Christstollen

ChriststollenChriststollen is a traditional cake that is eaten at Christmas.

It takes the form of a rectangle or trapezium and is usually covered in icing sugar.

The main ingredients include raisins, sultanas, currants and citrus peel, but beyond that there a many variations, such as with marzipan, extra butter or nut.

Arguably the most famous version is the stollen from Dresden. This is made to a very strict recipe and the name “Dresdner Stollen” and it’s variants are protected.

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

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Nußknacker

Nußknacker are a decorative form of nut crackers. Although they are usually able to crack nuts using their mouths, they are normally used as Christmas ornaments. They have the form of a person, such as a soldier in uniform.

Originating from the area around the Ore mountains they can have around 60 moving parts!

The figures inspired the Nutcracker Suite by Tchaikovsky.

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

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Glühwein

Glühwein is wine that has been spiced and heated up – although not boiled! It is drunk in winter during advent and as such is strongly associated with Christmas in Germany.

The main spices used are cinnamon, cloves, lemon and aniseed and both red and white wine can be used, although red wine is more common at the markets. It is also available ready-to-drink in bottles and cartons at supermarkets.

In English it is known as mulled wine.

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

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Download a transcript

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