Archive for 'Holidays'
How was a German lockdown announced AND revoked within one day? Posted by Sten on Mar 25, 2021
It was a tough week for Bundeskanzlerin (f, Federal Chancellor) Angela Merkel. Due to the announced lockdown for Ostern (Easter), everyone went hart ins Gericht (“hard into court”) with her. With rising coronavirus cases, the planned Lockerungen (f, relaxations) of the COVID rules fielen ins Wasser (“fell in the water”). But what actually happened? A “knallharter Lockdown“ On Monday…
Bleigießen – Will this German Tradition Tell Your Future? Posted by Sten on Jan 11, 2021
Happy new year, everyone! Some days ago, we looked at some German NYE traditions. Today, I want to talk about a tradition that came to an end, but we could still do this year – Bleigießen (“lead pouring”). What is it, how do you do it and where did it come from? Drop it like it’s…
Recipes For Three Festive German Hot Drinks Posted by Larissa on Dec 29, 2020
As promised in my last post (which you can find here), I will be sharing with you how to make these delicious winter warmers. You can often buy these ready made in the supermarket, but I find it tastes even better using real spices. I have added a vocabulary list at the end of the…
4 Questions On German Räuchermännchen Posted by Sten on Dec 24, 2020
It’s the most wonderful time of the year again. German Christmas! The Kamin (fireplace) is crackling joyfully and the warm and sweet Glühwein (mulled wine) relaxes the soul and the Räuchermännchen disperse their wonderful Christmas scent. Perhaps I lost you on that last one. What are Räuchermännchen? Little smoke men? Actually, kind of! 1. What is a…
The German Haushaltswoche – Part 2: Merkel’s Speech Posted by Sten on Dec 11, 2020
It’s an exciting week in the German Bundestag (the German legislative body, its lower house of Congress). Earlier this week, German Bundesfinanzminister (secretary of finance) Olaf Scholz presented the Haushaltsentwurf (budget draft) for 2021. The Bundesregierung (federal government) has agreed; now it’s time for the Bundestag to follow suit. But before that happens, they have four days to…
Three Festive German Hot Drinks Posted by Larissa on Nov 30, 2020
Next week is already December and as the months get colder I crave for some festive drinks! Here are three festive hot drinks that you will typically find in German Christmas markets or at home during the festive period. Glühwein – Mulled Wine The most well-known drink for the hot months is Glühwein. This is…
Black Friday in Germany Posted by Sten on Nov 27, 2020
Some years ago, we discussed the Schwarzer Freitag (Black Friday) in Germany. It is not remembered as a good day, as it refers to one of the worst days of the 1929 financial crisis. The shopping spree Friday exists in Germany, too, though. In that last post, I provided some vocabulary to make shopping in Germany a…