Donauwelle is a German and Austrian cake, or rather Torte, that resembles the waves of the Danube river, hence the name.
A popular spring song in Germany is “Alle Vögel sind schon da” (All the birds are already here). It was written by Hoffmann von Fallersleben in 1835 and is sung to a melody by an unkown composer.
Agnes Pockels (1862-1935) was a self-taught physical chemist who did groundbreaking work in the field of surface tension and invented the slide trough (Schieberinne).
Glühwein or Mulled Wine is usually made with red wine and spices, but there is also a white version with white wine. And there is a cold summer version with champagne.
💘📚 Hedwig Courths-Mahler (1867-1950) was one of the most popular writers of the early 20th century. She published over 200 novels and novellas, mostly romance novels. Most of her stories featured a couple who had to overcome obstacles and differences in social status before they were joined in love and marriage. Hedwig Courths-Mahler ca 1900. […]
On February 5, 1972 the first Bobby Car was introduced at the toy convention in Nuremburg. It‘s a hard plastic car with a steering wheel and horn. Kids use their feet to propel themselves forward on this Rutschauto (scoot car). Pediatricians actually recommend it for youngsters who have problems with their hips. Soon after Ernst […]
August Horch was born on October 12, 1868, was a mechanical engineer and founder of the companies Horch and Audi. When working for Karl Benz in Mannheim, he invented the reverse gear for cars.After he left Benz, he founded his own company and build his own cars. In order to survive, Horch turned his company […]
February 3 is the feast day of Saint Blaise. Saint Blaise (Heiliger Blasius) died a martyr in 316, is one of the 14 Nothelfer (Holy Helpers), and the Patron Saint of doctors, weavers, tailors. wool merchants, chandlers, tanners, and wind musicians. He is called upon for any throat diseases. Saint Blaise is also a patron […]
The Elephant Catastrophe (Elefantenkatastrophe) happened on July 31, 1888 in Munich. During a parade for the 100th birthday of Ludwig I, eight Indian elephants got spooked and created a mass panic.
There are seven snakes species living in Germany, all of which are protected, two of them are venomous. And then there is the “Blindschleiche”, a lizard often mistaken for a snake.
“Der Schneider von Ulm” (Tailor of Ulm) was a German tailor, inventor, and aviation pioneer. Unfortunately, his public flight in 1811 across the Danube ended with him plummeting into the river. However, it was not due to his inferior “flying machine”.
Henny Porten was one of Germany’s first movie stars during the rise of the silent film industry. She also worked as a producer and made a successful transition to talking movies.
Konrad Adenauer: lawyer, mayor of Cologne, and the first Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany. These are the facts that most people know about him. Here are some things you might not know about him.
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.
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.
“Leise rieselt der Schnee” is a German Christmas song from 1895, written by Eduard Ebel.
Volkstrauertag in Germany is a National Day of Mourning commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of wars.
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 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.
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.
The hottest days of summer are called “dog days” in English and “Hundstage” in German. But it has nothing to do with dogs.
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.
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.
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.
On Saturday before Easter many cities in Germany celebrate with an Osterfeuer (Easter Fire). An Easter Wheel (Osterrad) though is a regional custom.
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”.
Osterbrunnen are decorated fountains and wells that are common in Franconian Switzerland during Easter. They are decorated with colorful eggs and greenery garlands.
Here is a (not comprehensive) list of locations and clubs where you can celebrate German Karneval/Fasching in the U.S.
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.
Cilly Aussem was a German tennis player in the 1920s and 30s and the first German to win Wimbledon. She won against fellow German Hilde Krahwinkel.
Luise Rainer was an actor from Düsseldorf in Germany with a brief career in Hollywood. She won two Academy Awards in 1936 and 1937.
While New Year’s Day is called “Neujahr” (new year) in German, New Year’s Eve goes by the name “Silvester”, after Pope Sylvester I who died on December 31, 335.
The King in Germany? Yes, Elvis Presley was stationed in Germany for his military service from October of 1958 until March of 1960.
