Hier & There. The podcast of the Germanic-American Institute (GAI Podcast)

Today’s episode is the podcast version of a virtual talk with Dr. Susan Neiman; “Learning from the Germans”. Susan Neiman directs Berlin’s Einstein Forum, a public think tank for the state of Brandenburg. She has lived in Berlin for most of her adult life but was born and raised in the southern United States. For this book, she spent three years interviewing people in both Germany and the United States. In her book, she asks what we can learn from the Germans about confronting past evils, the concept of Vergangenheitsaufarbeitung, "working off the past", and how communities can come together to remember and move forward. Her other works include Slow Fire: Jewish Notes from Berlin, The Unity of Reason: Rereading Kant, Evil in Modern Thought, Moral Clarity: A Guide for Grownup Idealists, and Why Grow Up? Subversive Thoughts for an Infantile Age. ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gaimn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

Storycast: Goethe's "Erlkönig", "Der Zauberlehrling" and "Abschied" If you'd like to read along, you can find the text to the story by clicking this Link In this Storycast, we're taking you back to the 18th century with three poems by Goethe. Goethe was born on August 28th, 1749 and in true polymath fashion, he is known as a poet, playwright, novelist, theater director, a critic of arts, and a scientist. Goethe, a lawyer by education, achieved noble status at the ripe age of 25, after writing The Sorrows of the Young Werther. As a scientist, he wrote the Metamorphosis of Plants in 1788 and just three years later, he became the managing director of the theater in Weimar. Among his famous works are Faust, Wilhelm Meister’s Apprenticeship, Prometheus, and several others. What’s as surprising as his seemingly limitless talents, was that he had time to get married to Christiane Vulpius in 1806. Goethe was the father of 5 children, although 4 died at a young age. Truthfully, this short summary is a grave injustice to a genius who died in March 1832, and left literary works for us to cherish for what likely will be eternity. ### Goethe's poems leave us with numerous things to ponder and discuss. If you have a German group to talk with, your interpretation of the poems always creates a fantastic conversation. ### Audience Participation: If you want us to include any stories in our Storycast series, please connect with us at podcast@gaimn.org ### Enjoy!

In this episode, we welcome Jeana Anderson, Executive Director of the GAI. Jeana is claiming back her role as a German teacher. Today’s topic: German Word Order From there, we went into a grammar deep-dive, before we emerged with Austrian and German News Sources. Where do we actually get our news from? Some of the sources are: krone.at, kurier.at. derstandard.at, diepresse.at, bild.de, https://www.sueddeutsche.de, https://www.faz.net/aktuell/, and many more. On Google.de, search for “Deutsche Zeitungen” and you will find a rather significant repository of reading material. — Events: The highlight of the podcast is that Deutsche Tage will be back! Also, on April 18, “Learning from the Germans” and on May 8, German Cakes with Helga. The first Zoom Cooking class was a great success, and we’re following up with Helga’s baking - you don’t want to miss this! Find all details on gaimn.org ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

Virtual Talk: Denazification and the Cold War—The United States and Germany after WWII In this episode, we revisit a talk from Professor David Tompkins of Carleton College that was part of the “Transatlantic Chapters” series at the GAI last fall. The presentation, “Denazification and the Cold War - The United States and Germany after WWII” gives an excellent overview of the historical developments in Germany at a pivotal moment in history. Professor Tompkins covers the contexts of World War I and World War II and provides background on the U.S. occupations of Germany after both wars. He describes the process of denazification and examines the Cold War through a German prism.  The talk can also be viewed on the GAI’s YouTube channel here:  https://youtu.be/qXhKJ8D8heM Special thanks to Professor Tompkins for sharing his expertise with us and our listeners. We also encourage our listeners to sign up for the GAI’s next virtual talk, “Learning from the Germans,” with author Susan Neiman on April 18. Registration at https://www.gaimn.org/calendar/learning-from-the-germans ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

