"Die Wichtelmänner" ("The Elves and the Shoemaker") is a classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm about a poor cobbler who gets a much-needed economic boost from a most unexpected source. Voodoo economics indeed! Viel Spaß beim Deutschlernen!

The German Democratic Republic no longer exists and nostalgia ("Ostalgie") for the "good old days" may be fading out. Nevertheless, the "Trabi" is still going strong on 50 miles per gallon. Learn about the cult status that this relic of former communist East Germany has achieved. Viel Spaß! Copyright: Deutsche Presse Agentur [The German Press Agency]