Ask a German what they cook with pumpkin in October and the answer is almost always the same: soup. … (More)
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Heinrich Theodor Böll
Heinrich Theodor Böll was born on December 21, 1917 in Cologne. His father was a sculptor and cabinet-maker. Böll’s Catholic, pacifist family opposed the rise of Nazism. Between 1924 and 1928, the future writer attended elementary school in Köln Raderthal, and from 1928 to 1937, the state-run Kaiser-Wilhelm classical secondary school in Cologne. He successfully […]
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 ml) olive oil 2 eggs, beaten 1/4 cup water 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon allspice 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped walnuts * […]
March 17 in German History
March 17, 180 The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius dies while on a military campaign at the Danube. He died at his camp in Vienna (Vindobona). March 17, 1591 Death of Jost Amman in Nürnberg, Germany. Amman was a leading painter and print maker of his age. March 17, 1799 Birth of Heinrich Leo in Rudolstadt, […]
Fasching – Carnival in Germany
Fasching is the Roman Catholic Shrovetide carnival as celebrated in German-speaking countries. There are many regional differences concerning the name, duration, and activities of the carnival. It is known as Fasching in Bavaria and Austria, Fosnat in Franconia, Fasnet in Swabia, Fastnacht in Mainz and its environs, and Karneval in Cologne and the Rhineland. Fasching […]
Kürbiskernbrot (Pumpkin Seed Bread) Recipe
Nutty, hearty, and visually striking, Kürbiskernbrot – or German Pumpkin Seed Bread – is a rustic favorite that brings depth and texture to every bite. With its golden crumb and crunchy green seeds both inside and out, this loaf is as wholesome as it is beautiful. Perfect for sandwiches, soups, or snacking on its own, […]
July 24 in German History
July 24, 1683 The first German settlers leave for the USA on board the Concord. Originally from Krefeld in the Rhine Valley, they spent 73 days on the ship, crossing the ocean. Those 33 immigrants came at William Penn’s invitation and founded Germantown, then a city, now a neighborhood of Philadelphia. Their first mayor was […]
The Influence of German Culture on American Traditions
German culture has left an indelible mark on the United States, shaping everything from food and festivals to language and education. With over 40 million Americans claiming German ancestry, it is no surprise that many aspects of American life have been influenced by German traditions. Whether it is the beloved holiday customs, iconic food staples, […]
Fertility in Germany
Despite the Berlin Wall and the fortified boundary that divided them, the two Germanys had many similar demographic developments in the postwar period. In the late 1950s and especially in the 1960s, both Germanys experienced a “baby boom,” stimulated by increased economic prosperity and a heightened sense of security. During the second half of the […]
May 21 in German History
May 21, 996 The Pope Gregory V crowns Otto III as the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Gregory V was the first German Pope. Otto III later brought troops to Italy to combat the forces of an anti-pope, John XVI who attempted to take the office of pope from Gregory V. Otto restored Gregory […]
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Essential German Phrases
If there are only a few phrases you are willing to learn before your trip to Germany, it should be these. They could help you out if tight situations. If in a German speaking country the natives will … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
The Proclamation of the German Empire
The unification of Germany was not finalized in Berlin or Frankfurt but in a hall of mirrors just outside Paris. On January 18, 1871, in the glittering Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles, a … [Read More...]
Maternity Leave Law in Germany
Parental leave in Germany may seem amazing, but it is also complex and can be confusing, especially to a foreigner. Adjusting to motherhood is made a little easier if you happen to be an employed … [Read More...]
Germany vs UK Culture: Key Differences
Ask a Brit who's just moved to Germany how the first few weeks went, and you'll usually get some version of the same story: a German colleague gave blunt, unfiltered feedback on a work presentation, … [Read More...]
Mettbrötchen: Germany’s Raw Pork Sandwich Explained
To the untrained eye - and especially the non-German stomach - Mettbrötchen might look like a culinary dare. Raw minced pork spread on a crusty bread roll, topped with raw onions, salt, and pepper? In … [Read More...]
August 24 in German History
August 24-27, 410 Alaric, the leader of the Visigoths takes and plunders Rome. This was one of the final blows which would bring about the end of the Roman Empire. The Visigoths were one of the … [Read More...]
Frederick the Great of Prussia
Few figures in German history cast as long a shadow as Frederick II of Prussia, better known as Frederick the Great. Ruling from 1740 to 1786, he took a modest, militarized kingdom and elevated it to … [Read More...]
Social Market Economy in Germany
Germany's economic growth during the first decades after the war at times overshadowed its marked success at joining the international community. In 1945 the country's economy was shattered. A good … [Read More...]
Healthcare in Germany
The beginnings of the German health care system can be traced back to the Middle Ages, when craftsmen were members of guilds. The guilds provided an early form of health insurance based on the … [Read More...]