Discover Germany, Issue 58, January 2018

Issue 58 | January 2018

ZINE THE MAGA HE GT PROMOTIN N IN GIO D -A- CH RE ND H ENGLIS A N GERMA

BETTINA ZIMMERMANN K E E P I N G

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R E A L

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AUSTRIA’S LEADING BUSINESSWOMEN MADE IN GERMANY SUCCESSFUL START-UPS CULTURE, TRAVEL & MORE

T H E M AG A Z I N E P R O M OT I N G G E R M A N Y, S W I T Z E R L A N D & A U ST R I A

Your Shortcut to Germany Bergen

NORWAY

Oslo Stockholm Bromma

SWEDEN Aalborg bo org g

UNITED KINGDOM DENMARK K

G enburg Goth

Aarh A rhu us us

Billund Manchester

London City

Brussels

BELGIUM BE

Düsseldorf

GERMANY

Munich

WINNER OF DANISH TRAVEL AWARD 2012 “BEST EUROPEAN AIRLINE”

Snacks

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Dr inks

Pap ers

Lounges

Smiles

Discover Germany | Contents

Contents JANUARY 2018

18 Photo: © 2017 Amazon.com Inc., or its affiliates

58 Photo: © Walliser Alpentherme

18 Bettina Zimmermann The German actress Bettina Zimmermann speaks to Discover Germany to reveal the secret behind one of Germany’s most successful web series Der Lack ist ab; a family comedy written and directed by her husband Kai Wiesinger. Find out more!

SPECIAL THEMES 10 Made in Germany In this special theme, we handpick some great products and innovate ideas from Germany that the country has moved forward recently.

24 Top International Schools 2018 International schools can be found all over Germany and they have become increasingly popular due to their great education offerings. In this theme, we take a closer look at some of the country’s top international schools.

38 Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018 Get your Swiss culture fix: Switzerland is known for its great variety of cultural events, great concerts, top-notch museums and high-quality galleries. Thus, for this month’s issue, we take a closer look at some of the inspiring cultural institutions Switzerland has to offer.

46 Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018 In 2018, culture enthusiasts should definitely visit Switzerland’s largest city Zurich.

It is not only an international banking and finance centre, but also has a lot to offer when it comes to culture. Find out what exactly in this special theme.

67 Austria’s Leading Businesswomen For this special theme, we have handpicked some of Austria’s leading busi-

77

nesswomen. We showcase their innovative ideas, question them about what influences them and much, much more.

Get inspired!

COVER FEATURE

75 Successful Start-ups Start-ups are a hot topic right now. Thus, we wanted to find out more about Germany’s young companies and have handpicked some of the best ones for this theme.

FEATURES 9

Product of the Month, Austria The Austrian gin STIN – Styrian Dry Gin is not your regular kind of gin. 28 carefully selected botanicals and a great deal of passion turn this tasty liquid into pure enjoyment for the palate. Thus, it seems no wonder that it is our Product of the Month.

22 Restaurant of the Month, Switzerland What initially started as an exclusive summer venue has quickly become one of Zurich’s latest hotspots for all-year around culinary revelations and an inviting atmosphere in the city’s bustling Industriequartier: Frau Gerolds Garten.

36 Attraction of the Month, Austria An event not to be missed is the Juristenball in Vienna’s Imperial Palace (Hofburg Vienna). If this seems like something of interest to you, be sure to read our special feature about this exceptional ball.

52 Star Interview: Aglaia Szyszkowitz Best known for her diverse theatre roles in the likes of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Austrian actress Aglaia Szyszkowitz has also been seen in many movies and high-profile series. She speaks to Discover Germany about her latest project, her love for the theatre and much more.

Photo: © muun

REGULARS & COLUMNS 8

Dedicated to Design Whether you are searching for wintery interior design items that will transform your home into a frozen paradise, or stylish yet warm fashion pieces from the DACH region, be sure to take a look at our design section.

54 Travel This month, our travel section is filled with a South Tyrolean nature spa resort that is well worth a visit, a great spa offering with excellent wellness treatments and much more.

59 Business Our business section is filled with successful start-ups, inspiring businesswomen from Austria and exclusive business profiles from the DACH region. Furthermore, our columnist Gregor Kleinknecht takes on the interesting topic of blockchain technology.

90 The Delights of the German Vocabulary In our new monthly column, British author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German vocabulary and finds some rather interesting terms.

91 Culture Calendar Discover Germany’s culture calendar is your perfect guide to what not to miss in January.

98 Barbara Geier Column This month, our columnist Barbara Geier gets a bit philosophical – just in time for the new year. After all, now’s the time to take a step back and ponder for a moment.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 3

Dear Reader, Welcome to our January issue!

Discover Germany Issue 58, January 2018 Published 01.2018 ISSN 2051-7718 Published by Scan Magazine Ltd. Print Liquid Graphic Ltd. Executive Editor Thomas Winther Creative Director Mads E. Petersen Editor Nane Steinhoff Assistant Editor Marilena Stracke Copy-Editor Karl Batterbee Graphic Designer Mercedes Moulia Contributors Adam Jacot de Boinod Barbara Geier Cornelia Brelowski Daniel Barthold

Gregor Kleinknecht Ina Frank Jessica Holzhausen Silke Henkele Cover Photo © 2017 Amazon.com Inc., or its affiliates Sales & Key Account Managers Emma Fabritius Nørregaard Laura Hummer Noura Draoui Sophie Blecha Audrey Bardzik Publisher: SCAN GROUP Scan Magazine Ltd. 15B Bell Yard Mews Bermondsey Street London SE1 3YT United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)870 933 0423 Fax: +44 (0)870 933 0421

Email: info@discovergermany.com For further information please visit www.discovergermany.com

After weeks of festivities, non-stop eating marathons and downing drinks of all sorts, it’s time for the same procedure as every year: some good New Year’s resolutions.

And, as you might have thought, Germans are not only good at being on time and being stubborn, but also at keeping New Year’s resolutions. In 2016, Duolingo launched a New Year’s resolution campaign so that more people would decide to learn a new language. Their statistics reveal that German users (alongside those from the Czech Republic and New Zealand) were especially dedicated to continuing their chosen language throughout the new year.

Thus, in our January issue we want to help you find your perfect New Year’s resolution. If you want to spend more time in the outdoors in 2018, take a look at our fashion pages where we have handpicked some fabulously stylish items that will keep you warm during long winter walks. If your project for the new year is to change your interior design instead, check out our design section where we have collected jazzy living accessories and design items from the DACH region. If your resolution involves buying better, more sustainable products, read our special theme on products made in Germany, and if you simply want to do more sport, take a look at our special feature on old school hockey in the Swiss Alps. Another idea for 2018 might be to watch more great TV programmes. If that’s the case, be sure not to miss our cover feature about none other than Bettina Zimmermann. She spoke to Discover Germany about the secret behind one of Germany’s most successful web series Der Lack ist ab and more.

Other topics in this issue are inspiring start-ups, Austria’s leading businesswomen, top international schools, cultural highlights in Switzerland, an interview with Austrian actress Aglaia Szyszkowitz who speaks about her love for the theatre and much, much more.

Oh, and one more thing: from this issue onwards, we will feature both English and German articles. An exciting change for us - enjoy!

Sit back, relax and thanks for reading.

© All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of Scan Group – a trading name of Scan Magazine Ltd. This magazine contains advertorials/promotional articles.

4 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Nane Steinhoff, Editor

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Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Fashion Finds What better way to spend a January weekend than to be outside and go on romantic winter walks with your significant other, your beloved dog or some friends to get rid of those annoying extra pounds from Christmas dinner? The thing to keep in mind here, is to wrap up warm – and that can indeed be very stylish. We show how to do it best.

EDITOR’S PICKS I PRESS IMAGES

These stylish outfits from German luxury label BOGNER are sure to keep warm, while looking absolutely stylish. Left: down jacket ‘FRIDA’ £425, sweater ‘ALINA’ £300, beanie ‘NURI’ £170. Right: beanie ‘FREDDY’ £55, down jacket ‘MIRCO’ £685. www.bogner.com

6 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Design | Fashion Finds

Good shoes are absolutely vital for a fun day out in the snow as there is nothing worse than having cold and wet feet. That’s why these shoes from BOGNER with a lug rubber sole, soft shearling interior and waxed calfskin leather will be your best bet. Short wool coat ‘GLORIA’ £685, ankle booties ‘ST.ANTON L10A’ £330. www.bogner.com

A trench coat never gets boring! If you do not have one yet, be sure to get this one from MARC O’POLO. It features a cosy, faux fur collar and is made out of a high-quality cotton blend. £359. www.marc-o-polo.com

Keep your fingers warm on any winter walk with these toasty gloves by Roeckl. The Munich-based label is known for their high-quality gloves and this model is made out of 100 per cent silk lamb skin. ‘Nuuk’ gloves £115. www.roeckl.com

Still searching for the perfect winter boot? Well, we found it! This over-the-knee boot in suede is from German label Marc Cain and ensures highest wearing comfort and best style. £359. www.marc-cain.com

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 7

Discover Germany | Design | Dedicated to Design

Dedicated to Design…

This month, all eyes are on whites and icy blues when it comes to our interior design. Perfect for January, living accessories in pure white – especially in combination with a variety of blue tones - give every home that muchloved, light winter look. Take a look at our handpicked items to get some inspiration on how to transform your interior into a frozen paradise.

BY: NANE STEINHOFF I PRESS IMAGES

1

2 1. A staple for every kitchen, this white breakfast set is not your usual one as it is made from finest porcelain with grooved structure. Series ‘Loft’ from Thomas by Rosenthal. £POA. www.thomas-porzellan.de 2. Inspired by the soft colours of sorbet, these water glasses will bring a bit of colour and joy to every table.

The golden, hand-painted edge is another highlight. £14. www.desiary.de 3. Add some colour to your bathroom! This soap dispenser by TOM TAILOR is practical, and at the same time very gorgeous. £18. www.tom-tailor.com

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4. A white vase is something that every interior should have. This mini one by the long-established German ceramic company Villeroy & Boch stands out with its unusual shape and high quality. £19.90. www.villeroy-boch.com 5. This cushion cover from the German fashion and lifestyle label TOM TAILOR is a true eyecatcher with its fake-fur design. 40 x 40 cm. £31. www.tom-tailor.com

5 8 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Product of the Month, Austria

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH, AUSTRIA

The king of gins The Austrian gin STIN – Styrian Dry Gin is not your regular kind of gin. 28 carefully selected botanicals and a great deal of passion for the craft turn this tasty liquid into pure enjoyment for the palate. Amongst other ingredients it is mainly the juniper berries, south Styrian apples and east Styrian elder, which give this gin its fresh scent and unique taste.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: STIN

Gin enthusiasts Johannes Firmenich and Reinhard Jagerhofer founded the up-andcoming distillery and the team was fittingly completed with world-class bartender Philip M. Ernst as brand ambassador.

The local Styrian ingredients as homage to their homeland create a unique flavour.

On top of that, the distillers add citrus fruits to give the gin its fruity freshness and lightness.

“We have always had a thing for gin. Both Johannes’ and my father are passionate distillers and hence we already had access to the equipment and basic knowledge,” says Reinhard Jagerhofer. “The first attempts were really just for fun, to have a taste of gin made by ourselves.”

