AMD 5 - Wohngemeinschaften

Finding an apartment/co-op in Berlin for the summer. I spent time looking at http://www.wohngemeinschaft.de/ for affordable housing during my three month stay in Berlin this summer for an internship at Technische Universität Berlin.

I first searched for a Wohngemeinschaften or communal residential housing. I might add, that doing all these searches in only Deutsch is quite difficult! Ich will in Wedding, Mitte, Pberg, oder Moabit wohnen. The first apartment I found was with one other person. Warmmiete ist 336 € pro Monat. The location is good though on Vinetaplatz, which is near Mauer Park and where I will work on Ackerstraße. The flat has a Balkon (balcony), und ein Bad mit Wanne (bathroom with a tub).

Another apartment I looked at was 350 € pro Monat. Es ist in Prenzlauer Berg, which is a very popular borough for young people in East Berlin. Luckily the apartment ist voll möbliert (fully furnished), which is a must for me. I would have to share the flat with two others. The flat has a Balkon, Holzdielen, and is a renoviert, Altbau (bis 1945) (a renovated old house built in 1945, during the war). I also looked at other apartments in Wedding and Mitte.

Overall, it is important for me to find an affordable apartment that is close to Ackerstraße without too much travel time on the U-Bahn oder S-Bahn. Also it is important to find a relatively safe area. I know certain areas of Wedding can be rough, which is not very far from where I will work. I just need to do a lot more research over the next couple of months. 

AMD 6- Vienna

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fyGPi-Mch5Y
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ayIsuhRaN0E&feature=related
For my final AMD blog I decided to watch some tourism videos on Vienna, a place that I have always wanted to travel to.  After my mom graduated from grad school she took all the money that she had saved up and went backpacking by herself through Europe.  She still talks about that trip all the time and I have probably heard more stories about her time in Vienna than I have about any of her travels, it really seems like an incredible city! I took a look at two different videos, the first very informal and the second very formal.  Putting the fact that Vienna is a dream destination for any classical music lover aside, both videos touched upon many of the same tourist attractions.  One thing that seems very interesting is Vienna's "Cafe Culture." The narrator of both videos talked all about the delicious, cakes, coffee, and pastries that seem to be an important local delicacy, but neither video really explained how "Cafe Culture" is essential to  the Viennese life style.  Is it common to meet there with friends and family? Did important artists and thinkers meet in cafes to discuss their ideas? To people go to cafes to interact with strangers?  Another thing that the first video mentioned that i found to be very interesting is the wide array of international influences in Viennese cuisine, which he attributed to the Hapsburg rule over many different ethnic and cultural groups.  Both videos also mentioned that market culture is important in Vienna as well.  Finally, I really enjoyed looking at all of the amazing architecture (which is probably why my mom raves about Vienna so much).  Much of this amazing architecture was also attributed to the Hapsburg family's influence and enormous wealth.  Some places that seemed particularly interesting were the numerous Hapsburg palaces, Karlskirche, and Belvedere Schloss. Hopefully i'll get to Vienna one day, but for now it's fun to daydream!  Is it difficult to understand Austrian German?

Hunting Herren

  It had been my experience that America is home to a more uptight culture. Maybe it's because of our Puritan roots or something. I think if we loosened up a little bit we would enjoy ourselves a little more. Having sex stores be taboo doesn't make any sense to me. Wir lieben Sex. I've not known anyone to say "Sex, es ist nicht fur mich." So why pretend to be shy about it.

  I was surprised to learn about the German flirting habits. I've never tried flirting in Germany but I've been out partying in different countries. Maybe I was just culturally oblivious at the time. It seemed to me that women in other countries were more open to being approached than in America. Perhaps they were drawn to my sexy American accent though. I know an Australian woman could say anything to me and I'd be sold. But I would like to try out this German flirting thing, it seems like less work for me. I'm capable of making eye contact all day long so maybe I could land a sweet Frau. Wenn ist die Reise nach Deutschland?

