For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
October 19 in German History
October 19, 1813 At 2:00 A.M. Napoleon begins his retreat from the Battle of Leipzig, which had started on October 16. At that battle Napoleon had about 185,000 troops and the allies against him (Austria, Prussia, Russia and Sweden had a total of about 320,000.) The Austrian army was commanded by General Karl Phillip Schwarzenberg […]
Max Planck
Max Karl Ernst Ludwig Planck, or simply Max Planck (born in Kiel on April 23, 1858 – died in Göttingen on October 4, 1947) was a German theoretical physicist. Planck made many contributions to theoretical physics, but his fame as a physicist rests primarily on his role as the originator of quantum theory, which revolutionized […]
A Taste of Tradition: The Rich History of Stollen Bread
As we explore the unique culinary traditions across the world, Germany’s rich food culture serves up a sweet surprise – the Stollen bread. This distinctive and festive bread, dusted with powdered sugar to resemble the snow-covered landscape of winter, takes center stage during the holiday season. It’s a beloved food tradition that embodies centuries of […]
January 20 in German History
January 20, 1488 Birth of Sebastian Münster (1488-1582) in Ingelheim, Germany. Münster was professor of Hebrew at the University of Basel after 1527. His major contribution to scholarship was his Cosmographia, published in 1544. That book, proceeding from the geography of Ptolemy, represented a revival of the science of geography in Germany, and was the […]
Maundy Thursday – Gründonnerstag
Also known as Holy Thursday, Maundy Thursday has been celebrated since the earliest days of the Christian Church. It commemorates Jesus’ last supper with his disciples and the institution of the Lord’s Supper and established the ceremony known as the Eucharist. The night of Maundy Thursday is the night on which Jesus was betrayed by […]
German Easter Songs and Poems: The Music and Poetry of Ostern
Easter in Germany isn’t just about eggs, bunnies, and bonfires—it’s also a time for beautiful songs and poetry that capture the spiritual and festive essence of Ostern. From centuries-old hymns sung in churches to folk songs passed down through generations, music and poetry play a significant role in Easter traditions. For those learning German language […]
June 13 in German History
June 13, 1539 Birth of Jost Amman in Zürich, Switzerland. Amman was a leading painter and Printmaker of his age. June 13, 1809 Birth of Heinrich Hoffmann in Frankfurt am Main. Hoffmann is most widely known as the author of Struwwelpeter, a classic children’s book. June 13, 1885 Birth of Elisabeth Schumann in Merseburg, Germany. […]
Schultüte (School Cone)
A “Schultüte” (or School Cone, even though the word “Tüte” translates more as “bag” from German), is a paper or plastic bag in form of a big cone. When children in Germany, Czech Republic, close to the borders with Germany, parts of Poland (Greater Poland, Upper Silesia, Warmia), Austria, and parts of Switzerland set off […]
Classical German Sausage Recipe
Germany’s love affair with sausage is a tale as old as time, deeply rooted in its culture and culinary traditions. Classical German sausage, or “Wurst” as it is commonly known, is not just a food item; it’s a symbol of German heritage and craftsmanship. This article delves into the history, varieties, and cultural significance of […]
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Krampus in Germany: Origins, Folklore, and Traditions
If you spend enough time studying German holiday traditions, you eventually stumble upon a figure who seems almost too strange to belong beside gingerbread and candlelit wreaths. He is horned, hairy, … [Read More...]
Hazelnut Cake with Cream – Nußkuchen mit Sahne
Juicy, moist hazelnut cake is a perfect choice for dessert and extremely easy to make - which is another advantage of this wonderful cake. Ingredients: 200 g butter 200 g sugar 5 eggs … [Read More...]
German Reunification: Bored or Happy?
On October 3, Germany celebrates its Unification Day (Tag der Deutschen Einheit). This day back in 1990 brought a happy and a very significant event on the world political scene. The symbol of the … [Read More...]
German Blutwurst Recipe: A Traditional Delight
German Blutwurst, or blood sausage, is a unique and traditional delicacy that has been a staple in German cuisine for centuries. With its rich flavors and distinct texture, Blutwurst is a testament to … [Read More...]
German Wedding Tracht: History and Cultural Meaning
When a bride glides down the aisle in an exquisitely embroidered dirndl, her groom waiting in meticulously tailored lederhosen, they're not simply making a fashion statement - they're participating in … [Read More...]
What Not to Do in Germany: Mistakes Tourists Make
Germany is one of Europe’s most fascinating countries - a place where medieval castles stand beside futuristic train stations, where centuries-old traditions coexist with cutting-edge technology, and … [Read More...]
July 25 in German History
July 25, 975 Birth of Dietmar in Hildesheim, Germany. The Saxon Dietmar was an important chronicler of his age and his works are important documentation to the period. July 25, 1564 Death … [Read More...]
April 10 in German History
April 10, 1727 Birth of Samuel Heinicke (1727-1790) in Nautschütz, Germany. Heinicke became interested in the problems of the deaf after reading Surdus loquens, a book in which it was described … [Read More...]
The Autobahn: Facts and Myths of Germany’s High-Speed Highways
The Autobahn stands as an emblem of German engineering prowess and efficiency, famous worldwide for sections without speed limits and a reputation for safety and precision. However, numerous myths … [Read More...]
German Calendar – Today in German History
German Calendar - Today in German History See what happened on this day in the history of Germany - just click on the date. January: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, … [Read More...]