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The Holy Roman Empire in the Late Middle Ages
By the 14th and 15th centuries, the Holy Roman Empire was no longer the centralized dream of Charlemagne. Instead, it had evolved into a sprawling collection of kingdoms, duchies, bishoprics, free cities, and principalities—each fiercely guarding its independence while still pledging some form of loyalty to the emperor. This period, often dismissed as politically fractured, […]
Prehistoric and Ancient Germanic Tribes
Long before the name “Germany” existed, the lands of Central Europe were inhabited by a diverse network of tribes known as the Germanic peoples. These groups—including the Saxons, Goths, Vandals, Suebi, and many others—were not unified by a single culture or identity but shared linguistic and cultural similarities. Their influence extended across northern and central […]
Why Germans Still Pay Church Tax
For many newcomers and even lifelong residents, the church tax in Germany is one of the most surprising parts of everyday life. Known as Kirchensteuer, it is a surcharge on the income tax of registered members of the Catholic Church and the Protestant Church in Germany. In a country where weekly church attendance is modest […]
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 […]
Berliner Pfannkuchen (German Doughnut)
Known as Pfannkuchen in Berlin, Kreppel in Hessen, Krapfen in Southern Germany and Berliner just about everywhere else (excluding various dialectical variations), the jelly-filled donut, the cause of much unintended mirth when John F. Kennedy famously declared ‘Ich bin ein Berliner’ is a quintessential culinary component of Germany’s carnival season. Carnival season, known as Fasching, […]
Saxony – a Crossroads of European History, Culture and Art
The free State of Saxony has unique georaphical position which greatly influenced and still influences on its rich possessions. Saxony meets West, East, North and South of Germany. For the centuries this land was independent and free although numerous armies of enemies conquered the land and its people. The most strange thing is that even […]
May 16 in German History
May 16, 1788 Birth of Friedrich Rückert in Schweinfurt, Germany. Rückert was a poet who taught oriental languages and literature at the universities of Erlangen and Berlin. He is remembered largely for his lyric poems. Collections of poetry by Rückert include, Deutsche Gedichte (1814), Kindertotenlieder (1834), and Liebesfrühling (1844). Gustav Mahler set the Kindertotenlieder to […]
German Dual Vocational Training System
Germany’s Dual Vocational Training System is renowned worldwide for its unique blend of on-the-job training and classroom education. This system not only prepares students for the job market by providing relevant skills and real-world experience but also supports the country’s industries by creating a highly skilled workforce. This article explores the structure, benefits, and international […]
March 19 in German History
March 19, 1745 Birth of Johann Peter Frank (1745-1821) in Rodalben, Germany. Frank was a German physician and hygienist who pioneered in the science of public health. His vision is outlined in his System einer vollständigen medicinischen Polizey (A Complete System of Medical Policy) (1779). This work was first published in 1779, and was continued […]
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Kartoffelbrot – German Potato Bread
This delicious bread is made from mashed potatoes and flour. The combination may seem a little unusual but the end result is extraordinarily soft and springy bread. Ingredients: 300 g potatoes, … [Read More...]
Bautzen
Bautzen is a hill-top town in eastern Saxony, Germany, and administrative center of the eponymous district. It is located on the Spree River. Bautzen is often regarded as the unofficial, but … [Read More...]
Nürnberger Rostbratwurst – Recipe and History
Short, thin, and bursting with flavor, the Nürnberger Rostbratwurst may look modest, but it’s a true heavyweight in German sausage culture. Protected by EU law and rooted in over 700 years of culinary … [Read More...]
June 14 in German History
June 14, 1757 Death of Karl August Archduke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He made an intellectual center of Weimar through his invitation and patronage of Goethe, Herder, Schelling, Hegel and … [Read More...]
“Made In Germany”
No matter what field of business you are involved with, Germany has the business base you have been looking for. That's something many of the world's leading companies have already found out. Being … [Read More...]
Grünkohleintopf – Kale Stew with Smoked Meat and Sausages
Ingredients: 1 – 1.3 kg of kale, washed, stems and ribs removed 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 medium yellow onions, peeled and chopped 2 tablespoons rolled oats 450 g smoked pork … [Read More...]
Roots of German Winemaking: From Romans to Riesling
Germany might not be the first country that comes to mind when you think of wine, but it should be. With vineyards older than most European nations, a deep cultural reverence for terroir, and a … [Read More...]
Eierlikörtorte – Traditional German Egg Liqueur Cake Recipe
Among the many delights of traditional German baking, few desserts are as elegant and beloved as the Eierlikörtorte. This decadent cake - infused with the golden richness of Eierlikör (German egg … [Read More...]
August 20 in German History
August 20, 1639 Death of Martin Opitz in Danzig, Germany (now Poland). The poet and theoretician, Opitz, was a member of an important literary society of his times, the "Fruchtbringende … [Read More...]
The Best Homemade Currywurst Recipe
If there’s one dish that screams Berlin, it’s Currywurst – a juicy sausage smothered in tangy-sweet curry ketchup and served with a pile of crispy fries or a crusty roll. Simple? Yes. But its place in … [Read More...]