Articles by this author
View from the ground: Resilient Stuttgart will 'move on' following riots
Stuttgart local Michael Stuchbery shares his views on the violent Saturday rioting which shocked the country, and led to condemnation from politicians including Chancellor Angela Merkel.
United We Stream: How Berlin's clubs are coming together to survive the corona crisis
It’s true, you can’t stop the music. At least that’s the impression given by a new partnership of club owners, promoters, dance music fans and the Franco-German ARTE channel.
For the love of Spargel: Why Germany has eased border rules amid the coronavirus pandemic
In the time of Coronavirus, what resource could be so vital to the wellbeing and morale of the German people, that the government would override stringent border measures to secure it? Simple. White asparagus, or ‘Spargel’.
Ten top films and TV shows to discover Germany from your couch
If you're stuck at home during the coronavirus outbreak, you can at least get to know German culture and history through these film and TV gems.
Should Germans be worried about the coronavirus? The answers may lie in the past.
Epidemics and pandemics have plagued German territory - and the rest of the world - for thousands of years. Here's how they stack up to the coronavirus, writes history teacher Michael Stuchbery.
OPINION: How far-right tensions are boiling over on Munich's mayoral elections campaign trail
As Munich prepares for its next mayoral elections on March 15th, political divides in Germany are widening under the strain of far-right extremist attacks. On the campaign trail, tensions have been boiling over.
Weekend Wanderlust: 10 reasons to love Stuttgart
One former resident of Stuttgart nostalgically muses on why the city is the perfect place to pay a visit - or settle for longer.
Today in history: How did Germans inflict Rome's most devastating defeat?
It wasn't just a defeat, it was an utter annihilation: three entire legions of the Roman Army gone. A routine mission to pacify a revolt had turned into a bloodbath, deep in the forests of Germania - but how?
How did the Nazis fake an attack to start World War II?
Sunday marked 80 years since the start of World War II. Its beginning can be traced back to a piece of Nazi propaganda.
Why is Bielefeld offering €1 million to anyone who proves it doesn't exist?
Bielefeld, in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia, is offering the large sum to anyone who can provide proof of its non-existence.
Meet the medieval German warlord with a message for modern politicians
In an age of uncertainty and upheaval, it pays to have strong leaders. Perhaps Germany could draw from history for inspiration, says Michael Stuchbery.
Weekend Wanderlust: Get a Handel on Halle
Not only is the city of Halle (Saale) the birthplace of the celebrated composer Georg Friedrich Handel but is also a vibrant, modern city with art and culture to spare.
Today in history: How did Germany's 'most dangerous book' come into existence?
Published on July 18th, 1925, Hitler's 'Mein Kampf' has been described as unreadable but also one of the most powerful and dangerous books of all time. What sparked its publication?
ANALYSIS: Should Germany be worried about the far-right 'Identitarian Movement'?
Officially classified on Wednesday as right-extreme by German intelligence, this group has been seen protesting throughout Germany. But just what do they stand for?
Nebra Sky Disk: Germany's 'greatest archeological treasure' goes on tour
The Nebra Sky Disk, perhaps Germany's greatest archaeological treasure, and one of the most significant finds of the 20th century, will be the centrepiece of a major 2021 exhibition at the British Museum, devoted to the Bronze Age across Europe.
How a giant volcano led a German to create the world's first bike
Over 200 years ago on June 12th, an inventor from Karlsruhe was inspired to create the world's first practically used bicycle.
How German artist Ernst Busch fought fascism through songwriting
Nearly 40 years since his death, the revolutionary German actor and songwriter is still being remembered for what he wasn't afraid to say in his lyrics.
Weekend Wanderlust: An ancient seat of wealth and power in Braunschweig
You might think of Berlin or Frankfurt as Germany's centre of power. But this overlooked city played a key role in European power for several centuries - and is still well worth a visit.
How Germany became home to the world's first youth hostel
Known for friendly and cheap hospitality, youth hostels are now popular among people of all ages. The world's first opened its doors in Deutschland over 100 years ago.
Are you ready for Walpurgisnacht, Germany's night of witches?
Germany and witchcraft? Well, let's just say they both have quite the history. The lands that make up modern Germany were the scene of some of the bloodiest persecutions of 'witches’ from the 16th to the 18th centuries.
Klaus Störtebeker: Infamous German pirate and 'Robin Hood' of the high seas
The North and Baltic Seas may not be well known for pirates. Yet hundreds of years ago, as northern Europe's main trade highways, it was a different story. Few of its pirates were both as feared and revered as Klaus Störtebeker.
How Luther's showdown at the 'Diet of Worms' shaped Christianity
Ever had a nerve-wracking job interview? How about being called in to see the headmaster? Take those feelings, multiply their intensity by one hundred and it might come close to that experienced by Martin Luther, this week almost 500 years ago.
Can Germany's history of fire-ravaged cathedrals offer hope to Notre-Dame?
The world watched in horror as flames consumed one of its most revered places of worship - Paris' Notre-Dame Cathedral. It's a feeling that Germans have come to know over the centuries, with many of their most significant churches the victims of fire.