Reverberations

Learn German with Music of Drangsal

Learn German with the alt pop rock of Drangsal!

There is something so honest about a musician who wears his influences on his sleeve. Maybe that is what makes them an artist. It takes a truly creative individual to take those influences and create something that is completely new. Drangsal is one of those artists. His love of ’80s synth-pop can be heard plainly in his music. But it never leaves his listeners feeling like they are in a time warp with rehashed sounds and ideas. His music still feels fresh and modern.

So this month, let’s learn German with music and get to know Drangsal better. His melodic alt-pop songs will surely win over many language learners!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Films of Sandra Hüller

German Films, Learn German

Learn German with the films of Sandra Hüller!

We live in an age of instant gratification by way of binge-watching. Films sometimes skip theater releases and an entire season of a television series can be consumed in a single day. But certain actors and actresses, like Sandra Hüller, have their roots in community theater. They came from the theater and, even once they are established in films and television, they remain loyal to the theater.

But do not get the wrong idea. In addition to Sandra Hüller being a prolific actress, she is also a legitimate star on both the stage and the screen. So this month, let’s practice German and get to know this remarkable actress by studying some of the films starring Sandra Hüller.

Continue reading →

NYC’s Stunning Morgan Library & Museum

Travel

The Morgan Library and Museum in New York City inspires major library envy.

In New York City, there is no shortage of museums and attractions. And while many of the city’s museums have a historic background, there are only a few with direct ties to the New York City of yesteryear. The Morgan Library & Museum is not only an important part of history being that it was built for J.P. Morgan. It is also a library that will cause true envy in the heart of bookworms and architecture enthusiasts.

In addition to being J.P. Morgan’s private library, the museum is home to an exhibition space for a number of fascinating rotating exhibits.

Like the Frick Collection, there are few Gilded Age landmarks still standing. And even fewer that still resemble something similar to what was originally intended. And although it can be overshadowed by the city’s many attractions and those museums uptown along Museum Mile, The Morgan Library is one of those rare spots and fun museums in NYC that you will want to make time for.

Continue reading →

Learn German with Music of Trümmer

German Music, Learn German

Learn German with the music of rockers Trümmer!

While rock is not quite as popular as it once was, that is not stopping Trümmer. The Hamburg quartet may not be breaking new ground or conducting any wild avant-garde experimentation. But with their confident and often restrained garage rock-inspired sound, they are keeping alive a well-loved sound. And what is more, is that they are doing it in the German language.

So this month, let us get to know Trümmer and practice German with music!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Films of Jannis Niewöhner

German Films, Learn German

Learn German with films starring actor Jannis Niewöhner!

Although he is only barely 30 years old, actor Jannis Niewöhner is making a name for himself professionally both in Germany and internationally. In fact, it has been a slow and steady rise for him. His career is already approaching a remarkable two decades and he has more than 50 credits on his resume.

Now is a great time to get to know this rising German film star and practice the German language! Get to know Jannis Niewöhner with this month’s German-language films feature.

All three of the film recommendations for this month are German films that are available from streaming services. It’s worth noting that not only are these services convenient for watching at home, but they also frequently include subtitles or audio in German or your local language. For extra German language practice, watch the films in English (or your mother tongue) and then again in German.

Continue reading →

A Fun Toronto Weekend Getaway

Travel

There is so much to explore during a Toronto weekend getaway.

Perched upon the edge of Lake Ontario, Toronto is a major city that is famous for being richly diverse. The reputation is well deserved. The Canadian city is a melting pot, known for its welcoming culture that has seemingly no boundaries.

Experiencing a Toronto weekend getaway is thrilling. The city offers a dizzying array of things to do, eat, and explore. Without leaving the city, you can travel around the world one dish and attraction at a time. And you will never feel like a foreigner thanks to the friendly locals.

A visit of only a few days is just long enough that you will get not only a taste of the city, especially downtown Toronto, but you will also fall under its spell. I’m still thinking of all the places to eat in Downtown Toronto.

