An American exchange student once told me about her first week in a German shared apartment. Her new … (More)
Featured Stories
Hackbraten – Meatloaf
Hackbraten is a great dish for dinner parties – it’s a nice-looking meat dish yet comparably cheap because it’s made with minced meat. What’s more, you can prepare it in advance, store it in the fridge and let it bake in the oven while you entertain your guests. Serve with mashed potatoes or Spätzle. Ingredients: […]
How Germany Celebrates Easter: Traditions That Are Older Than Christianity
Easter in Germany is more than just chocolate bunnies and church services – it is a fascinating blend of Christian customs and ancient pagan traditions that have been passed down for centuries. Long before Christianity spread across Europe, Germanic tribes celebrated the arrival of spring with rituals honoring fertility, renewal, and the changing of the […]
July 13 in German History
July 13, 1024 Death of St. Heinrich II in Göttingen. St. Heinrich II was born in 972 in Bad Abbach. He would become the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire (often called the German Empire). He was the son of Heinrich, the Duke of Bavaria. After the death of his father, he became the Duke […]
Swabian Meat Pockets – Maultaschen
Swabian Meat Pockets (Maultaschen) are a typically Swabian specialty – pockets of noodle dough prepared and filled in various ways, e.g. with spinach, onions, eggs, soaked bread, and minced meat. On 22 October 2009, the European Union recognized Maultaschen (Schwäbische Maultaschen or Schwäbische Suppenmaultaschen) as a “regional specialty” and remarked that the dish is significant […]
German Men in Relationships: Myths and Realities
If you’ve ever heard that German men are emotionally distant, painfully punctual, or hopelessly unromantic, you’re not alone. These stereotypes have circulated for years – but how true are they? While some clichés contain a grain of truth, the reality of dating a German man is far more nuanced. German men tend to be respectful, […]
Small Talk in Germany: What Works and What Doesn’t
If you’ve ever tried to chat up a stranger in Germany the way you might in the United States or the United Kingdom, you’ve probably noticed something: it doesn’t quite land the same way. Germans aren’t unfriendly – but small talk, as a cultural practice, works very differently here. Understanding these differences can save you […]
December 20 in German History
December 20, 1552 Death of Katharina von Bora (1499-1552), wife of Martin Luther, in Torgau. “Die Lutherin”, as she was referred to, was sent at the age of 5 to the Benedictine cloister in Brehna in 1504 for education. At the age of 9 she moved to the Cistercian monastery Marienthron (Mary’s Throne) in Nimbschen. […]
Charlemagne and the Carolingian Empire
It’s Christmas Day in the year 800. You’re standing inside the old St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. The air smells of incense. The Pope is placing a golden crown on a tall, broad-shouldered king’s head. The crowd erupts in cheers: “Long live Charles, Augustus, crowned by God!” You’ve just witnessed the birth of the Carolingian […]
German Birthday Traditions: Surprising Customs
Birthdays are celebrated around the world, but Germany brings its own set of traditions, superstitions, and quirky customs to the occasion – some of which surprise even seasoned travelers. From an almost sacred rule about early congratulations to elaborate public pranks reserved for milestone ages, German birthday culture reveals a lot about the country’s values: […]
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German Wedding Traditions: Old Customs That Still Exist Today
Germany has a rich history of wedding traditions, many of which date back centuries. While modern German weddings incorporate contemporary elements, several old customs are still practiced today. … [Read More...]
Seasonal German Traditions You Should Experience At Least Once
Germany moves to the rhythm of the year in a way that still shapes everyday life. Markets open and close with the seasons, recipes change with what the land gives, and villages plan their calendars … [Read More...]
German Army – Heer
In early 1995, the German army (Deutsches Heer), headquartered in Koblenz, had a personnel strength of appropriately 255,000, including 123,000 conscripts. German army was composed of two principal … [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...]
Small Talk in Germany: What Works and What Doesn’t
If you've ever tried to chat up a stranger in Germany the way you might in the United States or the United Kingdom, you've probably noticed something: it doesn't quite land the same way. Germans … [Read More...]
Unlock Excellence: Germany’s Innovative Education
The German education system is renowned globally for its rigorous approach and comprehensive structure, which contribute significantly to the country's economic success and cultural richness. From … [Read More...]
Glühwein: A Toast to Tradition – Unveiling Its Rich History and Timeless Recipe
As the winter chill sets in and festive lights begin to twinkle, there’s one tradition that calls out to the warmth-seekers and flavor aficionados alike: the time-honored practice of sipping Glühwein. … [Read More...]
Christmas Stories
The beauty of Christmas time Winter time in Germany abounds in beautiful pre-Christmas, Christmas, and post-Christmas traditions. It is in December and January that so many Saints are … [Read More...]
April 8 in German History
April 8, 1586 Death of Martin Chemnitz in Braunschweig, Germany. A leading Protestant theologian, Chemnitz did much to unify the Protestants in the early Lutheran church. April 8, 1695 Birth … [Read More...]
Dinkelvollkornbrot (Whole Spelt Bread) Recipe
Wholesome, nutty, and full of fiber, Dinkelvollkornbrot - or Whole Spelt Bread - is a hearty and nourishing staple in German kitchens. Made entirely with spelt flour, this loaf offers a slightly … [Read More...]