GW SPRING 2017
GERMAN WORLD THE FILM ISSUE
BILINGUAL MAGAZINE Eric Braeden Exclusive
I’ll Be Damned Elbphilharmonie
Hamburg’s New Marvel
Julia Jentsch: “So fand ich meinen eigenen Weg” About stardom, life in Switzerland and finding your own way $3.50 / ISSUE | SPRING $12.952017 / YEARWWW.GERMAN-WORLD.COM (USA) | ISBN 1558-7568 1
YOUR SOURCE OF GERMAN-AMERICAN NEWS IN THE US
Photo: ©Barak Shrama
Grußwort | PUBLISHER’S NOTE
Barrierefrei und nachhaltig: Filme
Borderless and Sustainable: Movies
Liebe Leser,
Dear Reader,
als Magazin mit Sitz in Hollywood mögen Sie es uns verzeihen, wenn wir das erste Heft in diesem Jahr dem Thema Film widmen. Und dies aus gutem Grund: einerseits liegt eine spannende Filmfestival- und OscarSaison hinter uns, an der wir Sie gern teilhaben lassen möchten, und andererseits sind gute Filme sehr wichtige Kulturbotschafter.
As a magazine with its office in Hollywood, it is a given that the art of filmmaking is frequently on our minds. Nevertheless, we also have a very good reason for dedicating the first issue of this year to the topic of film: on one hand, we just experienced a very exciting film festival and Award Season which we’d like to share with you, on the other hand, films are simply very important cultural ambassadors.
Sie nehmen uns mit auf die Reise zu fremden Kulturen und eröffnen uns neue Horizonte; sie rütteln auf, weisen auf soziale Missstände und politische Fehlentscheidungen hin. Sie sind in Ländern mit eingeschränkter Pressefreiheit ein wichtiges Organ der Meinungsäußerung und nachhaltige Zeitzeugen gesellschaftlicher Umwälzungen. Nicht zuletzt lassen Filme Träume wahr werden – zumindest für die Zeit der Filmlänge. Was einen guten Film ausmacht, haben wir auch Schauspielerin Julia Jentsch gefragt, als wir sie zum Exklusivinterview in San Francisco trafen. Dies, und wie sie selbst zur Schauspielerei kam, lesen Sie in unserer Titelgeschichte. In unserem Reiseteil entführen wir Sie dann nach Hamburg und in das kleine Städtchen Wittenberg. Und TV-Star Eric Braeden nimmt Sie mit auf eine Zeitreise in seinen gerade erschienenen Memoiren “I’ll be Damned.” Wir wünschen Ihnen wie immer gute Unterhaltung und einen herrlichen Frühling.
They take us on a (visual) journey to foreign cultures and open new horizons to us. Good movies challenge us on many levels: emotionally, intellectually and spiritually. They bring awareness to social problems and politically misguided decisions. In countries where the freedom of press is not a given, the art form of film is an important way to express opinions and give new perspectives. They are also sustainable period witnesses of times of social upheaval. Last but not least, films make dreams come true – at least for the duration of the film. However, what characterizes a good film? We discussed this question and her own fascination with film making with German actress Julia Jentsch, whom we met for an exclusive interview in San Francisco for our cover story. In our travel section, we take you on a journey to Hamburg and to the small town of Wittenberg. And TV-star Eric Braeden takes you time traveling in his recently published memoirs “I’ll be Damned.” We wish you an entertaining read and a wonderful springtime.
Herzlichst, Petra Schürmann Herausgeberin
Cordially, Petra Schürmann Publisher
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CONTENTS | Inhalt
COVER
14 - 17 Julia Jentsch:
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How I found my own way! So fand ich meinen eigenen Weg!
6 CURRENTS 6 – 13 News from Germany; International Politics; Business News
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17 FILM & ENTERTAINMENT 18 – 20 Oscar, Oscar: Award season in Hollywood 27 Berlin: Strong political statements at Berlinale 2017
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BUSINESS 21 USA BIZ Award for Austrian Companies in the U.S.
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34 REGULARS 34-35 Culinary: Recipes and more 44-47 German TV in the U.S.: DW program preview for April & May 50 Subscription Information
CULTURE & HERITAGE 22-23, 30-31 Germany in your area 24-25 “I’ll be Damned”: Exclusive interview with Eric Braeden 42-43 Lost & Found: Elvis’ 507 BMW on world tour
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EDUCATION 28-29 Studying Abroad: American students in Germany 32-33 Career Booster: Landing an internship at Sierra Nevada Brewery 40, 48 Test your German skills
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GERMAN WORLD
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PUBLISHER Petra Schürmann EDITORIAL Editorial Director & Editor in Chief Petra Schürmann Senior Editor /English Language Editor Jenny Peters TRANSLATIONS Alexa Z. Constantine, Julia Kupper, Petra Schürmann
LAYOUT & DESIGN Art Director AMF Graphics | Anna-Maria Furlong amfgraphics@aol.com OFFICE MANAGEMENT & ADVERTISING Alexa Z. Constantine, Alexandra Schinko, Svetlana Arzumanyan sales@german-world.com Ph: 323.876.5843 / 747. 273 6624
CONTRIBUTORS Alexa Z. Constantine, Barak Shrama, Bill Hetzler, Jenny Peters, Julia Kupper, Storymacher.de,Volker Corell, Kelsi Nelson
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CONSULTANT AT LARGE Marianne Beland, Berlin
TRAVEL 36-37 Discover Hamburg’s New Marvel: The Elbphilharmonie 38-39 Following Luther’s footsteps in Wittenberg 40 Visiting Germany on a budget
HOW TO REACH US Mailing Address German-World.com, Inc. PO Box 3541 | Los Angeles, CA 90078 Ph: 323.876.5843 office@german-world.com German-World.com Subscriber Services Phone Ph: 323.876.5843 subscriber@german-world.com GERMAN WORLD MAGAZINE is published quarterly by German-World.com, Inc. Subscription rate: $12.95/year
Single copy: $3.50/issue POSTMASTER Send address changes to German-World.com, Inc. PO Box 3541, Los Angeles, CA 90078 Entire contents © 2002-2017 by German-World.com, Inc. unless otherwise noted on specific articles. All rights reserved. Printed in the USA by Southwest Offset Printing, Gardena, CA.
COVER Actress Julia Jentsch attends the ‘24 Wochen’ (‘24 Weeks’) premiere during the 66th Berlinale International Film Festival on February 14, 2016, in Berlin, Germany. Photo by Denis Makarenko/ Shutterstock.com
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IN BRIEF | Kurz notiert
n Deutschland erzielt Rekordüberschuss
info
n Germany Scored Record Revenue Surplus In 2016 the Federal Republic of Germany achieved the highest revenue surplus since its Reunification in 1990. Revenue exceeded spending by some 24 billion euros. The reasons were the strong economic growth and the persistently falling unemployment. Experts foresee this positive development also for 2017. n Source: www.germany.info
n „ RTL International” wird eingestellt
Seit 1. März 2017 wird der deutsche Reisepass in einer modernisierten Version ausgegeben. Der Reisepass ist ohnehin als einer der fälschungssichersten Pässe weltweit anerkannt. Der im Jahr 2005 erstmals mit einem elektronischen Speichermedium (Chip) ausgegebene Reisepass ist zuletzt 2007 geändert worden. Auch die neue Reisepassgeneration von 2017 erfüllt die europäischen und internationalen Kriterien für elektronische Reisedokumente und ermöglicht die visumfreie Einreise in über 170 Staaten. Insbesondere die neuen Sicherheitsmerkmale werden das hohe internationale Ansehen des deutschen Reisepasses auch in den kommenden zehn Jahren sichern. Ein holographisches Lichtbild gehört u.a. zu seinen Sicherheitsmerkmalen. n Courtesy of Federal Ministry of the Interior of Germany.
Der deutsche Staat hat 2016 den höchsten Überschuss seit der Wiedervereinigung erzielt. Die Einnahmen überstiegen die Ausgaben um rund 24 Milliarden Euro. Gründe waren das starke Wirtschaftswachstum und die anhaltend sinkende Arbeitslosigkeit. Experten sehen diese positive Entwicklung auch für 2017. n Quelle: www.germany.
n Noch fälschungssicherer: Der neue deutsche Reisepass
Der letzte Sendetag wird der 31. Mai 2017 sein. Der Pay-TV Sender der Mediengruppe RTL und sein Programm, das auf deutschsprachiges Publikum und Touristen im Ausland ausgerichtet ist, wurde Anfang 2016 gestartet. Das Programm kann über Plattformen (Satellit, Kabel, IPTV, OTT) an Orten wie den USA, Kanada, Südafrika und Australien empfangen werden. Stefan Sporn, leitender Vizepräsident des Vertriebs International sagte: „Wir bedauern die Einstellung dieses Kanals. sehr Obwohl wir es schnell geschafft haben, eine vernünftige internationale Verteilung zu erreichen, entwickelte sich die Zahl der Abonnenten nicht so positiv wie erhofft, so dass es in absehbarer Zeit nicht möglich war, rentabel zu operieren. Anfängliche Analysen zeigen deutlich, dass der Erfolg international tätiger Piratenplattformen, die die Übertragungssignale einer Vielzahl von deutschen Sendern kostenlos im Internet verteilen, bei dieser Entwicklung eine entscheidende Rolle gespielt haben.” Nach Einstellen des linearen Signals von RTL International beabsichtigt die Mediengruppe RTL ihre Inhalte über die OTT-Angebote in Zukunft zugänglich zu machen. n
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The new safety features become visible under UV light.
n More Protection Against Forgery: New German Passport Released As of March 1, 2017, German passports have been issued in a new, more secure version. Germany’s passport was already recognized as one of the safest passports worldwide. In 2005 the passport was issued with an electronic storage medium (chip) for the first time and was modified again in 2007. The new 2017 passport features a holographic light image, and other new safety features. It meets the European and international criteria for electronic travel documents and allows visa-free entry into over 170 countries. These new safety features will secure the high international reputation of the German passport over the next ten years. n
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POLITICS | Politik
n Gemischte Signale auf Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz USA-Delegation versucht, Europa zu beruhigen, warnte gleichzeitig aber auch. Von Lisdey Espinoza Pedraza & Markus Heinrich Deutsch von Julia C. Kupper
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S-Vizepräsident Mike Pence, US-Verteidigungsminister James Mattis und der Minister für Staatssicherheit John Kelly kamen als US-Delegation zur Eröffnung der Münchner Sicherheitskonferenz. Das jährliche zweitägige Treffen ist als eine informelle Plattform für Konferenzmitglieder und Nicht-Mitglieder bekannt, um zurückgezogen Fragen der globalen Sicherheitsagenda zu erörtern. Pence, Mattis und Kelly lieferten Botschaften der Zusicherung auf ihrer Debütreise nach Europa.Allerdings wirkte der Rücktritt des nationalen Sicherheitsberaters von Präsident Trump, Michael Flynn, auf Grund seiner Kontakte mit Russland, noch nach. In Pences erster bedeutender außenpolitischen Ansprache im Namen der Trump-Regierung sagte er den europäischen Staats- und Regierungschefs, er spreche für Trump, wenn er ein unermüdliches Engagement für die NATO-Allianz zusage. Die gegensätzlichen Bemerkungen des Präsidenten Trump über den Nutzen des Nordatlantik-Vertrags, die Skepsis gegenüber dem Iran-Atomkrieg und die offensichtliche Missachtung der künftigen Lage der Europäischen Union, haben Europa nach 70 Jahren, in den es sich des rückhaltlosen Schutzes der USA sicher gewesen waren, in Angst und Schrecken versetzt. Die Vereinigten Staaten sind Europas größter Handelspartner, der größte ausländische Investor auf dem Kontinent, der Partner der Europäischen Union in fast allen außenpolitischen Bereichen sowie der Katalysator der europäischen Einheit seit mehr als 60 Jahren. Die Veränderung in Washington versetzt die Europäische Union in eine schwierige Lage, da die neue US-Regierung viele Jahrzehnte amerikanischer Außenpolitik in Frage stellt. Dies wurde durch die etwas widersprüchlichen Bemerkungen der US-Abgeordneten, die sie an Europa richteten, verstärkt.Vizepräsident Pence, trotz seiner Botschaft des unermüdlichen Engagements für die NATO, warnte auch, dass die Grundlage der Allianz zerstört würde, sollten einige NATOMitglieder weiterhin nicht ihrer Verpflichtung nachkommen, zwei Prozent des Bruttoinlandproduktes an die NATO abzuführen. Mattis, ein ehemaliger US Marinekorps-General, äußerte auch starke Unterstützung für die NATO und sagte, dass die transatlantische Bindung Amerikas die stärkstes Schutzwand gegen Instabilität und Gewalt bleibt. Allerdings warnte Mattis auch, dass Amerika sein Engagement moderieren würde, wenn Europa sich nicht adäquat engagieren würde. Obwohl sich die USA seit langem beschwert, dass NATO-Partner sich drücken, ihren Teil der finanziellen Belastung der Allianz zu tragen, sind solche konkreten Warnungen ein neues Phänomen. Es ist daher nicht schwer zu erkennen, warum viele europäische Staats- und Regierungschefs gegenüber Amerikas Versprechen skeptisch bleiben, da sich viele Äußerungen in Widersprüche verwickeln, die die Trump-Regierung bis jetzt charakterisiert haben. Hinzu kommt, dass der republikanische Senator John McCain mit einem vernichtenden Angriff auf Trump für Verwirrung gesorgt hat. Bei einer
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Pressekonferenz auf NBC warnte McCain, dass Trumps Angriff auf die Presse “der Anfang bei Diktaturen” sei. Solch eine Äußerung eines Abgeordneten gegenüber seiner eigenen Regierung ist noch nie da gewesen und wird in Europa noch viel Kopfschmerzen verursachen, da keiner weiß, wie man mit der neuen US-Regierung umgehen soll. Dies zeigte sich auch in den Erklärungen der deutschen Verteidigungsministerin Ursula von der Leyen. Auf der Konferenz warnte von der Leyen die USA vor einem schädlichen Zusammenhalt Europas, der auf Rußland abschwächte und westliche Kernwerte aufgab. Sie betonte, dass die USA die transatlantischen Beziehungen nicht als selbstverständlich betrachten sollten, und stärkte damit die Erklärungen der Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel im November, dass die Zusammenarbeit auf Demokratie, Freiheit und Achtung der Menschenrechte beruhe. n
n Mixed Signals at the Munich Security Conference The U.S. sought to both reassure and warn Europe at the 2017 Munich Security Conference in Germany. By Lisdey Espinoza Pedraza and Markus Heinrich
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ice President Mike Pence, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly led the U.S. delegation to the opening of the Munich Security Conference. Held at the Hotel Bayerischer Hof from February 17-19, the annual weekend gathering is known for providing an open and informal platform for allies — and adversaries — to meet in close quarters to discuss issues on the global security agenda. Pence, Mattis and Kelly delivered messages of reassurance on their debut trip to Europe. However, the resignation of President Trump’s national security adviser Michael Flynn over his contacts with Russia shortly before the U.S. charm offensive in Europe tarnished the message they were seeking to send. In Pence’s first major foreign policy address for the Trump administration, he told European leaders that he spoke for Trump when he promised unwavering commitment to the NATO alliance. President Trump’s contradictory remarks on the value of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, along with his scepticism over the 2015 deal to curb Iran’s nuclear ambitions and an apparent disregard for the future of the European Union have left Europe fearful for the post-World War II U.S. guardianship of the West that began in 1949.
Politik | POLITICS
The United States is Europe’s biggest trading partner, the biggest foreign investor on the continent, the European Union’s partner in almost all foreign policy, as well as being the main promoter of European unity for more than 60 years.The change in Washington puts the European Union in a difficult position, with the new U.S. administration seeming to put into question decades of American foreign policy. This was reinforced by the somewhat contradictory remarks of the U.S. envoys to Europe.Vice President Pence, despite his message of unwavering support for NATO, also warned that the failure of some NATO members to meet its defense spending guidelines of two percent of GDP erodes the very foundation of the alliance. Mattis — a former U.S. Marine Corps general — also showed strong support for NATO, saying that the transatlantic bond remains America’s strongest bulwark against instability and violence. However, Mattis also warned that America would moderate its commitment unless Europe stepped up. Although the U.S. has long complained of NATO partners shirking their end of the alliance’s defense burden, warnings like these are a new phenomenon. It is therefore not hard to see why many European leaders may decide to remain skeptical about America’s commitment as the remarks made at the summit echo the contradictions that characterize the Trump administration. Adding to the sense of confusion was Republican senator John McCain’s scathing attack on President Trump. Speaking in Munich via NBC’s “Meet the Press,” McCain warned that attacking the press (which Trump has repeatedly done since taking office January 20) is “how dictators get started.” Such an utterance by a U.S. official clearly aimed against his own head of government is unprecedented in modern times, and will leave many in Europe scratching their heads as to how exactly to deal with the new U.S. administration. That this is the case was made evident by the statements of the German Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen. Speaking at the conference, von der Leyen warned the U.S. against damaging European cohesion, softening on Russia and abandoning core Western values. She emphasized that the U.S. should not take transatlantic ties for granted, thereby reinforcing Chancellor Angela Merkel’s statements in November that cooperation was based on democracy, freedom and respect for human rights. n
n ABOUT THE AUTHORS Lisdey Espinoza Pedraza is a political columnist and a PhD candidate at the University of Aberdeen. Markus Heinrich is a political analyst and author specializing in European defense and security. SPRING 2017
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IN BRIEF | Kurz notiert
n Franz-Walter Steinmeier neuer Bundespräsident Deutschlands
(dpa/dw) Der neu gewählte deutsche Bundespräsident und ehemalige deutsche Außenminister Frank-Walter Steinmeier ist in seiner letzten Kabinettssitzung von Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel mit Blumen und einem Geschenk verabschiedet worden. Merkel überreichte ihm ein signiertes Foto der Kabinettsrunde und dankte ihm für die kollegiale und freundschaftliche Zusammenarbeit, wie Regierungssprecher Steffen Seibert sagte. Die Vereidigung des neuen Außenministers Sigmar Gabriel fand am 27. Januar 2017 statt. Steinmeier war zwischen 2005 und 2009 und dann wieder ab 2013 Außenminister Deutschlands - also insgesamt mehr als sieben Jahre. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, der 12. Bundespräsident der BRD und Nachfolger von Joachim Gauck, hat auch viele Glückwünsche aus dem Ausland erhalten. Russlands Staatschef Wladimir Putin hofft auf stabile bilaterale Beziehungen und eine „produktive Zusammenarbeit”. Er lud Steinmeier zu einem Besuch nach Russland ein, „wann immer es ihm passt”. EU-Ratspräsident Donald Tusk betonte in einem Glückwunschschreiben: „Ihre Ernennung erfolgt zu einem kritischen Zeitpunkt für Europa.” Steinmeier war am 12. Februar von der Bundesversammlung zum Bundespräsidenten gewählt worden. Am 19. März beginnt seine Amtszeit. In seiner Rede am 12. Februar deutete Frank-Walter Steinmeier auf die Verbreitung der Ungewissheit unter den Menschen in Deutschland und die Sorgen um die Demokratie hin und sagte: „Die Welt scheint aus den Fugen”. „Aber,” so Steinmeier weiter, „lasst uns mutig sein. Dann jedenfalls ist mir um die Zukunft nicht bange.” n
n Franz-Walter Steinmeier is Germany’s New Federal President-Elect Heartfelt thanks from Chancellor Angela Merkel for his services as Secretary of State
© Reuters | FabrizioBensch
© Reuters | FabrizioBensch
Herzliche Verabschiedung als Außenminister durch Bundeskanzlerin Merkel
(dpa/dw) The newly elected German Federal President and former German Foreign Minister, Frank-Walter Steinmeier, received flowers and a present at his last Cabinet meeting from Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel. Merkel gave him a signed photo of the Cabinet and thanked him for the collegial and friendly cooperation, according to government spokesman Steffen Seibert.The swearing in of the new Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel took place on January 27, 2017. Steinmeier was Foreign Minister of Germany between 2005 and 2009 and then again as of 2013 -- a total of more than seven years. Frank-Walter Steinmeier, the twelfth Federal President of Germany and successor to Joachim Gauck, has also received many congratulations from abroad. Russian President Vladimir Putin hopes for stable bilateral relations and “productive cooperation.” He invited Steinmeier to a visit to Russia “whenever it suits him.” European Council President Donald Tusk stressed in a congratulatory message, “Your nomination is at a critical time for Europe.” Steinmeier was elected as the Federal President by the Federal Assembly on February 12. His office began on March 19, 2017. In his acceptance speech, Steinmeier referred to the spread of uncertainty among people in Germany, as well as concerns for democracy, and stated: “The world seems out of joint.” He concluded his speech by saying, “Let us be courageous; then I do not fear the future.” n 10
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n Finanzmärkte und Wirtschaft nach Trump-Aussagen verunsichert (dpa) Bereits die erste Pressekonferenz am 11.1.2017 mit dem US-Präsidenten Donald Trump nach den Wahlen hat die Finanzmärkte enttäuscht. Der Dollar verlor an Wert, die Kurse an den Börsen gaben nach und Anleger flüchteten in als sicher geltende Anlagehäfen. Zwar betonte Trump, er werde „der größte Arbeitsplatzbeschaffer sein, den Gott je geschaffen hat”. Nach Einschätzung von Ökonomen gibt es aber keine Klarheit über die künftige Wirtschaftspolitik. „Insgesamt ist die Pressekonferenz aus Investorensicht als Enttäuschung zu verbuchen”, sagt Dirk Gojny, Experte bei der National-Bank. Auch die deutsche Industrie macht sich weiter Sorgen über Trumps Pläne. „Ich hatte die Hoffnung, dass er seine Wahlkampfrhetorik ein klein wenig zurückdreht”, sagte der Präsident des Bundesverbandes der Deutschen Industrie (BDI), Dieter Kempf, im rbb-Info-Radio. „Diese Hoffnung hat sich nicht erfüllt”. Unternehmen bräuchten Sicherheit. „Für wirtschaftliche Investitionen gibt es kein größeres Gift als Unsicherheit”, betonte der BDI-Präsident. n
n Financial markets and the economy are unsettled after Trump statements (dpa) President Donald Trump’s first press conference after the elections on January 11, 2017, has already disappointed the financial markets. The dollar lost value, the stock exchange prices fell and investors fled into safe-haven investments. Trump emphasized that he would be “the greatest jobs producer ever created by God.” According to economists, however, there is no clarity about the future economic policy. “All in all, the press conference from an investor’s perspective is a disappointment,” says Dirk Gojny, an expert at the National Bank. The German industry is also worried about Trump’s plans. “I hoped that he would turn down his election campaign a little bit,” said Dieter Kempf, President of the German Federation of German Industries (BDI), on the rbb info radio. “This hope has not been fulfilled.” Companies need security. “For economic investment, there is no greater poison than uncertainty,” emphasized the BDI president. n
Wirtschaft | ECONOMY
n Wie amerikanisch sind Autos “Made in USA” überhaupt?
