Birthdays in Germany are not just about balloons and cake - they’re about tradition, respect, and a … (More)
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Esslingen am Neckar
Esslingen am Neckar is a city in the Stuttgart Region of Baden-Württemberg in southern Germany, seat of the District of Esslingen as well as the largest city in the district. It is located on the Neckar River, about 14 km southeast of Stuttgart city center. The regions surrounding the city of Esslingen are also mostly […]
German Sausage with Apples, Sauerkraut and Onions
Ingredients: 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil 12 links assorted fully cooked German sausages 1 large white onion, thin sliced 2 crisp red apples, such as Gala or Braeburn, cored and cut into 1 cm slices 1/4 cup apple cider 400 g sauerkraut Directions: Heat a 12 in. (30 cm) skillet over medium heat, and […]
December 21 in German History
December 21, 1597 Death of St. Peter Canisius (1521 – 1597) Peter de Hondt (St. Peter Canisius) was born in Nimwegen (Germany at that time, now the Netherlands). In 1536 he began his studies at the University of Cologne. In 1543 he became the first German to enter the order of Jesuits. He founded the […]
The Thirty Years’ War
Germany enjoyed a time of relative quiet between the Peace of Augsburg, signed in 1555, and the outbreak of the Thirty Years’ War in 1618. The empire functioned in a more regular way than previously, and its federal nature was more evident than in the past. The Reichstag met frequently to deal with public matters, […]
The Birth of the German Democratic Republic
As with the birth of the FRG, the formation of a separate nation-state in the Soviet zone also took only a few years. In late 1947, the SED convened the “German People’s Congress for Unity and a Just Peace” in Berlin. To demonstrate the SED’s claim of responsibility for the political future of all Germans, […]
Nürnberger Rostbratwurst – Recipe and History
Short, thin, and bursting with flavor, the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst may look modest, but it’s a true heavyweight in German sausage culture. Protected by EU law and rooted in over 700 years of culinary tradition, this little sausage is one of the most distinctive and beloved foods of Franconia, a region in northern Bavaria. Served grilled […]
Authentic Roggenbrot Recipe: A Taste of German Tradition
Roggenbrot, also known as German rye bread, is a staple in German cuisine and has been enjoyed for centuries. This hearty and flavorful bread is made primarily from rye flour, giving it a distinct taste and texture that sets it apart from other bread varieties. In this article, we will delve into the art of […]
The Holy Roman Empire: An Epoch of European History
The Holy Roman Empire, often deemed a paradoxical entity, was a multi-ethnic complex of territories in Western, Central and Southern Europe that developed during the Early Middle Ages and continued until its dissolution in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars. Despite the anachronistic association with Rome, the Empire was a distinctly European polity that emerged in […]
Consolidation of the New State
The most important instrument employed by East German authorities to guarantee their absolute rule was the State Security Service (Staatssicherheitsdienst, commonly referred to as the Stasi). Founded in early 1950 as the secret service branch of the Ministry for State Security (Ministerium fuer Staatssicherheit–MfS), the Stasi came to exercise almost complete control over the population […]
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August 30 in German History
August 30, 1916 General Paul von Hindenburg becomes Chief of Staff of the Prussian Army. He largely controlled German policy in the second half of World War I and served as the elected … [Read More...]
The History of German Castles: From Medieval Fortresses to Fairytale Palaces
Germany is home to some of the most breathtaking castles in the world, each one steeped in history, myth, and grandeur. From the imposing medieval fortresses that once housed knights and lords to the … [Read More...]
A Taste of Tradition: The Rich History of Stollen Bread
As we explore the unique culinary traditions across the world, Germany's rich food culture serves up a sweet surprise - the Stollen bread. This distinctive and festive bread, dusted with powdered … [Read More...]
Touring Germany via the Autobahn: Must-See Stops and Scenic Routes.
Germany’s Autobahn is more than just a high-speed highway—it’s a gateway to some of the country’s most stunning landscapes, historic towns, and cultural landmarks. Whether you’re a first-time traveler … [Read More...]
The Churches as a Political Force in Germany
Religious associations represent a third major group of organized interests in the German policy process. The experience of the Third Reich had a profound influence on the postwar development of … [Read More...]
German Wedding
Champagne, Bridal Soup and a Saw! A traditional wedding day in Germany could actually last three days. First, German couples who are getting married must have a civil ceremony at the city center, … [Read More...]
Lübeck – The City of Marzipan and Sea Ports
Lübeck is a northern German city distinguished by Brick Gothic architecture that dates back to its time as the medieval capital of the Hanseatic League, a powerful trading confederation. Lübeck is … [Read More...]
Sonnenblumenbrot (Sunflower Seed Bread) Recipe
Hearty, wholesome, and packed with nutty goodness, Sonnenblumenbrot - or German Sunflower Seed Bread - is a beloved staple known for its chewy crumb and crunchy topping. Whether enjoyed with butter, … [Read More...]
Grebbel (Fried Dough)
Grebbel is deep-fried dough, something like a doughnut, which is fried and then served with powdered sugar sprinkled on it, while still warm. Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup soft butter (no … [Read More...]
How Germans Celebrate Easter: Regional Traditions & Customs
Germany is home to some of Europe’s most unique and diverse Easter traditions. While Easter egg hunts and the Easter Bunny (Osterhase) are well known, different regions in Germany have their own local … [Read More...]