Jagerhofer adds: “It is quite unique that we have 28 ingredients. Various spices such as caraway, coriander and ginger are also part of our special mix. With 47 per cent volume, our gin is certainly on the stronger side. But it is exactly that strength which makes this gin also very enjoyable on its own.”

From then on there was no stopping. The taste of their STIN simply speaks for itself.

The quality of the ingredients plays a major part when it comes to the art of distill-

ing beautiful gin. The same goes for a gentle distilling process. The handmade STIN gin is then distilled in a 50 litre copper pot and the feedback seems to speak for itself.

“We are extremely happy with how well our gin is perceived,” says Jagerhofer with a smile. “And of course we are hoping to expand our reach beyond the border.”With their successful recipe, passion for the craft and great attention to detail, it is only a matter of time for STIN gin to conquer the rest of the world. www.stin.at

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 9

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Photo: © Kennel & Schmenger

SPECIAL THEME: MADE IN GERMANY

The history of ‘Made in Germany’ Despite widespread belief, the ‘Made in Germany’ label is not a German invention. Instead, it was an idea of Great Britain.

Find out why on the next page and in the following special theme, we have also handpicked some great products and innovative ideas Germany has brought forward recently.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Photo: © dormiente

10 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Did you know that the ‘Made in Germany’ label is over 129 years old and that it was an invention of Great Britain? To be precise, Great Britain introduced the label in 1887 when it passed a law to force foreign companies to make the origins of their products clear. Apparently, several German companies had copied British products and Great Britain wanted to keep German products from gaining popularity in their country by labelling exactly where they come from.

However, this clearly backfired as the ‘Made in Germany’ trademark is now probably the most famous and appreciated one all over the world. This came about as German products vastly improved by the end of the 19th century. They grew in popularity due to their meticulous attention to detail and high-quality workmanship.

During the First and Second World War, Germany’s economy was obviously devastated and the reputation of German companies and their products sank to an all-time low. Today, the reputation for Germany’s well-made products has recovered and, especially in recent decades, companies take advantage of this. For example, Volkswagen shows its roots with the slogan ’Das Auto’ and Audi has ‘Vorsprung durch Technik’ in their international advertising campaigns.

In the following special theme, find out what other great products and innovative ideas Germany has brought forward lately.

Photo: © Twinkle Kid, Hamburg

Photo: © nautilus skin touch

Photo: © GUTMANN

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 11

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Massivholzbett GABO.

Gesunder Schlaf, erholsame Nacht Gesund zu schlafen und dann erholt aufzuwachen, davon träumt eigentlich jeder.

Die Lösung ist dabei eigentlich ganz einfach. Sie heißt ‚Natürlich Schlafen’ ohne Chemie und Kunststoffe. Dabei muss es keinerlei Abstriche in punkto Komfort und Design geben. Das beweist das mittelständische Unternehmen dormiente aus Hessen seit nunmehr 30 Jahren.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I FOTOS: DORMIENTE

Als Pionier des ‚grünen Schlafes‘ produziert dormiente seine Naturmatratzen und passenden Massivholzbetten ausschließlich in Deutschland. Am Standort in Heuchelheim beschäftigt das Unternehmen zur Zeit mehr als 60 Mitarbeiter. Mit dem Slogan ‚Besser grün schlafen‘ hat sich die Firma in diesem Bereich zum Marktführer entwickelt.

Strenge Schadstoffkontrolle der Materialien gehört seit Anbeginn zu den Kernwerten der Firmengründer Rainer Oldiges und Dr. Rüdiger Plänker. Gesundheit, Orthopädie, Qualität, Ökologie und Nachhaltigkeit sind nach wie vor die Stützpfeiler der Unternehmensphilosophie. Das Unternehmen begann direkt nach der Gründung 1988 damit, Naturmatratzen zu entwickeln und hatte dabei neben ökologischen auch stets soziale Kriterien im Blick. „Als aus12 | Issue 58 | January 2018

gebildete Biologen waren uns selbstverständlich gesundheitliche und besonders ökologische Werte gleich zu Beginn unseres Berufslebens äußerst wichtig,“ erzählen die Firmengründer, die bei der Entwicklung der dormiente Produkte auf gewonnenes Praxiswissen zurückgreifen konnten und können. Das Unternehmen leistete von Anfang an Pionierarbeit im Bereich streng schadstoffkontrollierter Matratzen. Davon zeugen die Zertifizierungen des Fachverbands QUL sowie mehrfache Auszeichnungen durch Ökotest.

Strenge Kontrolle garantiert beste Qualität „Bekanntlich verbringen wir circa ein Drittel unseres Lebens im Schlaf. Zeitlebens haben wir mit unseren Matratzen den intimsten Kontakt,“ erklärt der Geschäftsführer und promovierte Biologe Dr. Rüdi-

ger Plänker. „Qualität und die Auswahl der Rohstoffe haben hier die oberste Priorität für die Gesundheit. Einige Stoffwechselprozesse finden hauptsächlich während der Schlafphase statt und werden von der direkten Umgebung, sprich dem Bettklima, beeinflusst.“ Plänker verweist dabei auf die Vier-Säulen-Theorie für den gesunden Schlaf: „Wir wollen, dass der Mensch ergonomisch richtig liegt. Wir verschaffen dem Menschen mit Naturmaterialien ein gesundes Bettklima. Wir wollen, dass der Mensch während des Schlafs keiner weiteren chemischen Belastung ausgesetzt ist. Und: Wir wollen, dass der Mensch während des Schlafes keinen Elektrosmog durch die Metallspiralen der Federkerne ertragen muss.“ Natürliche Materialen sind die Basis für gesunden Schlaf dormiente zeichnet sich als Marktführer nicht nur wegen der hochwertigen Naturlatexmatratzen aus 100 Prozent Naturlatex und der Massivholzbetten aus. Als einziger Hersteller bietet das hessische Unternehmen die gesamte Produkttiefe im Bereich ‚Natürlich Schlafen‘ an. Das Sortiment umfasst Unterfederungen vom einfachen Lattenrost über eine Zirben-

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

holzteller-Unterfederung bis hin zu dem patentierten ‚System 7‘, einer variablen 7-Zonen-Unterfederung aus 100 Prozent Naturlatex auf unbehandelten Leisten aus Buchenholz. Naturmatratzen gibt es in verschiedenen Komfort- und Preisklassen. Sie sind damit genau angepasst an die individuellen Kundenwünsche. So gibt es für Einsteiger zwei unterschiedliche Naturlatexmatratzen ab 498 Euro. Die Serien Basic und Classic bedienen die bioaffine Käufergruppe im Preisbereich von 700 Euro bis 1,300 Euro. Und für Kunden mit gehobenen Ansprüchen bietet dormiente eine Naturlatexmatratze aus der Serie Deluxe mit handgearbeiteten Lederecken für 1,900 Euro.

Modernen Trends folgen – aber gesünder Ursprünglich gegründet mit Fokus auf die Herstellung von Naturmatratzen, ist dormiente immer offen für neue Entwicklungen: Schnell wuchs die Erkenntnis, dass es nichts hilft, wenn zwar die Matratzen aus Naturmaterialien bestehen, das restliche Bett aber aus wenig kontrollierten, vielleicht gar schädlichen Stoffen gefertigt ist.

Betten aus Naturholz waren da ein Schritt.

Im Zeitalter moderner Boxspringbetten bietet das Unternehmen inzwischen aber auch zwei Systembetten in Boxspringoptik – ebenfalls aus Naturmaterialien, ohne Metallfedern und mit einer riesigen Stoffauswahl. Saubere Polsterbetten für einen außergewöhnlichen Schlafkomfort waren das Ergebnis langer Recherchen und so entwickelten Know-hows. www.dormiente.com

Tellerrahmen ERGO NATURA Z als Motorversion.

Orthopädisch geformte Matratze in jedem Preissegment Die Matratzen sind in jedem Preissegment orthopädisch anspruchsvoll und aus reinen, nachhaltig gewonnenen Naturmaterialien gefertigt. Zu den verwendeten Materialien gehören neben Naturlatex zum Beispiel Schurwolle, Rosshaar, Kokosfasern, Baumwolle oder Tencel, eine aus Holz gewonnene Pflanzenfaser, die auch zur Herstellung von Kleidung verwendet wird.

Vertrauensvolle Lieferanten sind dafür natürlich entscheidend, da die Rohmaterialien keine Herbizide, Fungizide oder Pestizide enthalten dürfen, die heute häufig in der Landwirtschaft verwendet werden.

Neben den erwähnten Matratzen und Bettgestellen finden sich im Programm auch Kopfkissen mit verschiedenen Naturfüllungen und Naturlatexkissen mit unterschiedlichen Formen. Zum Sortiment gehören zudem Naturhaardecken.

Bekanntheit erlangte dormiente auch mit seinen Massivholzbetten in außergewöhnlichen Designvarianten und unterschiedlichsten Stilen. Massives Holz hat nicht nur eine besondere Ausstrahlung, sondern sorgt auch für ein gutes Raumklima – beides Voraussetzungen für einen guten und erholsamen Schlaf. dormiente verwendet hauptsächlich europäische Hölzer wie Eiche, Wildeiche, Zirbe, Kernbuche oder Buche, kauft einige Harthölzer wie Nussbaum und Kirsche aber von zertifizierten Holzhändlern aus Nordamerika zu. Verarbeitet wird das Holz ausschließlich in Deutschland.

Naturlatexmatratze NATURAL DELUXE ANTARES mit Rosshaar.

Naturlatexmatratze NATURAL DELUXE.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 13

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Deckenhaube Capa.

Kochfeldhaube Abajo.

Handmade in Germany.

Gut behütet Eine breite Produktpalette handgearbeiteter Produkte mit hohem Qualitätsanspruch machen Exklusiv-Hauben GUTMANN speziell attraktiv für Kunden mit Interesse an hoher Funktionalität, innovativer Technologie und anspruchsvollem Design.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I FOTOS: GUTMANN

„Kundenwünsche in einem fairen und menschlichen Betriebsumfeld zu realisieren, das ist unsere unternehmerische Maxime,“ erklärt CEO und Eigentümer Manuel Fernandez, der die Firma bereits 1997 übernahm und dem Unternehmen kürzlich wieder durch einen Rückkauf von der italie-nischen Elica S.p.A. zu neuem Leben verholfen hat:“Wir unterstützen den Standort Deutschland, denn er ist unsere Zukunft und die Zukunft unserer Kinder.“ Unternehmensverantwortung als Selbstverständnis Nachhaltigkeit und Verantwortung stehen bei GUTMANN an erster Stelle: Als mittelständisches Unternehmen mit Sitz in Deutschland sind alle verwendeten Materialien seit Jahren 100 % recyclefähig. Schon der Mühlacker Standort wurde durch die Schaffung von Arbeitsplätzen gestärkt; ein Umzug nach Pforzheim in neue moderne Gebäude mit besserer Anbindung an die Infrastruktur wurde im Januar 2018 erst vollzogen.

Individualisierte Planung und neue Ausrichtung Maßgeschneiderte Kunden-Lösungen für jede Küche und jedes Wohnumfeld bilden 14 | Issue 58 | January 2018

den speziellen GUTMANN-Vorteil. Der Vision folgend, hoch-funktionelle, exklusive Hauben zu produzieren die letztendlich sowohl das Wohnklima als auch das Feinstaubmanagement gewährleisten, entwirft und plant das GUTMANNKonstruktionsteam Hauben in Zukunft als kongeniale ‚Be- und Entlüftungszentrale‘ für die Küche.

