The 1st of May has arrived and so has the German Maibaum. This is just one of the many ways Germany marks the start of May. How do celebrations compare to those in the UK and why might falling off a rocking beer bench be the least of your worries?
All in Traditions
The Cult of the Spargel Eaters
Tis the season to eat Spargel in all its many and varied forms and you better believe Germany takes Spargelzeit very seriously. This makes things difficult for the tiny minority of us who actually don’t like it, but is it worth incurring the wrath of the Spargel lovers?
Easter, Eastern, Ostern
Despite the chocolate and schools holidays, Easter isn’t really much of a celebration in the UK. Here, things couldn’t be more different. Whether it’s decorations, fairs or Ostermarkt, Germany seems to come alive at Easter. the only question is: Do you say Easter, Eastern or Ostern?
Mint Sauce and the Germans
Despite a growing awareness, British food doesn’t have a good reputation in Germany. Why is British food so maligned and what does mint sauce tell us about both the British and the Germans?
Never Ending January
January seems to drag at the best of times, more so for those who feel cut off from friends and family. It’s been difficult for many of us in Germany, but how can we connect to our roots so far from “home” and why might a local dialect be the way out of a spiral?
And a Cherry on Top
What do you get if you cross Albrecht Dürer’s Rhinocerus, a slice of pineapple and a less than talented TV chef? You might be surprised to discover that it’s one of Germany’s more bizarre food creations, Toast Hawaii. How did such a whimsical creation become so popular in Germany and why is its creator still disputed?
German Hangover cures – Fighting the Cat
“Der Kater” or “the cat” is how Germans lovingly refer to a hangover. Germany has many suggestions for how to rid yourself of the feline presence from a traditional breakfast to a certain type of fish, but is the best answer simply good old pragmatism?
The Cult of the Spargel Eaters
Tis the season to eat Spargel in all its many and varied forms and you better believe Germany takes Spargelzeit very seriously. This makes things difficult for the tiny minority of us who actually don’t like it, but is it worth incurring the wrath of the Spargel lovers?
The Eye of the Beer Holder
German beer is rightly lauded for its quality and variety, but often what is considered a “good beer” differs considerably from region to region, city to city. With so many options, how do Germans choose their favourite and why might the popularity of German beer around the world be an example of Germany’s soft power?
How to Survive a German Wedding
It may seem like weddings in Germany are the same as the UK & the US but there are many small differences worth knowing should you be invited to one. Why are German weddings like a marathon and why should you bring some plates just in case?
Confusing the Germans
It's easy to get confused in Germany, but it’s often just as easy to cause the confusion. Why might saying thanks to the bis driver seem odd and how did ordering chips in a restaurant lead to a minor international incident?
The Art of Kaffee und Kuchen
Often compared to the British ritual of afternoon tea, Kaffee und Kuchen is the bedrock of German culture, but how does it differ from the UK?
Fasching: Nothing is Forbidden
Fasching is a favorite time of year for many Germans, with a long tradition going back to the medieval period. Although primarily a celebration, the costumes worn by some have come under scrutiny due to accusations of racism and cultural stereotyping. Can a costume be racist even if worn in celebration and is ignorance ever a defence?