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ie drei beliebtesten Fahrzeuge in den USA sind Pick-up Trucks von Ford, Chrysler und General Motors. „America first”, denkt man vielleicht. Allerdings sind diese drei Modelle im Durchschnitt nur zu 55 Prozent amerikanisch. Das heißt, 55 Prozent von dem sogenannten „Mehrwert” kommen aus den USA der Rest ist aus dem Ausland. Obwohl die drei Modelle in den Staaten zusammengebaut werden, werde viele Teile, die eine aufwändige Produktion haben - wie z.B. Motoren - aus anderen Ländern importiert. Bei GM aus Mexiko, bei Chrysler aus Italien. Chrysler bekommt außerdem sein Getriebe aus Italien, da der US-Autohersteller seit 2014 der Firma Fiat gehört. Die Verkabelung der drei Modelle wird auch im Ausland hergestellt. Beispielsweise werden für jeden Pick-up Truck kilometerlange Kabel von Hand bearbeitet. Diese Arbeit findet nur in Niedriglohnländern statt. Aus Deutschland werden auch Teile geliefert. Amerikas meistverkauftes Modell, der Ford D-150, hat einen Leiterrahmen aus Stahl, welcher von einem deutschen Unternehmen hergestellt wird. Zudem besteht das Gehäuse des F-150 aus Aluminium, HightechAluminium, das Ford in Zusammenarbeit mit deutschen Forschungslabors entwickelt hat. Und der Mechanismus für den F-150 Vordersitz kommt von einem französischen Lieferanten, welcher in Mexiko und China hergestellt wird. Der Anteil des amerikanischen Mehrwertes sinkt; die Autohersteller der drei Pick-ups, die in den USA noch vor fünf Jahren bis zu 69 Prozent im eigenen Land produziert haben, vergeben ihre Produktion mehr und mehr an andere Länder. n Quelle: www.dw.com
n How American Are U.S. Vehicles?
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he three most popular vehicles in the U.S. are pickup trucks made by Ford, Chrysler and General Motors. “America first,” you might think. But these three models are on average only 55 percent American. That is, 55 percent of what the manufacturers call their “added value” comes from the U.S. – and the rest from abroad. All three models are assembled in the U.S., but many parts that require elaborate production (including the engine) are often imported from other countries. In GM’s case, for example, parts come from Mexico; in Chrysler’s case, from Italy. Chrysler also gets its transmissions from Italy.The U.S. car maker has belonged to Fiat since 2014.The wiring assemblies for all three models are also manufactured outside the U.S. For each truck kilometers of cables are processed by hand.Work like that is only done in low-wage countries. And Germany also provides components for the pickups. America’s best-selling model, the Ford F-150, has a ladder frame made of steel, manufactured by a German company. Also, the body of the F-150 which is made of high-tech aluminum was developed in collaboration with German research labs. And the mechanism for the F-150’s front seat comes from a French supplier that manufactures in Mexico and China.The proportion of American added value is falling, as the three pickups made in the U.S.A. averaged 69 percent just five years ago, but nowadays American carmakers are outsourcing more and more production to suppliers all over the world. n Source: www.dw.com
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IN BRIEF | Kurz notiert
n CeBIT 2017
n CeBIT 2017
Die Beschäftigtenzahl ist in Deutschland Ende des Jahres 2016 auf einen neuen Höchststand geklettert. Grund dafür sind der wirtschaftlich Aufschwung und das erfolgreiche Dienstleistungsgewerbe. Das Statistische Bundesamt zählte rund 43,7 Millionen Erwerbstätige. Das waren 267.000 oder 0,6 Prozent mehr als ein Jahr zuvor. Noch nie hat es in Deutschland so viele Erwerbstätige gegeben. Das Bruttoinlandsprodukt wuchs im Jahr 2016 mit 1,9 Prozent so kräftig wie seit fünf Jahren nicht mehr. n
(dpa) Die CeBIT will mit einem Fokus auf Datensicherheit, künstliche Intelligenz, Roboter und virtuelle Realität am Puls der Zeit bleiben. Messechef Oliver Frese versprach für die diesjährige Auflage vom 20. bis 24. März zahlreiche Anwendungsbeispiele für die Industrie. Auch Edward Snowden darf nicht fehlen: Der NSA-Enthüller wird sich erneut per Video Schaltung aus seinem russischen Exil zu Wort melden.
(dpa) With a focus on data security, artificial intelligence, robots and virtual reality, CeBIT 2017 keeps up with the latest trends. Fair manager Oliver Frese promised numerous application examples for this year’s exhibition, which will take place from March 20 to 24. Edward Snowden will also attend: the NSA-revealer will speak remotely once again from his Russian exile.
n Germany’s labor force reaches nearly 44 million
„Die Digitalisierung hat das Labor verlassen, sie ist in den Betrieben angekommen”, betonte Frese zur Vorstellung der CeBIT-Trends. Die Messe in Hannover sei ein Schaufenster der Zukunft. Partnerland ist diesmal die Technologie-Nation Japan, aus der rund 120 Unternehmen nach Hannover kommen werden. Von humanoiden Robotern bis hin zu intelligenten Prothesen oder digitalen Altenpflegern reicht die Spanne der Anwendungen, die die japanische Handelsbehörde Jetro bei einer Pressekonferenz in Hannover vorstellte.
n Fast 44 Millionen Erwerbstätige
The number of employees in Germany rose to a new peak at the end of 2016. The reason for this is the economic upswing and the successful service sector. The Federal Statistical Office counted some 43.7 million employed persons. This was 267,000 or 0.6 percent more than a year earlier. There have never been so many employees in Germany. The gross domestic product grew by 1.9 percent in 2016 – the best result in five years. n Source: Bundesregierung - www.bundesregierung.de
Roboter, Drohnen und Snowden sind die Trendthemen der IT-Messe in Hannover
Einen besonderen Akzent legt die diesjährige CeBIT auf das Thema Drohnen. Bei der Leistungsschau der Digital-Branche wird der Politik diesmal zugleich besondere Aufmerksamkeit zuteil. Der zuletzt bei den US-Wahlen kontrovers diskutierte Einsatz von Bots-Software, die in OnlineNetzwerken mit Menschen kommunizieren kann, wird bei der CeBIT eine wichtige Rolle spielen. n
Robots, drones and Snowden are the trend themes of the IT fair in Hannover
“The digitalization has left the laboratory, and it has arrived in the factories,” emphasized Frese at the presentation of the CeBIT trends. The trade fair in Hannover will be a window to the future. Japan, as Germany’s second largest trade partner in Asia and this year’s CeBIT partner, will be represented at the trade fair with a large group of 120 companies. From humanoid robots to intelligent prostheses or digital elderly caregivers, the range of applications presented by the Japanese commercial agency Jetro at a press conference in Hannover was enough to raise excitement. A special focus will also be on drones this year. At the same time, attention will be paid to the politics of the digital industry. The controversial use of bots software, which can communicate with people in online networks, will play an important role at CeBIT. n
Stifterin zu pflegen, besonders durch die Auszeichnung in- und ausländischer Wissenschaftler, die auf den von Paul Ehrlich bearbeiteten Gebieten der Immunologie, der Krebsforschung, der Hämatologie, der Mikrobiologie und der Chemotherapie hervorragende Leistungen vollbracht haben. n
Paul Ehrlich Award for U.S. Medical Advances:
n Tumor veins discovered and explored Paul Ehrlich-Preis für US-Ehepaar:
n Tumorviren entdeckt und erforscht (dpa) Für ihre Arbeiten zu Tumorviren wurden zwei US-Amerikaner mit dem Paul Ehrlich- und Ludwig Darmstädter-Preis ausgezeichnet. Yuan Chang (57) und Patrick S. Moore (60) erhielten die mit 120 000 Euro dotierte Ehrung am 14. März in der Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. Die beiden Forscher arbeiten gemeinsam in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Chang und Moore hätten nicht nur zwei Tumorviren entdeckt, begründete der Stiftungsrat seine Entscheidung, sie hätten auch Methoden entwickelt, mit denen weitere, noch unbekannte Tumorviren gefunden werden können. Weltweit gehe jede sechste Krebserkrankung auf eineVirusinfektion zurück. Zweck der Paul Ehrlich-Stiftung ist es, die geistige Tradition und das Andenken Paul Ehrlichs (1854-1915) unter der Wahrung des Willens der 12
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(dpa) Two Americans were awarded the Paul Ehrlich and Ludwig Darmstädter Prize for their work on tumor viruses.Yuan Chang (57) and Patrick S. Moore (60) received the honor, which endows 120,000 euros, on March 14 in the Paulskirche in Frankfurt am Main. The two researchers work together in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In explaining their decision, the board of trustees noted that Chang and Moore not only discovered two tumor viruses, they also developed methods by which other, still unknown tumor viruses could be found. Every sixth cancer disease worldwide goes back to a viral infection. The purpose of the Paul Ehrlich Foundation is to cultivate the spiritual tradition and the memory of Paul Ehrlich (1854-1915) while respecting the will of the founder, especially via the annual award, given to German and foreign scholars in the fields worked by Paul Ehrlich, including immunology, cancer research, hematology, microbiology and chemotherapy. n
Kurz notiert | IN BRIEF
n Keine Lust mehr auf Luxus Schweizer Uhrenexporte brechen ein
(dpa-AFX) Mangelnde Lust auf Luxus hat die Schweizer Uhrenindustrie schwer mitgenommen. Die drittgrößte Exportindustrie des Landes musste 2016 einen Einbruch um 9,8 Prozent auf 18,3 Milliarden Franken (17 Mrd Euro) hinnehmen, wie der Verband der Schweizerischen Uhrenindustrie (FH) in Biel mitteilte. Nur die chemischpharmazeutische Industrie und Hersteller von Maschinen und Elektronik exportieren mehr als die Uhrenindustrie. Der Verband nannte drei Gründe für den Einbruch: neben der Tourismusflaute in Europa und dem starken Franken spielte auch die Erhöhung der Luxussteuer in China eine Rolle. Damit will die Regierung in Peking unter anderem die Korruption bekämpfen. Luxusuhren waren stets ein bewährtes „Geschenk”. Insgesamt gingen 25,4 Millionen Uhren ins Ausland, so wenig wie seit 2009 nicht mehr. Deutschland ist der siebtgrößte Markt für Schweizer Uhren - dort ging der Absatz um 10,8 Prozent auf 1,1 Milliarden Franken zurück. n
n Luxury no longer needed Swiss watch exports are hurting (dpa-AFX) The Swiss watch industry has suffered a great deal due to the of lack of need for luxury. In 2016 the country’s third-largest export industry suffered a slump of 9.8 percent, down to 18.3 billion Swiss francs (17 billion euros), as the Association of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) in Biel reported. Only the chemical-pharmaceutical industry and manufacturers of machinery and electronics export more goods from Switzerland than the watch industry. The association named three reasons for the slump: the tourist recession in Europe, the strong Swiss franc and the increased luxury tax in China, as the government attempts to fight corruption in Beijing. Luxury Swiss watches in China have always been a tried and tested “gift.” In total, 25.4 million watches went abroad, the lowest number since 2009. Germany is the seventhlargest market for Swiss watches, with sales falling by 10.8 percent to CHF 1.1 billion. n
n Biathlon-WM:
Deutsches Doppel-Gold zum Abschluss Laura Dahlmeier hat bei der Biathlon-WM in Hochfilzen in Österreich mit dem Sieg im abschließenden Massenstart einen Rekord aufgestellt. Die 23-Jährige ist nach dem Erfolg über 12,5 Kilometer mit fünfmal Gold und einmal Silber die erfolgreichste Skijägerin bei einer einzelnen Weltmeisterschaft überhaupt. Einige Stunden später setzte sich Simon Schempp im letzten Rennen der WM durch und gewann ebenfalls Gold im Massenstart. Es ist die erste WM-Einzelmedaille für ihn. Schempp erlaubte sich am Schießstand keinen Fehlschuss. n
Roman Herzog, 2012
n Former German Federal President Roman Herzog Has Died
Former German Federal President Roman Herzog has died. The seventh German President passed at the age of 82 on January 10. Herzog held that highest German office in state from 1994 to 1999, and the “Ruck” made him famous. “I never wanted to be a president that can be touched, but a president that can be addressed and understands,” said Herzog in his farewell speech as Federal President on July 1, 1999. He wanted to understand the Germans -- and at the same time ask them to renew their country. In his legendary speech on April 26, 1996 in Berlin, he made it clear: “Germany needs a jolt to push through it,” Herzog said. “We have to part with a certain level of affluence which we cherish and take for granted. Everyone has to make sacrifices.” He was referring to the economic downturn and general sense of depression so pervasive at the time. Herzog was born in 1934 in the Bavarian Landshut and joined the CDU in 1970 as a professor of state theory and politics. In 1973 he went into politics; ten years later he was appointed as a constitutional judge. Since 1987 he was president of the Federal Constitutional Court. Even though he had remained connected to his Bavarian home all his life,“at the same time he was a cosmopolitan,” Helmut Schmidt once said about him. n Source: Deutsche Welle – www.dw.com
n Biathlon World Championship: German double gold closing
Laura Dahlmeier set a record with her victory in the final mass start at the Biathlon World Championships in Hochfilzen, Austria. The 23-year-old athlete is the most successful skier in any single world championship after 12.5 kilometers with five times gold and one silver. A few hours later, Simon Schempp took the lead in the last race of the World Cup and also won gold in the mass start. It is the first World Cup medal for him. Schempp did not make any mistakes at the shooting range. n
Visit Deutsche Welle at www.DW.com for more international news, interviews and background stories.
Source: Deutsche Welle - www.dw.com SPRING 2017
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COVER | Titelgeschichte
Von Petra Schürmann
Julia Jentsch: „Die Schauspielerei war eigentlich immer eine innere Sehnsucht, ohne dass ich je gedacht habe, dass es mein Beruf wird.”
Julia Jentsch is currently one of the featured artists of the campaign FACE TO FACE WITH GERMAN FILMS which presents German film talents worldwide and brings more awareness to German movie productions that have been internationally successful. Photo: Courtesy of © German Films/Mathias Bothor.
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Photo: Courtesy of ©Zero One Film
Titelgeschichte | COVER
By Petra Schürmann
At the Berlinale 2017 with film partners Bjarne Maedel and Emilia Pieske
Julia Jentsch im Gespräch: Viel erreicht, aber noch etliche Wünsche offen
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it dem Begriff „Star” kann sie nichts anfangen, dabei hat Schauspielerin Julia Jentsch diesen Status in Deutschland schon längst erreicht.
Bereits mit 24 gelang ihr der Durchbruch an der Seite von Daniel Brühl in “Die fetten Jahre sind vorbei” (2004) und im gleichen Jahr spielte sie zusammen mit Bruno Ganz unter der Regie von Oliver Hirschbiegel in “Der Untergang”, der 2005 als Deutschlands offizieller Beitrag für einen Oscar nominiert wurde. Nur zwei Jahre später schnupperte sie dann tatsächlich Hollywood-Luft und wandelte bei den Oscars 2007 mit den Top Stars der Welt auf dem roten Teppich, da der deutsche Beitrag “Sophie Scholl – Die letzten Tage” mit Jentsch in der Titelrolle für einen Oscar in der Kategorie “Best Foreign Language Film” nominiert worden war. Es folgte eine große Filmrolle nach der anderen sowie diverse TV-Produktionen und Theaterengagements. Julia Jentsch berührt den Zuschauer – egal, ob sie Effi von Briest in der gleichnamigen Romanverfilmung verkörpert, eine Sudetendeutsche in der tschechischen Komödie “I served the King of England” spielt oder als “Astrid” in dem unter die Haut gehenden Familiendrama “24 Wochen” von Anne Zohra Berrached vor der Kamera steht. In dieser intensiven Beziehungsgeschichte spielt Julia Jentsch eine prominente Kabarettistin, während ihr Mann und Manager Markus (Bjarne Mädel) sie gelassen und gekonnt unterstützt. Doch als die beiden ihr zweites Kind erwarten, wird ihr sonst so durchgetaktetes Leben unerwartet aus der Bahn geworfen: Bei einer Routineuntersuchung erfahren sie, dass ihr Kind schwer krank ist. Im sechsten Schwangerschaftsmonat entschließt sich Astrid – nach einem langen inneren Kampf und intensivster Auseinandersetzung mit ihrem Mann - zum Abbruch. Obwohl dies aufgrund der Schwere der Erkrankung des Kindes in Deutschland legal ist, stoßen beide an ihre psychologischen Grenzen. Nicht anders war es für die Schauspieler. Julia Jentsch, die selbst Mutter einer sechsjährigen Tochter ist, bekannte in einem Interview, dass sie in der Vorbereitungszeit zu den Dreharbeiten Schwierigkeiten hatte, das Drehbuch überhaupt anzugehen: „24 Wochen hat das Letzte von mir abverlangt.” Und das ist im Film zu spüren. Julia Jentsch spielt mit einer derartigen Intensität, die den Zuschauer völlig vereinnahmt. Ich war neugierig auf den Menschen, der sich hinter dieser Ausnahmeschauspielerin verbirgt und deren großer Fan ich seit ihrer Darstellung von Sophie Scholl (2005) auch persönlich bin. Ich traf die gebürtige Berlinerin zum Interview in San Francisco anlässlich des Filmfestivals Berlin & Beyond, bei dem auch ihr Film “24 Wochen” mit Spannung erwartet wurde.
Julia Jentsch: About becoming an actress, and what makes a good movie
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he does not like the notion of “stardom,” although the actress Julia Jentsch has certainly achieved this status in Germany already for a long time.
Back in 2004, she already had her first international success with “Edukators” playing at the side of Daniel Bruehl. In the same year, she played alongside Bruno Ganz in Oliver Hirschbiegel’s “The Downfall,” which was Germany’s official entry to the Academy Awards the next year. Only two years later in 2007, she actually found herself on the red carpet in Hollywood when the German movie she starred in, “Sophie Scholl – the Final Days” by Marc Rothemund, was nominated for an Academy Award in the category “Best Foreign Language Film.” Many big film roles as well as various TV productions and theater engagements followed. Julia Jentsch’s acting touches the spectator – no matter if she plays Effi von Briest in the historical movie with the same title; a native from Sudetenland as in the Czech comedy “I served the King of England,”or “Astrid” in the gripping family drama “24 Weeks” directed by Anne Zohra Berrached. In this very intense drama in which Julia Jentsch stars as a prominent comedian happily married to her manager Markus (Bjarne Maedel), who gives her quiet and wise support, their relationship is completely thrown out of balance when they learn that the second child that they are expecting is severely ill. In the sixth month of the pregnancy, Astrid decides – after a long internal struggle and intense dialogues with her husband – to have the pregnancy terminated, which, in this case, is a legal procedure in Germany given the seriousness of the illness. However, the decision pushes both of them to their emotional and psychological limits. This was no different for the two actors themselves. Julia Jentsch, who is a mother of a six-year-old daughter in real life, said in an interview once that she found herself having immense difficulties just opening the screenplay in order to acquaint herself with the role and learn her text. © Constantin Filmverleih
Top: Film scene from “24 Weeks” with film partner Bjarne Maedel
“Acting has actually always been something that I had a strong longing for, without ever thinking it would become my profession.”
As “Effi von Briest” with Sebastian Koch
© Constantin Filmverleih
Photo: ©Alamy Stock Photos
Julia Jentsch:
Top: Meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel and Minister for Cultural Affairs Bernd Neumann at the premiere of “Effi Briest“ in 2008 SPRING 2017
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COVER | Titelgeschichte Photo: © Shutterstock Photos
Julia Jentsch Julia Jentsch at the premiere of “24 Weeks” at Kulturbrauerei, Berlin.