Storycast: Die Gespensterjagd If you'd like to read along, you can find the text to the story by clicking this Link The intention of "Auf Gespensterjagd" is to broaden your vocabulary. Many of the terms used in this story are quite colloquial, and some are even challenging to translate. However, sometimes, close enough of a translation is good enough, and the context of the story carries the meaning. As far as your German-speaking children are concerned - earmuffs are not needed but prepare for some German linguistic creativity. ### Audience Participation: If you want us to include any stories in our Storycast series, please connect with us at podcast@gai-mn.org ### The story comes, once again, from the University of Bremen and Merkel's Erzählkabinett.

The GAI has many layers. Commonly, you only see the front-end of the house. Our incredibly dedicated staff, the many passionate volunteers, and our amazing language teachers. Of course, we cannot forget the Kinderstube, either! Behind the scenes, though, there is a small team of equally dedicated board members who consult the GAI. In this episode, we welcome the Chair of the Board of the GAI, Danika Hoffmann. Our conversation takes us to Germany, back to the US, what it takes to navigate a non-profit through the pandemic, and how the board actually does its work while working remotely. Listen in… ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

Storycast: Der gestohlene Satz If you'd like to read along, you can find the text to the story by clicking this Link The intention of "Der gestohlene Satz" is to broaden your vocabulary. Many of the terms used in this story are quite colloquial, and some are even challenging to translate. However, sometimes, close enough of a translation is good enough, and the context of the story carries the meaning. As far as your German-speaking children are concerned - earmuffs are not needed but prepare for some German linguistic creativity. ### Audience Participation: If you want us to include any stories in our Storycast series, please connect with us at podcast@gai-mn.org ### The story comes, once again, from the University of Bremen and Merkel's Erzählkabinett.

The Trio is back! Erin, Katrin, and Michael talk about “False Friends” - words that are the same or eerily similar in German and English, but with entirely different meanings. Then we embark upon a crusade down customs and habits - behaviorism that differ between Germany and the USA. Do we have half-hour goodbye’s, too? And we have events coming your way, too! Also, check out our new website at www.gaimn.org and email us with your thoughts! Thanks in advance! ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

Storycast: Ein schlechtes Geschäft If you'd like to read along, you can find the text to the story by clicking this Link The intention of "Ein schlechtes Geschäft" is to broaden your vocabulary. Many of the terms used in this story are quite colloquial, and some are even challenging to translate. However, sometimes, close enough of a translation is good enough, and the context of the story carries the meaning.  As far as your German-speaking children are concerned - earmuffs are not needed but prepare for some German linguistic creativity.  ### Audience Participation: If you want us to include any stories in our Storycast series, please connect with us at podcast@gai-mn.org ### The story comes, once again, from the University of Bremen and Merkel's Erzählkabinett. 

In this episode of "Armchair Travel", we're taking you to Berlin. Our guest, Hanna, is a former GAI student. She's currently studying in Berlin and is able to give us a "boots on the ground" perspective. Erin, our Director of Communications also spent 3 years in Berlin, so it's practically a "meeting of two Berliners" -- and we get to eavesdrop in. :) ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

This is our first episode of Storycast.  Günther narrates "Die Steinsuppe".  A story brought to you completely in German. If you would like to read along, you can find the text to the story by clicking this Link  or,  you can also copy and paste the entire URL to our Google Storydrive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ae_7p7lMi7kHTRUvYOs98dAbDjh7z3n_/view?usp=sharing ### The original story was published by Dr. Johannes Merkel of Merkels Erzählkabinett at the University of Bremen. ### We are always interested in your feedback: email us at podcast@gai-mn.org

