Classes and events
Mondays 6-8pm
German language class at intermediate level – register now for Semester 2 starting on 27 July – contact Katrin on on 6262 8782 or email:
katrin.matthews@anu.edu.au.
Tuesdays 6-8pm
German language class for beginners. Semester 2 starts on 28 July. To join or for more details please ring Birgit on 6166 1510 or email:
matwijiw@grapevine.com.au.
Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language class for continuing beginners 2. For more information or to enrol for Semester 2 starting on 29 July please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months – contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Friday 26 June
6pm tour
7pm dinner
Winter Solstice Dinner at Zierholz at the Brewery. Join us for our mid-year dinner. 2 courses for $25. Brewery tour starts from 6pm.
Friday 24 July
7pm
Bilingual Trivia Night – did you miss this popular event last year? Test your knowledge in English AND German! Includes supper, tea & coffee and prizes! At Der Keller at the Harmonie
German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah. $18.00/person or $15.00 for members/concessions.
Thurs 20 August
6.30pm
Film screening “The Baader Meinhof Complex”. Join us for this Oscar nominated film about an important chapter in Germany’s history. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Drinks and canapés served before the film from 6.30pm. $10 per person. DVD screening in German with English subtitles). See article enclosed for more details. Note film is rated MA Strong violence, coarse language and nudity.
18-19 September
Immersion Weekend – immerse yourself in German language, food and culture right here in Canberra. Our popular event is back commencing Friday evening 18th September and running all day Saturday 19th September. More details to come in our next edition.
Labels: culture, events, language courses, movies
Calendar at a Glance for February - May 2009
Mondays 6-8pm
German language class at intermediate level has limited spaces still available. More details in Federkiel. To sign up please ring Katrin on on 62628782 or email:
katrin.matthews@anu.edu.au.
Tuesdays 6-8pm
German language class for beginners. No prior knowledge of German is necessary and places are still available for Semester 1. More information enclosed. To join please ring Birgit on 6166 1510 or email matwijiw@grapevine.com.au.
Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language class for continuing beginners 2. The class is full for Semester 1, 2009.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months – contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Wed 11 March
8pm
Talk by Prof Dr Michaela Gross-Letzelter, from the Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule München, University of Applied Science, “A DIFFERENT VISION OF GERMANY - POVERTY, EDUCATION and UNEMPLOYMENT in GERMANY”. Talk in English, questions in English or German. More information enclosed.
Thursday 19 March
6.30pm
Film Screening “Kirschblüten – Hanami”-“Cherry Blossoms”. One of Germany's foremost filmmakers, Doris Dörrie, writes and directs this film which has won numerous awards. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Join us before the film from 6.30pm for drinks and canapés.
$10 per person. DVD screening in German (film does NOT have English subtitles). See article enclosed for more details.
A Sunday in late March (date to be confirmed)
2pm
Federweisser Wine Tasting at Helm’s Winery, Butts Road via Murrumbateman (25 minutes drive north on the Barton Highway from Canberra). It’s that time of the year again when this traditional young wine is ready – more information on Federweisser is enclosed. Enjoy it with Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) for $12 per person. Car pooling can be arranged if required. RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 and he will confirm when the wine is ready.
Wed 8 April
8.15pm
Talk by Bern Brent about his journey to Australia on the Dunera and his subsequent internment: 'Unrasiert und fern der Heimat - Tatura, Victoria, Internment Camps 2, 3 and 4., Sep 1940 to Jan 1942'. Talk at Das Zentrum in English and German. More details enclosed.
Labels: culture, events, language courses
Public Lecture
Das Zentrum presents:
A Talk by Prof. Dr. Michaela Gross-Letzelter
from the
Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule München, University of Applied Science
Wednesday 11 March 2009
8pm at Das Zentrum
A DIFFERENT VISION OF GERMANY
POVERTY, EDUCATION and UNEMPLOYMENT in GERMANY
The prospects of economic development in 2009 have also deteriorated in Germany. In Europe, recessive tendencies are constantly growing. In recent years things appeared to be clearly more positive in Germany. Despite the good economic situation, however, poverty has been evident.
