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During the weeks before Christmas, there is one thing that you'll find in (almost) every living room in Germany: the Advent Wreath. But what is an Advent wreath and why is it so popular? You'll find out all about it in this article! What does "Advent" actually mean? The word "Advent" comes from Latin: "Adventus" means "arrival". For Christians, Advent is the time in which they wait for the arrival of Jesus Christ, i.e. for Christmas. In Germany, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th and 26th. The four Sundays before Christmas are called "Advent Sundays": The Sunday 4 weeks before Christmas = the 1st advent The Sunday 3 weeks before Christmas = the 2nd advent The Sunday 2 weeks before Christmas = the 3rd advent The Sunday before Christmas = the 4th advent What is an Advent Wreath? An Advent Wreath is basically a wreath that is traditionally made from fir branches. It is decorated with 4 candles: one for each Advent Sunday. When was the first Advent wreath made? The Advent Wreath was invented in Hamburg in 1839 by the theologian Johann H. Wichern. It came about like this: In 1833 Wichern founded a children's home: the "Rauhe Haus". There, "difficult" children from poor families were cared for and found a loving home. These children kept asking, "How much longer do we need to wait untill Christmas?" Wichern had an idea! He took a wagon wheel and put candles on it. For the 4 Sundays in Advent, he took large white candles. For every other day from the first Advent to Christmas Eve, he took small red candles. On Sunday, the 1st of Advent, he lit a white candle. The next day, a Monday, he lit the white candle again and, in addition, a small red candle. On Tuesday he lit the white candle and two red candles. Another candle was lit each day. That way, the children could see how quickly time flew until Christmas. More people heard about this idea and loved it! From Hamburg, the Advent Wreath quickly spread throughout the German-speaking region. How do you make an Advent Wreath? These days, a traditional Advent Wreath looks different: It consists of fresh fir or spruce branches. Tie them together with green wire so that they form a circle. Using a wreath of straw around which these branches are tied, is best. You can buy the straw wreath ready-made. Four special candle holders with pins are attached to the top. The candles are then put onto them. Traditionally, red or white candles are used for this. Finally, the Advent Wreath is decorated: for example with bows, pine cones, cinnamon sticks, stars ... simply with everything you like that is Christmassy. And there it is - your Advent Wreath! Of course, you can also buy the Advent Wreath ready-made. In supermarkets or flower shops you can find beautiful wreaths in all sizes. Are there also modern Advent Wreaths? Of course, an Advent Wreath doesn't need to be made of fir or spruce branches. It is also available in wood, metal, glass, and many other materials. And it doesn't have to be a wreath either. The candles can also be put next to each other. Of course, the candles can have any color that matches you decoration. Everything is possible - the most important thing is the idea and the joy of Christmas! When do you light the candles? Each Sunday, you light one more candle: 1st Advent: one candle is burning. 2nd Advent: two candles are burning. 3rd Advent: three candles are burning. 4th Advent: three candles are burning. Often the candles are already lit during breakfast time. Or in the afternoon when it gets dark outside and the whole family is celebrating Advent. How is Advent celebrated? Advent is best celebrated with the whole family. Everyone will sit comfortably around the Advent Wreath. There will be delicious Christmas cookies and you'll sing Christmas carols. Maybe there'll be even a musical instrument played along with the singing! Or you can just listen to Christmas music and have a chat. It is so cozy and comfortable that you feel completely Christmassy! Conclusion Now you know everything about the traditions around the Advent Wreath in Germany. And you'll surely understand why it is so important for Germans: It's not just the Advent Wreath itself. It's also the scent of spices, the traditional cookies, the atmospheric music, and, above all, being with the people you love most. Would you like to practice your German? Read this blog post in German - there is a list of words that might be new for you (plus their translation). That way you'll easily improve your reading skills! Go to the German version of this blog post >>>

Are you thinking about moving to Germany with your family? Be prepared for some surprising new ways of parenting! #1 Germans encourage their children to be self-reliant #2 German parents prepare their children to be independent #3 There is no bad weather, there’s only unsuitable clothing #4 No focus on academics before starting school #5 The most important goal for education: Politeness #6 There are 16 different school systems #7 The parent’s contribution decides about the children’s success at school #8 Many mums stay at home #9 Youngsters move out early #10 The society takes part in looking after the kids #1 Germans encourage their children to be self-reliant If you are new to Germany, going to a playground can be a nerve-wrecking experience, particularly if you have a toddler yourself. All the German parents seem to be happily chatting instead of paying attention to their children who are balancing on climbing frames 2 or 3 metres above a sand pit. And if you should ask them, whether this isn’t scary, the answer might even be “Oh yes, I can’t even watch it - I need to look the other way!” This is not because German parents don’t care. They simply trust in their children to develop the necessary skills to be careful. The idea is to let the children start taking smaller “risks” as soon as possible: the youngest ones might fall 20 cm deep and won’t hurt themselves seriously – but they will develop the skills of how to hold on tight. Once they start climbing up 2 metres or more, they will already know how to master this challenge. #2 German parents prepare their children to be independent Take a walk at 7.30 am and you will see all the school kids on their way to school. And you will notice: even the youngest schoolkids get there by themselves – and many of them even use public transport to do so. Accompanying your kids is only common during the first year of school, (usually at the age of 6). And even during this time, parents will typically encourage their children to make the way either by themselves or with friends as soon as possible. Driving the kids by car is frowned upon: According to German parents, children need to walk and get some fresh air in order to be able to concentrate at school. And … if it’s raining? Or snowing? Well, then: #3 There is no bad weather, there’s only unsuitable clothing Most Germans believe that there’s no bad weather but only unsuitable clothing. In the nursery and during school breaks the children will have outdoor recess in almost any kind of weather (yes, even at 15 degrees minus and snowing), so it’s a good idea to make sure that the children are equipped with sunscreen in summer, splash-pants in spring and autumn and a woollen hat in winter. #4 No focus on academics before starting school Germany is often considered as a children’s paradise because the early childhood educational system is based on free-play rather than academics. In the nursery, children will also be crafting: they are supposed to learn how to cut with scissors, to hold a pen and they might also learn how to write their name. And they will also clap to the rhythm of the words as a preparation for learning how to read and write. But the focus is on learning through play and social learning. Parents are even discouraged from teaching their children to read and write – they are encouraged to read to their children instead. #5 The most important goal for education: Politeness Who would have thought that about Germans – after all they often have the reputation of all being so rude! But in a survey 86% of parents of children under 14 declared that politeness was their most important goal in education. Number 2 (82%) is honesty. And the typical German trait of being orderly and accurate is “only” number 3 (81%). #6 There are 16 different school systems If you are planning to move to Bavaria and ask your friends who are living in Berlin or Hamburg to tell you about the German school system, you might get totally different ideas to what really expects you. Each of the 16 ‘Bundesländer’ (Federal States) has got an own school system. Only the basic structure is similar: Kindergarten – Primary school – different Secondary schools … but apart from that, they can vary a lot. Moving within Germany can be just as difficult as moving abroad. #7 The parent’s contribution decides about the children’s success at school In Germany, the socio-economic status of the parents has a stronger impact on their children’s future than in any other comparable country. That means: the success at school depends very much on the work the parents are willing and able to put in. Your child will need your help – and teachers expect you to give it. Timewise, school days are quite short: unless you have a full-time-school, which is still the exception in most parts of Germany, Primary school will start at 8 am and end between 11.20 am and 1 pm. And then there will be homework to be done and supervised. If you don’t speak German, this may be really hard – and it means that you will need to understand what your child is supposed to learn. There may be some sort of day-care (“Hort” or “Mittagsbetreuung”) to look after your kid. But even in that case it is definitely better to check your child’s homework in the evening to see whether it’s done correctly and if there are any problems. #8 Many mums stay at home 26% of the mothers with children under 18 are staying at home And out of the mothers who are working, 66% have a part-time job. On the one hand, there are many families that prefer the traditional role model and mothers enjoy spending time with their kids. They can take up to three years of maternity leave for each kid! On the other hand, many women would love to go back to work or to work more hours, but they need to look after their kids in the afternoon and help them with their homework. There are just not enough day-care-facilities – it can be really hard to even get a place in the nursery. This can be great for expat mums who are new to Germany and don’t have a job (yet) because it is so much easier to meet for a coffee while the kids are playing together. #9 Youngsters move out early Most youngsters move out of their parents’ home when they go to university or become financially independent. While the average age for moving out within the EU is 25,9 years, it is a bit lower in Germany: 23,7 years. German parents encourage that – after all they were supporting their children to become independent from early on. #10 The society takes part in looking after the kids Germans love to tell each other what they do wrong. And that can be soooo annoying! On the upside, this means that people care about each other. If you have children who are running out and about, this is really helpful: Other people will tell your child to stop if he or she is doing something that might be dangerous or harmful – and they will stop and help if your child is in trouble. The typical German trait of following the rules is also helpful to make the world a bit safer for kids. Eventhough this list was only 10 things you (probably) didn’t know about parenting in Germany, you will understand the German way of thinking and everyday life in Germany so much better now!

