In cooperation with American and German radio producers and broadcasters the Goethe-Institut USA produces roughly 50 radio features for a program titled The Big Pond. A US-German Listening Series. Features are being broadcasted nation-wide on a weekly basis. All are available for free download in podcast format.
In this episode: The pretzel, known as a Brezel or Brezn in German, is not an ordinary pastry. It has a century-old history full of myths and stories. Where did it come from? Why does it have this special shape that vaguely resembles a hug? And how come it’s doused in lye? In this episode of The Big Pond, we trace the pretzel’s story from its origins to today.

Photo © Valora