A friend of mine moved to Munich for a new job, walked into a small café on her first weekend, … (More)
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Friedrich von Schiller – the German Genius of Beauty and Freedom
Friedrich Schiller (November 10, 1759 – May 9, 1805), later ennobled to Friedrich von Schiller by the Duke of Wurttemberg, is one of the most famous German philosophers, playwrights and poets. Although he was born and grew up in Wurttemberg, the peak of his power happened while he was living in Weimar. The destiny joined […]
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, […]
How to Move to Germany
If you do not want to completely say goodbye to your own country in order to live in Germany, permanent residency to guarantee you can stay long-term might be a better bet. Taking up residency in Germany can be a tricky topic that involves a fair bit of paperwork. This article will list the most […]
How to Pack for a Trip to Germany
Avoid disappointment upon your arrival in Germany by knowing the important things in advance. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: varies Here’s How: Take a Foreign-German dictionary from your original country. Bring some German currency. If you bring a computer and it doesn’t accept 230V, be sure to take an auto-transformer (not the simple “converters” used […]
March 30 in German History
March 30, 1858 Birth of Lassa Francis Lawrence Oppenheim in Windecken, Germany. Oppenheim, a jurist, immigrated to London in 1895 to teach at the London School of Economics. In 1908 he became a professor at Cambridge University. He specialized in international law. He based his concept of international law on adherence to specific agreements and […]
Dialects vs. Standard German: Why Both Still Matter
To an outsider, the German language may seem straightforward – especially if you’re learning it from a textbook or app. But once you set foot in Germany, you quickly realize that there’s not just one German. Instead, you’ll hear dozens of regional flavors, from the melodic drawl of Bavarian to the crisp consonants of Saxon. […]
Frankfurter Würstchen – The Original German Hot Dog
Long, slender, and lightly smoked, the Frankfurter Würstchen is Germany’s closest cousin to the American hot dog – and in fact, it came first. This mild, finely textured sausage is traditionally served warm with bread, mustard, and potato salad, and has been a favorite in Frankfurt for centuries. Unlike its American descendant, the Frankfurter Würstchen […]
German Idioms
German idioms are an integral part of daily communication, adding color and depth to the language. We delve into expressions that might baffle non-native speakers but are second nature to Germans. Join us as we unpack these expressions and their relevance in modern German. Related Articles:German Idioms – Part 1: Everyday Sayings ExplainedGerman Idioms – […]
May 26 in German History
May 26, 1799 Birth of August Kopisch in Breslau, Germany (now in Poland). Kopisch was a painter and poet. Two of his books of poetry are Gedichte (1836) and Allerlei Geister (1848). Allerlei Geister was based on legends and fairy tales. Kopisch studied painting and archaeology in Italy (1823–28) and in 1826 rediscovered, with Ernst […]
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Albrecht Dürer – Germany’s Master of Art
When we think of the German Renaissance, one name shines brighter than the rest - Albrecht Dürer. Revered as one of the greatest artists of his time, Dürer seamlessly blended Northern European detail … [Read More...]
Germany in the World Economy
Along with the United States and Japan, Germany has one of the world's biggest economies and most dominant central banks. Of the three, Germany has the smallest and most vulnerable economy. Germany's … [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...]
Carl Friedrich Gauss – The Prince of Mathematics
Carl Friedrich Gauss, original name Johann Friedrich Carl Gauss, (born April 30, 1777, Brunswick - died February 23, 1855, Göttingen, Hanover), German mathematician, generally regarded as one of the … [Read More...]
Matjessalat – Traditional German Matjes Herring Salad Recipe
Delicate, creamy, and mildly tangy - Matjessalat, or Matjes herring salad, is a northern German favorite that combines young herring fillets with apples, onions, and a smooth dairy-based dressing. … [Read More...]
Krampus – the Dark Side of St. Nicholas
Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word Krampen, meaning pickaxe, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. Originally, Krampus was a purely pagan creation, said to be the son of … [Read More...]
10 Surprising Facts About Mettbrötchen
To many Germans, Mettbrötchen is just part of life – an everyday food item as familiar as coffee and bread. But this simple-looking raw pork sandwich hides a surprising amount of history, culture, … [Read More...]
July 24 in German History
July 24, 1683 The first German settlers leave for the USA on board the Concord. Originally from Krefeld in the Rhine Valley, they spent 73 days on the ship, crossing the ocean. Those 33 … [Read More...]
Bremen – the City of the World-Famous Fairytale Musicians
The City Municipality of Bremen is a Hanseatic city in northwestern Germany. Bremen used to be a very important marketplace located on Weser river which had port with free exit to the North Sea … [Read More...]
The Island of Reichenau – Monastic Heritage of the Middle Ages
The Island of Reichenau is located in southern Germany. It lies almost due west of the city of Konstanz, between the Gnadensee and the Untersee, two parts of Lake Constance. With a total land surface … [Read More...]