“I gave everything I was able to give emotionally for ‘24 Weeks.’ ” Jentsch once said. And it shows in the movie. The portrayal by Jentsch’s acting is so intense and authentic that it is tough to watch for the viewer. I was curious to meet the person in real life behind this exceptional actress, whose fan I have personally been since seeing her in “Sophie Scholl” in 2005. I met with Julia Jentsch for an interview in San Francisco during the Berlin & Beyond film festival, where the screening of “24 Weeks” had been awaited with much anticipation.
GW: Julia, Du sollst einmal geäußert haben, dass Dir Auszeichnungen eigentlich nicht wichtig sind. Stimmt das? Julia Jentsch: Es ist schon sehr lange her, als ich das gesagt habe.Was immer noch stimmt, ist, dass die Erfahrungen, die man bei der Erarbeitung eines Projektes macht - mit was für einem Thema man sich auseinandersetzen kann - der eigentliche Wert für mich als Schauspielerin ist. (…) Mittlerweile kann ich Preise auch sehr wertschätzen – als Ehrung und Anerkennung meiner Arbeit. GW: Du stammst aus einer Juristen-Familie. Wie haben Deine Eltern auf Deine Schauspielpläne reagiert? J. J.: Ja, sie waren zunächst sehr überrascht und dagegen. Ich bin ihnen aber auch sehr dankbar, als sie damals sehr schnell ihre Einstellung geändert haben und sich für die heftige Reaktion entschuldigten. (…) Das wichtigste für uns ist, so sagten sie damals, dass Du das machst, womit Du glücklich wirst. Und dann stehen wir voll hinter Dir. Das war natürlich dann ein schönes Gefühl und sie haben mich voll unterstützt. GW: Seit wann wusstest Du, dass Du Schauspielerin werden möchtest? J. J.: Dass mich die Schauspielerei angezogen und fasziniert hat, ist solange ich denken kann. Schon im Kindergarten hat es mir viel Spaß gemacht, mich zu verkleiden und das sehe ich jetzt bei meiner Tochter auch wieder. Die ersten Theateraufführungen oder Kinderopern – das waren immer ganz besondere und eindrückliche Erlebnisse für mich, die geblieben sind, und die irgendetwas in mir verändert haben. Sie haben mir immer eine neue Sicht auf Dinge gegeben, ein neues Lebensgefühl. (…) Ich bin dann Mitglied von Theatergruppen geworden. Es war eigentlich immer eine innere Sehnsucht, ohne dass ich je gedacht habe, es wird mein Beruf. GW: Wo war Dein erstes Engagement? J. J.: Das war bei den Münchner Kammerspielen. Und da dort ein gesetzter Rahmen gegeben war - ich war ja angestellt - konnte ich dann auch sagen: Ich bin Schauspielerin. GW: Du bist wegen Deines Ehemannes in die Schweiz gezogen und lebst jetzt mit ihm und Deiner Tochter recht ländlich in der Nähe von Zürich. Aufgewachsen bist Du jedoch in Charlottenburg.Vermisst Du Berlin? J. J.: Ja, immer wieder. Berlin und die Berliner. Ich liebe diese Stadt über alles. Ich bin dankbar, dass ich da geboren und aufgewachsen bin. (…) Es fiel damals schon schwer, nach München zu gehen. Nun bin ich eigentlich noch weiter weg. Deswegen bin ich auch immer dankbar, wenn ich beruflich oder aus persönlichen Gründen wieder in Berlin bin. Ich empfinde die Stadt als extrem inspirierend. (...) Aber ich genieße auch die Natur in der Schweiz, die Berge und die Nähe zum Zürichsee. 16
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GW: Julia, in previous interviews you allegedly said that getting an award is not that important to you. Is that still correct? Julia Jentsch: It’s been a long time since I said that. What is still true is that the experiences that I make when working on a new project, on a new character, are the real value to me as an actress. (…) In the meantime, I also learnt to appreciate awards and prizes very much since they present a wonderful recognition of my work. GW: You come from a family of lawyers. How did your parents react when they heard about your plans to become an actress? J. J.: Well, they were very surprised and absolutely not in favor of the idea. However, they changed their mind pretty quickly when they saw how seriously I was going about it. After a short while they changed their opinion and even apologized for their strong initial reactions. (…) The most important thing for us, they said at that time, is that you will be happy with what you are doing.Then, you will always have our support.That was a really good feeling and I actually have always had their back since then. GW: When did you make the decision to become an actress? J. J.: The art of acting has attracted and fascinated me as long as I can remember. (..) The first theater plays, the first children operas that I saw – that always made a deep impression on me and changed something inside of me. Those experiences gave me a new perspective of things, a different sense of being. (…) I finally joined a few theater groups. Acting has actually always been something that I had a strong longing for, without ever considering turning it into a profession.” GW: Where did you start your career? J. J.: In Munich, with the „Münchner Kammerspiele.“ And since this was a steady employment, I could finally bring myself to say that I was an actress. GW: You moved from Berlin to Switzerland because of your husband. Currently you live in the countryside, a bit outside of Zurich, but you grew up in Charlottenburg. Do you miss Berlin, the big city? J. J.: Yes, of course. Berlin and the Berliners. (smiles) I love that city more than anything. I am very thankful for being born and raised there. (…) It was pretty hard on me to even move to Munich, and now I am even further away [from Berlin]. Therefore, I am very grateful whenever my career or personal matters bring me back to Berlin. The city truly inspires me. (..) However, I enjoy the beautiful landscape of Switzerland as well - the mountains, the proximity to Lake Zurich. GW: You have also played international roles, such as the Czech comedy“I Served the King of England.“ J. J.: Yes, I even had to learn Czech for my part. Above all, it was a great honor to work with Jiri Wenzel. (...) He has a very unique way of storytelling in movies and a very unique sense of humor.
Titelgeschichte | COVER
GW: Du machst auch internationale Filme, wie z.B. die Komödie “I Served the King of England”.Welche Rolle hast Du gespielt? J. J.: Da habe ich eine Sudentendeutsche gespielt, was auch eine spannende Aufgabe war. In dem Film wird die ganze Geschichte von Tschechien erzählt. (..) Ich musste auch für meine Rolle Tschechisch lernen. Außerdem war es eine große Ehre, mit Jiri Wenzel zu arbeiten. Ich bin ein großer Fan von ihm, als Regisseur und als Mensch. Er hat eine ganz eigene Art Filme zu erzählen, einen ganz eigenen Humor. GW: In puncto Sophie Scholl hast Du mal gesagt, dass es Dir eine große Ehre gewesen wäre, sie im Film zu spielen. Wie hast Du Dich auf die Rolle von Sophie Scholl vorbereitet? J. J.: Als ich mit der Rolle in Kontakt kam, habe ich festgestellt, wieviel es zu diesem Thema gibt. Ich habe dann einen gewissen Teil an Texten über sie gelesen - natürlich auch ihre Briefe. Aber irgendwann muss man sich wirklich auf das Drehbuch konzentrieren, weil man sich sonst so leicht verlieren kann. (…) Ich hatte einen tollen Kollegen, Alexander Held, mit ihm habe ich diese langen Verhörszenen bei ihm zu Hause geprobt. Das war sehr wertvoll. GW: Gibt es Regisseure, mit denen Du gern noch arbeiten würdest? J. J.: In Deutschland würde ich wahnsinnig gern mit Andreas Dresen arbeiten. Ein anderer war auch Hans Christian Schmid, mit dem ich jetzt “Das Verschwinden” gedreht habe. (…) In Amerika wäre dies z.B. Cary Joji Fukunaga (“Jane Eyre,” 2011) Und natürlich würde ich gern mal mit Michael Fassbender drehen. (lacht) Das wäre großartig! (..) Ein Science Fiction Film würde mich auch interessieren, und mit amerikanischen Kollegen zu drehen, wäre spannend. GW: Gibt es eine Schauspielerin, die Du besonders bewunderst? J. J.: Meryl Streep finde ich wunderbar, auch Marion Cotillard und Anneke Kim Sarnau. Auch Barbara Sukowa, mit der ich drehen konnte, ist auch großartig und eine tolle Kollegin. Wie sie Hannah Arendt gespielt hat, fand ich schon eine enorme Leistung. GW: Du bist dieses Jahr Mitglied in der Jury der Berlinale. Was macht für Dich einen guten Film aus? J. J.: Dass er mich wirklich in seinen Bann zieht und eine eigene Welt erzählt.Wenn durch einen Film etwas atmosphärisch, dicht erzählt wird, dann bin ich da drin, und mache quasi eine Reise zu diesen Menschen, in diese andere Welt. Also wenn ich völlig dabei bin und merke, wie mein Herzschlag sich verändert, sich Gefühle übertragen und wenn ich dann hinterher den Kinosessel gar nicht verlassen möchte. (…) Das ging mir z.B. bei “Embrace of the Serpent” (2015) von Ciro Guerra so. Mit ihm zu drehen, wäre z.B. wunderbar. Aber das sind große Wünsche. GW: Deutsche und amerikanische Filme sind sehr unterschiedlich. Hast Du eineVorliebe? J. J.: Filme, die mich beeindruckt haben, waren manchmal kleine, improvisierte, deutsche Art House Filme, aber auch ein Film wie “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. (…) In jedem dieser Formate gibt es Filme, die etwas Besonderes haben. Es ist eine Vielfalt, die mir gefällt. Es ist wie in der Kunst: Ein Bild von einem alten Meister wie Rembrandt kann mich genauso begeistern wie von einem PopArt Künstler. Ø Scene from “The Edukators” Julia Jentsch on the cover of “Sophie Scholl - The Final Days” in 2005
GW: With regards to your part as Sophie Scholl, you once said that it had been a great honor to portray her in a movie. How did you prepare for playing that role in particular? J. J.: When I did my first research about her life, I discovered how much material was available about this topic. I started reading many of the texts that I had found, including letters that she wrote, but at some point I had to stop and concentrate on the actual screenplay. Otherwise, you lose yourself and drift away. (…) I was lucky to work with a great colleague on that movie: Alexander Held. He agreed to rehearsing those long trial scenes with me at his home.That was very helpful. GW: Are there any specific directors with whom you would like to work one day? J. J.: In Germany, I would love to get the chance to work with Andreas Dresen. (..) In the U.S. I would love to work with Cary Joji Fukunaga (“Jane Eyre,” 2011), and, of course, with Michael Fassbender. (laughs) That would be fantastic! (..) In addition, a science fiction movie would interest me, too, or working with American colleagues. GW: Is there any actress whom you especially admire? J. J.: Meryl Streep, of course, and Marion Cotillard. In Germany, I really like the acting of Anneke Kim Sarnau and of Barbara Sukowa, with whom I worked in Hannah Arendt. I think she gave an amazing performance in that movie. GW:You are a member of the Berlinale Jury this year.What do you consider a good movie? J. J.: A good movie takes me on a journey to the people in the movie, to another world. When watching a good film, I usually forget everything about my whereabouts; my heart starts beating faster. I feel how I am getting emotionally involved, and I hardly want to leave my seat in the theater after the screening. (...). I experienced that, for example, when watching “Embrace of the Serpent” (2015) which Ciro Guerra directed. He is also on my wishlist to work with – well, another big dream. GW: German and American movies are very different. Do you have any preference in this regard? J. J.: Movies which have fascinated me have ranged from improvised, small German art house films to big productions like “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon”. (…) In every genre, there is a movie that offers something special. It is the variety that I truly like. The same goes for paintings: an artwork from an old master like Rembrandt can excite me as much as a pop artist’s work. Ø
Julia Jentsch Must-Sees Das Verschwinden | German TV Mini Series | by Hans Christian Schmid The Have-Nots
| 2016 | by Florian Hoffmeister
24 Weeks | 2016 | by Anne Zohra Berrached Hannah Arendt Effi Briest
| 2012 | by Margarethe von Trotta
| 2009 | by Hermine Huntgeburth
I Served the King of England
| 2006 | by Jiri Menzel
Sophie Scholl: The Final Days Downfall
| 2005 | by Marc Rothemund
| 2005 | by Oliver Hirschbiegel
The Edukators | 2004 | by Hans Weingartner
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The Photo Access / Alamy Stock Photo
ENTERTAINMENT | Unterhaltung
Von Jenny Peters
Mike Palma / ©A.M.P.A.S.
Mike Palma / ©A.M.P.A.S.
HOLLYWOOD AWARD SAISON 2017
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Zahlreiche Nominierungen für die deutschsprachige Filmindustrie, aber nur wenig goldene Trophäen
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ls der übliche Medienzirkus um die diversen Hollywood Filmpreise in der Stadt der Engel auch dieses Jahr mit der Oscar-Preisverleihung seinen glanzvollen Höhepunkt erreichte, hatten Filmemacher und Schauspieler aus dem deutschsprachigen Europa viel Grund zum Feiern – zumindest sofern es Nominierungen betraf.
Andererseits ist Maren Ades größter Triumph sicherlich, dass sich Paramount Pictures die Rechte an ihrem Drehbuch für “Toni Erdmann” sicherten, um eine Neuverfilmung in englischer Sprache mit Jack Nicholson in der Titelrolle zu drehen. Damit hat die Karlsruherin sicherlich einen exzellenten Start in Hollywood.
Zwar erhielten die talentierten und kreativen Filmemacher aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz viel Anerkennung für ihr Filmschaffen – sei es für die fast dreistündige deutsche Komödie “Toni Erdmann” oder für den 30-minütigen Schweizer Kurzfilm “La Femme et Le TGV” (Die Frau und der TGV) - doch nur wenige konnten tatsächlich eine goldene (oder gläserne) Trophäe mit nach Hause nehmen.
Viel Erfolg in dieser Saison hatte auch der deutsche Komponist Volker Bertelmann (Künstlername Hauschka), der gemeinsam mit seinem Kollegen Dustin O’Halloran für die Komposition der Filmmusik von “Lion” Nominierungen bei den Golden Globes, den Critics Choice Awards und für die Oscars in der Kategorie “Beste Originalmusik” erhielt. Leider war jedoch jedes Mal Justin Hurwitz der Gewinner für seine Musik von “La La Land”.
Eine große Ausnahme allerdings bildet ARRI, die weltweit führende Kamera- und Filmtechnologie-Produktionsfirma, die in München am 12. September vor genau 100 Jahren gegründet wurde. Dieses traditionsreiche sowie innovative Unternehmen wurde zum 19. Mal mit dem TechnikOscar ausgezeichnet. In diesem Jahr, so die Erklärung der Oscar-Jury, für “Design und die Digitalisierung des Super-35 Kameraformats”. Unter den größten Auszeichnungen, die Hollywood jedes Jahr vergibt, war es passenderweise der “Spirit Award”, der die Gemüter der deutschen Filmemacher erfreute, denn die Regisseurin und Drehbuchautorin von “Toni Erdmann”, Maren Ade, konnte diese gläserne Trophäe in der Kategorie “Bester Internationaler Film” mit nach Hause nehmen. Die schräge Gesellschaftskomödie erhielt auch eine Golden Globe und Oscar-Nominerung in der Kategorie “ Bester fremdsprachlicher Film” sowie Nominierungen in der gleichen Kategorie des Critics’ Choice Verbandes und von BAFTA. Die beiden Stars von “Toni Erdmann” – der österreichische Schauspieler Peter Simonischek in der Titelrolle und die deutsche Schauspielerin Sandra Hüller, die seine Tochter spielt - erhielten ebenfalls viel Lob aus amerikanischen Kritikerkreisen für ihre Arbeit, doch gewannen leider keine US-Preise.
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Auch zwei Schweizer Produktionen, der Animationsfilm “Mein Leben als Zucchini” von David Barras und der Live Action Kurzfilm “Die Frau und der TGV”, erhielten in ihren Kategorien immerhin eine Oscar-Nominierung. Die gleiche Ehre erfuhr Dänemarks Beitrag “Land of Mine”, eine deutsch-dänische Koproduktion, als “Bester fremdsprachlicher Film”. Und selbst wenn 2016 nicht gerade das erfolgreichste Jahr für Filme aus Deutschland, Österreich oder der Schweiz in den USA war, so kann man sicherlich mit starken Produktionen in der nächsten Saison rechnen. Nicht zuletzt hat die deutsche Filmindustrie seit mehr als 100 Jahren immer wieder neue Impulse gesetzt, unter anderem auch mit Kreativ-Powerhaus UfA, das in diesem Jahr seinen hundersten Geburtstag feiert. Seit dieser Zeit haben deutschsprachige Filmschaffende immer wieder wichtige Beiträge zur Entwicklung der internationalen Filmindustrie geleistet und es immer wieder meisterhaft verstanden, Menschheitsträume auf der Leinwand wahr werden zu lassen – egal, wie viele goldene Trophäen die Regale ihrer Studios zieren. n - Deutsche Version von Petra Schürmann
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s the annual Hollywood awards-giving frenzy played out in the City of Angels leading up to the 2017 Academy Awards, filmmakers and actors from German-speaking countries had a lot to celebrate – when it came to being nominated, that is.
While the talented and creative artists from Germany, Austria and Switzerland picked up numerous nods for their fine work in films ranging from the almost three-hour-long German comedy “Toni Erdmann” to the 30-minute Swiss drama “La Femme et le TGV,” very few actually went home with a golden (or crystal) statue. One grand exception was ARRI, the film technology company founded in Munich exactly 100 years ago. That groundbreaking firm took home its 19th Scientific and Technical Oscar for “the pioneering design and engineering of the Super 35 format digital camera system,” according to the Academy. Of the biggest prizes for films in the Hollywood awards season, only the Spirit Awards actually lifted the spirits of the German-speaking community, as director-screenwriter Maren Ade took home the top prize - for Best International Film Award – for “Toni Erdmann.” That funny film also garnered an Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Language Film, along with nominations in that same category from key groups including the Golden Globes, Critics’ Choice and BAFTA. Peter Simonischek, the movie’s Austrian star, and German-born Sandra Hüller, who plays his daughter, also both received accolades from numerous American critics’ societies, but no major prizes. However, Ade’s most important win of the season was the pickup of her script by Paramount Pictures, who will remake “Toni Erdmann” in English, starring Jack Nicholson in his first screen appearance since 2010, which should set the Karlsruhe native on her way in Tinseltown.
By Jenny Peters
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German-speaking filmmakers win plenty of nominations, but few golden statues
German composer Hauschka (Volker Bertelmann) took home multiple Best Original Score nominations for his “Lion” score, shared with composing partner Dustin O’Halloran, including Oscar, Golden Globes and Critics’ Choice nods, but sadly lost every one to Justin Hurwitz’s music for “La La Land.” Two Swiss productions, the animated feature film “My Life as a Zucchini” and the live-action short film “La Femme et le TGV,” also garnered Oscar nominations, as did the Danish-German co-production of “Land of Mine,” which competed in the Best Foreign Language Film category. And while 2016 might not have been such a golden year when it came to winning awards for German, Swiss or Austrian films, there is one thing that is certain. As Germany celebrates 100 years of UFA film production this year, there is no doubt that during next year’s awards season there will once again be more contenders for those top prizes. For, ever since the movie business began all those years ago, German-speaking creative artists have always been an integral part of the foundation of making dreams come true up on the silver screen – regardless of how many golden statues grace their mantelpieces. n 1 Maren Ade happy about receiving the Spirit Award for “Best International Film”. 2 Academy Governor Mark Johnson (l.) with the directors of all Oscar® nominated foreign films such as Martin Zandvliet for “Land of Mine”, Maren Ade for “Toni Erdmann”, Hannes Holms for “A Man Called Ove”, Bentley Dean and Martin Butler for “Tanna” (f.l.t.r.) on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills. 89th Oscars, FLFA Symposium. 3 Germany’s Sandra Hüller (l.) and Maren Ade arrive at the Red Carpet on Oscar® Night. 4 The “Tech Oscar” for ARRI: Achim Oehler, Franz Kraus and Marc Shipman-Mueller during the Scientific and Technical Achievement Awards on February 11, 2017. 5 Four members of the “Toni Erdmann” team at the Golden Globes in January 2017. 6 Oscar® nominees Max Karli and Claude Barras with Pauline Gygax and Celine Sciamma at the 89th Oscars®. 7 Oscar®-nominee Volker Bertelmann (Hauschka) and guest. 8 Timo von Gunten (l.) and Giacun Caduff of the Oscar® nominated live action short film “La Femme et le TGV“on February 21, 2017 at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater.
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SPOTLIGHT | Los Angeles
Big Bash for Toni Erdmann & Friends German Pre-Oscar Party honors German-speaking Nominees in Los Angeles | By Petra Schurmann
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fter weeks of cold and rainy weather, California’s sunshine came back to play on February 25, 2017 – right in time for the German Pre-Oscar party atVilla Aurora (1). More than 400 German and international guests arrived via the invitation from German Films Marketing + Service GmbH, all on hand to honor this year’s Oscar nominees from German-speaking countries.The “Toni Erdmann” team came with a large delegation including actors Sandra Hüller (3, l.), Peter Simonischek (2, c.),Trystan Pütter, Lucy Russell and Hadewych Minis, along with producer Janine Jackowski.
