The German education system is renowned globally for its rigorous approach and comprehensive … (More)
German Culture
Germany, a country in the heart of Europe, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, shaped by centuries of history, diverse influences, and continuous innovation. This website covers almost all aspects of German culture, offering a glimpse into what makes it both unique and universally appealing.
German culture has been shaped by major historical events, including the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, the Enlightenment, industrialization, two World Wars, and reunification after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989. Each era left an indelible mark on German society, influencing its traditions, values, and global perception.
German, Germany’s official language, is known for its precision and depth. The country has a rich literary tradition, with figures like Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Friedrich Schiller, and more contemporary authors like Günter Grass and Herta Müller. The Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales have captivated children worldwide, while their work in linguistics has had a lasting impact on the study of Germanic languages.
Germany’s contribution to the arts is monumental. In classical music, composers like Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, and Richard Wagner have left a legacy that defines the genre. In visual arts, the German Renaissance, and later movements like Expressionism and Bauhaus, have influenced art globally.
From the Romanesque and Gothic churches to modernist Bauhaus buildings, German architecture displays a range of styles. The Neuschwanstein Castle in Bavaria is a prime example of 19th-century Romanticism, while the Berlin skyline showcases cutting-edge contemporary architecture.
German culture is rich in traditions and customs, many of which are celebrated through various festivals and events.
Oktoberfest
Oktoberfest in Munich is world-famous, drawing visitors from across the globe to celebrate Bavarian culture, beer, and food in a festive atmosphere. Traditional clothing like Lederhosen and Dirndl are often worn, showcasing regional folk costumes.
Christmas Markets
Germany’s Christmas markets (Weihnachtsmärkte) are magical, with their origins dating back to the Middle Ages. These markets, found in nearly every town, are filled with festive decorations, traditional crafts, and culinary delights like Glühwein and Lebkuchen.
The Carnival season, particularly strong in the Rhineland region, features parades, costumes, and balls. It’s a time when traditional roles are reversed, and revelers enjoy a sense of freedom and humor.
Cuisine
German cuisine is as diverse as its regions, known for its hearty and robust flavors. Dishes like Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Pretzels are globally recognized. Each region has its specialties, like the seafood dishes of the North, the apple wine of Hessen, or the Spätzle of the South.
Germany is famous for its beer, with a brewing tradition rooted in the Reinheitsgebot (Beer Purity Law) of 1516. The country boasts a variety of beer styles, including Pilsner, Weizenbier, and Kölsch. Additionally, Germany is renowned for its Riesling wines, produced in picturesque vineyards along rivers like the Rhine and Mosel.
This comprehensive website of German culture highlights its depth and diversity, offering a window into a nation that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Whether you’re a history buff, an art enthusiast, or a culinary explorer, Germany’s rich cultural tapestry has something to intrigue and inspire everyone.
Featured Story
Featured Stories
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 imagined this paradise, haven’t you? However, a simple test will help you verify your real intentions as for Christmas: 1. Does your soul […]
German-Style Fried Potatoes (Bratkartoffeln)
Ingredients: 1/2 kg small potatoes, boiled in their skins (peel, then place the potatoes in the fridge overnight) 1 medium onion, finely chopped 4 thin slices of bacon or speck, cut into small cubes 2-3 tbsp of olive oil & butter (50/50) Salt and black pepper to season Method: Slice the cold potatoes into thin […]
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 Klages in Hannover, Germany. Klages was a professor at the University of Munich in natural sciences. He was the inventor of handwriting analysis. […]
How to Get German Citizenship
Getting German Citizenship is one of the top questions we get so we have decided to summarize the information for those who are willing to get started. The German Foreign Office quite ominously warns on its website that “German citizenship law is relatively complicated” and that they can only answer “the issues which currently dominate […]
The Ultimate Guide to Spritzers: Refreshing, Effervescent, and Versatile
Spritzers have become a staple in the world of refreshing, effervescent drinks. Offering a delightful balance between flavor and lightness, they are perfect for any occasion, from casual get-togethers to elegant parties. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of spritzers, exploring their history, varieties, and how to create the perfect drink for any palate. […]
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, […]
Keeping Up Traditions In Germany
German customs and traditions take a very important place in everyday life. Traditions mean integration. People in Germany and other countries create their own customs and rituals in their strong drive to build community around themselves, such as celebrating certain occasions, cooking definite dishes for some holidays, wearing certain clothes on different occasions, setting up […]
Traditional German Clothing – Dirndl and Lederhosen
Every region in the world is easily identifiable by the kind of clothing that was traditionally worn there. From the ‘kimonos’ worn in Japan to the ‘sarees’ draped in India, from the ‘kilts’ of Scotland to the ‘pueblas’ of Mexico, these outfits were, and still are, synonymous with the culture of the country. Clothing that […]
September 5 in German History
September 5, ca. 973 Roswitha von Gandersheim was born in about 935 and died sometime after 973. Her day of commemoration is September 5. She is considered the first woman author in German literary history. Beginning in 962 she composed lives of the saints in poetic form. She composed 6 plays concerning the Christian Faith. […]
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Brägele – Fried Potatoes
Brägele is badische Bratkartoffeln, fried potatoes in local style. Ingredients: 7 large potatoes 1 medium-sized onion salt olive oil and a bit of butter 100 g bacon fresh parsley or chives, … [Read More...]
Sunken Apple Cake (Versunkener Apfelkuchen)
There are countless apple cakes in Germany, but this one, in which a rather plain batter rises up and bakes around sliced apples, has to be one of the most popular. Cakes like these are often called … [Read More...]
January 2 in German History
January 2, 1729 Birth of Johann Daniel Titius (1729-1796) in Konitz, Germany (now in Poland). Titius was an early astronomer who was educated at the University of Leipzig and became a professor … [Read More...]
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 … [Read More...]
The Last Days of East Germany
In January 1988, Honecker paid a state visit to France. By all indications, the long stretch of international isolation appeared to have been successfully overcome. The GDR finally seemed to be taking … [Read More...]
Marzipan
Marzipan is a confection consisting primarily of sugar or honey and almond meal (ground almonds), sometimes augmented with almond oil or extract. It is often made into sweets. Common uses are … [Read More...]
November 27 in German History
November 27, 1680 Death of Athanasius Kirchner in Rome (born in Geisa, Germany). Kirchner studied in Fulda, Paderborn, Cologne and Koblenz. In 1628 he was ordained a Jesuit priest in Mainz. In 1634 … [Read More...]
Oktoberfest…The Fest Of Times
Oktoberfest was started long ago, it dates back to 1810, when a royal wedding of King Ludwig I and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen took place on Theresienwiese ("Theresa's fields"). As time … [Read More...]
The Reunification of Germany and Its Aftermath
The East German and West German economies at the time of unification looked very similar. They both concentrated on industrial production, especially machine tools, chemicals, automobiles, and … [Read More...]
Advent and Christmas Celebrations in Germany
The Christmas season is a busy one! Celebrating German Advent will help you slow down and enjoy the real reason for the season. Advent is celebrated on the four Sundays before Christmas. The Advent … [Read More...]