Washington DC alumni chapter meets Goethe Institut
The Washington DC alumni chapter of the RIAS Berlin Commission had a get-together with the Goethe Institut in Washington recently at which American journalists and some of the staff of the Goethe Institut had the chance to talk about a variety of issues.
The group was welcomed for the rooftop gathering by Goethe Institut Director Andreas Ströhl and WUSA9 reporter/anchor Larry Miller — the RIAS Berlin Commission chapter leader in Washington DC.
Verena Hütter, Director of Information Services North America Goethe-Institut Washington, helped host the event with the RIAS alumni and said the event included a “Learn German in 15 minutes class” with Goethe’s German teacher Paul Perterer — the lesson was a special treat for the American journalists.
A total of 15 people attended the Cultural Mixer. Apart from the German lesson, it featured a thoughtful discussion regarding current news events, like the war in Ukraine and the mass, sniper style shooting that was happening in Northwest DC during the event itself. Some of the journalists had to leave early to help cover the shooting. During their German lesson, the RIAS journalists learned small phrases and greetings like—“Where are you from? How do you feel?”
They also talked about the relationship between the German and English languages, how words in German are enunciated and the German alphabet. What was fascinating to the Americans is how the instructor at Goethe taught German. He focused on phrases first. He said they delve into grammar last. Their approach focuses first on speaking the language and then the rules.
“I’m really excited our first joint event went so well,” said Miller, who had to hurry back to his station to cover the breaking news story. “I think having a partner in Goethe-Institut Washington made the experience enjoyable and rewarding for everyone. I’m looking forward to planning our next event with Goethe-Institut in the fall. I think getting a taste of the German language really enhances our connections to Germany and RIAS.”
Miller added it was exciting to have Esther Ciammachilli of WAMU at the event because she will be joining a new group of fellows in Germany in June. “As we look to enhance the alumni experience in DC, we feel it’s important that soon-to-be fellows and those interested in RIAS attend our events as well,” he said. “It allows us to answer questions about the experience, discuss our plans as a chapter and provide support.”
“We had the very best time ever with our RIAS friends – amazing people and journalists who’ve been to Germany with RIAS or who will head to Germany with RIAS this year,” Hütter said. “Our dear RIAS friends are always welcome to join us on our rooftop terrace at the Goethe-Institut in Washington. After this unforgettable Happy Hour, my heart was full from all of the wonderful conversations with these extraordinary people who keep the German-American friendship strong.”
The Goethe Institut and the RIAS Berlin Commission have been working together in recent years on the Big Ponder series. RIAS alumni have been among the contributors to the award-winning podcast series. Please write to: info@darkseagreen-dog-940501.hostingersite.com for more information on the Big Ponder.