Maybe you've already heard some Germans talk about the 'Schultüte' that children get on their first day of school. If you've been translating this word straight into English, it may have let you think of a school bag - something like a backpack. However, a Schultüte is not a bag for carrying books - that's what the Schulranzen is for. No, it's so much better: a Schultüte is full to the brim with sweets and little presents. In this article you'll learn: when and why children in Germany get a Schultüte and since when this tradition exists. And in case your kid has his or her first day of primary school in Germany, you'll also get a lot of useful tips around the Schultüte. Content: The first day of school Since when are there Schultüten (school cones)? When do the kids receive the school cone? School cone: buying or crafting? What goes into the school cone? How to pack the school cone When to open the school cone? What else do you need to buy for school? Summary The first day of school The first day of school is a huge step in every kid's life - that's for sure. An event for the whole family But in Germany, this day is also an important event for the whole family: Granny, Grandpa, uncles and aunts - they may all come an accompany the child to school on this big day. A new chapter in life As long as kids are in kindergarten, they are only expected to play. The idea is: Children up to the age of six learn through play. They might be taught things like how to clap syllables to identify the rhythm of speech. Or how to cut with scissors, draw and paint ... and maybe even how to write their names. But apart from that it is considered more important that they develop their social skills. You can read more about it here: 10 things you didn't know about raising kids in Germany But now that he or she is starting school, the child becomes an ABC-Schütze (~ ABC-shooter) i.e. someone who wants to "conquer" the ABC and by that the world of the grown ups. It is now, that the 'serious side of life' begins: The children will need to concentrate during their lessons at school and diligently do homework in the afternoon. Many parents know that this won't be an easy transition for their kid. The Schultüte (school cone) So, to celebrate the first day of school and also as a way of sweetening the farewell to early childhood, the child is given a Schultüte: a bag made out of sturdy paper, measuring up to 85 cm (33.5in) shaped like a cone tied at the top with a ribbon filled with surprises This Schultüte will be carried proudly to school by all kids. Since when are there Schultüten (school cones)? Schultüten are an old tradition in Germany. For more than 200 years, they have been sweetening the start into the "serious side of life" for children. Reports show that they already existed in Thuringia and Saxony around the year 1781. In those days, school cones were simple, small paper bags filled with what were common sweets then: raisins and other dried fruit. In some regions, school cones are called Zuckertüte. With Zucker being sugar, you can easily guess what this means for the content! When does the child get the Schultüte (school cone)? Children receive their school cone on the morning of the first day of school, before they set off for school. There are often smaller school cones for the siblings. That way, all children look forward to the big day together. Should you buy or craft the school cone? Buying a school cone The easiest way is of course to buy a school cone. In stationary shops or toy shops you will find a large selection - either monochrome or colourful, for example with your favorite princesses, favorite heroes or to match your school bag. You may even get them with buttons producing a matching sound or with flashing LED lights. Crafting a school cone yourself Many families prefer to craft the school cone themselves. For children, who love crafting and decorating, this can be really exciting and fun. In some Preschools, there will be a fun crafting-evening for the parents. If you would like to craft the school cone at home, there are crafting-sets that you can buy online or in a stationary shop. It's always funny to see: If the children are joining in the crafting, the the girl's scool cones end up being pink and glittery or with horses while the boys will choose space rockets, fire engines or wild dinosaurs. What goes into the schol cone? A school cone is full of surprises: Sweets, stationary, something practical, and little toys - just what your child loves. More ideas: small cars a purse with a few Euros pretty pens, a ruler or a funny eraser a box for bread or a drinking bottle stickers a ball or a skipping rope a book for early readers a friends- book t-shirt and sports pants coloured tissues a lucky charm a worry eater (plush toy) a voucher for going to the cinema/ scwimmin pool/ zoo a letter from the whole family ... How to pack the school cone For a kid, the school cone is huge. That's why it should be packed well so it's not top-heavy. Also, the tip should be well filled. Otherwise it can buckle. I always filled the tip for our kids with a big cone-bag of marshmallows - that was just right. It is also important that in the end it won't weigh too much - after all, the proud kid still has to hold it! Therefore, many books are not such a practical idea … but you could use a voucher instead. When to open the school cone The school cone is only opened after (!) the first day of school. Luckily, the first day of school is usually a short one - so the children don't have to wait too long before they can open the school cone. In the afternoon, there is plenty of time to play or to happily eat sweets. What else do you need to buy for primary school? Parents don't just need to think about the school cone - there are also many other things that your child will need in primary school. You'll find a great overview in this PDF. I took a photo of each item your kid might need, so you know straight away what it's about: Summary The school cone is a particularly popular tradition in Germany culture. If your child has their first day of school in Germany, they should definitely have a school cone to proudly carry to school on the first day of school. You can make a school cone yourself ... or you can simply buy it. Small gifts and - of course - lots and lots of sweets go into the school cone. When packing, you should make sure that the tip is well filled, that it is not too heavy and that it is not top-heavy. The school cone is only opened after the first day of school. Learn more about the German school system >>> Tip: How about asking your German friends and colleagues: almost everyone will have a photo at home in which he or she is proudly holding the school cone!

Don't you just love walking through supermarkets in a new country and to discover new types of food? That's amazing! However, it can also get frustrating if you need something in particular. To help you find anything that you are looking for, here are 12 tipps that will help to make your trip to the German supermarket a success. #1 Categories of supermarkts At first, it can be confusing: In Germany you do not only have supermarkets, but also 'discounters'. And then, there are obviously Bio- Märkte (organic supermarkets) and smaller shops like Asian (super)markets. The Supermarket First of all, there are the ‚normal‘ supermarkets like Edeka, Tengelmann or Rewe. Here you'll find a good selection of food that you need for everyday life. For example, there is: fresh fruits and vegetables a huge variety of cereals, rice, pasta, sweets, ... usually a meat counter and a cheese counter a bakery well known brands some household goods the most important things for personal hygiene (soap, shower gel, shampoo …) things you need for your baby like food, milk and nappies The Discounter Discounters promise to be very affordable. The quality is good nonetheless. Here you can find the most important groceries, too, but there isn't al large variety. Discounters are, for example, Penny, Netto, Aldi or Lidl. Here, you will also find fresh fruit and vegetables here, but the selection is smaller. Fresh meat is also available here, but it's packaged and there is no meat counter. In discounters there are also new offers every week that don't necessarily have anything to do with food: lawnmowers, wall paint, baby clothes - you can find anything here for a very low price. Tip: If there is anything amongst those offers that you are interested in, you should buy it straight away - otherwise it may be sold out. For example, ski clothing for children is always in hight demand - parents will go to the discounters early in the morning to get the right size. The organic supermarket As the name says, in an organic supermarket (Bio-Markt) you'll only find organic food. Organic food is trendy. Therefore the number of organic supermarkets is increasing, and some of them also have a very large selection. And otherwise ... If you want the fruit and vegetables to be particularly ripe or fresh, then try the fruit and vegetable shop or, more traditionally, the weekly market. For exotic dishes, it is worth shopping, for example, in an Asian market or in a Turkish, Greek or Arabic shop. Especially in big cities, you'll find a large number of them. #2 The opening hours This comes as a big surprise for many people who are in Germany for the first time: On Sunday, all shops are closed – even the supermarkets. People in Germany believe that Sunday is a day of rest and that noone should work, if it can be avoided. On Saturday, many shops close earlier than usual. Therefore, shopping around the clock is not possible in Germany. The opening hours are defined by law and they are different in every federal state. In Bavaria, for example, all shops close at 8pm or even earlier. In some other states, it can be at 10 pm. It's definitely a good idea to find out the opening hours in your area and make sure you shop on time. Public holidays are the same as Sundays. Meaning: if there are several public holidays in a row, the supermarkets will be closed for several days in a row. For this reason, Germans tend to buy huge quantities of food before public holidays. Particularly before Christmas, even the parking lots are often completetly overcrowded! On those days, there may not be much of the fresh fruits and vegetables left on those days. That's why you should plan your purchases for public holidays well in advance and even buy everything that doesn't have to be fresh a few days in advance. Tip: You can also order meat from the butcher or the meat counter in the supermarket a few weeks in advance and then pick it up right before the holiday - this is very practical for a large turkey or a goose. Of course, you can go to a gas station or a kiosk... that are still open an a public holiday, but the groceries are more