For many visitors, one of the first cultural surprises in Germany arrives not at a famous castle or … (More)
Featured Stories
Dining with Germans: Table Manners That Will Impress
Dining in Germany is more than nourishment – it’s a structured, culturally meaningful ritual that blends tradition, etiquette, and unspoken social codes. If you’re ever invited to a German home or planning to dine out in Berlin, Munich, or a quiet village in the Mosel, understanding how to behave at the table will help you […]
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 […]
Weißbrot (White Bread) Recipe
Soft, fluffy, and beautifully golden, Weißbrot – or German White Bread – is a classic loaf that brings a light texture and mild flavor to the table. It’s perfect for everything from sandwiches to breakfast spreads and even makes an excellent base for French toast or bread pudding. Often shaped into loaves or braided rolls, […]
How to Peel White Asparagus
Learn how to peel white asparagus Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Here’s How: White asparagus must be peeled, as the outside is fibrous and even woody at times. The usual way to peel asparagus is to hold it in your non-dominant hand, gripping it gently right below the head with the thumb and […]
June 20 in German History
June 20, 981 Death of St. Adalbert von Magdeburg. St. Adalbert worked at the court of the Archbishop of Cologne. In 959 he left the service and became a monk at the monastery of St. Maximin in Trier. He was later made a bishop and was sent to establish Christianity in Russia in 961. The […]
Mastering Doppelkopf: The Complete Guide
Doppelkopf, often called “Doko,” is one of Germany’s most beloved and strategic card games. Played widely in pubs, clubs, and tournaments, it combines clever partnerships, tactical trick-taking, and sharp memory skills. Popular especially in northern and western Germany, Doppelkopf remains a cultural staple, connecting generations through competitive yet social gameplay. If you enjoy strategic card […]
German Army – Heer
In early 1995, the German army (Deutsches Heer), headquartered in Koblenz, had a personnel strength of appropriately 255,000, including 123,000 conscripts. German army was composed of two principal elements, the field army and the much smaller territorial army. Territorial army units were slated to be merged with the field army by the end of 1995. The […]
German Government and Politics
As of mid 1995, Germany was a country coming to terms with the recent unification of its western and eastern portions following four decades of Cold War division. Achieved in October 1990, German unification consisted, in effect, of the incorporation of the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany) into the Federal Republic of Germany […]
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 adhering to German dining etiquette can greatly enhance your dining experience, whether you’re a tourist, a business traveler, or an expatriate. This comprehensive guide will […]
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Retiring Abroad as a German: Trends, Destinations, and Cultural Clashes
For decades, German retirees typically stayed close to home, aging in familiar towns surrounded by family, clubs, and well-maintained public services. But that’s changing. Today, more Germans than … [Read More...]
German Navy – Bundesmarine
The primary areas of operation of the German navy (Bundesmarine) in the event of war are the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. Until 1990 the navy's mission had been to block the Baltic approaches on … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
The History of the German Pretzel
A Twist That Tells a Story With its golden crust, chewy interior, and unmistakable knotted shape, the German pretzel (Brezel) is one of the most iconic baked goods in the world. But behind its … [Read More...]
November 12 in German History
November 12, 1802 Birth of Gustav Friedrich Klemm in Chemnitz, Germany. Klemm was an anthropologist and director of the royal library at Dresden. He developed a concept of culture involving social … [Read More...]
October 20 in German History
October 20, 1740 Maria Theresa assumes the rule of Austria, Bohemia and Hungary upon the death of her father Karl VI. Maria Theresa von Habsburg was one of the most remarkable rulers in European … [Read More...]
Look Here – We’re in Germany! Christmas Vacation in Germany
Christmas is a family holiday which people use to spend at home waiting for Santa Claus near the friendly crackling fireplace, the smartly decorated tree, and a festive table. You have already … [Read More...]
German Christmas tree – Tannenbaum
The first appearance of a Christmas tree - Tannenbaum - was recorded in 1605 in Strasburg, and the record said that "...people set up Christmas trees in their rooms...". Another record of that time … [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 Sense of Humor
German humor style is often a hasty rude satire. Popular German cabarets of pre-war period are worldwide famous for their nipping jokes. The traditions of German political satire are rather old and … [Read More...]