German work culture is often described as efficient, structured, and highly professional. But what … (More)
Featured Stories
February 21 in German History
February 21, 1866 Birth of August von Wassermann (1866-1925) in Bamberg, Germany. Wassermann was the bacteriologist who discovered the blood-serum test for syphilis, the Wassermann test. He worked at the Robert Koch Institute of Infectious Diseases in Berlin. February 21, 1867 Birth of Otto Hermann Kahn (1867-1934) in Mannheim, Germany. A banker, Kahn was stationed […]
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom)
Cologne Cathedral (Kölner Dom, officially Hohe Domkirche Sankt Petrus) is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Cologne, Northrhine-Westfalia, Germany. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and of the administration of the Archdiocese of Cologne. It is a renowned monument of German Catholicism and Gothic architecture and was declared a World Heritage Site in […]
June 18 in German History
June 18, 1152 Friedrich I (Barbarossa) is crowned Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire by Pope Adrian IV in Rome. (Barbarossa is from Latin and means “red beard”). Before his imperial election, Frederick was by inheritance Duke of Swabia (1147–1152, as Frederick III). He was the son of Duke Frederick II of the Hohenstaufen dynasty […]
Things to Know About Germans
Here are some things about Germany and its inhabitants you will notice during your time spent in Germany, living in Münster, North Rhine-Westphalia, Weiden in der Oberpfalz, Bavaria and Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein. A hilarious (and true!) list by Liv Hambrett. Germans are tall. They enjoy dairy products. The refrigerated section of their supermarkets are homages to […]
How to Prepare for a Trip to Germany
If you are planning a trip to Germany but have no idea what to pack, here is everything you need to know about what to pack for your trip and the essential items you absolutely must take with you, plus a few packing tips and tricks, for good measure. Germany has so much to offer […]
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 Bauernbrot, each type tells a story of geography, history, and daily life. Before diving into the quiz, explore the […]
Planning Your German Christmas Market Trip: Tips, Routes, and Timing
A visit to Germany’s Christmas markets isn’t just a holiday getaway – it’s a cultural deep dive into centuries-old traditions, handmade crafts, and festive food. But with hundreds of markets to choose from and a season that lasts only a few weeks, thoughtful planning can make the difference between a whirlwind of Glühwein and a […]
The Best Homemade Currywurst Recipe
If there’s one dish that screams Berlin, it’s Currywurst – a juicy sausage smothered in tangy-sweet curry ketchup and served with a pile of crispy fries or a crusty roll. Simple? Yes. But its place in German street food history is anything but ordinary. This article shows you how to make a classic Currywurst from […]
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? […]
Read More
German Christmas Markets: A Magical Winter Tradition
Few traditions capture the spirit of German culture more warmly than its beloved Christmas markets. Every year, as November fades into December, town squares across Germany transform into glowing, … [Read More...]
September 17 in German History
September 17, 530 The first pope of Germanic origin was elected. Boniface II was Gothic. (The Goths were an East Germanic people. The Germans of today descend from the West Germanic grouping.) … [Read More...]
February 19 in German History
February 19, 1199 A bull of Pope Innocent III assigns the uniform of the white tunic with a black cross to the Teutonic Knights. The uniform was worn by them during the crusades, in their later … [Read More...]
The Napoleonic Wars and the Confederation of the Rhine
In the early 19th century, Europe was upended by the ambitions of one man: Napoleon Bonaparte. While his empire rose and fell in just over a decade, his influence reverberated for generations. No … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Civil vs. Church Weddings in Germany: What You Need to Know
In Germany, saying “I do” is not as simple as exchanging rings and a kiss in front of family and friends. Legally speaking, a German marriage begins not in a chapel, garden, or ballroom - but at the … [Read More...]
October 10 in German History
October 10, 1713 Birth of Johann Krebs in Buttelstedt, Germany. He was a composer of organ music. He was a pupil of Johann Sebastian Bach. October 10, 1791 Death of Christian Friedrich Daniel … [Read More...]
Real Germans and Weddings and Funerals
By guest author WEISSDORN WEDDINGSFor Real Germans, except for an occassional sentimental Christmas Mass visit, there was no reason to visit the Church, unless the day comes where the Real German … [Read More...]
German Proverbs and Their Meanings
A Country That Thinks in Proverbs Proverbs are the poetry of everyday life - short, punchy, and packed with centuries of wisdom. In Germany, they’re more than quaint sayings. They’re the go-to … [Read More...]
German International Economic Relations
Ever since its creation in 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), or West Germany, as it was also called until its unification in 1990 with the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany), … [Read More...]