expensive there. #3 No medicines in a supermarkt Do you have a headache or has your kid got a fever? If you need medication now, you need to go straight to the pharmacy. The supermarket might have a tea for your stomach, cough drops and plasters. But im´n Germany, 'real' medicines may only be sold in pharmacies. Tip: Pharmacies usually have even shorter opening hours than supermarkets. But there will always be a pharmacy nearby that has emergency service (Notdienst). That means it's open 24 hours a day. You can find the address of the nearest pharmacy havenig emergency service on the Internet on a sign at every pharmacy. #4 Food is relatively cheap in Germany A few years ago, there was a famous advertising slogan: "Geiz ist geil" which means something like being stingy is cool. Even though that is obviously not true: Germans tend to be frugal and like to shop cheaply - including groceries. That is certainly one reason why supermarkets are rather cheap in an EU comparison. Due to inflation, of course, prices have also risen significantly in Germany. Nevertheless: they have risen less than the EU average¹. #5 No coin, no shopping cart When going shopping, you should always have a chip (plastic coin) or a coin as a deposit for the shopping cart with you. Usually these coins work: 50 cents, 1€ oder 2€. After shopping you have to take the shopping cart back and then get your coin back. Germans just love it when everything is in order! You will usually find the shopping carts outside the supermarket. If you don't have a coin, you can ask the staff at the checkout to exchange any other amount of money you might have or else they might even provide you with a plastic coin to keep. #6 Where can I find eggs? Definitely not in the refigerated section. Like anywhere else, it is also recommended to keep eggs in the refrigeratorin Germany. But it's like with the vegetables you put in the fridge at home: in the supermarket, the eggs aren't refrigerated, they're on the shelves. #7 At the checkout: „Would you like to go ahead?" For Germans, time and punctuality are of utmost importance. And everyone is sure that anyyone else is just as much in a hurry as oneself. So, if you do a major shopping, it means that other people will have to wait and may even be late for an appointment. A terrible thought! That's why, if someone only wants to buy a few items, we 'll ask: "Would you like to go ahead?" Also, if you're just buying one or two things yourself, you can ask the customer in front of you, "Could you please let me go ahead?" This is perfectly fine and usually everyone has a lot of sympathy. #8 Another cash register opens – everyone starts running However, politeness quickly wears off as soon as another checkout is opening. Then all customers see the opportunity to save time... and everyone tries to be the first. As soon as the new line has formed, people feel they can be polite again and let others go ahead. #9 No helping hands at the cash register When it's finally your turn at the checkout, you should have your purse ready and need to do act really quickly. In discounters in particular, items are scanned and pushed onwards at a really high speed - it is often difficult to put everything back in the shopping cart quickly enough! You won't get any help from the cashier or any other staff with that. Each customer must pack all his purchases into bags himself. #10 No plastic bags Bring your own bags for shopping. There are no free bags, but you can buy reusable bags, paper bags or cardboard boxes. The thrifty Germans will only buy them, if there is no other option. After all, it's also much better for the environment if you use your bags over and over again. #12 The deposit (das Pfand) If you're new to Germany, ther can be an unpleasant surprise at the checkout: Drinks cost more than the price tag says ... right? That's the deposit, called 'Pfand': You pay a certain amount of money and get it back when you tae back the empty bottle. Learn more about the new rules about the deposit from 2022 >> Conclusion Now you are well-prepared and know the most important things about shopping in a German supermarket. Would you learn even more about life in Germany? Then have a look at my other articles >>> And if you learn German, don't forget to check out the most important topics of the German grammar >>> EU-Vergleich: Preisanstieg bei Nahrungsmitteln trifft Haushalte in Osteuropa am stärksten - Statistisches Bundesamt (destatis.de)

Even though learning German, as any other language, should mostly be fun, it also requires consistency and work, the willingness to speak and to learn from mistakes. But whether you are learning German from scratch or want to make progress faster, there are some strategies to learn German faster and more easily. In this article, I will share them with you. The four key skills you need to master a foreign language There are four key skills that you will need to work on when you are learning a foreign language: Speaking Listening Reading Writing That doesn’t mean that you need to be equally good at all of them. In fact, no one really is. We all have our preferred skills, even in our own language: While some people start chatting to any new person immediately, others will prefer reading or just listening, so they won’t feel like they might embarrass themselves. Take a moment to think about your own strenghts – both in your own language and in German. What is your preferred skill? If you can’t use the preferred skill of your own language in German as well as you’d like to, this can easily become a source of frustration. And if you have mainly focussed on one or two of these skills during your language studies, looking more into the other ones might be what really fuels your progress. We will learn what we practise Do you mainly fill in grammar sheets? Then you will surely become very good at filling in grammar sheets. Do you study your vocabulary diligently? Then you will be very quick at answering if someone asks for a certain word. Of course: both grammar and vocabulary are essential elements of learning a new language. But if you want to apply the grammar rules or the vocabulary in a real life conversation, you will need to practise just that – having real life conversations and applying the new rules and words. The same goes the other way round: If you avoid writing and reading, you may even be really fluent in speaking - and yet feel very insecure when you are supposed to write an email. What do you really want to learn? That is exactly what you should prectise! Speaking in and listening to German Even if you have have been attending language courses, there may not have been enough opportunity to speak, especially if the school doesn’t follow the communicative approach or it the level of the students in that class varies very much. That can be very demotivating. But now you know that you will only learn to speak by speaking, so just jump in! You can start by going to a German beer garden, … any place where you know you’ll find people speaking German. If you come to a German restaurant, beer garden or café, and all tables are taken, it is completely ok to ask others, if you my join them at their table. You simply ask: „Ist hier noch frei?“ And unless you join a couple on their first date, most people are very open to having a bit of conversation. Maybe you'll find a speaking partner via Zoom? Or, you can join an online conversation class. That means that you will talk about an interesting topic, either privately with a teacher or with a very small group of people. You will have a lot of time to speak and at the same time practise your listening skills in a real life situation. Whether with a German-speaking friend or by taking private German lessons with a professional teacher, speaking German online will improve your speaking abilities and without leaving the comfort of your own home! You can also improve your pronunciation with audios: Just download these 10 tips: Reading and writing in German Find books that mathch your current level of German. However, the level shouldn’t be the most important criteria: Choose a book that you would also love to read in your own language. Then you will keep on reading, even if you might get stuck along the way. In our digital and globalized world, it has become so easy to find articles on the Internet. The best we can do is to take advantage of it and find quality content matching our interests: news in German (for example: www.heute.de, www.tagesschau.de) or other websites with interesting articles (especially for German learners - check out my other blogpostes in German: www.charlingua.de (many of them with lots of vocabulary) - and if you get stuck, you can even read them in English - or www.dw.de). The options are infinite! If you want to learn how to write correctly or in a certain style in German, there are many things you can do to improve your writing skills: starting a diary in which you can record your personal experiences and daily activities taking a workshop in writing to reinforce your specific weak points or just ‘chatting’ with a German-speaking friend! Another excellent way of improving both listening and reading skills while having fun is to watch German movies with subtitles. Trust your inner voice Imagine being told about this amazing person who learned German really quickly and easily. You are getting asked. “What do you think – how did he or she manage to make such a great progress and to get to speaking so fluently?” Hint: this person was not more gifted than you are and didn’t speak more languages than you do. You might come up with some answers like: Using every opportunity to speak German Listening to podcasts in German Reading a German newspaper or magazine Taking conversation classes … If those thoughts come up in your mind, it is quite likely your inner voice telling you what you should do. People often think that studying a language has to be boring and dry.' After all, it's 'studying'! .Instead, you can do exactly the things that you enjoy - and you will be more successful than before! Conclusion: No, these are not the usual tips like: 'learn five new words every day and review them regularly'. Instead, you can use these strategies to find out what you want to learn and then work on it in a targeted manner. If you trust what your intuition tells you, you can avoid many detours - and maybe it's even a great relief if you're just 'allowed' to listen to a podcast instead doing of boring exercises. Hopefully, these simple tips will help you to boost your language journey. And don’t forget: Don’t stress out or give up if you feel stuck in the progress of learning German. That’s a completely normal phase everyone will go through when learning any foreign language. If you persevere now and follow my tips, you will soon see success again - I promise!