Durch individuelle Anfertigung und Kleinserien ‚Handmade in Germany‘ und ein Zusammenspiel zwischen Design und Technik entstehen speziell hergestellte Unikate und Sonderlösungen für jede Wohn- bzw. Küchensituation. Die umfassende und detaillierte Planung jeder Haube von A-Z ist bei GUTMANN selbstverständlich.

Innovationsgeist, entstehen Jahr für Jahr Produkte, die auf dem Weltmarkt ihre Einzigartigkeit unter Beweis stellen.

Die 121 Mitarbeiter werden auch am neuen Standort Pforzheim die handgearbeiteten GUTMANN Produkte mit Enthusiasmus weiterentwickeln: In Planung sind unter anderem eine neue Kochfeldhaube und ein verstärkter Fokus auf das patentierte 3-fach Filtrierungskonzept (Wasser, Fett, Geruch und Feinstaub). Ihr Einsatz und Engagement, Know-how und innovative Kreativität werden nicht zuletzt durch eine führende Marktposition des Unternehmens motiviert und belohnt. www.gutmann-exklusiv.de Deckenhaube Sliding Doors.

Kreative Innovation und langjährige Erfahrungswerte Neue Produkte entstehen bei GUTMANN durch Kreativität in Verbindung mit einem langjährigen Wissen über Küchenund Lüftungstechnik und so setzt das Konstruktions-Team seit Jahrzehnten bahnbrechende Zeichen im Bereich Abluft-, Umluft- und Filterlösungen. Durch viel Erfahrung, gemischt mit kreativem

Standort Pforzheim.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: KENNEL & SCHMENGER

„Keep your focus on the details”

„Die Kunst liegt im Detail”

Kennel & Schmenger stands for the combination of modernity, design and quality with a distinctive handwriting.

Kennel & Schmenger steht für die Verbindung von Modernität, Design und Qualität mit einer unverwechselbaren Handschrift.

Kennel & Schmenger is a company with a proud tradition that combines handcraft and zeitgeist in their manufacture. For 100 years, they have designed, developed and produced shoes in Pirmasens and are now one of the last remaining factories in Germany that also still produces in Germany. In these 100 years of shoe history, Kennel & Schmenger gained extensive knowledge and essential manufacturing experience and passes on this knowledge from generation to generation.

Kennel & Schmenger ist ein Traditionsunternehmen, in dessen Schuhmanufaktur Handarbeit und Zeitgeist eins werden. Seit 100 Jahren entwirft, entwickelt und produziert das Unternehmen Schuhe in Pirmasens.

Kennel & Schmenger ist einer der wenigen am Ort verbliebenen Hersteller und auch eines der letzten in Deutschland produzierenden Unternehmen.

In diesen 100 Jahren Schuhgeschichte hat sich Kennel & Schmenger ein umfangreiches Fachwissen und fundierte Fertigungskenntnisse erarbeitet und gibt dieses Wissen seit Generationen weiter.

The collections have a distinctive handwriting that elevated Kennel & Schmenger to become one of the key brands in the premium segment. With the variety of the collections within all product groups their styles convey both aesthetics and casualness.

Kennel & Schmenger is represented in more than 1,000 point of sales in over 30 countries. With currently ten self-managed concept stores open, they present themselves in the most important German metropolises like Hamburg, Munich, Cologne and Dusseldorf.

Die Kollektionen weisen eine unverkennbare Handschrift auf, die Kennel & Schmenger zu einem Key Brand im Premiumsegment macht.

Mit der Vielfalt der Kollektionen, über alle Produktgruppen hinweg, transportieren die Styles sowohl Ästhetik als auch Lässigkeit.

Kennel & Schmenger ist in weit mehr als 1,000 Point of Sales in mehr als 30 Ländern vertreten. Mit derzeit zehn eigenen Concept Stores präsentiert sich das Unternehmen in den wichtigsten deutschen Großstädten, wie unter anderem Hamburg, München, Köln und Düsseldorf.

More information about the concept stores and the Kennel & Schmenger online shop can be found on the website.

Mehr Informationen zu den Concept Stores und dem Kennel & Schmenger Online Shop können auf der Homepage gefunden werden.

EXCELLENCE IN SHOEMAKING. SINCE 1918.

EXCELLENCE IN SHOEMAKING. SINCE 1918. www.kennel-schmenger.com Issue 58 | January 2018 | 15

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Im Dunkeln kommen das reflektierende Garn in der Mütze und im Bommel, sowie das leuchtende Twinkle Kid Logo voll zur Geltung.

Die reflektierenden Mützen von Twinkle Kid sorgen für mehr Sicherheit im Straßenverkehr.

Diese Mützen von Twinkle Kid sind warm und sorgen für mehr Sichtbarkeit durch einen reflektierenden Schriftzug.

Mützen mit dem gewissen Etwas Bereits seit mehreren Jahren bezaubert das in Hamburg ansässige Unternehmen Elbglut unter dem Label ‚Twinkle Kid‘ seine kleinen und großen Kunden mit hochwertigen reflektierenden Mützen, die nicht nur Spaß machen, sondern als modisches Accessoire für Sicherheit im Straßenverkehr sorgen.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I FOTOS: TWINKLE KID, HAMBURG

Als stylische Alternative zu Warnwesten hatten Lilian Haferkamp (Design) und Thorsten Wiechers (Marketing/Vertrieb) bereits im Jahr 2009 die Idee zu reflektierenden Mützen. Nach dem Gewinn des ‚Innovation Award‘ und einem Kooperationsangebot von den Juroren der Sendung Die Höhle des Löwen, starteten die beiden Gründer im Jahr 2015 richtig durch. „Wir entschieden uns bewusst gegen das Kooperationsangebot der Juroren, sahen unsere Idee der reflektierenden Mützen allerdings sowohl durch deren Interesse als auch durch die Verleihung des ‚Innovation Award’ bestätigt. Daraufhin bauten wir den Vertrieb von Twinkle Kid selbst auf und erweiterten unsere Kollektion. Heute bieten wir unsere Mützen in sieben verschiedenen Designs, in über 30 verschie16 | Issue 58 | January 2018

denen Farben und in vier Größen - auch für Erwachsene! - an. Da ist wirklich für jeden Geschmack etwas dabei,“ fasst Melanie Kuppelwieser, Leitung PR und Öffentlichkeitsarbeit von Twinkle Kid, Twinkle Kids Entstehungsgeschichte zusammen.

Neben Sicherheit ist die Art der Produktion eines der dringlichsten Anliegen von Twinkle Kid. „Reflektierende Mützen von Twinkle Kid werden fair, nachhaltig und in Deutschland produziert. Wir verwenden ausschließlich 100 Prozent Biobaumwolle bzw. hochwertige Wollmischungen für unsere Mützen,“ erklärt Kuppelwieser.

Die Designs der reflektierenden Mützen reichen von klassisch bis stylisch, wobei die Wintermützen mit Zopfmuster und die leichteren, mehrfarbigen Mützen mit

Rundumschriftzug besonderen Kultcharakter haben. „Ein speziell von uns entwickeltes Patent erlaubt es uns, das reflektierende Material in die flauschigen Bommel, Streifen oder Motive einzustricken. So sieht man den Twinkle Kid-Mützen nicht gleich an, was sie können - aber im Dunkeln entfalten sie ihre volle Wirkung,“ beschreibt Kuppelwieser. „Mit unseren Mützen trägt Twinkle Kid erheblich zur Sichtbarkeit von Kindern und Erwachsenen im Dunkeln bei - und damit zu viel größerer Sicherheit im Straßenverkehr,“ erklärt Kuppelwieser abschließend.

Dass dies noch lange so bleibt, dafür sorgen die Macher von Twinkle Kid, die sich für 2018 einiges vorgenommen haben: Nicht nur werden sie die Kollektion um weitere Designideen erweitern, auch haben sie geplant, weitere reflektierende Accessoires in ihr Sortiment aufzunehmen. Wir freuen uns auf die innovativen Ideen von Twinkle Kid! www.twinklekid.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Made in Germany

Christian Schwab, managing director of thoni mara.

thoni mara running wear.

Highly functional running shirts.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: NAUTILUS SKIN TOUCH

Running smoothly

Gut gelaufen

A German knit and sportswear family business and its flagship brand

Moderner Familienbetrieb mit sportlicher Vorzeigemarke

In Thum, a city in the traditional German textile region of the Erzgebirge mountains, 28 employees are working together to make the dream of superior running wear come true.

Im Herzen der deutschen Textilregion Erzgebirge werden innovative Laufshirts aus hochfunktionellen Stoffen an modernen Rundstrickmaschinen hergestellt.

thoni mara stands for fashionable, highly functional sports clothing and is the latest part of the success story of the nautilus skin touch enterprise, a clothing company founded in 1996 by the Schwab family on the premises of a traditional local knitting factory.

thoni mara ist hochmodernes Funktions-Design für den Laufsport und bildet den neuesten Part der Erfolgsgeschichte von nautilus skin touch, einer Wäsche – und Sportmodenfirma, die 1996 von der Familie Schwab auf den Wurzeln eines traditionsreichen örtlichen Betriebes in Thum gegründet wurde.

Having specialised in the development and production of seamless and highly functional underwear and shirts, nautilus skin touch counts many renowned European sports brands among their customers. The company fosters a sustainable production process, creating and maintaining local jobs in a region with a strong textile tradition. Managing director Christian Schwab, who himself is an ambitious marathon runner, invented the thoni mara brand in 2007 (Marathoni being a slang term for marathon runner): “As comparable products focus mostly on the technical side of things, this shirt was to be superior and modern in design.”

Als Spezialist für die Entwicklung und Herstellung nahtloser und hoch funktioneller Unterwäsche und Sportbekleidung zählt nautilus skin touch viele hochrangige europäische Sportmarken zu seinen Kunden. Die Firma verfolgt einen nachhaltigen Produktionsprozess und sorgt für den Erhalt von Arbeitsplätzen in einer traditionellen Textilregion. Geschäftsführer Christian Schwab, selbst ambitionierter Marathonläufer, gründete die Marke thoni mara 2007 (Marathoni = Marathonläufer): “Zielsetzung war es, ein Shirt zu entwickeln, das in seiner Funktion den herkömmlichen Produkten überlegen sein sollte. Da vergleichbare Produkte meist die technischen Aspekte betonten, sollte dieses Shirt zusätzlich ein anspruchsvolles, modisches Design haben.“

Since its successful launch in 2007 at the Bamberg Weltkulturerbelauf, the highly functional running wear has won many renowned prizes such as the ISPO Brand New Award (finalist), the QUERDENKER–Award, as well as the RUNNER´s WORLD Trail-Award.

Seit dem erfolgreichen Launch beim Bamberg Weltkulturerbelauf 2007 hat die junge Marke mit Stil bereits viele Auszeichnungen erhalten, unter anderem als Finalist beim renommierten ISPO BrandNew Award 2010, Gewinner des QUERDENKER–Awards 2010, sowie Gewinner des RUNNER´s WORLD Trail-Awards 2013. www.thonimara.com Issue 58 | January 2018 | 17

18 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Bettina Zimmermann

Bettina Zimmermann

Keeping it real Actress Bettina Zimmermann reveals the secret behind one of Germany’s most successful web series.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: 2017 AMAZON.COM INC., OR ITS AFFILIATES

On an early October morning in Berlin, after having made sure that the respective coffee-cups are filled to the brim, German actress Bettina Zimmermann talks amicably and enthusiastically to us about the Amazon Prime Video series Der Lack ist ab (The Glory is Gone); a family comedy written and directed by her husband Kai Wiesinger. With the couple starring in the respective leads, the script maintains a healthy link to real life.