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Other key nominees – director Marcel Mettelsiefen (5) of “Watami: My Homeland,” nominated for Best Documentary Short Film, accompanied by actress Hala Kamil (5), Volker Bertelmann (7) (AKA “Hauschka”), who composed the beautiful music of “Lion”; and actors Louis Hofmann and Joel Basman of Best Foreign Language Film contender “Land of Mine” – had all made time during the busy Oscar weekend to attend the party. Unfortunately, Best Foreign Language Film nominee Maren Ade, the director and screenwriter of “Toni Erdmann,” who attended the Foreign Language Film Symposium at the Academy that morning, had been prevented by L.A.’s notorious traffic to arrive at the bash in the Pacific Palisades in time. Instead, she went straight to the Independent Spirit Awards on the beach in Santa Monica, where she was also a nominee. Hollywood Foreign Press Association board member Helen Hoehne, as well as journalists Frank Fastner (RTL) and dpa’s Barbara Munker enjoyed 3 meeting some of the best talents from Europe and catching up with local German film talents such as Thure Riefenstein (6), Christian Oliver, Emily Cox, Jana Nawartschi (4, r.), Daniel Dorr (4, r.), and director Frauke Finsterwalder.
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This annual event, co-hosted by the Consul General of Germany and sponsored this year by Bertelsmann and VW, is one of the most-anticipated parties of the year, which often boasts high-ranking German officials joining the celebration. This year’s government representatives included Michael Reiffenstuel, cultural envoy of the Foreign Office, and Björn Böhning, head of the Senate Chancellery Berlin. Film professionals also had the chance to meet representatives of the many influential German film funds on hand, ranging from Petra Müller of Film & Media Foundation North-Rhine Westphalia, Kirsten Niehuus from Medienboard Berlin-Brandenburg and Prof. Dr. Klaus Schaefer (9, 2nd f. l.), FFF Bavaria as well as Mariette Rissenbeek (6) and Peter Herrmann (9, back row, 2nd f. l.) of German Films.
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Hollywood A-listers with German heritage like Sandra Bullock, Kirsten Dunst, Diane Kruger, Michael Fassbender and Wolfgang Petersen are always invited but can rarely make it. They are truly missing out since Villa Aurora is not only one of the most beautiful spots in L.A., but also one of the most important landmarks of German exile history. Famous ex-pats like Charlie Chaplin, Bertolt Brecht,Thomas Mann and Arnold Schoenberg were frequent guests of the Villa’s former owners, Jewish writer Lion Feuchtwanger and his wife Marta. How very fitting that the annual German Pre-Oscar Party is continuing this tradition of cultural and intellectual exchange between international artists of the highest caliber at this illustrious place. n
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Red Carpet Honors for Austrian Enterprises ETM, Frequentis, RIEGL and Stratodesk recognized with the USA BIZ Awards 2017
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or the seventh time, top performances by Austrian companies in the U.S. were celebrated at the USA BIZ Awards – the so-called Economy Oscar – hosted by Advantage Austria. Representatives of the winning businesses had gladly traveled to L.A. to receive the award in person. The trophy, which was presented by Walter Koren (3, r.), director general of Advantage Austria, and Rudolf Thaler (3, l.), president of Advantage Austria Los Angeles, is made of the finest Augarten china from Austria and beautifully shaped like the wing of an eagle. The award ceremony took place parallel to the Academy’s Oscar Gala at the Hollywood Dolby Theater in the residence of Austrian Consul General Ulrike Ritzinger (2, l.). Among the winners were Carinthian startup winner Emanuel Pirker (4) of Stratodesk from San Francisco and Johannes Riegl Jr. from Orlando, Florida. Riegl was proud to win the USA BIZ Award in the category of trendsetters for dual channel airborne laser scanner systems. Carl Hoffmann (3, c.) took the award in the field of innovation for the Burgenland ETM Professional Control. Frequentis sent Dieter Eier (1) to accept the award for the category of market penetration. USA BIZ Award winners of the previous year, Skidata, was represented by Perner Stefan and Johannes Dietmann. Well-known ORF TV journalist Hannelore Veith (2, r.) served as “Master of Ceremony” of the evening and introduced all nominated enterprises to the more than one hundred guests that included actors, producers and representatives of the “Oscar” nominated companies. Guests enjoyed Austrian Trumer beer and drinks provided by Austrian USA BIZ Award winner RedBull. The Carinthian cook icon Wolfgang Puck sent his greetings in form of a culinary delight: The coveted chocolate Oscars with gold dust, as they were served at the Governor’s Ball after the Oscars to Hollywood stars the same night. “From today onwards, the radar for outstanding achievements of the Austrian economy on the US market is reactivated,” Walter Koren said. “What counts for registering before the deadline of December 5, 2017 is a concise and catchy email pitch. We are searching for memorable stories, innovation, achievements and market footprint.” n
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n March 1st, the German Consutate General in Atlanta invited Georgia legislators and distinguished guests to the Georgia Railroad Depot for a dinner reception and presentation on “Clean Energy in Georgia – Jobs, Technology, National Security”.
Retired 4 Star General Wesley K. Clark
The 150 guests were greeted by Consul General Ruenger who then handed the proceedings over to moderator Sarah Backhouse. Among the expert panel was Mr. Ervan Hancock, Director of Renewable Energy from Georgia Power, who gave an update on the status of Georgia Power’s Advanced Solar Initiative program (ASI) as well as the number of jobs created since its inception.
The keynote address at the event was given by retired 4 Star General Wesley K. Clark, the former U.S. Joint Chief of Staff and NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe. His expertise of 34 years of military service and his business acumen in clean energy and consulting made him the perfect speaker to deliver a local as well as a global perspective on the topic. His speech weaved a story from pioneers settling the West to the civil war waged in the South and the dangerous, dramatic consequences of unchecked global warming and climate change. He addressed current events in Europe and the importance of a strong NATO alliance and lasting transatlantic bonds. His riveting performance received a well-deserved standing ovation. n
54TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELYSÉE TREATY CELEBRATED AT THE GOETHEZENTRUM ATLANTA
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n February 6, the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Atlanta, the Consulate General of France in Atlanta, the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, and the Alliance Française d’Atlanta celebrated the 54th anniversary of the signing of the Elysée Treaty with the podium discussion “Europe: What’s Next? Elections in France and Germany.” German political analyst Dr. Dieter Dettke of Georgetown University and French journalist Maurin Picard, New York correspondent for Le Figaro shared their perspectives on the upcoming European elections and potential changes in the European political landscape. The discussion was moderated by Rickey Bevington, NPR host of the show “All Things Considered.” The presentations as well as other issues such as the European-American relationship after the US elections led to a lively discussion with the audience with about 110 attendees. n
© Germany.info
Panelist Tim Echols, public service commissioner, used the opportunity to highlight the benefits of Georgia’s transition to becoming a leader in the electric vehicle marketplace. His commitment to alternative fuels has been evident in the Alternative Fuel Roadshow, a yearly event that Commissioner Echols has been leading for years. Adding to the topic, Harald Henn, VP and CFO of MercedesBenz USA in Atlanta, gave a presentation on the implications of alternative power-plants and connected vehicles for future automotive mobility.
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© Germany.info
THE GERMAN CONSULATE GENERAL IN ATLANTA CONTINUES ITS SERIES OF CONFERENCES ON ENERGY AND CLIMATE CHANGE
© Germany.info
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© Atlanta Dogwood Festival
EVENTS Apr 8, 2017 2:00 PM - Apr 10, 2017 4:00 PM 81st Atlanta Dogwood Festival 2017
Join the German Consulate General Atlanta and the Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta on April 7-9, 2017 at the 81st Atlanta Dogwood Festival! They will be located in the Festival’s International Village and will have lots of fun activities for you to get involved in as well as a chance to learn more about us, our organizations, Germany and its culture. April 08, 2-8pm, April 09, 10am-8pm, April 10, 10am-4pm n Location: Piedmont Park, Midtown Atlanta
April 10 at 6.30 PM A Note on Opera: Dvorák’s “Rusalka” and Weber’s “Der Freischütz”: Opposing Views of Nature in German and Czech Opera Join the Goethe-Zentrum for their latest lecture in their “A Note on Opera” series they we look at “Dvorák’s ‘Rusalka’ and Weber’s ‘Der Freischütz’: Opposing Views of Nature in German and Czech Opera.” Course to be taught in English by David Kerr. No pre-existing knowledge of music required. n Admission: $15 members, $25 non-members Location: Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta, 1197 Peachtree Street NE www.goethe.de/atlanta Source: www.germany.info
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KINO! 2017 in New York Exciting selection of new films from Germany come to the Big Apple
KINO!, the popular annual German film festival in New York City, is back in 2017 for the fourth year. It will bring twelve feature films and a lineup of innovative short films to the Big Apple.
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ccording to KINO! producer German Films Service + Marketing GmbH, this year’s festival will be held at the Sunshine Landmark Theater from March 31 to April 6. The fest will welcome some of the finest talents from Germany to New York, including Martina Gedeck, the lead actress in Sven Taddicken’s “Original Bliss,” who will appear for an artist talk on April 2. Gedeck played the lead role in the German Oscar® winner “The Lives of Others,” has starred in countless films and has won more than thirty German and international awards. Other attending German film talents are Carla Juri, lead actress of the opening film “Paula”; Kai Wessel, director of “Fog in August”; and Nicolette Krebitz, director of “Wild.”
This year’s film festival, which is presented in collaboration with the German Information Center, Bertelsmann and Deutsches Haus at NYU, with support from media sponsor The Village Voice, promises some true highlights for movie lovers including one North American premiere and five U.S. premieres. “Paula,” the opening-night film, is the U.S. premiere of the colorful biopic of German artist Paula Modersohn-Becker, starring Carla Juri (“Blade Runner 2049”). The movie had fantastic success in Germany, where it topped the art-house charts for four weeks. In the centerpiece event of the festival on April 3, DJ Raphaël Marionneau will be at the turntables to provide the soundtrack for the screening of the newly restored Fritz Lang classic “Destiny,” presented by Bertelsmann.That international media company was the main sponsor of this silent movie’s digital restoration, which was carried out by the Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau Foundation last year, making it available again with its typical 1920s coloration. KINO! 2017 continues to showcase the vast diversity within contemporary German cinema including the radical Sundance favorite “Wild” by German actress and director Nicolette Krebitz, the shocking tale of a young woman who escapes from urban societal strictures and starts an intimate relationship with a wolf. Also featured is “The Verdict,” a truly interactive film experience brought to the screen by Lars Kraume, who also directed “The People vs. Fritz Bauer.” This courtroom drama allows audiences to vote on whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.
Other movie highlights of the KINO! Festival are: FUKUSHIMA, MON AMOUR (GRÜSSE AUS FUKUSHIMA) by Doris Dörrie Friday, March 31, 3 p.m. & Saturday, April 1, 4 p.m. Director/screenwriter Doris Dörrie lensed this movie in black and white in the Fukushima region of Japan in the wake of the earthquake and the ensuing 15-meter tsunami that disabled three reactors and later resulted in the nuclear catastrophe.
FOG IN AUGUST (NEBEL IM AUGUST) by Kai Wessel Saturday, April 1, 6 p.m. & Sunday, April 2, 3 p.m. Based on Robert Domes’ 2008 novel, “Fog in August” is the first German feature film to focus exclusively on the Nazi euthanasia program in which it is estimated that at least 5,000 children lost their lives. Starring Sebastian Koch (“The Lives of Others”) who gives a brilliant performance as Dr. Veithausen.
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ORIGINAL BLISS (GLEISSENDES GLÜCK) by Sven Taddicken Sunday, April 2, 6 p.m. & Thursday, April 6, 8 p.m. Desperately trapped in a failing marriage, Helene Brindel (Martina Gedeck) sees the key to her liberation in the form of the celebrated psychologist Eduard E. Gluck (Ulrich Tukur). But the charismatic Gluck is fighting demons of his own. Hesitantly at first, both give themselves over to a world in which love is both a test and a promise that leads to a blissful future.
24 WEEKS (24 WOCHEN) by Anne Zohra Berrached Sunday, April 2, 8:30 p.m. & Thursday, April 6, 6 p.m. This is a must-see movie with stellar performances by Julia Jentsch and Bjarne Mädel playing a happy couple, Astrid and Markus, who are expecting their second child. Their happy world collapses when the doctor informs them that the fetus has a 98 percent chance of being born with Down syndrome. Since late-term abortions are allowed in Germany in those cases, Astrid and Markus are struggling with the decision. The film is especially remarkable in not taking sides but showing the conflict and pain parents go through -- no matter how they decide.
HANNA’S SLEEPING DOGS (HANNAS SCHLAFENDE HUNDE) by Andreas Gruber Tuesday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. & Wednesday, April 5, 8 p.m. Based on a semi-autobiographical novel by Elisabeth Escher, “Hanna’s Sleeping Dogs” explores a young girl’s embrace of her heritage and her family’s past as she grapples with a newly found self image. Set in the small town of Wels, Austria, in 1967. For last minute updates, guest appearances and the complete program schedule visit www.kinofestivalnyc.com
Not to be missed March 31 at 7:30 p.m. PAULA Post-screening discussion with Carla Juri moderated by festival consultant Marian Masone. Location: Sunshine Landmark Theater
April 1 at 4:30 p.m. CARLA JURI AT DEUTSCHES HAUS AT NYU Join an in-depth conversation between Carla Juri and the film scholar and author Noah Isenberg entitled “Let’s Talk About Paula: A Conversation with Carla Juri.” www.nyu.edu/deutscheshaus
April 2 at 6 p.m. “GLEISSENDES GLÜCK” Post-screening discussion with Martina Gedeck. Location: Sunshine Landmark Theater.
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Great Talents from Germany at BERLIN & BEYOND 2017 Julia Jentsch and Maria Schrader highlighted 21st Edition of San Francisco’s popular film festival 3
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or the 21st time, the Goethe-Institut San Francisco presented its Berlin & Beyond Film Festival and was happy to welcome 10,000 filmgoers through its packed six-day run in early February. It was a first time collaboration between the Goethe-Institut Director Sigrid Savelsberg who joined the Goethe-Institut team last summer and Festival Director Sophan Sorn who has been in charge of the festival for eight years now. 4
All photos: ©Barak Shrama - www.barakshramaphotography.com
Since 1996, Berlin & Beyond Film Festival has been the leading festival of contemporary German cinema in the Americas, and 2 has presented over 500 motion pictures, along with the presence of celebrated film figures, including Daniel Brühl, Hannelore Elsner, Bruno Ganz, Barbara Sukowa, and Wim Wenders. It is one of best opportunities in Northern California to stay in touch with contemporary German culture, practice German, network, and - last but not least – meet some of German cinema’s biggest stars in person. The 21st edition of Berlin & Beyond was no exception as it welcomed the acclaimed German actresses Julia Jentsch and Maria Schrader in San Francisco as well as veteran Swiss filmmaker Stefan Haupt, Jan Tenhaven, and Academy Award nominee Max Zähle – among others. Julia Jentsch was the festival’s choice for the 2017 Spotlight Award in Acting to celebrate her on-going career and demonstrated her extraordinary talent in the controversial drama “24 Weeks”. German multi-talent (actress, director, screenwriter) Maria Schrader received the festival’s inaugural Career Achievement Award at the screening of the historical drama ”Stefan Zweig: Farewell to Europe” (Vor der Morgenröte)” which was Austria’s entry last year for the Oscar but did not get nominated. In San Francisco, however, it won the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature Gala.
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Among the filmgoers were over 1,200 students attending the Youth 4 German Cinema screenings movies selected by an international jury of students from across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The festival would not have been made possible without partners and sponsors. Luckily, the festival team was able to rely on the support by more than 40 sponsors and partners incl. Mercedes-Benz Research & Development North America, Inc., Grants for the Arts, the Consulates General of Germany and Switzerland in San Francisco as well as Deutsche Welle (DW-TV), Dee Vine Wines, Excelsior German Center Oakland, German Films Marketing + Service GmbH, and the Austrian Consulate General Los Angeles. A huge compliment to the Berlin & Beyond team for the wide variety of films selected. The Goethe-Institut which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year in San Francisco certainly managed to kick this year off on a most promising note. n
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1 Festival Director Sophoan Sorn 2 Festival President Sigrid Savelsberg and S. Sorn present the 2017 Spotlight Award in Acting to Julia Jentsch 3 Full house at the Castro Theater 4 Austrian Consul General Ulrike Ritzinger (r.) from L.A. with Maria Schrader 5 Consul General Stefan Schlueter and his wife hosted a pre-festival reception at their residence 6 Petra Schürmann (c.) and Holger Friedrich chatting with Julia Jentsch 7 S. Sorn thanks Jale Yoldas, Goethe Institut, and a volunteer for their support 8 Festival founder Dr. Ingrid Eggers (l.), Ingo Rasper, S. Savelsberg and a guest on Opening Night 9 Director Ingo Rasper 10 Writer-producer Fritjof Hohagen (l.), producer Lara Sanders with son Luka (all of “Hannah’s Sleeping Dogs”), Consul General Schlueter, director Max Zähle and Johanna Pfaff of “Scrappin’” (f.l.t.r) 11 Maria Schrader and Julia Jentsch arrive at the festival 12 S. Savelsberg and S. Sorn with Moshe Cohen, Ingo Rasper, Julia Jentsch and Maria Schrader on Opening Night
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500 YEARS OF LEGENDS:
EVENT TIPS
Special Envoy for the Reformation Anniversary Discusses its Meaning Today
March 23 – 26 | The 48th Annual Convention of the Northeast Modern Language Association
By Jacob Comenetz, Cultural Affairs Officer, German Embassy Washington
(l-r) Holger Mahnicke, Head of the Communications and Culture Department of the German Embassy Washington; Dr. Margot Käßmann, Special Envoy for the Reformation Anniversary; Dr. Simone Lässig, Director of the German Historical Institute; and The Rev. Dr. Olaf Wassmuth of the German Lutheran Church Washington, D.C. © Germany.info / Jacob Comenetz
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ive hundred years is a lot of time for legends to develop. Certainly when it comes to Martin Luther, the sixteenth century church reformer, the legends are legion. Luther’s legacy has been used— and often abused—to justify divergent beliefs and actions.
Given this complex legacy, the Evangelical Church in Germany has appointed an ambassador for the 2017 Reformation Quincentennial. On Feb. 15, at a joint event of the German Historical Institute and the German Embassy in Washington, DC, Special Envoy for the Reformation Anniversary Dr. Margot Käßmann discussed how Germany is approaching the Reformation commemoration in the present day context. Whereas past commemorations, both of Luther’s birth year (1483) and his posting of the 95 theses in Wittenberg in 1517, were given an ideological bent, in 2017 Germany’s approach is both open and ecumenical, Käßmann said. Rather than prescribing answers, the leitmotif is about asking questions: “Where do we need reformation today?” “What does separation of Church and State mean in Germany today?” These and many other questions will be discussed over 16 weeks, from May through September, in Wittenberg. Everyone is invited! At a time of increasing secularization, religious discrimination and conflict, Dr. Käßmann said the Reformation anniversary offered a much-needed opportunity for a dialogue of religions. In Germany, churches have played an important role in keeping the social peace as the country has taken in thousands of refugees fleeing war and conflict. Religion is often misused and allows itself to be misused, Käßmann said, but its abiding message was one of peace: “Religion is only true if it contributes to Source: German Information Center – www.germany.info conflict resolution.”
