For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
March 22 in German History
March 22, 1459 Birth of Maximilian I in Wiener Neustadt. Maximilian was the archduke of Austria, the German king and the Holy Roman emperor. He did much to expand and consolidate the Habsburg holdings. He nearly became Pope. The Pope Julius was very ill and a schismatic Council of Pisa offered him the position as […]
‘Viel Spass’ on German Spas!
German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning ‘health by water’ or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now. […]
Bertha Benz – the Automotive Pioneer
Bertha Benz (May 3, 1849 – May 5, 1944) was a German automotive pioneer. She was the business partner and wife of automobile inventor Karl Benz. In 1888, she was the first person to drive an automobile over a long distance. In doing so, she brought the Benz Patent-Motorwagen worldwide attention and got the company […]
Amalie Emmy Noether: The Revolutionary Mathematician Who Changed the World of Physics
Amalie Emmy Noether, born in Erlangen, Germany, on March 23, 1882, stands as a towering figure in the realms of mathematics and physics. Renowned for her pioneering contributions to abstract algebra and theoretical physics, Noether is recognized as one of the pivotal mathematicians of the 20th century. This article explores the life, obstacles, and significant […]
Schupfnudeln – German Potato Dumplings
If you’re looking for a comforting, authentic taste of southern Germany, few dishes deliver like Schupfnudeln. These finger-shaped German potato dumplings are hearty, versatile, and deeply rooted in regional tradition. Whether served sweet with poppy seeds or savory with sauerkraut and bacon, Schupfnudeln embody the rustic heart of German home cooking. Simple, satisfying, and surprisingly […]
Roasted New Potatoes and Asparagus
Ingredients: 1 bunch fresh asparagus, with thick stalks, ends trimmed, cut in 1 1/2 – 2 inch pieces 400-800 g new potatoes, cut in half or thirds (the larger ones) 3 cloves garlic, sliced 1 tablespoon dried Italian seasoning, crushed between fingertips sea salt and fresh black pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped […]
German Women in Relationships: What to Expect
Strong, self-assured, and emotionally honest – German women are known for their independence and clarity, both in life and in love. If you’re interested in dating a German woman, be prepared for a refreshingly direct and modern experience. That doesn’t mean romance is missing – it’s just expressed differently. Forget outdated gender roles or superficial […]
Gaisburger Marsch
Gaisburger Marsch (German for “march of Gaisburg”) is a traditional Swabian beef stew, named after Gaisburg, a district of Stuttgart. The meat, cooked in a strong beef broth, is cut into cubes and served with cooked potatoes and Spätzle. The broth is poured over the dish before topping with golden-brown onions fried in butter. One […]
The “Socialist State of the German Nation”
The building of the Wall effectively halted large-scale emigration from the GDR. Although the SED failed to gain the active support of the majority of the population, young people, especially, began to tolerate the regime, at least passively. In the absence of any alternatives, they fulfilled their routine duties in youth organizations, schools, and workplaces. […]
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German Dog Breeds: Rottweiler
The Rottweiler is one of the oldest of herding breeds. With a history possibly dating back to the Roman Empire, the Rottweiler may be a descendant of ancient Roman drover dogs - a mastiff-type dog … [Read More...]
The Reunification of Germany and Its Aftermath
The East German and West German economies at the time of unification looked very similar. They both concentrated on industrial production, especially machine tools, chemicals, automobiles, and … [Read More...]
German Sense of Humor
German humor style is often a hasty rude satire. Popular German cabarets of pre-war period are worldwide famous for their nipping jokes. The traditions of German political satire are rather old and … [Read More...]
Butterkuchen – German Butter Cake
The butter cake recipe, aka Butterkuchen or Zuckerkuchen, is a traditional German cake often served for afternoon coffee. Popular when covered with butter, almonds, and sugar. It can also be topped … [Read More...]
Berliner Hoppelpoppel
Hoppelpoppel is a traditional way to use up leftovers in Berlin. Made with meat, potatoes, onions, and eggs, it's one of those great quick recipes you can put together in no time. It is similar to the … [Read More...]
Blumenau Oktoberfest: Brazil’s Biggest Bavarian Bash
When most people think of Oktoberfest, their minds jump to Munich - massive beer tents, cheerful brass bands, and Lederhosen-clad revelers. But the world’s second-largest Oktoberfest isn’t in Germany. … [Read More...]
German Easter Foods: Traditional Dishes for Ostern
Easter in Germany is a time for gathering with family, celebrating the arrival of spring, and indulging in delicious food. While many people associate Easter with colorful eggs and the Easter Bunny, … [Read More...]
July 8 in German History
July 8 Feast Day of St. Kilian. St. Kilian was born in about 640, possibly in Ireland. He undertook missionary work to Germany. He began his work near Würzburg. He was killed by the pagans in the … [Read More...]
February 15 in German History
February 15, 1368 Birth of Sigismund, the Holy Roman Emperor from 1433-1437, near Nürnberg, Germany. He was the last emperor of the House of Luxembourg. In 1396 he assembled and led an army against … [Read More...]
Halloween Pumpkin Bread
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 1 1/2 cups (200 g) flour 1/2 teaspoon of salt 1 cup (200 g) sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 cup (240 ml) pumpkin purée* 1/2 cup (120 … [Read More...]