It looks like a rose and blooms around Pentecost: the Pfingstrose or peony. The flower was used for medicinal (and magical) purposes but also as an ornamental flower.
The Ice Saints or Eisheiligen in Germany are the days of May 11 (12)-15, ending with the Cold Sophie (Kalte Sophie). These days might see low temperature and night frost which is why you shouldn’t plant before those dates.
The Thursday before Easter is called Maundy Thursday or Gründonnerstag (Green Thursday) in German. What’s so green about that day and what customs are celebrated?
Palmsonntag or Palm Sunday starts the Holy Week which ends with Easter Sunday. Some (German) customs around Palm Sunday include processions and Palmbuschen.
Epiphany (Dreikönigstag) is celebrated on January 6th. In many regions, “Sternsinger” go from door to door, singing and marking the houses with the CMB blessing.
The Christmas song that wasn’t. “Schneeflöckchen, Weißröckchen” is a children’s winter song written by Hedwig Haberkern in 1869. But over time it became a song that we sing during the Christmas season.
Take a look at how Germans celebrate Christmas with these German Christmas traditions; from Advent Wreaths to Christmas trees, from St. Nicholas Day to opening presents on Christmas Eve.
Here is a collection of German books and authors that have been translated into English. Ideal for your Germanophile book lovers among your friends and family.
Coffee wouldn’t be what it is today without Melitta Bentz. In 1908, the housewife from Dresden invented the coffee filter … and the rest is history!
German Potato Salad is made with vinegar and broth, sometimes served warm. Unless you talk about Nordic potato salad made with mayonnaise. Read more about potatoes in Germany here.
Father’s Day in Germany looks a lot different from Father’s Day in the US. First, it’s on Ascension Day in May, second, men go on hiking and/or drinking tours.
On the eve of April 30th, the “Walpurgisnacht”, witches meet on the Brocken mountain to celebrate and mate with the devil. But the night is named after a Saint. Read here about Saint Walburga and her connection to the witches’ night.
Clara Immerwahr (1870-1915) was the first German woman to earn a doctorate in chemistry; during a time when it was near impossible for girls and women to receive a university degree.
Glücksbringer are good luck charms, and Germany has plenty of them: the lucky penny, horseshoe, toadstool, ladybug, chimney sweep, clover, and of course the Glücksschwein, a lucky pig.
The first Sunday after Ash Wednesday is the Funkensonntag. On that day, so-called Funkenfeuer (bonfires) are lit in the Swabian-Alemannic Alpine regions.
Louise Otto-Peters was a journalist and writer, an early women’s rights activist of the 19th century, and co-founder of the General German Women’s Association.
On February 21st, North Frisians gather at the beaches to observe the traditional Biikebrennen – a giant bonfire to mark the beginning of whale hunting and fishing season, and the end of winter.
The Internationale Grüne Woche Berlin (IGW) or Green Week has been an important agricultural convention since 1926. Read more about the history and why it’s called “green”.
Die Polente is an older term for police but also describes a Citroën 2CV police car. Find out here why it’s called “Polente”.
Bratwurst, brats, sausage – however you call it, it’s a popular dish in Germany and the world. Take a look at three popular Bratwurst in Germany: Nürnberger, Thüringer, and Currywurst.
What do Germans do for New Year’s Eve (Silvester) and New Year’s Day (Neujahr)? Read here about German New Year’s traditions, from Dinner for One to eating Berliner.
The Christmas season calls for Poinsettias or as Germans call them Weihnachtsstern. Imported from Mexico by Joel Roberts Poinsett it became popular through clever marketing by the German immigrant Ecke family.
December 4th is Saint Barbara’s Feast Day. She converted to Christianity and died as a martyr. Find out here why we cut cherry tree branches on Saint Barbara Day, and how it relates to the patron of artillerymen and miners.
Didn’t get an advent calendar yet? I have a solution for you: enjoy this virtual Adventskalender about German Christmas.
