The German education system is renowned globally for its rigorous approach and comprehensive … (More)
German Culture
Germany, a country in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, diverse influences, and continuous innovation. This website covers almost all aspects of German culture, offering a glimpse into what makes it both unique and universally appealing.
German culture has been shaped by major historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, industrialization, two World Wars, and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each era left an indelible mark on German society, influencing its traditions, values, and global perception.
German, Germany’s official language, is known for its precision and depth. The country has a rich literary tradition, with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and more contemporary authors like Günter Grass and Herta Müller. The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales have captivated children worldwide, while their work in linguistics has had a lasting impact on the study of Germanic languages.
Germany’s contribution to the arts is monumental. In classical music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner have left a legacy that defines the genre. In visual arts, the German Renaissance, and later movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus, have influenced art globally.
From the Romanesque and Gothic churches to modernist Bauhaus buildings, German architecture displays a range of styles. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism, while the Berlin skyline showcases cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
German culture is rich in traditions and customs, many of which are celebrated through various festivals and events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is world-famous, drawing visitors from across the globe to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and food in a festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing like Lederhosen and Dirndl are often worn, showcasing regional folk costumes.
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are magical, with their origins dating back to the Middle Ages. These markets, found in nearly every town, are filled with festive decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights like Glühwein and Lebkuchen.
The Carnival season, particularly strong in the Rhineland region, features parades, costumes, and balls. It’s a time when traditional roles are reversed, and revelers enjoy a sense of freedom and humor.
Cuisine
German cuisine is as diverse as its regions, known for its hearty and robust flavors. Dishes like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Pretzels are globally recognized. Each region has its specialties, like the seafood dishes of the North, the apple wine of Hessen, or the Spätzle of the South.
Germany is famous for its beer, with a brewing tradition rooted in the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516. The country boasts a variety of beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Kölsch. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in picturesque vineyards along rivers like the Rhine and Mosel.
This comprehensive website of German culture highlights its depth and diversity, offering a window into a nation that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Germany’s rich cultural tapestry has something to intrigue and inspire everyone.
Featured Story
Featured Stories
September 6 in German History
September 6, 1854 Birth of Max Freiherr von Beck in Vienna, Austria. He became chancellor of Austria in 1906 and in that role established universal male suffrage in 1907. September 6, 1869 Birth of Felix Salten, the author of Bambi, in Budapest. The Austrian’s original name was Siegmund Salzmann. He was a friend of Hugo […]
Saarburg
Saarburg is a city of the Trier-Saarburg district in the Rhineland-Palatinate state of Germany, on the banks of the Saar River in the hilly country a few kilometers upstream from the Saar’s junction with the Moselle. Saarburg is the seat of the Verbandsgemeinde (“collective municipality”) Saarburg. The area around Saarburg is noted for the cultivation […]
German Christmas Traditions: A Journey Through Festive Customs and Enchanting Celebrations
Germany is a country rich with culture and steeped in tradition, especially when it comes to Christmas. The festive season in Germany is not just a celebration; it’s a magical time that transforms towns and cities into winter wonderlands, filled with scents, sights, and sounds that emanate warmth and joy. Here we will guide you […]
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. […]
Military Justice in Germany
Members of the German armed forces are subject to the civil criminal code and are tried for common criminal offenses in the civil court system. There are no military correction facilities; incarcerated military offenders serve their sentences in ordinary civilian prisons. Soldiers enjoy the same civil rights and liberties possessed by other citizens. They are […]
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 […]
April 17 in German History
April 17, 1521 Martin Luther makes his first appearance before the Diet in Worms. April 17, 1573 Birth of Maximillian I in Munich, Germany. Maximillian was the Duke of Bavaria and involved in the Thirty Years’ War in support of the Catholic cause. Bavaria had fallen into economic chaos when Maximillian came to power in […]
July 16 in German History
July 16, 1664 Death of Andreas Gryphius in Glogau, Germany (now Poland). Gryphius was one of the greatest of the German Baroque writers. Gryphius is noted for his poetry and his dramas. He is the author of Leo Armenius, Catharina von Georgien, Cardenio und Celinde and Herr Peter Squentz. July 16, 1876 Birth of Alfred […]
November 11 in German History
November 11 – St. Martin’s Day (Martinstag) This festival was originally celebrated in memory of St Martin of Tours (b. 316 AD) and marked the 40 day fasting period before Christmas. When the fasting period was made shorter and renamed Advent (see below), the tradition came to be associated with Martin Luther, who was born […]
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Halloween’s Origins and Traditions of Celebration in Germany
Halloween is when all demons and witches are out for the night hunting, and when there are pumpkins glaring out of the windows, and when it's better to give a treat instead of being … [Read More...]
Bauhaus School
The beginning and the goals of Bauhaus Bauhaus: [Ger., lit. "architecture house", from Bau = building (bauen=to build) + Haus = house.] Contemporary German architecture set its main trends in the … [Read More...]
February 26 in German History
February 26, 1361 Birth of Wenceslas in Nürnberg, Germany. Wenceslas gained the titles, German King, King of Bohemia and King of the Romans. He was a very weak ruler in unsettled times. He was … [Read More...]
Bratwurst Recipe
The German Bratwurst, an iconic sausage known for its rich flavors and cultural significance, has been a cornerstone of German cuisine for centuries. From the bustling streets of Berlin to the quaint … [Read More...]
July 25 in German History
July 25, 975 Birth of Dietmar in Hildesheim, Germany. The Saxon Dietmar was an important chronicler of his age and his works are important documentation to the period. July 25, 1564 Death … [Read More...]
The Smaller States of Germany: German History
By the eighteenth century, none of the other states of the German empire were strong enough to have territorial ambitions to match those of Prussia and Austria. Some of the larger states, such as … [Read More...]
Potato Skins stuffed with Bratwurst, Beer-Caramelized Onions and Sauerkraut
Early fall in Germany means Oktoberfest. So get together and celebrate with delicious savory food like stuffed potato skins and cold flowing beer! Ingredients: • 4 russet potatoes, scrubbed and … [Read More...]
Westfälische Potthucke – Traditional German Potato Cake with Sausages
This is a traditional recipe from a region called Sauerland in Westphalia. In earlier times, this potato dish was actually a meal for the poor because it’s made mostly with potatoes, and they wouldn’t … [Read More...]
Lebkuchen
They are world-famous and inseparably tied to Christmas – Nuremberg Lebkuchen or gingerbread. These internationally-known delicacies were first baked by Franconian monks, who created these sweet baked … [Read More...]
Schnecken (Sticky German Cinnamon Buns)
Schnecken are a type of sweet bun that was a traditional Saturday morning treat in German homes at the beginning of the 20th century. Schnecken means “snails,” which is what these coiled buns … [Read More...]