In her lecture, Prof. Dr. Michaela Gross-Letzelter will focus on those Germans not profiting from economic developments. She will discuss social inequality in Germany, and will consider those Germans who belong to the poor. She will present statistics on poverty and the interconnection of poverty, education and unemployment. Besides this, Prof. Dr. Gross-Letzelter will also review socioeconomic background and educational chances. To demonstrate how Germany is positioned, she will partly draw comparisons with Europe.
The talk will be in English, questions can be in English or German.
Labels: culture, events
Federweisser 2009
Have you tried this traditional young wine?
Any of our long-term members know all about Federweisser and our annual event to taste it and enjoy an afternoon at Helm’s Winery at Murrumbateman. You would also know that there is only a short window in which to enjoy it! But for those who don’t know, what is it???
In the German speaking regions of Europe it goes under a variety names such as Neuer Wein, Federweisser, Sauser, Sturm, Suesser, Neia Siessa – but it all means the same, it tastes terrific, is delicious to drink and is not too alcoholic. It is grape juice in the early stages of becoming wine (fermentation). Fermentation is a process whereby yeast converts the grapes’ natural sugar into carbon dioxide, alcohol and eventually into wine. This unusual drink combines the taste of yeast and freshly crushed grapes with the sparkle of champagne and foams like a beer. It is not much to look at with its cloudy mauve dusty color but it is soooo good to drink in particular if you have it with freshly baked onion tart (Zwiebelkuchen).
This drink has a long tradition in the wine growing districts of the German speaking regions. No grape harvest would be complete without this fine drink to fortify the grape pickers and satisfy the eager local populous as well as the tourists. The drink is also reputed to be very healthy because of its low alcohol content and the B-vitamins it contains from the yeast.
While in days gone past Federweisser was only available in the actual wine growing districts of central Europe it is now widely available in supermarkets sold in screw top bottles with a small hole in the top and a piece of paper glued over it to prevent the bottle from exploding due to too much gas building up inside. Supermarkets keep the bottles in cool storage that virtually stops the fermentation process. You buy a bottle and keep it at room temperature that restarts fermentation and in two days it is ready to drink.
For the last few years, Helms Winery near Murrumbateman has given us the opportunity to sample Federweisser and to learn about the finer details of wine making. This year’s crop is almost ready, and because of the fermentation process, we have only a small window of opportunity in which to try it. It’s a great day out in the Autumn weather enjoying Federweisser and its traditional accompaniment, onion tart.
Where: Helms Winery, Butts Road, Murrumbateman (car pooling available – please let Paul know when you RSVP so we can make transport arrangements).
When: a Sunday in late March from 2pm. Ken Helm will tell us when the wine is ready to drink.
Cost: $12 per person. This includes two glasses of wine and a piece of Zwiebelkuchen.
Bring: Picnic rug/chairs, containers if you wish to take home some Federweisser.
Please RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 and he will confirm the date once known.
Labels: culture, events, food
Film Screening
Einladung zum Filmabend /
Invitation to film screening
Kirschblüten – Hanami
Cherry Blossoms - Hanami
Ein Film von Doris Dörrie
Thursday 19 March
Pre-film drinks & canapés from 6.30 pm
Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School
(parking off Alexander Street)
$ 10 per person, includes drinks and canapés
DVD screening IN GERMAN
WITHOUT English subtitles
Labels: culture, events, movies
Calendar of Events, October - December 2008
Mondays 6-8pm
German language classes at intermediate level. For more information on language classes including expressions of interest for 2009 please contact Patricia at:
bezi@bigpond.net.au.
Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language classes for continuing beginners 2
re-starts for final term of 2008 on 29 October. A few places are still available – please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Wed 29 October
8pm
Annual General Meeting at the Griffin Centre – it’s that time of year already. Send in your nominations or get nominated yourself! Contact Paul for more information on 6281 0486.
Sat 8 November
10am – 1pm
Das Zentrum’s Home Cooking Series – Cheesemaking – another session to meet demand. See more information enclosed. If interested please contact Angelika on 6281 4023.
Sun 16 November
3pm
Eine kleine Nachmittagsmusik – A little afternoon music
Music performed by Sarahlouise Owens (Soprano) and Natasha Tkachenko (Piano) from Klassik to Kabarett – Gems from the world of German music and song. At the Harmonie German Club, Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Tickets available at the door - $20 or $16 for members or concession holders – see article enclosed for more details.
