The trio is back!

Claudia, Katrin, and Michael discuss the concept of compound nouns, and we’re chatting about the 30-year anniversary of the reunification of East and West Germany. Claudia and Katrin share their perspectives, having experienced it all. It’s a trip down memory lane, and what it means to be reunited today.

Also, the GAI has upcoming events and exhibits.

“Stars and Stripes on the Rhein” - the relationship between Germany and the United States after WWI.

Fallvergnügen: “Der, Die, Das” a class all about German articles.

For all events and language classes, please visit www.gai-mn.org

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

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We went “old school” and recorded this episode at the GAI. We did keep social distancing rules in mind, and we wore masks the entire time.

In this episode, we discuss the Oktoberfest Lite at the GAI Haus on Summit Ave.

Log on to our website to secure tickets for in-person seating at the GAI OR purchase one of our Oktoberfest Take-Home Kits!

Find out more on our website: www.gai-mn.org

Special thank you to Paulaner Bier for supporting the GAI and the Oktoberfest!

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

Timestamps:

0 - 22:15 - classes for Fall 2020: All details are available at www.gai-mn.org

22:15- 45:15  - Events at the GAI, Fall 2020

45:15 - end - Events at the GAI

In the "Classes for Fall", we're discussing:

Also, we updated the names of our classes to reflect the Common European Reference Frame. Katrin explains what this actually is.

The GAI is proud to host Climate Kids. A program for 12-16-year-olds. This will be offered as a hybrid class. Information on the website.

TV in Germany/German Language TV Shows at 22:15

First, a stroll down memory lane. What did Katrin, Claudia, and Michael watch growing up in Deutschland and Österreich?

What do we recommend in contemporary TV shows or movies:

Also, check out the apps that ARD and ZDF provide. These apps should be available on  Google Play or Apple App Store.

Turkish Concert (Outdoors) Sat, Aug 22

Pre-registration/ticket purchase on our website

Oktoberfest Lite will take place at the GAI the weekend of September 19 and 20. Pick up an Oktoberfest kit on Saturday for a party at home, or reserve a kit and a spot at a table on the GAI grounds for one of two seatings on Sunday. Registration opens Monday 8/17 at gai-mn.org/OktoberfestLite.

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

Streetart: To some a nuisance, to others an artistic expression with deep meaning.

In this special episode, Dr. Heather Shirey, Dr. Todd Lawrence, and student researcher Chioma Uwagwu speak about the George Floyd Streetart Database Project, an initiative of St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN.  

Using this amazing resource, the GAI recently completed a multimedia project about street art in Minnesota and around the world that has been created after the death of George Floyd on May 25, 2020.  

You can find the GAI's project here: https://gai-mn.org/StreetArt.  

Our project was inspired by the Goethe-Institut’s #ARTBITS blog, a photo collection, and a series of articles about street art discoveries and artists in cities throughout Mexico, Canada, and the U.S.  

To learn more about #artbits, please visit https://www.goethe.de/ins/us/en/kul/art/abi.html. The full database of street art from our guests is here:

https://georgefloydstreetart.omeka.net/.

As part of our project, the GAI recorded a video with Dr. Lawrence.  You can view the video here: https://youtu.be/weCULizSXaM

Correction: In the intro, I erroneously noted the month of George Floyd's murder as March. His death was on May 25, 2020. ~Michael

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We are returning to the more "classic" podcast format, although sans Grammar for this episode. No worries, we'll bring Grammar back soon enough! :)

In this episode, we welcome Kaspar, 9 y.o. He is a fixture at the GAI and also attends our Summercamp & Samstagschule, and he is Katrin's son. :) Kaspar tells you about both programs, and what he does as Teacher's Assistant. 

Then, Claudia, Katrin, & Michael dive into D-A-CH summer traditions. We discuss the original form of minimalism; the smallest of yard and escapes for city people. The ever-popular pool culture, and why topless or without clothing is "no big deal" for most.

Also, since 1956, the Eurovision Song Contest was a staple of European entertainment. 2020 is the first year the competition is canceled. We're looking back at the meaning of the contest, the intricacies of the competition, and how it was and continues to be, an event that promotes unity across Europe, and the world.

