Truly German is a new podcast that talks about the news in Germany.  Sometimes this will by national news, maybe political, but we will also be covering some local topics.

We want to have some fun at the same time, so part of the podcast is our Länderquiz - in which my contestant has to guess in which Bundesland three different news stories took place in.

This week the topics are:

1. Agreement ends strikes in German Kindergartens
2. Swimming pool closed due to leak
3. Divers find Mercedes in a lake
4. German minister’s car stolen in Spain

The quiz covers the following stories:

1. Europe’s first passive swimming pool
2. New motorway has speed limits imposed due to heat
3. German’s oldest steam engine

Please listen to the first episode and tell us what you think:

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Zündwarensteuer was a tax in Germany applied to “Zündwaren” – things that can make fire.

The tax was originally introduced in 1909 and applied to matches, but in 1919 it was also extended to lighters.

It was discontinued in 1981.

To hear a simple explanation and a short discussion in German, listen to the podcast:

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Schultüten

In preparation for our daughter starting school I have had to start looking into another German tradition.  Not only does she need her Schulranzen, but she will also expect a Schultüte on her first day.

Actually, I first came across the concept as a student in Germany in 1993 whilst watching a TV show called “Supergrips” (known elsewhere as “Blockbusters”) where the main prize was a Wundertüte - a sort of mystery prize.  At the time, I did not realise the significance of this item as part of German school life.

But be it a Schultüte or the infamous Wundertüte, it is the same shape: a large cone.

The Schultüte cone is colourfully decorated – often with the same sort of designs as the Schulranzen, and is purchased empty several weeks before school starts.

Into this cone then go small presents that the child receives on their first day.  These may be small books, or stationary, or even sweets.  The cones are certainly large enough to fit all three into them!

So given the possible contents, this cone can get quite heavy.  Which makes it even more amazing that the children carry it around with them on their first day at school – proud of what they have been given, but not even knowing what is inside.  You see, they don’t actually open the cone until they get home!

Our Schultüte is now awaiting its contents.  Any suggestions?