Reverberations

Learn German with Music: Donots

With the monthly feature on German-language music, I try to highlight a variety of different kinds of musicians. Solo artists and bands. New acts and more established ones. Rock, pop, and hip hop.

This month’s featured band, the Donots, would fall into the category of “established.” It doesn’t matter what kind of music you are into it, there is a German-language band or artist making something that will appeal to you.

In 2019, the Donots celebrated their 25th anniversary. In the music industry (or anywhere, really), that’s quite an achievement. And it’s a testament to the music that these five pop-punk musicians create.

So if you don’t know, you’re about to get to know the punk poppers that call themselves Donots!

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Learn German with Film: Matthias Schweighöfer

German Films, Learn German

In the German-speaking world, Matthias Schweighöfer is a big deal. The still rather young actor has already appeared in over 70 films. He’s branched into writing, directing, and producing. And over the last few years, he’s been steadily working as a musician. Schweighöfer is well known for his comedic roles, often in romantic comedies that are a little bit over the top.

But part of what has made him so successful and so believable in his roles is his sheepish, boyish charm.

So this month, let’s better get to know Matthias Schweighöfer and learn German with film!

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Inspiring Flight: Wright Brothers National Memorial

Travel

Today, we all take airplanes for granted. With relative ease and affordability, you can be anywhere in the world. Not within months but within hours. And we have two brothers from Ohio to thank for it. And thank is just what the Wright Brothers National Memorial does.

It honors the technological advancement with a museum and a massive granite tower. And visitors can experience this pivotal moment that forever changed how we live and travel with a visit to the very spot where the brothers left the ground — if only for a matter of seconds.

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4 Great Spots for Afternoon Tea in Philadelphia

Food, Travel

There is little I like more than a good cup of tea and a scone. Maybe a pot of tea. And some pastries. And some sandwiches. What can I say, I love afternoon tea! And no matter what you call it, high tea or afternoon tea in Philadelphia is a delightful experience. While the city isn’t saturated in tea spots, there are a few doing it really well and in a special way to suit your style. You can enjoy the formal afternoon tea experience or have a simpler, more relaxing tea time.

Here are four favorite spots for afternoon tea in Philadelphia!

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Learn German with Music of Sportfreunde Stiller

German Music, Learn German

Sportfreunde Stiller will always have a special place in my heart. During my first visit to Germany in 2009, their version of Udo Jürgens’ “Ich war noch niemals in New York” was everywhere we turned in Berlin. Everywhere. The track was in constant circulation. At the time, the band had only recently released an MTV Unplugged in New York album and the track was in heavy rotation to promote it. Jürgens even guests on the track during a later live performance of the song. It was the soundtrack of our vacation and it always makes me a little sentimental.

Which brings me to this month’s featured German language music recommendation: Sportfreunde Stiller!

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Learn German with Films of Alexandra Maria Lara

Learn German, German Films

Romanian-German actress Alexandra Maria Lara is a familiar face both inside and outside of the German film industry. Born in Bucharest, Lara and her family fled Communist Romania in the early 1980s. The family eventually found refuge in West Germany. Today, she is a notable actress in the world of cinema. But not just in German films. You may have seen her in big Hollywood English-language films such as The Reader, the Ron Howard directed Rush, the Francis Ford Coppola directed Youth Without Youth, or the Anton Corbijn directed Control. Lara clearly is making her mark on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Lara has appeared in major German language films like Der Untergang and the recent Amazon original series You Are Wanted. Practice your German language skills with these three film and television recommendations featuring actress Alexandra Maria Lara.

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Thoughtful German Language Learning Gifts

Learn German

Learning a foreign language like German is difficult! There are no corners that you can cut and no shortcuts you can take. It is all about putting in the hard work. But, that doesn’t mean that learning a foreign language can’t be fun. With this German language learning gift guide, you can send a message of support to someone special in your life. Or, you can treat yourself as a reward for all of the time and energy you’re spending. It’s amazing how impactful a small thing like a kind word or a thoughtful gift can be to keeping someone motivated. Here are more than a dozen great gifts for a German language learner.

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Learn German with the Music of Kraftklub

German Music, Learn German

With their mix of indie rock and rap, Kraftklub is one of the most popular bands on the German music scene. The quintet from Chemnitz has released three studio albums, all of which have gone to the top of the German music charts. And with good reason. The young, hip band is making music that is catchy, memorable, and always has a sense of humor. So this month, let’s practice German with the music of rockers Kraftklub!

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Learn German with Films of Moritz Bleibtreu

German Films, Learn German

To say that actor Moritz Bleibtreu is a busy man is an understatement. He has nearly 100 acting credits to his name during his almost 40-year career. That is pretty impressive. He has appeared in major English language films like Woman in Gold, The Fifth Estate, Speed Racer, and Steven Spielberg’s Munich. But his film credits in the German language are equally as impressive. His roles are wide-ranging, showing his abilities at his craft. So this month, let’s learn German with the films of Moritz Bleibtreu.

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4 Great East Coast Dog Friendly Beaches

Travel

The beach is a wonderland from a dog’s perspective. On dog friendly beaches, there are all of those great scents, you can run around a bit, there’s sand to dig in, and there are birds to keep an eye on. The ocean also tends to be a bit of a novelty: Do you chase it? Do you swim in it? Do you just splash in it? And you certainly never turn your back to it, that’s for sure! It’s a dog’s life, indeed. But sometimes finding beaches that allow dogs can be a challenge. Not to worry, I’ve got four great East Coast dog friendly beaches that you’ll love.

While many beaches don’t allow dogs during the summer, the offseason is prime season for a beach vacation with Man’s Best Friend! But there are many beaches that allow dogs even during the peak season.

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Support & Save: Reciprocal Museum Membership

Travel

Whenever my husband and I travel, it is a foregone conclusion that we will go to the art museum(s) in the city. I like art. He likes art. It makes sense and we enjoy it immensely. And it is by way of our love of art museums that I have found a great way to save money visiting museums with a reciprocal museum membership. Art museums can be expensive despite being well worth the cost. With a reciprocal membership, we’re able to enjoy admission to museums across the country without opening our wallets. (Except to show our membership cards, that is.)

Not only that, but a museum membership is a great way to put your money where your mouth is and support your local museums!

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Your Guide to a Fun Summer in Philadelphia

Travel

Let’s not mince words: Summer in Philadelphia is hot and humid. While many Philadelphians will spend the hot summer months going “down the shore,” the city still has a lot going on. There are countless activities, events, and festivals you can enjoy outside in the City of Brotherly Love while temperatures slowly cool off and the sunset takes a leisurely pace. You can certainly expect the historic sites and museums to be full of tourists, but don’t let it put you off. Summer in Philly can be so rewarding!

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