Cambridge University German Society Annual Review 2018

CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY

GERMAN SOCIETY ANNUAL REVIEW

2018

PRESIDENTS WELCOME by Florian Fuchs and Sebastian Lunz

Dear Members of the German Society,

as the year comes to a close, we would like to look back at the many exciting events that have taken place this year. To do so, we decided to publish our first ever Annual Review. Please send us your feedback as we hope to continue this format for the years to come.

In this issue, Ran Huo writes about the visits of Bernd Westermeyer - the head master of Schule Schloss Salem - and Wolfgang Silbermann - the head speechwriter of the President of Germany. Both came to Cambridge during the last Easter Term. Our most important speakers event - the Medienforum - saw another year of an impressive speaker turnout. This year, Nina Freydag, Barbara Junge (taz), Thomas Lindner (FAZ), Bernd Ulrich (Die Zeit) and Wulf Schmiese (ZDF heute-journal) participated and offered their views to around 1 00 visitors in St Catherine’s College. It was great to see how seriously the inputs of the students were taken as we could see some of our guests discussing them during the dinner that followed the Medienforum. Angelika Beinert has written a short summary of the event on the following pages. Last but not least, actress, director and screenwriter Maria Schrader presented her most recent film “Farewell to Europe” - one of the first public screenings of the film in the whole UK. For next year, speakers like Annette Schavan, Barbara Hendriks and Jan Böhmermann have announced their visits.

Cambridge remains an interesting place to be at for everyone interested in Germany and German culture.

The numerous formal swaps in the past year have brought us closer to a variety of other language societies, and were an opportunity to connect with people from all over the world, including Mexico, Hungary and even Vietnam. Ciara Gumsheimer will give you more details on these very popular events -with tickets typically sold out only minutes after the release- on the following pages. As our social and events officers, Joanna Möst and Martin Lippert will tell you about our most successful social events in the past year, of course including the annual Oktoberfest as well as Berliner Luft and Midsummer en blanc. In the latter, we cohosted a brunch on a perfectly sunny June morning with the Scandinavian Society to celebrate the ancient Scandinavian Midsummer tradition. Finally, the Christmas formal in Queen’s old hall closed the social calendar for the year, bringing the Christmas spirit to Cambridge and setting the mood for a festive holiday season.

All of these events would never be possible without the support of all our sponsors - some of whom have been partners of our society for several years already. We would like to use this annual review to thank them for their continued support. We would also like to thank our predecessors, Ran Huo and Tobias Heuer, for their fantastic work for the German Society.

From all of the committee, we wish you a very merry Christmas and already look forward to seeing many of you at our events in 201 9.

Yours, Florian Fuchs President

Sebastian Lunz President

MEET THE COMMITTEE

Florian Fuchs President

Emmanuel College

Angelika Beinert Speakers Officer

Sebastian Lunz President

St Catharine's College

St John's College

Churchill College

Giulia Bollen Gandolfo Ciara Gumscheimer Membership Officer Swaps Officer

Lucy Cavendish College Murray Edwards College

Martin Lippert Events Officer

Dominik Kloepfer Treasurer

Wilhelm Emmrich Speakers Officer Girton College

Lorenz Freigassner Sponsorship Officer Girton College

Joanna Moest Social Officer

Downing College

Downing College

Lukas Gast IT Officer

Emma Gibbons Secretary

Trinity College

Pembroke College

SPEAKERS EVENTS

Medienforum "Journalismus und Digitalisierung" by Angelika Beinert 23 October 201 8

The “Medienforum” developed from the idea to provide a platform for discussion for representatives of German media. This year the topic was: “Journalism and Digitalisation”. Our guests, Nina Freydag (freelance journalist), Barbara Junge (vice editor in chief of taz), Thomas Lindner (CEO FAZ) and Bernd Ulrich (vice editor in chief, die Zeit) gave talks about different perspectives on the challenges and chances of the digital age. Following the talks, a discussion between the speakers was led by Wulf Schmiese (editor in chief ZDF heutejournal) and opened up into Q&A with the audience.

Nina Freydag talked about her experiences in Norway, where in particular local journalism has a high importance and is relatively unaffected by the concurrence of “free news” on the internet thanks to early initiatives to introduce digital subscriptions as well as the loyalty of the local readers.

Barbara Junge gave another example of how funding newspapers by a community can work.

