Nestled in the cultural heart of Europe, German universities are not just educational institutions; … (More)
German Culture
Germany, a country in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, diverse influences, and continuous innovation. This website covers almost all aspects of German culture, offering a glimpse into what makes it both unique and universally appealing.
German culture has been shaped by major historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, industrialization, two World Wars, and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each era left an indelible mark on German society, influencing its traditions, values, and global perception.
German, Germany’s official language, is known for its precision and depth. The country has a rich literary tradition, with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and more contemporary authors like Günter Grass and Herta Müller. The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales have captivated children worldwide, while their work in linguistics has had a lasting impact on the study of Germanic languages.
Germany’s contribution to the arts is monumental. In classical music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner have left a legacy that defines the genre. In visual arts, the German Renaissance, and later movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus, have influenced art globally.
From the Romanesque and Gothic churches to modernist Bauhaus buildings, German architecture displays a range of styles. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism, while the Berlin skyline showcases cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
German culture is rich in traditions and customs, many of which are celebrated through various festivals and events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is world-famous, drawing visitors from across the globe to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and food in a festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing like Lederhosen and Dirndl are often worn, showcasing regional folk costumes.
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are magical, with their origins dating back to the Middle Ages. These markets, found in nearly every town, are filled with festive decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights like Glühwein and Lebkuchen.
The Carnival season, particularly strong in the Rhineland region, features parades, costumes, and balls. It’s a time when traditional roles are reversed, and revelers enjoy a sense of freedom and humor.
Cuisine
German cuisine is as diverse as its regions, known for its hearty and robust flavors. Dishes like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Pretzels are globally recognized. Each region has its specialties, like the seafood dishes of the North, the apple wine of Hessen, or the Spätzle of the South.
Germany is famous for its beer, with a brewing tradition rooted in the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516. The country boasts a variety of beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Kölsch. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in picturesque vineyards along rivers like the Rhine and Mosel.
This comprehensive website of German culture highlights its depth and diversity, offering a window into a nation that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Germany’s rich cultural tapestry has something to intrigue and inspire everyone.
Featured Story
Featured Stories
July 17 in German History
July 17, 1048 The third German pope, Damasus II, is enthroned in Rome. Originally named Poppo, he was born in Bavaria. He was the Bishop of Brixen in Tyrol when Heinrich III nominated him as pope. He was enthroned as pope on July 17, 1048 but soon after arival in Rome contracted malaria and died […]
February 22 in German History
February 22, 1455 Birth of Johannes Reuchlin in Pforzheim, Germany. Reuchlin was a scholar of ancient Greek and Latin who also developed a keen interest in Hebrew language and literature. In 1509 the Cologne Dominican, Johannes Pfefferkorn, persuaded the emperor to order the destruction of Hebrew books because they were a danger to Christianity. Reuchlin’s […]
Sauerkraut Cheese Spätzle
Ingredients: 3 sliced onions1 tbsp vegetable oil4 1/2 cups all purpose flour1 tbsp salt5 large eggs1 3/4 – 2 cups water1 (14.5 oz) can of Sauerkraut (don’t drain, keep juice)1 tbsp olive oil or butter1 package of shredded mozzarella cheese Method: Preheat the oven to 450 F (230 C). Fill a large pot with water, […]
Brathering – Marinated Fried Herring
Pronounced /ˈbrɑːtˌheɪrɪŋ/, Brathering is a popular dish from northern Germany made of fried fresh herrings that marinate for several days before serving. Serve for lunch with fried potatoes. Ingredients: 4 fresh herrings ready to be cooked salt and pepper 1 tablespoon sugar flour butter or oil for frying 1 cup red wine vinegar 1 cup […]
Federalism in Germany
Germany has a strong tradition of regional government dating back to the founding of the German Empire in 1871. Since unification in 1990, the Federal Republic has consisted of sixteen Laender: the ten Laender of the former West Germany, the five new Laender of the former East Germany, and Berlin. (However, Berlin and the eastern […]
Cosima Wagner – the Lady of Bayreuth and Richard Wagner’s Wife
“I had neither mother nor father. Richard was everything to me. He is the only one who has given me love. “ – Cosima Wagner Cosima Wagner (born December 25, 1837, Bellagio, Lombardy, Austrian Empire [now in Italy] – died April 1, 1930, Bayreuth, Germany), wife of the composer Richard Wagner and director of the […]
German Cars
The cars are used so extensively nowadays, that they tend to turn into a separate cultural subcategory, especially where the German culture is concerned. The exteriors always define the first impression. That is why people purchase expensive vehicles, committing money rather to the brand image of a car than to the perfect technical devices, or […]
Richard Wagner
“I am the most German being, I am the German spirit.”Richard Wagner Richard Wagner considered himself to be “the most German of men”. He wrote such great operas as “Tristan und Isolde”, “Parsifal”, “Der fliegende Hollaender”, “Der Ring des Nibelungen”, and others. He actively participated in the revolution of 1849. He had numerous love affairs. He […]
Spundekäs
Spundekäs is a Mainz specialty. This is a smooth cheese paste, partly made from quark and seasoned with pepper, salt and sweet paprika. When you order Spundekäs, it will normally come with chopped onion sprinkled on top and with crackers and mini pretzels on the side for dipping. The perfect match is Riesling or Müller-Thurgau […]
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The Day of Euro – the European Currency
January 1, 1999, the New Year's day, coincided with the day when eleven European nations officially launched the euro as their shared currency. The name of the new European currency was decided upon … [Read More...]
May 15 in German History
May 15, 719 St. Boniface receives the pope's permission to undertake a mission to christianize the area now known as Germany. Winfried (675-754) (church name Bonifatius or Boniface) was … [Read More...]
Internal Security in Germany
The German legal system is the product of many centuries of development, starting with the tribal laws of the first Germans. Those indigenous customs were influenced and changed under Roman law and … [Read More...]
Döppekuchen – Rheinland Potato Flan
Döppekooche/Döbbekooche is a form of potato cake made of grated potatoes, finely minced onions, eggs and spices and cover in sausage pieces or strips of bacon, which is baked in a cast-iron pot (a … [Read More...]
What is so remarkable in English Garden in Munich?
The English Garden (Englischer Garten) stretches all the way from Munich's city center to the northeastern city limits. It was created in 1789 by the British physicist Sir Benjamin Thompson. Sir … [Read More...]
August 1 in German History
August 1, 1889 Birth of Walther Gerlach in Biebrich am Rhein, Germany. Gerlach was a professor of physics at the University of Tübingen and Munich. He did substantial work on the deflection of … [Read More...]
Degenerate Art – “Entartete Kunst”
In 1937 in Munich the Nazis held an art exhibition of what they called Entartete Kunst, or Degenerate Art. The purpose of the exhibition was to let the Germans know that some forms and pieces of art … [Read More...]
Krustenbraten – Crusted Pork Roast
Pork roast is the staple of German cuisine. If the skin and the underlying fat is included in the cut, it is called Krustenbraten, where the skin is made into a crispy crust. The roast is served … [Read More...]
German Adverbs
Similar to English, German adverbs are words that modify verbs, adjectives or other adverbs. They are used to indicate a place, time, cause, and manner, and they can be found in various parts of a … [Read More...]
14 Fun Facts You Didn’t Know About Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest has gathered international recognition and status and is celebrated in areas outside Germany too. Nevertheless we’re listing the fun facts for you. Here are some interesting facts and … [Read More...]