Reverberations

Learn German with Films of Jürgen Prochnow

Whether you watch English language films or German language, longtime actor Jürgen Prochnow probably looks familiar. He has been a dictator in 1997’s Air Force One, the bad guy in 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II, and as a duke in 1984’s Dune. But Prochnow is an accomplished and respected actor in his home country, too. He has had starring roles in important and memorable German language roles.

So this month let’s learn German with the films of actor Jürgen Prochnow (Die Verlorene Ehre der Katharina Blum, Das Boot, Der Bulle und das Mädchen)!

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Cherry Blossoms to Baseball : Spring in Philadelphia

Travel

“April showers bring May flowers,” as the old saying goes. And any visitor wanting to experience spring in Philadelphia will take heed from the proverb. But don’t let a little rain scare you off, there is so much on offer!

After months bundled up inside, worrying about the possibility of snow and ice, Philadelphia awakens in spring. Warming weather brings gardens across the region to life. Philadelphia in spring means lots of festivals taking advantage of the outdoor weather, including a Philadelphia cherry blossom festival.

Oh, yes, there is so much to enjoy in the City of Brotherly Love come spring!

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13 German Comedians Who Show Off German Humor

Learn German

When you think about Germany, German humor is maybe not the first thing that springs to mind for most people. Generally, people think perhaps of fast cars or good beer. But comedy? No way. Nein danke. In fact, many would go so far as to say the Germans do not even have a sense of humor. And that is obviously not true. When it comes to comedy, I think Germany is vastly underrated and underappreciated. That is why I am highlighting thirteen German comedians to help disprove the stereotype. German humor does exist!

For someone trying to learn the language, comedy is also a great way to practice and learn about the culture, too. And just like with German-language music or films, there is something for everyone. The list includes German stand-up comedians, satirists, cabaret artists, and impressionists, among others whose German humor you can experience in the German language. Prepare to have your funny bone tickled.

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Learn German with Voodoo Jürgens’ Austropop Rock

Learn German, German Music

For those of us who are not quite fluent in the German language, sometimes you need a good challenge. It is like a good kick in the pants, so to speak. Vienna, Austria’s Voodoo Jürgens is just that challenge.

In the days before this digital world in which we live, music fans had to decipher lyrics from liner notes. We would pour over the backs of record sleeves or the booklets inside of CDs. Today, you can generally do a simple web search to find out the text to a song.

I mention all of this because Voodoo Jürgens sings in a Viennese dialect (Wienerisch) of the German language. If you study standard German, or Hochdeutsch, Voodoo’s tunes can be a little challenging, to say the least. But with infectious melodies, confident delivery, and compelling storytelling, the challenge is completely worth it. (At least I think so!)

So this month, let’s take on that challenge and learn German with the music of Voodoo Jürgens!

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Learn German with Films of Til Schweiger

German Films, Learn German

It is difficult to think of a German actor who has more of a toehold on Hollywood than Til Schweiger. His English-language credits include Inglorious Basterds, Deuce Bigalow: European Gigolo, Muppets Most Wanted, King Arthur, and SLC Punk!. Conquering Hollywood isn’t a battle that Schweiger needs to fight. Back home in the German-speaking world, Schweiger is a bonafide movie star who also writes, directs, and produces. He does it all.

Wikipedia names him as “one of Germany’s most successful filmmakers.” And Schweiger has even drafted his children into the family business, so to speak, by giving them roles in several of his movies. Til Schweiger has become so popular in Germany because his films are likable and crowd-pleasing. What better way to practice German? So this month, let’s get to know Til Schweiger and practice German with a few of his films!

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25 Best German Movies on Netflix, Hulu & More

Learn German, German Films

Watching some of the best German movies is a great way to educate yourself and learn the German language or simply to enjoy some entertainment. These films will thrill you, make you laugh, make you cry, and leave you wanting more. Some are light and some are more serious. And with today’s easy access to streaming services, you can watch German movies on Netflix from your sofa with your partner or from bed in your pajamas with your dog. I have pulled together 25 of the best German movies on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video that you can watch right now. So what are you waiting for? Start the popcorn and clear your schedule. And don’t forget this is educational. Mostly!

