For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Bienenstich – German Bee Sting Cake
Bienenstich or Bee sting cake is a German dessert made of sweet yeast dough with a baked-on topping of caramelized almonds and filled with a vanilla custard, Buttercream or cream. The cake may have earned its name from its honey topping: according to one legend, a bee was attracted to it, and the baker who […]
The Peace of Augsburg
Imagine a country where the ruler’s religion dictated your own. No choice. No freedom of belief. Just the heavy hand of authority deciding how – and to whom – you should pray. Welcome to 16th-century Germany, a land torn by one of Europe’s fiercest struggles: the battle between Catholicism and Protestantism. And at the heart […]
Hidden Villages in Germany That Look Like a Fairytale
Germany is famous for its charming medieval towns, enchanting castles, and breathtaking countryside, but beyond the well-trodden tourist paths lie hidden villages that seem straight out of a fairytale. These secret gems boast half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and scenic landscapes that make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a Brothers Grimm story. In this […]
Semmelknödel mit Pilzen – German Bread Dumplings with Mushrooms
Ingredients: For the dumplings: 200 g dry white bread or 6 stale rolls (Brötchen) 1 glass lukewarm milk salt freshly ground black pepper freshly ground nutmeg 1 onion 1/2 bunch flat-leaf parsley 1 tbsp butter 2-3 eggs flour or breadcrumbs For the mushrooms: 600 g fresh champignons or chanterelles 1/2 lemon (about 3 tbsp juice) […]
February 24 in German History
February 24, 1557 Birth of Matthias, Holy Roman Emperor, in Vienna, Austria. Matthias was the Habsburg ruler of the empire at the time that the 30 Years’ War started (1618). February 24, 1622 Birth of Johann Clauberg in Solingen, Germany. Clauberg was a philosopher who became the leading German follower of Rene Descartes. He was […]
Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union
Following World War II, the Christian Democratic Union (Christlich Demokratische Union–CDU) was founded by a diverse group of Catholics and Protestants, businesspeople and trade unionists, and conservatives and moderates. The party espoused a Christian approach to politics and rejected both Nazism and communism. CDU members advocated conservative values and the benefits of a social market […]
German Science and Culture in 18th Century
The 18th century was a golden era of intellectual and cultural blossoming across Europe – and Germany was at its heart. From natural science to literature, philosophy to music, the German states produced a wave of thinkers, artists, and innovators who left a profound mark on human knowledge and creativity. This wasn’t just a time […]
April 23 in German History
April 23, 1500 Birth of Johannes Stumpf in Bruchsal, Germany. Stumpf was one of the leading Swiss chroniclers of his age. His Gemeiner loblicher Eydgnoschafft Stetten, Landen und Völckeren chronikwirdiger Thaaten Beschreybung of 1547 to 1548 gives detailed information on that period in Switzerland. April 23, 1708 Birth of Friedrich von Hagedorn in Hamburg, Germany. […]
Pretzels (Brezn) Recipe
Twisty, golden, and dotted with salt – Brezn, or German Pretzels, are more than just a snack; they’re a cultural icon. Crisp on the outside and soft within, these pretzels have been part of Germany’s culinary heritage for centuries. Whether served warm with butter, alongside beer, or as the base for a hearty Bavarian sandwich, […]
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December 10 in German History
December 10, 1520 Martin Luther takes a papal bull which threatens to excommunicate him and publicly burns it in front of the Elster Gate in Wittenberg. December 10, 1872 Birth of Ludwig … [Read More...]
Radio and Television in Germany
Radio and television are administered in a decentralized fashion as prescribed in the Basic Law. The intent behind the pattern of regional decentralization is to prevent the exploitation of the media … [Read More...]
Germanic Mythology and Pagan Beliefs
Before Christianity reached the forests and rivers of ancient Germania, the Germanic peoples lived in a world animated by gods, spirits, and sacred forces of nature. Their mythology and religious … [Read More...]
Creation of the Bundeswehr
In the summer of 1955, ten years after the Nazi surrender and the end of World War II, the West German Bundestag (lower house of parliament) voted to authorize the recruitment of volunteers for the … [Read More...]
Schweinebraten – German Pork Roast
A pork roast traditionally served with a mild sauce, red cabbage, and potato dumplings (Kartoffelklöße) in the South, or peas and boiled potatoes in the North-East. Ingredients: 2 – 3 pound pork … [Read More...]
February 11 in German History
February 11, 1813 Birth of Otto Ludwig in Eisfeld, Germany. Ludwig was a novelist and playwright of the period of Poetic Realism, a term which he coined. Among his works are Die Erbförster (1850), … [Read More...]
Schwäbische Dätscher – Swabian Cream Cake
Schwäbische Dätscher (also called Bätscher), or Swabian Cream Cake, is a thin yeast flat bread spread with sour cream and topped with onion or leak and bacon. Ingredients: Dough 350g wheat … [Read More...]
Northern German Dishes: Herring, Kale, and Maritime Flavors
When people think of German cuisine, images of bratwurst, schnitzel, and pretzels often come to mind - all staples of southern Germany. But head north, and you'll discover a culinary world shaped not … [Read More...]
Vanillekipferl – Vanilla Crescents
Among all the beloved Christmas biscuits of German-speaking Europe, few inspire as much nostalgia and affection as Vanillekipferl, also known in English as Vanilla Crescents. These delicate, … [Read More...]
Quarkbrot (Quark Cheese Bread) Recipe
Moist, soft, and slightly tangy, Quarkbrot - or German Quark Cheese Bread - is a lesser-known gem that deserves a place in every baker’s kitchen. Made with Quark (a fresh cheese similar to ricotta or … [Read More...]