Our German classes will resume in-house again as well. Listen to how we're going about keeping everyone safe, protected, and still teach you the language we're all passionate about!

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

In this Special Episode, we welcome Minnesänger choral director John Hoffacker to a sing-along. The original broadcast was streamed live on YouTube. If you prefer to watch a replay, click here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ummzraJElAA (Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel and give the video a "like" :) )

A sing-a-long wouldn't be complete if you couldn't participate. Please find the lyrics to the songs here: https://gai-mn.org/resources/Documents/Deutsche%20Tage%202020%20Sing-Along%20songs.pdf

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

Event Preview Episode: Deutsche Tage

One of the significant events of the GAI is Deutsche Tage; a Fest that wouldn’t exist without volunteers who graciously donate their time. Many of these volunteers have been with Deutsche Tage for decades.

In this episode, we welcome Helga Pernell, who remembers Deutsche Tage from 1963. Helga has been with the GAI for decades, organizing, helping, and cooking. Imagine 200lbs of German Potato Salad… Helga shares her recipe with us in this episode.

We also talked with Jeana Anderson, Executive Director at the GAI, about the changes for the 2020 Deutsche Tage. Instead of keeping DT to a weekend-only event, we are delivering community events all week long – online. Jeana tells us about live streams, party kits, facemasks, a drive-by pick-up opportunity, and more.

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

This is the first “remote” episode of Hier & There. While we accommodate the stay-at-home orders, Claudia, Katrin, and Michael connected virtually and recorded this episode from their respective homes.

Katrin leads you through a short lesson in grammar:

Strong verbs with vowel changes. Get to know and learn how the 11 most common German verbs are used. Click this link to access the GAI’s Quizlet folder and familiarize yourself, practice, and then put it to good use.

We’re also sharing some helpful tips in “Germanizing” your environment to immerse yourself at home and learn German even quicker.

The second part of this episode is dedicated to music. Busting the stereotypes of “lederhosen jazz”, the D-A-CH region has a lot more going on than is broadly marketed. There’ll be some familiar names, Freddy Quinn, Heino, Die Zillertaler Schürzenjäger, Helene Fischer, Nena (99 Red Balloons), etc., but there’s more to Germany than meets the ear: The Scorpions (Winds of Change), Falco (Rock Me Amadeus), Herbert Grönemeyer, or large music festivals such as “Rock am Ring”, the origination of European House Music and techno.

Not to forget, there’s also the depth of cultural meaning expressed through music. The layers of German music are deep, meaningful, and go far beyond what is expected. Check out our website to find out more: https://gai-mn.org/Musik

The GAI is going Live on Facebook

Joey Johnson, Monday, May 11 from 7 pm - 8 pm. Join us virtually. You can click straight to our Facebook Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/613768545885416/ and let us know that you’ll be joining us.

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

In part 2 of our "mini-series" to commemorate the Holocaust Remembrance Month, Fred Amram joined us at the GAI Haus. Revisiting his past, Fred shares his memories, the way his mother would have viewed our conversation, and the meaning of having become a German citizen again.

This episode was recorded before COVID-19. We hope, as you are listening to this episode, that you are safe and healthy.  

We'll see you soon!

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.

Each year, the month of April is dedicated as the Holocaust Remembrance Month. We welcomed MPR's Mindy Ratner to the GAI Haus, for an in-depth and heart-to-heart conversation about her MPR program "The Kaddish - Reflections on the Holocaust in Music and Words". - Start with our episode, which provides you with a backstory, then click the link and listen to Mindy's broadcast for in-depth stories.

From the MPR Website:

A dozen years before the beginning of World War II, the Nazis began what would become the unparalleled slaughter of Europe's "undesirables," most of whom were Jews. Millions would die, but there were survivors as well, each with a unique story. Classical music host Mindy Ratner has gathered a collection of conversations with some of those touched directly by the Holocaust. Mindy's guests include Theodore Bikel — actor, singer, social activist, and master storyteller — who came to the Twin Cities in June 2013, and longtime radio professional Martin Goldsmith, plus members of our own community with stories and insights to share.

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Special Episode - Part 2: Fred Amram 

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Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries.

We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in.

If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at [email protected] and we'll answer your question in the next episode.