The 11th November is known as Martinstag or Sankt Martin. Originally the start of a 40-day period of fasting before Christmas, it is now more associated with the processions of children holding lanterns that take place after dark. Many families eat goose on this day.

The day also sees the start of the Karneval season.

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

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Laterne, Laterne,
Sonne, Mond und Sterne,
brenne auf mein Licht,
brenne auf mein Licht,
aber nur meine liebe Laterne nicht.

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast
Comment in the forum

Today in German Words Explained we explain the word “Käseigel“.

The Käseigel was popular at parties on the 60s and 70s. Fruit, cheese and even vegetables are placed on cocktail sticks and stick into a large fruit, such as a melon, similar to the way that cheese and pineapple are served.

The form given by placing the sticks in the melon resembles a hedgehog or Igel, hence the name Käseigel.

The word Käseigel is now considered threatened in German, as it is used so seldomly.

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

(Press the “play” button to listen to the podcast)

Download the MP3 file | Subscribe to the podcast
Comment in the forum

Bedrohte Wörter - a list of “threatened words”