German potato soup, or Kartoffelsuppe, represents the heart of traditional German home cooking - a … (More)
Featured Stories
The Real Story Behind Bavaria’s Mad King Ludwig II
Few figures in German history have inspired as much fascination and speculation as King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Known to many as “the Mad King,” Ludwig’s life was marked by eccentricity, extravagant castle building, and a mysterious death that still fuels conspiracy theories today. Yet to reduce him to a caricature is to miss the […]
Traditional German Beef Rouladen Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Servings: 6 German Beef Rouladen, or “Rinderrouladen,” is a classic dish often enjoyed during the colder months and a staple at family gatherings in Germany. This recipe will walk you through the traditional method of preparing these savory beef rolls, filled […]
Family Life in Germany: Traditions, Structure, and Modern Reality
From the outside, German family life might seem quiet, structured, even a little rigid. But beneath the surface lies a complex, evolving balance of tradition and modernity – where respect, independence, and Ordnung (order) meet progressive policies, diversity, and shifting gender roles. Whether you’re a tourist curious about daily life, an expat raising children in […]
German Easter Eggs: The Art of Sorbian & Traditional Hand-Painted Designs
Decorating Easter eggs is one of Germany’s most cherished traditions, blending history, art, and symbolism. Unlike simple dyeing methods used in many parts of the world, Germany is home to some of the most intricate and artistic egg-decorating techniques. The most famous of these comes from the Sorbs, a Slavic minority in Saxony and Brandenburg, […]
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. […]
February 12 in German History
February 12, 1777 Birth of Friedrich de La Motte Fouque in Brandenburg, Germany. Descended from a French noble family, Fouque was for a time a very popular writer. His best known works are Undine (1811) and Der Held des Nordens (1808). February 12, 1804 The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) dies in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad in […]
Structure of German Society
Most of the workforce is employed in the services sector. West Germany completed the transition from an industrial economy to one dominated by the services sector in the 1970s, and by the late 1980s this sector employed two-thirds of the workforce. In contrast, when the Berlin Wall fell, East Germany still had not made this […]
German Wine
German wine, a hidden gem in the world of viticulture, offers a unique and exhilarating experience for wine enthusiasts and novices alike. Germany’s winemaking tradition, deeply rooted in history and culture, has evolved to create wines that are not only distinct in taste but also rich in heritage. Germany’s wine history dates back to the […]
Vocational Education and Training in Germany
The German education system has been praised for its ability to provide quality general education combined with excellent specific training for a profession or a skilled occupation. In 1992 about 65 percent of the country’s workforce had been trained through vocational education. In the same year, 2.3 million young people were enrolled in vocational or […]
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The Chancellor of Germany
The federal government consists of the chancellor and his or her cabinet ministers. As explained above, the Basic Law invests the chancellor with central executive authority. For that reason, some … [Read More...]
Gurkensalat – Traditional German Recipe
Light, crisp, and tangy - Gurkensalat, or German cucumber salad, is a refreshing staple found on tables across Germany. Known for its simple preparation and bright flavor, this salad is often served … [Read More...]
Oktoberfest Origins: From Royal Wedding to Global Icon
Before it became synonymous with beer steins, brass bands, and Bavarian revelry, Oktoberfest was a simple celebration of love. The roots of this world-famous folk festival lie not in breweries or … [Read More...]
German Sauerkraut with Apples Recipe
German cuisine is renowned for its rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and comforting dishes. Among these, Sauerkraut stands out as a staple, deeply rooted in German culture. Adding apples to Sauerkraut … [Read More...]
Oskar Sala, the Electronic Music Pioneer
Oskar Sala was one of the most important figures and pioneers of electronic music of the 20th century. As a musician, composer, and natural scientist, he fully devoted himself to the playing and … [Read More...]
Grünkohleintopf – Kale Stew with Smoked Meat and Sausages
Ingredients: 1 – 1.3 kg of kale, washed, stems and ribs removed 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons rolled oats 450 g smoked pork … [Read More...]
German Women – Scientists and Inventors
Here are seven German female inventors whose innovations, both large and small, have improved our world in various ways. Caroline Lucretia Herschel Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848) was the first … [Read More...]
The Cultural History of Mettbrötchen
Mettbrötchen – a raw pork sandwich? To many outside Germany, the idea might sound strange or even risky. But within German borders, it’s a staple snack with roots that stretch deep into working-class … [Read More...]
St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) – November 11
St. Martin sharing his cloak On the 11th day of the 11th month at exactly 11 minutes past 11 o'clock a.m. St. Martin's day is celebrated. It is mostly favored by youth and rural population. Martin, … [Read More...]
Daily German Life in Blumenau: Food, Language, Customs
Wander through the streets of Blumenau and you might think you’ve stumbled into a pocket of Germany set down in the lush tropics of Brazil. Half-timbered houses line the roads. Locals sip beer from … [Read More...]