German Vocabulary
The year before kids enter first grade, they attend this.
What is kindergarten? It translates to “garden for children.” Kindergarten was first introduced in Germany in the early 19th century. Those who fled Germany in 1948 brought the idea to the United States.
Oktoberfest is celebrated every year spanning these two fall months.
What are September and October? It starts in September and runs through the first weekend in October.
This Benz is a popular German car in North America.
What is Mercedes? The brand was launched at Nice (NEES) Week in the South of France in 1901. It was established by Paul and Adolf Daimler, and the three-pointed star became its logo in 1910. The Mercedes-Benz was considered the first modern car and is owned by the Daimler Group.
This dish is made of fermented cabbage.
What is sauerkraut? It’s an Oktoberfest staple and is also a favorite St. Patrick’s Day dish across the globe.
This twentieth-century physicist and mathematician is best known for his theory of relativity.
Who is (Albert) Einstein? He won the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1921. He was once asked to be the president of Israel, but he declined. He felt he was not qualified for the position.
This once-divided city is the capital of Germany.
What is Berlin? It’s a bustling city, which was once divided by the Berlin Wall into East Berlin and West Berlin until the reunification of East and West Germany in 1990. The Brandenburg Gate at the Berlin Wall became the symbol of a divided Germany.
Typical round lettuce used in sandwiches or what brought down the Titanic. It translates to “mountain of ice.”
What is iceberg? We often hear that iceberg lettuce is devoid of any nutritional value; however, it has more protein than many other lettuce varieties, and it contains vitamins A and K, folate, and potassium.
It is the traditional alcoholic beverage served at Oktoberfest.
What is beer (or similar)? Beer produced in Germany is darker and stronger than traditional North American beer. Beer made in Munich’s breweries are the only ones served during the festival.
Some of its vehicles are the Microbus, also known as the Van, and the Beetle, also known as the Bug.
What is Volkswagen? Today’s Volkswagens are sleeker in design and include the Atlas, the Tiguan, the Jetta, and the new ID.4. An electric version of the bus, which is known as ID.BUZZ, will begin production in 2022.
This hard, twisted bread or biscuit became the snack of choice on airlines when peanuts became too expensive to serve.
What is pretzel? In German, pretzels are called brezeln, and they’re served with mustard on the side for dipping.
This German developed a mechanical printing press named for him.
Who is (Johannes) Gutenberg? The first printing press was created in China sometime during the first millennium AD, but 150 years later, Gutenberg perfected it for commercial use.
This high mountain range in Germany is often associated with Switzerland.
What is the Alps? The Alps mountain range crosses seven countries: France, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany, Liechtenstein, and Slovenia. In Germany, the range is called the Bavarian Alps since it is in Bavaria at the southern tip of the country.
It is German for thank you, and it is the first word of the song made famous by Wayne Newton.
What is danke (DON kuh)? Wayne Newton’s rendition of the song “Danke Shoen” (DON kuh SHAYN) made it to No.13 on the Billboard chart in 1963.
This is the traditional outfit worn by women—a dress with a defined bodice and low neckline, a tight waist, and a gathered skirt.
What is dirndl (DERN duhl)? The position of the bowsignifies the wearer’s relationship status. The bow is tied on the right for those in a relationship and on the left for singles. Young girls tie the bow in the middle.
This hydrogen-filled German airship exploded while attempting to land in Lakehurst, New Jersey, in 1937.
What is Hindenburg? Transatlantic airship travel lasted only one year and ground to a halt after the Hindenburg tragedy. The cause of the explosion was atmospheric electricity that ignited a hydrogen leak. The airships were also known as dirigibles and zeppelins.
This is the name for grilled sausage, a popular street food made with pork and veal.
What is bratwurst? It’s made with pork and veal and seasoned with ginger, nutmeg, coriander, and/or caraway. It is served with sauerkraut and mustard and/or ketchup. Knockwurst is a boiled sausage made with ground beef and pork.