Did you ever wonder what all those illegible short words like 'evtl.' or 'bzw.' stand for? Find out what they are about in this list with the 130 most frequent abbrevations and acronyms of the German language! Don't worry - you don't need to know all of them by heart. But it is worth while memorizing the ones that come up most often for you - depending on the type of German texts that you read. Why do I need abbreviations and acronyms? Abbreviations and acronyms make our life easier, especially if we need to write o read quickly: instead of the the whole long word 'beziehungsweise', it's just 'bzw'. When do I need to capitalize abbreviations in German? If the 'original' word is capitalized, the letter representing that word is also capitalized: Abk. - die Abkürzung z.B. - zum Beispiel Inhalt: Most common abbreviations in German Abbreviations in German grammar German acronyms and abbreviations for mobility German abbreviations for names and titles German abbreviations for forms: the marital status German abbreviations for time German abbreviations for the house hunt German abbreviations for measurements German acronyms for legal terms Most common abbreviations in German Abb. – Abbildung illustration Abk. – Abkürzung abbreviation Abs. – Absatz paragraph AG – Aktiengesellschaft stock company Allg. – Allgemein general / common Alt. – Alternativ, Alternative alternative Aufl. – Auflage edition B bes. – besonders particularly bspw.– beispielweise for example Bsp. – Beispiel example b.w. – bitte wende please turn over bzw. – beziehungsweise respectively, or ca. – circa approximately, about D d.h. – das heißt i.e, that is dazw. – dazwischen between desgl. – desgleichen likewise, same DFB – Deutscher Fußball-Bund German Football Association E ehem. – ehemals, ehemalig former, formerly eigtl. – eigentlich really, actually einschl. – einschließlich inclusiv, including entspr. – entsprechend accordingly, corresponding etw. – etwas something evtl. – eventuell perhaps, maybe F f./ff – folgende Seite(n) following page(s) FP – Festpreis fixed price G ggf. – gegebenenfalls possibly, if applicable ggü. – gegenüber opposite, across from GmbH – Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung Company with limited liability. I i.D. – im Durchschnitt on average inkl. inklusive inclusive of, including J jmd. – jemand someone K kompl. – komplett complete Kripo – Kriminalpolizei criminal investigation department / detective squad L LG – liebe Grüße regards M m.a.W. – mit anderen Worten in other words m.E. – meines Erachtens in my opinion MfG – mit freundlichen Grüßen yours sincerely m.M./m.M.n. – meiner Meinung, meiner Meinung nach in my opinion m.W. – meines Wissens as far as I know MwSt. – Mehrwertsteuer value added tax (VAT) N NR – Nichtraucher non-smokers O o.ä. – oder ähnliche(s) and the like P Pkt. – Punkt point, dot S S.o. – siehe oben as above S.u. – siehe unten see/ as below St. – Stück piece T Tel. – Telefon(nummer telephone (number) U u. – und and u.a. – unter anderen among other things ugs. – umgangssprachlich colloquial urspr. – ursprünglich originally usw. – und so weiter and so on V VB – Verhandlungsbasis price negotiable vgl. – vergleiche compare W Wdh. – Wiederholung repetition Z z.B. – zum Beispiel for example z.T. – zum Teil in Part, partly zzgl. – zuzüglich plus, in addition Abbreviations in German grammar Adj. – Adjektiv adjective Adv. – Adverb adverb Art. – Artikel article dt. – deutsch German f./fem. – feminin (weiblich) feminine Fut. – Futur future tense HS – Hauptsatz main clause Imp. – Imperativ (Befehlsform) imperative Konj. – Konjunktiv conjunctive m./mask. – maskulin (männlich) masculine n./neutr. – neutral neuter NS – Nebensatz subordinate clause Präp. – Präposition preposition Part. II – Partizip IIehrwertsteuer participle II Pers.pron. – Personalpronomen personal pronoun Pl. – Plural (Mehrzahl) plural Poss.pron. – Possessivpronomen (besitzanzeigendes Fürwort) possessive pronoun Rel.satz – Relativsatz relative clause refl. – reflexiv reflexive Sing./Sg. – Singular (Einzahl) singular The 4 German cases Nom. – Nominativ Nominative Akk. – Akkusativ Akkusative Dat. – Dativ Dative Gen. – Genitiv Genitive Find out more about German Grammar >> German acronyms and abbreviations for mobility PKW – Personenkraftwagen ‘personal’ car LKW – Lastkraftwagen truck KFZ - Kraftfahrzeug Vehicle with a motor S-Bahn – Stadtbahn suburban train / city train U-Bahn – Untergrundbahn metro / subway / tube / underground railway Bhf. – Bahnhof station Hbf. – Hauptbahnhof main station ICE Inter City Express IR - InterRegio Abbreviations for names and titles Hr. – Herr Mr. Fr. – Frau Mrs. Frl. – Fräulein Miss Dr. - Doktor doctor Note: The salutation Fräulein is not used anymore these days. If you write a letter or an email, you would NOT write: 'Sehr geehrter Hr. XY / Sehr geehrte Fr. XY'. These abbreviations are only used for notes, lists ecc. However, the abbreviation Dr. is always used: Sehr geehrter Herr Dr. XY / Sehr geehrte Frau Dr. XY. German abbreviations for forms: the marital status geb. – geboren born, née You will find this after the married name and before the maiden name. 'Frau XY geb. ZZ' verh. / vh. – verheiratet married unverh. – unverheiratet unmarried, single led. – ledig unmarried, single gesch. – geschieden divorced verw. – verwitwet widowed German abbreviations for time Sek. – Sekunde seconds Min. – Minute minute Std. – Stunde hour tägl. – täglich daily mtl. monatlich monthly jährl. – jährlich annually inzw. – inzwischen in the meantime abds. – abends in the evening Jh. – Jahrhundert century Find out how to tell the time in German >> the days of the week Mo - Montag Monday Di - Dienstag Tuesday Mi - Mittwoch Wednesday Do - Donnerstag Thursday Fr - Freitag Friday Sa - Samstag/Sonnabend Saturday So - Sonntag Sunday the months Jan. - Januar January Feb. - Februar February (März) March Apr. - April April (Mai) May (Juni) June (Juli) July Aug. - August August Sept. - September September Okt. - Oktober October Nov. - November November Dez. - Dezember December Some of the names of the months are so short that we usually don't need an abbreviation. German abbreviations and acronyms for the house hunt When looking for an apartment in Germany, you will come across lots of abbreviations and acronyms! Here wou will find an extensive list plus useful advice to help you on your house hunt >> German abbreviations for measurements mm – Millimeter millimeter cm – Zentimeter centimeter m – Meter meter km – Kilometer kilometer ccm – Kubikzentimeter cubic centimeter m² - Quadratmeter square meter(s) g - Gramm gram kg – Kilogramm kilogram kW – Kilowatt kilowatt Mio. – Million million Kal. – Kalorie calorie German acronyms for legal terms GG – Grundgesetz constitution / basic law BGB– Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch German Civil Code StGB – Strafgesetzbuch criminal code BGH – Bundesgerichtshof Federal Court of Justice BVerfG – Bundesverfassungsgericht Federal Constituional Court

A few weeks ago, my son came home, excitedly storming into the kitchen, where I was just having coffee with a friend, shouting: Ich habe jetzt den Fahrradführerschein! (Now I’ve got the bike licence!) My friend had not been living in Germany for long, and she was shocked: Do you need a license to ride a bike in Germany??? Find out why children in Germany take a ‘bike exam’ and what this exam is all about! What do children need to know to pass the Fahrradführerschein (bike license)? At school in year three or four, children in Germany take two exams about riding a bike: a written and a practical exam. These two combined are called ‘Fahrradprüfung’ The structure of this test is similar to the one of driving tests for a car: Theory First, the children will learn the theory like traffic signs or right of way rules. This is within their normal lessons at school taught by their teacher. Practical training They will also receive practical training: learning how to turn left, ride past a parked car, behave properly, … but also some basic first aid skills. Finally, it’s time for the exams: Written Exam The layout of the written exam is quite similar to the one that is used for the driving license. But the children will also need to explain why certain rules are important or why a situation is dangerous. Practical Exam There will also be a practical exam: For about 10 – 15 minutes, the children are being watched by police officers while they are riding their bikes in a training area – and if they make too many mistakes, they will fail. If the children master both exams, they will receive a bike license. Having obtained this bike license, the children get to practice their skills in real traffic on their own bikes – still under the guidance of the police officers. These police officers will also check every bike to see if it fulfills the safety rules! This is also a good opportunity for parents to make sure the bike is safe to ride before the child will start riding on the street. Why is there a bike training for children? There are good reasons for teaching children how to move safely in traffic at that age. First, there are legal rules: In Germany, children up to the age of 8 years are obliged to ride their bikes on the sidewalk. They are still allowed to ride on the sidewalk if they aren’t older than 10 years. But from 11 years onward they are obliged to use the street or the bike lane! So, by the time they reach this age they should be able to ride safely and know the traffic rules. After all, children in Germany are supposed to become independent from an early age on. They walk to school or take public transport to get to school by themselves shortly after starting school, i.e. at the age of 6. Being able to ride a bike opens entirely new dimensions of moving around even over longer distances! As the parents aren’t there to watch them, they will need to be able to watch out for themselves. However, taking part in road traffic requires a high level of concentration and motor skills For example, they need to be able to ride single-handed when they give hand signals before turning left or right. At the same time, for turning left, they must follow the complex series of looking over the shoulder, getting into the right lane, being aware of cars or pedestrians … These are skills that most children are able to acquire by the age of nine. By that time, they will also develop an understanding of preventive measures that can reduce accidents. This is why the cycling test takes place during the 3rd or 4th grade when most pupils are eight or nine years old and is therefore included in the school’s curriculum. The curriculum of Bavaria states: https://www.lehrplanplus.bayern.de/jahrgangsstufenprofil/grundschule/4/hsu Als Verkehrsteilnehmer (z. B. mit dem Fahrrad) handeln sie vorausschauend, regelgerecht, sicherheitsbewusst und rücksichtsvoll. (As road users (e.g. by bicycle), you act with foresight, respect the rules, and are safety-conscious and considerate.) What’s the most exciting part of the bike training? All the practical training is being taught and supervised by real police officers in real uniforms! Maybe this experience is one of the reasons why Germans tend to have a very high opinion of policemen. What happens if you don’t have a Fahrradführerschein? If a child fails the test, what happens is … nothing. He or she will be allowed to take part in traffic anyway. It is rather some sort of feedback for the child and his or her parents: Is my child able to move around without being supervised in traffic? Should I give more support? Fortunately, it doesn’t happen very often that a child fails this test. The overall concept of the “license” is rather designed to show the children the importance of knowing what to do when taking part in traffic. And this can be a lifesaver for the child! What is the content of the bike training? The training includes the following topics: Getting familiar with the bike Getting safely on and off the bike from both sides. Starting and braking e.g.: Before setting off: look around, observe the following traffic, and reach basic speed quickly so that the handlebars do not dangle from instability Use of paths e.g. Regulations for the use of cycle paths or: At the zebra crossing: Cyclists must show consideration for pedestrians Different surfaces ... ... (tar, gravel, etc.) and riding the bike accordingly Right of way All right-of-way signs must be learned and understood by the children. They need to know the rule “right before left” that applies to unmarked junctions and crossings. Overtaking and turning right or left Three things must first and foremost be observed for overtaking: Indication of the overtaking, no endangerment of the person to be overtaken, and safe re-entry. Turning left includes even 8 steps: 1. Look around (for any overtaking vehicles pay attention) 2. Give hand signals 3. Align towards the middle of the lane (on the right-hand side of the turning lane) 4. Pay attention to the right of way 5. Let oncoming traffic pass (It has right of way) 6. Look around again (so faster vehicles don't yet overtake 7. Turning (hands on the handlebar) 8. Watch out for pedestrians Safety Features of an operational and safe bicycle The Safety aspect of a bicycle helmet Considerate behavior towards all road users Awareness of potentially dangerous situations - such as the blind spot on trucks and buses. Basics of first aid Does having a bike-license mean that a child can take part in any kind of traffic? No, unfortunately, that’s not what it means. Children can only correctly assess the speeds and distances of vehicles when they are around 10-12 years old. And it is only from the age of 15 that they can fully assess complex traffic situations. And as to turning left … there are even few adults who remember exactly how to turn left on a bike. Therefore, at a bigger crossing, it might be a good idea to get off the bike and cross the street as a pedestrian, pushing the bike. Conclusion So, in the end, my friend was relieved that she doesn’t have to take a bike test to live in Germany - especially as it's quite a lot of things that children need to learn and apply! Do you think that you would pass this test without any problems?

