Wednesday, April 21, 2010

Dear Readers,

Das Zentrum has moved! You can find us at our new home at http://www.daszentrum.org.au/

Thank you for your support, and we hope you enjoy our new website.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Wed 28 October
8pm
Annual General Meeting at our premises at the Griffin Centre.
Send in your nominations or join us to get involved in the future
of your organisation. Contact Paul for more information on
6281 0486.

30 Oct to 1 Nov
Friday from 5pm
Sat/Sun from 11am
Oktoberfest 2009 – Canberra’s own Oktoberfest is back, bigger
and better with German food, beer, music & entertainment for
all. See us at Das Zentrum’s potato pancake stall!
Budawang Building, Exhibition Park. Entry fees apply.

2 to 9 November
(closed 8 Nov)
Ortszeit Local Time – visit this exclusive photographic
exhibition at The Gallery, the Main Quad, Canberra Grammar
School. Free entry.

Sun 8 November
3pm
Concert by Trio Empyrean commemorating musical
anniversaries and 20 years since the fall of the Berlin wall.
At the John Lingard Hall, Canberra Grammar Junior School,
Red Hill. Admission prices: $25; $20 concession/members; $15
students.

Sun 6 December
6.30pm
Das Zentrum Christmas function at The Ridge Organic
Restaurant, Farrer Shops. $35 for 2 courses (2 meal choices,
vegetarian/vegan/gluten free options available on request).
Restaurant is BYO - $3 corkage per bottle, not licensed.
RSVP by Sunday 29 November to Paul on 6281 0486.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Classes and events

Mondays 6-8pm
German language class at intermediate level – register now for Semester 2 starting on 27 July – contact Katrin on on 6262 8782 or email: katrin.matthews@anu.edu.au.

Tuesdays 6-8pm
German language class for beginners. Semester 2 starts on 28 July. To join or for more details please ring Birgit on 6166 1510 or email: matwijiw@grapevine.com.au.

Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language class for continuing beginners 2. For more information or to enrol for Semester 2 starting on 29 July please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.

Every Thursday
7.30pm until late
German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months – contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.

Friday 26 June
6pm tour
7pm dinner
Winter Solstice Dinner at Zierholz at the Brewery. Join us for our mid-year dinner. 2 courses for $25. Brewery tour starts from 6pm.

Friday 24 July
7pm
Bilingual Trivia Night – did you miss this popular event last year? Test your knowledge in English AND German! Includes supper, tea & coffee and prizes! At Der Keller at the Harmonie
German Club, 49 Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah. $18.00/person or $15.00 for members/concessions.

Thurs 20 August
6.30pm
Film screening “The Baader Meinhof Complex”. Join us for this Oscar nominated film about an important chapter in Germany’s history. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Drinks and canapés served before the film from 6.30pm. $10 per person. DVD screening in German with English subtitles). See article enclosed for more details. Note film is rated MA Strong violence, coarse language and nudity.

18-19 September
Immersion Weekend – immerse yourself in German language, food and culture right here in Canberra. Our popular event is back commencing Friday evening 18th September and running all day Saturday 19th September. More details to come in our next edition.

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Friday, March 06, 2009

Calendar at a Glance for February - May 2009

Mondays 6-8pm
German language class at intermediate level has limited spaces still available. More details in Federkiel. To sign up please ring Katrin on on 62628782 or email: katrin.matthews@anu.edu.au.

Tuesdays 6-8pm
German language class for beginners. No prior knowledge of German is necessary and places are still available for Semester 1. More information enclosed. To join please ring Birgit on 6166 1510 or email matwijiw@grapevine.com.au.

Wednesdays 6-8pm
German language class for continuing beginners 2. The class is full for Semester 1, 2009.

Every Thursday
7.30pm until late

German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months – contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.

Wed 11 March
8pm
Talk by Prof Dr Michaela Gross-Letzelter, from the Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule München, University of Applied Science, “A DIFFERENT VISION OF GERMANY - POVERTY, EDUCATION and UNEMPLOYMENT in GERMANY”. Talk in English, questions in English or German. More information enclosed.

Thursday 19 March
6.30pm
Film Screening “Kirschblüten – Hanami”-“Cherry Blossoms”. One of Germany's foremost filmmakers, Doris Dörrie, writes and directs this film which has won numerous awards. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Join us before the film from 6.30pm for drinks and canapés.
$10 per person. DVD screening in German (film does NOT have English subtitles). See article enclosed for more details.

A Sunday in late March (date to be confirmed)
2pm
Federweisser Wine Tasting at Helm’s Winery, Butts Road via Murrumbateman (25 minutes drive north on the Barton Highway from Canberra). It’s that time of the year again when this traditional young wine is ready – more information on Federweisser is enclosed. Enjoy it with Zwiebelkuchen (onion tart) for $12 per person. Car pooling can be arranged if required. RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 and he will confirm when the wine is ready.

