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South Africans in Germany

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    The holiday season is filled with excitement and joy, but once the festivities are over and the New Year begins January can feel a bit quiet and dull. Don’t let the winter blues get to you—this is the perfect time to recharge and embrace the cosiness of the season. Stay warm by the glow of a crackling fireplace, enjoy hearty, comforting meals, and sip on hot beverages with loved ones. For those evenings spent alone, curl up with a good book or enjoy a soothing movie night under a soft blanket. While January might seem like a slow month, it’s also a great opportunity to stay active and social. You can explore local winter activities like ice skating, enjoy cosy get-togethers with friends, or simply embrace the peaceful beauty of the season. Check out our suggestions for making the most of January while enjoying all the charm that winter has to offer.

    Time Zone

    During Central European Time (CET) in winter, Germany is one hour behind South Africa. This time difference remains until the last Sunday in March when daylight saving time (Summertime) begins.

    Season

    Winter.

    January in Germany is the height of winter, with short days, cold temperatures, and often snow, creating a quiet, serene atmosphere perfect for winter sports and cosy indoor activities.

    Weather

    January in Germany marks the heart of winter, with cold temperatures and shorter days. Snowfall is common, especially in the southern and eastern regions, creating a picturesque winter landscape. The average temperature ranges between -1°C and 3°C, with some areas experiencing even colder conditions.

    Festivals

    While January itself is relatively quiet on the festival front, the New Year celebrations kick off the month with flair.

    New Year’s Eve Traditions
    In Germany, New Year’s Eve (Silvester) is marked by long-standing traditions. Many enjoy a cosy evening at home or with friends, indulging in Raclette – a popular meal perfect for social gatherings. A unique cultural staple is watching Dinner for One, a British comedy sketch that has become an enduring part of German New Year’s festivities.

    Celebrating Out and About
    For those who prefer to go out, towns and cities often host concerts and fireworks displays to welcome the new year. Fireworks, sold for a short time leading up to New Year’s Eve, are a popular choice for personal celebrations. However, safety is paramount, as hospitals often see a spike in firework-related injuries during this time. 
    Restaurants frequently offer special New Year’s menus, but be sure to book your table well in advance to secure a spot.

    Learn More About German Traditions
    If you’re curious about the customs and history behind German New Year celebrations, take a look at this Deutsche Welle article.

    Fun Activities

    Snow Info

    Public Holidays and Observations

    Month Event Town Link
    01/01/2026 New Year’s Day (Neujahrstag) Various View Event
    06/01/2026 Epiphany / Three Kings’ Day (Heilige Drei Könige) Various View Event

    Festivals and events

    Events listed on our Website

    Schalk Bezidenhout Hey Hey Divorce – Berlin

    South African comedy star Schalk Bezuidenhout returns with his boldest and most personal show yet: Hey Hey Divorcè. In this hilariously honest set, he dives into the ups, downs (and very awkward in-betweens) of his recent divorce. Who needs therapy when you have an audience? Known for his sharp wit, fast pace, and unmistakable charm, Schalk has performed worldwide, opened for Trevor Noah, and starred in specials for Comedy Central and Netflix. After sold-out shows

    Goldfish live in Berlin

    They hail from Cape Town — jazz-trained, groove-loving, world-travelling — and they bring a little bit of Mzansi magic wherever they play. GoldFish’s music blends deep-house beats, jazz, African rhythms, live double bass, saxophone, flute and soulful vocals into something unmistakably their own. On 6 February 2026, GoldFish come to Berlin’s Paradox Music Hall for what promises to be a night of dance, rhythm and good old-fashioned groove. Whether you’ve followed them since their early

    Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys – (Hamburg, Bayreuth, Bonn, Essen and Berlin)

    Lucy Kruger & The Lost Boys — a voice like dusk settling over the Karoo, a band that carries an old-soul heart into the wide world. Born from the dust and dreams of South Africa, Lucy’s rich, smoky vocals ride atop stirring harmonies, sweeping folk-rock guitars, and rhythms that feel both timeless and alive. They don’t just play songs — they tell stories about wanderlust and wonder, heartbreak and hope, the ties that bind us

    Unbroken – eine Musikalische Reise der Hoffnung

    Mit „Unbroken – Eine musikalische Reise der Hoffnung“  erhalten zehn talentierte Kinder aus südafrikanischen Townships die Chance ihres Lebens. Gemeinsam mit dem weltbekannten und international renommierten Tygerberg Children’s Choirgehen sie auf Europatour – mit einer Aufführung, die Hoffnung gibt und das Herz berührt. Durch Gesang, Tanz und deutsche Erzählungen teilen diese jungen Stimmen ihre Lebensgeschichten und erzählen von Hoffnung, Stärke und der Kraft der Veränderung, die entsteht, wenn jemand an sie glaubt. Mit Standing Ovations

