German culture: Back to table of contents on Pressroom German 115 Fall 2001 USDA Graduate School

 
Learning Aids, Global Reading Assignments and Events of Interest in the Washington area

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Eight Minute Global Readings and Exercises

September 25 Eight Minute Global Reading:
  Click on the link above. Read the article for who-what-where-when, looking up no vocabulary; devote no more than 8 minutes to this. Print the article out and bring to class.
Computer Generated Translation for September 25  
  Click on the link above. An example of a computer generated translation of material from your textbook.
Eight Minute Global Reading for November  13:
Click on the link above. Read the article for who-what-where-when [and maybe why], looking up no vocabulary; devote no more than 8 minutes to this. Print the article out and bring to class.
 
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Learning Aids

 
Vocabulary missing from the textbook A very small number of vocabulary items are not in the glossary of German for Reading Knowledge. To report such vocabulary, click on "Click to Enter Forum Post Your Comments" to the right and fill out the form, using the New Article button for your question.
Germanic Language Tree Schematic showing the historical relationships of English with High German and with the other Germanic languages. For detailed background information on the individual Germanic Languages click HERE. A very short and simple list of Definitions of Parts of Speech gives a quick overview of grammatical concepts that apply both to English and German
This list of Strong verbs in German -- starke Verben in Deutsch has no English translations but does list the forms of approximately 75 strong German verbs. [NB link!] A succinct on-line Grammar of German from William and Mary offers a quick survey of grammar elements.
A Gimmick for Reading German A simple reading text with clickable vocabulary: click the word you don't know and it is translated for you. Keyboarding German text with the US-International Keyboard in Windows 95/98  This keyboard allows easy typing of those symbols peculiar to German as well as those for standard English.
Subjunctive Outline Forms of the subjunctive used in indirect discourse and in contrary to fact conditional sentences. Passive Voice Outline A comparison of the forms and meanings of werden [1] when used as a main verb with an adjective or with a noun or [2] the forms of werden when used to form the passive voice.

 

 

 

 

 

Sütterlin handwriting, the German equivalent to the Palmer Method. For use in reading handwritten materials from about 1900 to 1950. Especially helpful for genealogical purposes,

Hans-Jürgen Stoffels' home page offers practice in  pronunciation of some common German sounds using RealAudio.

 

Click HERE to go Home Kalenderblatt für Heute  [Today in History - from a German perspective; also includes name days and saints' days.] Weather Forecast in German or English
Berlin Wetter auf Deutsch, HIER klicken
Berlin weather in English
 

 

         German Language Cultural Events in Washington

  • Ongoing October 6 - December 14 Goethe-Institut Inter Nationes 7th Street NW 202-289-1200 ext. 178. The exhibit will also be featured at Third Thursday on October 18 and November 15, from 6 - 8 pm.  An extensive collection of photographs traces the life and work of the legendary Marlene Dietrich, one of the 20th century's most fascinating women, who embodied glamour, mystery, sophistication, and determination. Curated by the Stiftung Deutsche Kinemathek Berlin (the German Cinematheque Foundation) 40 images, mostly black-and-white, pay tribute to Dietrich on the 100th anniversary of the diva's birth on December 27. Photographers whose images captured Dietrich's style include Edward Steichen, Horst P. Horst, Ray Jones, Eugene Robert Richee and George Hur.The exhibition is organized in cooperation with Stiftung Deutsche Kinemathek Berlin
  • Ongoing Fall 2001 (Weekend afternoons, October 21 - December 8) Viennese Waltz Lessons by the Traxlers. Polka and Schottisch Lessons by the Traxlers. Information and registration form are available at the web site http://www.geocities.com/viennesewaltz/meridian.html . To have your name put on a mailing list for information on balls and dance lessons, send e-mail to viennesewaltz@mail.com .

  • Ongoing November 10 - 20  Goethe-Institut Inter Nationes In addition, Goethe-Institut Inter Nationes will display the travelling exhibit "Werbung in Deutschland". The exhibit consists of 32 panels of images and texts that examine advertising in Germany chronologically in ten segments from the Wilhelminian Period through the turn of the third millennium. Please contact the Language Department at 202. 289. 1200 ext. 214 for more information.
  • December 1, 8 pm  CHRISTMAS CONCERT National Chamber Singers  In dulci Jubilo
    German Embassy, Auditorium

  • Saturday, December 8, 2001, 8 pm - midnight -- Saint Nickolaus Waltz Dance at Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC.

