Pentecost, or Whitsun, comes with a long weekend and a public holiday this year on Monday, May 25th. Here's what will be open, and what will stay closed, during Germany's 'Pfingstmontag'.
The public holiday, observed on May 14th this year, sees most businesses in Germany close up shop, so it's a good idea to stock up on essentials in advance. Here's what will be open, and what will stay closed, on 'Christi Himmelfahrt'.
Germans have high expectations when it comes to abiding by the rules, but not all of them are well-known to non-natives. Accidentally breaking some of the following laws could land you in big trouble – or cost you a lot of money.
Whether you're looking to smash the system or dance the day away in a leafy park, May 1st is a big day in the Berlin calendar. Here's our guide for where to protest and/or party, and some practical tips for surviving the chaos.
April marks a particularly joyful time in every German's calendar: the start of asparagus season. But how did this humble vegetable become a beloved cultural symbol? Here's what you need to know.
The May 1st public holiday sees most businesses in Germany shut their doors, so it's a good idea to stock up on essentials in advance. Here's what will be open and what will stay closed on Labour Day.
Germany is one of the most popular countries worldwide for international Masters students, and with good reason. Here's everything you need to know about applying in 2026.
From singing certain lines of the national anthem to sending birthday greetings on the wrong day, there are many ways to make yourself unpopular in Germany.
Around the world, modern-day Christmas is associated with a feeling of coziness, getting together with the family and gift giving. The roots of these customs can arguably be traced back to Germany.
Invited to a German Christmas dinner and don’t know what to expect? Forget about Turkey with cranberry sauce, say goodbye to mince pies and Christmas pudding and embrace these specialities.
Criminals serving time for non-violent offences are sometimes granted 'Christmas amnesty' and released from prison early. Here's a look at the rules around this tradition of the German penal system.
The German state of Saxony has a public holiday today for Buß-und Bettag or Day of Prayer and Repentance. What is it and why does no other state mark it in the same way?
Compared to many other countries, October 3rd is a relatively new nationwide holiday, marking 35 years since German reunification. Aaron Burnett explains the background to it and why it's celebrated on this particular date.
When the sun is shining, there's nothing better than spending quality time on your balcony in Germany. But you may run into some problems with the neighbours if you don't follow these rules...
'Fronleichnam' is celebrated as a public holiday in eight German states (and two other regions) on Thursday June 19th. We explain its origins where it's observed.
Want to have the best chance of being treated like a true Berliner when visiting or living in the German capital? We've got you covered with these eight top tips.
Germany is known for being a land obsessed with insurance coverage. But do you really have to be insured in case you damage someone else's property? We break down the very long word and culture of Haftpflichtversicherung for foreigners.
In Germany, the supermarket you frequent says a lot about you, potentially revealing hints about your daily routine, diet and how much you're willing to splurge on bread or beer, writes Paul Krantz.
After Elon Musk was accused of giving a fascist salute at an event celebrating the inauguration of US President Donald Trump, we look at the rules around the gesture in Germany.
If you've spent any time in Germany, you will have spotted a drink called Spezi in the supermarket fridges. But just what is this non-alcoholic beverage and why is it in the news?
