and Holy Roman Emperor. He was the son of Heinrich IV and like his father led the investiture battle with the popes. He came to power by … [Read More...]