This theologian’s words were the catalyst for the 16th-century reformation that swept through the Protestant Church.
Who is Martin Luther? He left the study of law to adopt a monastic life.
It is the capital of the state of Bavaria and begins with the letter M.
What is Munich? Bavaria is the largest state, located in the southeast corner of Germany.
A five-letter word beginning with A that means “fear” and is spelled the same way in German and English. Also means “apprehension and uneasiness.”
What is angst? Televised sporting events, yoga, and meditation can help provide relief from day-to-day angst.
Oktoberfest was first held in this century.
What is 19th? The inaugural event was held in 1810.
This three-letter German car is known as the ultimate driving machine and the ultimate driving experience.
What is BMW? You may be familiar with the 3, 5, and 7 series BMWs. The company also makes motorcycles.
This cake named for a famous German forest is stuffed with chocolate and cherries, soaked in liquor, and “iced” with whipped cream.
What is black forest? The official name for the cake is very long and translates into “cake soaked in Kirsch before being baked.”
This 17th- and 18th-century classical musician composed more than 600 pieces during the Baroque era. His most famous works are Brandenburg Concerts (six works), Concerto No. 1 for clavier and orchestra (D minor), and The Art of Fugue.
Who is (Johann Sebastian) Bach? Both his parents died when he was 10 years old. Before he began composing in earnest, he worked as an organist in a church.
It is Germany’s largest river.
What is the Rhine? In the west, the Rhine separates Germany from France.
It means “above and beyond.” It is also the name of a taxi service that you can book on your smartphone.
What is uber? The internet and computer games can be uber addictive.
The first Oktoberfest was held in celebration of this event.
What is a wedding or marriage? It was held to celebrate Crown Prince Ludwig’s marriage to Princess Teresa. The entire city of Munich was invited to the event.
A long-time favorite of this German auto manufacturer is the 911 sportscar.
What is Porsche? Porsche was born in 1948 with a car whose successor would be the 911. Volkswagen now owns Porsche.
The classic version of this pastry has a very thin, flakey crust stuffed with lemon-soaked apples and rum-soaked raisins, all sprinkled with cinnamon.
What is apple strudel? You can use a flakey piecrust for the dough if you prefer a less brittle crust.
Known as the “Iron Chancellor,” he ruled Prussia and then all of Germany between 1862 and 1890. Hint: He shares part of his last name with the capital of North Dakota.
Who is Otto von Bismarck? He was a master strategist that initiated wars with Denmark, Austria, and France to unite 39 independent German states under Prussian leadership.
Germany is bordered on the west by this small country beginning with the letter L.
What is Luxembourg? Half of Luxembourg’s workforce comes from other countries, including Germany.
Merriam-Webster calls it “the general intellectual, moral, and cultural climate of an era.” Another definition is the spirit of an era.
What is zeitgeist (ZIGHT gighst)? Translated literally, it means “spirit of the time”; for example, Woodstock captured the zeitgeist of the 1960s.
This U.S. city hosts the largest Oktoberfest in America.
What is Cincinnati? It is called Oktoberfest Zinzinnati and hosts approximately half a million guests. Other significant Oktoberfests in North America include Toronto and Nashville.
This German highway system is similar to American interstates but has no speed limit in some rural areas.
What is autobahn? It translates to “motor track.” Today, speed limits apply to around 40 percent of autobahn roads. The highway was originally invented in Rome in the first century AD.
This pounded and breaded, fried cutlet of veal is often served with a side of potatoes or spatzle, boiled egg noodles.
What is Wiener schnitzel? If it is made with a meat other than veal, it is simply called schnitzel. Leftovers make great sandwiches.
This philosopher, physician, and theologian spent much of his life as a mission doctor in Africa, opened a leper colony while there, and won the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize.
Who is (Albert) Schweitzer? He was also an accomplished musician, performing across Europe.
Germany abuts two seas. Name one of them.
What is the Baltic or the North? Both seas are sometimes referred to as the German Riviera.