“It all began with my husband and some friends catching up at an event and mutually revealing that they had trouble reading the fine print lately,” the actress recalls. A fact not due to a general disinterest in legal documents but rather because all participants of the conversation were nearing an age that calls for – well, either very long arms or reading glasses. Enough of a revelation for Kai Wiesinger to write down

some ideas which in turn became a successful mini-series about a family of four plus baby, in which both parents discover that, ultimately, the glamour of it all is not the same anymore.“It equals this moment when you realise that you actually have to take care of your own parents for a change.

And that moment – when you can’t just go home and let go like in the old times – is the real moment of growing up. This may be around 40, 45, or 50 – but it sure tells you that the tide is changing,” Bettina Zimmermann explains. “For most people, this means a change is imminent; be it their children leaving home or discovering that some goals or plans in life have been neglected for the past 20 years – and are now popping up with vehemence. It doesn’t even have to mean a change within the relationship – even if that’s often the case – but a mutual metamorphosis into a new stage in life.”

The previous three seasons have been a huge success nationally and with the fourth one recently finished, Der Lack ist ab (The Glory is Gone) will be available on Amazon Prime Video as of December, in 200 countries, and with a dubbed version in English. The neatly written dialogues seem so real that “a lot of people ask if they are improvised”, says Bettina Zimmermann proudly. “It is basically a script that’s so worked out in detail that it seems improbably real. And as much as it is a tragicomedy – the viewers will always be left with a good mood in the end.”

With renowned guest stars such as Christiane Paul and Johann von Bülow who play a couple that turns up in each and every episode, pressing the main characters of Hanna (Bettina Zimmermann) and Tom (Kai Wiesinger) to adjust and readjust to yet a new situation, the stories come off as lighthearted as well as unnervingly true. Kai Wiesinger picks up dialogues and topics for the middle aged, and from every source that he has access to. And so seemingly banal, yet existential questions Issue 58 | January 2018 | 19

Discover Germany | Cover Feature | Bettina Zimmermann

Bettina Zimmermann and Kai Wiesinger.

are embedded within the series, such as: “Should I dye my hair to look younger?” or “Why should I keep my abs firm if nobody gets to see them anymore?”, through to “How do you actually write a last will and testament?”. Bettina Zimmermann gets to see every script upfront and likes to contribute by giving advice on the female roles.

“Sometimes, it’s just small adjustments, because – as you know – women tend to speak differently among themselves, and since Sex and the City, everybody knows that they actually swear at times!” But she also appreciates the facets that come up, especially through introducing new characters: “Now and again it is only fair that the male lead gets to show his sensitive side and the powerhouse female may appear a tad more vulnerable or fragile than usual, due to the respective circumstances.”

Bettina Zimmermann took her acting training in both Hamburg and Munich, alternating working and learning periods.

“It was something like three months of work and then I would carry my hard20 | Issue 58 | January 2018

earned salary to my acting coach,” she recalls. The actress notes that technique isn’t everything: “When you get down to the nitty-gritty, you can always tell which bit simply doesn’t feel true – and then, you have to adjust your text or simply find a completely new line.”Truth for her is at the real core of acting and that attitude is in turn applied to Der Lack ist ab (The Glory is Gone) as well. “Our co-actors appreciate the ‘keep it real’ quality of their lines,” she says “and that way, we get to film ‘an episode a day’, if all goes well.”

The fourth season thus only took 13 intense days to finish, and the easy way of distributing will allow the eagerly waiting fans to tune in within a month and a half after filming.

The actor couple live together with Kai Wiesinger’s two daughters from his first marriage, Bettina Zimmermann’s son and, as of two years ago, their first mutual child. There may be some inspiration in their own everyday family life but the Der Lack ist ab (The Glory is Gone) stories

are mostly drawn from and inspired by all walks of life and overheard conversations, as well as the media. “What’s great about our series is that it allows for complete creative freedom within the structure of a well written, intense chamber play – which in turn leads to the super-realistic quality of the series.” Each sequence is based on quick-firing dialogue which makes the show even easier to watch on any type of device from Smart TV to mobile phone.

Asked about what makes a perfect BettinaZimmermann day, the actress immediately shoots back with the word ‘family’. A family day, played by ear and with ample time together, a day allowed to unfold and lived through together at its own pace to her means perfection: The real life.

Der Lack ist ab (The Glory is Gone) is available on Amazon Prime Video as of 19 December 2017.

Bettina Zimmermann, Luise Befort, Benjamin Stein and Kai Wiesinger.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 21

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Restaurant of the Month, Switzerland

Container.

Photo: © Timon Zollinger

Container terrace. Photo: © Timon Zollinger

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: © FRAU GEROLDS GARTEN AG

R E S TA U R A N T O F T H E M O N T H , S W I T Z E R L A N D

A fireplace and mulled wine What initially started as an exclusive summer venue has quickly become one of Zurich’s latest hotspots for all-year around culinary revelations and an inviting atmosphere in the city’s bustling Industriequartier.

“During the warm months from April to September, Frau Gerolds Garten sports a variety of bars and sun terraces. While from October to March, our venue boasts a huge wooden pavilion plus fireplace,” explains Katja Weber, partner and coinitiator of Frau Gerolds Garten.

Frau Gerolds Garten’s concept, which combines urban gardening with high quality gastronomy and innovative shopping ideas is a fixed constant in Zurich’s public life. Located in the upcoming area 5, it leaves nothing to wish for for those looking for a laidback and yet inspiring venue. “Particularly in the cold winter months Frau Gerolds Garten holds a 22 | Issue 58 | January 2018

very special charm. The colourfully illuminated foyer, the round wooden chalet as well as its huge fireplace are magical.

A glass of mulled wine enjoyed in front of our large fireplace serves as a perfect starter for a convivial and relaxing fondue evening with friends,” enthuses Carla Taube, manager of Frau Gerolds Garten, on the venue’s appeal.

To add to Frau Gerolds Garten’s unconventional charm, the organisers have conceived a very special interior design: “Matching the cold temperatures, we decorate the entire pavilion with knitted, colourful blankets and pillow covers.

Our friendly team sees to our customers’

wishes, and this friendliness in combination with a cosy setting generates an informal atmosphere which is the best prerequisite for a memorable evening,” says Taube.

The affable and easy-going setting is rounded off by an exquisite choice of food, which includes a variety of fondues and other Swiss specialities.

If you don’t have time to visit Frau Gerolds Garten this winter, do not despair. This upcoming summer the organisers will not only be looking forward to seeing their guests at the traditional Saturday market, but will also set up large screens to broadcast the matches of the football world championship - another good reason indeed to pay Frau Gerolds Garten a visit asap!

Discover Germany | Wine & Dine | Restaurant of the Month, Switzerland

Kaminfeuer und Glühwein Frau Gerolds Garten war ursprünglich als reines Sommerevent geplant - und wurde innerhalb kürzester Zeit zu einem von Zürichs angesagtestem Insidertipp für ganzjährige kulinarische Freuden und ein einmaliges Ambiente. „Während der warmen Monate von April bis September bauen wir für unsere Gäste thematisch unterschiedliche Bars und einladende Sonnenterrassen auf. In den kühleren Monaten hingegen, also in der Zeit von Oktober bis März, können sich unsere Gäste auf unseren großen Holzpavillon und den großen Kamin freuen,“ erklärt Katja Weber, Partner und Co-Initiatorin von Frau Gerolds Garten.

Charme von Frau Gerolds Garten. Der bunt beleuchtete Eingangsbereich und das runde Holzchalet mit seinem großen Kamin sind einfach magisch! Ein Glas unseres leckeren Glühweins ist der perfekte Einstieg für einen entspannten, geselligen Fondueabend mit Freunden,“ schwärmt Carla Taube, Managerin von Frau Gerolds Garten, von dem ganz eigenen Charme des Ortes.

Frau Gerolds Garten und dessen Konzept (eine Mischung von Urban Gardening, gesunder Gastronomie, Kunst und außergewöhnlichen Einkaufserlebnissen) ist eine feste Größe im öffentlichen Leben von Zürich. Er liegt im bewegten Zürcher Kreis 5 und ist der Prototyp eines Areals, das gleichermaßen entspannt und inspiriert. „Besonders im Winter zeigt sich der

Um den unkonventionellen Reiz von Frau Gerolds Garten zu unterstreichen, haben sich die Organisatoren für des Interieur des Pavillons etwas ganz Besonderes einfallen lassen: „Passend zu den kalten Temperaturen, ist der gesamte Innenbereich des Pavillons mit bunten Strickdecken, -bildern und gestrickten Kissenbezügen ausgestattet. Das freundliche Team von

Winterstube. Photo: © Timon Zollinger

Winterstube. Photo: © Timon Zollinger

Der Außenbereich des Winterpavillons.

Photo: © Nadine Kägi

Frau Gerolds Garten kümmert sich liebevoll um die Wünsche unserer Gäste, und so entsteht eine zwanglose Atmosphäre - die beste Voraussetzung ist für einen gemütlichen Abend,“ sagt Taube. Die Gastronomie in Frau Gerolds Garten ergänzt das ausnehmend freundliche und entspannte Ambiente durch eine reichhaltige Auswahl an winterlicher regionaler Küche, zu der vor allem unterschiedlichste Fondues gehören.

Falls Sie keine Zeit haben sollten, während der Wintermonate bei Frau Gerolds Garten vorbeizuschauen, haben Sie keine Angst. Im kommenden Sommer freuen sich die Organisatoren, Sie bei einem der traditionellen Samstagsmärkte begrüßen zu können. Außerdem können die Besucher von Frau Gerolds Garten auf großen Bildschirmen alle Spiele der Fußballweltmeisterschaft verfolgen - noch ein guter Grund, Frau Gerolds Garten einen Besuch abzustatten! www.fraugerold.ch

Urban Gardening. Photo: © Timon Zollinger

Winterstube. Photo: © Timon Zollinger

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 23

Photo: © Flickr.com, USF SLE

S P E C I A L T H E M E : T O P I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C H O O L S 2 0 1 8

Creating world citizens International schools can be found all over Germany and they become increasingly popular due to their great education offerings. In the following special theme, we take a closer look at some of the country’s top international schools.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: PIXABAY

24 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

But what exactly are the advantages to normal schools? First of all, the classes are usually smaller so intensive supervision can be guaranteed. A variety of clubs, workgroups, sport classes and extracurricular activities further enhance the individual strength and interests of students.

Since the student body tends to be quite international, the schools usually also expose the young people to a variety of cultures so that they get an open worldview from an early age.

Due to the higher school fees, one can also expect quite modern and comfortable facilities with the newest equipment.

An important reason why parents might choose an international school for their children is, however, that the curricula amongst the schools is uniform and thus

allows ease of transfer. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is normally offered, but the American high school diploma, British A Levels or the German ‘Abitur’ might also be options.

Advantages of the IB include the possibility to easily get into English-speaking universities all over the world, as well as the vast range of subjects and activities offered.