Kultur Blog 5

Throughout my six years of Grammar School I followed one rule without failing. Never, EVER use a school restroom, and use public restrooms only in a complete and dire emergency. In Junior High I relaxed my school rule to never sitting down in a school restroom and would grudgingly take care of my business only while standing [easier for men than for women-- interpret as you will]. Why I was so insistent on this is hard to say... part of it was definitely a hygiene thing. I am constantly nervous about getting sick. It's not just a singer thing either, although that definitely increases the nerves, but it's more about just living a healthy germ-free lifestyle.

So, although I can imagine that those who frequently urinate might disagree, I would have no problem paying somebody 50 cents, or heck even a dollar, to ensure the bathrooms I use away from home are clean. So, although it's not the most frugal decision i've ever made, I support the idea of a Kolfrau. Two summers ago, when I was on vacation in San Francisco, I had the chance to use a self cleaning bathroom [which are much more ubiquitous in Europe than in the US], which was a bit of a let-down. For one thing, the bathroom was not self cleaning, only the toilet cleaned itself and as we all know, often the toilet in public restrooms is not the dirtiest thing. Second, it was rather expensive if I remember correctly. I think it was like 3 bucks.

Check out this nifty video to watch the self cleaning process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Us5MMi_rguA

A second thought

I think that the openness ofthe sex shops in Germany might be directly related to their more open lifestyle. I still remember the first time I was ever on a nude beach in Israel. I was in disbelief and was horrified about how naked people were. But, for Europeans it is a much more acceptable and normal thing to be naked in public. People seem to be much more comfortable with the body and sexuality in general and much less concerned with the conservative nature of bodily covering we're so used to in the USA. I wonder how this got started. Could it be an outgrowth of the Protestant values America was founded upon? Could it be related to how Europeans are generally in better shape than Americans and so are more comfortable showing off their body? Could it be just the more relaxed lifestyle?

Oh well! Bis Morgen!

Triumph des Willens

Für dem AMD 6 habe ich Triumph des Willens gesehen. Es ist ein Deutsche Film, dass im Jahre 1935 gemacht ist. Den Propagandafilm habe Leni Riefenstahl gelenkt [=directed]. Ich habe nicht viel versteht, weil die Leuten haben viel über Politik und National Sozialismus gesprochen. Der Film war interessant, weil ihn alt und in Schwarz und Weiß war.

Basically the film was meant to convey the power and attractiveness of the Third Reich by showing its acceptance in Germany. The film aimed to show how National Socialism had revived Germany after the depression immediately following WWI. The styles used in the filming, including aerial photography, distorted perspective, and the use of music and cinematography were revolutionary and won Riefenstahl awards from all across Germany as well as the united states and other european countries. To a modern audience a film with no plot and very little dialogue can be very unappealing, aber Triumph des Willens war fantastisch! While the german can be difficult, one can learn important historical contexts through these types of films. There are many more interesting, historical German movies out there, and I would like to continue to find them and learn from them.

AMD 6 - Bayreuth

Hallo Freunde.


Ich habe viele gesungen! I have been told to study up on a lot of German because, people believe that is what I will be singing most of later on my life. I am sure you are all familiar with this song :


That being said, for this AMD - I decided to read the website about the Bayreuth Festival in Germany, which was founded by Wagner himself and possesses a years long waiting list!


First Link Clicked? Spielplan - Which looked like a plan of plays, the season schedule perhaps? And that it was (http://www.bayreuther-festspiele.de/deutsch/spielplan_455.html) - It listed days of the week I recognized, mittwoch, Donnerstag, Freitag, and so forth.  Also the Uhr - 18.00 Uhr, and the performance.


Next I clicked on the Link that said Tickets, no it really does say Tickets in English on their website.


I then deciphered this sentence :  "Eintrittskarten für die Bayreuther Festspiele können Sie schriftlich oder online bestellen. " - Which I believe means, tickets for the festival Can be ordered online or by.. writing?


There was link for "Presse" which I assumed to be press articles, and ACHTUNG! - It was. 
I attempted to try to read these articles but really the only I understood was " Bayreuther festspiele Live im Kino" - which make sense  since a lot of operas are getting broadcasted life in movie theaters. 