Thomas Lindner talked about the challenges of high quality journalism and its interaction with changes in society.

Bernd Ulrich gave us an insight into difficulties of journalism that also means to overcome group thinking.

A particular point highlighted in the discussion and Q&A was that most people would be willing to pay for quality journalism.

But would also like to have access to more than one newspaper and would be more willing to pay for a package of several papers.

SPEAKERS EVENTS

Wolfgang Silbermann, ‘Challenging Times for German Democracy – and Why You Should Get Engaged!’ by Ran Huo 30th April 201 8, Clare College

Wolfgang Silbermann heads the division for speeches and publications in the Office of the Federal President of Germany, Dr Frank-Walter Steinmeier. He has worked for Dr Steinmeier in various prior positions: as Economic Policy Advisor during his campaign for the chancellorship in 2009, as Legislative Aid during Dr Steinmeier’s tenure as Leader of the Opposition in the German Bundestag, and as Advisor and Chief Speechwriter in the Federal Foreign Office.

Before entering the public service, Mr Silbermann worked as a consultant at McKinsey in Berlin.

He holds a BA in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics from the University of Oxford as well as a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University.

Against the background of turbulent times for German democracy, Mr Silbermann emphasised the importance for young people to get engaged in the public service and to participate in the political debate in order to actively shape our democracy. Now more than ever, it is essential to make people aware – especially the younger generation – that they can and in fact should do something for our society and that it is indispensable to fight for the liberal democracy that we live in.

Bernd Westermeyer, ‘Schule Schloss Salem and Kurt Hahn’s Educational Legacy – Outdated or Model for the 21 st Century?’ by Ran Huo 1 6th May 201 8, Clare College

Bernd Westermeyer is Headmaster of Schule Schloss Salem, Germany’s largest and internationally best-known boarding school. He studied English Language and Literature, History, Pedagogy, and German as a Second Language at Bonn University and was a scholarship student at Wartburg College.

Before joining Salem, he was Rector Portensis of Landesschule Pforta from 2007 until 201 2.

Schule Schloss Salem was founded by Kurt Hahn in 1 920. Today, about 600 students from more than 40 nations are offered a variety of challenges: academically in either the German Abitur system or the International Baccalaureate programme; physically in sports and outdoor activities; and artistically in creative projects, in theatre, music, and dance.

Along with the knowledge and skills they acquire in all their pursuits, three pedagogical building blocks are of particular importance: the adventures provided with age-appropriate experiential pedagogy; learning situations that rely on the interaction of mind, heart, and hand; and long-term engagement in emergency aid or social service groups.

.

Salem embodies a number of standards that have become a model to many schools, known as the IDEALS of the Round Square organisation: International understanding, Democratic governance and justice, Environmental stewardship, Adventure, Leadership, and Service to others.

In his talk, Mr Westermeyer explored the concept of ‘Educating to Take Responsibility’ as the distinguishing element of Salem’s Hahnian educational approach.

Film Screening with director Maria Schrader by Florian Fuchs 6th November 201 8

On 6 November 201 8, we welcomed the German screenwriter, actress and director Maria Schrader in Cambridge. Maria presented her most recent film “Farewell to Europe” about the last years of Stefan Zweig in Brazil.

Two-time winner of the German Film award and two-time winner of the Bavarian Film award, Schrader has worked with directors such as Margarethe von Trotta, Doris Dörrie (“Nobody Loves Me”), and Agnieszka Holland (“In Darkness”). In 1 999, at the Berlinale, she received the Silver Bear for Best Actress in “Aimée & Jaguar” directed

by Max Färberböck. Recently, she thrilled television audiences in the Emmy award-winning and internationally renowned series "Deutschland 83" (201 5).

We enjoyed discussing the film with her which Maria sees more as a story about exile than about Stefan Zweig himself. Unsurprisingly, the film became very relevant during the most recent refugee crisis in Europe: "Stefan Zweig had escaped the war, but was relentlessly haunted by it. He was safe in Brazil, surrounded by a tropical paradise - and yet he couldn't go on while, on the other side of the world, Europe was going up in flames. He couldn't distance himself from the pain of others. His suicide in 1 942 shocked the world. I was intrigued by all the questions that arose from such disturbing decision. How can you cope with a world that turns to radicalism? How can you cope as an artist? Is there something more valuable than physical safety and personal happiness?