Thus, it poses as a great school-leaving qualification for students who might want to leave Germany after finishing school or to give their professional path an international orientation from very early on.

In our special theme on the following pages, we take a closer look at some of the great international schools and what Germany has to offer.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 25

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

Bilingual into the future The SIS Swiss International Schools place their educational focus on bilingualism.

By following the very successful immersion method, which invites children to dive headfirst into the foreign language, students learn a second language in a playful and completely natural way. They are immersed in an environment where only the foreign language is used. All teachers are generally native speakers and support their students from kindergarten to primary and secondary school.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: SIS SWISS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

The very first SIS school was founded in Basel back in 1999. The concept of this bilingual school proved to be extremely successful, resulting in the founding of 16 SIS all-day schools in Switzerland, Brazil and Germany. Currently more than 3,600 local and international students enjoy a bilingual education at SIS schools.

German Abitur or the Swiss Matura. Additionally, senior students can also choose to prepare for the International Baccalaureate (IB). The demanding combination of national qualification and the IB Diploma Programme is rarely offered in the German-speaking countries and is a true speciality of SIS schools.

All SIS schools comprise kindergarten and primary school, and most of them also offer a complete education up to the

“In order to acquire a new language perfectly, the children learn the foreign language using the immersion method,” explains SIS

26 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Group CEO Ambros Hollenstein. “Immersion is one of the most effective ways to acquire a new language and means a student is fully immersed in the foreign language.

Our teachers, who are native speakers or perform at a near native competency level, do not only speak in their mother tongue during lessons but also in the schoolyard, during lunch and events, or on trips.”

Hollenstein adds: “In the primary school there is always a German speaking and an English speaking teacher working closely together to deliver half of the classes in English and half in German. In secondary school a subject is taught either in German or English for at least one year before it is swapped with the other language. Again, this means that overall half of the curriculum is taught in German and half in English.”

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

There are many advantages of a bilingual education offered to students from an early age. Children who grow up in a bilingual school setting usually achieve mother tongue level in both languages. They generally adjust and integrate easier into a foreign country or culture and are extremely well equipped for an academic or vocational career both locally and abroad.

But, as Hollenstein explains further, the immersion method is not only an excellent way to become fluent in a foreign language, this method also enhances children’s general cognitive development in areas of creativity, language awareness and thinking of alternative solutions.

SIS Schools are politically, ideologically and religiously neutral. “Honesty, appreciation, responsibility and commitment – those are values dear to us, which we want to pass on,” says Hollenstein. “They shape our actions and interaction with the children and teenagers entrusted to us. It is our goal to strengthen our students’ cultural, linguistic and social identity so they

can develop into individuals dedicated to acting responsibly and meeting other human beings, languages and cultures with openness, empathy and respect. We would like our students to see themselves as world citizens within a global context whilst understanding their role as fellow residents in their immediate surrounding.”

A common SIS school day starts at 8.30am and finishes at 4pm but additional day care is available between 7.30am and 6pm.

Each SIS school offers various extra-curricular activities in the fields of art, music and sports to complement the academic programme.

Being a student at an SIS school means being part of a wonderful international network. To strengthen the community feeling amongst all SIS schools, there are cross-border projects such as the sports competition SIS Cup for all fifth and sixth graders, as well as writing or math events.

them greatly. “Before deciding on a school, parents should consider a few things. What is important for them and their child? What are the child’s interests? What is the current family situation and what are the plans for the future?” Hollenstein advises. “Key factors could be a special pedagogical concept or the significance of bilingualism, a healthy focus on performance or the need for after-school care.”

Ultimately, it is a very personal choice that comes down to a family’s individual needs and wishes. Hollenstein adds: “If a family is looking for a sophisticated bilingual programme which merges international perspective with local context, then their children are in good hands at one of our SIS schools.”

For more information please visit the following websites. www.swissinternationalschool.ch www.swissinternationalschool.de

Having to choose a school for our children can be a very daunting task, as it will impact

www.bilingual.education

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 27

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

Berlin British School

A vibrant, challenging and all-round international education “Our vision: a community of vibrant and global thinkers. Our mission: confident learners – caring community – creative thinkers.”

TEXT: BERLIN BRITISH SCHOOL, ANDREW WALSH, SIAN SCHUTZ, LINA LE I PHOTOS: BERLIN BRITISH SCHOOL

For nearly twenty-five years, Berlin British School (BBS) has been educating students from more than 60 different countries and preparing them for the challenges of a globalised future by providing a stable, supportive and disciplined environment in which all students strive for academic ex28 | Issue 58 | January 2018

cellence and develop confidence and creative thinking skills. A caring community that provides strong pastoral support and the framework of British educational traditions ensure that all students are guided and nurtured throughout their time at the school and learn to celebrate diversity, and

embrace tolerance and mutual respect. A wide-ranging co-curricular educational programme enables students to develop holistically and appreciate the importance of developing important skills and dispositions that go beyond the walls of the classroom.

“The education of the ‘whole child’ is at the heart of our philosophy” Fully accredited by the Council of International Schools, and implementing

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

programmes from both the globally recognised International Baccalaureate and Cambridge International Examinations, BBS has been at the forefront of educating students from Berlin’s international community since its foundation in 1994.

Believing that the most successful schools blend innovation and tradition, the curriculum incorporates exciting pedagogical innovations – for example, inquiry and concept based learning – alongside traditional, tried and tested educational principles such as differentiated instruction and the teaching of language across all areas of the curriculum. Students are prepared thoroughly for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, which is seen across the globe as the gold standard of pre-university educational courses, as it combines both depth and breadth in its intellectual demands, and prepares students optimally for a successful life at university and beyond.

The British foundation of the school has ensured some important structures: there is a House system, in which students co-operate together and compete against each other across a range of diverse pursuits; a school uniform encourages students to view themselves as proud mem-

bers of a community of equals; the pastoral system is dependent on a strong, meaningful bond between teacher and student, with excellent communication and early intervention as ways of supporting students throughout their time at the school.

“Our House System provides opportunities for students to develop all aspects of their growth and learning” Berlin British School is a friendly, welcoming school lucky enough to enjoy an idyllic woodland setting as the natural environment in which our students can grow. It is small enough for all students and teachers to know each other, and large enough to offer opportunities for all students to flourish in a challenging yet caring environment; and we aim to serve both the high-flying student who at the end of their BBS career achieves the maximum 45 points in the IB Diploma and goes on to read Computer

Science at the University of Cambridge, and the student who is delighted to pass the IB Diploma with 30 points and gain access to a chosen university course. BBS is unique in the Berlin education scene as the only international school to offer the choice between a curriculum delivered through the medium of English, ideal for our students from an international business or diplomatic background, and a bi-lingual option that enables native German speakers to enjoy the benefit of studying selected subjects in German.

BBS is proud of how it fulfils its mission to create confident learners and creative thinkers through providing a caring and supportive community. If you would like to see the school in action, please do not hesitate to arrange a personal tour. www.berlinbritishschool.de CONTACT: Berlin British School gGmbH Dickensweg 17-19 14055 Berlin Admissions Secretary: T: +49 (0)30 35109 191 info@berlinbritishschool.de

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 29

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

Photo: © IBIS Marketing

A school of friends for over 50 years:

Independent Bonn International School Warm, fun and familial: that is how IBIS and its atmosphere are best described. The brainchild of the British Embassy in the 1960s, the school still follows the national curriculum of the UK but is also an excellent choice for local students who want to focus on an English-language education and become citizens of the world.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: LARS BERGENGRUEN

Back in 1963 when Bonn was the capital of Western Germany, a group of parents from the British Embassy founded the then British Embassy Preparatory School, which is now known as the Independent Bonn International School, or IBIS for short. Today it is the oldest and longest established international school of the former capital.

is inspected regularly by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI). It is also inspected and approved by the German Education Authorities as an alternative to their own schools. IBIS also belongs to the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Allied German International Schools (AGIS).

The school is a member of the Council of British Independent Schools (COBIS) and

“IBIS is a school of friends. In this spirit and with this in mind, we are a school

30 | Issue 58 | January 2018

that welcomes families from across the world as well as the local area,” says Philip Wharton, head teacher from January 2018.

“Our highest priority is the wellbeing and learning of the children in our care. Many of our pupils go on to local German schools but many stay with us into Secondary school. We are an established and reputable school which offers stability, challenge and the best education opportunities.”

As well as a large group of pupils from Great Britain, the United States and other English-speaking countries, some 33 nationalities are represented. The school is situated in a residential, leafy suburb of Bonn-Bad Godesberg and enjoys the benefits of being a well-resourced, purpose built school with modern facilities.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

“IBIS is a very special place: warm, familial and fun. We have considerably smaller classes compared to other schools in the area, which enables us to focus on each and every child and to bring out the best in them,”Wharton expands.“Our learners are happy and proud to attend our school.

We also have a strong school community and particularly place emphasis on our positive relationships with our parent body. We are all here to support our pupils and the academic and extra-curricular success we enjoy demonstrates this commitment.”

That IBIS follows the national curriculum of the UK is very rare for a Germanybased school. But as Wharton points out, the system is supplemented with an overall international flavour. Daily German classes and support for those whose English needs further training are on offer as well as French and Spanish courses for the older students. School starts at 8am and after-school games-based supervision is available until 5pm.

school of friends. Philip considers himself very lucky to be a part of it.

such as IBIS, prepare children for right now as well as the future.”

When parents are faced with making the decision of which school their child should attend, it is good to get professional advice and think early about personal preferences they have. Wharton points out how important the atmosphere and setting of a school is. “A happy school makes for better learning,” he says. “Visit the school to watch the pupils and teachers in action - they will tell you all you need to know. The curriculum is also naturally a hugely important aspect of the school - investigate your options carefully and remember that the best schools,

For more information please visit the following website. www.ibis-school.com

Philip Wharton, head teacher from January 2018 (left).

“Outside the classroom, our pupils have a wealth of opportunity to take part in various sports and artistic ventures,” Wharton adds. “Many of our pupils also enjoy the opportunities we give them to learn outside the classroom, with regular learning visits to the local forest, for example. We make the most of the exciting city on our doorstep; enjoying visits to local theatres, sporting venues and of course the Bonner Christmas Markets.”

From January 2018 new head teacher Philip Wharton joins the IBIS family.

Wharton trained as a French and German teacher in the UK and he went on to teach for 12 years at an International school in nearby Cologne. He was the manager of both Key Stage Two and the Primary School in his previous position and is thrilled to take over this exciting role at IBIS. At the moment, Wharton is learning the daily routines of the school, meeting staff, pupils and parents, as well as spending time in the classrooms observing the high quality learning. The warm welcome Wharton has received from the IBIS community only serves as evidence of what makes the school so special: IBIS is a Issue 58 | January 2018 | 31

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

Berlin Brandenburg International School

A gem in international schooling Hidden in the lush forests of Lake Machnow and located just a few kilometres south of Germany’s capital of Berlin, lies BBIS (Berlin-Brandenburg International School). This institution is a real gem for parents who are looking for a school focussing on internationality as well as on a holistic approach towards the academic and personal education of its students.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE | PHOTOS: BBIS

When an area next to Lake Machnow and the Hakeburg, a castle dating back to the 14th century, with grounds of almost 400,000 square metres went for sale in 2005, the board of BBIS realised the advantages of this beautiful location. While BBIS had already been one of the leading international schools in the Berlin region for many years, this new location offered a whole new range of possibilities: here, the school would be able to offer an inspir32 | Issue 58 | January 2018

ing academic surrounding and combine it with the space needed for a variety of encouraging non-academic activities.

