For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
The Napoleonic Wars and the Confederation of the Rhine
In the early 19th century, Europe was upended by the ambitions of one man: Napoleon Bonaparte. While his empire rose and fell in just over a decade, his influence reverberated for generations. No region was more profoundly affected than the German-speaking lands, which experienced the violent collapse of the Holy Roman Empire, sweeping legal and […]
Real Germans and Political Correctness
Real Germans and Political Correctness, Multi-Culturalism, Private and Group Discussions By guest author WEISSDORN Political Correctness Real Germans are the inventors of Political Correctness. If you think this is something fashionable they came up with in the 90’s in the U.S.- WRONG! Germany has been practicing Political Correctness with a fervor since about 1965, and […]
Schneeball – Sweet Pastry from Rothenburg ob der Tauber
A Schneeball (snowball), is a pastry made from shortcrust pastry and is especially popular in the area of Rothenburg ob der Tauber. Its name derives from its round, ball-like shape, with a diameter of about eight to ten centimeters, and its traditional decoration with white confectioner’s sugar. It is also called a Storchennest (stork’s nest). […]
Oster Lammbraten – Traditional German Roast Lamb with Herbs Recipe
Oster Lammbraten is a classic German Easter main dish, symbolizing rebirth and spring. Traditionally served on Easter Sunday, this herb-marinated roast lamb is slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful meat. Served with potato dumplings, red cabbage, or spring vegetables, this dish is the highlight of many Easter meals across Germany. The lamb is often […]
Sweet and Sour Cabbage with Bacon
The combination of tangy cider vinegar, onions, and smoked bacon makes this German side dish absolutely addictive. It’s so good, you’ll want to eat it as the main meal! There is something about adding bacon to recipes that sends the dish over the top. Between the crispy tenderness of the sauteed cabbage and the crunchy […]
Invited to a German Home? What to Bring and How to Behave
Germany is known for its order, precision, and strong social norms – and nowhere is this more evident than in the home. If you’re invited to a German household, whether for coffee, dinner, or an overnight stay, the unspoken rules are clear, culturally deep, and often surprising to outsiders. What’s the right gift to bring? […]
Albert Einstein Quotes
Here you can find the best Quotes of Albert Einstein – a German-born theoretical physicist who developed the theory of relativity. The difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits. We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you […]
February 12 in German History
February 12, 1777 Birth of Friedrich de La Motte Fouque in Brandenburg, Germany. Descended from a French noble family, Fouque was for a time a very popular writer. His best known works are Undine (1811) and Der Held des Nordens (1808). February 12, 1804 The philosopher Immanuel Kant (1724-1804) dies in Königsberg (now Kaliningrad in […]
February 25 in German History
February 25 Feast Day of St. Walpurgis (ca. 710-779) (Name also spelled Walpurga and Walburga) St. Walpurgis was the daughter of St. Boniface’s sister. In about 748 she was called by St. Boniface to assist in the missionary effort in Germany. In 761 she became the abbess of the Benedictine monastery in Heidenheim. She is […]
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The Meaning of Ostern: Why Easter Matters in Germany
Easter, or Ostern in German, is one of the most significant holidays in Germany. While Christmas might get more attention globally, Easter plays a crucial role in German culture, religion, and family … [Read More...]
Shoes Off or On? Understanding German Indoor Etiquette
You’ve been invited to a German home. The host greets you with a smile, you hand over a polite gift - and then comes the moment of truth: do you keep your shoes on, or start unlacing at the … [Read More...]
The Birth of the German Democratic Republic
As with the birth of the FRG, the formation of a separate nation-state in the Soviet zone also took only a few years. In late 1947, the SED convened the "German People's Congress for Unity and a Just … [Read More...]
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, … [Read More...]
The French Revolution and Germany
The French Revolution, which erupted in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille in Paris, at first gained the enthusiastic approval of some German intellectuals, who welcomed the proclamation of a … [Read More...]
What the World Gets Wrong About Germans
The world loves neat labels, and few are as durable as German stereotypes: humorless, hyper punctual, rule obsessed, sausage powered. The reality is more interesting. Germany is a big, varied country … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
German Easter Recipes: Traditional Dishes for a Festive Ostern
Easter (Ostern) in Germany is not just about egg hunts and bonfires—it’s also a time for delicious, traditional meals that bring families together. From sweet Easter lamb cakes (Osterlamm) to hearty … [Read More...]
Flädlesuppe – German Pancake Soup
Flädlesuppe, or German pancake soup, is basically a bit like chicken noodle soup except with strips of pancake in the broth. This southern German favorite is perfect as a first course for lunch on … [Read More...]
German Stereotypes: What’s True and What’s Not
Imagine you’re about to meet someone for the first time. Before you even shake hands, someone whispers in your ear: “They’re always serious. They love rules. They have no sense of humor.” Now you … [Read More...]