During the years of researching and developing the film I had no idea how relevant these questions will be today - with refugees fleeing their homes in search of safe heaven in Europe, as well as what is currently going on politically on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean.

Instead of aiming for a traditional biopic I chose to highlight various aspects of Stefan Zweig's life in exile and tell his story in six realtime-episodes, set in Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, New York City and Petropolis. We shot in seven different languages and I consider myself very lucky having been able to gather such a multinational and tremendously gifted cast of more than 80 actors.”

We also offer

CONVERSATION CLASSES "I

had a fantastic time running these classes, some fascinating conversations and my students enjoyed practising their German in an informal setting."

- Alexander Bleistein, our conversation class teacher

These classes run once a fortnight, and are ideal for those seeking to improve their German, whether they are language students here, learned some German in the past, or just want to go for a chat, everyone is welcome!

OKTOBERFEST

3 March 201 8

by Martin Lippert

The annual Oktoberfest, hosted by the Cambridge University German Society, has already established itself as one of the preeminent social events in Cambridge for any student interested in German food, drinks, music and culture. The timing – an Octoberfest in March – has led to some amusement in previous years, but by now our members and friends already know they need their Dirndl and Lederhosen in Cambridge for the end of Lent term.

This year, we continued our excellent cooperation with the Grain and Hop Store on Regent Street, a location with a rustic atmosphere and enough space for 1 50 guests.

Without exception, all attendees went to great lengths to wear great traditional outfits.

Together with our members and friends, and with guests from Oxford and London, we enjoyed several hundred litres of German beer (Spaten) as well as plenty of Jaegermeister. A hearty dinner and traditional Bavarian snacks were served to moderate the effects of the alcohol. These meals were enjoyed on long parallel beer benches, closely packed to guarantee the proper Octoberfest feeling.

Towards the end of the night, however, most of these beer benches were moved out of the way to make some extra room on the dancefloor. The DJs played a lively combination of German folk music, hits from the 90s and modern pop music. The enthusiastic dancing continued until the location was forced to close for the night, but thanks to an after-party at Cindies, the night did not end until the next morning.

We are already looking forward to the 201 9 edition of the CUGS Octoberfest, so don’t forget to bring your Dirndl and Lederhosen to Cambridge after the Christmas Break!

CHRISTMAS FEAST

24 November 201 8

by Joanna M ö st

Alle Jahre wieder is our Christmas Feast and all ye faithful come to Queen’s Old Hall in festive dress to enjoy an evening of pure German Christmas spirit. Sold out within hours with a long waiting list we hosted around 1 30 guests.

It was purely a joy to the world starting off with a drinks reception which only let us anticipate what would follow.

Once the doors to the Old Hall had opened everyone was left stunned. The hall being astonishing itself it was even more decorated with high chandeliers, Christmas crackers, Santa hats and Oh Tannenbaum! The four course meal treated us with German specials such as venison and red cabbage and In der Weihnachtsbäckerei they had made Apfelstrudel just for us. Between the courses the 201 7/201 8 committee was introduced, and an overview of recent events given. Mary, did you know that we had a record of new memberships? Highlight however, was definitely Angela’s performance of Chopin valses. These added to the atmosphere an even more festive touch.

Having had a superb dinner, intriguing conversation, high class entertainment and good wine, as red nosed (reindeers) we all sang Christmas songs together uniting in Kling Glöckchen Klingeling and many more which you might find in here. It was almost sad to leave the Hall after such cosy couple of hours but no Silent Night for us yet: we went on to the afterparty at Cindies where the German Society had reserved their own private area. Almost the whole group stayed together and had the opportunity to continue the good talk or break free on the dancefloor.

Angels We have Heard on High that many of us stayed until the morning hours.

Lastly, we would like to thank Adrian once more for taking on the huge task of organising this special event – In dulce jubilo. Overall, this night was all I want for Christmas.

Midsummer en blanc

1 7 June 201 8

by Martin Lippert

A fabulous garden party at the end of Easter term has to be in the repertoire of any proper student society in Cambridge. This year, we had the great privilege of hosting our garden party together with the Scandinavian Society, in the scholar’s garden of St. John’s College. Following the well-received Brunch en Blanc in the previous year, we once again encouraged our guests to dress in white for the 201 8 Midsummer en Blanc.

Those lucky enough to secure one of the 200 tickets enjoyed prosecco, juice and an array of delicious food, as well as Beer and Jaegermeister.