    Unbroken – eine Musikalische Reise der Hoffnung

    Mit „Unbroken – Eine musikalische Reise der Hoffnung“  erhalten zehn talentierte Kinder aus südafrikanischen Townships die Chance ihres Lebens. Gemeinsam mit dem weltbekannten und international renommierten Tygerberg Children’s Choirgehen sie auf Europatour – mit einer Aufführung, die Hoffnung gibt und das Herz berührt. Durch Gesang, Tanz und deutsche Erzählungen teilen diese jungen Stimmen ihre Lebensgeschichten und erzählen von Hoffnung, Stärke und der Kraft der Veränderung, die entsteht, wenn jemand an sie glaubt. Mit Standing Ovations

    Valentine’s Opera, Wine and 5 Course Dinner

    An intimate evening inspired by love, music and good taste… Opera Arias sung by Mezzo-Soprano Summer Carne artfully paired with 5 South African Wines & a 5 Course Tasting Menu curated by Chef Etienne van der Nest. It would be our great pleasure to spend this wonderful Valentine’s Day Evening with you and your loved ones. The opera and wine tasting as part of the five-course tasting menu costs €80.00 per person. A selection of

    A Taste of Opera in Colour

    A Taste of Opera in Colour is a sensory performance experience intertwining live painting, opera, and wine. Sound sommelier Summer Carne curates a dialogue between music and taste, while abstract painter Lavia translates operatic arias into live visual compositions on canvas. As the evening unfolds, wines are paired with sound and live painting, creating a layered journey through hearing, sight, and palate. What is included: 5 midrange South African Wines. Live opera sung by opera

    Charity art auction – ATELIER 15

    You are warmly invited to support Atelier 15 (A15) – a Rotaract initiative founded in 2018 to promote social development in Berlin and uplift the artists of Gitschiner 15. Join us for our benefit art auction at the Church of the Holy Cross in Berlin-Kreuzberg. All proceeds will go directly to G15 and its artists, helping to bring visibility and appreciation to extraordinary works created under the guiding philosophy: “Poverty is wasted wealth.” Following the

    Planning your year

    Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany

    Yearly Festivals and Events in Germany We compiled a list of annual traditional festivals and events in Germany that we believe will provide you with an exciting array of activities and events to attend throughout the year.  If you have any ideas or recommendations regarding events or festivals that we should add to our list, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us through the contact form.

    Food and drinks to try

    Kale

    Grünkohl is a leafy, green vegetable that is often enjoyed during the colder months of the year. This delicious vegetable is typically served alongside a variety of hearty meats, including Speck, Wurst, or Kasseler. These savoury flavours come together to create a satisfying meal that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

    Hearty Food

    The chilly weather outside can be tough to deal with. One of the best ways to combat the cold is to indulge in some delicious and hearty food. You won’t regret giving Kohlroladen a try, if that doesn’t tantalize your taste buds, you can also opt for some warm and nourishing stews and soups. 

    Wirsing

    Savoy cabbage is, without a doubt, one of the most delectable vegetables that exist. When combined with the delightful taste of rich cream or tangy cheese, it becomes a dish that will undoubtedly tantalize your taste buds and leave you feeling satisfied.

    Schlachtplatte

    Schlachtplatte is a traditional German dish that is beloved for its hearty, robust flavours and rustic charm. This flavorful meal is made using a combination of Leberwurst, Blutwurst, and Kesselfleisch, which are all sourced from high-quality ingredients and carefully prepared to ensure maximum flavour and tenderness. The dish is then served with a generous portion of Sauerkraut, which perfectly complements the rich flavours and textures of the meats. 

    Venison

    If you’re looking to tantalize your taste buds with a rich and satisfying meal, then there’s no better pairing for your venison than some beautifully cooked red cabbage. This perfect combination of sweet and savoury is sure to delight your senses, leaving you feeling completely satisfied. 

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    Schwarzwurzel

    Known as the “winter asparagus,” black salsify (Schwarzwurzel) is a versatile root vegetable that thrives in the colder months. Its dark, rough skin hides a creamy white interior with a mild, nutty flavour similar to parsnips or artichokes. Rich in nutrients like fibre, potassium, and iron, it’s a healthy addition to soups, gratins, or as a stand-alone side dish. Once peeled and cooked, its tender texture and delicate taste make it a winter favourite in German kitchens.

    Fruit and veggies in season

    Sources

    Vocabulary

    Winterder Winter
    Snowder Schnee
    Sleetder Graupel
    Freezing Fogder Eisnebel
    Sledgingdas Rodeln
    Cross country skiingDer Langlauf
    SkiingDas Skifahren
    Venisondas Wildfleisch e.g. Das Hirschfleisch, das Rehkeule,  Das Wildschweinfleisch (Wild Boar)
    Red Cabbageder Rothkohl, das Rotkraut, das Blaukraut
    Savoy cabbageder Wirsing
    Happy New Year!Guten Rutsch! – on New Year’s Eve
    Happy New YearFrohes neues Jahr – on New Year’s Day
    A peaceful and blessed new yearEin friedvolles und gesegnetes neues Jahr

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