  • Marlene Dietrich- 100 Years with Karen Kohler Thursday, December 6, at 8 pm and Friday, December 7, at 8 pm Marlene Dietrich - 100 Years, with Karen Kohler, soprano and Jeffrey Chappell, piano, at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany. Tickets $40. [Buy tickets on line.] "Trained in classical and jazz singing in New York and Texas, this German-born chanteuse performs regularly in theaters and cabarets both here and abroad. A reviewer for Applause! Applause! described her as "Cabaret personified." 

  • Thursday, December 6, 5-7 pm Chocolate Ice Cream and Hot Orange Light: A Tasteful Exploration of Modern Art. Constance Classen Concordia University

  • Tuesday, December 11, 7 pm Library of Congress, Mary Pickford Theater  The Ship of Lost Men (Das Schiff der verlorenen Menschen) Germany, 1929, 97 min., silent (with English intertitles), b/w, Director: Maurice Tourneur, Screenplay: Franzos Keremen (novel), Maurice Tourneur, Cast: Marlene Dietrich, Robin Irvine, In Marlene Dietrich's last silent film, she plays an American millionairess pilot who crash-lands during a transatlantic flight. Half-conscious, she is secretly rescued by two kind strangers aboard the Galathée, a strange ship loaded with escaped criminals and pirate smugglers. Her rescuers are a handsome young American doctor, who has been shanghaied on a three-month voyage, and a friendly cook. When the two rescuers discover that the pilot dressed in male attire is actually a woman, they try to conceal her from the rest of the lustful crew. When she is discovered by the crew and must flee the ship, a brutal incident leads to mutiny and murder, putting the lady and her friends in great danger.Library of Congress, Mary Pickford Theater, (LoC) All programs are free, but seating is limited to 64 seats. RESERVATIONS may be made by phone, beginning one week before any given show. Call 202-707- 5677 during business hours (Monday - Friday, 9 am to 4:30 pm). Reserved seats must be claimed at least 10 minutes before show time, after which standbys will be admitted to unclaimed seats. The Mary Pickford Theater is located on the third floor of the Library of Congress Madison building, 101 Independence Avenue, SE.

  • Thursday, December 13, 6:30 pm Library of Congress, Mary Pickford Theater I Kiss Your Hand, Madame (Ich küsse Ihre Hand, Madame) Germany, 1929, 66 min., silent, b/w,
    Director: Robert Land, Screenplay: Rolf E. Vanloo, Cast: Marlene Dietrich,   In this twisted comedy, Marlene Dietrich plays Parisian divorcee Laurence Gérard who loses her divorce papers, thereby setting the stage for misunderstanding and comical confusion. Free Call 202-707- 5677

  • Saturday, December 22, 2001 Christmas Ball "Krampus Kränzchen". Festive formal dinner dance in Austrian style held in the Grand Ballroom of the Officers' Club, Ft. Myer, Arlington, VA (directions and map). Sponsored by the American-Austrian Society. To be notified by e-mail when reservations may be made, send request to americanaustriansociety@yahoo.com.

  • December 23, 3 pm  CONCERT Church Concert Organized by the Washington Sängerbund
    The United Church, Washington

  • January 25: Austrian Embassy- Mozart- Schubert evening- Mendelssohn Piano Trio

  • January 26: Austrian Embassy- Ann Schein, piano- brilliant star

  • February X, 2002 An Evening of Choral Music and Dancing is being planned by The Metropolitan Chorus. Tickets and information: 703-836-4822, info@metchorus.org. This concert will likely be presented in cooperation with the National Building Museum as part of the Music in the Great Hall Concerts in Partnership Series.

  • February Y, 2002  20th Annual Evening of Viennese Waltzing is being planned. It is sponsored by the Committee for Western Civilization (2615 "O" Street NW, Washington, DC 20007-3124). Dance to music by string orchestra. Tickets were $140 per person in 2001. Includes open bar and a sumptuous dessert buffet. People who would like additional information sent to them should send a card with their address or call Elaine or Bob Schadler at 202-338-3239 or send e-mail. Invitations for 2001 were mailed in late December 2000. Tickets are held at the door. (Review in Washington Post)

  • May 23, 24: 8 pm  Austrian Embassy- Elizabeth Starzinger, soprano; Georg Nigl, baritone- Operetta and Opera Evening An evening of opera and operetta at the Embassy of Austria. Tickets $20 and $30 (preferred seating). "This superb program features soprano Elizabeth Starzinger and baritone Georg Nigl, two up and coming performers from Austria, accompanied by the fine pianist George Peachey. Elizabeth Starzinger regularly sings Lieder-recitals, takes part in concerts throughout Europe and will be a member of the Opera-Studio of the Zürich Opera starting in the 2001/2002 season. Georg Nigl, a former soloist of Vienna's famous Boys Choir is singing Schaunard in Puccini's La Bohème at the Bregenz Festival 2001. He is also slated for performances at the Geneva Opera and in St. Gallen. In addition he will also give a large number of recitals throughout Europe with the lutist and co-director of Il Giardino Armonico, Luca Pianca. Come see a rousing finale to a tremendous concert season.

