German Culture

All about Germany

Krampus – the Dark Side of St. Nicholas

Krampus, whose name is derived from the German word Krampen, meaning pickaxe, is said to be the son of Hel in Norse mythology. Originally, Krampus was a purely pagan creation, said to be the son of Hel from Norse mythology. But he got grafted onto Christian tradition as a sidekick of St. Nicholas. The legendary beast also shares characteristics … [Read more...]

Good Friday – Karfreitag

Many people in Germany mark the crucifixion of Jesus by participating in church services and processions on Good Friday (Karfreitag), which is two days before Easter Sunday. For others, it is the start of a long weekend and possibly a spring vacation. Good Friday is a public holiday in all German states. Post offices, banks, stores and other … [Read more...]

Christmas traditions in Germany

Christmas (Weihnachten) is considered to be the most important of the major holidays in Germany. Not only the holiday itself, but also the weeks leading up to the celebration of Christmas involve many traditions and customs. Christmas preparations in Germany begin from 1st of December as people bake spiced cakes, gingerbread houses and cookies, … [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...]

Real Germans and Weddings and Funerals

By guest author WEISSDORN WEDDINGS For Real Germans, except for an occassional sentimental Christmas Mass visit, there was no reason to visit the Church, unless the day comes where the Real German woman has decided to round up Mr. Right. The Real German Mr. Right usually does not decide to marry in the Church. If it was left up to him, he would … [Read more...]

Real Germans and Multi-Culturalism

Real Germans and Multiculturalism, Private and Group Discussions By guest author WEISSDORN Multiculturalism Hand-in-hand with the political correctness, real Germans profess a profound interest in almost any culture other than their own. Trendy real Germans worship native cultures and are the first to condemn other Western nations for … [Read more...]

German Food

What comes to mind when you think about German cuisine? Right, Sauerkraut and Bratwurst, Black Forest Cherry cake and beer, lots and lots of German beer. However that would be a huge generalization and simplification, because nowadays things have changed towards lighter cooking, reviving of the regional cuisines in Germany. German appreciation of … [Read more...]

How to Taste German Beer

Practical advice on how to get to the bottom of a beer stein without losing a bit of the rich taste of German beer. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 20 min Here's How: Choose your favorite kind of beer, or the kind mostly advised by your friend. Open the bottle. While pouring the beer into the glass, listen to the mild … [Read more...]

German Beer – the Absolutely German Drink

According to a representative survey, beer is a German's favorite drink. 79% of German adults drink beer regularly. 67% of German women and 91% of German men drink beer at least once a month. Germany has over 1,200 breweries, which produce the largest variety of beer styles in the world. The Germans are known to the whole world as a true … [Read more...]