Typically, German detective children stories have a villain or a group of antagonists. These are the ones causing the problems, like stealing something or trying to cover up a secret. The children, as detectives, have to outsmart them. Also, there is often a sidekick or a group of friends who help the main detective. They each bring their own skills to the table, whether it's knowledge of a particular area, or being really good at finding hidden things. And the stories usually end with the mystery being solved and the good guys winning.
Mystery is a common element. There's always something that needs to be solved, like a missing item or a strange event. Another is the use of smart kids as the main characters. They use their intelligence to figure things out.
There is 'The Case of the Vanishing Violin'. It involves a valuable violin that disappears right before a big concert in a German city. A group of children detectives use their wits and knowledge of the city to track down the violin. The story also has some interesting characters in the local music scene that add to the charm of the story.
One common element is old castles or mansions. These are often the settings for German ghost stories as they have a long history and are full of mystery. Another element is a sense of injustice. Usually, the ghosts are the result of someone being wronged in the past, like the White Lady.
German children stories often have strong moral lessons. For example, in 'Hansel and Gretel', it teaches children not to trust strangers easily. They also tend to have vivid settings, like the dark forest in many of these stories which adds an element of mystery and danger.
One common element is often an old medical facility like a hospital or an asylum. These places carry a lot of emotional and sometimes tragic history which gives a good backdrop for a ghost story. Another element is the doctor's past actions, like a failed operation or an experimental treatment gone wrong. And of course, the apparition of the doctor, usually in a white coat or medical gown, often seen in the middle of some medical - related activity that was left unfinished or ended in disaster.
One common element is the setting. Often these stories are set in places like old bunkers, battlefields, or former military bases. These are areas where there was great turmoil and death during the war. Another common element is the appearance of the soldier. They usually appear in their old military uniforms, which are often tattered. For example, in many stories, the ghost is described as having a helmet and a rifle. Also, a sense of unease and coldness is always present. It seems like the ghost's presence brings a chill to the air, both literally and metaphorically.
A common element is the presence of dark or menacing creatures. For example, as I mentioned before, the Krampus. Another element is often the idea of punishment for bad behavior during Christmas time. It's a way to instill discipline in children. Also, many stories are set in traditional German Christmas settings like the Christmas market or the forest on Christmas Eve.
Another element is the German sense of humor itself. Germans can be very dry and matter - of - fact in their humor. So, a story where a German tells a joke in a very straightforward way, which might seem odd to non - Germans at first but then makes them laugh when they get it. For example, a German making a pun about a local landmark in a deadpan manner.
There's also 'Rumpelstiltskin'. A miller's daughter is locked in a room by the king and told she must spin straw into gold or be killed. A strange little man named Rumpelstiltskin appears and offers to do it for her in exchange for her first - born child. When the time comes for her to give up the child, she manages to guess the little man's name and keep her baby. It's a story with magic and mystery.
A great German children story is 'Rumpelstiltskin'. A little girl is locked in a room by a king and has to spin straw into gold. Rumpelstiltskin helps her but demands her first - born child. Then there's 'Snow - White'. It's a story of a beautiful princess, her jealous stepmother, and seven dwarfs who protect her in the forest.
Injury or illness can be a part of it. For example, if a German shepherd gets a serious injury that limits its mobility or ability to do normal dog things. It can lead to the dog being depressed. They are active and energetic dogs by nature, so when that's taken away, it's very sad.