Thurs 4 December
6.30pm for 7pm
Christmas Dinner Celebration for members and friends of Das Zentrum. Join us for a traditional Christmas dinner at the Harmonie German Club in Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah. Cost is $30 for 2 courses. Please RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 by Sunday 30 November.
COMING in
MARCH 2009
Do you want to improve your German language skills in just one weekend? Das Zentrum’s highly regarded Immersion Weekend is coming again. More information coming in early 2009.
Labels: events, language courses
Semester 2, 2008: Upcoming Events
Mondays 6-8pm
German language classes at intermediate level – semester 2 starting 21 July still has a couple of vacancies at time of going to print. For information contact Katrin Matthews on 6262 8782.
Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language classes for continuing beginners 2 are on Wednesdays with classes already underway. For details please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Note: Das Zentrum is running only the above weekly language groups for Semester 2 – our Tuesday beginners class will not be offered this semester. For more information on language classes please contact Patricia at:
bezi@bigpond.net.au.
Thursday 7 August
6.30pm
Film Screening “Die Schweizermacher - The Swissmakers” This 1978 comedy remains one of Switzerland’s most successful films. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Join us before the film from 6.30pm for drinks and canapés.
$10 per person. DVD screening in German with English subtitles. See article enclosed for more details.
Sat 13 September
10am
Das Zentrum’s Home Cooking Series – Cheesemaking
See more information enclosed. If interested please contact Angelika on 6281 4023.
20 September to
12 October
Deutsche Wochen – German weeks feature a series of events from members of the Canberra German Speakers’ Network including Das Zentrum, CMS Radio, the ANU, the ACT German Language School, the German Australian Playgroup, and the Harmonie German Club. Das Zentrum’s reading competition is the opening event and the weeks finish with the Harmonie German Club’s Oktoberfest.
Sat 20 September
2pm
Vorlesewettbewerb – Reading Competition – this year we invite you to join our Wilhelm Busch themed reading competition. Come along on the day to hear the finalists – coffee and cake will be available. From 2pm at the Griffin Centre. More information and entry form enclosed.
Labels: competitions, culture, events, language courses
Newest calendar of events
Mondays 6-8pm
German language classes at intermediate level are on Monday evenings. Semester 1 intermediate class is full.
Tuesdays 6-8pm
German language classes for beginners. Spaces are still available in the beginners group – please contact Susanne for more information by email:
susanne.gross@anu.edu.au or on 6262 8767.
Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language classes for beginners 2 (continuing) are on Wednesdays with limited spaces still available. For details please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Sunday 11 May
6pm
Hildegard von Bingen by Candlelight at the Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, Barton. For more information see article enclosed or visit
www.cimf.org.au.
Friday 23 May
7.30pm
Trivia Night – test your knowledge at this bilingual event at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah – more details to come.
Thursday 5 June
7.30pm
Talk by Mr Max Hughes – “Australia, Germany, Austria – Can we do better?” Mr Hughes is a former career Diplomat and was Australian Ambassador to Germany and Austria. The talk will be at the Griffin Centre. Contact Paul for more information on 6281 0486.
COMING SOON
WINTER! – that means our Christmas in July function – cost and venue to be advised in our next edition.
Labels: culture, events, language courses
Federweisser 2008
‘Das Zentrum’ invites to the traditional German tasting of the new wine (Federweisser) with onion tart (Zwiebelkuchen). Join us for this most enjoyable event at Helms Winery. Bookings are essential.
When: Sunday 16 March 2008 at 2.00PM.
Where: Helms Winery, Butts Road, via Murrumbateman
Cost: $12.00 per person
For bookings and further information please call 62810486
Labels: culture, events, food
Upcoming events in early 2008
Federweisser will be held on Sunday 16 March or Sunday 30 March.
There will be a film screening on Thursday 27 March.
Das Zentrum will host a trivia night in May.
There will be a presentation by Max Hughes on Thursday 5 June.
Labels: culture, events
Das Zentrum Celebrates!
Geburtstagsfest – Birthday PartyYou are invited to celebrate, reminisce, see old friends and enjoy entertainment, food and drinks at Das Zentrum’s Geburtstagsfest. Were you at the official launch 10 years ago? If so, it would be great to see you at this special event. The celebration starts from 1pm on Saturday 20 October. Don’t miss special guest speakers and our famous Kaffee und Kuchen. Following on from our celebrations is the final round of the Vorlesewettbewerb (Reading Competition) from 2.45pm – stay on to hear performances of texts and announcement of winners.
