For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
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October 2 in German History
October 2, 1616 Birth 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. Gryphius died in 1664. October 2, […]
January 9 in German History
January 9, 1674 Birth of Reinhard Keiser (1674-1739) in Weissenfels, Germany. An early composer of operas, his style starts with Baroque and ends with Rococo. He studied music in Leipzig but then went to Hamburg where he wrote 120 operas. January 9, 1803 Birth of Christopher Memminger in Nayhingen, Germany. As a young man he […]
Unraveling the Mystery: The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest
The Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, a pivotal event in ancient history, marked a significant turning point in the Roman Empire’s expansionist ambitions. In 9 AD, an alliance of Germanic tribes, led by Arminius, a chieftain of the Cherusci tribe, ambushed and decimated three Roman legions commanded by Publius Quinctilius Varus. This battle, fought in […]
Free State of Bavaria – Travel Destination
As a traditional site for family vacations, Bavaria is the most popular holiday center in the Federal Republic of Germany. Bavaria is Germany’s largest and oldest state. Bavaria is the most fancied state in Germany for purposes of travel, tourism, and vacationing. Its sceneries and cultural riches, the favorable price-to-service ratio and the traditional Bavarian […]
April 4 in German History
April 4, 397 Death of St. Ambrose (ca. 340 – 397) St. Ambrose was born in about 340, most likely in Trier (modern Germany). He was the son of a Roman nobleman who was serving in the northern provinces of the Roman Empire as Prefect of Gallia. Upon the death of his father in about […]
Krautsalat – Traditional German Recipe
Simple, crunchy, and delicious – Krautsalat, or German coleslaw, is a time-honored side dish that plays a starring role in German cuisine. Unlike American-style coleslaw, which often uses mayonnaise, Krautsalat is vinegar-based, with a lighter and tangier flavor. It’s a staple at beer gardens, BBQs, and Sunday family meals. This classic salad is a perfect […]
Käsekuchen (German Cheesecake)
This German cheesecake is a bit lighter than its American cousin. The filling is made with low-fat quark instead of cream cheese and egg foam is folded into the filling to give it a slightly fluffy consistency. Lemon and vanilla give the filling a fresh flavor. Ingredients: Crust 250 g all-purpose flour 125 g butter […]
Heinrich Theodor Böll
Heinrich Theodor Böll was born on December 21, 1917 in Cologne. His father was a sculptor and cabinet-maker. Böll’s Catholic, pacifist family opposed the rise of Nazism. Between 1924 and 1928, the future writer attended elementary school in Köln Raderthal, and from 1928 to 1937, the state-run Kaiser-Wilhelm classical secondary school in Cologne. He successfully […]
Why German Kids Carry a Giant Cone on Their First Day of School
If you happen to stroll past a German elementary school on the first day of classes in August or September, you’ll see an endearing and colorful sight: children dressed in neat outfits, nervous but proud, clutching oversized decorated cones. These cones – often bigger than the children themselves – are called Schultüten. They are packed […]
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The Tariff Agreement of 1879 in Germany and Its Social Consequences
Germany experienced an economic boom immediately after unification. For the first time, the country was a single economic entity, and old impediments to internal trade were lifted. The federal … [Read More...]
Räuberbrötchen
Indulge in the authentic flavors of Germany with our irresistible Räuberbrötchen recipe. These delectable pastry rolls are filled with a savory combination of meats, cheese, and aromatic herbs. … [Read More...]
Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels
If you're looking for a dish that tastes like Oktoberfest in a casserole dish, this is it. The German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels combines three of Germany's most iconic flavors - … [Read More...]
Mainz: Top Sights and Attractions
Mainz is a German city on the Rhine River. It’s known for its beautiful old town, with half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. In the center, the Marktbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain with … [Read More...]
German Wine 101: Grape Varieties, Label Terms, and What to Drink
German wine can be one of the most rewarding – and most intimidating – areas of the wine world to explore. With its long compound names, steep classification system, and multiple levels of sweetness, … [Read More...]
German Brötchen
A recipe of wonderful crusty German Brötchen by Marion Jackson, in English and German. Ingredients: 1000 g Mehl / flour 12 g instant Hefe / yeast (3 TL/tsp) 25 g Backmalz / dry malt powder 15 g Salz / … [Read More...]
Blumenau Oktoberfest: Brazil’s Biggest Bavarian Bash
When most people think of Oktoberfest, their minds jump to Munich - massive beer tents, cheerful brass bands, and Lederhosen-clad revelers. But the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest isn’t in Germany. … [Read More...]
Prussia Before Germany: The Military State That Shaped a Nation
Before Germany became a unified empire in 1871, there was Prussia—a powerhouse of discipline, precision, and iron will. While today the name Prussia has vanished from maps, its influence still echoes … [Read More...]
He Was the First, or Happy Birthday, Computer!
He Was the First, or Happy Birthday, Computer! Konrad Zuse is considered to be the inventor of the first computer in the world. Z3 -- the first fully functional program-controlled … [Read More...]
November 25 in German History
November 25, 1844 Birth of Carl Benz in Karlsruhe, Germany. In 1885 he built the world's first working automobile powered by an internal combustion engine. He founded the motor company, Benz u. Co. … [Read More...]