The different stages of culture shock – and how to make the best of them Das war ein echter Kulturschock – That was a real culture shock! We use this phrase in our day-to- day-life when we want to talk about something dramatically different from everything we knew before. Like: Changing your workplace from a huge company into a really small one. Or of course, coming to a very exotic country with totally different food, language, and mentality: You are immediately overwhelmed and “shocked”. However, when talking about “culture shock” for Expats, it refers to a longer time of transition that happens in different stages and to the emotions that people typically experience during these stages. Different stages of Culture Shock There is not one definition of culture shock that is the same for everyone. Of course, moving to a new country will feel different for every person, depending on the individual personality, cultural differences, and level of expat experiences. If you have a family it will also be important how well every single family member copes with these transitions. But still, there are some patterns of ups and downs that most people will go through and that can even be more or less anticipated. These patterns can be broken down into a module consisting of five stages. How knowing more about the stages of culture shock can help you The good news: If you are prepared for what’s coming, it will be much easier for you to cope with the inevitable and prevent you from falling too deeply into a mental low. When I first heard of the stages of culture shock, I was just having a hard time starting our second assignment in the UK. Reading about how my feelings and reactions were normal was a huge relief for me. After all, in addition to the usual overwhelm, I had been reproaching myself for being ungrateful and not making as much out of this precious time as I could. Suddenly, it became so obvious that I had also gone through these stages in previous times abroad – and also, in which stage I was now. Most importantly, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel, which helped me reach it a lot more easily. Five stages of culture shock – and how to make the best of them 1. Honeymoon What it feels like This is a great time. Everything about your new home seems rosy and you feel rather like a tourist exploring a wonderful new country. Any differences between your home culture and the new culture seem interesting and charming. You might even idealize the new culture and believe it’s superior to your own. You’re very busy at this stage as you have to find new supermarkets, find out about places to go to … simply organize a whole new life! What to do Enjoy this stage! Use your positive energy to find new friends, and create a social network and new routines. If you haven’t done so before moving to Germany, this is also the right time to do intercultural training. For Expats who have been sent abroad by their company, this is often provided by the employer. That kind of training will focus on communication at the workplace, cultural values, business meetings, or Emails. Knowing about these topics can make or break the success of the assignment However, the accompanying spouses are often overlooked. They are usually not given any training to help them to build up a whole new private life for themselves and the entire family. This may entail communication with nursery, school, or doctors, private meetings, cultural values regarding families … a much wider field than the business one that can feel extremely overwhelming. This is where my cultural training for Expat Partners comes in. Not only will it give you information about all of these and more topics, but it will also provide you with the basic vocabulary and phrases to get smoothly through the first weeks. It will help you to make the most of this magical time: You can keep your energy for discovering exciting places instead of finding out how daily life works. 2. Initial Culture shock What it feels like After about three months in the new country, you don’t feel like a tourist anymore. What still seemed charming a few weeks ago, can now seem frustrating and like the incompetence of the locals. It is nagging on your self-esteem if you never seem to know how simple things work or even do “easy” things the wrong way. I remember almost bursting into tears when I was handed back a cheque I hadn’t filled in correctly for my daughter’s school for the third time. And to be honest, it didn’t help that my tiny 4-year-old daughter started correcting my English pronunciation. It seemed like there wasn't anything I could do correctly anymore. At this stage you’re likely to believe that your home country is the better and more logical place to live – after all, you know all of those rules and customs. What to do Give yourself grace. You have already accomplished so much: You said goodbye to family and friends back home to set out for this adventure of moving to a strange country, possibly with a totally new language. The more pressure you put on yourself to know and do everything correctly, the more incompetent you will feel! Keep learning the language. You are quite likely to feel frustrated in that area, too. While it seemed sufficient at first, to be able to buy some bread in the bakery, you are now starting to miss real conversations. But hey, you’re on your way to getting there, even in German! Keep learning about the new culture. Even though cultural training might have prevented you from getting that low, it will also serve to pull you out of it more easily! 3. Full culture shock – the low point What it feels like However light or deep this low point may be – it means that ultimately, you’ll be feeling better again! During this stage, you are quite likely to feel homesick. Trying to make friends with the locals might not have worked out the way you were hoping, leaving you to feel lonely and rejected. Quite often, this stage becomes really hard when a problem arises, or a member of the family gets ill. Maybe this wouldn’t have been a big issue at home, but in these new and strange surroundings you just don’t have the inner stability to face it: it’s just too much. You may think that your home culture (or any other culture you’ve got to know previously) is better than this new culture. Local social behavior gets on your nerves and withdrawing under your covers may sound like the best option of all. This may also be a difficult stage for marriage. The working partner will go to the office every day, chat to colleagues and come home full of excitement and funny stories – only to find the spouse feeling frustrated, lonely, and maybe even resentful towards the whole wide world. What to do If you know that this stage had to come and that you will get through it, this burden will feel a lot lighter! It may be helpful to write about your feelings. Go back to the photos you have taken at the beginning and look through text messages or emails that you have written when you were still enthusiastic. Keep working on your German and pay attention to your own body language signs, conversation tone, and customs. In the worst case, you may be yourself sending out signals of not being interested in conversations, or you may appear rude or superficial. Find other Expats. They know what you’re going through as they will have experienced it similarly. But: try to look out for Expats who are successfully integrated. Someone who’s been living in Germany for 15 years and hasn’t got any German friends is not likely to make you feel at home or know what Germans really are like. And, most important: talk to your partner. Talk about what you’re going through so that you can get through this together. It will bring you closer together instead of tearing you apart! Try to do things together that are special. 4. Adjustment, Adaptation, and Integration What it feels like Gradually, you are feeling like Germany isn’t that bad after all. There are actually some nice people – your new social network. Curiosity kicks back in again and you’ll find that there are so many things to see and do! Your German is improving as well. The surrounding is familiar – in a really good way. What to do Write another bucket list of things you want to see and explore. By now you will have heard about so many more places to see! Do something that you wouldn’t have done at home. Maybe skiing could become a great new hobby for the whole family?! When we were in the UK, we happened to live close to where Jane Austen had lived. So, I challenged myself to read all her books and all biographies I could get and then see her former home. Another thing I loved doing was volunteering at my daughter’s school. One morning per week I would go and help out in the classroom. Whatever it is for you: enjoy your time! 5. Re-entry shock What it feels like It may sound strange that it should be hard to readapt to your own culture. Usually, you will return to your home country full of new experiences and feel like a changed person. Back there, everyone seems to have stayed the same. Or, even worse, everyone has moved on with their lives and changed in a different direction. Whatever it is, you don’t seem to fit in anymore. As long as you were abroad, you’ve been idealizing your own country. Now you feel disappointed, that this picture isn’t true. This disappointment may even lead you to idealize the former host culture now! In addition, your children might miss their friends and feel like strangers – without anyone giving them the credit for being so. It may seem weird to new classmates and even teachers, that they don’t know some words of their language or whatever is popular or cool amongst their age group. This time you may also be grieving because a chapter of your life that you struggled so hard to make work, is now closed and you can’t go back to it. When we moved back to Germany, one of the hardest things to adapt to for me was the attitude towards children that teachers have here. In the UK, the teachers had been much more encouraging, seeing something unique and positive in every child. Here in Germany, teachers are more focused on what’s still missing or the mistakes the children make. I probably found it much harder than my kids to get used to that again. What to do Accept that it takes time. Try to find old friends and travel to re-discover the beauty of your own country. Go and see the extended family: You will and your kids will feel that ultimately, you belong here. But do also try to keep in touch with your German friends – they may have become friends for life! And… if you are planning to move abroad again, try to make the best of your time! I hope that knowing about these stages will be as helpful for you as it has been for me. If you want to know more about my cross-culture on training, klick here >>>

