Get to know german childhood through stories and taste!

In this podcast, our volunteers from Germany—Hannah and Eli—invite you to join them as they reminisce about their childhoods. Together, they recall amusing stories, favorite books, beloved childhood dishes, and all the little things that shape the world of a child growing up in Germany. We invite you to indulge in a bit of nostalgia, discover something new about German life, and share a few laughs with our delightful hosts.

For those who can’t open the Spotify link, listen to the audio file.

The names of the books and dishes mentioned in the podcast and what they mean.

The Schultüte, also known as a Zuckertüte in some regions of Germany, is a large, decorated cone traditionally filled with sweets, small toys, school supplies, and sometimes even small clothing items. It’s given to children on their first day of school (Einschulung). The tradition dates back to the early 19th century and is intended to sweeten the momentous occasion of starting formal education and alleviate some of the anxieties associated with it. While the contents have evolved over time, the concept remains the same: a special, personalized gift to celebrate this significant milestone. Parents and grandparents often work together to create or purchase the Schultüte, ensuring it reflects the child’s interests and hobbies. The size of the Schultüte can vary, but it’s typically large enough to make a significant visual impact and hold a good amount of goodies.

“Die Sendung mit der Maus” (The Show with the Mouse) is a highly acclaimed and long-running German educational children’s television program. Each episode typically combines cartoon segments featuring the titular Maus (Mouse) and its friends, with live-action “Sachgeschichten” (knowledge stories) that explain complex topics in a simple and engaging manner.

“Die Sendung mit der Maus” is known for its attention to detail, high production quality, and its ability to entertain both children and adults. It’s considered a cultural icon in Germany and has won numerous awards for its contributions to children’s education and television programming. It’s not just a kids’ show; it’s a masterclass in accessible and engaging educational content creation

Cornelia Funke is a highly acclaimed German author best known for her imaginative and captivating children’s and young adult fiction. The titles mentioned – Tintenwelt, Drachenreiter, Tintenherz, Tintenblut, and Tintentod – represent two significant series within her body of work. Drachenreiter (Dragon Rider), originally published in German in 1997, is a standalone fantasy novel that achieved international success. The Tinten- series, often referred to as the Inkheart trilogy (consisting of Tintenherz (Inkheart), Tintenblut (Inkspell), and Tintentod (Inkdeath)), is a fantasy saga exploring the power of words and the blurring lines between reality and fiction. Funke’s work is characterized by strong characters, intricate plots, and often includes elements of magic, adventure, and philosophical themes, making her a popular choice for readers of all ages.

Michael Andreas Helmuth Ende was a German writer of fantasy and children’s fiction. His works have been translated into more than 40 languages and sold more than 35 million copies. He is known for his epic fantasy The Neverending Story. The Neverending Story (Die unendliche Geschichte) is about a neglected boy, Bastian, who escapes into a magical book and becomes part of Fantastica’s struggle against a consuming nothingness, learning about imagination and the power of belief.

Erich Kästner – German writer and poet. Emil und die Detektive (Emil and the Detectives) is a children’s novel about a young boy, Emil Tischbein, who travels to Berlin and is robbed of his money. He then teams up with a group of local children to catch the thief.

Eragon, the first book in Christopher Paolini’s Inheritance Cycle, tells the story of a young farm boy named Eragon who discovers a mysterious blue stone while hunting in the Spine, a wild and dangerous mountain range. This stone turns out to be a dragon egg, and when it hatches, Eragon forms a deep and powerful bond with the dragon he names Saphira.

Kerstin Gier’s “Silber” series presents a compelling blend of fantasy and young adult fiction. The narrative, centered around Liv Silber’s discovery of the world of lucid dreaming and its unsettling connections to reality, is engaging and replete with intrigue.

Kerstin Gier Edelstein-Trilogie (Rubinrot, Saphirblau, Smaragdgrün). Kerstin Gier’s Edelstein-Trilogie (Ruby Red Trilogy) offers a light and engaging read, primarily targeted toward a young adult audience. The trilogy’s strength lies in its accessible writing style and the author’s ability to create a compelling world that invites readers to suspend disbelief and immerse themselves in the adventures of its time-traveling characters.

Maultaschen, often described as German ravioli, represent a fascinating and historically rich culinary tradition. These pasta pockets, typically filled with meat, spinach, breadcrumbs, and onions, offer a satisfying and flavorful meal. The dish’s connection to Swabia and the legend surrounding its creation, involving monks concealing meat during Lent, adds a compelling narrative layer to its appeal.

Spätzle – type of soft egg noodle originating from southern Germany, holds a significant place in the region’s culinary heritage. While often considered a simple dish, its preparation can be surprisingly nuanced, requiring a specific consistency in the dough and a practiced hand for shaping. The textural variations, ranging from the shorter, denser “Knöpfle” to the longer, more irregular strands, contribute significantly to the overall eating experience. Beyond the basic preparation, Spätzle’s versatility allows it to be paired with a multitude of accompaniments, from rich, creamy cheese sauces like Käsespätzle to hearty meat dishes such as Sauerbraten. The dish’s ability to both absorb and complement flavors makes it a versatile and appreciated staple of German cuisine, deserving of recognition for its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

Apfelsaftschorle – is also known in Austria and Switzerland, represents a simple yet effective refreshing option. Its composition, typically a mixture of apple juice and sparkling mineral water, offers a palatable balance between sweetness and tartness, making it a suitable drink for a wide range of tastes.

Abendbrot – Abendbrot, literally translating to “evening bread,” is a quintessential German tradition that reflects a more relaxed and informal evening meal compared to other cultures. The typical Abendbrot spread consists of various breads, often dark rye or mixed grain, accompanied by an assortment of cheeses, cured meats, and spreads such as quark, Leberwurst, or Kräuterbutter (herb butter). Fresh vegetables like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and radishes often complement the meal, providing a refreshing contrast to the heavier components.