If you are a German expat living in the US you might miss many things, from good chocolate to German windows and reading German books. For latter, I have summarized some options how you can read German books when you live in the US.
Fliegenpilz, toadstool, fly agaric – that’s just some of the names the poisonous mushroom goes by. Where the name comes from and why it’s also a good luck symbol, you’ll find out here.
Many words in German and English are cognates because both are Germanic languages. But there are also words directly taken from German in the English language, so-called loanwords. Take a look at some of them here.
The Oberbaumbrücke or Oberbaum Bridge connects the Berlin boroughs of Friedrichshain and Kreuzberg, spanning the River Spree. Once a toll bridge and border crossing between East and West Berlin, it now connects the formerly divided city.
Federweißer is a young wine (so young indeed that it isn’t even a wine yet) which is a delicious drink in the fall, best paired with a piece of Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart).
Friedrich Hecker led an uprising for a united Germany in 1848. He later emigrated to the United States where he fought in the Civil War. Find out more about this German American.
Kleiner Feigling – little coward, that’s the name of a popular German party drink. Find out here what it is, how to drink it, and where to buy it in the US.
In this article I am going to walk through the process of renewing your German passport if you live in the US and can’t renew it in Germany.
On the first day of school, German children receive a cone filled with candy and school supplies – die Schultüte. It’s a tradition dating back to the 1800s.
A German favorite during the summer: Eiskaffee. What sounds like an iced coffee is actually ice cream, cold brew, and whipped cream. Find out here how to make it.
Maria von Linden was the first female student at the University of Tübingen, and the first woman to receive the title “Professor”. Read here about her research and struggles in academia.
1888 was the year when the German empire had three emperors: Kaiser Wilhelm I, Kaiser Friedrich III, and Kaiser Wilhelm II. Therefore it is called “Dreikaiserjahr”.
Lotte Reiniger, born in 1899, was a German film pioneer. She made the first feature length animated movie, using silhouette animation.
Maiglöckchen or Lily of the Valley are pretty flowers you’ll see especially in May, hence the name. But be careful those bell shaped flowers are poisonous.
Maibowle or Waldmeisterbowle is a punch made with woodruff and traditionally drunk in May. Though, if you use woodruff syrup you can enjoy this refreshing wine all summer long.
Considering the chicken dance is staple of Oktoberfest celebrations in the US you would think it’s a German tradition. But the song is actually Swiss, and called “Ententanz.”
Baron Münchhausen was a real person who lived in the 18th century and who told adventure stories for entertainment. So, why is he called the “Baron of Lies”?
Sing this German May Song to welcome May: Der Mai ist gekommen. Written by Geibel in 1841, set to music by Lyra in 1842
Most people think of a Laugenbrezel when thinking about pretzels. But Germany has many sweet pretzels, baked for different occasions and in different parts of Germany. Let’s take a look.
As the title suggests: this article is about eggs. German vocabulary words, idiomatic expressions, famous eggs, and funny stuff with eggs.
Auguste Victoria was the last German empress, wife of Emperor Wilhelm II. For the 100th anniversary of her death on April 11th, 1921, the German TV channel ZDF made a documentary about her that you can watch here. I have provided an English summary along with photos.
The first Thursday in April is a holiday in the Canton Glarus in Switzerland. They commemorate the Battle of Näfels of 1388 with a procession called Näfelser Fahrt.
We all know that the Easter bunny brings the Easter eggs. But it wasn’t always just the bunny; for example there was the fox – der Osterfuchs.
Otto von Bismarck was a German statesman who helped establish the German empire in 1871. So, what does he have to do with a herring?
Luise Hensel wrote the poem “Müde bin ich, geh zur Ruh” that is now known as children’s prayer and lullaby. After writing her poetry in early life, she devoted the rest of her life to caritas work within the Catholic Church.
“Geh’ aus, mein Herz und suche Freud'” (Go forth, my heart and seek delight) is a known and popular summer song. It was written by pastor and poet Paul Gerhardt in 1653. Take a listen.
