For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Möbius Strip and Its Inventor
The Möbius strip or Möbius band is a surface with only one side and only one boundary component. The Möbius strip has the mathematical property of being non-orientable. It can be realized as a ruled surface. It was discovered independently by the German mathematicians August Ferdinand Möbius and Johann Benedict Listing in 1858. August Ferdinand […]
Jägerschnitzel
Jägerschnitzel means “hunter’s cutlets” in German, and the dish was originally made with venison or wild boar backstrap, pounded thin. Jägerschnitzel at its core is a thin cutlet of meat served with a mushroom gravy. Potatoes — boiled, mashed or in a salad — are a traditional side dish. It is a manly meal, and the only green thing […]
Apple Strudel (Apfelstrudel)
Few desserts embody Old World charm like Apfelstrudel, or Apple Strudel. With its paper-thin layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a sweet apple filling, Apfelstrudel is one of Germany’s most iconic desserts (with deep Austrian roots). It’s the kind of dish that demands attention—not just when it’s on your plate, but when it’s being made, […]
Aachen Cathedral
Aachen Cathedral was included into UNESCO World Heritage List in 1978 and got one of the top sites of the list due its unique history enriched by legends and myths and luxurious treasures kept in the cathedral. Construction of this palatine chapel, with its octagonal basilica and cupola, began c. 790–800 under the Emperor Charlemagne. […]
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, crescent-shaped cookies are instantly recognizable: perfectly crumbly, melt-in-your-mouth tender, and coated generously in a fragrant vanilla sugar dusting. They are a staple of Advent baking in Germany, Austria, […]
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen – The X-Ray Discoverer
Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (March 27, 1845 – Feb. 10, 1923) was a German physicist who was a recipient of the first Nobel Prize for Physics, in 1901, for his discovery of X-rays, which heralded the age of modern physics and revolutionized diagnostic medicine. Röntgen studied at the Polytechnic in Zürich and then was professor of […]
October 30 in German History
October 30, 1466 Death of Johann Fust, a financial backer of Johannes Gutenberg. October 30, 1882 Birth of Günther von Kluge in Posen, Germany (now Poland). Kluge was a WWII German general who fought in Russia from 1941-1943 and replaced von Rundstedt on the Western Front in 1944. Suspected of being involved in the assassination […]
Dating Germans: Understanding German Dating Culture
Germany, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and robust economy, also boasts a unique dating culture that often piques the interest of those looking to find love in this European nation. Understanding the subtleties of German dating customs can be crucial for anyone looking to build a romantic relationship with a German partner. This […]
Frühlingsgemüse – Traditional German Spring Vegetables Recipe
Frühlingsgemüse, or “spring vegetables,” is a light, vibrant side dish made with the freshest produce of the season. Typically served with Easter roasts, salmon, or schnitzel, it features tender carrots, green beans, peas, and sometimes asparagus or kohlrabi. This dish celebrates Saisonküche—Germany’s focus on cooking with what’s fresh and local. With just a bit of […]
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October 24 in German History
October 24, 1273 Rudolf I is crowned in Aachen as the German King. October 24, 1648 The final Treaty of Westphalia is signed, ending the Thirty Years War (1618-1648). The Peace of Westphalia … [Read More...]
Sawing the Log: The First Test of a German Marriage
In many cultures, the wedding ceremony marks the moment two lives become one. In Germany, that union is often tested immediately - with a two-person saw and a heavy log. This isn’t a rustic accident. … [Read More...]
What Is Mettwurst? Raw-Cured German Sausage Guide
Germany has no shortage of raw meat delicacies, and Mettwurst is one of its finest - a cured, sometimes smoked, raw pork sausage eaten sliced or spread. Its intense flavor, deep color, and smooth or … [Read More...]
Wim Wenders – German Film Director, Producer and Writer
"I want to make personal films, not private films." Wim Wenders was born to create. He recognized it at high school in Oberhausen, where Wim began his studies in medicine and philosophy. Wenders … [Read More...]
January 24 in German History
January 24, 1076 The Holy Roman Emperor writes a letter to Pope Gregory VII condemning him as a usurper of the papacy. January 24, 1679 Birth of Christian Freiherr von Wolff in Breslau, … [Read More...]
November 21 in German History
November 21, 1555 Death of Georgius Agricola (original name, Georg Bauer) in Chemnitz, Germany. Agricola was a humanist, physician and scientist who is often called "the father of mineralogy". He was … [Read More...]
German Women – Scientists and Inventors
Here are seven German female inventors whose innovations, both large and small, have improved our world in various ways. Caroline Lucretia Herschel Caroline Lucretia Herschel (1750-1848) was the first … [Read More...]
Dining Etiquette in Germany: A Guide to Proper Table Manners
Dining out or being invited to a meal in Germany can be a delightful experience, enriched by age-old traditions and customs that reflect the country’s rich cultural heritage. Understanding and … [Read More...]
The Birth of the German Democratic Republic
As with the birth of the FRG, the formation of a separate nation-state in the Soviet zone also took only a few years. In late 1947, the SED convened the "German People's Congress for Unity and a Just … [Read More...]
Sauerkrautsalat – Traditional German Sauerkraut Salad Recipe
Zesty, crunchy, and packed with health benefits - Sauerkrautsalat, or raw sauerkraut salad, is a refreshing German side dish that pairs probiotic goodness with bold flavors. Unlike cooked sauerkraut, … [Read More...]