 

There was also this confusing image : 




Why gnome looking dude who looks stabbed in the back, I often ponder such questions myself. 








Other things I learned? Audi is a hauptsponsor of this event which I imagine means they are a main sponsor. 


I then clicked a link that said : Junge Freunde von Bayreuth - I could only imagine this would be for me!  I actually have no idea what it said, but seeing dollar amounts I imagine its some sort of group to promote the festival to younger people for the small fee or $100, small fee indeed. 


Einblicke : I have no idea what this means, but since it had a link to what looks like a tour of some sort I imagine it has something to do with that. 


I guess I'm really hung up on Wagner because my recital is April 7 (Stamps Auditorium, North Campus) - Samstag um 2 uhr.  und ich singe viele Wagner!


This to be exact :  
In fact, all 5 of them - a half hour of German. Yep.
And YOU ARE ALL INVITED, I know you're honored.


Alles Liebe,
Chrissy

Kultur 5

For this assignment, I read two articles; the one about Germans saying "exuse me" and the one discussing how to flirt in Germany. I thought these two were related by the fact that they both hold a focus over mannerisms in Germany revolving around politeness. I thought it was ironic that German men seem much more polite than Americans when seeking out a women, but when walking down the street they can be ruthless. I thought the "hey baby" pick up line was a little over steriotyped to depict most Americans, but I suppose the general idea is effective. Maybe Americans just let their emotions get the better of them when trying to impress a girl, or maybe we just can't hold our liquer as well as the Germans so we come off like drunken assholes that holler "you are looking FINE" and expect it to come off as a compliment. I won't go into my personal experience too much with women, but I personally feel like the German men are depicted as too subtle to be ladies men. Yes, I know that it is rude to "holler" at girls the way many Americans do, but the author brings up the very important point that girls are way more interested in guys if they think he's interested in her. I digress. I thought it was interesting that a young German man will give up his seat to an old woman, but there is no sympathy on the street when walking past eachother "unless blood is drawn". This again seems ironic, like the Germans care about some acts of chivilry more than others. It definitely seems like it could come off as awkward, a German guy hitting on a girl, but if ain't broke, don't fix it.

Georg die Musikalisch Gans von Ashley M.

Georg die Musikalisch Gans

Es waren einmal ist eine Gans nach Kanada geborgen.  Er heisst Georg.  Georg ist eine Gans typisch; er mag fliegen, er mag das gras essen, und er mag schlafen; aber Georg hat ein Job besondere: er muss mit die Sonne aufwachen. Er hat eine Singstimme sehr schön, sehr hoch, und sehr laut und er muss jedes Morgens singen, denn mussen die andere Gänseschar aufwachen. Georg möchte jedes Tag die Jazz-Musik singen aber er muss das Gras essen! “Sing nicht so oft! Darfst nicht mit Gras in dein Mund singen,” hat Gretel gesacht (Georgs Mutti). 

            Jedes Winter die Gänseschar nach Amerika fliegen.  Sie mussen für zwanzig Tage fliegen.  Sie ruhen für zwei Tage in NYC und dann sie nach Florida fliegen.  Georg liebe NYC, weil so viele Sängerinnen in NYC wohnen.  Die Gänseschar sind in NYC gekommen und sie haben in Central Park geschlafen.  Georg ist sehr aufgeregt und er kann nicht schlafen.  Er ist ganz allein spazieren gegangen.  Es ist gefärlich für eine Gans!  Georg hat das Time Warner Building gefunden.  Es gibt ein Zeichen. Und was stand auf das Zeichen geschrieben? “Jazz at Lincoln Center!”  Er wird sehr aufgeregt und er muss jetz singen! Er hat gesungen und alles Leute haben ruhig geworden!  Er singt und er singt! Er endt und ein Man sagt “Hallo! Ich heisse Wynton Marsalis.  Ich brauche eine Sänger für meine Band. Möchten Sie mit uns singen?” “Ja! es ist mein Traum!” Georg ha geacht.  Georg hat ein  Jazz-Sänger geworden und er ist nie in Kanada zurückgekommen!

