How Martin Luther gave Germans a language everyone could use
One of the most influential figures in European history, Martin Luther was a catalyst of the Protestant Reformation. His seminal writings helped to trigger one of the most important upheavals in European history. But his works had another, more hidden effect: the development and proliferation of a unifying German language.
German word of the day: Die Goaßgschau
Why do we sometimes find ourselves staring into space for no reason? And why don’t we have a word for this in English? Well the Bavarians do: die Goaßgschau.
How to sound just like a Berliner in ten easy steps
Berliners are famously impatient with newcomers. So if you use a bit of local jargon, you might just win their respect - or you could end up looking like an idiot. But it's good to know the Berlin dialect anyway.
Can you tell a Bavarian dialect from a north German one?
From north to south, east to west, the German language varies significantly - travel site Expedia's new quiz is a pretty neat way to demonstrate this.
Cyclist spared fine over Bavarian dialect mishap
A cyclist from western Germany faced a nearly €250 fine for a cycling violation that she said she only made because she misunderstood a police officer's Bavarian dialect.