Over the course of globalization, a certain Anglicization has for instance become a common tendency in German youth language. Interestingly, German teenagers are
very adept at remodeling English words in a way that is line with German grammar (e.g. gechillt – to be laid back, chilled out).

A 2008 analysis may be able to identify some patterns of German youth culture. In a competition sponsored by Das  Jugendwort des Jahres (Youth Word of the Year) by Langenscheidt, a German publisher, in cooperation with the youth magazine SPIESSER and My Space,  people send their suggestions to a jury which picks one of the 15 most often suggested words as the winner.

In 2008 the winning word was Gammelfleischparty. It ridicules a party for age 30+ people by describing it as a party of  ”rotten meat”. This mockery symbolizes a tendency of increasingly flat hierarchies in German society where it is more and more possible to openly  criticize older generations (including one’s parents). Gammelfleischparty was followed by Bildschirmbräune, which points out in an ironic  way that computer geeks often lack a nice tan.

It also mirrors how computers, the Internet and social media increasingly dominate the spare time of especially nowadays teenagers and have changed modes of  social interactions. Behind Bildschirmbräune, the expression unterhopft sein came in third. It implies that someone is in “deep”  need of having a beer (or would just love to drink one right in that moment). Admittedly, a predilection for enjoying beer is not really something new in
German society…

In 2009, the most popular words again had some relevance for German society. The winning word was hartzen, which means to hang around, to kick back or laze around. Hartzen stems from the reform of unemployment benefits which was entitled Hartz IV and implemented in Germany between 2003  and 2005. It signifies the importance of socio-political issues (e.g. welfare system) in public debate, but its inherent negative connotation also reflects
certain negative stereotypes about recipients of unemployment benefits.

Hartzen was followed by bam (means cool) and bankster (describes bankers who deal with speculations), which both clearly point out the Anglicization/Americanization  of German youth language/youth culture due to the ubiquity of America’s entertainment industry. “Bam” also illustrates how creative German  teenagers are with remodeling/reshaping the meaning of American words and using them in new contexts.

Similar to hartzen, the word Pisaopfer reveals that education has been a crucial public issue in German society in the  last decade since the poor results of German students in the first “PISA study” were published by the OECD in 2000. So a Pisaopfer  is a person with poor education/poor general knowledge. It sort of mirrors the debate about educational equality, reforms of the German school system and  tuition fees at German universities.

In 2010 two words, in particular, stuck out. Egosurfen implies googling for news about yourself on the. It mocks the tendency to be very  concerned/excited about how one is represented on the Internet, on social media platforms etc. “Egosurfen” also goes hand in hand with the popular  trend to use social media like Facebook and Twitter as a sort of “diary” in which one writes comments about oneself in a specific way  that is supposed to create a cool/happy image of oneself.

Another 2010 favorite was also the acronym “n1″ (nice one), which can mean cool, awesome or well done. It symbolizes again the Americanization of German  youth language through America’s entertainment industry and American social media. On platforms such as for instance Facebook, German teenagers and  students increasingly communicate with each other in English even if no people from other countries are involved in the conversation.

Thus, the three competitions and the mentioned youth words show three trends: First an Anglicization of German youth language which represents a certain Americanization  of German youth culture triggered by music channels, Hollywood movies etc.; Secondly, words like “Bildschirmbräune” and “Egosurfen” highlight the  big role the Internet and social media play in the lives (especially spare time) of not only German teenagers. This is also a cross-cultural tendency and
might prompt a stronger cultural homogenization or create to some extent a cosmopolitan world culture; and Thirdly, expressions such as “hartzen” or  ”Pisaopfer” demonstrate simultaneously that traditional educational and socio-political value issues have not lost their importance. Hence, Americanization  and cosmopolitization rather supplement than supplant specific features of German youth language and German youth culture.

By Dominik Schneider for Germany.info

Pittsburgh, PA was the scene of the Biennial Convention of the German American National Congress (DANK). The Pittsburgh Chapter hosted the three-day event with a full schedule for both the delegates and their guests.  Early arrivals were able to visit the Pittsburgh Hofbrauhaus for an evening of fun Munich-style.

The workshops began on Friday morning followed by a Town Hall meeting.  An “Oktoberfest” was the theme for the evening’s entertainment and over 200 persons arrived mostly in traditional trachten to celebrate.  Traditional Oktoberfest foods were available as well as the Munich Hofbrau’s Oktoberfest Bier. Music provided by the Augsburg German Band of Uniontown PA with two performances by the Alpen Schuhplattler of Pittsburgh and ‘der Fleigerleid Tanz’ had the guests on their feet joining in the gaiety of the evening.

