At around eight o'clock on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, a train arriving in Cologne looks like … (More)
Featured Stories
Grebbel (Fried Dough)
Grebbel is deep-fried dough, something like a doughnut, which is fried and then served with powdered sugar sprinkled on it, while still warm. Ingredients: 1⁄2 cup soft butter (no substitute) 1⁄2 pint sour cream (do not use fat free or low fat) 4 eggs, beaten 4 cups flour 1⁄4 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons baking […]
German History: From the Holy Roman Empire to the Modern Era
German history is a fascinating journey through centuries of cultural, political, and economic developments. From the establishment of the Holy Roman Empire to the rise and fall of the Berlin Wall, Germany’s rich past has shaped not only its own destiny but also the course of European history. In this article, we delve into the […]
Rindfleischsalat – Traditional German Beef Salad Recipe
Hearty, savory, and full of bold flavor – Rindfleischsalat, or German beef salad, is a traditional dish that transforms tender slices of beef into a satisfying cold salad. Dressed with vinegar, oil, onions, and pickles, this salad is a popular feature at Bavarian beer gardens, hearty lunches, and festive gatherings. If you love robust flavors […]
Hidden Gems: Small German Christmas Markets Worth Visiting
Not all Christmas magic happens under the soaring cathedral spires of Nuremberg or Cologne. Across Germany, hundreds of smaller towns and villages light up with local charm and centuries-old holiday traditions. These lesser-known Christmas markets offer an experience that’s more personal, peaceful, and in many ways, more magical than their famous counterparts. In this guide, […]
German Calendar – Today in German History
German Calendar – Today in German History See what happened on this day in the history of Germany – just click on the date. January: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, […]
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. […]
German Geography
Germany is located in the Central Europe, bordering the Baltic Sea and the North Sea, between the Netherlands and Poland, south of Denmark. Roughly the size of Montana and situated even farther north, unified Germany has an area of 356,959 square kilometers. Extending 853 kilometers from its northern border with Denmark to the Alps in […]
Relations Between the Two Germanys
Although Honecker pursued a tough policy against internal dissidents and carefully guarded the GDR’s unique identity as the state in which the old Marxist dream of socialism had become a reality, he was keenly aware of the necessity for communication and reasonable working relations with the FRG. His dream of being received at the White […]
Bavarian Leberkäse
Literally translated, Leberkäse means “liver cheese” in German, even though in Bavaria it does not contain any liver or cheese at all. Leberkäse is a special sausage meat and is very popular in the South of Germany, Bavaria. It is said that the meatloaf was invented in 1776 by the cook of Charles Theodore, Elector […]
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German Blitz Torte
This German Blitz Torte recipe is such a quick and easy cake to make. Even though this recipe looks long and complicated, it isn't. Blitz means lightning or with lightning speed, and that's what this … [Read More...]
German Wedding Traditions: From Polterabend to Log Sawing
Picture this: it's the night before a wedding, and instead of a quiet dinner or an early bedtime, the bride and groom are standing in someone's driveway surrounded by broken plates, old sinks, and the … [Read More...]
August 7 in German History
August 7, ca. 304 St. Afra of Augsburg is martyred for her Christian faith. Her origins are lost in history, though it is likely that she came from the Mediterranean, probably Cyprus. The … [Read More...]
April 20 in German History
April 20, 1494 Birth of Johann Agricola (1494-1566) (original name: Johann Schneider) in Eisleben, Germany (He was a friend and supporter of Martin Luther). Agricola became a strong proponent … [Read More...]
Daily German Life in Blumenau: Food, Language, Customs
Wander through the streets of Blumenau and you might think you’ve stumbled into a pocket of Germany set down in the lush tropics of Brazil. Half-timbered houses line the roads. Locals sip beer from … [Read More...]
Friedrich Nietzsche Quotes
Friedrich Nietzsche was not your average philosopher. He didn’t aim to comfort readers—he aimed to wake them up. Often poetic, sometimes scathing, and always provocative, Nietzsche’s quotes distill … [Read More...]
April 9 in German History
April 9, 1486 The Habsburg, Maximilian I is crowned German king at Aachen. He would later become the Holy Roman emperor. Maximilian expanded the influence of the House of Habsburg through war … [Read More...]
German Wines
You will probably be surprised to see an article about German wine, why not beer, right? Indeed, being the most popular drink among the Germans, beer has captured attention of the whole country and … [Read More...]
Franzbrötchen – Traditional German Cinnamon Pastry Recipe
Franzbrötchen is Hamburg’s famous cinnamon pastry, known for its buttery, flaky texture and caramelized cinnamon-sugar filling. Resembling a mix between a croissant and a cinnamon roll, this treat is … [Read More...]
The Saxons and Their Conversion to Christianity
When you picture the Saxons, think fierce, forest-dwelling warriors. Picture long beards, wooden idols, and tribal gatherings by firelight. Now, imagine that within a few generations, these same … [Read More...]