One of my favorite German cook books is "Klassisch Osterreichisch Kuche". Its actually Austrian but in the same genera. It tells you how to make all sorts of classical things like the meat preparations/pates they make there and many dumplings. Full of history as well.
Another good one (especially for a student) is "classical cooking the modern way" by Phillip Pauli, who is the third generation master chef in charge of the culinary program in Switzerland. It covers all the basics with out a wasted sentence.
Kinsale is considered to be the gastro-cap of Ireland. They have an Irish cooking school there. I have not read the books but it might be a good place to start: "Kinsale cook book"