For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Land Police Agencies in Germany
Below the federal level, police forces are organized by the Laender and are collectively known as Land police (Landpolizei). The forces are organized by cities, towns, or rural communities, but all are integral components of the police forces of the Land in which they are located. The Land minister of interior supervises police operations in […]
Bavarian Alps
Bavaria used to be an independent kingdom. It joined the German Empire in 1871 and has been part of Germany ever since. The largest federal state of Bavaria consists of Lake Constance, Franconia, the capital city of Munich and the Alps. The Bavarian Alps are part of the Alps and continue across the border into […]
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 Buddenbrooks by Thomas Mann. The Lübeck-born author won the Nobel Prize for literature for his first novel which he wrote in his […]
World War Memories
Life in Germany before and after the Versailles Treaty, and Hitler’s rise to power By Dorothea von Schwanenfluegel Lawson It is a pleasure to share a few thoughts with the Internet world. You must understand, all this technology is new to me, & frankly at my age, I’m not sure I can keep up with […]
Roasted New Potatoes and Asparagus
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh asparagus, with thick stalks, ends trimmed, cut in 1 1/2 – 2 inch pieces 400-800 g new potatoes, cut in half or thirds (the larger ones) 3 cloves garlic, sliced 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed between fingertips sea salt and fresh black pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped […]
Hidden Messages in German Fairytales
Not Just Bedtime Stories For many, German fairytales bring to mind magical forests, talking animals, and wicked witches. But beneath the surface of these enchanting tales lies a world far more complex. The stories collected by the Brothers Grimm and other folklorists are not just whimsical entertainment – they’re coded messages, steeped in cultural values, […]
The Birth of the Federal Republic of Germany
Participants at the Potsdam Conference had agreed that the foreign ministers of the four victorious powers should meet to implement and monitor the conference’s decisions about postwar Europe. During their fifth meeting, held in London in late 1947, prospects for concluding a peace treaty with Germany were examined. Following lengthy discussions on the question of […]
July 18 in German History
July 18, 1066 Death of St. Answer. St. Answer (ca. 1035 – 1066) was born in the far north of Germany in the area which is now the state of Schleswig-Holstein. He was a Benedictine monk who undertook missionary work among the pagans to the East of his homeland. He was martyred by stoning in […]
Moosbeereherbstblätter Bowle
Ingredients: – 4 cups apple juice (the lighter, the better) – 2 cups cranberry juice – 2 cups white grape juice – 1 bottle champagne (or for non-alcoholic use ginger ale) – 1 cup sliced ripe peaches (fresh, not canned!) – 1 cup vodka – 1 lemon (thinly sliced) – 1 orange (thinly sliced) – […]
Read More
April 14 in German History
April 14, 1759 Georg Friedrich Händel dies in London (born in Halle, Germany). Among his many great works, the composer is most known for his Messiah (1741), his Water Music (1717) and his … [Read More...]
Schultüte (School Cone)
A "Schultüte" (or School Cone, even though the word "Tüte" translates more as "bag" from German), is a paper or plastic bag in form of a big cone. When children in Germany, Czech Republic, close to … [Read More...]
Exploring the Depths of German Philosophy: A Journey Through Time and Thought
German philosophy, a beacon of intellectual thought, has profoundly shaped the landscape of modern philosophy. From the intricate ideas of Immanuel Kant to the existential musings of Friedrich … [Read More...]
German Superstitions and Folklore: Unusual Beliefs from the Past to the Present
Germany has a long and fascinating history of superstitions and folklore, with beliefs that have been passed down for generations. From ancient pagan customs to medieval fears of witches and spirits, … [Read More...]
The German Military in Two World Wars
Prussian-German excellence in military matters was an accepted fact of life, but in the twentieth century the excessive accent on militarism led to two disastrous world wars. Germany's insistence on … [Read More...]
October 18 in German History
October 18, 1748 The Treaty of Aachen ends the War of Austrian Succession. October 18, 1777 Birth of Heinrich von Kleist in Frankfurt an der Oder, Germany. Kleist was one of the outstanding writers … [Read More...]
Zwiebelbrot (Onion Bread) Recipe
Savory, aromatic, and delightfully chewy Zwiebelbrot or German Onion Bread, brings a comforting twist to classic loaves. Packed with golden caramelized onions and sometimes flecked with herbs or … [Read More...]
Döppekuchen – Rheinland Potato Flan
Döppekooche/Döbbekooche is a form of potato cake made of grated potatoes, finely minced onions, eggs and spices and cover in sausage pieces or strips of bacon, which is baked in a cast-iron pot (a … [Read More...]
Schlachtplatte
This is a feast for a crowd of friends. Prepare the sauerkraut (recipe follows) and a variety of sausages and meats. You may grill or fry the sausages or you may wish to cook some or all of the meats … [Read More...]
Schnecken (Sticky German Cinnamon Buns)
Schnecken are a type of sweet bun that was a traditional Saturday morning treat in German homes at the beginning of the 20th century. Schnecken means “snails,” which is what these coiled buns … [Read More...]