AMD 5

Hi Friends,

I came across this picture on facebook, and when I saw it I just knew I had to post a blog about it. Basically, it pokes fun at the length and aggressive nature of German words.

For example, the word butterfly--

In Italian: Farfalla; French: Papillon; in Spanish: Mariposa; in German SCHMERTTERLING!!!!!

The word Daisy:

In Italian: Margherita;in French: Marguerite; in Spanish: Margarita, in German: GÄNSEBLÜMCHEN.

But the word that takes the cake as my favorite overly long, obnoxious, yet hilarious German word: Umweltverschmutzung- meaning Pollution [the dirtying of the world].

So post below, what is your favorite funny German word??!?!

Jonny

Kultur 5

Kultur 5 - Entschuldigung!!

Entschuldigung!!

Excuse me in the english language is incredibly common place. Whether said with an attitude in jest, such as "OH EXCUSE ME, WAS I IN THE WRONG?!" or with sincerity when perhaps you fell into the lap of someone on the bus after a rather sharp turn. However, in Germany, it would be a rather difficult treasure hunt to find someone who would commonly search for the words to pardon their behavior.

Upon a single google search, try "German rudeness", you'll find a million articles, or to be more precise 26,400,000.

Topics include culture normalities and, "Why are my German coworkers so rude to me? Is this normal?" And it seemed that in 2008, there was a resounding yes from the forum commenters. Or that it depended on what half of Germany (East or West) they were from.

The other opinion is that German's are shy with their emotions and aren't exactly touchy feely people which can make them seem ruder than they intend on being.

As for the old ladies, I do believe them to be the most vicious of the lot. For there are several times I've seen old ladies act "out of character". I supposed we should be happy they are still so feisty in their old age, but it can be a bit overwhelming!

Not really relevant, but I guess a tad here is a video of Rihanna's Rude Boy with the lyrics in German flashing on the screen as it goes by :

Time to get outside and enjoy das Wetter.

And maybe avoid rude people on buses!

Chrissy

The Flirt of a German

See that woman? Gut, now do you see how intensely she appears to be looking at the man to her left, of whom is receiving her stare and also sending his own penetrating glance towards her? Fantastisch, so do you also see the man in between these lovebirds, being ignored and feeling sad? This, my friend, is a typical situation in the German dating world. You won't hear the lovely American line, "How YOU doing?" anywhere near Deutschland. It's more of the silent, seductive stare that most would recognize from Mr. Edward Cullen. Their just in their own little world, so don't get in their way (I'm talking to you, middle man). Anyway, totally entertaining stuff. Here's some funny videos that I thought would go along well with this topic.

For the ladies, here's an example of what not to say to those German boys:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AR-nUwV-JRw

For the boys... just, this is not the norm. Don't do it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uuOLMWYT9aU

Anyways, I would definitely recommend reading "Flirting with Fräuleins, Hunting for Herren" so that you, too, can learn some tips on flirting in Germany.

Happy flirting!

German rudeness

I have noticed from a variety of sources that Germans tend to be rude. Reading the Kultur 5 article on rudeness in Germany was very interesting because of what the article constituted as rude behavior. The article stated that rarely ever does one say "Entschuldigung" when bumping into you in the street. Americans and the British do find it quite rude when someone bumps into them without saying "excuse me," but this article says that many Germans have just come to terms with the day-to-day physical contact. The article also states that Germans are not intrinsically rude, so I was wondering what makes them seem rude. One answer I found had to do with language and how what one says can be misconstrued. An example of this would be if one were to ask a German, "can you tell me the time," the German might answer, "yes." As we all know, Germans are about efficiency and logic. If you ask an illogical question, or say something that may be interpreted to mean something other than the intended meaning, it is possible and likely that a German will give a snark, logical response. While I do agree that this way of interacting may be logical, I believe that manners and politeness are necessary in keeping society happy. I know that when I go to Germany I will be polite, and I will not take the Germans' seeming rudeness to heart.