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.
Category: Short and Sweet
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.
Otto Lilienthal was a German flight pioneer in the late 19th century, and is known for his many flying apparatuses and gliders.
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”?
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.