Labels: about das zentrum, culture, events
Calendar of Events, October-December 2007
Mondays 6-8pmGerman language classes at intermediate level – continuing on Monday evenings. For more information please contact Susanne on 6262 8767 or susanne.gross (at) anu.edu.au.
Tuesdays 6-8pm German conversation classes at advanced level. For more details please contact Patricia on 6295 3565.
Wednesdays 6-8pmGerman language classes for beginners 2 (continuing) are on Wednesdays. Please contact Susanne for details on 6262 8767.
Every Thursday
7.30pm until late German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.
Fri 12 to Sun 14 OctoberOktoberfest organised by the Harmonie German Club is on again at Thoroughbred Park in Lyneham.
Saturday 20 October
1 – 4pmGeburtstagsfest – 10 year party
Join us at the Griffin Centre to celebrate 10 years. And don’t miss our Vorlesewettbewerb (Reading Competition) from 2.45pm.
Wed 31 October
8pmAnnual General Meeting at the Griffin Centre – it’s that time of year already. Send in your nominations or get nominated yourself! Contact Paul for more information on 6281 0486.
Wed 5 December
7pmJoin us for our Christmas dinner – cost and venue to be advised.
Labels: about das zentrum, events, language courses
Vorlesewettbewerb/Reading Competition 2007
Das Zentrum was established in 1997 after the closure of the Goethe Institute in Canberra. It offers a broad range of print media, videos, DVDs as well as a representative selection of German literature and is supported by the Goethe Institut Sydney, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the ACT Office of Multicultural Affairs. Das Zentrum is also a member of the Canberra German Speakers’ Network.
Theme: A German reading competition celebrating Das Zentrum’s 10th birthday.
Sections: There are three categories:
1. School students 15-18 years
2. Over 18 years
3. Native German speakers
Round 1: Read “Glückwünsche zum 10. Geburtstag” (see text over) and record it on audio tape or CD. The three best entries of each section will be invited to the second round.
Round 2: Read an unseen text to a panel of judges (with some preparation time). This will be at Das Zentrum’s 10th birthday celebration at our Griffin Centre premises on Saturday 20 October from 2.45pm. (Party celebrations starting at 1pm). Prize winners will be announced at the end of the readings. All are welcome to attend this public round.
Prizes: 1st prize $130 (each category), other prizes for 2nd and 3rd places.
Conditions of Entry
(please read carefully)
- Read “Glückwünsche zum 10. Geburtstag” on CD or audio tape in German.
- Post or deliver your recording and your entry form to:
Das Zentrum
Griffin Centre
Level 1, Room 1-03
Genge Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Additional forms are available from Das Zentrum or your German teacher.
Please contact Patrizia (bezi at bigpond.net.au) to receive an entry form by email.
- No native speaker is permitted to enter the non-native speakers’ categories (sections 1-2).
- Entries must be received by Tuesday 2 October 2007.
- There is no entry fee.
- There is a limit of one entry per person.
- Each entry must be accompanied by an official entry form.
- Das Zentrum will choose the best three entries of each category (the decision is final) and will notify the winners of the first round by Friday 12 October 2007.
- Entries will not be returned.
Glückwünsche zum 10. Geburtstag
Eins, zwei, drei, vier, fünf, sechs, sieben,
wo ist nur die Zeit geblieben?
Gestern ein Kind – heute schon zehn,
wer nicht Schritt hält, hat das Nachsehn.
Wir, die Älteren, stehn voll Staunen,
vielleicht hörst du unser Raunen:
zehn? Nein, das kann nicht sein!
Gestern war’s Zentrum noch so klein!
Dies Reden von vergangner Zeit
bringt dich in Verlegenheit?
Dann lass uns schnell das Thema wechseln
und nicht länger Worte drechseln
Denn gegen Altern oder Wachsen
helfen keine Prophylaxen.
Und das ist auch richtig so,
denn Stagnieren macht nicht froh.
Labels: about das zentrum, competitions, events
Immersion Weekend 2007
Do you have a basic knowledge of German (minimum 30 hours tuition)?
Would you like to “immerse yourself” in German language and culture without leaving Canberra?