OHRENSCHMAUS IN DC German Embassy kicks of the new year with a traditional ‘Neujahrskonzert’
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n Tuesday evening, January, 24 2017, guests of the German Embassy were treated to a special Neujahrskonzert by three young musicians from Weimar to welcome the New Year. The musicians—Carolin Susanna Herrmann (violin), Raphael Zinner (violoncello), and Johannes Daniel Schneider (piano)—all attend the Musikgymnasium Schloss Belvedere. The prestigious state-run boarding school for the musically gifted, located adjacent to the scenic Rococo Castle Belvedere by Weimar, attracts rising talents from across Germany. Commencing with Joseph Haydn’s Piano Trio No. 39 in G major for piano, violin and cello, the musicians held the audience rapt with their precocious virtuosity. The program continued with a varied selection of works by Bach, Chopin, and Mendelssohn Bartholdy. Schneider’s masterful interpretation of Chopin’s famously challenging Polonaise in A-flat major for piano, Op. 53, delighted the audience in particular. It was, as one concert-goer put it, an Ohrenschmaus—a feast for the ears! Source: German Information Center – www.germany.info
washington DC & vicinity
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The theme of this year’s convention is “Translingual and Transcultural Competence: Toward a Multilingual Future in the Global Era.” It features approximately 400 sessions. Location: Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, 700 Aliceanna Street, Baltimore, MD 21202 Contact: (716) 645-6342 | support@nemla.org
April 8, 8 PM | Piano Battle U.S. Tour Part serious classical recital, part tongue-in-cheek competition, the comedy-classical combat show of the affable German pair Andreas Kern and Paul Cibis returns after a successful debut… It’s serious classical music in a whole new context.You will be the jury! Location: Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 West Patrick St, Frederick, MD 21701 | Contact: (301) 600-2828 | www.weinbergcenter.org
VIRGINIA April 2, 3 PM | Piano Battle U.S. Tour Location: Diamonstein Concert Hall, 1 Ave of the Arts, Newport News,VA 23606 Contact: (757) 594-8752 fergusoncenter.org
W A S H I N G TO N , D . C . March 31, 6:30 PM | Movie Night: “Measuring the World” (Die Vermessung der Welt) At the start of the 19th century two men set out to explore the world. One focuses on the visible and the other on the imaginable. Location: Goethe-Institut Washington, 1990 K St. NW, Ste. 03 | Contact: (202) 847-4700 | www.goethe.de/washingtondc
Until April 29 | Interactive Exhibition: Games and Politics The interactive exhibition Games & Politics encourages the visitor to try out sixteen significant politically-ambitious video games and examine how they each unfold their unique political potential. Location: Goethe-Institut Washington, 1990 K St. NW, Ste. 03 | Contact: (202) 847-4700 www.goethe.de/washingtondc
May 4, 6 PM – 9 PM | Lecture: The Rise of the Digital Society | Computers in Socialist and Democratic Cold War Germany This lecture is part of the “GHI Spring Lecture Series 2017: The Making of the Digital World.” This series offers a fresh look at narratives of technological progress in the twentieth century. Location: German Historical Institute, 1607 New Hampshire Ave, NW | Contact: www.ghi-dc.org
May 12, 10:30 AM – 6 PM | Career Day Washington Learn how to unlock your career with German at this information fair with workshops and panel discussions. Location: Goethe-Institut Washington, 1990 K St. NW, Ste. 03 | Contact: 202-847-4718 LanguagePrograms@washington.goethe.org SPRING SPRING 2017 2017 WWW.GERMAN-WORLD.COM WWW.GERMAN-WORLD.COM
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germany in
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EVENT TIPS N E W YO R K
April 3 and 5:
MUSICAL GEMS AND POLITICAL SIDE NOTES: Barenboim delights New York with Bruckner
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o, not only America must be great again, the whole world should be “great” again, says Daniel Barenboim to the audience at the Carnegie Hall on January 20, 2017 after the Staatskapelle Berlin had just performed the second Symphony by Anton Bruckner (1824-1896). Exactly 60 years ago, the famous conductor and pianist performed at Carnegie Hall for the first time. Barenboim continued to tell the audience about his debut in 1957 with the great conductor Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977), and brings a plea for the defense of the culture: Whoever pursues a policy without values, destroys the structure of society. The almost 2800 listeners rise to an ovation, some have tears in their eyes. Barenboim (74) and the Staatskapelle truly inspired New York’s classic lovers in January. Nine Bruckner symphonies in eleven days, a piano concerto by Mozart, with Barenboim in his double role as a pianist and conductor. For those who find Bruckner’s symphonies long-winded and structurally wayward, hearing them performed by great musicians who have immersed themselves in these challenging, personal and profound works of late Germanic Romanticism was a revelation. With their performance in the “Big Apple” the general music director of the Berlin Staatsoper and his orchestra certainly wrote music history in the USA. – gw/ps
EVENT TIPS B O S TO N
April 7 – 9, 2017 German American Conference at Harvard The 9th annual German American Conference will delve into the most pressing issues in the transatlantic relationship. Location: Harvard University Information: www.germanamericanconference.org
April 23, 3 PM – 4 PM Countertenor Andreas Scholl - Special Concert This extraordinary 1-hour performance will be followed by a leisurely meet-and-greet with the artists. Location: Old South Church, 45 Boylston St. Contact: (617) 262-6050 www.goethe.de/boston
Open until August 5 Listen Hear: The Art of Sound Exhibition Experience the ways sound and space interact in the Gardner’s first exhibition of sound art. Location: Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, 25 Evans Way Contact: (617) 262-6050 www.goethe.de/boston
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Munich Philharmonic Orchestra at Carnegie Hall | Conducted by Maestro Valery Gergiev Information: www.carnegiehall.org
April 6 – 7PM Munich Philharmonic Orchestra at the German House As a part of the Munich Philharmonic’s 2017 international tour, the German Consulate General will host a special performance by members of the orchestra featuring beloved chamber works by W.A. Mozart and Franz Schubert. Location: Consulate General of Germany, 871 UN Plaza
April 8, 6 PM – 11 PM Bavarian Night Bayern-Verein Alpengrün folk dancing club is hosting and performing, in authentic attire, at its 85th anniversary dance. Location: Fraternal Order of Eagles 1200 Buffalo Road, Rochester, NY 14624 Contact: bvatickets@gmail.com
Open until April 24 Exhibition: Constructing Paradise Constructing Paradise exhibits contemporary reinterpretations of notions of the “exotic” by artists based in Austria or the U.S. Location: Austrian Cultural Forum New York, 11 East 52nd St Information: (212) 319 5300
May 12, 6:30 PM German Game Night An evening of fun and friendly competition playing modern tabletop classics including Carcassonne, Ticket to Ride and Dixit. Location: Goethe-Institut, 30 Irving Pl. www.goethe.de/newyork
W A S H I N G TO N , D . C .
April 13 – 6.30 PM- 8.30 PM History & Hops at The Heurich House Nathan Zeender, head brewer at Right Proper Brewing Company, will host a special Craft Brewers Conference (CBC) at the Heurich House Museum. Featuring Right Proper’s Berliner Weisse. Great opportunity to explore the historic home of brewer Christian Heurich. $30/person Location: 1307 New Hampshire Avenue Information: heurichhouse.org - 202-429-1894
GAMGA Helau!
Karneval Fans from as far away as Reutlingen joined the GAMGA Gala in Las Vegas
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or more than 30 years, the annual gala of the German-American Mardi Gras Association (GAMGA) has attracted German Karneval fans from all parts of the U.S. and Canada, all determined to keep the fun and colorful tradition of Karneval – aka The Fifth Season – alive. Since 2014,Tuscany Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas has been the venue for the two-day event.This year, the North American “Karnevalsjecken” were even joined by delegations from Berlin, Reutlingen and Neuss!
The GAMGA weekend kicked off on January 13 with a GAMGA Board Meeting, followed by the GAMGA Delegates Meeting, and culminated with the first gala event – The Costume Ball. Close to 1,000 GAMGA guests cheered the thunderous opening presented by the “Chicago Fanfaren,” a marching brass band from the Windy City, followed by the welcomBy Petra Schürmann ing address of former GAMGA President Siggi Schuster and capped off with the grand entrance of the GAMGA Board, who crowned this year’s GAMGA Prince and Princess, “Seine Tollitaet Prinz Ensuring that German Karneval lives on in the U.S.: The GAMGA Board. Matthew I. und Ihre Lieblichkeit Prinzessin Michelle I.” – both members of the Las Vegas Vagabonds.
GAMGA President Walter Luebke “Prunksitzung” of Karneval Royalty.
Just like every year, the dance shows presented by the various clubs, especially their youth groups, were spectacular, as were some members’ truly unique costume creations. Everyone swayed and shashayed over the large dance floor to the music of “Bluebirds,” the popular show band from Southern California known for its broad repertoire of German and American favorites.
Walter Luebke welcomes the GAMGA Prince and Princess 2017.
Mona Luebke (c.) with her “Prince” and her Mom Margitta.
The Chicago Fanfaren. GAMGA Prince & Princess 2017
Despite celebrating almost through the night, many GAMGA guests gathered the next morning for various workshops designed to teach newcomers the roots of German Karneval and to refresh the memories of the organization’s more seasoned members. Then it was time for the festive “Prunksitzung” (Pomp Session). This has been always my favorite since it is quite a show, as the Karneval royals in their exquisite robes and richly adorned Karneval hats are surrounded by their “subjects,” all dressed in the official (and often elaborate) attire of their organization. While most of the GAMGA members’ clubs follow the Rhenish Karneval tradition, some clubs like “Die Narren von Neu-Ulm” show off typical costumes representing the “Allemannische Fastnacht” celebrated in the southern part of Germany and Switzerland. Time flies when you have a good time, and soon Las Vegas could take a deep breath of relief and see the “Karnevalsjecken” leave for their home turf to revel in more Karneval fun until Ash Wednesday. This must have been a bittersweet moment for Walter Luebke, whose GAMGA presidency comes to an end on April 29.The personable and soft-spoken businessman from Fullerton, California, has successfully led North America’s largest Karneval organization for many years. Walter, “Alaaf,” Walter “Helau,” and many thanks for your leadership. – Kurt Hauptmann contributed to this article.
Do you like to dance, drink, dress up and have a good time with friends? Do you like to refresh your memory of popular (aka silly) German songs and find out why Germans love to “schunkeln”?
Then Karneval is for you! And would you like to make learning German more fun for your kids? Simply enroll them in a Karneval Youth Group, pretend it is for dancing only and before they know it, they will be speaking German … The miracle of Karneval! And remember:What happens during Karneval, ends with Karneval.
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All photos: Courtesy of Tom Cantwell, www.tomslik.com
Is Karneval for You?
germany in
florida
Johannes Brahms
A German Requiem Consul General Annette Klein visits the National High Magnetic Field Laboratory at FSU in Tallahassee
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erman Consul General Annette Klein toured the National MagLab, or “The National High Magnetic Field Laboratory,” which is the largest, highestpowered magnet lab in the world. She saw several world-record magnets, including the 45-tesla hybrid magnet, which is the strongest, continuous-field magnet in the world. She learned how magnets are designed and built here and how researchers from around the world use them to discover new things about materials, energy, health and the environment. Dr. Eric Palm, the Deputy Director of the lab, gave the tour.
Ein deutsches Requiem One of the greatest masterpieces of choral music
Miami Collegium Musicum Dr. Donald Oglesby, Director
{ April 7, 2017 | 7:30 pm St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church 2750 McFarlane Road Coconut Grove, Florida
April 8, 2017 | 7:30 pm Riviera Presbyterian Church 5275 Sunset Drive Miami, Florida
April 28, 2017 | 7:30 pm St. Patrick Catholic Church 3716 Garden Avenue Miami Beach, Florida
Free Admission
EVENT TIPS Every 4th Sunday of a Month Frühschoppen at American German Club every Fourth Sunday of the month from 10:30AM to 2PM at the Club to celebrate the tradition of Frühschoppen with traditional food.You have a chance to socialize and get to know other guests and club members. Admission is free. Location: 5111 Lantana Road, Lake Worth, FL Information: www.americangermanclub.org
April 22 Springfest at Orlando German Club Festival with German music, good beer and food. Attire: Tracht or casual. Information: www.orlandogermanclub.com/events.html
April 22 – 12 PM – 5 PM International Festival in Cape Coral Enjoy an afternoon with music, German food and German beer on tap. Location: German-American Social Club of Cape Coral, FL INC., 2101 SW Pine Island Rd., Cape Coral, FL 33991 Information: www.gasc-capecoral.com
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Washington DC | SPOTLIGHT
Bridging Cultures German Professor Offers New Insights with “China in My Eyes”
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n February 1, 2017, just in time for the Chinese New Year, German native Dr. Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe opened an impressive photography exhibit titled “China in My Dr. Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe at Eyes,” on behalf of the Chinese the exhibit opening. Confucius Institute at the NorthernVirginia Community College (NVCC) in Alexandria,Virginia.
opening and offered personal insights into the significance of their photographs. A complementary student guide was also distributed to offer faculty members the opportunity to use the exhibit for classroom assignments.
Exhibit viewers go on a journey through China via 70 photographs captured by 28 photographers. Most display scenes from the everyday life of ordinary Chinese citizens while capturing a wide array of emotions and experiences. After welcoming remarks in the Bisdorf Library of the NVCC Alexandria campus, opening-day guests were invited to sample Chinese tea and snacks while viewing the exhibit. Almost 100 students, faculty, friends of the Confucius Institute and the library, and community patrons attended the festive event.
The exhibit’s curator, Dr. Monika Hoffarth-Zelloe, who also works at the Goethe-Institut in Washington, D.C., found herself fascinated with China after accompanying a group of 40 American high-school students on a trip to China in 2010 organized by the Confucius Institute. After the trip, the dynamic professor, who has always had a passion for languages and currently speaks seven, enrolled herself at the Confucius Institute, worked as a volunteer and eventually got a part-time position as project manager. Last year she was invited to China as a “cultural educator.” Bridging cultures and teaching across disciplines has been the focus of her work and has resulted in numerous cross-cultural programs, including “Time Shadows,” a poetry project, which brought German, Chinese and American cultures together.
Several of the photographers whose works were on display, including NVCC students, faculty, staff and local residents, were present at the grand
“The photo exhibit offers great possibilities to correct stereotypes and prejudices about China,” remarked Dr. Hoffarth-Zelloe, “and to
create an authentic image of daily life in China. During my first trip to China I saw that people – no matter in what culture or under which political system they live – have a very similar value system. Friendships between different nationalities are not only possible, but are becoming more important than ever in order to create a more humanitarian, tolerant and peaceful world. I hope that my work can make a small contribution here.” The exhibit was on display through March 6, 2017, and will move on to a new venue later in the year in the D.C. area (and hopefully beyond).
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Photo: Shutterstock.com
EXCLUSIVE | Interview
Photo: private
Braeden with his son Christian and his grandchildren Oksana and Angelika.
Eric Braeden as a toddler with his parents Wilhelm and Mathilde Gudegast in Bredenbek, Germany.
“Ich werd’ verrückt!”
In seiner Autobiografie gewährt Schauspieler Eric Braeden tiefe Einblicke in sein ereignisreiches Leben
Von Jenny Peters | Deutsch von Petra Schürmann
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ls der in Deutschland geborene Schauspieler Eric Braeden - mittlerweile stolzer amerikanischer Staatsbürger - darüber nachdachte, seine Memoiren über sein schillerndes Leben zu schreiben, zögerte er zunächst. „Die Idee widerstrebte mir so,” erinnert sich der 76-jährige Star aus “The Young and the Restless” in einem vor kurzem geführten Telefoninterview mit German World, „und ich hatte auch große Zweifel, ob ich das Buchprojekt bis zum Ende durchziehen würde.” Aber das war damals. „Mein Sohn und meine Frau haben mich auf die Idee gebracht,” so Braeden weiter, „und als das fertige Produkt dann vor mir lag, gefiel es mir! Aber ich hätte nie gedacht, dass es ein Bestseller werden würde absolut nicht!”.
In dieser vor kurzem veröffentlichten Autobiografie “I’ll Be Damned” geht es nicht nur um seine Langzeitrolle als Victor Newman, den er seit 37 Jahre in CBS’ Erfolgsshow spielt. Bei weitem nicht. Angefangen mit seiner Geburt 1941 im norddeutschen Kiel zur Zeit des 2. Weltkrieges, legt Braeden seine Lebensgeschichte rückhaltslos offen. Er erzählt von den Nazi-Verbindungen seines Vaters und dessen frühzeitigen Tod, 24 34
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als Braeden erst 12 Jahre alt war; von der Armut, die er, seine Mutter und seine drei Brüder nach Kriegsende erlebten und von seiner Entwicklung zu einem berühmten, vielseitigen Schauspieler. „Ich verließ Deutschland und kam nach Amerika wegen der unvorstellbaren Armut, die meine Familie erleiden musste,” erinnert sich Braeden, der ursprünglich Hans Jörg Gudegast hieß. „Außerdem gab es absolut keine Chance, irgendetwas in Deutschland zu studieren.” So machte sich der große, gutaussehende und athletische Deutsche 1959 auf den Weg in die USA, wo er über Umwege schließlich in Montana landete und aufgrund des Gewinns 1958 der Deutschen Jugendmannschaftsmeisterschaft im Diskus-, Speerwerfen und Kugelstoßen sogar ein Leichthathletik-Stipendium 1960 an der dortigen Universität bekam. Aber, wie er in seiner fesselnden Autobiografie der Journalistin Lindsay Harrison gesteht, war das Klima dort einfach unerträglich für ihn. Und so ergriff er mit Freuden die Gelegenheit, einen Dokumentarfilm mit einem Partner über den Salmon River in Idaho, der auch “River of No Return” genannt wird, zu drehen. Nun, er und sein Filmpartner schafften es wieder zurück und bald schon machten sie sich
mit dem Film auf nach Hollywood. Der Rest ist Geschichte, wie Braeden in “I’ll be Damned” – der Titel ist eine Anspielung auf seinen Lieblingspruch in “Y&R” – erzählt. Natürlich musste auch er sich mit so manchem Hilfsjob durchbeißen, während er versuchte, seinen Weg in Hollywood zu finden, doch schon bald war er häufiger in TV-Shows zu Gast als irgendein anderer Schauspieler und landete schließlich seine ersten Fernsehrollen. Dadurch bekam er auch 1966 die Rolle eines Nazi-Offiziers in der Serie “Rat Patrol”. Zahllose Rollen in anderen Produktionen folgten – darunter “Gunsmoke” und “Hawaii 5-0,” sowie Filme wie z.B. 1997 ”Titanic”. Jedoch war es die Serie “Y&R”, die ihn ab 1980 zu einem internationalen Star werden ließ. In den frühen sechziger Jahren lernte Braeden auch seine Frau Dale Russell kennen. Heute sind sie seit 51 Jahren verheiratet und stolze Eltern von einem Sohn, Christian Gudegast. In seinen Memoiren lässt Braeden ihr gemeinsames Leben Revue passieren sowie die vielen Begebenheiten, die ihn mit berühmten Künstlern, Politikern, Philantrophen und Athleten zusammen brachten. Aber er ist der Erste, der zugibt, dass seine Familie ihm immer Halt gegeben hat, und ihm geholfen hat, sich auf die nächste Herausforderung zu fokussieren. Und das bedeutet nun, das Zepter des Erfolges an den Sohn weiterzureichen. „Ich werde bald mich selbst in einem Film meines Sohnes spielen,” so Braeden. „Mein Sohn ist Drehbuchautor und er führt Regie in dem Film “Den of Thieves”, für den er das Drehbuch schrieb. Mit dabei sind Gerard Butler und 50 Cent, ein sehr gutes Ensemble. Ich bin darüber stolzer als auf alles andere. Ich bin so unendlich stolz auf ihn.”n
Braeden at a book signing event in L.A. in Feb. 2017 with his wife Dale and grand-daughter Tatiana.
Photo: WENN Ltd./Alamy.com
Photo: Alamy.com Photo: Helga Esteb/Shutterstock.com
Braeden winning the Emmy in 1998.
Interview | EXCLUSIVE
“I’ll be Damned” Actor Eric Braeden Recalls a Life Well Lived in His Candid Memoir
The “I’ll be Damned” moment in Braeden’s real life in Hollywood on July 20, 2007.
By Jenny Peters
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hen German-born, now staunchly proud American citizen, Eric Braeden thought about writing a memoir of his life in front of the camera, he hesitated. “I was so reluctant to do it,” the 76-year-old star of “TheYoung and the Restless” recalls in a recent phone conversation with German World. “I had serious doubts about finishing it, too!” But that was then, this is now. “I was prompted to write it by my son and my wife. And then when I saw the finished product, I liked it! And I didn’t expect it to become a best seller, I didn’t expect that at all,” Braeden says. That recently released memoir, “I’ll Be Damned: How My Young and Restless Life Led Me to America’s #1 Daytime Drama,” isn’t just about his long-running role (37 years!) as Victor Newman on that popular CBS soap opera. Not by a long shot. Beginning with his birth in 1941 in Kiel, Germany, in the midst of World War Two, Braeden lays his life bare, from his father’s Nazi ties and untimely death (when Braeden was only 12), to the poverty that he, his mother and his three brothers faced after the war and on into his ultimate fame as a multi-faceted actor. “I left Germany and came to America because of the almost abject poverty in my family,” the man originally named Hans-Jörg Gudegast remembers, “and the almost impossible chance to sustain any kind of studies in Germany.” So the tall, handsome and very athletic German who as a young man in 1958, won the German Youth Team Championship in Discus, Javelin and Shot Put made his way to the U.S. in 1959, eventually finding, eventually finding himself in Montana, where in 1960 he won an athletic track scholarship to University of Montana. But as he tells it in his page-turning autobiography told in a conversational style to journalist Lindsay Harrison, the cold of that northern state was too much for him, and he jumped at a chance to make a documentary about a two-man river trip on “The
River of No Return,” the Salmon River in Idaho. He and his partner did return, and then took that film of their adventure to Hollywood. As Braeden recounts in “I’ll Be Damned” (named for his signature utterance in “The Young and the Restless”), the rest was history. Sure, he worked in various odd jobs while trying to break into Tinseltown, while guest starring on more shows than almost any other TV actor, which led to his starring role as a Nazi captain in “Rat Patrol,” beginning in 1966. Countless roles followed in shows ranging from “Gunsmoke” to “Hawaii 5-0,” with movies – including “Titanic” in 1997 – thrown in along the way. But from 1980 on, it was “Y&R” that made the actor a worldwide star.
Along the way, Braeden met his wife Dale Russell in the early ‘60s; married now for 51 years and the proud parents of one son, Christian Gudegast, Braeden’s memoir chronicles their lives together as he also rubbed shoulders with famed entertainers, politicians, philanthropists and athletes. But as he is the first to admit, his family has always been the glue that has kept him grounded, focused and always looking for the next challenge. Which right now is passing the torch of Hollywood success on to his son. “I’m about to go and do a cameo role in my son’s film. My son is a screenwriter and he’s directing a screenplay that he wrote called ‘Den of Thieves’ and it stars Gerard Butler and 50 Cent, a very good cast. I’m more proud of that than anything else. I’m so deeply proud of him.”
ABOUT ERIC BRAEDEN Eric Braeden’s journey from a hospital basement in Kiel, Germany, where he was born in 1941, to the soundstages of Los Angeles has taught him more about joy, heartbreak, fear, cou-rage, persecution and profound responsibility to the global community than he could have hoped to learn in several lifetimes. Growing up in the years after Germany’s defeat, Braeden knew very little about the atrocities of his parents’ generation, until he arrived in America as a teenager—a discovery that horrified and transformed him. Trying to redress the wrongs of his homeland, he has dedicated his life to humanitarian work—even forming the German American Culture Society dedicated to German-Jewish dialogue —working for decades to show the world that what we share as humans is far more important than what separates us from one another. Since February 2, 1980, Braeden has starred in “The Young and the Restless,” winning a Daytime Emmy for his role as Victor Newman.The athletic actor even won the U.S. National Soccer Championship in 1973 with the Los Angeles Maccabees. Filled with sixteen pages of personal photos, his autobiography “I’ll Be Damned” will be a treasured keepsake for “Y&R” fans, and immigrants from all walks of life. (Source: Dey Street Books). Published by Dey Street Books, an imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. ISBN: 9780062476111 | E-Book ISBN: 9780062476142. | List Price: $26.99 USD (hardcover). Available at www.harpercollins.com | www.barnesandnoble.com | www.amazon.com
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EDUCATION | Ausbildung
Zum Austausch nach Deutschland?
