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.

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.

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.

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 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”.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

When I studied in Hanover, Germany I lived in a district called Stöcken. I passed the Stöcken Friedhof (Stöcken cemetery) every day on my way to school, the library, or the grocery store. My friend and I would actually go for a walk there since the cemetery is really more of a park with graves.… Read more: Stöcken Friedhof – A Cemetery in Hanover

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.

“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.

In vielen Städten findet man Skulpturen, die Figuren aus der deutschen Folklore darstellen. Märchen- und Sagengestalten erzählen Geschichten, die seit Jahrhunderten erzählt werden. Hier stelle ich acht vor: Münchhausen, die Bremer Stadtmusikanten, die Lorelei, die Heinzelmännchen, Till Eulenspiegel, die Sieben Schwaben, Klaus Störtebeker und der Rattenfänger von Hameln.

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.

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!

What is Oktoberfest? When does it happen? What should I wear? What is there to eat and drink? You’ll find the answers here.

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… Read more: The Ascend and Triumph of the Teddy Bear