True international flair BBIS’ boarding house completes the school’s wide-ranging offers. About 70 students in grades nine to 12 (minimum age for admission is 14) live in the recently refurbished double rooms, each with their own bathroom. Mentors who are looking

after the boarders’ academic as well as pastoral wellbeing are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are aware of these students’ particular situation away from home and their families and live in closeness to their protégés in apartments adjacent to the boarders’ quarters. A cosy dining room and a recreation area for the boarders only give the students the reassuring feeling of being at a ‘home away from home’.

Currently 715 students from over 65 countries attend Berlin Brandenburg International School, giving the school a truly international flair. Next to a small percentage of locals from the capital’s area who are keen on an excellent international education, the students’ mothers and fathers

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

are diplomats or high-ranking managers who need to change their country of residence for professional reasons on a regular basis. These families in particular choose BBIS for its unique approach as well as for the compatibility of curricula within the international school system, which grants a certain degree of consistence in the education of their child.

An atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy BBIS promotes the holistic education of its students. The academic curriculum is balanced, with stimulating mandatory courses like design, drama, music, sports, or art. Sport activities take place in the newly built sports hall with its own climbing wall or in the equally newly built sports field, which offers seats for more than 800 spectators. The arts are represented in the ‘Heizhaus’, which regularly houses exhibitions of the students’ own art projects or student-staged drama performances.

Everyone at BBIS believes in the uniqueness of each human being with equally exceptional and individual strengths and needs.“Intercultural understanding and to respect human rights are fundamental to BBIS’ concept,” stresses Peter Kotrc, director of BBIS since 2012. A body of 100 highly motivated teaching staff from over 25 different countries ensures the compliance to these values. By creating an atmosphere of mutual respect and empathy, they help the students to fulfil and even exceed their

true academic and personal potential.“We are convinced that success follows happiness - as proven by research,” says Mr. Kotrc.

language of instruction is English). Further assistance is offered to those who need help in particular subjects or in reaching their full potential.

On an academic level, BBIS is the only school in the Berlin region that is able to offer all four International Baccalaureate programmes to its students. Particularly the highly challenging IB Diploma programme provides the students with access to top universities in the United States and Europe. Kotrc points out that over the last couple of years the BBIS’ average exam grades have always exceeded the worldwide average – proof that BBIS’s concept of caring for its students on an academic as well as on a personal level works very well and brings out the best in each of its students.

The spirit of community does not end at the school’s gate or at the end of each school day. Weekend sports tournaments, outdoor team-building projects at the beginning of each new school year, skiing holidays or a students’ exchange with a Chinese school are but a small selection of BBIS’ challenging and mind-broadening projects.

For those looking for a school that combines internationality with care for the individual, BBIS is certainly a great choice. www.bbis.de

The spirit of community does not end at the school’s gate A typical day at BBIS starts at 8am, when approximately 700 students from the Berlin and Potsdam area arrive on BBIS’ own school busses, and ends at 3pm. About half of the students participate in after-school activities until 4:30 pm. Classrooms are bright and spacious and the class sizes are kept small: there are less than 18 students in nearly all of BBIS’ classes. The belief that no one should be left alone is palpable: provision of help to improve is important at BBIS. Special support is given to those whose mother tongue is not English (BBIS’

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 33

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

Cologne International School:

Dedicated to developing world citizens ‘The future belongs to those who have learned to move within the globalised world confidently and effortlessly, who know their own culture and are open to others.’

This can be seen as one of the main missions of the Cologne International School, which provides an excellent bilingual education whilst also staying connected to the local community.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: CATJA VEDDER

The Cologne International School was founded in 2007 with the aim of being a completely inclusive bilingual school, open to all cultures, religions and ethnicities. The school makes sure that everyone’s personal background is catered for in every aspect and that the students can simply focus on their education. In German the school is called Internationale Friedensschule Köln, which translates as peace school. Following that, it aims at 34 | Issue 58 | January 2018

teaching students from a diverse background to get along peacefully and work as a team. The school also believes in a healthy body, healthy mind approach and offers daily Tai Chi exercises by a qualified instructor from China.

What makes the school stand out further is the bilingual concept and the fact that there are two secondary schools. “We uniquely operate three schools on our

CIS-IFK campus,“ explains Mr Alex Inman, former primary and secondary principal and now head of stability and growth. “A bilingual English/German primary school and a choice of two secondary schools - our international secondary school and our German grammar school, the Gymnasium. At the end of primary, a student has the choice of which secondary school they would like to enter, following either the German state qualification (The Abitur) or the international qualification (The International Baccalaureate Diploma). Our two secondary schools share many activities, for example music, languages, trips and exchanges. This enables our students to communicate freely in two or three languages, making multi-lingual communication second nature to them all.”

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018

The first two years at the Gymnasium are unique. A solid basis for academic development is established through small class sizes and highly personalised tuition. This enables a worry-free progression to the upper grades. The international secondary school follows a similarly inclusive model. Overall, the staff is committed to providing an international education within the local community, individualised support in small learning groups and the development of German and English language skills to a native speaker level.

French and Spanish are offered as additional language courses.

With the developments of our fast-paced modern world, it is important to prepare our children and give them a more globaloriented education. The school has stateof-the-art facilities and resources to help deliver the academic excellence and high standards of ‘soft skills’ that will be crucial in tomorrow’s world.

“It is very hard to predict what the world will look like when today’s first graders are leaving school,” Mr Inman adds. “Developments in technology and communica-

tion together with the way communities, cultures and countries have become much more interconnected have changed the way we need to view education. To move away from preparing students for the world of our childhood and to prepare them for the new challenges which lay before them. Where lifelong learning will be indispensable and the opportunities and challenges will be global.”

Students at CIS-IFK enjoy the rich international environment but are also in tune with their local community. Students from over 40 different countries form a sense of belonging through getting involved in local and national customs, such as St. Martin’s Day or the worldfamous Cologne carnival.

“We are dedicated to developing world citizens with an excellent education, international skills as well as national, cultural and religious roots. Our students will help shape the future by demonstrating self-confidence, modesty, dedication to principles and concern for others; by being both proud of their heritage and open to the world,” claims Mr Inman.

For those parents that have to relocate more frequently the school brings peace of mind about the continuity of their children’s education as students can also live in the boarding house nearby the campus.

The modern house, built only in 2016, offers flat shares for three to four students per apartment and there is of course residential adult supervision.

“Enrolment at CIS-IFK is possible at any time during the year. Our teachers are used to transition families who are relocating to Germany mid-semester, integrating and supporting them as easily as locally based families,” says Mr Inman. “We offer prospective students the chance to join a Discovery Day, when they can spend a day experiencing life at IFK-CIS or for overseas students a video conference call with one of our principals or teachers.”

“The international children and families can easily integrate themselves into their new environment and, with their own culture, make our campus global and colourful in return.” www.if-koeln.de/en

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 35

Discover Germany | Culture | Attraction of the Month, Austria

AT T R A C T I O N O F T H E M O N T H , A U S T R I A

A ball straight out of a fairy-tale Every year the Association of Legal Professionals hosts the lavish JuristenBall in the heart of beautiful Vienna. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the association hosting this marvellous event, which is set to take place on 10 February 2018 in the historic state rooms of the Imperial Palace (Hofburg Vienna).

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: JURISTEN-BALL

Beautiful ball gowns, marvellous music and smiling faces all around, that is how the annual Juristen-Ball is best described.

For those of us who are secretly dreaming about a Cinderella-like experience, this is the place to be.

“The Juristen-Ball starts straight away with melodies by Strauss to get the dancers into the right mood. 150 years ago Johann Strauss (father) dedicated the ‘Aeaciden Waltz’, Josef Strauss the ‘Lock Polka’ and Johann Strauss (son) the ‘Juristen-Ball Polka (fast)’ to the legal professionals,” says spokesperson Susanne 36 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Schöner. She continues: “This Viennese ball tradition is now over 200 years old and the Association of Legal Professionals started hosting this event when they were founded in 1948.”

This long tradition, the host’s dedication and a genuine shared passion for this special ball do not go unnoticed and tickets are always selling fast. Each year the ball also marks Vienna’s debutante season and many novice dancers come from far and wide to put on beautiful white dresses and sweep across the parquet flooring for the very first time.

Schöner adds: “Before the ceremonious ball opening, guests can enjoy exquisite delicacies during the pre-ball in the stunning rooms of the Hofburg Vienna, which are full of history.” Various other bars make sure the guests’ needs are catered for all night long, from champagne to oysters.

“The Herreninsel in the side gallery promises to be a true highlight with professional dancers, just like the midnight quadrille and the galopp at around 1.30am,” Schöner says with a smile. Afterwards the festivities are far from over and the night will continue into the wee hours of the morning. This elite ball is an absolute gem, for everyone who wants to experience the grandeur of a night spent like royals. www.juristenball.at

ary a u br ienn e 0 F rg V 1 u y, da ofb r H tu Sa 8 at 1 20

Ball of Legal Professionals 2018

With more than 200 years of tradition, the Ball of Legal Professions is a highlight not to be missed.

Guests can look forward to: - Culinary delights at the pre-ball dinner - Historical setting in Vienna’s Hofburg

- Professional dancers at ‘Herreninsel’ - ‘Quadrille’ and ‘galopp’ at midnight and 01.30 am - Ice salon, champagne, oyster and wine bar

Information, reservation requests and registration for the Committee of Debutant(e)s at: www.juristenball.at | Tel.: Tel. 01/5122600 | Email: office@juristenball.at

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

Klosters Music Festival: Malmö Symphony Orchestra.

Photo: © swiss-image.ch/Photo Andy Mettler

S P E C I A L T H E M E : S W I T Z E R L A N D ’ S C U LT U R A L H I G H L I G H T S 2 0 1 8

Get your Swiss culture fix Switzerland is known for its great variety of cultural events, great concerts, top-notch museums and high-quality galleries.

Thus, for this month’s issue, we take a closer look at some of the inspiring cultural institutions Switzerland has to offer to find out about their current exhibitions, events and much more.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF & MONIQUE AMEND

Abbey Library with the St. Gallen globe (16th century).

Photo: © St. Gallen-Bodensee Tourismus, swiss-image.ch/Damian Imhof

38 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

The Kunstmuseum Winterthur. Photo: © Switzerland Tourism, swiss-image.ch/Ivo Scholz

The country represents so many different cultures and influences that typical Swiss art does not really exist. Switzerland is characterised by German, French and Italian influences and by the people coming from all over the world who found a home here. This makes it a paradise for art lovers because various personalities and customs come together here, interact and create something new. The Swiss cities are birthplaces and places of activity to numerous artists whose works can still be found here such as Thomas Mann, Hermann Hesse, Le Corbusier, Ferdinand Hodler and Alberto Giacometti. The literature and film scene has become more and more international and Swiss documentaries are regular contributions at festivals like Cannes and Berlin.

