German Americans make up almost 25 percent of the US population. It was 1608 when the first immigrants arrived, with those following mainly hoping to improve on the way their life had been "at home", and their work and lives have had an effect not only in America but worldwide.

German immigrants to the USA made a huge contribution to its culture, economy and technology. From introducing Santa Claus, founding breweries, popularizing ketchup, producing Presidents to establishing banking, industrial and philanthropic dynasties and designing the Brooklyn Bridge.

Although it is often thought of as a New Age trend or old superstition, Moon Gardening is science based, with evidence suggesting a connection does exist between the sky's energy and that of earth, and it is a system which has been followed in Germany for generations.

There is a Chancellor Angela Merkel Barbie Doll, German affection for red Hungarian paprika sees it added to everything from potato chips and grilled meat to sauces, in Bavaria beer is officially classified as a food, and phone calls are answered only by the surname, not a greeting. Some fun facts.

Born in the mid 19th Century, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche’s timeless quotations have made him a present day sage, but there was a complex man behind quotes such as 'That which does not kill us makes us stronger'.

Written for a completely different world of the 19th Century, nevertheless German born Friedrich Nietzsche’s philosophical quotations can be as relevant now as they were then.

Germany is celebrating the 300th anniversary of Frederick II of Prussia, one of the most famous German Rulers, both for his military successes as a brilliant strategist, and for the ground breaking domestic reforms he introduced into his country.

Waldkindergarten, nature's pre-school for children, where fresh air, the natural world and exploration replace classroom walls. A system of education which began in 19th century Germany and has become increasingly popular throughout the country.

Flammkuchen is literally "Flaming Cake", a wafer thin pizza type crust topped by a delicious combination of classic ingredients. A German favorite it originated in Alsace, an area of Europe which has spent much of the last centuries belonging to either France or Germany.

Germany’s Feuerzangenbowle, Flaming Fire Tongs Punch, made with red wine, rum and sugar flambé, is a traditional New Year’s drink as well as a winter and seasonal favorite.