Nestled in the cultural heart of Europe, German universities are not just educational institutions; … (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
How Did Halloween Come to Germany?
In the mid-1990s, few in Germany had ever heard of Halloween, and even fewer celebrated it. Now, it’s a €150 million a year industry. The holiday’s success can be traced to a single marketing genius. Most in Germany have never heard of Dieter Tschorn. And even fewer will be particularly concerned by the fact that […]
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 goods as early as the 14th century. Ingredients: For the cookies: 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus extra for kneading 1¼ teaspoons ground nutmeg 1¼ teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ […]
The Fall of the Wall and Reunification
In the middle of the 1980s the Cold War started to melt, especially due to the changes in the Soviet government. Mikhail Gorbachev, the first and the only President of the USSR, started a new political wave called Perestroika, and made a friendly step towards the West acknowledging the dependence of the Soviet Union on […]
Baked Fish with Cheese (Überbackener Fisch mit Käse)
Ingredients: 8 tomatoes, sliced salt 4 fish fillets (approx. 800 g) 1/3 cup tomato paste or thick tomato sauce 1/3 cup dry white wine or broth 2 tbsp parsley, chopped 1/3 cup finely chopped onion 1/3 cup breadcrumbs 1/3 cup grated Emmentaler cheese 2 tbsp butter Preparation: Preheat oven to 400° F (~200°C). Butter […]
‘Viel Spass’ on German Spas!
German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning ‘health by water’ or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now. […]
Soft Homemade Pretzels
Those big, warm, soft pretzels you can get at the big game or a fair… only at home! Be sure you eat them the same day you make them though, preferably while they’re still warm. But that shouldn’t be a problem. Bring out the beer and mustard! Ingredients: 1 cup (8 fl. oz./250 ml.) warm water […]
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. […]
German Sausage Soup Recipe
Ingredients: 500-700 g sausage (kielbasa or bratwurst types) 1 large onion, diced 2 large carrots, diced 3-4 celery ribs, sliced 1 large turnip, diced 0.5 kg ground tomatoes (or 1 can diced tomatoes) 1 tsp dry thyme 1 tsp dry basil 300 g mushrooms, sliced (optional) 1 spinach, chopped (optional) 1-2 leaves of bay laurel […]
Culture of German Management
German management, as it has evolved over the centuries and has established itself since World War II, has a distinct style and culture. Like so many things German, it goes back to the medieval guild and merchant tradition, but it also has a sense of the future and of the long term. The German style […]
Read More
November 2 in German History
November 2, 1528 Birth of Petrus Lotichius Secundus in Niederzell, Germany. He was a professor of medicine at the University of Heidelberg but is much more remembered as a poet of the Renaissance … [Read More...]
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; … [Read More...]
Bavarian Strawberry Cream
Ingredients: 1 cup fresh strawberries 3/4 cup sugar 1 tbsp. gelatin (unflavored) 1/2 cup cold water 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1 cup cream fresh fruit for decoration (peach, cherry, apple, orange, … [Read More...]
The Domestic Economy of Germany
The German economy is full of contradictions. It is modern but old-fashioned. It is immensely powerful but suffers from serious structural weaknesses. It is subject to national laws and rules but is … [Read More...]
German Wines
You will probably be surprised to see an article about German wine, why not beer, right? Indeed, being the most popular drink among the Germans, beer has captured attention of the whole country and … [Read More...]
Lübecker Plettenpudding
A dessert that really tastes like Sunday. Plettenpudding is a kind of trifle with vanilla pudding and raspberries. This dessert is featured in one of Germany's most popular novels, the family epic The … [Read More...]
Halloween Recipes
While this celebration of all things ghoulish and creepy isn’t celebrated on such a grand scale as it is in the United States, Halloween has become increasingly popular in Germany over the past … [Read More...]
Christmas in Germany
Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many … [Read More...]
Pumpernickel – German Rye Bread
Pumpernickel is a typically heavy, slightly sweet rye bread traditionally made with sourdough starter and coarsely ground rye. It is often made today with a combination of rye flour and whole rye … [Read More...]
Age-Gender Distribution in Germany
In the early 1990s, an age-gender distribution pyramid of unified Germany's population displayed at its apex the legacy of heavy war casualties: a preponderance of elderly women too great to be … [Read More...]