germanculture - German Culture

How to Behave In a Restaurant in Germany

Public places in Germany like restaurants or cafes require certain behavior. Learn how to get the most pleasure out of it. Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 2 hours Here's How: Wish others at your table Guten Appetit before you begin eating. Wish others Prost! (Cheers!) before you begin drinking. If you need to call a waiter, say "Herr Ober, … [Read more...]

How to Peel White Asparagus

Learn how to peel white asparagus Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 5 minutes Here's How: White asparagus must be peeled, as the outside is fibrous and even woody at times. The usual way to peel asparagus is to hold it in your non-dominant hand, gripping it gently right below the head with the thumb and index finger and resting … [Read more...]

‘Viel Spass’ on German Spas!

German spa culture is an adopted tradition taken from the Romans. During the time of Roman Empire bathing was used by soldiers returning from battle as a form of hydrotherapy. The word spa itself is a Latin acronym meaning 'health by water' or sanus per aquam. Mineral sources were particularly soothing remedies then as now. Today, Germany has one … [Read more...]

Euro Is Here

Euro coins and banknotes came in circulation in 12 participating European countries on January 1, 2002 The banknotes and coins of the single currency of the European Monetary Union entered circulation on January 1, 2002. For the first time since the Roman empire, Europe shares a common legal tender. The launch of the euro, which has been an … [Read more...]

German Christmas Carols

The following are the complete German texts of some of the most popular German Christmas carols. Most English versions of "Silent Night" include just three verses. These correspond to a translation from the original text of verses 1, 6 and 2, in that order. Next to the German text below is a direct translation into English. The intent here is not … [Read more...]

Halloween: Trick or Treat?

Trick or Treat? Treat!!! November... Cold biting wind is howling outside the window, the pale moon is swimming above the naked trees, and one can almost see all kinds of broom-riding witches and foggy ghosts in the dark... Isn't it the best party time for Halloween?!? Halloween party will not be Halloween party without great costumes and … [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 passed by, Oktoberfest lost its original meaning, but preserved and even more acquired the spirit of overall joy and happiness. Nowadays this is the … [Read more...]