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April 16 in German History
April 16, 1817 Birth of Martin Rudolph von Delbrück in Berlin, Germany. He forged the Prussian free-trade policy in cooperation with Otto von Bismark and was instrumental in convincing the southern German states to join the empire in 1870-71. April 16, 1820 Birth of Georg Curtius in Lübeck, Germany. Curtius was a scholar of Greek […]
December 23 in German History
December 23, 1597 Birth of Martin Opitz in Bunzlau, Silesia (now Poland). The poet and theoretician, Opitz was a member of an important literary society of his times, the “Fruchtbringende Gesellschaft”. In his most important theoretical work Buch von der deutschen Poeterey (1624) he established standards for German poetry. For his contributions to poetic form […]
The Third Reich: Consolidation of Power
Hitler rapidly transformed the Weimar Republic into a dictatorship. The National Socialists accomplished their “revolution” within months, using a combination of legal procedure, persuasion, and terror. Because the parties forming the cabinet did not have a parliamentary majority, Hindenburg called for the dissolution of the Reichstag and set March 5, 1933, as the date for […]
Arminius and the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
One of the most pivotal events in early German history—and a defining moment for the identity of the Germanic tribes—was the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 CE. At its heart was Arminius, a chieftain of the Cherusci tribe and former Roman ally, who orchestrated a stunning ambush that halted Rome’s expansion into Germania. […]
German Society
Nationality: noun: German(s) adjective: German Ethnic groups: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish) Languages: German (official) note: Danish, Frisian, Sorbian, and Romany are official minority languages; Low German, Danish, North Frisian, Sater Frisian, Lower Sorbian, Upper Sorbian, and Romany are recognized as regional languages under […]
July 14 in German History
July 14, 1093 Death of St. Ulrich von Zell (1029 – 1083). St. Ulrich was born in Regensburg, Germany in 1029. He was educated in St. Emmeran. In entered the Abbey of Cluny (France) in 1061 and was ordained a priest. He then went out on a mission to spread the Cluny reforms. He founded […]
July 11 in German History
July 11, 1657 Birth of Friedrich I in Königsberg, Germany (now in Russia). Friedrich was the first king of Prussia and the Elector of Brandenburg. The University of Halle was founded during his reign, as was the Academy of Sciences. July 11, 1662 Birth of Maximilian II Emanuel in Munich. Maximilian was of the Wittelsbach […]
What Is Bockwurst? Mild German Sausage Explained
Among the many bold and smoky sausages in Germany, Bockwurst stands out as the friendly one. Mild in spice, soft in texture, and beloved by both children and adults, this sausage is a staple at picnics, school lunches, and cozy evening meals. Often confused with Bratwurst or Frankfurters, Bockwurst has its own identity – traditionally […]
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
Few desserts embody Old World charm like Apfelstrudel, or Apple Strudel. With its paper-thin layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a sweet apple filling, Apfelstrudel is one of Germany’s most iconic desserts (with deep Austrian roots). It’s the kind of dish that demands attention—not just when it’s on your plate, but when it’s being made, […]
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June 27 in German History
June 27, 1786 Death of Joseph Green, Immanuel Kant's closest friend over many years. The two of them dined together very frequently and had long conversations. Some of the vocabulary of … [Read More...]
Look Here – We’re in Germany! Christmas Vacation in Germany
Christmas is a family holiday which people use to spend at home waiting for Santa Claus near the friendly crackling fireplace, the smartly decorated tree, and a festive table. You have already … [Read More...]
January 12 in German History
January 12, 1519 Death of Maximilian I in Wels, Austria. Maximilian was the Archduke of Austria, the German king and the Holy Roman Emperor. He did much to expand and consolidate the Habsburg … [Read More...]
July 11 in German History
July 11, 1657 Birth of Friedrich I in Königsberg, Germany (now in Russia). Friedrich was the first king of Prussia and the Elector of Brandenburg. The University of Halle was founded during his … [Read More...]
German Christmas Market Food: What to Eat and Drink
When you step into a German Christmas market, your senses are instantly surrounded by twinkling lights, traditional music, and above all, irresistible smells. The sizzling sausages, sweet roasted … [Read More...]
January 18 in German History
January 18, 1701 Frederick I of Prussia crowns himself king at Königsberg, Prussia (now Kaliningrad, Russia). Frederick maintained a large, splendid court and an army out of proportion to … [Read More...]
The Peace of Augsburg
Imagine a country where the ruler’s religion dictated your own. No choice. No freedom of belief. Just the heavy hand of authority deciding how - and to whom - you should pray. Welcome to 16th-century … [Read More...]
September 15 in German History
September 15, 1757 Birth of Karl Philipp Moritz in Hameln, Germany. A novelist, Moritz is remembered primarily for Andreas Hartknopf and Anton Reiser which give insight into the period in which he … [Read More...]
German Traditions
Germany, renowned for its rich cultural heritage, boasts a tapestry of traditions deeply ingrained in its society. From lively festivals to time-honored customs, German traditions offer a glimpse into … [Read More...]
Early History of Germany
What do Roman emperors, ancient tribal alliances, and medieval power plays have in common? They all helped shape what we now know as Germany. The Early History of Germany is a riveting saga of … [Read More...]