Nestled in the cultural heart of Europe, German universities are not just educational institutions; … (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
January 23 in German History
January 23, 1002 Death of Otto III, Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire in Viterbo, Italy (born in Germany in 980). As a child, Otto was crowned King of the Germans in Aachen in 983 following the death of his father, Otto II. In 996 he led his army to Rome to assist Pope John […]
The Weimar Republic, 1918-33
The Weimar Republic, proclaimed on November 9, 1918, was born in the throes of military defeat and social revolution. In January 1919, a National Assembly was elected to draft a constitution. The government, composed of members from the assembly, came to be called the Weimar coalition and included the SPD; the German Democratic Party (Deutsche […]
March 14 in German History
March 14, 968 Death of St. Mathilda (ca. 895 – 968). St. Matilda, the wife of the German king Heinrich I was born in about 895 in Engern, Saxony, Germany. Matilda and King Heinrich married in 909. She was the mother of Otto who would become the Emperor of the German Empire (a.k.a. Holy Roman […]
May 17 in German History
May 17, 1490 Birth of Albert of Prussia (1490-1568) in Ansbach, Germany. Albert was the last grand master of the Teutonic Knights. He was named grand master in 1510 and thus lord of East Prussia. In 1523 Martin Luther advised Albert to dissolve the Teutonic Order and to create in East Prussia into a hereditary […]
Berlin – the City of Great Changes
All free men, wherever they may live, are citizens of Berlin. And therefore, as a free man, I take pride in the words “Ich bin ein Berliner.” — President John F. Kennedy, West Berlin, 1963 Berlin is the capital and the largest city of Germany. Berlin was first the capital of Prussia, and then the […]
Karl Marx, Whose Philosophy Shaped the 20th Century
Karl Marx, in full Karl Heinrich Marx, (born May 5, 1818, Trier, Rhine province, Prussia [Germany]—died March 14, 1883, London, England), revolutionary, sociologist, philosopher, historian, and economist. He published (with Friedrich Engels) Manifest der Kommunistischen Partei (1848), commonly known as The Communist Manifesto, the most celebrated pamphlet in the history of the socialist movement. He […]
April 6 in German History
April 6, 912 Death of Bl. Notker Babulus (der Stammler)(ca. 840 – 912). Blessed Notker was born near St. Gallen, Switzerland in about 840. He studied at the school of the Monastery of St. Gallen and became a monk there. He wrote a large number of works during his lifetime as a teacher at the […]
How to Cook Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are traditionally made in Germany for Christmas. Cook them anytime, and let some Christmas into the house right now! Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 30 min Here’s How: Heat 3/4 cup honey, 3/8 cup sugar and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in ginger, black pepper, ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, […]
November 20 in German History
November 20, 1602 Birth of Otto von Guericke in Magdeburg, Germany. Von Guericke invented an air pump in 1650. That is not very remarkable, but what he did with it is. He pumped out vacuums. He was the first to learn that light travels through a vacuum, but sound does not. He was also the […]
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February 18 in German History
February 18, 1803 Death of Johann Ludwig Gleim (1719-1803) in Halberstadt, Germany. Gleim was a German poet.He wrote a large number of imitations of Anacreon, Horace and the minnesingers, a … [Read More...]
Nazi Gold
To finance such a war as World War II, Germany had to be an enormously rich country, ... but it wasn't. The level of the Reichsbank's gold reserves was extremely low by the beginning of the war. … [Read More...]
Favorite German Drinks to Try
No matter how hot the weather, Germany has got you covered! 1. Schorle is a beverage where sparkling mineral water and juice are mixed, comparable to a spritzer. This is as refreshing as a soft drink … [Read More...]
Nazi Nightmares
Nazi doctors carried out direct medical killings as part of "life unworthy of life" policy, as well as deathly experiments on concentration camp prisoners. German doctors were forced to do that … [Read More...]
German Nationality Law
On January 1, 2000 a new nationality law came into force in Germany. This law will help foreigners living in Germany to become German citizens. According to the new law, "At the heart of the reform is … [Read More...]
March 16 in German History
March 16, 1021 Death of St. Heribert von Köln. Heribert von Köln was born in Worms in ca. 970 and educated at the cathedral school in Worms. He was ordained a priest in 994. In 999 he was named … [Read More...]
Geschnetzeltes – Pork in Creamy Mushroom Sauce
Geschnetzeltes is a popular German dish for the busy cook. A creamy sauce with pork, mushrooms and onions, it is traditionally served with Spätzle, cucumber salad or potatoes. Ingredients: 0.5 … [Read More...]
Germany in World War I
Germany's leadership had hoped for a limited war between Austria-Hungary and Serbia. But because Russian forces had been mobilized in support of Serbia, the German leadership made the decision to … [Read More...]
Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancakes)
German potato pancakes are a quick and easy vegetarian dish. They are shallow-fried pancakes of grated or shredded potatoes, flour and eggs, often flavored with garlic or onion and seasoning. Potato … [Read More...]
Georg Cantor
Georg Cantor was an outstanding violinist, but an even more outstanding mathematician. He was born on March 3, 1845, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where he lived until he was eleven. Thereafter, the … [Read More...]