If so, Das Zentrum’s famous immersion weekend is for you. It consists of language sessions and workshops for adult learners (year 11 & 12 college students welcome) at the levels of continuing beginners, intermediate and advanced (other levels may be available depending on demand). Previous participants are welcome – the successful format is unchanged, but the content will be all new.
The weekend starts on Friday evening with an introductory session, class placement and a film screening (in German with English subtitles), and continues on Saturday with language classes and special interest workshops. The language classes will focus on Deutsch im Alltag (German in everyday situations), as well as on Landeskunde (background studies). Speaking and listening skills will be specially trained. The workshops on Saturday afternoon will cover such diverse topics as creating a sketch and/or play, writing a quiz, singing and much more. The aim is to present the results of the workshops to the other participants on Saturday evening, which in previous years was a lot of fun!
And when you are not hard at work: The program includes a buffet dinner on Friday evening and a Kaffee und Kuchen buffet on Saturday afternoon after the workshops. As a conclusion and grand finale to a successful weekend – “the Show”: a dinner with live entertainment (your presentations!).
We are particularly pleased that this year our very hard-working teachers from Canberra are once again joined by language instructors from the Goethe Institut Sydney.
Friday August 3rd 6 pm – 10 pm
Saturday August 4th 9am – 10 pm
Cost: $140 standard, $120 for das Zentrum members
Concession: $90 for school students and full-time university students
Includes tuition, 2 dinners and coffee/cake buffet, drinks during the day. It does not include lunch on Saturday – please bring your own.
Venue: International Centre, Canberra (Boys) Grammar School
Car park off Alexander Street, Red Hill
For registration form, placement test or for more information please contact:
Patricia Schiessl on 6295 3565 (evenings) or
email:
bezi@bigpond.net.au OR
Susanne Gross on 6262 8767 (evenings) oremail:
susanne.gross@anu.edu.auLabels: culture, events, language courses
Thursday 29 March, 6.30pm
Das Zentrum will screen "Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage" (Sophie Scholl - The Final Days) at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School, Narrabundah. The film is in German with English subtitles, and drinks and snacks will be served. Cost: $10 per person.
Sat 7 & Sun 8 April (Easter weekend)
17th German Folk Dance Festival includes traditional dances (including Schuhplattler, the famous Bavarian thigh clapping dance), Alphorn blowing and playing the chimes. Over 100 dancers from 11 folk dance groups are expected at the event this year at the Harmonie German Club, Narrabundah. Cost is $15 ($10 concession). Refreshments will be available. Everybody is welcome. For information contact the club on 6295 9853.
Sunday 15 April from 1pm
Wine tasting & picnic at Helm’s Winery, Butts Road, via Murrumbateman (25 minutes drive north on the Barton Highway from Canberra). $12 per person for wine and Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart). Car pooling can be arranged if required. RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 by 13 April.
Labels: events
Calendar of Events for December 2006-February 2007
Wed 6 December
6.30pm for 7pm
Das Zentrum’s Christmas function 2006
Enjoy dinner at the Harmonie German Club, Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Cost of meal is $24. RSVP by 5 December to Paul on 6281 0486 or Das Zentrum during opening hours. The raffle will be drawn at the function.
Friday 8 December
7pm
Filmabend: ‘Wunder Frauenkirche’
At Das Zentrum, Level 1, Griffin Centre. Der Film behandelt den Bau und besonders den Wiederaufbau der Frauenkirche in Dresden. Der Film ist in deutscher Sprache (film is in German).
From February 2007
German language courses at various levels will be offered in 2007 – more information enclosed. To express interest please leave your details at Das Zentrum.
Resuming in 2007 Thursdays7.30pm until late
German conversation group will continue in 2007. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months – for information contact Paul on 6281 0486.
Sat 24 February 200710.30am to 3.30pm
Open Day – everyone welcome to explore our centre, information, orientation, quiz, film screening, entertainment AND coffee and cake! We hope to see you there.
Labels: events
Federweisserausschank und Weinprobe
A large number of Zentrum members enjoyed a splendid afternoon at Helm's Winery in Murrumbateman. Federweisser and award-wining wines were at hand to wet the palate for traditional German Zwiebelkuchen. Ken Helm himself took pleasure in serving his wines for tasting and in demonstrating fermentation techniques.
The afternoon went quickly, with German-English conversations only sidelined occasionally by the distant call of the magpie. HT
Labels: events
