Crossing to East Berlin through Checkpoint Charlie could be a rather complicated experience in pre-unified Germany, especially if there was only one person but two accompanying passports.

Mother-tongue speakers are usually extremely loyal to their national language, and Germany is no exception, however recently Anglicism's have been adopted with an amazing lack of restraint bringing about the rise of "Denglisch".

It is a popular, even trendy, German English language mixture,but "Denglisch", has a few powerful opponents, and some of the most commonly used words and phrases have been banned for use in many official offices and documents.

For many Germans life without Currywurst, their iconic fast food snack, is unthinkable. Grilled sausage with curry sauce, it's enjoyed everywhere from tourist spots to city streets and is a favorite photo opportunity for Presidents and Prime Ministers. With recipe for the special sauce.

Cologne Cathedral took over 600 years to complete. Construction began when the city was part of the Holy Roman Empire but was not finished until 1880, in a newly United Germany with Wilhelm I as its first Emperor. A stunning building it is one of the country's most important monuments.

Christmas Eve, "Heiligabend", is the most eagerly awaited and significant of Germany's Twelve Days of Christmas. "Weihnachten" is filled with celebrations and age old customs, and a rich and colorful mix of the religious, secular, traditional, folk and food.

Something for all chocolate fans It looks like a ship moored on the Rhine River, but 3,000 years of chocolate history, a child and adult friendly interactive journey from cocoa bean to chocolate bar, and free samples, are found in Cologne's Chocolate Museum, the world's largest.

Chestnuts are amongst many things that the Romans introduced to "Germania", and during the fall and winter they are a favorite for "Food Foraging". Used as a base for many traditional German dishes one of the most popular is Chestnut Soup, with variations ranging from simple to exotic.

Chestnut Jam, Kastanien Konfitur, is a seasonal recipe produced in Germany's kitchens from foraged nuts. The Romans brought chestnuts to "Germania" as they conquered the region, so during fall and winter they are found throughout the country, and their jam is one of many popular recipes.

Kaeseigel, the Cheese Hedgehog, a "Retro" party snack from Germany. Now enjoying a popular and widespread renaissance, it was the ultimate cold buffet food during the 1960's and 1970's.