Doing an Exchange in Germany?
Da gilt es zunächst den “inneren Schweinehund” zu überwinden
Overcome your inner Schweinehund first! By Steven Montero
Von Steven Montero / Deutsch von Julia C. Kupper
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as es heißt, den sprichwörtlichen “inneren Schweinehund” zu überwinden, konnte ich letzten Herbst während meines CongressBundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals erfahren.
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ast fall, during my Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals fellowship, I learned about overcoming my inner Schweinehund, which means my inner “Pigdog.”
Im Deutschen bezeichnet der “innere Schweinehund” unsere innere Stimme, die uns in unserer Wohlfühlzone festhält und unseren Kurs auf Autopilot stellt. Überschreite keine Grenzen, versuche nichts Neues, bleibe beim Status quo. Allerdings ist es aber auch oft der Knoten in unserer Brust oder das Flüstern im Ohr, was uns darin hindert, neue Sachen auszuprobieren und Herausforderung zu bewältigen.
Basically, it’s the inner voice that keeps us in our comfort zone and continuously sets our course on autopilot. Don’t cross boundaries, don’t try something new, stick-to-the-status-quo kind of stuff. Sometimes it can be very helpful and knows to remind us that jumping off that cliff is indeed a dangerous (possibly fatal) idea. But many times it is the knot in our chest or the whisper in our ear, preventing us from overcoming our limits or tackling new challenges.
Ich weiss nicht, ob die Idee des Schweinehundes deutsch ist oder ein bisschen bizarr, oder beides. Wahrscheinlich beides.
I don’t know if this idea is very German, just plain bizarre or both. Probably both.
Auf jeden Fall war ich im September bei einer interkulturellen Ausbildung im Hauptsitz der Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Bonn und der Gastreferent erklärte dieses ganz spezielle deutsche Konzept. Ich erkannte das Gefühl genau. Es war die Angst, von der Brücke in den See zu fahren, immer und immer wieder. Das Zögern, welches durch meinen Körper raste, während ich am Rand des Abgrundes stand. Es ist die gleiche Angst, die viele junge Berufseinsteiger haben und sie daran hindert, ins Ausland zu gehen. Ich sollte mit meiner Selbstverwirklichung eigentlich zufrieden sein, da ich schon viel Risiko eingegangen bin, um meinen Alltag abwechslungsreicher zu gestalten. Durch den Umzug nach Deutschland hat sich mein Sicherheitsnetz in Wohlgefallen aufgelöst. Ich bin von Leuten umgeben, die ich nicht kenne, erkunde unbekannte Städte, und lerne eine Sprache, die ich wohl nie komplett unter Kontrolle haben werde. Allerdings habe ich auch schon den Geburtstag von einem Freund um Mitternacht vor dem Dom mit Feuerwerk, Kuchen und Champagner in Plastikbechern gefeiert. Ich kann selbstbewusst mit meiner Gastmutter über die Flüchtlingssituation in Deutschland sprechen. Ich verstehe komplexe Verfahren beim Besuch eines deutschen Gerichts. Alles das sind Dinge, die ich in meiner ersten Woche erlebt habe. Bist Du auch interessiert an diesem Austauschprogramm? Dann informiere Dich ab September 2017 unter www.usagermanyscholarship.org. n
Either way, when we had intercultural training in September 2016, at the headquarters of the Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit in Bonn, the guest speaker explained this very specific German concept. I recognized the feeling exactly. It was the fear I had about diving off the bridge into the lake, time after time. The hesitation rattling through my body as I stood on its edge. It’s the same fear that paralyzes many young professionals I know, preventing them from going abroad, because starting a career is more important, it’s the right thing to do, it’s what we should be doing. I suppose I can be satisfied with the self-realization that I already take a lot chances in my everyday life. Moving to Germany sliced open my safety net. I find myself among people I’ve never known, in cities I’ve never been to, studying a language that’s nearly impossible to have under complete control. Yet I recently rang in a friend’s birthday at midnight in front of the Dom with fireworks, cake and champagne in plastic cups. I feel confident talking with my host mother about the refugees pouring into Germany. I understand complex proceedings when visiting a German court. These are all things I did in my first week. Are you also interested in this exchange program? Visit www.usagermanyscholarship.org by September 2017 for more information and application deadlines. n
n ABOUT THE AUTHOR Steven Montero
was a participant in the 2015-16 Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. He is a 2014 graduate of Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and focuses on foreign affairs and world news reporting. This post originally appeared on Steven’s blog “The Montero Project.”
The post was published on www.culturalvistas.org and reprinted by German World Magazine with kind permission by CulturalVistas.org
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Ausbildung | EDUCATION
Mit Cultural Vistas zum Capitol Hill
With Cultural Vistas to Capitol Hill
Deutsche CBYX-Stipendiaten absolvieren Praktika beim US-Kongress
Five German CBYX Fellows interning at the U.S. Congress
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Das CIP bietet Studierenden, die an dem langjährigen deutschen Austauschprogramm teilnehmen und welches gemeinsam von dem deutschen Bundestag und dem US-Außenministerium finanziert wird, die Möglichkeit, in einem Büro eines Mitglieds des US-Kongresses praktische Berufserfahrungen auf Bundesebene zu sammeln. Bei dieser unbezahlbaren Gelegenheit kann man zudem sein Wissen über die Zuständigkeiten eines Kongressmitglieds und des Gesetzgebungsprozesses erweitern.
The CIP provides students participating in the longstanding U.S.-German exchange program with the opportunity to acquire real-world experience by working in an office of a member of the U.S. Congress. Jointly funded by the German Bundestag and the U.S. Department of State, it is an invaluable opportunity for students to acquire practical work experience at the level of the federal government as well as to expand their knowledge of the responsibilities of a congressional member and of American legislative processes.
Der Jugendaustausch vom Kongress und Bundestag ermöglicht jährlich bis zu 75 Amerikanern und 75 Deutschen zwischen 18 und 24 Jahren, ein Jahr in einem anderen Land zu verbringen, zu studieren, ein Praktikum abzuschließen und bei einem Gastgeber das kulturelle Wissen zu vertiefen.
The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange annually provides up to 75 Americans and 75 Germans between the ages of 18-24 the opportunity to spend one year in each other’s countries, studying, interning and living with hosts in a cultural immersion program.
Cultural Vistas verwaltet seit über 30 Jahren zusammen mit der deutschen Partnerorganisation Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit die CBYX für Young Professionals. n
CulturalVistas has administered CBYX forYoung Professionals for over 30 years, together with its German partner organization the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit. n
ünf deutsche Studenten sind derzeit in Washington, D.C. und arbeiten für einige Mitglieder des Repräsentantenhauses der USA im Rahmen des Kongress-Bundestags-Jugendaustausches für das Young Professionals’ Congressional Internship Program (CIP).
ABOUT
ive German students are currently in Washington, D.C., working on Capitol Hill for members of the United States House of Representatives as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals’ Congressional Internship Program (CIP).
CULTURAL VISTAS
Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. Their programs empower people to drive positive change in themselves, their organizations and society. Cultural Vistas is headquartered in New York with regional offices in Washington, D.C., and Berlin. For more information visit www.culturalvistas.org
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EDUCATION | Ausbildung
Mehr als Wasser, Hopfen, Hefe und Gerste Auch ein Deutscher kann noch etwas beim Sierra Nevada-Praktikum lernen Von Anna Boisseau
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ufgrund des sogenannten „Reinheitsgebotes” sind im deutschen Bier nur vier Zutaten erlaubt: Wasser, Hopfen, Hefe und Gerste. Im Gegensatz zum experimentierfreudigen USA sind deutsche Brauereien eher puristisch. Es gibt genaue Vorschriften um Pilsner, Oktoberfest und Kölsch zu brauen. Deshalb war Marius Hartmann so überrascht, als er zum ersten Mal Keller- Marius Hartmann is weis, Sierra Nevadas Hefeweizen, kostete. Als beer sampling during his internship at Sierra Brau- und Getränketechnologie-Student an Nevada Brewery der Fachhochschule Weihenstephan-Triesdorf hat Marius schon oft internationale Biere mit seinen Kollegen ausprobiert. „Aller- an der California State University ein, welche in dings wusste er nicht, dass eine amerikanische der gleichen Stadt wie das Unternehmen Sierra Brauerei tatsächlich auch gutes Hefeweizen Nevada ist. Dort traf er Abe und so ergab sich die herstellen kann”, sagt Abe Kabakoff, Braumeister Möglichkeit eines Praktikums. und Leiter der Brauerei Sierra Nevada. Sierra Nevada nimmt damit den ersten internaNachdem Marius festgestellt hatte, dass er sich tionalen Praktikanten durch das J-1 Visumsprovon seinen Kommilitonen abheben kann, indem gramm auf. Das ist jedoch nicht das erste Mal, er internationale Berufserfahrung sammelt, war dass Abe die Vorteile vom Arbeiten im Ausland der erste Schritt sein Englisch zu verbessern. Da- erkennt. Eigentlich hat er nur dadurch seine Karraufhin schrieb er sich im Jahr 2014 in einen Kurs riere im Bierbrauen gestartet. Während seines Studiums entschied sich Abe dafür ein Jahr in Deutschland als Teil des Kongress-Bundestag Jugendaustausch für Young Professionals teilzunehmen. Obwohl er damals Informatik studierte, entschloss er sich nebenbei in einem Brauhaus in München ein Praktikum zu machen. Der Braumeister verließ während Abes Praktikum die Brauerei und somit war er für zwei Wochen allein für die Bierherstellung verantwortlich. „Wenn ich dieses Programm nicht gemacht hätte, wäre ich nicht in das Brauwesen eingestiegen”, sagt Abe. Marius’ Praktikum bringt zwar keinen Karrierewechsel mit sich, allerdings lernt er viele Sachen über andere Bierkulturen kennen. In der Sierra Nevada-Brauerei werden 3 bis 4 verschiedene Biere pro Woche gebraut - ein krasser Gegensatz zu seinem Heimatland, wo es insgesamt nur 5 verschiedene Biersorten gibt.
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Seitdem Marius bei Sierra Nevada angefangen hat, ist er auch experimentierfreudiger hinsichtlich der Craft-Biere geworden. Als er im Brauereiteil des Unternehmens arbeitete, durfte Marius sein eigenes Winterbier entwerfen und schuf eines mit Gewürzen wie Koriander, Ingwer und Muskatnuss. Er nannte es „Lebkuchen”. „Das Praktikum war eines der besten Erfahrungen, die ich je hatte, da ich schon nach 3 Monaten mein eigenes Rezept herstellen durfte,” sagte Marius. Das Bier brachte es bis in den Verkostungsraum von Sierra Nevada, wo es mit Begeisterung aufgenommen wurde. „Ich hatte noch nie die Gelegenheit mit diesen Zutaten zu brauen,” fügte er hinzu. „Ich bin froh, dass es so geworden ist, wie ich es mir vorgestellt hatte.” Das Austauschprogramm war auch für Sierra Nevada sehr nützlich. Das Unternehmen lernte, dass die meisten Leute den Geschmack des traditionellen deutschen Pilsner bevorzugen, welches vier bis fünf Wochen gärt anstelle ihrer Methode von 18 Tagen. Darüber hinaus hat Sierra Nevada etwas mit der traditionellen Brauweise der Deutschen gemeinsam. Sie verwenden auch nur die 4 Zutaten, die im Reinheitsgebot erlaubt sind. Auf diese Weise vermeiden sie es, unnatürliche Zutaten hinzuzufügen. Für Abe war es daher durchaus nützlich herauszufinden, wie Deutsche mit dem Reinheitsgebot umgehen. n
Ausbildung | EDUCATION
More than Water, Hops, Yeast and Barley Marius Hartmann (r.) with his brewing supervisors at the brewery in California
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A German gets crafty at his Sierra Nevada internship By Anna Boisseau
ecause of something called the “purity law,” water, hops, yeast and barley are the only four ingredients allowed in German beer. And so, unlike the more experimental nature of the American craft brew scene, German brewers tend to be purists. There’s a right way to make Pilsner, Oktoberfest and Kölsch beers.That’s why Marius Hartmann was so surprised when he first tasted Kellerweis, Sierra Nevada’s take on a traditional German Hefeweizen beer. As a Brewing and Beverage Technology student at the University of Applied Science Weihenstephan-Triesdorf, Marius and his peers often sampled international pints. “He didn’t know an American brewery could actually make a good Hefeweizen,” ponders Abe Kabakoff, the head pilot brewer at Sierra Nevada.
“I don’t think I’d be in the brewing business if I hadn’t done that program,” Abe says.
After realizing international work experience would set him apart from others in his program, Marius decided to work on his English. In 2014, he enrolled in a course at California State University Chico, which is in the same city as the Sierra Nevada brewery. That’s when he met with Abe to discuss the possibility of an internship, which eventually worked out.
“It was probably one of greatest experiences, because in past weeks and months I learned about the pilot brewery…and after three months I could make my own recipe,” Marius recalls. The brew made it out to Sierra Nevada’s tasting room, where it was well received. “I never had the experience to brew with those ingredients,” he says. “I’m happy it turned out how I wanted.”
This is Sierra Nevada’s first time hosting an international intern through the J-1 Visa program. However, Abe is no stranger to the benefits of working abroad. It’s actually what brought him to a career in brewing beer in the first place. While in college, he opted to spend a year in Germany as part of the Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals. Even though Abe was studying computer science at the time, he decided to mix things up by interning at a brewpub outside Munich.The brewmaster left during Abe’s internship, so for two weeks it was his sole responsibility to run the brewery.
This exchange program has been helpful for Sierra Nevada as well. The company learned that most people preferred the taste of the traditional German lager, which is aged four to five weeks, instead of their method of aging it only 18 days.
While Marius’ internship at Sierra Nevada isn’t setting him on a new life path, it is opening his horizons to a different beer culture. At Sierra Nevada, they brew three to four different kinds of beer a week—a stark contrast from his home country, where they have five beer styles in total. Since starting at Sierra Nevada, Marius has embraced the more experimental style of U.S. craft beer. During his stint at the pilot brewing part of Sierra Nevada, Marius created his own winter beer using spices like coriander, ginger and nutmeg. He named it “Lebkuchen,” after the German equivalent of gingerbread.
Additionally, Sierra Nevada has something in common with the traditionalist style of German brewing. They also like to stick to the same four ingredients required in German law. This way, they can avoid adding in unnatural ingredients. So for Abe, it was valuable to get Marius’ insight into how Germans approach Reinheitsgebot. n
This article was first published on www.culturalvistas.org. Reprinted with kind permission by CulturalVistas.
Understanding our evolving world is the first step toward changing it. Founded in 1963, Cultural Vistas is a nonprofit exchange organization promoting global understanding and collaboration among individuals and institutions. We develop international professional experiences that create more informed, skilled, and engaged citizens. Our programs empower people to drive positive change in themselves, their organizations, and society. We believe that sustained immersion in a country and language and professional experience, even more than travel or study abroad, promotes confidence and skills that create successful careers and nurture leaders, whether they are community activists or change agents at a global level. Every year our 30-plus unique exchange programs reach thousands of individuals and organizations in the United States and more than 135 countries around the world. We invite you to join us as we work together to reach thousands more.
n ABOUT THE AUTHOR Anna Boisseau is a Communications Officer at CulturalVistas, a nonprofit and a U.S. Department of State visa sponsor for J-1 internship, training, and teacher exchange programs. More than 1,000 U.S. businesses and schools in all 50 states turn to Cultural Vistas for its J-1 sponsorship needs every year. For more information visit www.culturalvistas.org SPRING 2017
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EASTER SPECIAL | Zu Ostern
Happy Easter! Traditions & Recipes from Germany
For Christians the world-over, the week before Easter is the most important week in the religious calendar. In Germany, as in other countries, the Easter season is marked by traditional dishes served on specific days:
Maundy Thursday
Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag)
(Gründonnerstag)
Gründonnerstag is the Thursday before Easter, known as Maundy Thursday. It means “green Thursday”, although it is thought that the word “grün” is actually derived from the word “greinen” meaning “to weep.” However, despite there being nothing traditionally green about “Green Thursday”, Germans often eat green-colored foods such as Seven Herb Soup – Traditional (Sieben Kräutersuppe), Chervil Soup (Kerbelsuppe), and Eggs in Green Sauce (Eier in Grüner Sauce).
The main day of German Easter celebrations is Easter Sunday. For Christians it is a time for the whole family to get together to celebrate the resurrection and the end of the Lent with a festive meal.This can be either a brunch after coming home from church or a traditional Easter meal consisting of lamb, which represents innocence and humility, accompanied by fresh vegetables and potatoes. Festive cakes are a must for the Easter Sunday afternoon with Kaffee und Kuchen!
Good Friday (Karfreitag)
The Friday before Easter is known as Karfreitag (Good Friday in the US) or “Sorrowful Friday” and traditionally people avoid meat that day and prefer fish dishes such as Fish Cakes with Green Sauce (Fischfrikadellen mit Grüner Sauce) or Salmon, Sauerkraut and Green Cabbage Stir-fry (Lachs mit Sauerkraut und Kohl aus der Pfanne).
All recipes can be found on www.germanfoods.org
German Easter Events in the Midwest Easter Sunday, April 16 – 9.15 AM
Mass in English and German with Organ, Brass Choirs St. Alphonsus | 1429 W. Wellington Ave Chicago, IL 60657 | T: 773-525-0709 First Sunday of Each Month at 11:00 AM
Mass in German St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church 1930 West 54th St, | Cleveland, Ohio 44102
Where to Meet German Speakers?
Every 3rd Friday of a Month
Stammtisch at DANK Haus Chicago Join German spaeaers on the 6th floor in the beautiful Skyline Lounge. Alle sind willkommen! DANK Haus | 4740 North Western Ave Chicago, IL | www.dankhaus.com
The only “rule:” Everyone speaks German – no matter what level. Information: Petra.Theurich@schaeffler.com Location: Valhalla, 1111 N. Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI June 10, 11 AM-10PM & June 11, 11 AM-5PM The GAI’s Deutsche Tage 2017 | Musik Allerlei! Location: German-American Institute 301 Summit Avenue | Saint Paul, MN 55102 T: 651-222-7027 | www.gai-mn.org
Where to find Authentic German Food in the Midwest? ”For a homey atmosphere and traditional, high-quality food, I’d recommend Schnitzelplatz,”tells us one of our Chicago-based subscribers. “Besides, they serve Radeberger Bier on tap and offer Weihenstephan, too. Hofbräuhaus’ food is great, too, but offers a simpler fare and is more of a party place.”
Schnitzelplatz 729 North Ave, Glendale Heights, IL 60139 T: 630-942-9900 | www.schnitzelplatz.com
1st Tuesday of a Month
Hofbräuhaus Chicago
Stammtisch in Milwaukee
5500 Park Place | Rosemont, IL 60018 T: 847-671-2739
Anyone can attend. No formal membership.
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Other German Restaurants in the Midwest Mader’s
Old German Beer Hall
Restaurant & Bar High-end, authentic German Cuisine 1041 N Old World 3rd St, Milwaukee, WI www.maders.com
1009 N. Old World 3rd St., Milwaukee, WI T: 414-226-2728 www.oldgermanbeerhall.com
Bavarian Bierhaus Brewpub & Beer Garden
1048 N. Old World 3rd St. | Milwaukee, WI T: 414-272-3544 www.wisconsincheesemart.com
700 W. Lexington Blvd., Glendale, WI T: 414-316-9583 www.thebavarianbierhaus.com
Golden Mast Inn Owned by the Weissberger Family. W349 N5253 Lacy’s Lane, Okauchee, WI T: 262-567-7047 www.goldenmastinn.com
The ÜberTap Room
Hofbräuhaus Cleveland 1550 Chester Ave, | Cleveland, OH 44114 T: 216-621-2337
Hofbräuhaus Columbus 800 Goodale Blvd, Columbus, OH 43212
Weissberger’s Gasthaus
Hofbräuhaus Newport
Waukesha, WI Closed in June 2016.
