Life

Nazim Alemdar vor seinem Kiosk in Frankfurt

A kiosk that brings people together

Although he’s a Muslim, Christmas plays an important role in the life of Frankfurt kiosk owner Nazim Alemdar: as a social festival that brings people together.

Nina Levchuk, Gründerin von „United for Ukraine”

Inspiring courage

“Being courageous is to step into uncertainty”

When the war in Ukraine began, Nina Levchuk became a humanitarian aid organiser over night. Find out what gives her hope, and why she does not believe in idols.

Weihnachten im Erzgebirge: An vielen Orten erinnern Bergparaden an die Bergbaukultur der Region.

Praising Christmas trees and sausage singers: regional Christmas customs

From ancient rituals to lively celebrations: there is a very diverse range of German Christmas traditions.

Gemeinschaftliches Singen schafft Nähe – besonders in der Weihnachtszeit.

Together rather than alone over the festive period

People who spend Christmas or New Year’s Eve alone often feel lonely. Services and initiatives are available to bring people together, however.

Junge Frauen in traditioneller Tracht der Siebenbürger Sachsen.

German roots abroad

German minorities

“Many preserve customs that have become rare in Germany nowadays”

German minorities in Transylvania, Upper Silesia or Kazakhstan. Cultural studies expert Karoline Gil from ifa - Institut für Auslandsbeziehungen explains what characterises these groups to this day.

Sonnenaufgang über der Düne 45 in Namibia

German roots abroad

German culture in Namibia

“Christmas here smells of sunscreen”

Namibian open-water swimmer Phillip Seidler talks about his daily life, in which he combines German and Namibian traditions.

For many people, the Christmas goose is an absolute must.

Christmas dishes

Eating Christmas: Three Traditional German Dishes for December

One thing a German Christmas should always conjure: food, and plenty of it.

Nürnberger Christkindlesmarkt

Christmas markets

Magical Christmas markets

Germany’s cities are filled with the glitter and aromas of Christmas. Six popular German Christmas markets – and what makes them so special.

Wie deutsche Weihnachten feiern: Alles was ihr über deutsche Weihnachtstraditionen wissen müsst.

How Christmas is celebrated in Germany

Spending Christmas with the Germans: Which rituals are important and why potato salad is part of a traditional celebration.

2023 war das THW im Erdbebengebiet in der Türkei im Einsatz.

Help for people in extreme situations

Saving lives, giving hope: Katharina Garrecht of the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) provides insights into her worldwide operations.

Ihre Gedanken sind bis heute aktuell: Hannah Arendt (1906–1975)

A life in exile: Hannah Arendt and her escape from evil

Hannah Arendt was one of the most influential political theorists. Her works reveal how important it is to stand up for democracy and human rights.

Rostocker Fahne in Raleigh: Die Partnerschaft zwischen den Städten in Norddeutschland und North Carolina ist vielschichtig.

German-American encounters

Twinned cities: It’s about trust, exchange and humanity

200 city partnerships between Germany and the USA fortify transatlantic exchange and unite people on multiple levels.

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