If you've ever tried to explain Halloween to a German speaker, you've probably hit a wall within the … (More)
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Wiener Schnitzel in Lemon Sauce
A staple of German cuisine with a brightly flavored sauce. A lemon dill sauce highlights the traditional lemon flavor often paired with schnitzel, but also adds the poignant flavor of dill. Best served with homemade Spätzle. Spätzle is a traditional German pasta dumpling made from eggs, milk, and flour and is the perfect hearty accompaniment […]
Religion in Modern Germany: Faith in a Secular Age
Religion in modern Germany is defined by two powerful forces: the long Christian heritage that shaped law, education, and holidays, and the steady rise of secular Germany visible in weak church attendance and growing religious diversity. This article explains how religion in Germany works today – from membership trends and regional contrasts to Islam, church […]
Schokoladenhasen – German Chocolate Easter Bunnies Recipe
No German Easter is complete without Schokoladenhasen, the classic chocolate Easter bunnies. These sweet treats date back to the 19th century and have become a staple of Easter baskets across Germany. Whether hollow or solid, they are made using high-quality chocolate and molded into festive shapes. Homemade chocolate bunnies allow you to customize flavors, fillings, […]
Berlin – the City of Great Changes
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin. And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner.” — President John F. Kennedy, West Berlin, 1963 Berlin is the capital and the largest city of Germany. Berlin was first the capital of Prussia, and then the […]
Unveiling the Layers of German Society: Traditions, Modernity, and Cultural Identity
In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and vibrant cultural tapestry. German society, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking modernity, presents a fascinating study of cultural identity and social dynamics. This article delves into the complexities of German society, exploring its historical background, societal norms, and […]
Germany vs USA: Which Country is Better?
This question cannot possibly be evaluated completely objectively as personal feelings and cultural biases inevitably creep into the analysis. It’s important to consider that most human beings tend to view their own culture in more favorable ways. Neither country offers “paradise on Earth”. Let’s keep it simple and focus on the major differences. 1. Career: […]
Mainz: Top Sights and Attractions
Mainz is a German city on the Rhine River. It’s known for its beautiful old town, with half-timbered houses and medieval market squares. In the center, the Marktbrunnen is a Renaissance fountain with red columns. Nearby, a distinctive octagonal tower tops the Romanesque Mainz Cathedral, built of deep red sandstone. The Gutenberg Museum honors the […]
The Empire Under the Early Habsburgs – Medieval Germany
The Great Interregnum ended in 1273 with the election of Rudolf of Habsburg as king-emperor. After the interregnum period, Germany’s emperors came from three powerful dynastic houses: Luxemburg (in Bohemia), Wittelsbach (in Bavaria), and Habsburg (in Austria). These families alternated on the imperial throne until the crown returned in the mid-fifteenth century to the Habsburgs, […]
Wanderer above the Sea of Fog
Wanderer above the Sea of Fog (Der Wanderer über dem Nebelmeer), also known as Wanderer above the Mist or Mountaineer in a Misty Landscape, is an oil painting c. 1818 by the German Romantic artist Caspar David Friedrich. It has been considered one of the masterpieces of Romanticism and one of its most representative works. […]
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8 Facts About the Umlaut
The German alphabet consists of 26 characters plus 3 umlauts: ä, ö and ü. The two dots above the letters do not indicate an accentuation or emphasis of the syllable (as for instance accent-bearing … [Read More...]
Vatertag – Father’s Day Traditions in Germany
When you hear “Father’s Day,” you might think of gifts, backyard barbecues, or breakfast in bed. But Vatertag, or Father’s Day in Germany, is a completely different experience. Imagine men pulling … [Read More...]
German Maiwein
May Wine is a traditional May Day beverage Maiwein (May Wine) is a German drink, dedicated to springtime and flavored with fresh Waldmeister (sweet woodruff). Maiwein, a white wine, imported from … [Read More...]
March 24 in German History
March 24, 1494 Birth of Georgius Agricola (1494-1555) (original name, Georg Bauer) in Clauchau, Germany. Agricola was a humanist, physician and scientist who is often called "the father of … [Read More...]
Germany in the World Economy
Along with the United States and Japan, Germany has one of the world's biggest economies and most dominant central banks. Of the three, Germany has the smallest and most vulnerable economy. Germany's … [Read More...]
Immigration In Germany
Immigration has been a primary force shaping demographic developments in the two Germanys in the postwar period. After the erection of the Berlin Wall in 1961, the immigration flow, first into West … [Read More...]
Tips to Remember German Gender: Der, Die, Das
Memorizing the gender of countless German nouns can be pretty frustrating. For someone who is just starting out with German, this can be really confusing – especially as the genders don’t necessarily … [Read More...]
19th Century and German Unification
In 1800, there was no Germany - at least not in the form we know today. Instead, the region was a patchwork of over 300 kingdoms, duchies, and free cities, all loosely connected by language but … [Read More...]
Holsteiner Schnitzel
There is nothing quite like the Holsteiner Schnitzel recipe. It’s a 19th century variation on the classic Wiener schnitzel, created for Herr Holstein (Baron Holstein actually), who apparently liked … [Read More...]
November 28 in German History
November 28, 1794 Death of Friedrich von Steuben in Remsen, New York (born in Magdeburg, Germany). Steuben was a Prussian officer who was induced by Benjamin Franklin to come to America on the side … [Read More...]