Newly Elected National Board: Alfred Mueller, Sr. 1st VP, Linda Voit Secretary, Robert Miske Treasurer, Beverly Pochatko President | Not pictured: James Dombrowski 2nd VP

Saturday morning, the delegates from all over the county met to hear the state of the organization from outgoing president William Fuchs and to elect new officers for the next two years.  In an unprecedented move approved by the delegates, James Dombrowski accepted his nominations via speaker phone as he was unable to attend due to a death within the family.  Elected were Beverly Pochatko of Erie, PA President; Alfred Mueller, Sr. of Chicago 1^st VP, James Dombrowski also of Chicago 2^nd VP;  Linda Voit of Cleveland OH was elected Secretary and incumbent Robert Miske of Sheboygan WI was retained as Treasurer.  The out-going board was dismissed and the officers were presented with a special pin recognizing their service as an Executive Board member.

Having first started at the 2009 national convention, the newly elected members of the Board were installed in an impressive ceremony each receiving a candle that was lit symbolic of the flame of pride in our heritage.  The President received the Fackel – the symbol of our Pride and the Gavel to govern the board wisely in all ways, followed by the board’s reciting their oath of office.

Journal Editor, Darlene Fuchs (middle), receiving Special Merit Award

The day’s events were highlighted with the Pittsburgh’ Chapters 30^th Anniversary at the Awards dinner and recognition of Jack Wagner, Auditor General of Pennsylvania as the DANK German American Man of the Year. Wittmann addressed the group and introduced many people whose predecessors were instrumental in building and serving the religious needs of the German community.  Auxillary RC Bishop Walterscheid also spoke to the assembly.  DANK members who were then recognized for their outstanding contributions and presented with trophies were: William Fuchs, the Ernst ten Eiken Award, Beverly Pochatko received the Elsbeth Seewald Award, Dagmar Freiberger and James Dombrowski each received a Merit Award, Susanne Mickey and Darlene Fuchs each received a Heritage Award, and Angelique Wisler and Reinhard Lippert each received a Special Merit award.  Erik Wittmann, President of the Pittsburgh was presented with a 30 Year recognition from the National Executive Board and also one from Chapter Milwaukee. Consistent in showcasing the Pittsburgh area’s cultural assets, sixty-five members of the Pittsburgh District of the North American Sängerbund sang a brief program and the GTEV D’Lustigen Isartaler dancers performed.  The Hank Haller Orchestra of Cleveland Oh provided music for dancing.

The closing meeting of the Convention was held on Sunday morning with the new board at its helm.  Newly elected President Beverly Pochatko addressed the delegates thanking them once again for their support.  While the goals for the coming two years have not changed, i.e. the preservation of our Germanic heritage, culture, traditions and language, but how the board will pursue them  with the help of the chapters and the membership.  They plan to reach out to the younger generations and instill in them a deep rooted sense of pride in their heritage to preserve it for future generations.  In doing so, they asked the help of the delegates and their Chapters to work with them to mentor and pass on their knowledge and experience to the future leaders of DANK.

Oktoberfest

Newly elected President Pochatko receiving the Elsbeth Sewald Award

Banquet

Milwaukee Delegates

delegate meeting

Chicagos delegates

Erie Delegates Oktoberfest

Convention

Convention

HofBrau

Der Zug Parade

Miner's Dance

Pittsburgh District NASA

Late night

German-American convention set in South Hills

By Deana Carpenter For The Almanac 

The South Hills will soon play host to German-Americans from across the country.

The German American National Congress, known in German as Deutch Amerikanischer National Kongress or DANK for short, will hold its national convention Oct. 27 through 30 at the Crowne Plaza Pittsburgh South in Bethel Park.

About 75 to 100 delegates from many different chapters of DANK will be in town for the national convention, which happens every two years, said Erik Wittmann, president of the Pittsburgh chapter of Dank. Wittmann said the Pittsburgh chapter has about 200 members, mostly from Allegheny County and many from the South Hills.

He added there are also subchapters of DANK in Uniontown and the Laurel Highlands. Wittmann said DANK also encompasses all of the Germanic cultu res like Austrian and Swiss cultures since the folks there speak German.

While the national organization has been around since 1959, the Pittsburgh chapter of DANK is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

Wittmann, who was born in Austria and resides in Mt. Lebanon, has been the president of the Pittsburgh chapter of DANK for 17 years. He also serves as the national vice president for the organization. He said the idea to host the national convention was originally from the late George Steiner, who was actively involved in the organization. Wittmann said Steiner, who passed away last year, “took pride in his German heritage” and volunteered Pittsburgh to be the next host city for the national convention. Pittsburgh last hosted the DANK national convention in 1989.

Wittmann said about 80 percent of the Pittsburgh chapter’s members are not first-born Germans. He added that the chapter includes some Italian and Irish members, “because they like the activities we do.”

“Pittsburgh is not a new Germanic city,” Wittmann said, adding that the city is home to many German companies. However, Wittmann added that Pittsburgh doesn’t have the German social club scene that other cities have. That’s why, Wittman said, “We want to showcase that Pittsburgh has not lost its heritage.”

Several religious organizations will be recognized during the convention. Wittmann said it was religious organizations that helped integrate German immigrants who came to the area in the late 1800s and early 1900s.“We want to recognize those people for the work they have done on behalf of immigrants,” especially education, Wittmann said.