Wed 8 April
8.15pm
Talk by Bern Brent about his journey to Australia on the Dunera and his subsequent internment: 'Unrasiert und fern der Heimat - Tatura, Victoria, Internment Camps 2, 3 and 4., Sep 1940 to Jan 1942'. Talk at Das Zentrum in English and German. More details enclosed.

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Public Lecture

Das Zentrum presents:
A Talk by Prof. Dr. Michaela Gross-Letzelter
from the
Katholische Stiftungsfachhochschule München, University of Applied Science

Wednesday 11 March 2009
8pm at Das Zentrum

A DIFFERENT VISION OF GERMANY

POVERTY, EDUCATION and UNEMPLOYMENT in GERMANY

The prospects of economic development in 2009 have also deteriorated in Germany. In Europe, recessive tendencies are constantly growing. In recent years things appeared to be clearly more positive in Germany. Despite the good economic situation, however, poverty has been evident.

In her lecture, Prof. Dr. Michaela Gross-Letzelter will focus on those Germans not profiting from economic developments. She will discuss social inequality in Germany, and will consider those Germans who belong to the poor. She will present statistics on poverty and the interconnection of poverty, education and unemployment. Besides this, Prof. Dr. Gross-Letzelter will also review socioeconomic background and educational chances. To demonstrate how Germany is positioned, she will partly draw comparisons with Europe.

The talk will be in English, questions can be in English or German.

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Federweisser 2009

Have you tried this traditional young wine?

Any of our long-term members know all about Federweisser and our annual event to taste it and enjoy an afternoon at Helm’s Winery at Murrumbateman. You would also know that there is only a short window in which to enjoy it! But for those who don’t know, what is it???

In the German speaking regions of Europe it goes under a variety names such as Neuer Wein, Federweisser, Sauser, Sturm, Suesser, Neia Siessa – but it all means the same, it tastes terrific, is delicious to drink and is not too alcoholic. It is grape juice in the early stages of becoming wine (fermentation). Fermentation is a process whereby yeast converts the grapes’ natural sugar into carbon dioxide, alcohol and eventually into wine. This unusual drink combines the taste of yeast and freshly crushed grapes with the sparkle of champagne and foams like a beer. It is not much to look at with its cloudy mauve dusty color but it is soooo good to drink in particular if you have it with freshly baked onion tart (Zwiebelkuchen).

This drink has a long tradition in the wine growing districts of the German speaking regions. No grape harvest would be complete without this fine drink to fortify the grape pickers and satisfy the eager local populous as well as the tourists. The drink is also reputed to be very healthy because of its low alcohol content and the B-vitamins it contains from the yeast.

While in days gone past Federweisser was only available in the actual wine growing districts of central Europe it is now widely available in supermarkets sold in screw top bottles with a small hole in the top and a piece of paper glued over it to prevent the bottle from exploding due to too much gas building up inside. Supermarkets keep the bottles in cool storage that virtually stops the fermentation process. You buy a bottle and keep it at room temperature that restarts fermentation and in two days it is ready to drink.

For the last few years, Helms Winery near Murrumbateman has given us the opportunity to sample Federweisser and to learn about the finer details of wine making. This year’s crop is almost ready, and because of the fermentation process, we have only a small window of opportunity in which to try it. It’s a great day out in the Autumn weather enjoying Federweisser and its traditional accompaniment, onion tart.

Where: Helms Winery, Butts Road, Murrumbateman (car pooling available – please let Paul know when you RSVP so we can make transport arrangements).

When: a Sunday in late March from 2pm. Ken Helm will tell us when the wine is ready to drink.

Cost: $12 per person. This includes two glasses of wine and a piece of Zwiebelkuchen.

Bring: Picnic rug/chairs, containers if you wish to take home some Federweisser.

Please RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 and he will confirm the date once known.

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Film Screening

Einladung zum Filmabend /
Invitation to film screening

Kirschblüten – Hanami
Cherry Blossoms - Hanami
Ein Film von Doris Dörrie

Thursday 19 March
Pre-film drinks & canapés from 6.30 pm

Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School
(parking off Alexander Street)
$ 10 per person, includes drinks and canapés
DVD screening IN GERMAN
WITHOUT English subtitles

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Learn German in 2009!

Learn German in 2009

All of Das Zentrum’s language teachers are German native speakers with appropriate qualifications and several years teaching experience. Courses offered in Semester 1:

Beginning German (places still available)
$200 for 14 two-hour sessions
Tuesdays, 6-8 pm
Start: 17 February 2009
Book: Langenscheidt Optimal A1 Text- and workbook (can be ordered through or is available at the ANU Bookstore)

No prior knowledge of German necessary.

To sign up please ring Birgit on 6166 1510 or email (matwijiw@grapevine.com.au) and let us know your name and contact details (email and mobile phone number).

Intermediate German (limited number of places still available)
$200 for 14 two-hour sessions
Monday, 6-8 pm
Start: 9 February 2009
Book: em Hauptbuch Text- and workbook from Chapter 6 (the books can be ordered through or are available at the ANU Bookstore; please check with teacher!)

You need to be quite fluent in German and have a good understanding of the basic grammatical structures.

