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March 3 in German History
March 3, 1033 Death of St. Kunigunde von Luxembourg (ca. 980–1033) St. Kunigunde was the daughter of Count Siegfried of Luxembourg. In 999 she married emperor Heinrich II of the Holy Roman Empire (a.k.a. the German Empire). They were married in Paderborn, Germany. She was crowned as empress by Pope Benedict VIII in Rome. In […]
Carl von Linde Who Gave the World the Refrigerator
Carl von Linde was a German engineer (born on June 11, 1842 – died on November 16, 1934). Linde was best known for his refrigeration and gas separation technologies. Carl von Linde was the first person to extract oxygen gas from the air, making it a commercially viable product and thus launching the industrial gas […]
Exploring the German Language Dialects
The German language, known for its precision and richness, is not a monolith but a mosaic of dialects that paint a colorful linguistic landscape across German-speaking regions. These dialects, deeply rooted in history and culture, offer a fascinating window into the diversity of the German-speaking world. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the various […]
October 29 in German History
October 29, 1268 Death of Konradin (Konrad der jüngere) in Naples, Italy (born in Wolfstein, Germany). The Swabian, Konradin, who held the title “king of the Romans” was the last of the Hohenstaufen dynasty. His downfall came in a conflict with the Frenchman, Charles of Anjou. After losing in battle and being captured, he was […]
July 30 in German History
July 30, 1855 Birth of Georg Wilhelm von Siemens, a German telecommunications industrialist of the Siemens family. Known as Wilhelm von Siemens, he was a general partner of the family company Siemens. He is credited with championing the Berlin to Iraq railway system that was to be completed about 1915. The direct competition such a […]
German Body Language: How Germans Really Communicate Without Words
If you want to understand Germans beyond grammar charts, study German body language. In offices, shops, and beer gardens, gestures, posture, and eye contact carry as much meaning as verbs and cases. This guide decodes the most common German gestures, how body language in Germany varies by context, and the subtle signals that make conversations […]
Walnussbrot (Walnut Bread) Recipe
Nutty, rustic, and beautifully textured, Walnussbrot – or German Walnut Bread – is a hearty loaf filled with toasted walnuts and whole grain goodness. Its rich flavor and chewy crumb make it perfect for both sweet and savory pairings, and it’s a staple in artisan bakeries across Germany. Whether served with cheese and wine or […]
How to Play Mau-Mau
Mau-Mau is one of Germany’s most beloved and accessible card games, often passed down through generations. Simple to learn but endlessly replayable, it is a favorite at family gatherings, schoolyards, and casual pub nights. Its influence is so significant that Mau-Mau even inspired international hits like UNO. If you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, […]
Love in Translation: How Germans Express Romance
Love doesn’t always speak the same language – literally or culturally. When it comes to German romance, communication is shaped by values that are often at odds with what foreigners expect. Whether you’re dating a German or trying to navigate your own bilingual relationship, you may find yourself puzzled by what’s said – and not […]
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The Amusing German Language
Germans are universally known as a rather serious lot, lacking any sense of humor (disclaimer: NOT TRUE). However, German language bears so many pitfalls, leading to an array of funny situations. The … [Read More...]
Foreign Policy in the Wilhelmine Era
Foreign policy in the Wilhelmine Era (1890-1914) turned away from Bismarck's cautious diplomacy of the 1871-90 period. It was also marked by a shrill aggressiveness. Brusque, clumsy diplomacy was … [Read More...]
The German Work Ethic: What You Need to Know About Business Culture
When a German colleague tells you a meeting will begin at nine o'clock, they mean 8:58 at the latest. When a German business partner commits to a delivery date three months hence, they have already … [Read More...]
The Republikaner and the German People’s Union
On the opposite end of the political spectrum from the Greens are two parties of the far right, the Republikaner (Die Republikaner--REP), with about 23,000 members, and the German People's Union … [Read More...]
The Cost of Living in Germany for Foreign Students
The cost of living in Germany generally differs according to the city you are in, while Leipzig can be bizarrely cheap and affordable, Munich is nothing like that. Among the bigger metropolitan cities … [Read More...]
March 11 in German History
March 11, 1780 Birth of August Leopold Crelle (1780-1855) in Eichwerder, Germany. Crelle was a mathematician who founded the prestigious journal, Crelle's Journal (original name: Journal für … [Read More...]
German Christmas Market Food: What to Eat and Drink
When you step into a German Christmas market, your senses are instantly surrounded by twinkling lights, traditional music, and above all, irresistible smells. The sizzling sausages, sweet roasted … [Read More...]
April 24 in German History
April 24 Feast Day of St. Marianus von Regensburg Marianus (? - 1083) was born in Ireland. He left his home on a Pilgrimage to Rome but only got as far as Germany. He became a Benedictine monk … [Read More...]
German Easter Bunny Recipes
Some last-minute recipes of Easter bunny-shaped cakes and cookies Easter is not all about hard-boiled eggs. You cannot make it with egg salads only! Let's honor Easter rabbit - the one who hides … [Read More...]
Schloss Moritzburg – a Beautiful Baroque Castle
Moritzburg Castle is one of the most impressive baroque palaces in central Europe. Reached via a tree-lined avenue, it is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. After visiting the palace, you … [Read More...]