Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
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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 holdings. He nearly became Pope. The Pope, Julius, was very ill and a schismatic Council of Pisa offered Maximilian the position as […]
January 30 in German History
January 30, 1687 Birth of Balthasar Neumann (1687-1753) in Eger, Austrian Empire (now in the Czech Republic). Neumann was the leading architect of the Baroque period in Austria and Germany. In 1711 he moved to Würzburg, Germany, to work for the Bishop/Elector. In 1719 he began work on the palace of the Bishop, a work […]
German Knackwurst Recipe: A Delightful Culinary Journey
German cuisine is renowned for its hearty, flavorful dishes, and at the heart of this culinary tradition lies the Knackwurst. A type of German sausage known for its distinctive snap and rich flavor, Knackwurst is a staple in German festivals, beer gardens, and dinner tables. This article explores the history, preparation, and unique characteristics of […]
Spritzgebäck – A Traditional German Christmas Cookie
Among all the treasured Christmas cookies baked across Germany in December, few hold a place of honor quite like Spritzgebäck. These delicate, buttery cookies – piped or pressed into beautifully shaped rings, S-shapes, and strips – are a staple of Advent baking. Their charm lies in their simplicity: crisp yet tender, lightly sweet, and wonderfully […]
The Counter-Reformation and Religious Tensions
The Peace of Augsburg brought peace but did not settle the religious disagreements in Germany. For one thing, its signatories did not recognize Calvinism, a relatively stringent form of Protestantism that was gaining prominence around the time the Augsburg treaty was signed, in what has been called the Second Reformation. Adherents to both Calvinism and […]
Burg Satzvey – Moated Castle
Satzvey Castle is one of the best-kept moated castles in Rhineland, whose origins go back to the 12th century. Satzvey Castle is well-known today for its diverse events, showing history and tradition in an interesting and fun way. Burg Satzvey is a medieval water castle, originally from the 12th century, and is located on the […]
Eggs in Frankfurter Green Sauce
Ingredients: 5 hard-boiled eggs 1/2 cup rapeseed oil 5 oz plain yogurt 5 oz sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (e.g. watercress, chives, sorrel, parsley, chervil etc) 1 garlic clove juice of half a lemon 1 tablespoon German prepared mustard salt and pepper to taste 1 pinch sugar 1 pickled German gherkin 1 onion […]
The Peace of Westphalia (1648)
On October 24, 1648, after thirty years of bloodshed, destruction, and famine, the signing of the Peace of Westphalia in the cities of Münster and Osnabrück marked the end of the Thirty Years’ War – a conflict that had devastated much of Europe, especially the German lands. But these treaties didn’t just silence cannons – […]
Zimtsterne – Cinnamon Stars
Among all the irresistible Christmas cookies baked across Germany during Advent, few are as iconic, aromatic, and unmistakably festive as Zimtsterne – the beautifully shaped German Cinnamon Stars. With their snowy white icing, deep almond flavor, and warm notes of cinnamon, these star-shaped cookies capture the magic of the holiday season in a single bite. […]
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German Potato Salad
Ingredients: 4 slices bacon 1 small onion, chopped 1/4 cup vinegar 2 tbsp. water 3 tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. salt 3 cups cooked potatoes, chopped ground black pepper parsley Preparation: Place the … [Read More...]
The Strange and Strict Rules of German Sauna Culture
Germany takes sauna culture seriously, and for first-time visitors, it can be both surprising and intimidating. Unlike in many countries where saunas are casual relaxation spaces, German saunas come … [Read More...]
Fascinating World of Medieval Justice at the Medieval Crime Museum in Rothenburg ob der Tauber
The Medieval Crime Museum (Mittelalterliches Kriminalmuseum) in Rothenburg ob der Tauber is a gateway to the arcane world of medieval justice. Nestled within the well-preserved walls of this iconic … [Read More...]
The German Constitution
The framers of the Federal Republic of Germany's 1949 constitution sought to create safeguards against the emergence of either an overly fragmented, multiparty democracy, similar to the Weimar … [Read More...]
The Peace of Westphalia
The Peace of Westphalia largely settled German affairs for the next century and a half. It ended religious conflicts between the states and included official recognition of Calvinism. Its signatories … [Read More...]
Fertility in Germany
Despite the Berlin Wall and the fortified boundary that divided them, the two Germanys had many similar demographic developments in the postwar period. In the late 1950s and especially in the 1960s, … [Read More...]
March 7 in German History
March 7, 1795 Birth of Ludwig von Gerlach in Berlin, Germany. Gerlach was a conservative politician who opposed the unification of Germany in 1871 and opposed Bismarck's Kulturkampf of … [Read More...]
Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Recipe
Simple yet satisfying, Schwäbischer Kartoffelsalat - also known as Swabian Potato Salad - is one of Germany’s most beloved regional dishes. Unlike its creamy Northern cousin, this southern specialty … [Read More...]
The Smaller States of Germany: German History
By the eighteenth century, none of the other states of the German empire were strong enough to have territorial ambitions to match those of Prussia and Austria. Some of the larger states, such as … [Read More...]
What You Need to Know About German Dating Culture
When it comes to dating, Germany might not be the first country that comes to mind. Yet for those navigating romance in this structured, sincere, and refreshingly honest culture, German dating can be … [Read More...]