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.
