For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
‘Viel Spass’ on German Spas!
German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning ‘health by water’ or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now. […]
July 23 in German History
July 23, 1562 Götz von Berlichingen (also known as Götz of the Iron Hand) dies at Hornberg Castle. He was a German (Franconian) Imperial Knight (Reichsritter) and mercenary. He was born around 1480 into the noble family of Berlichingen in Württemberg. Götz bought Hornberg castle (Neckarzimmern) in 1517, and lived there until his death in […]
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 […]
Pumpernickel – How to Make German Rye Bread
Pumpernickel is one of Germany’s most iconic and misunderstood breads. Dense, dark, and slightly sweet, it has been a staple in German cuisine for centuries. Originally from Westphalia, this slow-baked rye bread is famous for its unique taste and incredible shelf life. Though it may look intimidating, authentic Pumpernickel is surprisingly simple to make at […]
The Dachshund: A Spotlight on Germany’s Endearing Canine Icon
Germany, known for its rich cultural heritage, engineering genius, and a love for beer and sausages, also boasts a fine pedigree of dog breeds. Of these, the Dachshund is arguably the most iconic. With their distinctive physique, confident demeanor, and an adventurous spirit, Dachshunds have made their way into millions of homes and hearts around […]
Christkind in Germany
If you ask a German child who brings the gifts at Christmas, you’ll receive two very different answers depending on where they live. In the north, the reply is often the Weihnachtsmann, the familiar bearded figure who resembles Santa Claus. But in the south and west, the answer comes with a little more wonder, a […]
The Real Story Behind Bavaria’s Mad King Ludwig II
Few figures in German history have inspired as much fascination and speculation as King Ludwig II of Bavaria. Known to many as “the Mad King,” Ludwig’s life was marked by eccentricity, extravagant castle building, and a mysterious death that still fuels conspiracy theories today. Yet to reduce him to a caricature is to miss the […]
Tips to Remember German Gender: Der, Die, Das
Memorizing the gender of countless German nouns can be pretty frustrating. For someone who is just starting out with German, this can be really confusing – especially as the genders don’t necessarily seem logical. German nouns can be masculine, feminine or neuter, and this gender affects the form of the articles (and the adjectives) we […]
Total Mobilization, Resistance, and the Holocaust in Germany
Once it became clear that the war would not be a short one, Germany’s industry was reorganized for a total mobilization. Between February 1942 and July 1944, armaments production increased threefold despite intense Allied bombing raids. Much of the labor for this increase came from the employment of some 7 million foreigners, taken from their […]
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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...]
November 11 in German History
November 11 - St. Martin's Day (Martinstag) This festival was originally celebrated in memory of St Martin of Tours (b. 316 AD) and marked the 40 day fasting period before Christmas. When the … [Read More...]
Kalbsvögerl – “Little Veal Birds”!
Kalbsvögerl, literally "little veal birds", are small veal roulades with herbal spicy stuffing. Perfect to enjoy with mashed potatoes or Spätzle. Ingredients: 8 thinly cut veal steaks (100 g … [Read More...]
January 12 in German History
January 12, 1519 Death of Maximilian I in Wels, Austria. 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...]
How to Make German Quark
Quark is a traditional, creamy, unripened cheese tracing its origin to German-speaking and eastern European countries. Quark is said to be a cross between yogurt and cottage cheese. This fresh, … [Read More...]
Civil vs. Church Weddings in Germany: What You Need to Know
In Germany, saying “I do” is not as simple as exchanging rings and a kiss in front of family and friends. Legally speaking, a German marriage begins not in a chapel, garden, or ballroom - but at the … [Read More...]
Swabian Pancakes
Swabian Pancakes, also known as "Schwäbische Pfannkuchen," are a delightful dish hailing from the Swabian region of Southern Germany. This versatile and delicious recipe is perfect for both savory and … [Read More...]
German Nationality Law
On January 1, 2000 a new nationality law came into force in Germany. This law will help foreigners living in Germany to become German citizens. According to the new law, "At the heart of the reform is … [Read More...]
German Prädikatswein System: A Detailed Guide to Understanding Germany’s Elite Wines
Germany's winemaking heritage is both rich and distinguished, with its Prädikatswein system standing as a testament to the country's commitment to quality and tradition. Prädikatswein, formerly known … [Read More...]
German Society
Nationality: noun: German(s) adjective: German Ethnic groups: German 91.5%, Turkish 2.4%, other 6.1% (made up largely of Greek, Italian, Polish, Russian, Serbo-Croatian, … [Read More...]