To sign up please ring Katrin on on 62628782 or email (katrin.matthews@anu.edu.au) and let us know your name and contact details (email and mobile phone number).

Courses are held at Das Zentrum, which is on the first floor of the Griffin Centre in Civic.

You have to be a member of Das Zentrum to do these courses. Membership ($50 / $30 concession per year) also gives you free access to our library resources (books, magazines, videos, DVDs...).

Note the Continuing Beginners’ course which runs on Wednesday evenings is full.

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Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Calendar of Events, October - December 2008

Mondays 6-8pm

German language classes at intermediate level. For more information on language classes including expressions of interest for 2009 please contact Patricia at: bezi@bigpond.net.au.

Wednesdays 6-8pm

German language classes for continuing beginners 2
re-starts for final term of 2008 on 29 October. A few places are still available – please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.

Every Thursday
7.30pm until late

German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.

Wed 29 October
8pm

Annual General Meeting at the Griffin Centre – it’s that time of year already. Send in your nominations or get nominated yourself! Contact Paul for more information on 6281 0486.


Sat 8 November
10am – 1pm

Das Zentrum’s Home Cooking Series – Cheesemaking – another session to meet demand. See more information enclosed. If interested please contact Angelika on 6281 4023.

Sun 16 November
3pm

Eine kleine Nachmittagsmusik – A little afternoon music
Music performed by Sarahlouise Owens (Soprano) and Natasha Tkachenko (Piano) from Klassik to Kabarett – Gems from the world of German music and song. At the Harmonie German Club, Jerrabomberra Avenue, Narrabundah. Tickets available at the door - $20 or $16 for members or concession holders – see article enclosed for more details.


Thurs 4 December
6.30pm for 7pm
Christmas Dinner Celebration for members and friends of Das Zentrum. Join us for a traditional Christmas dinner at the Harmonie German Club in Jerrabomberra Ave, Narrabundah. Cost is $30 for 2 courses. Please RSVP to Paul on 6281 0486 by Sunday 30 November.


COMING in
MARCH 2009
Do you want to improve your German language skills in just one weekend? Das Zentrum’s highly regarded Immersion Weekend is coming again. More information coming in early 2009.

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Wednesday, August 06, 2008

Semester 2, 2008: Upcoming Events

Mondays 6-8pm

German language classes at intermediate level – semester 2 starting 21 July still has a couple of vacancies at time of going to print. For information contact Katrin Matthews on 6262 8782.

Wednesdays 6-8pm

German language classes for continuing beginners 2 are on Wednesdays with classes already underway. For details please contact Susanne on 6262 8767.

Every Thursday
7.30pm until late

German conversation group continues weekly at Das Zentrum. Cost for this popular group is $30 per six months –contact Paul for more details on 6281 0486.


Note: Das Zentrum is running only the above weekly language groups for Semester 2 – our Tuesday beginners class will not be offered this semester. For more information on language classes please contact Patricia at: bezi@bigpond.net.au.

Thursday 7 August
6.30pm

Film Screening “Die Schweizermacher - The Swissmakers” This 1978 comedy remains one of Switzerland’s most successful films. Screening at the Burton Theatre, Canberra Boys Grammar School (parking off Alexander Street). Join us before the film from 6.30pm for drinks and canapés.
$10 per person. DVD screening in German with English subtitles. See article enclosed for more details.


Sat 13 September
10am

Das Zentrum’s Home Cooking Series – Cheesemaking
See more information enclosed. If interested please contact Angelika on 6281 4023.

20 September to
12 October
Deutsche Wochen – German weeks feature a series of events from members of the Canberra German Speakers’ Network including Das Zentrum, CMS Radio, the ANU, the ACT German Language School, the German Australian Playgroup, and the Harmonie German Club. Das Zentrum’s reading competition is the opening event and the weeks finish with the Harmonie German Club’s Oktoberfest.

Sat 20 September
2pm
Vorlesewettbewerb – Reading Competition – this year we invite you to join our Wilhelm Busch themed reading competition. Come along on the day to hear the finalists – coffee and cake will be available. From 2pm at the Griffin Centre. More information and entry form enclosed.

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Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Reminder: Invitation to Presentation

Invitation

To a talk by Mr Max Hughes on the subject:

Australia, Germany, Austria – Can we do better?

Das Zentrum is proud to host this talk. Mr Hughes is a former long serving Australian career diplomat. He was resident Australian Ambassador to Poland (1985-1987), Germany (1995-1999) and Austria (2000-2003) with additional responsibility for Switzerland and Liechtenstein when based in Bonn. He has been responsible for the development of some major inter governmental projects during his time as Ambassador. His background in German affairs goes back to his first posting to Bonn in 1966. Mr Hughes considered it important to promote the relationship between Australia and German speaking European countries. He has given many interviews in the German language print and electronic media in Europe and Australia.

WHEN: 7.30 PM, Thursday 5 June 2008
WHERE: ‘Das Zentrum', Australian German Institute Inc., 1st Floor, Griffin Centre, Genge Street, Civic

For further information please call 62810486 or email pgamp@orac.net.au