200 East 3RD St., | Newport, KY 41071 T: 859-491-7200
Karl Ratzsch
Hofbräuhaus Pittsburgh
320 E. Mason St., Milwaukee, WI T: 414-276-2720 www.karlratzsch.com
Southside Works 2705 South Water St. Pittsburgh, PA 15203 T: 412-224-2328
Zu Ostern | EASTER SPECIAL
Easter Recipes from Germany Marzipan Jubilee Torte (Jubiläums-Biskuittorte) Created by Roland Weichbrodt, master pastry chef at Café Niederegger in Lübeck, on the occasion of Niederegger’s 200-year-anniversary. Covered by scrumptious chocolate-marzipan glaze, this is a truly worthy culinary treat. Servings: 20 | INGREDIENTS 12 eggs 3 oz sugar 90 g 4-1/4 oz chopped semi-sweet chocolate 120 g 3 oz flour 90 g granulated sugar for spreading on the baking cloths 1 liter milk 4 tsp granulated sugar 2 sachets Dr. Oetker vanilla pudding mix 250 g each
pulp from 2 vanilla beans 17 oz room temperature butter 500 g, about 2 sticks plus 1 tbsp Niederegger marzipan loaf without chocolate 500 g powdered sugar 250 g powdered sugar for rolling the dough 10-1/2 oz semi sweet melted chocolate glaze (couverture), 300g
INSTRUCTIONS
vPreheat an electric oven (not gas) to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, 180 degrees Celsius. v Beat four eggs and 1 oz sugar approximately seven minutes until foamy. vCarefully fold three times each 6 tablespoons chopped chocolate and 2 tbs sifted flour into the foam. vSpread dough onto three baking trays covered with wax paper and bake in oven until golden brown, about 10 – 15 minutes. vTurn biscuit layers from trays onto cloths, spread with granulated sugar to prevent sticking. Remove wax paper and let biscuit layers cool down. vMake vanilla cream pudding from package according to directions on the back, adding milk and sugar as directed. vScrape seeds and pulp from vanilla beans, add to pudding while still hot, and let cool down. Add room temperature butter bit by bit with a tablespoon and stir well. vKnead the marzipan and powdered sugar together and roll out to baking tray size. vSpread 1/3rd of the butter cream onto the first biscuit layer. vAdd second biscuit layer and spread out the second 1/3rd of the butter cream filling. Add the third biscuit layer and top with the last third of the butter cream. vLay marzipan layer on top and coat with melted chocolate. vCool for 2 hours in refrigerator. vCut into 20 pieces and serve, as desired, with edible leaf gold.
Brandenburg Lamb (Brandenburger Lammfleisch) Brandenburg lamb is diced lamb with onions served with green beans and potatoes. Servings: 4 INGREDIENTS 1-3/4 lbs fresh lamb 2 medium onions butter oil 1/2 cup red wine
salt and pepper 2 cups broth 1-1/8 lb green beans 7/8 lb potatoes fresh summer savory for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS vDice lamb into even cubes and slice onions. vHeat concentrated butter in a pot and then roast gently the fresh lamb in it. vExtinguish it with red wine.vAdd onions and spices. After that, infuse it with the broth. Cover up the pot and braise it for one hour over medium heat. vClean beans and slice them. Peel and dice the potatoes. 20 minutes before the meat has reached desired tenderness, add the sliced beans and diced potatoes to the pot. vServe with savory.
v
Guten Appetit!
v
Recipe: Courtesy of Niederegger, Lübeck.
More unique recipes on www.germanfoods.org SPRING SPRING2017 2017 WWW.GERMAN-WORLD.COM
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All recipes can be found on www.germanfoods.org
EASTER SPECIAL | Zu Ostern
EASTER SPECIAL | Zu Ostern
Easter in New YorkYork Easter in New
Happy Easter!
Hap
April 9th Easter Celebration at Deutsches Haus at NYU www.nyu.edu/deutscheshaus
April 16th, 10:30AM Festgottesdienst & Kirchencafé at St. Pauls Church, Manhattan
April 15th, 3PM – 4PM Ostereier suchen in Brooklyn / Easter Egg Hunting in Brooklyn (Event is held in German) Prospect Park, Bandshell South Picnic Area, 11th Street Entrance | www.citykinder.org
April 16th, 10:00AM Heilige Messe zum Ostersonntag der deutssprachigen katholischen Gemeinde New York | Archbishop Stepinac High School Kapelle, White Plains
Traditions & R Traditions & Recipes from Germany
For Christians
April 16th, 11AM – 12PM and 1 PM – 2 PM Ostereier Manhattan the / Easter Egg the suchen world-over, week Hunting in Manhattan (Event is held in German)) Central Park, Mineral Springs NYC before Easter is W67 theth St, most www.citykinder.org
important week in the
April 15th & 16th Easter Feast atreligious Paulaner NYCcalendar. 3-course Prix-Fixe Easter for $39 per For Menu Christians In Germany, person | Location: 265 Bowery, Newas York,in NY 10002 | T: 212-780-0300the week the world-over,
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other countries, the before most EasterEaster seasonisisthe marked German Language Easter important week in the by traditional dishes Church Services religious calendar. served on specifi c days: April 14th, 10:30AM Karfreitagsgottesdienst In Germany, as in at St. Pauls Church, Manhattan other countries, the April 16th, 6:00AM Osternacht & EasterOsterfrühstück season is marked at Pfarrhaus St. Paul, White Plains by traditional dishes served on specific days:
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Good Friday (Karfreitag)
Maundy Thursday For more events visit www.germany.info/newyork (Gründonnerstag)
Gründonnerstag is the Thursday before Easter, known Other Eventsas Maundy Thursday. It means “green ThursApril 19th day”, although it is thought that Paulchenbande Manhattan- Start of New Class the word “grün” is actually derived The Fr Location: 315 W 22nd St, NYC from the word “greinen” meaning as Karf 27th However, despite there US) or “toApril weep.” Seminar: The “Other”traditionally Planned Parenthood: Maundy Thursday being nothing green ditiona Wills, and Guardianship aboutTrusts “Green Thursday”,ndGermans day an (Gründonnerstag) Simple Studios134 W29th St, 2 Floor, NYC often eat green-colored foods such Fish Ca April 28th as Seven Herb Soup – Traditional Gründonnerstag is the Thursday frikadel Paulchenbande White Plainsof New Class (Sieben Easter, Kräutersuppe), Chervil Soup before known asStartMaundy Salmon 50 Partridge It Road, WhiteEggs Plains,in NYThurs10605 (Kerbelsuppe), and Green Cabbag Thursday. means “green Sauce (Eier Sauce). that day”, it is thought kraut un Aprilalthough 29th in Grüner the is actually derived Art &word Craft “grün” Fair at German International All recipes can bePlains, found on www.ger School the NY | word 50 Partridge Rd, White from “greinen” meaning NY 10605 | +1However, 914 948 – 6513 www.gisny.org “to weep.” despite there being nothing traditionally green about “Green Thursday”, Germans often eat green-colored foods such April as Seven Herb Soup – Traditional Easter (Sieben Kräutersuppe), Chervil Soup 3/30/17 9:33 PMCe www.nyu (Kerbelsuppe), and Eggs in Green Sauce (Eier in Grüner Sauce). April
The Friday before Easter is known as Karfreitag (Good Friday in the US) or “Sorrowful Friday” and traditionally people avoid meat that day and prefer fish dishes such as Fish Cakes with Green Sauce (Fischfrikadellen mit Grüner Sauce) or Salmon, Sauerkraut and Green Cabbage Stir-fry (Lachs mit Sauerkraut und Kohl aus der Pfanne).
Easter Sunday (Ostersonntag)
The main day of German Easter celebrations is Easter Sunday. For Christians it is a time for the whole family to get together to celebrate the resurrection and the end of the Lent with a festive meal.This can be either a brunch after coming home from church or a traditional Easter meal consisting of lamb, which represents innocence and humility, accompanied by fresh vegetables and potatoes. Festive cakes are a must for the Easter Sunday afternoon with Kaffee und Kuchen Kuchen!
All recipes can be found on www.germanfoods.org 42 34
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Ostereie Hunting Prospect 11th Stre
April Ostereie Hunting Central P www.city
April Easter F 3-course person | NY 10002
Ge
April Karfreita at St. Pa
April Osternac at Pfarrh
CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF THE GERMAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE FOUNDATION OF THE USA® The United German-American Committee (UGAC) VEREINIGTES DEUTSCH-AMERIKANISCHES KOMITEE (VDAK) The German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA® was born to preserve, promote, and educate about the impact of Americans of German-speaking ancestry in building our nation. We seek to excite the rising generations to rediscover their roots while strengthening the political, cultural and economic transatlantic relations.
Please contact us to join the GAHF or to support our 40th Anniversary Campaign! (202) 467-5000 | www.gahmusa.org
German-American Heritage Foundation of the USA® German-American Heritage Museum of the USA™ 719 Sixth Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001 (202) 467-5000 www.gahmusa.org
TRAVEL | Reisen
ENDLICH IST ES SOWEIT Die Elbphilharmonie öffnet nach zehnjähriger Bauzeit ihre Pforten für Konzertbesucher.
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ach zehn langen Jahren Bauzeit wurde Hamburgs Elbphilharmonie am 11. Januar 2017 endlich eröffnet und hat seither schon einige Konzerte veranstaltet. Wenn man den heutigen Prachtbau sieht, ist schnell vergessen, wie lang sich die Bauzeit hinzog und die Kosten explodierten. 2012 kam es sogar zum völligen Baustopp, dann 2013 die komplette Neuverhandlung des Projekts Elbphilharmonie.Warum die Stadt bei der Kostenexplosion keine Unterstützung von der Bundesregierung erhalten habe, fragte ein Besucher. „Hamburg ist ein Stadtstaat mit einer langen, stolzen Tradition”, kam die halb ernst gemeinte Antwort des Bürgermeisters. „Diese verbietet ihr, den Bund um Geld zu bitten.” Die erste Saison ist schon komplett ausverkauft; Eintrittskarten, die zunächst 17 Euro kosteten, wechseln den Besitzer inzwischen für über 200 Euro auf dem Schwarzmarkt. Deshalb hat das Hamburger Konzerthaus im Sommer weitere Veranstaltungen (9. bis 31. August) ins Programm genommen. Die August-Veranstaltungen der Elbphilharmonie Sommer mit Weltmusik, Jazz, Filmmusik und Klassik, stehen nach den Angaben des Betreibers, der Hamburgmusik GmbH Elbphilharmonie und Laeiszhalle Betriebsgesellschaft, zufolge jede Woche unter einem anderen Motto. Wie ein neuer Konzertsaal klingt, weiß man erst, wenn das Publikum drin sitzt, denn Schallwellen werden von der Bekleidung der Anwesenden geschluckt. Der akustische Ingenieur Yasuhisa Toyota überließ jedoch nichts dem Zufall, baute den Großen Saal im Vorfeld im Verhältnis 1:10 komplett nach, samt kleinen Stoffpuppen, die im Modellbau stellvertretend für die Musikfreunde Probe saßen. Wenn Echo-Effekte auftraten, justierte er nach. 44
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A close up of the honeycomb-like surface of the interior concert walls.
A true sound magician: Acoustic engineer Yasuhisa Toyota who also designed the acoustic of the Walt Disney Hall in L.A.
Das Resultat: es gibt keine akustisch schlechten Plätze.Auf jedem Platz kann die gleiche, großartige Akustik genossen werden. Das NDR Elbphilharmonie-Orchester probt seit vergangenem Sommer im Saal - und ist vom Klang vollauf begeistert, berichtete Dirigent LiebenSeutter. Wenn die 2.100 Besucher am Abend ihre Sitzplätze eingenommen haben, wird der Große Saal sogar etwa 2 Millimeter absinken - dank der unzähligen Stahlfedern, jede etwa 40 Zentimeter lang, auf denen sich der Saal stützt und die ihn von jedem Geräusch und jeder Vibration von draußen abschirmen sollen. n
Reisen |
TRAVEL
Sunset over Hamburg Harbor with the new Elbphilharmonie in the background
NEARLY ABANDONED, BUT NOW FINALLY OPEN Hamburg’s Elbphilharmonie Is a Modern Marvel
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fter ten long years, the massive Elbphilharmonie in Hamburg finally opened on January 11, 2017, and has hosted its first concerts.
Ten turbulent years have passed since the foundation stone for the huge concert hall was laid on April 2, 2007 during which cost overruns and other problems slowed its completion. In 2012, the construction even came to a complete standstill. Then in 2013 the project was completely renegotiated, with completion costs substantially increasing from the original estimate.The city didn’t obtain financial support from the German federal government when the costs exploded because, as Hamburg Mayor Olaf Scholz stated with a smile “Hamburg is a city-state with a long, proud tradition -- which forbids us from asking for money from the national government.”
All photos: Courtesy of Hamburg Tourism
The “Große Saal” (Grand Hall)
ELBPHILHARMONIE HAMBURG IN NUMBERS With the opening of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg on 11 and 12 January 2017, Hamburg forges its path as a city of music, once again demonstrating that the city is shaping its future based on contrast. Located in the HafenCity Hamburg district – Europe’s largest inner-city development project between the Speicherstadt UNESCO World Heritage site and the port – this unique concert hall is emerging as a new magnet for locals and guests alike. The spectacular building comprises three concert halls with a diverse music programme, a comprehensive music education programme, a hotel, as well as the Plaza – a public viewing platform at a height of 37 metres that offers visitors an amazing view of the city. Designed by renowned Swiss architects Herzog & de Meuron, the dazzling glass structure of the Elbphilharmonie Hamburg rises up to a height of 110 metres upon the former Kaispeicher A, a historic warehouse that was subsequently used for storing tea, tobacco and coffee. With its unique architecture the new concert hall represents the diverse, maritime flair of Hamburg – a city that is built on tradition and modernity and continues to successfully reshape its future by drawing on courage, creativity, innovation and cosmopolitanism. The Elbphilharmonie Hamburg symbolises the city’s ruggedness and beauty, these ubiquitous contrasts that are so characteristic for Hamburg’s appeal as the gateway to the world. n
Finally completed at a cost of 789 million euros ($833 million), the massive, modern Elbphilharmonie now dominates the Hamburg cityscape. The first season is already completely sold out. Tickets initially priced at 17 euros ($18) were resold and can now fetch over 200 euros ($212) on the black market. Due to extremely high demand, 19 more concerts have been added to the program. From August 9-13, the Elbphilharmonie offers a varied program -- the “Elbphilharmonie Summer” - celebrating a different genre each week: world music, film scores, jazz and classical music. This is an integral part of the venue’s concept of hosting all kinds of ensembles, not just symphony orchestras. The sound in a concert hall is only fully revealed once the audience fills its seats as their clothes absorb sound waves. The acoustic engineer Yasuhisa Toyota, however, left nothing to chance. He built a 1:10 model of the Grand Hall and filled it with small dolls sitting in for the future concertgoers. When echo effects occurred, he made adjustments. The result? No matter where the guests are sitting, they all enjoy the same amazing sound quality as anyone else. The NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra has been rehearsing in the Grand Hall of the Elbphilharmonie since last summer and is full of praise and enthusiasm about the sound, according to its conductor Lieben-Seutter. And when the 2,100 visitors have taken their seats on any given evening, the Grand Hall will actually sit about two millimeters deeper, as it rests on a multitude of steel springs, each about 40 centimeters long, designed to keep any sound or vibration from the nearby hotel, restaurant or harbor below outside. n
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TRAVEL | Reisen
Martin Luther auf Schritt und Tritt
The legendary entrance of the Wittenberg Castle Church
Mehr als sein halbes Leben verbrachte der große Reformator im kleinen Wittenberg. Ein Spaziergang mit Luther durch seine Heimatstadt. Tour guide Bernhard Naumann
„D
a erzählen meine Schäfchen nun in der Beichte, dass sie viel Schlimmes wieder getan hätten“, zitiert Bernhard Naumann Martin Luther vor der berühmten Thesentür. „Und dann zeigen sie mir stolz den Ablassbrief und sagen, sie hätten alle Sünden schon bezahlt.“ Bernhard Naumann, der tagsüber seiner Arbeit in der Stadtkirche nachgeht, hat sichtlich Freude an solch einer Touristenführung. Diese beginnt an der Tür der Wittenberger Schlosskirche, wo Luther am 31. Oktober 1517 die Welt der Christenheit grundlegend umkrempelte. Dabei ist das, was er an die Kirchentür schlägt, eigentlich nur Vorlage für ein akademisches Streitgespräch. Hinter Luthers Rücken jedoch werden die 95 Thesen ins Deutsche übersetzt und ohne seine Einwilligung gedruckt. Wie ein Buschbrand breiten sie sich fortan aus, bald ist halb Europa mit dem damals als unerhört angesehenen Gedankengut infiziert. Seit 1885 ist das Gotteshaus eine Gedächtniskirche für die gesamte Reformation. So prangt vom Kirchturm die Titelzeile des Psalms “Eine feste Burg ist unser Gott”. Von den Säulen blicken Luther, Melanchthon und sieben weitere Reformatoren herab. Die Wände zieren Medaillons etwa von Cranach, Dürer, Calvin, Zwingli und Meistersinger Hans Sachs, der das Gedicht von der Wittenberger Nachtigall schrieb.Von den Balustraden grüßen die Wappen von Königen, Fürsten und Rittern, die dem neuen Glauben gewogen waren, und in den Kirchenfenstern sind Städte verewigt, die zu Hochburgen der Reformation wurden. Luther wird hier 1546 beigesetzt. Auf dem Weg zum Markt sind die Höfe des Luther-Freundes Lucas Cranach die nächste wichtige Station. Denn hier malte der „Fotograf der Reformation“ nicht nur viele seiner berühmten Gemälde, hier besaß er auch eine Druckerei. „In diesen Räumen wurde im September 1522 der erste Bestseller Europas gedruckt“, erzählt Andreas Metschke, der hier eine historische Druckerstube betreibt. Das auf der Wartburg übersetzte Neue Testament nämlich erscheint in einer astronomischen Startauflage von 3.000 Exemplaren und verkauft sich binnen zwei Wochen komplett. Und das trotz des Preises von eineinhalb Gulden, immerhin der Wert von anderthalb Schweinen. Schon im Dezember 1522 wird deshalb die zweite Auflage mit verbessertem Text und weniger drastischen Bildern gedruckt.
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Fortan kommen die Drucker kaum noch hinterher. Denn mit dem neuen Testament lernen die einfachen Leute jetzt sogar Lesen und Schreiben. Aber schon zieht Naumann zügigen Schrittes zum Marktplatz. Ein Blick auf das schöne Renaissance-Rathaus, ein Gruß zu dem bronzenen Abbild Luthers, dann betritt er schon St. Marien mit dem markanten Doppelturm, „wo Luther in 34 Jahren über 2.000 Mal gepredigt hat”. Weiter gehts zum Lutherhaus, wo der Reformator fast 35 Jahre lang wohnte, als Professor der Theologie arbeitete, schrieb und disputierte. Im größten reformationsgeschichtlichen Museum der Welt werden sein Leben, Werk und Wirken in eindrucksvollen Räumen und anhand herausragender Exponate anschaulich. Da ist die weitgehend originale Lutherstube, die wie kein anderer Ort die Atmosphäre des 16. Jahrhunderts und die Aura der Reformation atmet. Oder die 1534 in Wittenberg gedruckte Erstausgabe der vollständigen Lutherbibel, ein fünf Kilogramm schweres Prachtstück. Auch die Frage aller Fragen nach Fakt oder Fiktion des Thesenanschlags ist noch immer nicht hundertprozentig geklärt. Jüngsten Forschungen zufolge soll Luther die Thesen sogar an die Türen a l l e r Wittenberger Kirchen angeschlagen haben. „Aber das, “ sagt Bernhard Naumann mit einem verschmitzten Lächeln, „wissen nur er und Gott genau.”n
T r av e l I n f o rm at i o n : Wittenberg is located about 80 miles from Berlin and 50 miles from Leipzig. It can be easily reached by the ICE train. CLOSEST AIRPORTS: Leipzig-Halle and Berlin-Schönefeld HOTELS: Best Western 89 Euro/person/night
Schwarzer Baer 85 Euro/person/night Luther-Hotel 52 Euro/person/night
MORE INFORMATION about events, travel packages, tours and more: www.lutherstadt-wittenberg.de www.luther2017.de This article was originally published by Storymacher on www.storymacher.de and reprinted with kind permission by Storymacher.
Reisen |
The original Luther pulpit in Wittenberg
Martin Luther at Every Turn
“M
y lambs tell me in their confessions that they have done a lot of bad things again,” intones Bernhard Naumann, quoting Martin Luther in front of the famous gate of the church in Wittenberg. “And then they proudly show me the letter of indulgence and say they have already paid all sins.” The market square of Wittenberg with Luther statue
Naumann, who works at the town church during the day, is visibly pleased with doing these types of sightseeing tours.The tour begins at the entrance to the Wittenberg Castle Church, where Martin Luther fundamentally reversed the world of Christendom (Christianity) on October 31, 1517, when he nailed his 95 Theses to the church door. Those Latin challenges to the Catholic Church’s teaching, were intended to be an academic dispute between Luther and his bishop, Albert of Mainz. But behind Luther’s back, the 95 Theses are translated into German and printed without his consent.
TRAVEL
The great reformer spent more than half of his life in the little town of Wittenberg. Take a walk with us through Martin Luther’s hometown.
