Rüblikuchen is one of the most popular Easter cakes in Germany and Switzerland, prized for its moist … (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

May 7 in German History
May 7, 973 Death of the Emperor Otto I in Memleben, Germany. Otto became the German king in 936 and the Holy Roman Emperor in 962. He brought order to the empire, which was greatly fragmented, strengthened the position of the church, and made possible a period of prosperity and development of culture referred to […]

Räuberfleisch
Räuberfleisch is easy and quick to prepare, yet far from fast food. Guten Appetit! Ingredients: 2 paprika 8 champignons 1 onions 8 pickled cucumbers 4 tbsp tomato paste 800 g pork gulasch pepper ground paprika 4 garlic Preparation: Chop the peppers, mushrooms, gherkins and onions. Lay out a deep plate with aluminum foil and spread […]

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 […]

Osterlamm Recipe – German Easter Lamb Cake
Easter in Germany is full of beautiful traditions, and one of the most beloved is baking an Osterlamm, the German Easter lamb cake. This light and fluffy sponge cake, baked in a lamb-shaped mold, is a symbol of peace, innocence, and the resurrection of Christ. Decorated with powdered sugar, a red ribbon, or chocolate glaze, […]

Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche
The Irrational Genius, or Why Am I so Wise? Turbulent life of Friedrich Nietzsche The cure for love is still in most cases that ancient radical medicine: love in return.— Friedrich Nietzsche Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche was born on October 15, 1844 in a small Prussian town of Roecken. The date of his birth coincided with […]

Carl Zeiss
Carl Zeiss (September 11, 1816—December 3, 1888) was a German industrialist who gained a worldwide reputation as a manufacturer of fine optical instruments. The firm of Carl Zeiss grew to one of the largest and most respected optical firms in the world. Carl showed an interest in technical studies very early, to the extent that […]

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 […]

December 31 in German History
December 31, 1105 Heinrich V arrests his father Heinrich IV, forces him to abdicate and himself becomes the Holy Roman Emperor (crowned in Rome in 1111). December 31, 1747 Birth of Gottfried August Bürger in Molmerswende bei Halberstadt, Germany. The poet, Bürger was one of the leaders toward the Romantic movement in German literature. In […]

September 4 in German History
September 4, 1824 Birth of Anton Bruckner in Ansfelden, Austria. Bruckner composed nine symphonies and three masses. Although controversial in his early years, Bruckner gained recognition during his lifetime and is held in high esteem today. September 4, 1853 Birth of Hermann von Wissmann in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany. He was one of the […]
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Osterzopf – Traditional German Easter Braided Bread Recipe
Easter in Germany wouldn’t be complete without a slice of Osterzopf, the traditional German Easter braided bread. With its rich, buttery dough, lightly sweetened taste, and golden, glossy crust, … [Read More...]

Recipes

Räuberfleisch
Räuberfleisch is easy and quick to prepare, yet far from fast food. Guten Appetit! Ingredients: 2 paprika 8 champignons 1 onions 8 pickled cucumbers 4 tbsp tomato paste 800 g pork … [Read More...]

The Day of Euro – the European Currency
January 1, 1999, the New Year's day, coincided with the day when eleven European nations officially launched the euro as their shared currency. The name of the new European currency was decided upon … [Read More...]

January 17 in German History
January 17, 1463 Birth of Friedrich III (the Wise) (1463-1525), Elector of Saxony, in Torgau, Germany. Friedrich served as the protector of Martin Luther after the imperial ban of 1521. He … [Read More...]

Valentine’s Day in Germany – Valentinstag
February 14th is Valentine's Day, and though celebrating Valentine’s Day has only become popular within the last few decades in Germany, there are several traditions Germans have taken on … [Read More...]

February 3 in German History
February 3, 865 Death of St. Ansgar. St. Ansgar was born on September 8, 801 in Corbie (in modern France). In 823 he became a teacher in the newly founded monastery in Corvey, Westphalia (modern … [Read More...]

March 22 in German History
March 22, 1459 Birth of Maximilian I in Wiener Neustadt. Maximilian was the archduke of Austria, the German king and the Holy Roman emperor. He did much to expand and consolidate the Habsburg … [Read More...]

Almabtrieb and Viehscheid – Bringing Cattle Home from Mountain Pastures
Bavaria may be the home of BMW and Audi, but there are still some age-old rural traditions that surprise even visitors from other parts of Germany. One of which is the annual festival which celebrates … [Read More...]

Eggs in Frankfurter Green Sauce
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 5 hard-boiled eggs 1/2 cup grapeseed oil 5 oz plain yogurt 5 oz sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (e.g. watercress, chives, … [Read More...]