Of course: every wedding is unique. No bridal couple wants to get married exactly like everyone else. It should be the most beautiful day in life - and, for many people, on this day all dreams should come true. Nevertheless, there are things that simply belong to a wedding. Without these traditions it is somehow not a real wedding. And these things are a little different in each country and even in each region. Here are the most important traditions you can expect at a wedding in Germany. The engagement “Willst du mich heiraten?“ That's certainly the most romantic of all questions! It sounds very similar to the English: “Will you marry me?” A tiny difference: “Willst du” means: “Is it your intention?” “Will you” on the other hand means: “Are you going to do it?” Totally unromantic is the legal regulation in § 1297 BGB (Bürgerliches Gesetzbuch): No application for entering into marriage can be made from an engagement. Which basically says that just because you're engaged, you're not obliged to get married. Maybe that's the reason for the saying: ‘Verloben bedeutet: an sich binden und weiter suchen’ (~ Getting engaged means: bind to oneself an keep on looking). But of course no couple in love wants to hear that! The Engagement Ring Are you in love with a German? Then you should be warned: fantastic engagement rings are unfortunately uncommon in Germany! Most couples will wear the wedding band on the ring finger of the left hand as an engagement ring and once they get married, they’ll put it on the ring finger of the right hand. Inside the ring, there will be the date of the engagement engraved, then the name of the partner and finally the wedding date. The 'Polterabend' The 'Polterabend' traditionally takes place on the evening before the wedding. This is a fun, informal party for men and women, like a combined hen and stag party - often with many more people than the actual wedding party. In addition to the family, neighbors, friends and colleagues are also invited to this evening. The guests will bring along old china, which they throw on the floor in front of the house, because: "shards are lucky"! But: it must not (!!!) be glass - otherwise it will bring bad luck! Some guests even bring an old sink so that there are a lot of shards! The bridal couple then has to sweep up the shards. But beware: Nowadays, many bridal couples ask that you don't bring china. It is very noisy when the porcelain breaks and the shards can also be dangerous. If in doubt, it is therefore better to ask. Even without broken china, a Polterabend is usually very cheerful. There's a lot of laughter when families and friends tell the soon-to-be-weds "the truth" about their partner- for example, that the groom spends a lot of time in the bathroom every morning, or that the bride gets in a bad mood when there's no lunch. Often someone has written a new text about the bridal couple to a well-known song and everyone can sing along. Sketches are also performed, for example about how the couple will spend a Sunday in 10 years time. The bachelor party /the bachelorette party This custom comes from the USA and is now also popular in Germany: quite often you can meet happy groups of men or women who are dressed up in a funny way. While there is usually a lot of alcohol flowing among men, wellness is also very popular with women. The 'Wedding Table' Nobody needs 5 toasters. And even if Aunt Erna has a friend who paints great pictures, these may not go so well with the interior decoration of the bridal couple. That is why many shops offer a 'wedding table'. Nowadays, this is mostly a virtual table with everything the bride and groom would love to be gifted with: Maybe some nice crockery, glasses or even a (!) toaster. Guests can then select something from that table whatever meets their tast and fits their purse. This way you don't have to ponder for long and the bridal couple receiveswhat they want! The registry ofice - no spontaneous wedding In Germany, all marriages must be performed at a ‘Standesamt’, the registry office. A spontaneous wedding like in Las Vegas is not possible here … you need to make an appointment to hand in your paperwork first - and that appointment has to take place at least one week before the wedding. Fortunately, a registry office doesn’t need to be boring or stuffy. You can find them in beautiful places like castles or manor houses, so each bridal couple can choose their ideal place for the number of guests they wish to invite. Not that you’d need to have any guests at all – even witnesses are optional these days! The marriage name In Germany, women used to take their man's last name.Her own surname then became the "maiden name". All children were then automatically given this surname. If Herr Schmitt and Frau Meier get married today, they have many options: Herr Schmitt und Frau Schmitt - all children are called Schmitt. Herr Meier und Frau Meier - all children are called Meier. Herr Schmitt und Frau Meier - all children are called Schmitt Herr Schmitt und Frau Meier - all children are called Meier Herr Schmitt und Frau Schmitt-Meier /Meier-Schmitt - all children are called Schmitt Herr Schmitt-Meier / Meir-Schmitt und Frau Meier - all children are called Meier The name given to the children is the family name. The church wedding A church wedding is optional -but for many people the registry office is more of a formality and the wedding ceremony in the church is the “real” wedding. In Germany, about 27% of the population belong to the Catholic Church and about 25% to the Evangelical Church.If one spouse is Catholic and the other is Protestant, there are also ecumenical marriages where two pastors (from both churches) hold a service together. The night before the wedding The groom is not allowed to see the bride on the morning of the wedding - otherwise it will bring bad luck!Even if you're not superstitious... you don't have to take any risks, right? That is why bridal couples usually spend the night before the wedding separately and only meet at the wedding ceremony. The white bridal dress What does a bride look like? When you think of a bride, you think of a beautiful, long, white dress. A bride who wants to get married in church is certainly looking forward to the dress of her dreams - preferably with a veil and maybe even long, white gloves. You don't need to have a bridal dress at the registry office. But for some brides, this is a perfect reason to choose two wedding dresses at once! Of course, the groom is not allowed to see the wedding dress(es) before the wedding! The bridal bouquet Of course, the bride also needs a color-coordinated bridal bouquet. Just before midnight, the female unmarried guests gather behind the bride. The bride then tosses the bouquet over her head into the crowd. The one who catches the bouquet can rejoice: she will be the next bride. Flower children Once the ceremony is over and the couple exits the church (or registry office), the flower children make their grand entrance. Often they are nephews, nieces or godchildren of the bride or groom. They too are dressed in festive clothes: the girls wear a white dress and the boys wear a small suit. They walk out of the church in front of the newlyweds, dropping small flowers on the path Groomsman and Maid of Honour It doesn't matter whether it's at the registry office or in church: it's nice to have your best friends, sister or brother with you. Usually they have seen or heard the whole story of the bridal couple: from the first meeting, to the romantic infatuation and the first kiss ... to the happy ending at the altar. Often the groomsman and maid of honour have also helped with the organization of the wedding and coordinate the Polterabend - after all, a lot of what takes place there is supposed to be a surprise for the bridal couple! Bridesmaids Most people in Germany only know bridesmaids from American movies. But since these movies are so wonderful and romantic, some newlyweds have adopted this tradition. Sawing a tree-trunk After the romantic marriage vows, here comes the first big joint task: The bridal couple has to saw through a tree trunk together. The reception After the wedding, of course, all guests want to congratulate the bridal couple and toast to their future together. That's what the reception is for. While the bridal couple and the parents accept all the congratulations, there is sparkling wine or prosecco for the guests, pure or mixed with orange juice, and usually canapés, i.e. finger food. Normally, you don't need a special invitation for the reception - especially if the wedding has taken place in church. Neighbors, school friends, colleagues, parents' friends and other acquaintances who are not invited to the wedding evening are also happy for the bridal couple and will bring a gift. The wedding Party In the evening the big wedding party finally takes place! After an aperitif there is a festive meal. It's often a 'seated meal' - this means that there is a seating plan, i.e. a plan of who should sit where. At the seat there is a place card with the name. Speeches are held between the courses (starter, main course, dessert) - traditionally by the fathers of the bride and groom ... but of course, these days the mothers can hold the speech, too! The Bridal Waltz The bridal couple opens the dance floor with a waltz. Some bridal couples even take extra lessons! After a few beats, the bride dances with the new father-in-law and the groom with the new mother-in-law. Then the couples separate and call for new dance partners... until the dance floor is full! The wedding cake A wedding cake is something very special: often it has several tiers! It is not only decorative and tastes good, but it also tells the guests something about the bridal couple: The wedding cake is cut together by the bride and groom and distributed to the guests. Now you have to look closely: who has their hand on top when cutting? This is the person who will also call the shots in the marriage! Wedding Pranks That can't have been all... that's what many friends of the bridal couple think on the evening of the wedding. That's why there's often one last trick. For example, the whole bed or the path from the door to the bed is covered with balloons - preferably in the shape of a heart, of course. Carrying the bride over the threshold In the past, married couples were only allowed to live together after marriage. Of course, the smitten husband wanted to show that he would anticipate his wife's every wish and carry her on his hands...well, at least over the threshold. Even if couples have been living together long before the wedding, this is a nice start to the new phase of life! Conclusion Now you know the most important traditions that belong to a wedding in Germany. If you want to know more about German traditions and life in Germany and learn German at the same time, then read the other blog posts as well!

