Nußknacker

December 19, 2007 By Leave a Comment

Nußknacker are a decorative form of nut crackers. Although they are usually able to crack nuts using their mouths, they are normally used as Christmas ornaments. They have the form of a person, such as a soldier in uniform.

Originating from the area around the Ore mountains they can have around 60 moving parts!

The figures inspired the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Download a transcript

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Filed Under: Christmas, German Words Explained, Podcasts Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Christmas in Germany

December 17, 2007 By 1 Comment

With only one week to go until Christmas, Maria and Graham discuss how they celebrate with elements of different cultures and how much they stay with German traditions.

When do you celebrate on the 24th and when on the 25th of December? Who brings the presents – the Christkind, Weihnachtsmann or Santa Claus?

Listen to the podcast to find out:

christmas1.jpg

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

The Monday Podcast will return in the New Year.

Filed Under: Christmas, Monday Podcasts, Podcasts

Glühwein

December 14, 2007 By 1 Comment

Glühwein is wine that has been spiced and heated up – although not boiled! It is drunk in winter during advent and as such is strongly associated with Christmas in Germany.

The main spices used are cinnamon, cloves, lemon and aniseed and both red and white wine can be used, although red wine is more common at the markets. It is also available ready-to-drink in bottles and cartons at supermarkets.

In English it is known as mulled wine.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download a transcript

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast

Filed Under: Christmas, Food & Drink, German Words Explained, Podcasts Tagged With: , , , , , ,

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