Each year more cities in North America are developing Christkindlmärkte into full holiday festivals of German culture, such as the one in Chicago (photo). 

Germany reiterated its opposition to issuing European government bonds as a means to end the euro zone's crippling debt crisis.

The US was ready to risk a trade war with Germany and other EU member states that oppose genetically engineered (GM) crops, according to diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks.

German chemicals giant Bayer has suspended its application for legal approval of its genetically-modified rice, "Liberty Link," in Brazil as rice producers in the country worry about its impact on exports.

Dairy farmers across Europe have been protesting against falling milk prices for months. The small-scale Alpine farms of Switzerland are among the producers hard hit by the dairy crisis.

If you had closed your eyes and listened to Ronda Miller’s grandfather speak you might have echoed Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz saying, “Toto, I’ve a feeling we’re not in Kansas any more.”

"My voice is getting a little better," the 40-year-old told swissinfo in a low husky tone.

The need to ensure global food security and the potential for bio-fuels to curb climate change has dominated talks at the first-ever meeting of G8 agriculture ministers.

Tavern On The Green, a restaurant whose tariff is not for the faint-of-heart has scheduled a "festlich bier bash." Ya wohl, ich bin ein Oktoberfest -- Freitag, Oktober 10.

By Robert Metz