That Switzerland is a country of collectors can be seen in the vast amount of museums, galleries, auctions and fairs. There is no other country with as many museums

per head of the population as Switzerland. The Zentrum Paul Klee is dedicated to one of the icons of modern European art. Growing up in Switzerland, Paul Klee spent many years in Germany where he lectured at the famous Bauhaus, but came back to Switzerland in the 1930s. The centre, located in Bern, showcases a large amount of his work and is a must for all art lovers. Furthermore, the Kunsthaus Zurich shows other important collections: old masters, impressionists and expressionists or works of the Dada movement.

The Swiss design and architecture scene is also responsible for quite a few world icons. Charles-Édouard Jeanneret-Gris – better known as Le Corbusier – was born in La Chaux-de-Fonds in the Swiss Jura. He is most famous for his functionalist architecture and his contribution to town planning. One of his designs has been restored in his hometown but others are spread around the world. The Tate

Modern art gallery in London and the Beijing National Stadium for the 2008 Olympic Games were created by the Basel-based architects Herzog & de Meuron. All of these great creators represent Switzerland’s finest art and culture.

Enjoyment of culture at the Kunsthaus (Museum of Fine Arts). Photo: © ST/swiss-image.ch / Gian Marco Castelberg & Maurice Haas

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 39

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

Arctic treasure. Photo: © Sergey Gorshkov, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Giant gathering. Photo: © Tony Wu, Wildlife Photographer of the Year

Photo: © Gregor Brändli

Experience our planet’s beauty With a heritage dating back over 300 years and as Basel’s first large museum, the Natural History Museum Basel impresses with its unique mix of old exhibitions, contemporary displays with a personal touch and numerous icons like the extinct cave bear. A visit to this treasure of natural history objects is a unique journey through the history of humankind and our planet. This year, visitors can look forward to the special Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF

Having its origins in the 19th century, some of the museum’s 7.7 million objects are far older. Its collections include interesting natural-history exhibits from the fields of zoology, entomology, mineralogy, anthropology, osteology and palaeontology. Today, the museum is situated in a classicist building with an impressive patina and a special atmosphere in each room – the perfect backdrop for the museum’s exciting mix of ancient objects and contemporary exhibitions.

The various permanent exhibitions on offer include highlights such as a display on threatened and extinct species, one on dinosaurs, or the one that deals with invertebrates. Additionally, one annual special exhibition is planned, attracting around 30 to 40 | Issue 58 | January 2018

60,000 visitors.“Being able to fully immerse oneself in a topic that is adapted to the needs of visitors is what our visitors really appreciate,”explains Yvonne Barmettler, the museums’s head of communication.

Until 3 June 2018, the special exhibition Wildlife Photographer of the Year showcases the world’s 100 best nature photographies exclusively in Switzerland. Visitors can look forward to breath-taking landscapes, surprising animal portraits and dramatic natural spectacles that showcase the beauty of our planet. Barmettler adds: “We cooperate with museums from Switzerland and Europe and partly show our own exhibitions, and partly ones that have been designed in other museums. To adapt these exhibitions to our spatial circumstances, we

put special emphasis on a personal touch that can only be experienced here.”

Events for all ages round off the museum’s varied programme. Highlights include special school tours, the annual family Sunday which usually attracts 3,000 people or the free ‘After Hours- Chillen im Museum’, where a younger audience can enjoy an after-work drink at the museum bar.

It seems no wonder that many of Basel’s inhabitants call the Natural History Museum Basel their favourite museum.

Maybe soon it will be yours too. www.nmbs.ch

Photo: © Gregor Brändli

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

The greenhouse for South American Plants.

The greenhouse for North American Plants.

The greenhouse for large plants.

TEXT: INA FRANK | PHOTOS: GRÜN STADT ZÜRICH / ZSS

A place for both education and science

Ein Ort der Bildung und der Forschung

25,000 plants, belonging to 6,500 kinds from 77 plant families – all of them are domiciled in the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection.

25,000 Pflanzen, die zu rund 6,500 Arten aus 77 Pflanzenfamilien gehören – all diese sind in der Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich zu Hause.

The cactus is well known to everyone – however, many more plants like aloe and agaves can be found in the Zurich Succulent Plant Collection. Succulent plants are able to retain water. They grow in semi-deserts, steppes and rocks in the mountains. In the Succulent Plant Collection, the plants are grown in seven green houses, 16 cold frames and a stone garden for the perennial plants.

In der Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich ist weit mehr als der allseits bekannte Kaktus zu finden – auch Aloen, Agaven und andere Pflanzen gehören zu den Sukkulenten, also zu den Pflanzen, die fähig sind, Wasser zu speichern.

Sie sind in Halbwüsten, Steppen und auf Fels in Gebirgen beheimatet. In der Sukkulenten-Sammlung findet man sie in sieben Schauhäusern, 16 Frühbeetkästen und einem Steingarten für die winterharten Vertreter.

Visitors consider the collection as a ‘living museum’, which is open every day and where the admission is free. However, the Succulent Plant Collection also offers great opportunities for scientists: the museum takes part in the international seed exchange between about 200 botanical gardens. Thereby, the diversity of succulent plants is maintained. Besides, visitors of the museum should realise that succulent plants are also endangered species. Guided tours for both children and adults are possible by arrangement. The offer of the Succulent Plant Collection is rounded off by special exhibitions, holiday programmes for children and educational offers for schools.

Ein ‚lebendes Museum‘, das jeden Tag kostenlos zugänglich ist, ist die Sukkulenten-Sammlung Zürich für die interessierte Öffentlichkeit. Hervorragende Möglichkeiten bietet die Sammlung jedoch auch für die Wissenschaft: Die Sukkulenten-Sammlung beteiligt sich am internationalen Samentausch zwischen rund 200 botanischen Gärten und trägt so zum Erhalt der Vielfalt dieser Pflanzen bei. Zudem soll bei den Besuchern das Bewusstsein dafür geschärft werden, wie gefährdet sukkulente Pflanzen in der Natur sind. Führungen für Kinder und Erwachsene sind nach Vereinbarung möglich. Abgerundet wird das Angebot durch Sonderausstellungen, einem Ferienprogramm für Kinder und Angebote für Schulen. www.facebook.com/sukkulentensammlung www.instagram.com/sukkulentensammlungzurich Issue 58 | January 2018 | 41

Visitors enjoying the collection.

A home for the soul of Impressionism The Oskar Reinhart collection ‘Am Römerholz’ in Winterthur opens the door to a comprehensive understanding of Impressionism, implementing an open, crossthinking approach that mirrors the original collector’s attitude towards the arts.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: FEDERAL OFFICE OF CULTURE FOC, BERNE & 2014 DOMINIQUE ULDRY, BERNE

A citizen of Winterthur and the offspring of a wealthy local merchant family, Oskar Reinhart (1885 - 1965) was a born art lover, just as his father before him. Together with his brothers and sister, Reinhart grew up in a world infused with art. He quit the family business at the age of 39 to fully focus on his position as art patron and collector. His preferred epoch was French Impressionism and, as art historian Maria Larsson (PR of Collection ‘Am Römerholz’) puts it, he “remained loyal to the artists of his youth and stopped with Picasso’s Blue Period”. However, he thoroughly sought out predecessors and influences as well as analysing cross-connecting movements. Therefore, the collection also includes Renaissance 42 | Issue 58 | January 2018

and Early Baroque artists, for example of the Venetian school showing an early approach to softer, gestural painting techniques, as well as the English Romantics with their light and colour-filled landscapes and open layouts.

Reinhart liked to arrange and rearrange the paintings in his mansion to analyse and display interconnections between artists of various epochs, often ignoring the constrictions of chronology. Having lived in London for a few years while still conducting business for his father’s overseas company, he had become interested in John Constable’s paintings, an artist who claimed that “painting is but another word for feeling”. The gestural freedom

of Constable’s brush stroke was therefore another area of interest. Thus, taking his picks here and there, Oskar Reinhart fully concentrated on connecting the threads, literally depicting the development it took for the French Impressionists to blossom.

His cross-thinking approach has been followed up by the curative work at the ‘Am Römerholz’ collection until today, fostering, as Maria Larsson explains, a “dialogue across the centuries”.

The inherent charm of the collection no doubt stems from the fact that it is displayed in the building and gardens, forming the private home of an art enthusiast. Comparative to international private collections like, for example, the Neue Galerie and the Frick Collection in New York, or Kenwood House in London, the personal touch of the former home of an art patron, with architectural and botanic surroundings constantly interacting with the exhibits, also provide the unique

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

atmosphere and magnetic pull of the ‘Am Römerholz’ mansion.

The collection counts around 200 international works. Focusing on individual artists rather than epochs, Reinhart favoured the most independent ones, those who had arrived at an individual style marked by an innovative use of colour and light.

He especially valued Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Édouard Manet and Paul Cézanne, three artists whose work unmistakably invoked the art of the past as well as paving the path to modernism. As for Post-Impressionists, he favoured those who kept close to Impressionism, for example Vincent van Gogh. While the early portrait

by Pablo Picasso marks the closest work to modernism, predecessors of Impressionism are well represented, for example with major works by Gustave Courbet, Honoré Daumier and Camille Corot. Old Masters identified by Reinhart as formal inspiration include Lucas Cranach the

Elder, Hans Holbein the Younger, Jacopo Bassano, Nicolas Poussin, Jean-Siméon Chardin and Francisco de Goya.

The ‘Am Römerholz’ collection holds a significant position in the art world and draws both national and international art enthusiasts. European Impressionists are of high interest in Asia and the audio guides available have reached a truly multilingual range, with German, English, French, Italian and Spanish, as well as Japanese. For the young visitors, a special audio guide features Oskar Reinhart’s “niece”, inviting the children on an exploratory tour through the premises.

In addition, they can engage with art under the guidance of specially trained experts: at a painting workshop or the children’s library. The Mansion also provides a unique backdrop for small-scale conferences and presentations. A room for up to 25 people can be rented in combination with a private guided tour.

Pieter Bruegel the Elder, The Adoration of the Kings in the Snow, 1567.

Pablo Picasso, Portrait of Mateu Fernández de Soto, 1901.

Due to the picturesque surroundings, the Déjeuner sur l’herbe picnic at the museum park has been particularly drawing in the crowds. Concerts, expert talks, spoken word events and experimental music are on the cross-disciplinary programme, all of which show as much success as the birthday party offer for the young ones – a refreshing counter scheme to commercial parties conducted in the children’s workshop: Culture and cake, combined!

Oskar Reinhart’s private collection was left to the Swiss Confederation after his death, under the premise that the collection should remain exactly the way it is – with no additions and no sales. It forms a gift to the world from a conscientious and curious, soul-searching European art enthusiast who concentrated on the avant-garde of his youth, to which he remained loyal for the rest of his life. www.bundesmuseen.ch/roemerholz

Aristide Maillol, La Méditerranée, 1905–07.

Park impressions.

Terrace with a view.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 43

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

In the IWC Museum’s east wing the history and emotional worlds of legendary IWC product families can be explored.

Big Pilot’s Watch (Caliber 52 T.S.C.) from 1940 with central second hand.

The IWC Schaffhausen manufactory at the river Rhine.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: IWC SCHAFFHAUSEN

A global brand’s 150 years of history

150 Jahre Geschichte einer Weltmarke

In 2018 the IWC museum in Schaffhausen celebrates its 150th anniversary. For watch-aficionados and friends of the company visiting the museum is an unforgettable experience. The IWC museum allows visitors exciting insights into the watch manufacturer’s history and present.

