German Culture

All about Germany

9 German Superstitions

Here are some superstitions – or Aberglauben – that you may come across in Germany. Knowing what these are might help explain any ‘unusual’ behavior you see in Germany, and help you to avoid making an embarrassing faux-pas yourself! 1. Chimney sweeps Chimney sweeps are repositories of good luck everywhere. In Germany, they are particularly … [Read more...]

The Cost of Living in Germany for Foreign Students

The cost of living in Germany generally differs according to the city you are in, while Leipzig can be bizarrely cheap and affordable, Munich is nothing like that. Among the bigger metropolitan cities as Hamburg, Cologne, Stuttgart and tiny yet cozy towns like Erfurt, Freiburg or Osnabrück, Berlin is caught somewhere in the middle as a common … [Read more...]

Simple Reasons Why Learning German Is Worth Your While

Many people arrive in Germany without speaking a word of the language. While some put months of their lives into mastering the language, others choose not to. There are lots of reasons for that: family life, jobs or just the sheer omnipresence of English can hold us back. But there are really good reasons to enlist in a Deutschkurs:   1. You won’t … [Read more...]

You Know You Speak German like a Native, if You Know These 10 Things

The key to learning German is to speak it. People love those who are learning their language. Imagine having the confidence to have a conversation with a native German speaker, practicing your language skills and experiencing German language and culture like you’ve always dreamed of. So you know how to say "Guten Morgen" and "Auf Wiedersehen" - … [Read more...]

Maternity Leave Law in Germany

Parental leave in Germany may seem amazing, but it is also complex and can be confusing, especially to a foreigner. Adjusting to motherhood is made a little easier if you happen to be an employed woman working for a German company. You will actually be provided mandatory time-off from work, before and after childbirth. Basically the … [Read more...]

Trümmertorte – Delicious Meringue Rubble Cake

This cake can be baked all year round. If there are no gooseberries, you can use any other fruit like blueberries, strawberries, rhubarb, peaches, apples, raspberries. The cake just needs a fruity filling, otherwise it stays the same and incredibly delicious. Ingredients: 4 eggs 130 g of sugar (for the meringue) 125 g soft butter … [Read more...]

Separable Verbs in German

In German, some verbs separate into two parts when used in present tense. While that might sound weird—to take a word and break it apart even for normal use—we do the same thing in English. In English, they’re called “phrasal verbs.” For example, consider what you do with a library book: do you check it? No. You check it out. You can also check … [Read more...]

German Dog Breeds: Great Dane

The Great Dane is a German breed of domestic dog known for its giant size. Though Irish Wolfhounds are taller as a breed, the world's tallest dog is a Great Dane. Anyone who's spent time with one also knows that they're the world's biggest lapdogs — literally. These puppies are lounge-y and large, with paws as big as an adult's hands. A Great Dane … [Read more...]

How to Prepare for a Trip to Germany

If you are planning a trip to Germany but have no idea what to pack, here is everything you need to know about what to pack for your trip and the essential items you absolutely must take with you, plus a few packing tips and tricks, for good measure. Germany has so much to offer visitors. Whether it’s the World War II history throughout the … [Read more...]

Schloss Johannisburg in Aschaffenburg

Schloss Johannisburg is a schloss in the town of Aschaffenburg, in Franconia in the state of Bavaria, Germany. It was erected between 1605 and 1614 by the architect Georg Ridinger (de) for Johann Schweikhard von Kronberg, Prince Bishop of Mainz. Until 1803, it was the second residence of the Prince Bishop of Mainz. It is constructed of red … [Read more...]