For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Easter Sunday vs. Easter Monday in Germany – Why Two Holidays?
Easter in Germany is not just a one-day event—it extends into Easter Monday (Ostermontag), a public holiday that many countries don’t recognize. While Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag) is the Christian high point of the holiday, marking the resurrection of Jesus, Easter Monday provides an extra day for rest, family gatherings, and regional traditions. For many Germans, […]
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 […]
German Idioms – Part 2
Building upon our previous exploration, Part 2 introduces more German idioms that showcase the language’s richness and humor. Phrases like “Die Kirche im Dorf lassen” and “Da steppt der Bär” reveal cultural nuances and everyday wisdom. Join us as we unpack these expressions and their relevance in modern German. Er muss zu allem seinen Senf […]
Military Justice in Germany
Members of the German armed forces are subject to the civil criminal code and are tried for common criminal offenses in the civil court system. There are no military correction facilities; incarcerated military offenders serve their sentences in ordinary civilian prisons. Soldiers enjoy the same civil rights and liberties possessed by other citizens. They are […]
Real Germans and cleanliness, education, Hausordnung, holidays, and Vereine
By guest author WEISSDORN Real Germans are cleanliness fanatics. Usually they can only relax and stop worrying when they use their toilet at home, because then they are absolutely 100% sure that it was cleaned properly, because they did this themselves, after the cleaning lady cleaned it first. The chemical industry profits from this obsession, […]
German Fairy Tales: How Brothers Grimm Shaped World Literature
German fairy tales have enchanted readers for centuries, captivating children and adults alike with their dark yet magical narratives. While fairy tales exist in cultures around the world, German folklore, particularly the collected stories of the Brothers Grimm, has had an outsized influence on global storytelling. But where did these stories originate? How have they […]
Du or Sie? Navigating Formality in German Conversation
In English, saying “you” is simple. Whether you’re talking to a child, a teacher, a stranger, or your best friend, the pronoun stays the same. But in German, you face an immediate social decision: Do you use “du” or “Sie”? This single linguistic fork in the road carries weight. It reveals your age, your social […]
German Christmas tree – Tannenbaum
The first appearance of a Christmas tree – Tannenbaum – was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that “…people set up Christmas trees in their rooms…”. Another record of that time coming from Ammerschweier, said that “… no burgher shall have for Christmas more than one bush of more than eight shoes’ […]
Ludwig Erhard and the Grand Coalition
Konrad Adenauer assumed the chancellorship of the newly founded FRG in 1949, at the age of seventy-three. From the beginning, his primary foreign policy goals had been the achievement of German reunification through a policy of strength, the building of strong relations with the United States, and reconciliation with France. Until the elections of 1961, […]
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July 29 in German History
July 29, 1605 Birth of Simon Dach in Memel, Prussia (now Lithuania). Dach was one of the outstanding German Baroque poets. July 29, 1889 Birth of Ernst Reuter in Apenrade, Germany. Reuter was … [Read More...]
The Cultural History of Mettbrötchen
Mettbrötchen – a raw pork sandwich? To many outside Germany, the idea might sound strange or even risky. But within German borders, it’s a staple snack with roots that stretch deep into working-class … [Read More...]
The Toast and the Tip: How to End a German Meal Properly
In Germany, meals are more than just moments of nourishment - they’re structured social rituals. And just as important as knowing when to say “Guten Appetit” is knowing how to leave the table … [Read More...]
Wim Wenders – German Film Director, Producer and Writer
"I want to make personal films, not private films." Wim Wenders was born to create. He recognized it at high school in Oberhausen, where Wim began his studies in medicine and philosophy. Wenders … [Read More...]
German Medieval Universities
Before there were libraries, lecture halls, and research labs, there were cloisters, candlelight, and quills. In medieval Germany, the pursuit of knowledge took root in an unexpected place—monasteries … [Read More...]
Emmy Noether – German Mathematical Genius
Emmy Noether (March 23, 1882 - April 14, 1935) was a German mathematician known for her landmark contributions to abstract algebra and theoretical physics. She was named Amalie, but always called … [Read More...]
December 10 in German History
December 10, 1520 Martin Luther takes a papal bull which threatens to excommunicate him and publicly burns it in front of the Elster Gate in Wittenberg. December 10, 1872 Birth of Ludwig … [Read More...]
Asparagus and Shrimp Salad
Ingredients: 1/2 kg white asparagus (you can use green) 1 tsp salt 2 tsp sugar 4 - 5 slices of lemon 150 g arugula 400 g kitchen-ready, large shrimp, 20 count to a pound 1 - 2 … [Read More...]
German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels
Hearty, meaty chunks of German bratwurst are simmered in beer and caraway before being combined with pieces of soft, flavorful pretzel rolls. Next, they're mixed with tangy sauerkraut, stone ground … [Read More...]
Heringssalat – Traditional German Herring Salad Recipe
Tangy, creamy, and full of flavor - Heringssalat, or German herring salad, is a traditional dish especially popular during festive seasons like Christmas, New Year's, and Karneval. Combining marinated … [Read More...]