I will never forget the moment my little daughter stood in front of me and softly said, "Mum, I can't smile anymore!". It was on a Saturday. That day I thought my daughter must be in a bad mood. She scowled and wanted to be left alone. "Well, I'll just leave her then," I thought. I didn't have time to worry about bad moods either. We were invited by friends and so I had to pack everything you need for an afternoon with friends when you have three small children: a present, of course, but also diapers, a change of clothes, mud pants... Only when we were about to drive off did this sentence come out: "Mum, I can't smile anymore!" She couldn't move one side of her face anymore! Maybe it was just a mosquito bite - so we hoped. After all, she was otherwise fine, she had no pain and no fever. So we drove off to our friends. But when it didn't get any better after two hours, we went to the doctor in the on-call practice. The doctor found that the left side of her face was actually paralyzed and she couldn't even close her left eye. He immediately sent us to hospital, where she (and of course me, too) had to stay for several days. The diagnosis: Our daughter had Lyme disease (Borreliose) - a disease transmitted by ticks. What are ticks? Biologically, the tick is an arachnid. It's a parasite that's found almost everywhere in the world. Their diet is blood from humans and vertebrates such as dogs or cats. As the tick feeds on blood, it becomes heavier and larger. If the tick is saturated, it simply drops. A tick can survive for a long period of time on a single meal of blood. In the laboratory, ticks were found to live for up to ten years without another meal! In the wilderness, ticks live for an average of three to five years. Male ticks usually live until after mating, females die after laying their eggs. Developmental stages of the tick A tick has three different stages of development in which it looks very different. Larva: The larvae of the tick are white and up to 0.5 millimeters in size. They only have 3 pairs of legs. Nymph: This is the tick as a juvenile. Nymphs are about 1–2 mm in size. Their body is white to transparent. Adult tick: They grow to about 2-4 mm. Females can even grow up to 12 mm when full. The female tick now needs another blood meal to lay eggs. Why are ticks dangerous? If a tick is infected with a pathogen, it may pass that infection on to a human. In Germany there are two serious diseases that are transmitted by ticks: Lyme disease (Borreliose) and TBE (FSME). Where can I get ticks? Many people believe that ticks drop from trees. However, this is not correct. Ticks prefer to sit on plants at a height of 30 to 60 centimetres. They are on grasses, in the meadow or in bushes and in meadows. You can find them in the forest, but also in the park, on playgrounds or in your own garden. When people or animals walk past these plants, they brush off the tick. The tick then crawls up on them and looks for a safe place. What time of year are there ticks? Ticks become active as soon as it is 5-7 degrees Celsius or warmer for several days in a row. Due to climate change, the average temperature continues to rise. This means: we can encounter ticks almost all year round - even in winter! How do I know if I have a tick? A tick needs a lot more blood than a mosquito. That's why it attaches itself to an animal or a person for up to 15 days and drinks blood. But often you don't even notice it. Ticks look for a place on their victim where they are protected: for example in humans between the hair, in the armpits or in the genital area. Blood makes the tick grow. A tick that has drunk a lot of blood can weigh up to 200 times as much than a hungry one. If you look for it, you will also find the tick: first it is like a small ball and then it gets really big. If you look carefully at the tick, you will also discover the legs. It is important to know that the tick can look very different, depending on the stage of development it is in. How can I remove a tick? It doesn't matter whether it's on humans or pets: If you discover a tick, you should pull it out of the skin immediately. I always use a special tick-card or tick-tweezers that you can get in the pharmacy. It's best to get advice there. Take care to pull out the whole tick with its sting! In the past it was also recommended to drip oil or glue on the tick - this is no longer recommended! What diseases are transmitted by ticks? Ticks can transmit various dangerous pathogens. These includes Borrelia (bacteria that can cause Lyme disease) and the viruses of tick-borne encephalitis (TBE for short). TBE is a disease of the meninges and central nervous system. It cannot be cured with medication. In severe cases it can even be fatal. The FSME virus can spread to the wound immediately after the sting. In the case of Borrelia, it is assumed that they are only transmitted after several hours. Therefore, ticks should be removed as soon as possible. How does tick vaccination help? The tick vaccination protects against TBE. Children can be vaccinated against TBE from the age of one. There is still no human vaccine against Lyme disease. It is best to talk to your doctor about this topic! First signs of a tick-borne disease A tick bite itself looks no different from a mosquito bite. You often don't even notice the it, because it's painless and doesn't always itch. The most well-known symptom of an infection is a ring-shaped reddening of the skin around the puncture site. It is the typical sign of a Borrelia infection. If you notice an insect bite, you should keep a close eye on it and maybe mark it to see changes such as swelling or redness. However, this symptom does not indicate a TBE infection. Instead, at the beginning there are symptoms such as tiredness, fever, headaches, difficulty concentrating and body aches. How can I protect myself from ticks? Of course, it's best if you don't get any tick bites at all. Long trousers and sturdy shoes are good protection to prevent ticks from crawling up your body. Mud pants and rubber boots are ideal for children! A tick spray can also help. It works (and smells) just like bug spray. Important: after every stay in nature, you should thoroughly check your body for ticks. Luckily, my daughter's Lyme disease was treated with strong antibiotics. The paralysis subsided after a few days and then disappeared completely. I hope that these information will make you aware of the dangers of ticks in Germany - espeially if you don't have similar problems in your home country. Of course we continue to go into nature with our family. But for me as a mother it is important: the vaccination protects against TBE and after a fun afternoon in the woods or on the meadow we thoroughly look for ticks. Do you have further questions? If in doubt, always ask a doctor or pharmacist!

Do you know the expression: “jemanden in den April schicken” – literally: “to send someone to April”? That doesn’t mean that otherwise wouldn’t start ‘automatically’. Of course, like on every other day, the sun will also set on March 30 and rise again on April 1. "In den April schicken" - "to send to April" But when we say, „Leon hat Anna in den April geschickt“, i.e „Leon sent Anna to April," we mean: It is tricked. She is being misled. So: ‘jemand hat einen Aprilscherz gemacht’ - someone made an April Fool's joke and Anna believed it. Such an April Fool's joke can be a joke you tell or an active plot. ‘der Scherz’ or ‘der Witz’ – what’s the difference? Both, Scherz and Witz can be translated as “joke. But is a Scherz really the same as a Witz? Not quite, although both can be very similar. Der Witz A "Witz" is usually a short, funny story that makes the other laugh. For example: Fritzchen tells his mum: "Imagine - yesterday our teacher sent Tim home because he hadn't washed himself." "And did it have any effect?" "Oh yes! Three girls and five boys hadn't washed themselves today!" Der Scherz A Scherz can also be a funny remark – but it arises from the situation. And: a Scherz can also be an action. Either you exaggerate something – for example, you show yourself "infinitely relieved" with gestures (hand movements) when the break begins or that there is still a coffee. Or you play a prank: you do something funny to deceive or trick someone else. A Scherz is usually funny for the other one, too ... but when I play a prank (der Streich) on someone, it's usually mostly funny for myself. April, April Did you successfully send someone into April? Then you call as a resolution: "April, April". Even if the joke really wasn't nice – for example, you swapped salt and sugar in the office – the other person mustn't be angry that day. This is also, what makes the differnce between a lie or modern fake news and an "Aprilscherz": The liar will try to keep you believeing the false story while an Aprilscherz will be uncoverd by the one who told it. Seit wann gibt es Aprilscherze? April Fools' jokes can be found in many countries. But when exactly this custom arose is not clear. They probably come from Germany or France. There are several stories about the origin: In the Middle Ages, where Germany is today, there was not just one currency, but many different ones. For example, many cities and monasteries even had their own currencies. That's why it sounded like a good idea that Emperor Charles V wanted to regulate coinage at a Reichstag on April 1, 1530. Numerous speculators invested a great deal of money in order to achieve large profits. But then this 'coin day' was cancelled. The speculators lost their money and were laughed at as "fools". In France, there was a calendar reform: in 1564, Charles IX changed the turn of the year from April 1 to January 1. Unfortunately, there was neither radio nor internet, so not everyone in France had heard of it. Some people had an idea: they sent out invitations for a New Year's celebration on April 1, just like every year. Of course, there was no celebration: the guests had been “in den April geschickt”.. April weather Even the weather in April sometimes seems like a bad joke: One day the sun is shining, it's really warm and almost summery – and the next day it's suddenly freezing cold and it's snowing again. This is the April weather: „April, April, der macht, was er will“. ("April, April, does what he feels like".) So maybe the weather is simply the model for April Fools' jokes? Is April 1st a public holiday? It is often said that April 1st is a public holiday. If you search on google, you will actually find results in which this is claimed! But unfortunately, April 1st is a normal working day. If someone tells you otherwise, it's just ... exactly, an April Fool's joke. 5 typical April Fools' Jokes: If it's warm: As the weather is so changeable, most people actually believe it when they go to the window that day and exclaim in surprise, "Oh no, it's snowing!" If it actually snows ... then you'll be happy "that it's supposed to be 25°C tomorrow!".“ You can try sticking a piece of paper on the back of someon that says something funny – for example, "Pat me on the shoulder!" The person concerned will wonder very much why everyone else suddenly comes up laughing and pats him on the shoulder. Not so nice: You can also add salt to the sugar shaker – or vice versa. With a little food coloring you can color the milk. Astonished faces are guaranteed in this way! You can stick a Post-It under the mouse of a colleague. How will the colleague react if the mouse suddenly stops working? Have you ever sent someone to April?

