German Culture Site
	Francine McKenna BellaOnline's German Culture Editor

Fast Facts about Germany
Fast facts for Germany, the country and its people. Richly diverse, the world's fifth largest economy, filled with castles, medieval villages, unspoilt nature, mountain ranges, stunning scenery, culture of every variety, and a complex history.

Father's Day in Germany
Father’s Day in Germany. A "moveable feast" holiday linked to Ascension Day it changes each year, while for those who are new to it the first experience can come as a bit of a shock, as a variable date is not the only way the celebration differs from other countries.

Forest Schools, Germany's Waldkindergarten
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.

Fun Facts About Germany
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.

Gardening by the Moon in Germany
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.

German Beer, Fast Facts
Germany has a Day of German Beer, "Tag des Deutschen Bieres" April 23, beer is considered a food in Bavaria but just enjoyed elsewhere, there are 1,500 varieties and 5,000 breweries. Facts about the age old drink Mark Twain described as "As Different as Hens in a Farmyard", Germany's Beer.

German Inventions in Everyday Use
Germany's inventors and scientists, past and present, have helped build the country's reputation for invention and technology. However many of the items used in homes worldwide, including toothpaste, were created in German kitchens, attics and workshops, not only laboratories.

Germany, its Neighbours and a New Image
From its central position at the heart of today’s European Union Germany lives in peace and harmony with its neighbours, however this was not always the case. What image does modern Germany have in the eyes of its neighbours? A cross section of Europeans were asked with interesting results.

Groundhog Day, Hedgehogs and Candlemas
February 2nd is Groundhog Day, an annual tradition with roots which lie in a Christian festival, age old European and German superstitions about hedgehogs, the weather, and pagan celebrations bound to the cycles of nature.

Oktoberfest in Munich – Fun Facts
It's "Oktoberfest" although most of it takes place in September, an "Angel" on hiatus from heaven attends every year, one Mayor opened it by shouting "I'zapt os" instead of "O'zapft is", (it's tapped), and that was before any beer was consumed. Some Oktoberfest Fun Facts.

Oktoberfest in Munich, Fast Facts
Albert Einstein worked there as an electrician, an intoxicated dachshund was delivered to Lost and Found, it uses enough electricity to give 52 years of power to a home for four, and emigrants from Germany have taken it all over the world, but Oktoberfest began over 200 years ago in Munich.