Before the weekend is over, you will be planning a return trip for all the spots you missed. And for all your newfound favorites!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Music of Die Nerven

German Music, Learn German

Learn German with the music of punk and indie rockers Die Nerven!

Fans of post-punk and noise rock will want to tune in to Die Nerven. For over a decade, the trio from southern Germany has walked that fine line between being too heavy or too poppy. There are moments of indulgent noise and pounding punk. But the group never dwells too long on a single sound, continuing to develop their sound and remain dynamic. And over the course of several albums, there is a clear and marked progression.

So this month it is time to better get to know Die Nerven and learn German with music!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Films: Volker Schlöndorff

Learn German, German Films

Learn German with the films of director Volker Schlöndorff!

Filmmaker Volker Schlöndorff is a legend as part of Germany’s New German Cinema. The movement in the late 1960s and early 1970s saw incredible German filmmakers like Rainer Werner Fassbinder, Werner Herzog, and Wim Wenders burst onto the scene. Collectively, the group has pushed boundaries and changed the way films were made and viewed in Germany and beyond. The impact is still visible today.

Schlöndorff was at the helm as director for a number of notable films. His film version of Günter Grass’ The Tin Drum won him international acclaim, including an Oscar. Following his success in German cinema, he branched out to English language films. Today, Volker Schlöndorff’s films don’t stick to a single language but are still tackling serious topics.

With decades of film to catch up on, now is the time to get to know Volker Schlöndorff and learn German with film!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Music of Tomte

German Music, Learn German

Learn German with the music of indie rockers Tomte!

There is something instantly likable about Tomte. The group is part of the ’80s and ’90s indie rock movement in northern Germany. As a result, they have had an important impact on the German language music scene. Their indie-pop music has a sound that would probably win over your mother. But they are still underground enough that you likely will need to offer the introduction.

For more than two decades, the group has created its trademark sound with thoughtful melodies and carefully crafted songs. For German language learners, their understated sound and clear vocals are extremely appealing.

So this month, practice German with music and get to know German indie rockers Tomte!

Continue reading →

Learn German with Films of Christian Petzold

Learn German, German Films

Learn German with the films of director Christian Petzold!

Some filmmakers are notable for working with the same cast and crew on multiple projects. Maybe someone is a muse. Maybe it is the safety and comfort of a well-oiled working relationship. Or maybe it is something else. Director and writer Christian Petzold is one of those filmmakers. Nina Hoss, Benno Fürmann, Ronald Zehrfeld, Paula Beer, and Franz Rogowski are all actors with whom Petzold has worked on multiple films. And given the tone and intimacy that he captures with his films, the formula seems to be working.

This month, get to know filmmaker Christian Petzold and practice those German language skills!

Continue reading →

Niagara Falls Canada in November

Travel

Water gushes over Horseshoe Falls, seen from Niagara Canada.

Niagara Falls is one of those iconic wonders with instant name recognition. Like the Eiffel Tower or the Great Pyramids of Giza. But unlike those timeless bucket list favorites, the falls are not a feat of human engineering but rather an act of Mother Nature.

While the waterfalls do straddle the United States-Canada border, Niagara Falls Canada offers a stunning view of all three of the falls that make up the eponymous natural attraction. It is one that wows with sheer volume. Forget the novelties of walking a tightrope over the gushing water or riding down in a barrel.

There is something quite special and unique that the falls offer with each changing season. Niagara Falls in November — or the off-season in general — means fewer crowds and colder temperatures. But no matter when you visit, the general experience of the falls is the same. Whenever you want to visit, I have some great tips for what to expect.

Continue reading →

Learn German with Music of Messer

German Music, Learn German

Learn German with the music of post-punk band Messer!

It would not be out of line to call German rock band Messer timeless. If you think about it, the word has multiple meanings. On the one hand, the band has not (yet!) been around long enough for their music to have withstood the test of time. On the other hand, their post-punk meets new wave sound could be straight out of yesterday or today. It is a subtle blending of influences and sounds that creates originality.

But there is more than just rock music you can get from this post-punk band. As German language learners, it is always an opportunity to learn! So this month, let’s get to know Messer better and learn German with music!

Continue reading →