Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
Featured Stories
April 20 in German History
April 20, 1494 Birth of Johann Agricola (1494-1566) (original name: Johann Schneider) in Eisleben, Germany (He was a friend and supporter of Martin Luther). Agricola became a strong proponent of the concept that Christian grace replaces the Ten Commandments, which would no longer, then, have force. These views led to a cooling of relations with […]
Famous Germans
May 16 in German History
May 16, 1788 Birth of Friedrich Rückert in Schweinfurt, Germany. Rückert was a poet who taught oriental languages and literature at the universities of Erlangen and Berlin. He is remembered largely for his lyric poems. Collections of poetry by Rückert include, Deutsche Gedichte (1814), Kindertotenlieder (1834), and Liebesfrühling (1844). Gustav Mahler set the Kindertotenlieder to […]
Schwäbische Dätscher – Swabian Cream Cake
Schwäbische Dätscher (also called Bätscher), or Swabian Cream Cake, is a thin yeast flat bread spread with sour cream and topped with onion or leak and bacon. Ingredients: Dough 350g wheat flour 20g fresh yeast 1 teaspoon salt 40g butter 125ml milk Filling 200g sour cream 1 egg yolk salt 1/2 bunch chopped chives 100 […]
July 31 in German History
July 31, 1527 Birth of Maximilian II in Vienna, Austria. Maximilian became Holy Roman Emperor in 1546. He tried to instill tolerance between Catholics and the new Protestants. July 31, 1800 Birth of the chemist Friedrich Wöhler in Eschersheim, Germany on July 31, 1800. It was Wöhler who discovered how to synthesize urea from an […]
October 8 in German History
October 8, 1585 Birth of Heinrich Schütz in Köstritz, Germany. One of the most talented early German composers, Schütz was given the position of court composer in Dresden. Works by Schütz include Dafne, Musikalische Exequien, and Kleine geistliche Konzerte. October 8, 1656 Death of Johann Georg I in Dresden, Germany. Johann Georg was the very […]
How to Play Binokel and Gaigel
Binokel and Gaigel are two traditional German card games that offer a thrilling blend of trick-taking and hand-melding strategies. Originating in the Swabian region of southern Germany, these games are closely related to the American game of Pinochle — and beloved by players who enjoy dynamic, flexible gameplay. Still played today in clubs, pubs, and […]
Easter Monday – Ostermontag
Easter Monday (Ostermontag) is an annual public holiday in Germany that follows Easter Sunday, which remembers Jesus Christ’s resurrection, according to Christian belief. It is observed with various local customs. These include early morning candle-lit parades, walks in the countryside and egg races. Egg races (Eierlauf) are held in some villages. The customs on egg […]
Roast Pork and Sauerkraut
Okay, so sauerkraut and pork isn’t all that sexy, but what it lacks in fancy ingredients and visual appeal it more than makes up for in flavor and pure comfort food bliss. Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 3-4lb pork shoulder roast 2 lbs sauerkraut, well drained 1 onion, sliced 1 golden delicious apple, peeled cored and sliced 1 […]
Read More
March 16 in German History
March 16, 1021 Death of St. Heribert von Köln. Heribert von Köln was born in Worms in ca. 970 and educated at the cathedral school in Worms. He was ordained a priest in 994. In 999 he was named … [Read More...]
Muttertag – Mother’s Day in Germany
God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers. Proverb Mother's day celebration in Germany takes place on the second Sunday of May. However, if this day happens to be the Pentecost … [Read More...]
Mettbrötchen: Germany’s Raw Pork Sandwich Explained
To the untrained eye - and especially the non-German stomach - Mettbrötchen might look like a culinary dare. Raw minced pork spread on a crusty bread roll, topped with raw onions, salt, and pepper? In … [Read More...]
Frankfurt Wreath (Frankfurter Kranz)
The Frankfurter Kranz is a cake specialty of Frankfurt, Germany. Preparation starts with the baking of a firm sponge cake in a ring shaped baking tin. The cake is then sliced horizontally to divide it … [Read More...]
German Air Force – Luftwaffe
The German Air Force (Luftwaffe) has faced dramatic changes in structure and strategic concepts as a result of the diminished threat in Central Europe and shrinking budgetary resources for modernized … [Read More...]
Gurkensalat (German Cucumber Salad)
Homemade cucumber salad is a refreshing companion to any main dish, be it meat or fish, which is especially popular in summer. This simple German classic can be prepared with different dressings. … [Read More...]
January 1 in German History
January 1, 329 Kontantinus (Konstantin's Son) becomes Caesar of the Western Roman Empire. His capital is Trier. January 1, 1076 The Holy Roman Emperor, Heinrich IV, persuades 26 bishops to … [Read More...]
Germany vs USA: Which Country is Better?
This question cannot possibly be evaluated completely objectively as personal feelings and cultural biases inevitably creep into the analysis. It’s important to consider that most human beings tend to … [Read More...]
Traditional German Beef Rouladen Recipe
Prep Time: 30 minutes Cook Time: 2 hours Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes Servings: 6 German Beef Rouladen, or "Rinderrouladen," is a classic dish often enjoyed during the colder months and a staple … [Read More...]
June 28 in German History
June 28, 1490 Birth of Albrecht von Brandenburg, Cardinal, Elector of the Holy Roman Empire and Archbishop of Mainz, against whom Luther struggled on the matter of the sale of indulgences. June … [Read More...]