A friend of mine moved to Munich for a new job, walked into a small café on her first weekend, … (More)
Featured Stories
Ostpolitik in Germany
West Germany’s relations with the East European states had virtually stagnated since the establishment of the Hallstein Doctrine in the mid-1950s. In 1970, in an attempt to lessen tensions in Europe, Brandt and his FDP minister for foreign affairs, Walter Scheel, agreed to negotiate with the communist bloc. For the first time since 1948, the […]
Stuttgart: Top Sights and Attractions
Stuttgart, capital of Baden-Württemberg in southwest Germany, is known as a manufacturing hub. Mercedes-Benz and Porsche have headquarters and museums here. The city is filled with green spaces, which wrap around its center. Popular parks include the Schlossgarten, Rosensteinpark and Killesbergpark. Wilhelma, one of the largest zoos and botanical gardens in Europe, is just northeast […]
Modern Tracht: How Germans Are Redefining Traditional Fashion
To many outsiders, traditional German clothing conjures images of frilly Dirndls, rugged Lederhosen, and steins of beer raised at Oktoberfest. But in Germany, the world of Tracht – traditional dress – is experiencing a quiet but powerful renaissance. From fashion runways to hip urban weddings, modern Germans are reinterpreting heritage attire in bold, stylish, and […]
September 10 in German History
September 10, 1855 Birth of Robert Koldewey in Blankenburg am Harz, Germany. Koldewey was an archeologist who found the remains of the city of Babylon in southern Iraq. He began digging on March 26, 1899, and continued to work there with little interruption for the next 18 years. One of Koldewey’s most dramatic discoveries was […]
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 decorated wagons of beer through the countryside, singing songs, and celebrating with their friends – that’s closer to the German reality. Observed on Ascension […]
Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels
If you’re looking for a dish that tastes like Oktoberfest in a casserole dish, this is it. The German Bratwurst Sauerkraut Casserole with Pretzels combines three of Germany’s most iconic flavors – juicy sausage, tangy fermented cabbage, and warm, soft pretzel chunks – into one warm, satisfying bake. This is rustic German comfort food with […]
Ascension Day in Germany
Each spring, exactly 40 days after Easter Sunday, Germany pauses for a holiday that blends the sacred with the social – Ascension Day. Known in German as Christi Himmelfahrt, this public holiday marks the biblical event of Jesus ascending into heaven, but it’s also much more than that. For many Germans, it’s a day to […]
Prussia’s Emergence as a Military Power
After the decline of the Holy Roman Empire, the Kingdom of Prussia eventually emerged as the dominant power in central Europe. Prussia had been colonized and Germanized during the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries by the Knights of the Teutonic Order, a military order of German monks that pushed back or overran the Slavs in the […]
Oktoberfest Traditions
Oktoberfest is often associated with beer, but the festival’s traditions go beyond that. While the beer tents, of course, provide drinks, they also play only traditional Bavarian music. The original six Munich breweries still provide the beer. You can also catch people in traditional Bavarian clothing, dirndls and lederhosen. Here are some Oktoberfest traditions that […]
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Basic German Phrases for Travelers
Although most Germans do speak English and you will most likely be understood should you require any assistance, it is much appreciated if you make an effort and speak German. Here is a list of the … [Read More...]
German Wedding Traditions
...Walking Down the Aisle Wedding traditions from Germany Never-ceasing and still growing number of emails with questions on German wedding traditions prompted this article's uprise. Indeed, Germans … [Read More...]
German Beer Steins
The origins of beer steins date back to the 14th century. As a result of the bubonic plague and several invasions of flies throughout Europe, Germany established several laws in the early 16th century … [Read More...]
Sauerkraut Martini
This cocktail is polarizing. It's one of those "love-it" or "hate-it" things. And don't think you only have to drink it during Oktoberfest — it's just that people are far more affectionate toward … [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...]
The Stresemann Era in Weimar Republic
Gustav Stresemann, a German politician and statesman who served as Chancellor in 1923 (for a brief period of 102 days) and Foreign Minister 1923–1929, during the Weimar Republic. He was co-laureate of … [Read More...]
Schloss Bürresheim – a Medieval Castle in the Woodlands
The castle of Bürresheim is located at northwest of Mayen on a rock spur in the Nettetal. It belongs to the local church Sankt Johann. Together with Burg Eltz and the castle Lissingen, it is one of … [Read More...]
Bismarck and his Empire
In 1867 the North German Confederation was established. It was an unbelievable political success at that time. On the other hand, Bismarck's wish to see Germany united would not have been totally … [Read More...]
Almabtrieb and Viehscheid – Bringing Cattle Home from Mountain Pastures
Bavaria may be the home of BMW and Audi, but there are still some age-old rural traditions that surprise even visitors from other parts of Germany. One of which is the annual festival which celebrates … [Read More...]
Saffron Buns (St. Lucia Buns)
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter 1-1/3 cups milk 1 teaspoon saffron threads, chopped fine and soaked in a few drops of water 1 … [Read More...]