And after you’ve watched all of these German movies on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video, check out my list of the best German television shows you can stream online!

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20 Best German TV Shows on Netflix, Hulu, & More

Learn German, German Films

For German language learners, it has never been easier to practice your listening skills. With any number of streaming video services, you can watch German TV shows. There are quite a few German series on Netflix that you can choose from and most are Original Series that you will not be able to find elsewhere. But whether you are looking to practice your German language skills or you just want to be entertained (or maybe a little of both!), I have pulled together twenty great German shows that you can stream right now.

If episodic television isn’t you’re thing, check out my list of 25 movies you can stream now on Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

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Learn German with Music of Max Raabe and Palast Orchester

German Music, Learn German

Looking for something a little different to listen to? Then please allow me to introduce to you Max Raabe and Palast Orchester. maybe the rock, hip hop, or electronic bands previously featured just are not to your taste. Well, how about something a bit more classic? Not classical, per se. What about some music from the Roaring 1920s and 1930s with a modern twist? Think of it now. Carefully fixed hair, bow ties expertly tied, and pocket squares standing at attention as they peek out from pockets.

This month, let’s learn German with the music of Max Raabe and Palast Orchester!

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Learn German with Films of Jan-Ole Gerster

German Films, Learn German

Many of the German language films I feature here each month are from either starring a specific actor or the creation of a specific director or screenwriter. It is less common that an individual takes on more than one role. It seems like people pick a side and focus on honing their skills there. This month, however, I am highlighting one of those people with talent in a variety of fields. Jan-Ole Gerster’s career began with directing and while that remains his main focus, he is also a screenwriter and, occasionally, an actor. So this month, let us learn German with the films of filmmaker Jan-Ole Gerster!

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Philadelphia Flower Show 2020 Is Best in Years

Travel

There is no surer sign that spring is approaching than the arrival of the Philadelphia Flower Show. For nearly two centuries, the world’s largest indoor flower show, and the country’s oldest, has acted as a bit of an oasis for those suffering from the winter doldrums. And this year is certainly no different. The 2020 Philadelphia Flower Show celebrates a Riviera Holiday theme that inspires with visions of luxurious Mediterranean vacations spent relaxing by the pool or along the waterfront while enjoying the sweet smell of nearby fresh plants and flowers.

In 2019, it was Flower Power. 2018 was Wonders of Water. 2017 was Holland: Flowering the World. The themes of the Flower Show are wide-ranging and exciting. But Riviera Holiday provides more ideas that you can take home and utilize to rejuvenate your backyard into a European getaway. (Not to mention that this is the first year in recent memory where there wasn’t snow on the ground for the show!)

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Fun Things to Do in Corolla, NC

Travel

Each summer, visitors flock to North Carolina’s Outer Banks for vacation. But many won’t make the trip to the northern part of the barrier island. In comparison to Kill Devil Hills or Nags Head, the village of Corolla, North Carolina, is a more quiet destination. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t happening and fun. There are plenty of activities and things to do in Corolla, from places to eat and shop. And there are special activities that you can not do just anywhere, like lighthouse climbing!

As a child, each year for our family vacation we loaded up in the minivan and traveled the nearly eight hours in order to spend a week in Corolla’s Whalehead area. It is a spot that is special and nostalgic for me. Even after all this time, the heart of the area remains.

When you compare Corolla to its other North Carolina’s Outer Banks counterparts, it is almost a world away. With somewhat less commercial development, Corolla maintains a feel that is closer to that of a Southern village. That isn’t to say it isn’t busy in the summer, but Corolla certainly embodies a more laid back feel.

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Learn German with Music of Die Toten Hosen

German Music, Learn German

Not unlike their German language music colleagues Rammstein, language does not limit the appeal of Die Toten Hosen. In the German-speaking world, they are major rock stars and they are pretty well known in the rest of the world, too. For nearly 40 years the quintet from Düsseldorf has won rock and punk fans over with their catchy tunes. Their lyrics range from the socially and politically aware to the mundane observations on everyday life. This month, let’s rock out and learn the German language with the music of Die Toten Hosen!

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