The first woman to be admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts of Munich, Marie Ellenrieder was a court painter and created religious art still admired today.
Very short biography of Rudolf Diesel (1858-1913), inventor of the Diesel engine. Further resources and video included.
I’m holding my first giveaway. Find out how you can win one of three copies of Volker Kutscher’s “A Silent Death”, the books that inspired the series “Babylon Berlin”.
Maybe you know him as the little brother of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, but Ludwig Emil Grimm was an artist in his own right: a painter, etcher, and engraver. Take a look at his life and artwork.
On March 9th, 1152, Frederick I was crowned King of Germany. Read about the Aachen Cathedral and Friedrich Barbarossa.
International Women’s Day or Weltfrauentag is celebrated on March 8th. How was this date chosen and why?
Schwarz Rot Gold (black red gold) are the colors of the German flag. But where do the colors come from? Find out here.
Cinderella, Aschenputtel, Aschenbrödel – one of the most beloved fairy tale characters has many names, and even more versions. Read here about the two most prominent ones.
How well do you know Grimm’s Fairy Tales? I have collected eight images showing eight different fairy tales. Do you know which ones they are?
Felix Hoffmann, a chemist working for Bayer at the turn of the last century, is often credited with the invention of aspirin. But was it really him and what role did he play in the development of heroin? Find out here:
Pancake translates to “Pfannkuchen” in German, but they are not the same. And then there are German Pancakes. Find out what’s what.
Are you considering baking a German Chocolate Cake for your German friend or co-worker? You might want to know that German Chocolate Cake isn’t actually German.
Who doesn’t like Marzipan, this delicious almond candy covered in chocolate or added to cakes? Read here about the history and how to make your own.
Elisabeth Schwarzhaupt was the first female Federal Minister of Germany. She was the Minister of Health from 1961 until 1966.
Es ist ein Ros entsprungen is a German Christmas carol dating back to the 16th century. The text hasn’t changed much in the last centuries, and the music has stayed the same since Praetorius wrote it in 1609.
You miss German food and want to know where you can buy it in the US? Or do you need a gift for somebody who misses German food? Then you have come to the right place.
One of the oldest German Christmas songs is “Es kommt ein Schiff, geladen”, dating back to the 15th century. History, lyrics in German and English, plus music videos.
A short history of the popular German Christmas song “Ihr Kinderlein, kommet” (Oh, come, little children) with lyrics in German and English, as well as two music videos.
The famous German language Christmas song “Stille Nacht, heilige Nacht” is over 200 years old and an UNESCO Cultural Heritage of Austria.
During Advent, Germans mark the four Sundays before Christmas by lighting candles on an Advent Wreath. Find out about the custom and its older alternative, the Paradeisl or Klausenbaum.
Advent Wreaths are a German tradition that starts the Adventszeit, the time before Christmas. Find out here how to make an advent wreath.
It’s almost December 1st. Did you get your advent calendar yet? Are you buying or making one for your kid, your friend, your spouse? Here are some ideas and facts about advent calendars.
Nowadays it is easier than ever to watch TV shows from other countries and in different languages. Netflix in the US has a large selection of German language TV shows and movies. You can watch them in German with English subtitles, if you want, but some of them have also been dubbed. Here are 5 […]
After looking at the history of the pretzel in Europe and the US, it is time to try making pretzels myself. The recipe I like best uses caustic soda that gives the Laugenbrezel its distinct taste.
After looking at the origin and history of the pretzel in Europe, we take a look at the pretzel in the US from Philadelphia in Pennsylvania to Freeport in Illinois.
In the fall, children all over Germany take part in lantern parades, they sing songs, and in some regions they receive a sweet dough man. Especially in the West, this happens on St. Martin’s Day which is November 11th.
For Protestants, October 31st is an important day. Martin Luther published his 95 theses about the issues he had with the Catholic Church, especially with the selling of indulgences.
October 31st is not only Halloween but also Reformation Day. Playmobil published a Martin Luther figurine in 2017 to commemorate the 500th anniversary.