The next stop is the Lutherhaus, where the reformer lived for almost 35 years while working as a theology professor, writer and author of many disputes. In this largest historic Reformation museum in the world, his life and work are the illustrated in impressive spaces and outstanding exhibitions. There is the Lutherstube, largely kept in its original style, which exudes the atmosphere of the 16th century and the aura of the Reformation. Here, you will also come across the first edition of the complete Luther Bible, which was printed in Wittenberg in 1534, an eleven-pound piece of art. The question of all questions about the fact or fiction of these theses has still not been fully clarified. According to recent researches, Luther supposedly nailed the 95 Theses to the doors of all Wittenberg churches. “Only he and God would know,” Bernhard Naumann smiles. n
The ideas were spread like a bush fire and soon half of Europe is infected with these ideas - viewed as outrageous in those times and a new form of Christianity is born. And since 1885 the Wittenberg church has stood as a special monument of commemorating the entire Reformation. Thus, inside, from the church tower you can read the caption of the psalm “A firm fortress is our God.” Luther, Philip Melanchthon and seven other reformers look down from the pillars.The walls are adorned with medallions of Cranach, Dürer, Calvin, Zwingli and the singer Hans Sachs, who wrote the poem of the Wittenberg Nachtigall (nightingale).The emblems of kings, princes and knights, who were open to the new faith, greet you from the balustrades and in the church windows you can see the cities that became strongholds of the Reformation. Martin Luther was buried here in 1546. The next important stop is on the way to the market, to the courtyards of Luther’s friend Lucas Cranach.The “photographer of the Reformation” not only painted many famous works here, he also had a printing shop at this location. “The first bestseller in Europe was printed in these rooms in September 1522,” says Andreas Metschke, who runs a historic printing press here. That was “The New Testament,” translated at the Wartburg, which appeared in an astronomical first print of 3,000 copies and was sold out within two weeks. And this despite the price of 1.5 gulden, which was the value of 1.5 pigs in those times! That is why the second edition was quickly printed with an improved text and less drastic pictures in December 1522. From then on, the printers barely manage to print enough as the simple people began to learn how to read and write with the help of these copies. In Wittenberg, Naumann continues the tour heading to the market square. After offering a glimpse of the beautiful Renaissance town hall and greeting the bronze image of Luther there, he then enters St. Marien Church, with its distinctive double tower, “where Luther preached over 2,000 times in 34 years,” as Naumann explains. SPRING 2017
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TRAVEL TIPS | Reisetipps
How To Do Germany … … Without Breaking the Bank By Kelsi Nelson
Traveling in Germany can be financially intimidating – just consider the cost of railway tickets alone. While the Deutsche Bahn (DB) train system is incredibly reliable, a 30-minute journey can at times cost over € 20. So before you commit to paying the full, expensive price for a train ticket to your next destination, try searching for a cheaper journey through other methods of tran-sport including intercity coach services and via rideshare apps. Intercity coach services, such as Flixbus and Hellö, are our most favored services when traveling between major cities -- not only in Germany, but also through 19 other countries in Europe. While the route may take a bit longer, you can find a ticket at a fraction of the price you would pay for the train. A quick search finds that a train ticket from Munich to Nuremberg costs €19 for an hour journey, while a bus costs €5, while taking only one extra hour. If time is not a crucial factor in your travels, there are obvious opportunities to save some cash by busing it. Another growing method of transportation that can save you money is ridesharing. The most popular app for this in Germany is Blablacar, which you can access on your computer or download to your mobile device. Blablacar allows you to select your departure location and future destination, and then browse drivers that are planning to travel the same route. The app displays the time of departure and approximate time of arrival, the price of the trip, the number of seats in the car and information about the driver, including reviews from previous passengers. Blablacar is exceptionally helpful budget-wise when traveling to and from a non-major city. For example, a ticket on the DB from Augsburg to Munich costs €14, while a rideshare using Blablacar costs only €4 and takes the same amount of time. When traveling between major cities, Blablacar also offers the possibility of saving you a lot of time, thanks to sections of the Autobahn that have no speed limit. If you are brave, you can make it
from Cologne to Munich in three-and-a-half hours instead of the six it would take by bus! Before you feel overwhelmed by the amount of research you have to do in order to find the cheapest options, don’t worry -- there’s an app for that, too. GoEuro gives you immediate comparisons of train, bus, plane and rideshare prices. While it’s a quick and easy way to get an idea of which method of transportation is best for you, we recommend that you also check the prices on the actual website of your chosen method, to confirm that is indeed your cheapest and most desirable option. For example, some Blablacar trips are featured on GoEuro, but it is easier to navigate and find the ideal ride through the website or app itself. n
n ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kelsi Nelson earned her Bachelor’s degree in Horn Performance from the University of California, Los Angeles, in June 2016, and has been backpacking through Europe for the past six months. She has managed to travel for an extended period by working at hostels and farms, and finding the cheapest forms of transportation.
WIE GUT IST DEIN DEUTSCH? Kennst du die Bedeutung der folgenden Redewendungen?
Quiz
Einen Kater haben Etwas durch die Blume sagen Hinter dem Mond leben 48
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SPRING 2017
Jemandem rutscht das Herz in die Hose Etwas an den Nagel hängen Schwein haben Seinen Senf dazugeben Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach Die Kuh vom Eis holen Über den eigenen Schatten springen Einen Ohrwurm haben Tomaten auf den Augen haben
Jemandem Löcher in den Bauch fragen Ein Tropfen auf den heißen Stein Das schwarze Schaf sein Unter einer Decke stecken Eine Extrawurst bekommen
Weitere Beispiele von Deutsche Welle auf www.DW.com -> Deutsch Lernen Auflösung auf Seite 48.Viel Spaß!
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SPOTLIGHT | California / New York
Gesucht, gefunden: Elvis‘ BMW 507 Cabrio bald in New York Von Petra Schürmann
All photos: Courtesy BMW AG
“The King” as G.I. leaving the Ray Barracks in Friedberg, Germany, awaited by his fans.
A
Bill Hetzler with ls die Classic Car Abteilung von BMW nach Elvis’ restored langem Forschen das legendäre BMW 507 BMW 507 in Cabrio von Elvis Presley in einem Lagerhaus Pebble Beach in Kalifornien fand, war sie im Sommer 2014 in August 2016. auch auf der Suche nach Zeitzeugen, die etwas über diesen Flitzer aus dem Jahre 1957 erzählen konnten. Der berühmte amerikanische Sänger hatte den Wagen mit Fahrgestellnummer 70079 hatte zahlreiche Stories der Army-Dienstzeit in Deutschland gekauft und gefahren, als er als parat. Auch kam die Frage auf, warum das urGI seine Wehrpflicht im hessischen Friedberg sprünglich weiße Cabrio rot lackiert wurde. absolvierte. Der Grund: die enthusiastischen Elvis-Fans. BMW war an den in Bayern geborenen Ge- Der Sänger fuhr während seiner Wehrzeit fast schäftsmann Bill Hetzler verwiesen worden, der täglich nach dem Dienst von der US-Kaserne viele Jahre als Präsident der Steuben Parade in Ray Barracks in Friedberg nach Bad Nauheim, New York vorstand und über exzellente trans- wo er nach dem Tod seiner Mutter im Jahr atlantische Kontakte verfügt. Sie hätten es nicht 1958 seinen Vater und Onkel aus Memphis einbesser treffen können, denn Hetzler selbst hatte quartiert hatte und durfte deshalb „Off Post“ 24 Monate als GI mit Elvis die Wehrpflicht ab- wohnen, also „Heimschläfer“ sein. Allerdings solviert und zwar sechs Monate in der Panzer- musste er sich jedesmal an der Ausfahrt bei der division von Fort Hood, Texas und 18 Monate Wache abmelden, wo jeden Tag viele Teenager auf ein Autogramm von ihm warteten und manchin Friedberg. mal sogar so weit gingen, den weißen Lack des Eine Delegation von BMW wollte umgehend BMW abzuschaben. nach New York zum Interview kommen, aber da Bill Hetzler geschäftlich ohnehin nach München Die Lackstücke kamen in kleine Zündholzreisen musste, wurde ein Termin in der BMW- schachteln und wurden dann als Souvenir von Welt der bayrischen Hauptstadt vereinbart. Der den Teenagern gehandelt. Es dauerte nicht lange Termin dauerte vier Stunden, denn Bill Hetzler und das weiße Cabrio sah ziemlich unansehnlich
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aus. Der BMW musste neu lackiert werden und Elvis wählte Rot aus. Da GIs ein Privatauto immer in Gießen bei der Amerikanischen Militär Zulassungsstelle registrieren mussten, gab Bill Hetzler den Rat, in Gießen nach der Lackierwerkstatt zu suchen, wo BMW auch prompt fündig wurde. Restauriert wurde Elivs’ Cabrio dann aber bei BMW in München und wurde schließlich im August 2016 beim größten Classic Car Event der Welt, bei Concours d‘Elégance im kalifornischen Pebble Beach, vorgestellt. Natürlich durfte auch Bill Hetzler nicht fehlen, der auf Einladung von BMW als Zeitzeuge und Sprecher bei der Medienarbeit mitwirkte. Danach ging Elvis‘ BMW 507 auf Welttournee. Aber im April 2017 wird das geschichtsträchtige Automobil in New York City auf der Internationalen Automobil Ausstellung präsentiert werden. Natürlich unter strengster Bewachung. Man weiß ja nun, wozu Elvis Fans fähig sein können! n
Lost and Found:
Elvis’ BMW 507 Cabrio soon in New York City
W
hen the Classic Car Division of the BMW Group, headquarterd in Munich, Germany, eventually found Elvis Presley’s legendary BMW 507 convertible in a warehouse in California after many years of searching, they immediately started looking for period witnesses who would know additional details about this stylish car with chassis number 70079 from 1957. The famous American singer bought and drove the automobile in Germany while he was stationed as an American G.I. in the Hessian town of Friedberg. In their search for still-living people with memories of Elvis’ time in Germany, the BMW Group in Munich soon found Bavarian-born entrepreneur Bill Hetzler, the New Yorker who chaired the annual Steuben Parade in New York for many years and who has always maintained strong contacts and ties with Germany. BMW could not have been luckier in their search since Bill Hetzler actually served as a G.I. for 24 months in the same division as Elvis Presley – first for six months in Fort Hood,Texas, and then 18 months in Friedberg! His is a story that BMW wanted to hear, and Hetzler soon headed to Munich and BMWWorld for an extensive interview with the carmaker’s historians. That lasted for four hours, as Bill Hetzler had so many stories to share, including the reason why the iconic white was later painted red. Overly enthusiastic Elvis fans had actually been the reason for the paint change, as Hetzler explained.The popular singer used to drive almost daily from his post at the Ray Barracks in Friedberg, the distance of two miles, to the little town of Bad Nauheim where his father and uncle stayed with him after Elvis’ mother passed away in Memphis in 1958. Due to these circumstances, Elvis had permission to live “off post,” which made it necessary for him to stop and report to the guard daily before leaving the U.S. Army premises.
His fans knew that only too well and many teenagers waited for him day in, day out, to try for an autograph from The King. Some of them were even as bold as to scratch some paint from his BMW 507. Those tiny lacquer paint chips were stored in match boxes and traded as a souvenir among the youngsters, Bill Hetzler recounted. Soon, Elvis’ white BMW convertible looked pretty worn and he decided to have it painted red.Thanks to Bill Hetzler, BMW even found the paint shop in Gießen where Elvis took his 507 for that paint job, but eventually BMW decided to have it restored to its old glory at BMW in Munich. In August 2016, the Elvis BMW 507 convertible finally made a glamorous comeback at the Concours d’Elégance in Pebble Beach, the most prominent classic car event in the world. Naturally, Bill Hetzler was invited by BMW to be there and to support the German car manufacturer as a media spokesperson and witness. Since that showcase in Pebble Beach, Elvis’ BMW 507 has been shown all over the world. And in April 2017 the historic automobile will be on display at the International Auto Show in New York City. Heavy security will, of course, be in place – considering what Elvis fans are still capable of doing! n
Elvis Presley’s Legendary 1957 BMW 507 Cabrio on view at the New York International Auto Show APRIL 14 – APRIL 23, 2017: Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 10am – 10pm | Sun: 10am – 7pm Location: Jacob Javits Convention Center, 11th Ave. (btwn 34th & 40th St.), New York, NY For more information: about Elvis’ time in Germany, you can also contact Bill Hetzler at williamhetzler@msn.com
Courtesy of Bimmer Magazine
By Petra Schürmann
Photo: Courtesy of BMW AG
California / New York | SPOTLIGHT
Top: Elvis’ BMW 507 Convertible before restoration. Bottom: Jack Castor (r), last owner of Elvis’ BMW 507, hands the keys to a representative of BMW AG. Photo: Helmut Werb.
BMW produced only 253 exam- ples of its 507 sports car in 1957 and one of them, chassis 70079, has taken a particularly mysterious journey that began at the Frank- furt International Motor Show in September 1957, after which the car was used for test drives by the automotive media in addition to being raced several times by Hans Stuck. Stuck was competing in the Autodrome de Linas-Montlhéry in southern France when Presley spotted the car for the first time. Absolutely taken by the 507, Presley managed to obtain the car in December 1958 while in Germany. He drove the 507 until he completed his military service in March 1960. Once the car left Presley’s ownership, the car was shipped to the United States by a different owner. It continued to change hands. In 1968, the BMW 507 was purchased by Jack Castor, who had recognized the car’s connection to Stuck by its chassis number. More than 40 years later, The King’s 507 was discovered in a warehouse in Half Moon Bay, California, and its identity was verified with the help of Jackie Jouret, editor of Bimmer Magazine. Thus, Castor learned his 507 had been owned by Presley. BMW’s restoration goal was to return the car to its specification when Elvis Presley owned the car — painted in “Feather White” with a black-and-white interior. n
History Brief
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LANGUAGE | Sprache
German World
Language Quiz
WIE GUT IST DEIN DEUTSCH?
Hier die Auflösung zum Quiz auf Seite 40
Von Julia Kupper und Alexa Z. Constantine
Einen Kater haben | Unter Kopfschmerzen und/oder Übelkeit nach
Die Kuh vom Eis holen | Eine schwierige Lage entschärfen / eine
reichlichem Alkoholkonsum leiden. | Literally: To have a cat. Meaning: Suffering from a headache and nausea after a long night of partying.
Lösung finden. | Literally: To get the cow from the ice. Meaning: To save the situation.
Etwas durch die Blume sagen | Jemandem etwas Unangenehmes auf die schonungsvollste Weise sagen. | Literally: To say something through the flower. Meaning: To beat around the bush.
Über den eigenen Schatten springen | Sich überwinden etwas zu
Hinter dem Mond leben | Uninformiert sein, altmodisch denken.
Einen Ohrwurm haben | Ein besonderes Lied im Kopf haben. Literally: To have an earworm. Meaning: To have a song stuck in one’s head.
Literally: To live behind the moon. Meaning: To be uninformed, old-fashioned, not up to date.
Jemandem rutscht das Herz in die Hose | Sehr erschrocken sein. Literally: Someone’s heart has fallen into their pants. Meaning: His/her heart drops into their stomach.
Etwas an den Nagel hängen | Etwas aufgeben; aufhören etwas zu tun, das man vorher lange getan hat. | Literally: To hang something on a nail. Meaning: To hang up one’s boots.
Schwein haben | Glück haben; aus einer schlechten Lebenslange/Situation plötzlich in eine gute kommen. | Literally: To have a pig. Meaning: To have a sudden stroke of luck or to be saved last minute from an accident or disaster. Seinen Senf dazugeben | Sich (meist unerwünscht) in ein Gespräch einmischen und seinen Teil dazu beitragen. | Literally: To add one’s mustard to something. Meaning: To add one’s two cents. Lieber den Spatz in der Hand als die Taube auf dem Dach Lieber etwas nehmen, was wirklich greifbar ist, als etwas Wertvolles, das zu erreichen, jedoch nicht sicher ist. | Literally: It’s better to have a sparrow in your hand than a pigeon on your roof. Meaning: A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
tun, was man sonst nie tun würde. | Literally: To jump over one’s own shadow. Meaning: To force oneself to do something uncomfortable.
Tomaten auf den Augen haben | Etwas Offensichtliches nicht sehen oder nicht sehen wollen. | Literally: To have tomatoes on your eyes. Meaning: Not to see something obvious/to be blind. Jemandem Löcher in den Bauch fragen | Jemanden ausfragen und mit vielen Fragen auf die Nerven gehen. | Literally: To ask someone holes in their stomach. Meaning: To bombard someone with questions.
Ein Tropfen auf den heißen Stein | Viel zu wenig, ein unbedeutender Faktor. | Literally: A drop on a hot stone. Meaning: To be a drop in the bucket.
Das schwarze Schaf sein | Jemand, der sich von den anderen Mitgliedern (besonders einer Familie) negativ unterscheidet. | Literally: To be the black sheep. Meaning: To be negatively different from something else.
Unter einer Decke stecken | Heimlich kooperieren, sich insgeheim abgesprochen haben. | Literally: To be under one blanket with someone. Meaning: To be hand in glove with somebody. Eine Extrawurst bekommen | Jemanden besonders bevorzugt behandeln. | Literally: To get a special sausage. Meaning: To get special treatment.
by Sarah Burrini
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Kommentar | COMMENTARY
We Are Losing Face Time BY BERNARD HILLER
W
e live in a digitized world, severed from human contact. Every morning people wake up, and the first thing they do is check their phones, not the loved ones next to them. The irony of it all is that we have more “Facebook friends” and know more about their activities and interests than our real friends or family.
“It’s easy to get seduced by technology because it makes everything seem more simple. “
All our news and entertainment is provided for us simply by the press of a button. We spend a great deal of our time staring at a screen. No wonder we are more disconnected from ourselves and other people now than ever before.We are losing contact with our own feelings, desires and in some cases our voices. Many times we rely on technology to simply communicate to one another. But most importantly we are losing FACE TIME with the people we love. And when we lose human touch we become depressed, lonely and fearful of what the world has to offer. At the Milken conference, I once met Sherry Turtle, who has written the wonderful book “Reclaiming Conversation” that concludes that technology has made us less empathetic towards one another. According to Turtle, the world has become a sadder place, and creativity and deep conversations have suffered greatly from this phenomenon as well. It’s easy to get seduced by technology because it makes everything seem more simple. Why meet new people when you can just make an account on a dating site and meet thousands of people with a simple finger swipe? Social media allows us to control what we share. We get to convey the images we want others to see. Some have cemented the bars to their own technological prison.
Yet, there is hope! We must teach other how to reconnect with our humanity. Today, for example, start with giving someone a hug. Science says we need five hugs a day. Look into someone’s eyes, and tell them how you feel about them. Have dinner and not look at your phone. That’s a tough one! Go dancing, or take a walk in nature. Rediscover what makes life so beautiful! Speak to someone you don’t really know well. Find out what experiences they’ve been through. Listen. Only through understanding others can you discover your true self. It’s time to stop living on social media and start paying attention to the messages that our bodies are trying to tell us.When you hear the whispers of what you need to do next, you’ll be on life’s journey. Have a party for human connections and rediscover the beauty of life! n
n ABOUT THE AUTHOR Bernard Hiller is originally from Argentina and has been an actor, producer, director, CEO trainer and success coach for the past 30 years. His revolutionary technique has created artistic leaders around the world. He has coached A-list stars like Cameron Diaz, Lionel Ritchie and Al Pacino. He is the founder of “The Bernard Hiller Acting & Success Studio” and author of the book “Stop Acting, Start Living!” For more information visit
www.bernardhiller.com
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ORBITUARY |
q
Remembering Ferdinand Schumacher (* March 1, 1939; † March 19, 2017)
W
e mourn the sudden death of Ferdinand “Fred” Schumacher, a beloved and highly respected member of the German-American community and resident of Michigan’s Frankenmuth area. Ferdinand Schumacher, who passed away on March 19, 2017, in Vassar, near Frankenmuth, was originally from Kleve, Germany, and son to the late Josef and Maria Schumacher.
Fred Schumacher during a retirement dinner in his honor on June 30, 2015 shown with a special certificate from Hofbräuhaus Munich on which he is recognized by Dr. Michael Möller, CEO of the Hofbräu Brewery in Munich and Dr. Markus Söder, Finance Minister of Bavaria, for his tireless work bringing the Hofbräu brand to the United States.
Fred, as he was called by family and friends, graduated from brewing school in Cologne, Germany, and worked in breweries in Germany, Australia and the United States, as well as serving in many capacities for the Joseph Schlitz Brewing Company in Belgium and the United States. He also imported beers from Germany and Scotland. Among other accomplishments, he was instrumental for introducing the Hofbräu beer brand to North America by launching Hofbräu of America in 1997. According to the Hofbräu Brewery in Munich, he worked hard on the growth of the import market which resulted in a well-organized and highly profitable division for Hofbräu beer in the U.S. In 2005, Fred also founded Hofbräuhaus of America, LLC which became the Franchisor for all Hofbräuhaus franchises in the USA & Canada. Schumacher retired from his last position as President of Hofbräuhaus of America, LLC, on June 30, 2015 but stayed active and involved in various business projects. According to an official statement from the
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Our sincerest condolences to his family, friends and his longtime business partners at Hofbräu. Petra Schürmann German World Magazine Those who are planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to Saginaw Rescue Mission, Crossroads Counseling Ministries or Blessed Trinity Endowment Fund. Please share an online condolence with the family at www.cederbergfh.com.
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Everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him in person knows that Fred Schumacher was “ein richtig feiner Kerl” (a truly fine guy). He will be deeply missed.
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The funeral service was held on March 28, 2017, at the Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
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Fred is survived by Alberta, his wife of 49 years, his sister Gerda Will, his two brothers, Hans and Fritz Schumacher and their wives, plus many nieces and nephews all of whom live in Germany.
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Hofbräu Brewery, it was Fred Schumacher, who built the very foundations that have made the Hofbräu brand such a success in the United States. Fred was a very dedicated member of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church as well as the Frankenmuth Rotary Club, Gemütlichkeit Club, DANK (Deutsch-Amerikanischer National Kongress), the German-American Heritage Foundation and was always a strong partner to the Frankenmuth Oktoberfest.
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Happy Spring & Easter Greetings from Big John! Get Hooked!
Top Choice Fish Opens
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