Gingerbread cookies are traditionally made in Germany for Christmas. Cook them anytime, and let some Christmas into the house right now! Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 30 min Here's How: Heat 3/4 cup honey, 3/8 cup sugar and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in ginger, … [Read more...]
Party Like a German
It's party season, and to help you seamlessly blend into German life and culture we've put together our top ten ways you can avoid embarrassment while you're keeping out the winter chill. 1. Arrive on time. Germans love nothing more than punctuality. While 'fashionably late“ might be a desirable quality in more laid-back countries, it won't win … [Read more...]
How to Saw a Log
This is the first thing a newly-wed couple in Germany has to do immediately after they have gone out of the church. Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: varies Here's How: Step out of the church with a happy smile on your face like all newly-weds do until they see a huge log waiting for them. Come close to the log (it should be placed on a … [Read more...]
How to Win a German’s Favor
It is very important for a stranger to be accepted in German society. Study the following rules, use your intuition, think of all the good things you were taught in your childhood, and good luck! Difficulty Level: Hard Time Required: 2 hours Here's How: Be on time (at least do your best not to be late). Take off your shoes at the front … [Read more...]
How to Pronounce German Consonants l and r Correctly
Most consonants in German are pronounced differently than in English. It is quite obvious with the consonants l and r. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 20 min Here's How: Pronouncing l (like in "million"), place the tip of the tongue to the ridge behind the upper teeth. Flatten it to produce the German l sound which is much lighter … [Read more...]
How to Cook Sauerbraten
Don't let the long cooking time scare you away. This authentic German dish will win your heart ... after you have cooked it. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 3 days Here's How: Mix 2 cups water, 1 cup wine vinegar, 1 tsp salt, 2 onions, 1 carrot, 5 peppercorns, 2 whole cloves, and 1 bay leaf in a large saucepan. Bring the … [Read more...]
How to Cook Gingerbread Cookies
Gingerbread cookies are traditionally made in Germany for Christmas. Cook them anytime, and let some Christmas into the house right now! Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: 30 min Here's How: Heat 3/4 cup honey, 3/8 cup sugar and 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan until smooth. Stir in ginger, black pepper, ground cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, … [Read more...]
How to Color the Easter Eggs
Coloring eggs for Easter is an old tradition dating back to the times when the liquid wax techniques were used for that. Learn how to do it easily and in a natural way nowadays -- with onion peels! Difficulty Level: Easy Time Required: 1 hour Here's How: Fill a large pan with water and let it boil. Peel the onions and put the peels into the … [Read more...]
How to Celebrate Carnival in Cologne
The Cologne Carnival (Kölner Karneval) is a carnival that takes place every year in Cologne, Germany. Traditionally, the "fifth season of the year" (carnival season) is declared open at 11 minutes past 11 on the 11th of the 11th month November. But the real "crazy days" do not start before the so-called Weiberfastnacht (Shrove Thursday), the … [Read more...]
How to Pack for a Trip to Germany
Avoid disappointment upon your arrival in Germany by knowing the important things in advance. Difficulty Level: Average Time Required: varies Here's How: Take a Foreign-German dictionary from your original country. Bring some German currency. If you bring a computer and it doesn't accept 230V, be sure to take an auto-transformer … [Read more...]