Welcome to Season 3 of the GAI's Podcast. In this episode, Erin Hart and Gunther talk about the beginning of 2021 and the GAI's plans for the year. We are also taking you behind the scenes, talking about the making of the Hier & There, we're also sharing some "secrets" with you, an update on the annual fundraiser, and we're pre-listening to a pilot project that's recorded in German. If you want to read along, here is the text: Die Steinsuppe Es war einmal ein alter Mann, der hatte kein Haus zum Schlafen und kein Geld, sich Essen zu kaufen. Er wanderte über die Landstrassen, und wenn er in ein Dorf kam, fragte er die Bewohner, ob sie nicht einen Bissen für ihn übrig hätten und ob er nicht in einer alten Scheune übernachten dürfe. Eines Tages hatte sich der alte Mann in einem Wald verlaufen, er irrte drei Tage und drei Nächte durch den Wald, bis er endlich wieder herausfand und in ein Dorf kam. Was war der alte Mann da hungrig und müde! Er klopfte am ersten Haus und geriet an eine Frau: "Sie wünschen?" "Ich bin drei Tage durch den Wald geirrt. Haben Sie vielleicht einen Bissen für mich übrig und ein Plätzchen zum Schlafen?" "Da könnte ja jeder kommen!" schimpfte die Frau und warf die Tür zu. Der alte Mann ging weiter und kam zu einem Gemüseladen. Im Laden fragte er den Händler: "Ich bin drei Tage durch den Wald geirrt. Haben Sie vielleicht einen Bissen für mich übrig und ein Plätzchen zum Schlafen?" "Klar, kannst du haben," meinte der Händler. "Aber nur gegen Bares." Und als der alte Mann nur den Kopf schüttelte, lachte er: "Umsonst ist nur der Tod!" und jagte ihn vor die Tür. Der alte Mann ging weiter... Source: Johannes Merkel - https://www.stories.uni-bremen.de/leute/steinsuppe.html ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

The GAI cordially invites you to a German Christmas Sing-A-Long with John Hoffacker.  Enjoy our festive tunes with John in the lead, the Minnesota Minnesingers, and the GAI Kids from the Kinderstube. From all of us at the GAI, we wish you Frohe Weihnachten und einen guten Rutsch 2021! We'll be back with Season 3 in January of 2021. ----- Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

*Due to a shaky connection with Zoom, some of the audio may be challenging to hear. My apologies. Günther* “Help Wanted” - Make it in Germany Guest: Michaelle Nintcheu, Researcher for Immigration at Make it in Germany Links:  The original article we came across: https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/business/the-skilled-immigration-act-the-impact-of-the-coronavirus The Make it in Germany web portal: https://www.make-it-in-germany.com/en/ We covered: The current situation of the labor market in Germany Skilled workers are needed in Germany Immigrants - are they welcomed? The Visa process & changes in immigration laws Do you need to speak German? The removal of the work permit Increasing your chances to get a job offer from a German company The process of applying: what needs to be on the resume What it is like to actually immigrate to Germany Language and culture - some things to consider ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###

** At the beginning of the recording, an unresolvable scratching noise can be heard in Günther's mic - apologies** The Expat Life: We are welcoming Julia Hart, an American Expat who moved to Germany 15 years ago for a chat about life in Germany and some of the differences to the United States. In this episode, we discuss, among other topics, German stereotypes (some of which are entirely true), Minnesota nice, COVID-19 and lockdowns, politics, the appreciation of the arts, Online Theater, and more. The Election Play, directed by Julia Hart, can be viewed here: https://vimeo.com/475758573 Relating to ALL the GAI’s events, language classes, and COVID-19 measures, please visit www.gai-mn.org ### Since 1957 The Germanic American Institute has been building cultural bridges between the American Midwest and German-speaking European countries. We cordially invite you on the inside, to join us as we share insights into German grammar, the German cultural experience, we’ll look at current topics, and we’ll let you know about all the events that we are involved in, and you can participate in. If you'd like us to answer any questions you may have about our content, history, grammar, etc. please email us at podcast@gai-mn.org and we'll answer your question in the next episode. ###