The convention will start Thursday, Oct. 27 when early arrivals to the event will have the chance to go to Hofbrauhaus- Pittsburgh in the South Side Works around 7 p.m. Wittmann said anyone, not just DANK members, is welcome to join the group at the res taurant that evening.

An Oktoberfest will take place at the Crowne Plaza on Oct. 28. Wittmann said the evening, which starts with the doors opening at 6:30 p.m., will feature “German bands, food and beer.” Admission to the Oktoberfest is $10, and again, all are welcome, Wittmann said. The $10 will include entertainment and German snacks with a cash bar available. Entertainment includes The Augsburg German Band and the Alpen Shuplattler Dancers of Pittsburgh. Wittmann said tickets for the Oktoberfest may be purchased at the door that evening, or on the DANK Pittsburgh website, www.germaninpittsburgh.org.

Another highlight of the convention is the semi-formal banquet that will be held Oct. 29 to commemorate the chapter’s 30th anniversary.

Wittmann said all are welcome to the evening event, but tickets at $40 each must be purchased by Oct. 20. Tickets can be purchased online at www.germaninpittsburgh.org (click the “National Convention” link). The banquet is set to start at 5:30 p.m. with dinner and dancing beginning at 6:30 p.m. Entertainment will be provided by the Pittsburgh Junior Symphony Ensemble, the Hank Haller Ensemble with performances by the Northern American Saengerbund and D’Lustigen Isartaler of Pittsburgh.

The Pennsylvania German-American Man of the Year will also be recognized at the banquet. This year’s recipient is state Auditor General Jack Wagner. Also honored at the banquet will be religious groups with Germanic ties, including St. Vincent Archabbey, the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, St. Augustine Province, St. Benedictine Sisters of Pittsburgh- St. Benedict Monastery, Sisters of Divine Providence and Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities-St Francis Convent of Mt. Alvernia.

The convention will close Oct. 30 with a grand brunch buffet for $15 if purchased by Oct. 20, or $18 at the door.

“I want to showcase Pittsbur gh and its Germanic heritage,” Wittmann said. “I want Pittsburgh to experience and enjoy a Germanic event.”

For information on the Pittsburgh chapter of DANK or to order tickets to any of the convention events, visit www.germaninpittsburgh. org. To learn more about the national DANK organization, visit www.dank.org.

Article reproduced with the permission of the Almanac

Excerpt:

‘It’s cool to be Deutsche today’
German American National Congress visitors to Guttenberg’s festival discuss efforts to keep the culture alive.
BY ANDY PIPER TH STAFF WRITER

GUTTENBERG, Iowa — It’s a small festival in a small town, which makes Germanfest’s 20th year an accomplishment.

“We think it’s a reason to celebrate,” said Peggy Degnan, one of the event’s organizers. “It’s cool to be Deutsche today.”

On Saturday, for the first time, representatives of the German American National Congress visited Guttenberg in its outreach effort into smaller communities with deep German heritage. Robert Miske, of Sheboygan, Wis., said the last wave of German immigrants occurred shortly after World War II, and U.S. citizens with German roots are becoming further removed from their heritage.

“The question is, ‘how do you keep the traditions and culture alive that our forefathers brought with them?’ ” Miske said. “It’s not an easy question with all the iPods and Facebook. The Guttenberg German Band here is doing a great job of keeping the music alive.”

READ THE FULL ARTICLE

It’s not only DANK that is focusing on making a difference.  German TV station ZDF and newspaper Bild held an extremely successful TV telethon to raise money for Haiti last night.  At the end of the evening, Germans raised 17.8 million euros ($25 million) and Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that the German government would throw in an additional 2.5 million euros ($3.5 million)!

Original Article By Thomas Hochwarter
www.austriantimes.at

Thousands of Austrians have joined an online campaign against Santa Claus.

More than 70 fan groups have been set up by anti-Santa Facebook users backing the “Pro-Christkind” initiative which wants a ban on the American figure of Santa Claus in favour of the “Christkind”.

They have called on their fellow countrymen to not let “commercial American traditions” dominate Christmas festivities. The group said they would support parents telling their children the “Christkind” – the figure of a blonde angel child with a long tradition in Austria, Switzerland and Germany – delivered presents, adding they would award shops and Christmas market stallholders for banning Santa Claus and his reindeer sledge.

The “Pro-Christkind” campaigners have been active for several years, but this is the first time they have had success with a campaign as latest figure show that 69 per cent of Austrians who are online use social network platforms like Facebook or Twitter.

The group even took to the streets in Graz in protest last weekend while demonstrations to be held in Vienna are in the planning stage.

The Old Viennese Christmas Market at Vienna’s Freyung Square could be one of the first businesses to be honoured by the initiative after managers decided not to use any decorations featuring Father Christmas or Santa Claus because they were not “traditional enough”.

Christmas favourites like “Jingle Bells” or chart hits such as “Last Christmas” have also been struck off the market’s music playlist. Instead, an “authentic musical programme” featuring choirs and brass ensembles is performing at the market – located at Vienna’s city centre – everyday.