Archive for 'Culture'
School life in Germany: The former German Democratic Republic Posted by Sandra Rösner on Apr 10, 2012
How do German students spend their days in school? Of course, they attend classes, sit tests, and prepare for their graduation. But how does this exactly look like? Although schooling is more or less a worldwide operation I have recognized that there are still significant differences between countries. For example, in France the satus quo…
Frohe Ostern! – Happy Easter! Posted by Sandra Rösner on Apr 5, 2012
The time has come again. Easter is almost here. Since Germany is a Christian country, its people celebrate the annual commemoration of the Auferstehung Jesu Christi (Resurrection of Jesus), commonly known as Ostern (Easter). Both designations German Ostern and English Easter have the same linguistic roots, and there are different explanations of its origin. Among…
German counting rhymes: Abzählreime Posted by Sandra Rösner on Mar 27, 2012
I have predominately applied myself to grammatical topics so far and completely – unintentionally – ignored children’s topics. Therefore, I would like to dedicate this post to all children and ageless people by focusing on German Abzählreime (counting rhymes). Before children can begin to play a game , e.g. Verstecke (hide and seek) or…
Building a Carolingian abbey Posted by jan on Mar 19, 2012
As I checked the news today, I read an article about an extraordinary project in Germany that I want to share with you. In a Wald (forest) near the town of Meßkirch ,which is situated in Baden-Württemberg close to Bodensee (Lake Constance), a medieval abbey and village are going to be built – strictly under…
German music: Trio Posted by jan on Mar 12, 2012
It´s been a while since I introduced some German music to you. So it´s time to continue with this little series. Today I´ve got a band for you that might sound a little strange to some of you because they were…let´s say a little bit different 😉 I´m talking about Trio which was a band…
Learn German with music: Roger Cicero – “Wovon träumst du nachts?” Posted by Sandra Rösner on Mar 9, 2012
One of our Facebook followers asked for the translation of Roger Cicero’s song “Wovon träumst du nachts?” (lit. What are you dreaming of at night?) Roger Cicero is a German jazz musician. He has devoted himself to music since childhood. At the age of 11 he was the support act of Helen Vita, a Swiss…
Valentinstag – Valentine’s Day Posted by anja on Feb 12, 2012
Only two days until Valentine’s day! Have you already sent out your greeting cards, prepared your presents, planned the evening with your loved one? The custom to celebrate St. Valentine’s Day as the day of lovers was introduced to Germany by US soldiers after WWII, and then got popularized among the general public by marketing…