In Germany, Christmas is a deeply cherished season, woven with traditions that date back centuries … (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
Three Kings and Epiphany in Germany
The Greek word “Epiphanias” means “uprise, appearance”, i.e. appearance of the Lord which was celebrated in the early Christian centuries on January 6. In the 4th century this holiday was shifted to December 25, and January 6 obtained the name of The Three Kings (the “Wise Men,” the Magi), or simply Twelfth Day. According to […]
August 22 in German History
August 22, 1818 Birth of Rudolf von Jehring in Aurich, Germany. Jehring was a legal scholar specializing in Roman law. He developed the notion that the purpose of law is the protection of the individual in a balance with social interests. In the case of conflict though he gave priority to the interests of society. […]
The Churches as a Political Force in Germany
Religious associations represent a third major group of organized interests in the German policy process. The experience of the Third Reich had a profound influence on the postwar development of Protestant and Roman Catholic churches in the Federal Republic. Both espoused the view that moral responsibility extends to political responsibility and that passivity toward the […]
June 13 in German History
June 13, 1539 Birth of Jost Amman in Zürich, Switzerland. Amman was a leading painter and Printmaker of his age. June 13, 1809 Birth of Heinrich Hoffmann in Frankfurt am Main. Hoffmann is most widely known as the author of Struwwelpeter, a classic children’s book. June 13, 1885 Birth of Elisabeth Schumann in Merseburg, Germany. […]
January 9 in German History
January 9, 1674 Birth of Reinhard Keiser (1674-1739) in Weissenfels, Germany. An early composer of operas, his style starts with Baroque and ends with Rococo. He studied music in Leipzig but then went to Hamburg where he wrote 120 operas. January 9, 1803 Birth of Christopher Memminger in Nayhingen, Germany. As a young man he […]
How to Drive in Germany
It’s true: there are no speed limits on many sections of German autobahns. But there are plenty of other regulations you should be aware of. While most traffic rules are the same in Germany as they are in other countries, traffic signs and street markings can be very different as well as confusing. The following […]
Brägele – Fried Potatoes
Brägele is badische Bratkartoffeln, fried potatoes in local style. Ingredients: 7 large potatoes 1 medium-sized onion salt olive oil and a bit of butter 100 g bacon fresh parsley or chives, chopped Preparation: Brägele can be cooked from raw potatoes as well as with boiled potatoes. The boiled potatoes can be cut into slightly thicker […]
Schramberg
Schramberg is a town in the district of Rottweil, in Baden-Württemberg, Germany. It is situated in the eastern Black Forest, 25 km northwest of Rottweil. With all of its districts (Talstadt, Sulgen, Waldmössingen, Heiligenbronn, Schönbronn and Tennenbronn (since 2006)), it has about 22,000 inhabitants. One of the streams flowing through the Schramberg valley is the […]
Real Germans and Religion
By guest author WEISSDORN A Real German is either Catholic or Protestant, unless he/she is not. AMEN. How do you find this out? At the very latest, when you apply for your Tax Card. In Germany you get taxed for being a Christian, a Jew or a Moslem. But this doesn’t bother Real Germans, because […]
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March 7 in German History
March 7, 1795 Birth of Ludwig von Gerlach in Berlin, Germany. Gerlach was a conservative politician who opposed the unification of Germany in 1871 and opposed Bismarck's Kulturkampf of … [Read More...]
Seven Herb Soup (Siebenkräutersuppe)
Gründonnerstag is the Thursday before Easter, known as Maundy Thursday. It means “green Thursday”, although it is thought that the word “grün” is actually derived from the word “greinen” meaning to … [Read More...]
Sausage and Sauerkraut Pockets (Würstchen & Sauerkraut-Taschen)
Phyllo pastry is very similar to German Strudel pastry and can be used in the same ways. These savory snacks can be prepared ahead and baked just before serving so they are warm and … [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...]
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...]
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 … [Read More...]
November 6 in German History
November 6, 1672 Death of Heinrich Schütz in Dresden, Germany. One of the most talented early German composers, Schütz was given the position of court composer in Dresden. Works by Schütz … [Read More...]
Geschnetzeltes – Pork in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Geschnetzeltes is a popular German dish for the busy cook. A creamy sauce with pork, mushrooms and onions, it is traditionally served with Spätzle, cucumber salad or potatoes. Ingredients: 0.5 … [Read More...]
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen – The X-Ray Discoverer
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (March 27, 1845 - Feb. 10, 1923) was a German physicist who was a recipient of the first Nobel Prize for Physics, in 1901, for his discovery of X-rays, which heralded the age of … [Read More...]
October 25 in German History
October 25, 1760 Death of George II in London (born in Hanover). George II followed his father, George I as Elector of Hanover (Holy Roman Empire) and King of England. George II was born in … [Read More...]