German Cities and German Cuisine

By Name of the Candidate: Ayush Kumar Division- C, Roll No: 52, Class- BBA.LLB

Of Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA Symbiosis International University, PUNE In February 2014

Under the Guidance of Asst. Prof Deepak Kushwaha

Faculty in charge of German-II Symbiosis Law School, NOIDA

German Cities
1. Berlin
Introduction
Berlin is the capital city of Germany and one of the 16 states of Germany. With a population of 3.4 million people, Berlin is Germany's largest city and is the second most populous city proper and the seventh most populous urban area in the European Union. Located in northeastern Germany on the River Spree, it is the center of the Berlin-Brandenburg Metropolitan Region, which has about 4 million residents from over 180 nations. Due to its location in the European Plain, Berlin is influenced by a temperate seasonal climate. Around one third of the city's area is composed of forests, parks, gardens, rivers and lakes. Berlin, Germany, is the third most visited place in Europe, and it fascinates young and old, history buffs and art lovers, architecture aficionados and underground clubbers alike. Wherever you go, you experience the pulsating life of Berlin: in over 170 museums and art galleries, in 300 clubs and 7,000 bars and restaurants - many of which are open around the clock. When you walk through the city, you'll be struck by the variety of architectural styles, ranging from palaces, to the remnants of socialist buildings and modern skyscrapers.

Berlin - Facts:
3.4 million inhabitants Divided into 12 districts Almost 500,000 residents are of foreign nationality, with 14,000 Americans living. Situated in eastern Germany, about 44 miles west of the border to Poland

Weather in Berlin:
Berlin has a moderate climate; the warmest months are June, July and August, with daily temperatures ranging from 23-24 C (72F). The coldest months are December, January and February, with clear, frosty days, and temperatures often below zero.

2. Frankfurt
Introduction
Frankfurt, located in the federal state of Hesse, lies in the heart of central Germany. The city is the financial hub of Europe and home to the German Stock Exchange and the European Central Bank. Thanks to its modern skyscrapers and the river Main, which runs through Frankfurts center, the city is also nicknamed "Main-hattan". With 660.000 inhabitants, Frankfurt is Germany's 5th largest city. Frankfurt is a city of contrasts. Being famous for its futuristic skyline and its financial district, Frankfurt is also home to historic squares with cobble stone streets, halftimbered houses and traditional wine bars. The citys most prominent son was Johann Wolfgang Goethe (1749-1832), Germany's most important writer.

Frankfurt - What to See and Do:

Frankfurt offers many contrasts, and it is fun to explore them all: modern skyscrapers and half-timbered houses, the financial district and leafy parks, traditional wine bars and hip nightclubs.

Frankfurt Shopping:
The premier place to shop in Frankfurt is the shopping street called Zeil. Also called "The Fifth Avenue" of Germany, this shopping street offers everything from chic boutiques, to international department chains for the discerning shopper.

3. Munich
Introduction
Munich, located in the South of Germany, is the capital of Bavaria and the gateway to the German Alps. Mnchen, the city's native name, is derived from the Old German word Mnche ("monks") and traces back Munichs origins as a Benedictine monastery in the 8th century. Today, Munich is famous for its interesting mix of traditional Bavarian culture, modern living, and high tech industries. Contemporary architecture goes hand in hand with grand avenues, first-class museums, and baroque palaces. They are a salute to Munichs royal past: Bavaria was ruled for more than 750 years by the kings of the Wittelsbach Dynasty.

Munich - Fast Facts:

1.2 million inhabitants Third largest city in Germany (after Berlin and Hamburg) Located 30 miles North of the German Alps The river Isar runs through Munichs city center

Munich - What to See and Do:

Although Munich was damaged in World War II, the Old Town of the city has been carefully restored to its original splendor. A great starting point to explore Munichs architectural gems, museums, and parks, is Marienplatz, the cobble-stoned square in the heart of the Old Town.

Munich - Oktoberfest:
The highlight of Munichs festival calendar is its annual Oktoberfest, which pays tribute to the history, culture and cuisine of Bavaria. The first Oktoberfest was held in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Bavarian Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese. Today, the largest beer festival in the world attracts over 6 million visitors annually, enjoying music, Oktoberfest parades, rides, and food and drinks in 16 different beer halls.

German Cuisine
Introduction
German cuisine has evolved as a national cuisine through centuries of social and political change with variations from region to region. The southern regions of Germany, including Bavaria and neighboring Swabia, share many dishes. Furthermore, across the border in Austria one will find many similar dishes. However, ingredients and dishes vary by province. There are many significant regional dishes that have become both national and regional. Many dishes that were once regional, however, have proliferated in different variations across the country into the present day.

Interesting facts
During the Cold War, Berlin was fed entirely by airlift. There are many typical German foods. Germany has a commonality between most of the states. Germany is well known for their production of cheese. Ham is very important meat in Germany. The most well known ham in Germany is the Black Forest Ham.

Structure of meals
Breakfast (Frhstck) commonly consists of bread, toast, and/or bread rolls with cold cuts, cheese or jam (Konfitre or more commonly called Marmelade), marmalade or honey, eggs, and (often strong) coffee or tea (milk, cocoa or fruit juices for children). Deli meats, such as ham, salted meats and salami, are also commonly eaten on bread in the morning, as are various cheeses. A variety of meat-based spreads, such as Leberwurst (liverwurst), are eaten during breakfast as well.

Traditionally, the main meal of the day has been lunch (Mittagessen), eaten around noon. Dinner (Abendessen or Abendbrot) was always a smaller meal, often consisting only of a variety of breads, meat or sausages, cheese and some kind of vegetables, similar to breakfast, or possibly sandwiches. Smaller meals added during the day bear names such as Vesper, Brotzeit (bread time), Kaffee und Kuchen (coffee and cake), or Kaffeetrinken. However, in Germany, as in other parts of Europe, dining habits have changed over the last 50 years. Today, many people eat only a small meal in the middle of the day at work, often also a second breakfast, and enjoy a hot dinner in the evening at home with the whole family. This is also the reason why the availability of cheap restaurants close to the office or the existence of a factory canteen cannot be assumed automatically. For others, the traditional way of eating is still rather common, and not only in rural areas. Breakfast is still very popular and may be elaborated and extended on weekends, with friends invited as guests, the same holds for coffee and cake. Since the 1990s, the Sunday brunch has also become common, especially in city cafs.

Foreign Influences on German Cuisine

The first wave of foreigners coming to Germany specifically to sell their food specialties were ice cream makers from northern Italy, who started to arrive in noticeable numbers during the late 1920s. With the post-WWII contacts with Allied occupation troops, and especially with the influx of more and more foreign workers that began during the second half of the 1950s, many foreign dishes have been adopted into German cuisine Italian dishes, such as spaghetti and pizza, have become staples of the German diet. The pizza is Germany's favorite fast food. Turkish immigrants also have had a considerable influence on German eating habits (like Dner kebab). Chinese and Greek food also is widespread and popular. Indian, Vietnamese, Thai, and other Asian cuisines are rapidly gaining in popularity. Many of the more expensive restaurants served mostly French dishes for decades, but since the 1990s, they have been shifting to a more refined form of German cuisine.