In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and … (More)
German Culture
Germany, a country in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, diverse influences, and continuous innovation. This website covers almost all aspects of German culture, offering a glimpse into what makes it both unique and universally appealing.
German culture has been shaped by major historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, industrialization, two World Wars, and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each era left an indelible mark on German society, influencing its traditions, values, and global perception.
German, Germany’s official language, is known for its precision and depth. The country has a rich literary tradition, with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and more contemporary authors like Günter Grass and Herta Müller. The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales have captivated children worldwide, while their work in linguistics has had a lasting impact on the study of Germanic languages.
Germany’s contribution to the arts is monumental. In classical music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner have left a legacy that defines the genre. In visual arts, the German Renaissance, and later movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus, have influenced art globally.
From the Romanesque and Gothic churches to modernist Bauhaus buildings, German architecture displays a range of styles. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism, while the Berlin skyline showcases cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
German culture is rich in traditions and customs, many of which are celebrated through various festivals and events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is world-famous, drawing visitors from across the globe to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and food in a festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing like Lederhosen and Dirndl are often worn, showcasing regional folk costumes.
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are magical, with their origins dating back to the Middle Ages. These markets, found in nearly every town, are filled with festive decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights like Glühwein and Lebkuchen.
The Carnival season, particularly strong in the Rhineland region, features parades, costumes, and balls. It’s a time when traditional roles are reversed, and revelers enjoy a sense of freedom and humor.
Cuisine
German cuisine is as diverse as its regions, known for its hearty and robust flavors. Dishes like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Pretzels are globally recognized. Each region has its specialties, like the seafood dishes of the North, the apple wine of Hessen, or the Spätzle of the South.
Germany is famous for its beer, with a brewing tradition rooted in the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516. The country boasts a variety of beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Kölsch. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in picturesque vineyards along rivers like the Rhine and Mosel.
This comprehensive website of German culture highlights its depth and diversity, offering a window into a nation that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Germany’s rich cultural tapestry has something to intrigue and inspire everyone.
Featured Story
Featured Stories
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 […]
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 “cosmopolitan rubbish” the Bauhaus artists were doing. He described Bauhaus furniture as Kisten, or boxes. Bauhaus was even as private institution so […]
June 26 in German History
June 26, 1826 Birth of Adolf Bastian in Bremen, Germany. Bastian proposed a theory of cultural evolution which has similarities to and may have influenced Carl Jung’s idea of the collective unconscious. June 26, 1829 Death of Johann Heinrich Wilhelm Tischbein in Haina, Germany. Tischbein was a portraitist. Tischbein is remembered primarily because he was […]
Wim Wenders – German Film Director, Producer and Writer
“I want to make personal films, not private films.” Wim Wenders was born to create. He recognized it at high school in Oberhausen, where Wim began his studies in medicine and philosophy. Wenders decided to become a painter and moved to Paris, where he failed his entry test at the Art Academy. But this failure […]
Mainz: Top Sights and Attractions
Mainz is a German city on the Rhine River. It’s known for its beautiful old town, with half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. In the center, the Marktbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain with red columns. Nearby, a distinctive octagonal tower tops the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, built of deep red sandstone. The Gutenberg Museum honors the […]
Kohlrouladen – German Cabbage Rolls
German stuffed cabbage rolls, or Kohlrouladen, are the quintessential German comfort food. Ingredients: 1 large white cabbage about 1800 g 600 g of ground beef 1 bread roll 1 egg 1 egg yolk 150 g of chopped onion for meat 150 g of chopped onion for gravy 1 beef cube 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche […]
Glühwein
Glühwein is enjoyed at traditional Christmas Markets and is also known as an after-ski drink. Watch it: since you drink this wine warm, the alcohol goes to your head extra quick! Here’s How: Place 1/2 cup water in a large saucepan with a piece of cinnamon, ginger, orange zest, 8 cloves, and 3/8 cup sugar. […]
Sausage, Potato and Sauerkraut Soup
This creamy sausage, potato and sauerkraut soup is a little taste of Oktoberfest you can have any time of the year! Ingredients: 4 tablespoons butter 1 medium onion, finely diced 1/4 cup flour 1 1/2 cups chicken broth 2 1/2 cups milk 400 g Bratwurst, halved and sliced 1 1/2 cups cooked diced potatoes 1 […]
Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss (September 11, 1816—December 3, 1888) was a German industrialist who gained a worldwide reputation as a manufacturer of fine optical instruments. The firm of Carl Zeiss grew to one of the largest and most respected optical firms in the world. Carl showed an interest in technical studies very early, to the extent that […]
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Easy Homemade German Spaetzle Recipe
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the heartwarming embrace of German Spaetzle. These delightful little egg noodles are a staple in Southern German cuisine and have charmed their way … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
The Unique Illnesses You can Only Come Down With in German
Known for its precision and clarity of expression, German seems perfect for describing some of the conditions other nations may also be experiencing but couldn't quite put a finger on it enough to … [Read More...]
June 4 in German History
June 4, 1697 Birth of Jocob Israel Emden in Altona, Germany. A Talmudic scholar whose disagreements with Rabbi Jonathan Eybesch split European Jewry. June 4, 1875 Death of Eduard Mörike in … [Read More...]
November 27 in German History
November 27, 1680 Death of Athanasius Kirchner in Rome (born in Geisa, Germany). Kirchner studied in Fulda, Paderborn, Cologne and Koblenz. In 1628 he was ordained a Jesuit priest in Mainz. In 1634 … [Read More...]
German Brötchen
A recipe of wonderful crusty German Brötchen by Marion Jackson, in English and German. Ingredients: 1000 g Mehl / flour 12 g instant Hefe / yeast (3 TL/tsp) 25 g Backmalz / dry malt powder 15 g Salz / … [Read More...]
The Peace of Augsburg
By the early 1550s, it was apparent that a negotiated settlement was necessary. In 1555 the Peace of Augsburg was signed. The settlement, which represented a victory for the princes, granted … [Read More...]
September 9 in German History
September 9, 1770 Death of Siegfried Bernard Albinus in Leiden, Netherlands (born in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany). An anatomist, Albinus was the first to understand the relationship of the … [Read More...]
A Glimpse from the Past: Traditional Bavarian Clothing
Each country has its own set of cultural values making it special: language, cuisine, traditions, etc. Dress is also a national peculiarity. Speaking of Germany, Bavaria in particular, a Dirndl dress … [Read More...]