German Culture

All about Germany

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...]

German Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters, or Zungenbrecher, are a fantastic way to train your tongue in German pronunciation. It’s not only language learners who use tongue twisters—even speech therapists use them to help train native speakers, so you’re in good company! Just as English-speakers enjoy a good “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” challenge every … [Read more...]

Hans Spemann and the Beginnings of Cloning

Hans Spemann (born June 27, 1869, Stuttgart, Württemberg - died Sept. 12, 1941, Freiburg im Breisgau, Ger.), German embryologist who was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1935 for his discovery of the effect now known as embryonic induction, the influence exercised by various parts of the embryo that directs the development of … [Read more...]

Mainau, Germany’s Flower Island in Lake Constance

The Flower Island of Mainau in Lake Constance may only cover 45 hectares of land, but it is home to an extraordinary diversity of trees, flowers and shrubs. Its other attractions include a 13th century baroque palace, a palm house and the biggest butterfly house in Germany. Mainau Island lies just off the shores of Lake Constance in … [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 kg lean pork, cut into thin strips 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 small yellow onion, diced 300 g fresh white button mushrooms, … [Read more...]

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 was traditionally worn in … [Read more...]