Most people picture Oktoberfest as one giant tent full of lederhosen, oompah bands, and liters of … (More)
Featured Stories
Hamburg – European Melting Pot
Over the years Hamburg is well-known city all over the world and the main reason of such popularity is its famous incredibly huge harbor. Hamburg harbor can be called its ‘gates’ providing both commercial and cultural prosperity of the city. Serving the country as the European entry for centuries Hamburg harbor inhabited city with thousands […]
Hands on the Table: German Dining Gestures and Cutlery Rules
In Germany, the dinner table is more than a place to eat – it’s a place to express respect, structure, and social awareness. Unlike casual eating norms in some countries, German dining etiquette includes a surprisingly rich set of gestures, hand placements, and rules around cutlery that can either impress or confuse unprepared guests. Whether […]
How to Win a German’s Favor
It is very important for a stranger to be accepted in German society. Study the following rules, use your intuition, think of all the good things you were taught in your childhood, and good luck! Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: 2 hours Here’s How: Be on time (at least do your best not to be […]
The Middle Ages in German History
Picture a castle perched high on a misty hill, knights in chainmail clanking through narrow village streets, and monks illuminating manuscripts in candlelit scriptoriums. Welcome to The Middle Ages in German History, a time of feudal lords, imperial ambitions, epic poetry, and brewing revolts. Far from being a dark age, this period laid the foundations […]
July 29 in German History
July 29, 1605 Birth of Simon Dach in Memel, Prussia (now Lithuania). Dach was one of the outstanding German Baroque poets. July 29, 1889 Birth of Ernst Reuter in Apenrade, Germany. Reuter was the Mayor of West Berlin during the time of Cold War (1948-1953). Memorable is Reuter’s speech in front of the burned-out Reichstag […]
German Birthday Traditions: Surprising Customs
Birthdays are celebrated around the world, but Germany brings its own set of traditions, superstitions, and quirky customs to the occasion – some of which surprise even seasoned travelers. From an almost sacred rule about early congratulations to elaborate public pranks reserved for milestone ages, German birthday culture reveals a lot about the country’s values: […]
April 11 in German History
April 11, 1370 Birth of Friederich I (also called Friedrich der Streitbare) in Saxony. Friedrich became the elector of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire. He assisted the emperor, Sigismund in a campaign against the Bohemian adherents of Jan Hus in 1420. April 11, 1741 Birth of Johann Heinrich Merck in Darmstadt, Germany. Merck supported […]
German Easter Foods: Traditional Dishes for Ostern
Easter in Germany is a time for gathering with family, celebrating the arrival of spring, and indulging in delicious food. While many people associate Easter with colorful eggs and the Easter Bunny, the holiday’s culinary traditions are just as significant. Across Germany, Easter menus are filled with dishes that have deep cultural, historical, and even […]
The Amusing German Language
Germans are universally known as a rather serious lot, lacking any sense of humor (disclaimer: NOT TRUE). However, German language bears so many pitfalls, leading to an array of funny situations. The way German speakers are unintentionally funny is priceless and an invaluable way to break the ice in awkward situations. Just imagine all the […]
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German-Style Fried Potatoes (Bratkartoffeln)
If there’s one side dish that defines rustic German cooking, it’s Bratkartoffeln - crispy, golden-brown slices of pan-fried potatoes that are as versatile as they are irresistible. Often made with … [Read More...]
Understanding Gemütlichkeit: The Art of Coziness and Comfort in German Culture
In the heart of German culture lies a concept that transcends mere translation, embodying a sense of warmth, coziness, and well-being: Gemütlichkeit. This integral part of German life weaves through … [Read More...]
Love in Translation: How Germans Express Romance
Love doesn’t always speak the same language - literally or culturally. When it comes to German romance, communication is shaped by values that are often at odds with what foreigners expect. Whether … [Read More...]
July 12 in German History
July 12, 1773 Death of Johann Joachim Quantz in Potsdam, Germany. Quantz was a musician who was the flute instructor of Friedrich der Große of Prussia when he was a youngster. Later Friedrich … [Read More...]
How to Prepare for a Trip to Germany
If you are planning a trip to Germany but have no idea what to pack, here is everything you need to know about what to pack for your trip and the essential items you absolutely must take with you, … [Read More...]
Altena Castle – World’s First Hostel
Altena Castle (Burg Altena) is a Medieval hill castle in the town of Altena in North Rhine-Westphalia. Built on a spur of Klusenberg hill, the castle lies near the Lenne in the Märkischer Kreis. The … [Read More...]
The Peace of Augsburg
Imagine a country where the ruler’s religion dictated your own. No choice. No freedom of belief. Just the heavy hand of authority deciding how - and to whom - you should pray. Welcome to 16th-century … [Read More...]
December 9 in German History
December 9, 1437 Death of Sigismund, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1433-1437, in Znojmo, Bohemia (born near Nürnberg, Germany). He was the last emperor of the House of Luxembourg. In 1396 he … [Read More...]
German Dog Breeds: Great Dane
The Great Dane is a German breed of domestic dog known for its giant size. Though Irish Wolfhounds are taller as a breed, the world's tallest dog is a Great Dane. Anyone who's spent time with one also … [Read More...]
Getting Married in Germany (legal issues)
If a couple plans to get married in Germany, it is recommended to start with the legal formalities as soon as possible (for example, in some regions - 6 months early), because a number of legal … [Read More...]