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Willkommen, Germanophiles!
If you want to know about the Germany that lies beyond schnitzel, bratwurst, lederhosen, sausage, and Oktoberfest, then you’ve come to right place.
I’m Anika, born and raised in Germany. I have been living in the US for 19 years. More about me and my journey here. While I am German, there are still many aspects of German culture that surprise me. I am happy to constantly find out new things about my home country, may it be about important people who were overlooked by history, inventions that I didn’t know were German, customs and traditions that are so specific to certain regions that I have never heard of them, or food that are local specialties that I haven’t had the chance to try.
Every week I spent many hours on research and writing interesting articles about Germany and its culture. If you like my work and would like to support me, you can do so by “buying me a coffee”. Just click on the blue “Buy me a coffee” icon.
To read my latest blog posts, you can go to “Blog”, click on the different menu items, and follow me via email. I also post many of my articles on instagram and facebook. On pinterest I collect many of the photos I use in my posts, and all the ones I couldn’t use due to space. 😉
If you have suggestions or questions, feel free to send me an email or contact me on instagram or facebook.
Danke! Thank you!
- German Christmas Decorations: Fröbelstern (Nordic Star)
The Fröbelstern is a star folded from paper and one of many German Christmas decorations. In English, it’s called Nordic Star, German Star, or Froebel Star. - The Historic Ludwigseisenbahn: Germany’s First Steam Train
Germany’s first steam powered train was the “Ludwigsbahn” or “Ludwigseisenbahn” (Bavarian Ludwig Train), named after Bavarian King Ludwig I. It went from Nuremberg to Fürth for the first time on December 7, 1835. - German Christmas Songs: Leise rieselt der Schnee – Softly Falls the Snow
“Leise rieselt der Schnee” is a German Christmas song from 1895, written by Eduard Ebel. - National Day of Mourning – Volkstrauertag
Volkstrauertag in Germany is a National Day of Mourning commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of wars. - Weather Lore in Germany: Altweibersommer
Unseasonably warm weather in fall along with colorful foliage is called “Altweibersommer” (old women’s summer) in German. Find out where the term comes from and the many other expressions this meteorological singularity goes by. - November 9 – Germany’s Fateful Date
November 9 is also called “Schicksalstag der Deutschen”, a fateful date in German history. Here is a short overview of the events that happened on November 9 in Germany. - Combining Mosaic Art and Public Housing in Vienna
Take a look at the mosaic art on the walls of three public housing buildings in Vienna. The pieces depicting fruits and vegetables can be found in the Hadikgasse 268-272. - Weather Lore in Germany: Hundstage
The hottest days of summer are called “dog days” in English and “Hundstage” in German. But it has nothing to do with dogs. - Weather Lore in Germany: Siebenschläfer
June 27 is “Siebenschläfertag” in Germany. This has nothing to do with the “Siebenschläfer” (edible dormouse) but with the “Seven Sleepers” who were Christian martyrs. Find out how this is all connected to weather lore. - White Asparagus (Spargel) – Germany’s Favorite Vegetable
Weißer Spargel or white asparagus is Germany’s favorite vegetable … at least during its season from April to June. There are Asparagus Routes, sculptures, you can find asparagus in art, and there are some curious things as well. - How to Celebrate Easter in Germany: Osterwasser
Osterwasser or Easter water is water collected on Easter early in the morning, before sunrise. It is said to have healing and protective powers and won’t go bad. - How to Celebrate Easter in Germany: Osterfeuer and Osterrad
On Saturday before Easter many cities in Germany celebrate with an Osterfeuer (Easter Fire). An Easter Wheel (Osterrad) though is a regional custom. - How to Celebrate Easter in Germany: Good Friday
Good Friday or Karfreitag is the day when Jesus was crucified. Different regions in Germany have different customs associated with this day, from “Ratschen” to processions, from eating fish to eating “Struwen”. - How to Celebrate Easter in Germany: Osterbrunnen
Osterbrunnen are decorated fountains and wells that are common in Franconian Switzerland during Easter. They are decorated with colorful eggs and greenery garlands. - Where to Celebrate German Karneval in the U.S. (2024)
Here is a (not comprehensive) list of locations and clubs where you can celebrate German Karneval/Fasching in the U.S. - Groundhog Day and Its German Origins
Groundhog Day is an American and Canadian holiday on February 2, but the custom of predicting the arrival of spring has German origins. It also has a connection to Candlemas, a religious holiday with roots dating back to Celts.
