Archive for 'Culture'
German Christmas Song: O Tannenbaum Posted by Constanze on Dec 14, 2014
Recently I wrote a post about Der Weihnachtsbaum and its origins in German history. This post was originally a part of it, but it became so large that I thought it only fitting to give it its own post. So, to continue on the Weihnachtsbaum theme, here’s a popular song you might know as ‘O…
Der Weihnachtsbaum: The Christmas Tree in German History Posted by Constanze on Dec 12, 2014
Every December we put up Christmas trees in our homes because it’s a tradition. But how many people know where this tradition comes from? There are many stories about the origin of the Christmas tree – some of them dating back as far as ancient Rome and ancient Egypt, and some associated with Paganism. But…
Forget Santa – Meet the Christkind! Posted by Constanze on Dec 7, 2014
Today I’m going to tell you about a German Christmas tradition that I remember very fondly from my childhood. It’s not something celebrated in the UK, but it’s popular in Germany, and I think it makes Christmas really magical for children (even moreso than Santa does). I’m going to tell you about the Christkind. The…
Festive Germany: Munich’s Marienplatz in December Posted by Constanze on Dec 5, 2014
Happy December! December is the month that Germany comes alive with Weihnachtsmarkten, Glühwein, and festive spirit. Exactly one year ago, I took my husband to see München for the first time. I thought this would be the perfect time to show you the cosy, Christmassy atmosphere that you can find in Marienplatz – the centre…
Food with Alessia 1 – Kalter Hund! Posted by Sten on Dec 2, 2014
Welcome to Food with Alessia! Alessia and I are students in Maastricht in the Netherlands. I am both German and Dutch, and I know the cultures, and I am in “familiar territory” so to say. Alessia is from Italy, and just moved to Maastricht. So in these blogs and videos, we have food that is…
German Food: The Humble Knödel Posted by Constanze on Nov 30, 2014
Today I’d like to devote some time to the wonderful German/Austrian food that is the Knödel! Also called Kloße in some parts of Germany, the Knödel is a dumpling that is synonymous for me with Bavaria. Ever since I was a child, I looked forward to eating the delicious Knödel made by my Oma (grandma)…
Untranslatable German Coffee: Kaffeeklatsch and Kaffeefahrt Posted by Constanze on Nov 21, 2014
Today I’m talking about two words centred around one of my favourite things – coffee! Coffee in German is Kaffee. Just the mere mention of this word brings a smile to my face. I’m sure you’ve heard of the German Kaffee und Kuchen Kultur (‘coffee and cake culture’) – they’re absolutely mad for it. So…