https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8 A look at both modern and historical .... en-us 2016-12-04 09:49:57 UTC 2024-05-29 21:08:43 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet-assets.s3.amazonaws.com/icons/Apple.png rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141584254 Germany is physically and culturally shaped by it's location as it is bordered by 9 different countries, which is the 2nd highest number in Europe only to Russia!!!  These includes Denmark, Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, Switzerland, France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands.  Germany's culture is shaped by each and every one of these countries and the cultures vary greatly depending upon the region of Germany. ]]> 2016-12-04 10:04:54 UTC https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141584254 rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141585054 Christianity has been the largest religion in Germany (~65%) with the 2 largest churches including the Roman Catholic Church and Protestant Evangelical Church (~30%).  Smaller religious groups include Orthodox Church, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism & Hinduism.
In 2016, many German folks are choosing not to attend church and losing belief in God. A report published in Die Welt, found that Christianity will become a minority over the next 2- years as Catholic and Protestant church congregations are declining.
None the less, Germany is known for it's vast number of beautiful, historical churches, such as the Cologne Cathedral. Visitors come from far and wide to tour such historical and religious treasures.

]]> 2016-12-04 10:21:45 UTC https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141585054 rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141585818 In the early middle ages, various Germanic tribes existed with no common language until much later when Latin was introduced by Roman incursions. As a result, there are many different dialects across the country. 
There are 6 major German dialect branches running from north to south.
1.  Frisian:  S poken in the north of Germany along the Sea Coast.
2.  Low German/Plattdeutch:  Name stems from geographic fact that the land is low.  It extends from Dutch boarder to former German territories of Eastern Pommerania & East Prussia.  It is considered a 'poorer' element of the country many, many years ago and this is the language that my mother spoke before English even after her families moved to America.
3. Mitteldeutsch (Middle German):  Region stretches across Germany's middle from Luxembourge eastward into present-day Poland.  There are many sub-dialects. 
4.  Fränkisch (Frankish):  Spoken along Germany's Main river and in the center of Germany.
5.  Alemannisch (Alemannic):  Spoken in Switzerland along the Rhine. 
6:  Bairisch-Osterreichisch (Bavarian-Austrian):  Spoken along the Bavarian-Austrian region.]]> 2016-12-04 10:30:25 UTC https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141585818 rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141586610 Just as language varies among the regions of Germany, the specialty dishes vary as well.  They are all delicious and include Rouladen (a meat rolled and cooked to amazingness), Spatzle (sort of a German mac n' cheese), Kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes), Brezel (can give any Philly Pretzel a run for it's money), Black Forest Cake and much, much more!!!  Check out some amazing recipes here!  ]]> 2016-12-04 10:48:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141586610 rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141586816 Many American have heard of Oktoberfest, but might not understand the heritage and history.  This event started when Crown Prince Ludwig married to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen on 12th October 1810. The citizens of Munich were invited to attend the wedding celebrations on the fields in front of the city gates. 
Currently, Germany is the region most commonly associated with Octoberfest festivities. Contrary to many American beliefs, Oktoberfest begins in mid SEPTEMBER. It is full of festivals, food, drink and offers fun for both children and adults. This is truly a special time of year in Germany!!!!]]> 2016-12-04 10:53:00 UTC https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141586816 rem626 https://padlet.com/rem626/als5acimxwm8/wish/141587096 This is just one of Germany's most amazing Castles located thoughout Germany.  The Neuschwanstein Castle is best known for being the inspiration for Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle. 
This castle was commissioned by the King Ludwig II of Bavaria as a private refuge, the castle opened to the paying public immediately after his death in 1886. 
Germany's beautiful Castle Areas is one of the most scenic and magical experiences. My husband and I toured this region during our honeymoon and were able to stay in a castle. I highly recommend!!!!

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