Stockbrot is a favorite at campfires, and it is exactly what you think it is: bread on a stick. Make your dough, wrap it around a stick, cook it over the fire.
“Und dann hat mir der Gauner meinen letzten Cent abgeknöpft!”
Was das heißt, wissen wir alle, aber was hat das mit Knöpfen zu tun? Ich trage doch mein Geld nicht wie Knöpfe an der Jacke.
Warum diese Redensart Sinn macht, erfahrt ihr hier. Und noch so einiges mehr über Knöpfe.
October 12th is Indigenous Peoples Day! So, what does that have to do with Germany, you might ask. Well, Germans have had a decades long fascination with Native Americans. And it kind of started with Karl May the German adventure story writer who invented Winnetou, the most famous Native American Americans don’t know.
Nützliche Vokabeln rund um die Post – Useful vocabulary about the post office. German nouns and verbs with English translations and example sentences.
For World Post Day on October 9th, I’m taking a look at the history of the post delivery in Germany ,the post horn, and why yellow is the color of Germany’s postal service.
When and where was the Brezel or pretzel invented? What does the word actually mean? Is there one ‘real’ pretzel? Let’s go back in history to find out!
Erntedankfest in Germany is a harvest festival where people give thanks for the harvest. It normally takes place on the first Sunday in October. Find out more about the customs around this holiday.
Did you know that The Beatles recorded two of their songs in German? And Elvis sang a German folk song partially in Swabian dialect? Johnny Cash, David Bowie, The Beach Boys, they all have recorded songs in German. In the 1960s it was not unheard of that artists released some of their songs in German for the German market.
What is Oktoberfest? When does it happen? What should I wear? What is there to eat and drink? You’ll find the answers here.
Am 19. September ist Speak like a Pirate Tag und zu diesem Anlass entführe ich euch heute auf die sieben Weltmeere. Wenn wir über Piraten sprechen, denken wir meistens an Blackbeard, Pirates of the Caribbean, und haben generell eine romantische Vorstellung vom Piratenleben, von den freien Männern, und einigen Frauen, die keinem gehorchen und dem […]
Do you know what a myboshi hat is? It’s a crocheted beanie, made popular and sold by Thomas Jaenisch and Felix Rohland from Bavaria.
The teddy bear! Who doesn’t have one or had one as a child? The Teddybär has been around for over 100 years and shows no signs of stopping. Collectors, conventions, magazines, … there even is a Teddy Bear Day in US, which is celebrated on September 9th. There are many reasons why we think of […]
September 6th is Read a Book Day and September 7th is Buy a Book Day! And if you are interested in contemporary German language literature but either can’t read German or don’t have access to German books, then look at the following list of German speaking authors whose books (or at least some of their books) have been translated into English.
Did you ever ask yourself why the Bienenstich is called that? I asked myself that when I got stung by bees and realized that Bienenstich is a Teekesselchen (or homonym) but also wondered how this delicious cake got its name. The Bienenstich origin story comes from Andernach, a town by the Rhine, and is rich in details that can be neither proven nor disproven.
Find out what the World Beard and Moustache Championship is, and learn German words and idioms around “Bart”.
I was watching one of my favorite German TV shows “Mord mit Aussicht” which is a crime comedy show set in the little village of Hengasch in the Eifel, a low mountain range in western Germany. Some episodes can be watched on youtube or in the mediathek of Das Erste. So while I was enjoying […]
Wenn jemand sagt, dass sie mit Kind und Kegel in den Urlaub fahren, heißt das normalerweise nicht, dass sie im Urlaub kegeln wollen. Aber woher kommt der Ausdruck und was bedeutet er?
For English, see “Mit Kind und Kegel and Kit and Kaboodle”.
Trail mix in German is Studentenfutter which means “students’ feed or fodder”. How did the mix of nuts and dried fruit get its name?
Post also available in German.
A delicious Schnitzel … is what exactly? And is a Wiener Schnitzel different from a Jägerschnitzel? How long has it been around? Continue reading to find out.
