For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
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December 30 in German History
December 30, 1777 Death of Maximilian III Joseph in Munich, Germany. Maximilian was the son of the Holy Roman Emperor, Karl VII. He was the Elector (Holy Roman Empire) of Bavaria. He gained his position in Bavaria by the Peace of Fussen of April 22, 1745. He was a progressive and enlightened ruler who did […]
Eggs in Frankfurter Green Sauce
Ingredients: *-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-*-* 5 hard-boiled eggs 1/2 cup grapeseed oil 5 oz plain yogurt 5 oz sour cream 2 tablespoons finely chopped herbs (e.g. watercress, chives, sorrel, parsley, chervil etc) 1 garlic clove juice of half a lemon 1 tablespoon German prepared mustard salt and pepper to taste 1 pinch sugar 1 pickled German gherkin 1 […]
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 many cultures, this would be a serious food safety concern. But in Germany, it’s a beloved breakfast item, a snack […]
May 31 in German History
May 31, 1740 Death of Frederich Wilhelm I in Potsdam, Germany. Friedrich Wilhelm was the second king of Prussia. His policies developed Prussia into an efficient and powerful state. He married the daughter of Georg of Hannover (later to become George I, king of England). May 31, 1773 Birth of the romantic writer Ludwig Tieck […]
Unveiling the Layers of German Society: Traditions, Modernity, and Cultural Identity
In the heart of Europe lies Germany, a country renowned for its rich history, robust economy, and vibrant cultural tapestry. German society, with its deep-rooted traditions and forward-looking modernity, presents a fascinating study of cultural identity and social dynamics. This article delves into the complexities of German society, exploring its historical background, societal norms, and […]
How to Say Hello and Goodbye in German
Actually, the exact German equivalent to “hi” is, well, “hi”. It’s not really German, as you might assume, but Germans adopted it and it’s quite usual among younger and less conservative people. From “hallo” to “na”, learn the different ways to say “hello” in the German language. You’ll fit right in regardless of where you […]
June 14 in German History
June 14, 1757 Death of Karl August Archduke of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach. He made an intellectual center of Weimar through his invitation and patronage of Goethe, Herder, Schelling, Hegel and Schiller. June 14, 1862 Birth of John Ulric Nef in Herisau, Switzerland. Nef was a chemist who demonstrated that carbon can have a valence. He came to […]
The Tradition of Sylvester in Germany
In Germany, New Year’s Eve is not simply the closing of a calendar. It is Sylvester, a night filled with traditions that reflect centuries of history, layers of folklore, and a cultural instinct for marking transitions with intentional ritual. Germans view Sylvester not only as a time for celebration, but also as a symbolic threshold […]
The Rich Tapestry of German Literature: From the Brothers Grimm to Contemporary Authors
Germany’s literary landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of history, philosophy, and imagination. From the enchanting fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm to the profound novels of contemporary authors, German literature boasts a rich heritage that has significantly influenced the global literary scene. This article explores the evolution of German literature, shedding […]
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Schäufele – Pork Shoulder Baden Style
Schäufele (also "Schäuferle", "Schüfeli", "Schäuferla" or "Schäufelchen") is a traditional dish from the south of Germany. It is made from the pig's shoulder meat, which gives the dish its name, … [Read More...]
Krautsalat – Traditional German Recipe
Simple, crunchy, and delicious - Krautsalat, or German coleslaw, is a time-honored side dish that plays a starring role in German cuisine. Unlike American-style coleslaw, which often uses mayonnaise, … [Read More...]
July 21 in German History
July 21, 1816 Birth of Paul Freiherr von Reuter in Kassel. He was the founder of a news agency, Reuters, which is still in a leading position globally. Born of Jewish heritage, Israel Beer … [Read More...]
The Age of Enlightened Absolutism, 1648-1789
Although the Holy Roman Empire no longer had a significant role in European politics after the Thirty Years' War, it remained important in Germany, providing a framework for the many German states' … [Read More...]
February 14 in German History
February 14, 1515 Birth of Friedrich III (1515-1576) in Simmern, Germany. Friedrich was also called "Friedrich der Fromme". He was the elector of the Palatine of the Rhine. He became a … [Read More...]
St. Thomas’ Day in Germany
The Day of St. Thomas, celebrated on December 21, is also the day of the winter solstice, the year's longest night and shortest day. St. Thomas is commemorated on this day because he was the last one … [Read More...]
The Revolutions of 1848
Europe endured hard times during much of the 1840s. A series of bad harvests culminating in the potato blight of 1845-46 brought widespread misery and some starvation. An economic depression added to … [Read More...]
November 19 in German History
November 19, 1299 Death of St. Mechtilde von Hackeborn (ca. 1241-1298) Mechthilde was born near Halle, Germany in about 1241. At her own insistence she entered the cloister at Rodardsdorf at age 7. … [Read More...]
Carl von Linde Who Gave the World the Refrigerator
Carl von Linde was a German engineer (born on June 11, 1842 – died on November 16, 1934). Linde was best known for his refrigeration and gas separation technologies. Carl von Linde was the first … [Read More...]
Kartoffelsalat – Traditional German Recipe
Few dishes represent German culinary tradition as fully as Kartoffelsalat - the beloved German Potato Salad served everywhere from Bavarian beer gardens to family Christmas dinners. It is hearty, … [Read More...]