Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside … (More)
Featured Stories
November 6 in German History
November 6, 1672 Death of Heinrich Schütz in Dresden, 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. November 6, 1771 Birth of Alois Senefelder in Prague, then Imperial city (Reichsstadt) of the Holy […]
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 many cultures, this would be a serious food safety concern. But in Germany, it’s a beloved breakfast item, a snack […]
From Poets to Politicians: German’s Role in Identity
When we think about what binds a nation together, language is often at the heart of the answer. In Germany’s case, this is especially true. Long before there was a unified German state, there was a German language – or rather, many variations of it – serving as a cultural glue across fragmented territories. From […]
Labour Unions as a Political Force in Germany
During the Weimar Republic, labor unions were divided along partisan lines, a situation that led to competition among the socialist, communist, Catholic, and liberal trade associations. After World War II, labor leaders wanted to break with the past and form a trade union federation independent of political parties. The result was the establishment of the […]
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 […]
The Social Democratic-Free Democratic Coalition, 1969-82 and Willy Brandt
In the West German Bundestag elections of September 1969, the CDU/CSU remained the largest political group, holding eighteen more seats than the SPD. With the help of the FDP, which had earlier supported the candidacy of the SPD minister of justice Gustav Heinemann for the federal presidency, Willy Brandt was able to form an SPD-FDP […]
Semmelknödel – Bavarian Bread Dumplings
These traditional Bavarian bread dumplings, or Semmelknödel, are great when you’ve got delicious gravy to soak up. They taste especially great served with Sauerbraten! Ingredients: 8 day-old white rolls or slices of white bread 1 cup warm milk 1 onion, peeled and chopped 1 teaspoon butter 2 eggs 2 tablespoons flour a pinch of salt […]
Engineering the Autobahn: Innovations in Highway Construction
The Autobahn is renowned not only for its expansive network and high-speed limits but also for its exceptional engineering. This article examines the cutting-edge construction techniques and materials that contribute to the durability and safety of the Autobahn, highlighting how these innovations have set standards in highway engineering globally. Design Principles: Construction Techniques: Materials Innovation: […]
The Outbreak of World War II
On September 1, 1939, German troops invaded Poland. Britain and France declared war on Germany two days later. By the end of the month, Hitler’s armies had overrun western Poland. Soviet armies occupied eastern Poland, and the two countries subsequently formally divided Poland between them. In April 1940, German forces conquered Denmark and Norway, and […]
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Katharina von Bora
Katharina von Bora, after her wedding Katharina Luther, also referred to as "die Lutherin", was the wife of Martin Luther, German reformer and a seminal figure of the Protestant Reformation. Beyond … [Read More...]
Fuggerei
The Fuggerei is the world's oldest social housing complex still in use. It is a walled enclave within the city of Augsburg, Bavaria. It takes its name from the Fugger family and was founded in 1516 by … [Read More...]
The Amber Room: History of the Creation
The history of the Amber Room dates back to the very beginning of the 18th century, when Andreas Schluter, the chief architect of the Prussian royal court, had the idea of using amber, a material … [Read More...]
Satzzeichen – German Punctuation Marks
An essential part of learning to write in German is learning how to properly use German punctuation - a system of marks or signs that are placed in a text to clarify meaning and separate structural … [Read More...]
May 6 in German History
May 6, 1757 The battle of Prague takes place in the Seven Year's War (1756-1763) (Siebenjähriger Krieg) between Prussia and Austria and their allies. May 6, 1856 Birth of Sigmund Freud … [Read More...]
Glühwein: A Toast to Tradition – Unveiling Its Rich History and Timeless Recipe
As the winter chill sets in and festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s one tradition that calls out to the warmth-seekers and flavor aficionados alike: the time-honored practice of sipping Glühwein. … [Read More...]
Famous Germans
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...]
What to Bring When Invited to a German Home: Flowers, Gifts, and Faux Pas
If you’ve been invited to a German home, congratulations - you’re about to experience a warm and meaningful aspect of German culture. But before you walk through the door, there’s one important thing … [Read More...]
Bavarian Beer Roasted Pork
This is the ultimate roast – Bavarian beer roasted pork, also known as Bayerischer Schweinebraten or Krustenbraten - tender, juicy meat and crunchy crackling on top, perfectly roasted and crispy. This … [Read More...]