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Links of Interest to German Language Learners

   Washington German Historical Institute Events

Calendar of Events

 

German Language Movies Scheduled for Washington
Scholarships for Study and Research in Austria and specifically for Scholars from the United States Scholarships for Study and Research in Germany Arion Gesangverein To promote the cultivation of German music, song and culture in the United States through concerts, song festivals and Liederabende.
Scholarships and internships in Germany are available through the  DAAD Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst Österreichischer Austauschdienst includes scholarship information as well as a link to a brochure on studying in Austria.

 

German Language Study Programs in Austria mostly but not only in the summer months. Often special courses for musicians and singers.
German-American Organizations in Baltimore is the clearing house for German-American clubs, festivals, organizations in Baltimore and all the rest of Maryland. S.u.G.T.V. "Washingtonia" - a "Schuhplattler" dance club based in D.C. is continuously seeking opportunities to share its Bavarian heritage with others. In addition to performing traditional Schuhplattler dances, "Washingtonia" entertains with such folk art as alpine bell ringing, alpine horn and popular German beer drinking songs. Studying at an Austrian University although the site is not aimed specifically at US students, it contains helpful general information and contacts to the individual universities in Austria.
Austrian Cultural Events in the Washington area Austrian Cultural Events in the Washington area 2   American-Austrian Society  Each year the Society sponsors or supports several cultural events that take place at the Embassy of Austria and at other locations in the Washington metropolitan area. Most of these events are open to the general public. The Society's stimulating cultural and educational programs are centered around the artistic, humanistic, and scientific achievements of Austrians and Americans with ties to Austria
German Society of Maryland , founded in the 18th Century, continues today providing grants for use by institutions teaching German; sponsoring an essay contest on German-American issues for junior high school students; promoting German heritage; publication of leaflets dealing with Marylanders of German ancestry who have contributed to our state and nation; social activities such as the Society's summer picnic and annual Kirchgang, the co-sponsoring the Thanksgiving Eve ecumenical service and the Defender's Day celebration at Fort McHenry and bus trips to various points of interest for German Americans. Blob's Park, near Ft. Meade on Route 175 just off the Baltimore Washington Parkway [Click for directions],  has many Special Celebrations during the year. May Day is celebrated every Mother's Day in May, and the Sonnenwendfeier (the longest day of the year) is celebrated on Father's Day in June. The first Octoberfest in the United States was held at Blob's Park in 1947 and continues to be celebrated the first weekend of every October! Other special days are Bavarian Day in September, a children's Christmas Party when Santa Claus and St. Nicholas visit and present every child with a gift, and a gala New Year's Eve Party. Student in Wien Practical tips, sources of information both academic and administrative and social  for people presently studying in Vienna: addresses, lists of lectures, student news, bars, etc.
Berlin Wall at Freedom Park  Original pieces of the Berlin Wall, measuring a total of 32 feet in length and 12 feet in hBerlin Walleight, have been permanently re-erected in front of an original 32-foot-high guard tower as the centerpiece of a new exhibit on Berlin and the era of the Iron Curtain. The tower (which originally stood near "Checkpoint Charlie," the crossing point made famous in countless real and fictional Iron Curtain espionage incidents) and the wall section will be augmented by several photomurals and text panels that document the 1961 construction of the wall, its impact on Germany and history since the wall fell.

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German 115 Fall 2001 German Web Radio German News Sources German Sounds and Music
German Language Search Engines OnLine Sources for German Language Books and Media German Language Periodicals Austria and Styria
Specialized German Dictionaries Tourist Tips for Germany and Austria Image Gallery German Language Learning Maps of German Speaking Countries and Cities
 Dictionary Suggestions German 116 Winter 2001 Highways and Byways of German Literature Reference Sources for the German Speaking Countries This page was last updated on November-19-2001 using HTMLpad.
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