germanculture - German Culture

Toppler Castle

In Germany, castles come in many shapes and sizes. Built in 1388 partly as a residence and partly as a fortress, this was the home of Rothenburg’s legendary mayor, Heinrich Toppler. Fully intact, the building is furnished with items from the 16th to the 19th centuries. Located in the Tauber Valley and accessed via the Double Bridge or … [Read more...]

Franz Xaver Winterhalter – German Painter Who Beautified the Royalty

Franz Xaver Winterhalter (20 April 1805 – 8 July 1873) was a German artist best known for his airy, idealized portraits of European royalty that were influenced by the Rococo and Neoclassical painting. Born in a small village in Germany's Black Forest, Franz Xaver Winterhalter left his home to study painting at the academy in Munich. Before … [Read more...]

Overcoming the Hardest Part of Learning German

What’s the hardest part of learning German? For English speakers, it is most probably German word order. It’s one of the many obstacles that need to be overcome for German learners. It might seem confusing and bizarre at first, but in time it will eventually begin to click. Learn the rules of German word order and practice them so that you can you … [Read more...]

Apfelküchle – German Apple Fritters

Few things say "comfort food" quite like a warm, cinnamon-scented apple fritter straight from the pan. Apfelküchle, or German apple fritters, are a beloved treat that has been warming hearts and satisfying sweet cravings for generations. Traditionally made with sliced apples dipped in batter and fried to golden perfection, Apfelküchle is often … [Read more...]

Speak German like a Native

Using these words will definitely make you sound like a true German! 1. “Krass”, “Hammer”, “Wahnsinnig” and “Geil” Do you have strong feelings about anything and everything? “Krass” can be used whenever you have an extreme emotional reaction towards something. If you love it, it’s krass. If you hate it, it’s krass. If it makes you roll around on … [Read more...]

Spargel, or Why Germans are Crazy About Their Asparagus

Spargelzeit (asparagus season) starts in Germany in April and lasts for two months every year. At this time of the year small wooden huts start popping up across Germany. The message they all bear is simple. It's just one word. “Spargel.” German passion for asparagus is unrivaled. One fifth of the entire arable landmass of the country is … [Read more...]

Markklößchensuppe – Bone Marrow Dumpling Soup

Typical German beef soup with bone marrow dumplings, vegetables, noodles and egg custard, so comforting and delicious! Ingredients: 2 large bread rolls 2 1⁄2 cups bread crumbs 1⁄2 cup finely chopped parsley 2 eggs freshly grated nutmeg, to taste Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 0.5 kg beef marrow bones 10 cups beef … [Read more...]

12 Food-Related German Idioms

These expressions will have your mouth watering! It's impossible in one article to discuss all the idioms in German that refer to food. But we can look at some of the most common ones with the literal translation and the meaning. 1. Er glaubt, er bekommt eine Extrawurst Literally: He thinks he gets an extra sausage. Does he think he’s special? … [Read more...]

Kohlrouladen – German Cabbage Rolls

German stuffed cabbage rolls, or Kohlrouladen, are the quintessential German comfort food. Ingredients: 1 large white cabbage about 1800 g 600 g of ground beef 1 bread roll 1 egg 1 egg yolk 150 g of chopped onion for meat 150 g of chopped onion for gravy 1 beef cube 2 tablespoons of crème fraîche or sour cream 2 teaspoons of salt ½ … [Read more...]