German Culture

All about Germany

Strange German Surnames

Surnames play a huge role in our life and you can expect any surname you can think of already exists. But it gets really bizarre when you start to browse through the German telephone book. Here are 9 of some of the weirdest German surnames and they are all real! First names have been altered though, to spare real people the ridicule. 1. Jens … [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...]

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...]

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...]

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...]

German Dog Breeds: Doberman

Doberman  is a medium-large breed of domestic dog originally developed around 1890 by Karl Friedrich Louis Dobermann, a tax collector from Germany, for his own protection. Here's how it happened. In 1890, Karl Friedrich Louis Doberman was a tax collector in Apolda, Germany. Unsurprisingly, he wasn’t very popular. But luck was on his side: he … [Read more...]

Basic German Phrases for Travelers

Although most Germans do speak English and you will most likely be understood should you require any assistance, it is much appreciated if you make an effort and speak German. Here is a list of the most basic German phrases you should learn before your visit to Germany. Good luck! Related articles: Germany Exploration: Basic German … [Read more...]

German Vocabulary: Weather

In Germany, like in most countries, talking about the weather is always a good topic when there is nothing else to talk about or if you want to break the ice with people you have just met. Here is a list of German words related to weather. … [Read more...]

German Verbs with Prepositions

A list of German verbs that are used with prepositions. It's important to know that verbs and prepositions tend to get kind of cozy with one another. Just as in English, there are specific verbs that are always followed by specific prepositions. … [Read more...]