Initially, a range of Swedish midsummer games was the centre of attention. These friendly competitions allowed our guests to mingle as they ran across the garden, attempting to complete various tasks and challenges. As the party progressed more and more people gravitated towards the dance floor.

We were delighted by your positive response to this event and we are already very much looking forward to next year’s garden party.

BERLIN CALLING 2.0

Our first of two 'Berlin'-themed events in 201 8, Berlin Calling 2.0, took place on the 26th of January. Our second event took place in October, as our first social event in the new Academic year, as Joanna Moest writes below.

BERLINER LUFT

26 October 201 8

by Joanna M ö st

Our first social event of the new Academic year (besides all those swaps) was a party in Novi. Having had advertised it thoroughly at the fresher’s fair we hoped to make this a worthy start off of the German Society’s social life for all our new members. Following the high standards of 201 7, we wanted to offer Cambridge an alternative to Cindies, Fez and Co, to bring a fresh breeze, some German air into the Cambridge clubbing scene. Fittingly, we chose the motto “Berliner Luft”. This was implemented not only with our welcome drinks – Berliner Luft (or “Pfeffi”) imported right from Berlin but also with the music. Our two DJs Malcolm and David played a variety of styles, from Techno to Electro Groove and really did not anyone leave sitting in the corner. Novi, too helped us to make this evening unforgettable. We had our private dance floor and bar area on the top floor, fairy lights added to the atmosphere and their bar keepers could not stand still either. Overall, we had around 1 20 guests over the night after we had been sold out days before the event. All members, their friends and to our joy lots of people who had not heard of us before but were attracted by the music and used the evening to forget all freshers stress and dance until the bitter end at 3 o’clock in the morning. We’d like to thank everyone who made this evening an experience – all the guests, Novi and the DJs.

FORMAL SWAPS

by Ciara Gumsheimer This term we organised an exciting variety of formal dinners, including our newly introduced Fresher’s Formal alongside formal swaps with the Hungarian, Swiss, Austrian and Malaysian Societies.

The Fresher’s Formal, a new event this year, took place at Emmanuel College, and enabled new members of the society to get together and get to know each other. The dinner was followed by drinks in the Grain and Hop Store. Needless to say, it was a great evening and new friendships were formed.

Our following formal was with the Hungarian Society.

A mega-formal with a total of 60 members from both societies which took place at Robinson College. It was another lovely dinner, during which we even got to hear a short performance by Robinson College Chapel Choir. Again, conversations lasted far beyond the dinner itself, and so the evening ended with a few drinks in Robinsons’ own Red brick Cafe Bar. At the beginning of November, we then held our annual DACH Formal, the formal swap between the German, Austrian and Swiss Societies. This year, as last, it took place in Clare College where we had the entire hall to ourselves and a special themed menu for the evening. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening and the chance to further bond with friends from our German-speaking neighbours. The evening came to an end with music and drinks in the Clare College MCR. We already look forward to next year’s DACH formal!

Our last formal swap of the term was with the Malaysia Society and took place in Pembroke College’s beautiful dining hall. We were served a 4course meal and enjoyed an evening of cultural exchange and great conversation. As per usual, the evening did not end with dinner, but continued on in Pembroke’s Junior Parlour.

We are delighted about the success of our formals this term and look forward to many more dinners and swaps in the future.

OUR PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR

We have some fantastic events in the works for you all next year. As always, we will continue with our large and popular socials, such as the Oktoberfest and the Midsummer en Blanc with the Scandinavian Society, as well our popular club nights! We have a number of swaps planned, with among others, the Italian Society, as well as further Stammtische!

We again have some brilliant speakers lined up to come visit us. Annette Schavan, a CDU politician, who has worked as the Federal Minister of Education and Research, has acted as an ambassador for Germany and is known to be a close friend and confidante of Chancellor Angela Merkel. Barbara Hendricks, who has served as the Federal Minister for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, as well as being the Federal Treasurer of the SPD and has been the Parliamentary Secretary of State at the Federal Ministry of Finance, is due to visit in March. Jan Bรถhmermann , a satirist and TV presenter, is also due to come host a talk next year, and we will be hosting our annual Medienforum in September!

We look forward to seeing many of you at our events next year!

Our Sponsors

We would like to thank our sponsors, without whom none of the events we put on would be possible

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a wonderful new year!

From your German Society Commitee