Are you planning to move to Germany with your family? And are you thinking about sending your children to a local German school? Then it will be important for you to understand the German education system and to know which options or choices your children have and what you need to consider. In this article you will get an overview about the different types of school in Germany that will show you what to expect and help you to choose the right school for your child. Is the school system the same all over Germany? The answer is a clear NO. The authority for schools and higher education lies with the Bundesländer (= states). As Germany has 16 Bundesländer, this means that there are also 16 different school systems: Each Bundesland decides about how schools are organized, the content and structure of the curriculum and even the difficulty of the final exams. However, there is a very basic structure that is the same all over Germany. Basic structure of the German education system To give you a first idea of this Basic Structure: Preschool The education system starts with a Preschool education up to the age of six. Primary school Children enter Primary school school at the age of six. Depending on the Bundesland, primary school takes 4-6 years. Secondary school There are three types of secondary school: Hauptschule (up to the age of about 16) The lowest track in the education system. Grades 5th-9th. Learn basic skills to prepare for their occupation. Realschule (up to the age of 17) Learn basic skills to prepare for their occupations. If high enough grades, it is possible to transfer to a Gymnasium. Gymnasium (up to the age of 18/19) Grades 5th-13th; prepares students for a university level education. Is it compulsory to attend school in Germany? Attending school for at least 9 years or, depending on the Bundesland, up to the age of 18, is compulsory in Germany: it is not possible to homeschool your children. Do I have to pay school fees in Germany? All public education in Germany is free, including public universities.. You will only need to pay for the workbooks, and e.g. crafting material. There are also private schools and international schools in Germany, especially in the bigger cities. However, the vast majority of Germans send their children to state schools. Now, let's look at these stages of education in more depth: What does 'Preschool Education' stand for in Germany? Preschool education stage is dedicated to children up to 6 years of age and it is not compulsory in Germany. Below the age of three, children may attend a Krippe (Creche). In many areas of Germany, there are not enough places at Krippe. It is advisable to get information or even register for a place while you are still pregnant. Traditionally, children in Germany attend Kindergarten from 3 to 6 years of age. Even though every child is entitled to a place in the Kindergarten, there are not always enough places for them. Institutions offering Preschool Education and Care In Germany, preschool education is offered by Churches, Welfare organizations, private companies, Parent’s Associations or the local authorities. What do children learn at Kindergarten? Children are encouraged to learn through playing and being outside as much as possible. There’s usually no formal teaching and parents are even advised not to teach their children how to read and write before starting primary school. However, during the last year at kindergarten, there may be a preparation for primary school. For example, children will learn how to write their own name and how to recognize syllables in a word by clapping. What happens if my child doesn’t speak German yet? In some Bundesländer, there are special German courses for children whose first language is not German. You will receive further information by the staff of the nursery or by the local authorities. What happens if a child is not ready for primary school? If your child isn’t ready to attend primary school, there are different possibilities depending on the Bundesland. In Bavaria, for example, you’ve got the possibility to leave your child in kindergarten for another year. In other Bundesländer, the child can attend a Schulkindergarten (school kindergarten) or Vorklasse (preliminary class). Primary school in Germany At what age do children enter Primary school in Germany? Children usually enter Primary school at the age of six. In most parts of Germany, Primary school takes four years, only in Berlin and Brandenburg it takes 6 years. What is the structure of Primary school? Children will be in one class with their classmates throughout their time at Primary school. Usually there is one main teacher who will stay with the class for two years and who teaches all basic subjects (Math, German, Knowledge and Understanding of the World) while other teachers might teach secondary subjects like Sports, Music, Religion/ Ethics or Crafting. What does a school day look like in Germany? Classes start between 7.30 and 8.15. At primary school, they end between 11.15 am and 1.30 pm. Lessons are 45 min. long, with breaks of 5 min. - 20 min. in between. The weekly number of lessons increases by grade. However, the majority of primary schools only have classes in the morning which can be quite a challenge for parents! At most primary schools there is an after-school care, (Mittagsbetreuung/ Hort) but there are not always enough places for all children. The Bundesländer are trying to establish more full day-schools (Ganztagsschule), but this depends on Bundesland and region. Expectations towards the parents In Germany, parents play a major role in helping their children succeed at school. Numerous studies have shown that children with parents who are supporting them, e.g. by helping them with daily homework, have great advantages at school and ultimately better chances to become successful professionally. Secondary school in Germany Hauptschule Grade 5-9 At this type of school. children are taught at a slower pace, more focused on practical things, like cookery and other vocational-oriented courses. After completing the Hauptschule young people are eligible for vocational training. The Hauptschule as its own type of school does only exist in some Bundesländer today. However, students can take an exam that is equivalent to that of a traditional Hauptschule after grade 9. Realschule Grade 5-10 The secondary school certificate (Realschulabschluss) is also called Mittlere Reife. It is equivalent to a high school diploma. With this certificate you can start an apprenticeship. Gymnasium Grade 5-12/13 The Gymnasium strongly emphasizes academic learning and is comparable to a grammar school in Britain or a prep school in the United States. At a Gymnasium, students will take at least two foereign languages. There are several types of Gymnasium: Humanistisches Gymnasium (humanities oriented) The focus is on Latin and Ancient Greek Neusprachliches Gymnasium The focus is on modern languages. Students will learn at least two modern languages, but often also Latin. Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliches Gymnasium The focus is on math and science. There are also combinations of types or “branches”, e.g. for music. Ath the end of the 12th or 13th grade, students take examinations (Abitur) which entitles students to go to university in Germany. Other types of secondary schools Gesamtschule (only in some Bundesländer) It combines all three types of the other secondary schools: Hauptschule, Realschule and Gymnasium. At this type of comprehensive school students can switch between the different tracks without changing schools. Berufliches Gymnasium, Fachoberschule, Berufskolleg, ... Having completed the Hauptschule or Realschule, it is possible to attend specialized schools to obtain a higher academic exam and even the Abitur. There are different types of these schools in each Bundesland, e.g. Berufsoberschule (BOS) or Fachoberschule (FOS) in Bavaria. How to choose a secondary school in Germany During the last year of primary school, there will be the decision of choosing the right secondary school for a child. In most Bundesländern, parents and teachers decide together which type of secondary school is the right one for the child, considering the academic performance and interests. However, in Bavaria this decision is based strictly on the grades the child has received on the written tests during the fourth year of school in the subjects Math, German and HSU (Knowledge and understanding of the world). Is it possible to change from one type of secondary school to another? Depending on the progress a child makes, there is the possibility to change e.g. from the Realschule to the Gymnasium or the other way round. Schools for Special Needs There are a variety of schools for students with special needs in Germany. They have highly specialized teachers and therapists and offer a smaller teacher to student ratio. However, if parents prefer a more inclusive approach, their children will also be able to attend other schools. Depending on the needs of the child, there may be a carer dedicated to helping the child to keep up with the rest of the class. Is it easy to move and change schools within Germany? If you move within Germany, your child will simply enter the same or corresponding type of school at the same grade. However, it can be tricky to find a school with e.g. the same sequence of languages. In addition, the curriculum might be different. It is common that even good students are struggling or even need to repeat a year if they move e.g. to Bavaria. This means moving within Germany can be almost as tricky as moving to a new country. Now you've got an overview about the most important features of the German school system(s). Would you like to know more? If you are planning to move to Germany with your family or have just moved here, a cross cultural training is the best way to settle in easily, qickly and successfully! Find our more >>>