200th Anniversary of Publication of “Grimm’s Fairy Tales”
Inseparable brothers in life, work, and death, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm published one of the best-known works of German literature, “Grimm’s Fairy Tales,” ("Kinder- und Hausmärchen") in 1812. Their work has made tales like "Hansel and Gretel," "Little Red Riding Hood" and "Snow White," among so many others, classics of children's literature.
The changes which have swept through the Arab world have loomed large in the Council’s work during Germany's two-year term on the Security Council, according to a report presented by Foreign Minister Westerwelle. But the Council addressed a “remarkable array of issues and problems” during that time.
Security Council
Gauck praised "countable successes" in rebuilding the country and assuredAfghanistanof help even after the troop withdrawal, planned for 2014.
Afghanistan Visit
Germans have reacted with shock and sorrow to the attack in Newtown, Connecticut, that killed so many young children and their educators on December 14. Political leaders have expressed condolences on behalf of German citizens to the US President and the American people.
Condolences from Germany
By a large, multi-party majority, members of the German Bundestag passed legislation on Wednesday ensuring that circumcision of young boys for religious reasons remains permissible in Germany.
Law Passed
There’s no Christmas without the last shift prior to Christmas, or so says an old mining adage from the Erzgebirge (Ore Mountains) region of Saxony.
Miners' Christmas Tradition
Ambassador Peter Ammon and Ohio Governor John Kasich met on December 5 with Ohio-based German business leaders and educational institutions to discuss Germany's expertise in vocational training and how to make Ohio's businesses stronger through applying German-honed techniques.
Skills Initiative in Columbus
The Saxon State Library will be the venue for a creative celebration of Mayan culture and German-Mexican relations when the Dresden Sinfoniker perform the “Concert at the End of Time” on the date the Mayan calendar ends a 400-year cycle.
Mayan Musical Homage
A total of 10.7 million immigrants live in Germany – the majority are European. The pace of immigration started to increase in 2010.
Immigration
Franco‑German reconciliation was probably “the most dramatic example in history to show that war and conflict can be turned so rapidly into peace and cooperation,” Nobel Committee Chairman Jagland said in presenting the Nobel Peace Prize to the EU.
Nobel Peace Prize
Called “the Goethe of singer-songwriters,” Mey has composed more than 100 songs over 25 studio albums. He celebrates his 70th birthday Friday.
Reinhard Mey
In German, a "Weihnachtsstern" is both a Christmas star in the literal sense, as well as the poinsettia plant popular all over the world during the holiday season.
Word of the Week
German Missions
