For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
German Bread: The Heart of Germany’s Baking Culture
Bread in Germany isn’t just food – it’s a birthright, a ritual, a national obsession. With more than 3,200 officially recognized varieties, Germany proudly holds the title of the most diverse bread culture in the world. Whether you’re biting into a warm, crusty Brötchen at breakfast or savoring a thick slice of dense Pumpernickel at […]
Osterbrunnen – The Stunning Easter Fountains of Bavaria and Franconia
Every spring, just in time for Easter, towns and villages across Bavaria and Franconia transform their public fountains into breathtaking works of art. These Easter fountains, known as Osterbrunnen, are adorned with hand-painted eggs, fresh flowers, and evergreen garlands, creating a stunning celebration of spring, renewal, and Easter traditions. What started as a small regional […]
May 4 in German History
May 4 Feast Day of St. Florian ( ? – ca. 304) St. Florian was a Roman military officer stationed in Lorch, Austria (at that time Lauriacum in the Roman Empire). Florian adopted the new Christian religion. He refused to give up his faith when arrested during the persecution of Diocletian. He was tortured and […]
July 13 in German History
July 13, 1024 Death of St. Heinrich II in Göttingen. St. Heinrich II was born in 972 in Bad Abbach. He would become the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (often called the German Empire). He was the son of Heinrich, the Duke of Bavaria. After the death of his father, he became the Duke […]
‘Viel Spass’ on German Spas!
German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning ‘health by water’ or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now. […]
Planned Economy in GDR
In the GDR, as in the other new “people’s republics,” the authorities’ goal of abolishing private property and every trace of capitalism was to be implemented in several steps. By taking possession of all resources, as well as of the means of production and distribution, the socialist state hoped to be able to compete successfully […]
Lübecker Plettenpudding
A dessert that really tastes like Sunday. Plettenpudding is a kind of trifle with vanilla pudding and raspberries. This dessert is featured in one of Germany’s most popular novels, the family epic The Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. The Lübeck-born author won the Nobel Prize for literature for his first novel which he wrote in his […]
April 4 in German History
April 4, 397 Death of St. Ambrose (ca. 340 – 397) St. Ambrose was born in about 340, most likely in Trier (modern Germany). He was the son of a Roman nobleman who was serving in the northern provinces of the Roman Empire as Prefect of Gallia. Upon the death of his father in about […]
January 21 in German History
January 21, 1521 Martin Luther excommunicated by Roman Catholic Church. January 21, 1794 Birth of Adolf Ludwig Follen (1794-1855) in Giessen, Germany. Follen was a romantic poet. Involved politically during his student years, he was expelled from the University of Giessen in 1815. In Heidelberg he became one of the founders of the fraternity, Teutonia. […]
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June 10 in German History
June 10, 1051 Death of St. Bardo in Paderborn, Germany. Bardo was a Benedictine monk in Fulda. He later became the abbot at the monasteries in Kaiserswerth and Hersfeld. In 1031 he became the … [Read More...]
German Dual Citizenship
While most nationalities must denounce their nationality in order to get German citizenship, German law permits certain people to hold two citizenships in certain circumstances. German dual … [Read More...]
May 15 in German History
May 15, 719 St. Boniface receives the pope's permission to undertake a mission to christianize the area now known as Germany. Winfried (675-754) (church name Bonifatius or Boniface) was … [Read More...]
German Idioms & Expressions – Speak Naturally Like a Local
Learning vocabulary and grammar will help you speak German, but idioms and expressions will make you sound German. Native speakers rarely speak in textbook sentences. Instead, they use sayings, … [Read More...]
Schloss Moritzburg – a Beautiful Baroque Castle
Moritzburg Castle is one of the most impressive baroque palaces in central Europe. Reached via a tree-lined avenue, it is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. After visiting the palace, you … [Read More...]
The Economic Miracle of Germany
The economic reforms and the new West German system received powerful support from a number of sources: investment funds under the European Recovery Program, more commonly known as the Marshall Plan; … [Read More...]
Untranslatable German Words
Words the World Wishes It Had Every language has its quirks, but German might just be the master of invention when it comes to words that simply don’t translate. Ever longed for a place you’ve … [Read More...]
German Dog Breeds: Boxer
The Boxer is a medium-sized, short-haired breed of dog, developed in Germany. The coat is smooth and tight-fitting, colors are fawn or brindled, with or without white markings, and white. Boxers have … [Read More...]
Vatertag – Father’s Day Traditions in Germany
When you hear “Father’s Day,” you might think of gifts, backyard barbecues, or breakfast in bed. But Vatertag, or Father’s Day in Germany, is a completely different experience. Imagine men pulling … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]