For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
How to Saw a Log
This is the first thing a newly-wed couple in Germany has to do immediately after they have gone out of the church. Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: varies Here’s How: Step out of the church with a happy smile on your face like all newly-weds do until they see a huge log waiting for them. […]
Martin Heidegger – Being, Time, and the Question of Existence
Martin Heidegger is often called the most influential philosopher of the 20th century – and also one of the most controversial. His work changed the landscape of phenomenology, existentialism, hermeneutics, and postmodern thought. Yet his affiliation with Nazism continues to cast a long shadow over his legacy. Heidegger didn’t just ask what it means to […]
Smoked Sausage and Cabbage Soup
Beer, cabbage and smoked sausage in one warming and cozy pot – what’s not to love? Enjoy this delicious mix on chilly afternoons. Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 400 g beef smoked sausage, cut into bite-size slices 1 onion, sliced into thin semi-circles 1/2 head small cabbage, halved again, cored and thinly sliced 1/2 teaspoon […]
German Christmas tree – Tannenbaum
The first appearance of a Christmas tree – Tannenbaum – was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that “…people set up Christmas trees in their rooms…”. Another record of that time coming from Ammerschweier, said that “… no burgher shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoes’ […]
Free State of Bavaria – Travel Destination
As a traditional site for family vacations, Bavaria is the most popular holiday center in the Federal Republic of Germany. Bavaria is Germany’s largest and oldest state. Bavaria is the most fancied state in Germany for purposes of travel, tourism, and vacationing. Its sceneries and cultural riches, the favorable price-to-service ratio and the traditional Bavarian […]
Unveiling the Layers of German Society: Traditions, Modernity, and Cultural Identity
In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and vibrant cultural tapestry. German society, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking modernity, presents a fascinating study of cultural identity and social dynamics. This article delves into the complexities of German society, exploring its historical background, societal norms, and […]
Maundy Thursday – Gründonnerstag
Also known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated since the earliest days of the Christian Church. It commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and the institution of the Lord’s Supper and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist. The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by […]
Labour Unions as a Political Force in Germany
During the Weimar Republic, labor unions were divided along partisan lines, a situation that led to competition among the socialist, communist, Catholic, and liberal trade associations. After World War II, labor leaders wanted to break with the past and form a trade union federation independent of political parties. The result was the establishment of the […]
Heimat: Why Germans Feel So Strongly About Their Hometown
In Germany, few words carry as much emotional weight – or cultural complexity – as Heimat. Often translated as “homeland” or “hometown,” Heimat is more than geography. It evokes identity, belonging, tradition, memory, and comfort. It describes not just where you are from, but where your roots live. Ask a German about their Heimat, and […]
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April 21 in German History
April 21, 1488 Birth of Ulrich von Hutten near Fulda. Von Hutten was a staunch supporter of Martin Luther both with his pen as a satirist and with his sword as a knight. In 1522 when German knights … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)
Homemade cucumber salad is a refreshing companion to any main dish, be it meat or fish, which is especially popular in summer. This simple German classic can be prepared with different dressings. … [Read More...]
June 3 in German History
June 3, 1817 Pauline Mallinckrodt (1817-1881) was born in Minden, Germany, on June 3, 1817. She directed the institution for the blind in Paderborn, Germany. She founded the Congregation of the … [Read More...]
What Do Germans Think of Foreigners? The Truth Explained
If you’re planning to visit, study, or live in Germany, you’ve probably wondered: What do Germans actually think of foreigners? It’s a question filled with curiosity - and often shaped by … [Read More...]
Dating Germans: Understanding German Dating Culture
Germany, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and robust economy, also boasts a unique dating culture that often piques the interest of those looking to find love in this European nation. … [Read More...]
Apfelkuchen – German Apple Cake
Moist, buttery, and bursting with tender apples—Apfelkuchen, or German Apple Cake, is a beloved classic that appears in countless variations across Germany. It’s a comforting dessert that blends … [Read More...]
January 26 in German History
January 26, 1781 Birth of Achim von Arnim (1781-1831) in Berlin, Germany. Von Arnim was one of the outstanding writers of the Romantic period of German literature. He studied at the University … [Read More...]
50 Common German Phrases That Are Hilarious in English
Although the German language may seem harsh and hard at first, it is filled with humorous expressions (many of them food-related). However funny expressions and phrases are at first, it's definitely … [Read More...]
Happy Birthday, Beetle!
In the middle of the 1930s Adolf Hitler - leader of the Nazi Germany - ordered Ferdinand Porsche to create a new "car for the people". Thus the history of Volkswagen started. Porsche began to … [Read More...]