Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
Featured Stories
German Vocabulary: Weather
In Germany, like in most countries, talking about the weather is always a good topic when there is nothing else to talk about or if you want to break the ice with people you have just met. Here is a list of German words related to weather.
Richard Wagner and His Women
Richard Wagner was not only a great and productive composer, he was also an extremely amorous man. In 1834 Wagner met Christine Wilhelmine (Minna) Planer, an actress, and in 1836 they got married. The marriage was far from successful. To the contrary, it was quite “stormy” because of Minna’s and Wagner’s numerous love affairs on […]
Otto Hahn – German Chemist
Otto Hahn (1879-1968) was a German Chemist, who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1944 – for his work in discovering nuclear fission. He was a distinguished chemist who worked in the pioneering fields of radio chemistry. After the Second World War, he was a campaigner against the use of nuclear weapons and […]
The Fascinating History of Germany’s Maypole (Maibaum) Tradition
Every year on May 1st, towns and villages across Germany transform into vibrant hubs of festivity, celebrating the ancient tradition of the Maypole (Maibaum). Towering above town squares, these colorfully decorated trees symbolize fertility, unity, and the arrival of spring. But beyond the lively celebrations and folk music, this tradition is steeped in centuries-old customs, […]
Möbius Strip and Its Inventor
The Möbius strip or Möbius band is a surface with only one side and only one boundary component. The Möbius strip has the mathematical property of being non-orientable. It can be realized as a ruled surface. It was discovered independently by the German mathematicians August Ferdinand Möbius and Johann Benedict Listing in 1858. August Ferdinand […]
November 29 in German History
November 29, 1378 Death of Karl IV (King Wenceslas) in Prague, Bohemia. Karl raised Bohemia to a central power and after his rise to the rank of German King, Bohemia controlled that position for centuries. Karl was the son of the powerful John of Luxemburg. In 1343 Karl’s father gave him the regency of Bohemia. […]
December 4 in German History
December 4, 1875 Birth of Rainer Maria Rilke in Prague, Austria-Hungary (now in the Czech Republic). Rilke is the most known and respected of the German-language poets of the 20th century. His life was a series of wanderings and experiments with new poetic structures. Rilke was widely recognized as one of the most lyrically intense […]
Der, die, das – German Articles
“Every noun has a gender, and there is no sense or system in the distribution; so the gender of each must be learned separately and by heart. There is no other way. To do this one has to have a memory like a memorandum-book.” – Mark Twain, The Awful German Language Indeed, in German, there […]
Halloween: Trick or Treat?
Trick or Treat? Treat!!! November… Cold biting wind is howling outside the window, the pale moon is swimming above the naked trees, and one can almost see all kinds of broom-riding witches and foggy ghosts in the dark… Isn’t it the best party time for Halloween?!? Halloween party will not be Halloween party without great […]
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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 … [Read More...]
German Chocolate Cake: A Surprising History Beyond Borders
When one thinks of German Chocolate Cake, visions of rich, moist chocolate cake layered with coconut-pecan frosting might dance in your head. However, the history of this beloved dessert is as layered … [Read More...]
Döppekuchen – Rheinland Potato Flan
Döppekooche/Döbbekooche is a form of potato cake made of grated potatoes, finely minced onions, eggs and spices and cover in sausage pieces or strips of bacon, which is baked in a cast-iron pot (a … [Read More...]
August 14 in German History
August 14, 1248 Construction on the Gothic cathedral in Cologne is begun. The cathedral would not be finished until the 19th century on August 14, 1880. Construction of Cologne Cathedral … [Read More...]
Seven Herb Soup (Siebenkräutersuppe)
Gründonnerstag is the Thursday before Easter, known as Maundy Thursday. It means “green Thursday”, although it is thought that the word “grün” is actually derived from the word “greinen” meaning to … [Read More...]
Erbsensuppe mit Würstchen (Split Pea and Sausage Soup)
This is a truly nourishing soup – high in protein, fiber and flavor. It’s also very versatile because not only can you serve it as an appetizer, it also makes a wholesome light meal with a chunk of … [Read More...]
St. Nicholas Day in Germany
The patron of all kids Few German holidays blend history, folklore, and family warmth quite like St. Nicholas Day. Celebrated each year on 6 December, it is a tradition that reaches deep into … [Read More...]
Creation of the Bundeswehr
In the summer of 1955, ten years after the Nazi surrender and the end of World War II, the West German Bundestag (lower house of parliament) voted to authorize the recruitment of volunteers for the … [Read More...]
St. Thomas’ Day in Germany
The Day of St. Thomas, celebrated on December 21, is also the day of the winter solstice, the year's longest night and shortest day. St. Thomas is commemorated on this day because he was the last one … [Read More...]
Spargelsalat – Traditional German White Asparagus Salad Recipe
Spargelsalat is a classic German salad that celebrates the arrival of white asparagus season, a highly anticipated springtime event. The salad is light, slightly tangy, and often made with boiled … [Read More...]