2018 feiert das IWC Museum in Schaffhausen sein 150-jähriges Jubiläum. Ein Besuch ist für Uhrenliebhaber und Freunde des Unternehmens ein unvergessliches Erlebnis. Das IWC Museum ermöglicht den Besucherinnen und Besuchern spannende Einblicke in Geschichte und Gegenwart der Uhrenmanufaktur.

The collection is housed on the first floor of the historic main building that was built in 1875 by the IWC founder Florentine Ariosto Jones (1841-1916). The watchmaker pioneer from Boston had been attracted to Schaffhausen by the qualified Swiss specialists and the river Rhine’s waterpower. In the west wing of the museum, where once watchcases and parts have been fabricated, visitors can now discover the first 100 years of the company’s history and find out about the development of IWC pocket and wristwatches. The epochs from 1970 onwards can be found in the east wing. Here the six current IWC watch families are presented in unique and emotional worlds of experience.

Die Sammlung ist im Erdgeschoss des historischen Hauptgebäudes untergebracht, das 1875 vom IWC-Gründer Florentine Ariosto Jones (18411916) errichtet wurde. Der Uhrmacher-Pionier aus Boston wurde von den hochqualifizierten Schweizer Fachkräften und der Wasserkraft des Rheins nach Schaffhausen gelockt. Wo früher die Gehäuse und Werksteile gefertigt wurden, können Museumsgäste heute im Westflügel die ersten 100 Jahre der Firmengeschichte entdecken und sich über die Entwicklung der Taschenund Armbanduhren von IWC informieren. Im Ostflügel sind die Epochen nach 1970 untergebracht. Hier werden auch die sechs aktuellen IWC Uhrenfamilien in ihren einzigartigen emotionalen Erlebniswelten präsentiert.

Die insgesamt über 230 sorgfältig ausgewählten Exponate des Museums The 230 carefully selected items in the museum bridge the nearschlagen eine Brücke zwischen der fast 150-jährigen Unternehmensgely 150 years of history and the world-renowned IWC watches schichte und den auf der ganzen Welt bekannten IWC Uhren von heute. of today. The museum’s diverse multimedia Der vielfältige multimediale Inhalt des Museums content is available as smartphone app (iOS ist in der Smartphone App ‚IWC Schaffhausen IWC Museum Baumgartenstrasse 15 and Android). As a recognised member of Uhrenmuseum‘ erhältlich (iOS und Android). Als CH-8201 Schaffhausen the Swiss museum association (VMS) the anerkanntes Mitglied des Verbands der Museen Schweiz/Switzerland IWC museum is an integral part of Schaffder Schweiz (VMS) ist das IWC Museum auch ein Bookings: visit@iwc.com Information: www.iwc.com/en/company/ hausen’s cultural landscape. Group visits integraler Bestandteil der Kulturlandschaft Schaffmuseum.html have to be booked in advance. hausens. Für Gruppenbesuche ist eine Anmeldung Entrance Fee: CHF 6 / CHF 3 (reduced) erforderlich.

44 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Switzerland’s Cultural Highlights 2018

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I PHOTOS: KLOSTER ST. JOHANN

Convent of St. John in Müstair, Switzerland:

Kloster St. Johann in Müstair, Schweiz:

Experience 1,200 years of history

1,200 Jahre Geschichte erleben

364 days a year, the convent of Müstair, UNESCO world heritage site, welcomes guests from all over the world.

Guests can discover 1,200 years of history, art and culture, and gain an exciting insight into the life of the Benedictine nuns. The museum is set out like a monastery within a monastery and the church has unique murals from the early Middle Ages.

364 Tage im Jahr heißt das UNESCO-Weltkulturerbe Kloster Müstair Besucher aus aller Welt herzlich willkommen, lässt sie teilhaben an über 1,200 Jahren Geschichte, Kunst, Kultur und gibt einen spannenden Einblick ins Leben der Benediktinerinnen.

Das Museum ist wie ein Kloster im Kloster eingerichtet, die Klosterkirche ist mit herausragenden Wandmalereien aus dem Frühmittelalter ausgestattet.

Since 2003 the Planta-Tower, which was erected during the 10th century, has been the home of the monastery museum of Müstair. The attached church built in the 8th century is still the heart of the whole estate. There is a lot to discover as museum director Elke Larcher reveals: “The museum showcases the life of the Benedictine nuns and 1,200 years of history with its art and culture: from the Carolingian church fittings with marble ornament stones from the 9th century, as well as Carolingian window glass to Romanesque murals.”

Seit 2003 ist der im 10. Jahrhundert errichtete Plantaturm die Heimat des Klostermuseums von Müstair. Die angrenzende Klosterkirche aus dem 8.

Jahrhundert ist nach wie vor das Herzstück der Anlage, in welcher es viel zu bestaunen gibt wie Museumsdirektorin Elke Larcher uns verrät: „Das Museum erzählt über das Leben der Benediktinerinnen und zeigt über 1,200 Jahre Geschichte mit seiner Kunst und Kultur: von der karolingischen Kirchenausstattung mit marmornen Flechtwerksteinen aus dem 9. Jahrhundert, sowie Fensterglas aus karolingischer Zeit, bis hin zu romanischen Wandmalereien, welche im Laufe der Restaurierung Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts von den Apsiden in der Klosterkirche abgelöst wurden.“

Baroque statues and a historic table organ are also part of the exhibition. According to Lacher the rooms themselves are a true highlight: “The cellar, the refectory, the dormitory and the cell tract to name but a few.”

For all art and culture lovers a visit to this special culture-packed place comes highly recommended.

Barocke Statuen und eine historische Tischorgel sind ebenfalls unter den Ausstellungsstücken. Laut Larcher sind aber vor allem die Räume ein Highlight für sich: „Der Keller, das Refektorium, das Dormitorium und der Zellentrakt, um nur einige zu nennen.“ Für alle Kunst- und Kulturinteressierten ist ein Besuch dieses besonderen, kulturreichen Ortes wärmstens zu empfehlen. www.muestair.ch Issue 58 | January 2018 | 45

Zurich. Photo: © Zuerich Tourismus, swiss-image.ch/Christian Beutler

S P E C I A L T H E M E : Z U R I C H ’ S T O P C U LT U R A L P R O G R A M M E I N 2 0 1 8

All eyes on Zurich In 2018, culture enthusiasts should definitely visit Switzerland’s largest city Zurich. It is not only an international banking and finance centre, but has also a lot to offer when it comes to culture. Find out what exactly on the following pages.

Zurich, Kunsthaus. Photo: © Switzerland Tourism, swiss-image.ch/Christoph Schuerpf

46 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018

Seit fast 60 Jahren tonangebend:

Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland Die Konzertreihe Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland hat sich über die vielen Jahrzehnte zum größten Konzertveranstalter der Region um Zürich entwickelt. Ein vielfältiges Programm zeichnet die Organisation aus und es ist für jeden Liebhaber der klassischen Musik etwas dabei.

Hauptbild: Der Eingang zur Aula Wetzikon, wo viele Konzerte von Top Klassik, darunter das KLAVIERISSIMO stattfinden.

Foto: © Mark Röthlisberger Oben links: Werner Bärtschi, gestaltet die Programme von Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland. Foto: © Dominique Meienberg Links: Angela Hewitt, kanadische Pianistin. Foto: © Mai Wolf

Klavierfans, die gleich die ganzen Tage bei uns sind und bleiben, denn gerade der unmittelbare Vergleich aufeinanderfolgender Live-Auftritte ermöglicht faszinierende Vergleiche und Einblicke.“

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

Ursprünglich stand Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland im Zusammenhang mit der damaligen Eröffnung einer neuen Kantonsschule in Wetzikon. Ein junger Musiklehrer steckte viel Elan in die kleine Konzertreihe, die seitdem stetig weiter wuchs.

Heute ist Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland eine fest etablierte, ambitionierte und hoch geschätzte Organisation, die trotz des Erfolges immer noch ein Verein mit ehrenamtlichem Vorstand ist.

Pianist, Komponist und Dirigent Werner Bärtschi gestaltet das Programm der Konzertreihe. „Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland ist ein regionaler Veranstalter, wir spielen an verschiedenen Orten, teilweise in kleinen Gemeinden,“ erklärt Bärtschi. „Die Nähe zur Musikmetropole Zürich ist uns Konkurrenz und Ansporn zugleich. Dass wir in der Provinz sind, sehen wir keineswegs als Nachteil. Im Gegenteil, an den Festivals der

großen Zentren bleibt der Konzertbesucher ja meist außen vor, bei uns hingegen kann man seinen Lieblingssolisten nach seinem Auftritt oft genug auch noch persönlich an der Bar ansprechen.“ Bärtschi erzählt, dass ihr jährliches Festival KLAVIERISSIMO seit 13 Jahren eine erstaunliche Erfolgsgeschichte schreibt. „Bei diesem Festival geben sich die Großen des Klaviers die Klinke in die Hand.

Das nächste KLAVIERISSIMO findet vom 31. Januar bis 3. Februar statt,“ so Bärtschi. „Es treten innert vier Tagen der Reihe nach Angela Hewitt, Cristian Budu, Alice di Piazza, Lukáš Vondráček, ich selbst, Francesco Piemontesi und zuletzt Altmeister Nelson Freire auf. Wo sonst finden Sie solche Künstler in unmittelbarer Folge? Aber dazwischen werden auch vier Nachwuchspianisten Gelegenheit haben, ihr Können zu zeigen. Es gibt

Mit Top Klassik Zürcher Oberland kann man sich auf ein gemischtes Programm freuen – von Solisten und Orchesterkonzerten bis zur Kammermusik. Auch 2018 bringt viele musikalische Highlights. Welches ist Werner Bärtschis persönlicher Favorit? „Wer etwas einzeln hervorhebt, ist immer ungerecht gegen alles andere,“ lächelt er. „Aber ich freue mich doch besonders auf das Gastspiel des Sinfonieorchesters Wuppertal unter seiner neuen Generalmusikdirektorin Julia Jones am 17. Mai. Das großartige Orchester gastierte schon früher bei uns in einem unvergessenen Konzert mit seinem damaligen Chef Toshiyuki Kamioka und mit Valeriy Sokolov im Violinkonzert von Brahms.

Sokolov war seither auch schon wieder als Kammermusiker unser Gastsolist.“ www.topklassik.ch Issue 58 | January 2018 | 47

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018

Exhibition Auto Didactica.

Wire Models from Burundi.

Garden view of the Zurich Ethnographic Museum.

Exhibition Devotion. Image, Recitation, and Celebration of the Vessantara Epic in Northeast Thailand.

Discover the world of objects Located in the oasis of the Old Botanical Gardens of Zurich, within walking distance to the top sights of the city, the Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich is a must for any visitor interested in the fascinating and revealing world of human skill embodied in objects.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF I PHOTOS: KATHRIN LEUENBERGER, © ETHNOGRAPHIC MUSEUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF ZURICH

Why do people in present-day Thailand still today celebrate the two-thousandyear-old story of a Buddhist prince in a prominent annual festivity at the end of the agricultural year? The exhibition Devotion (until 13 May 2018) provides manifold insights into the religious beliefs and practices of Thai-people in the Isan, northeastern Thailand.

What do miniatures of race cars, motorcycles, airplanes and helicopters made from wire by young model builders in Burundi tell us about the technical skills of these autodidacts? In the exhibition Auto Didactica (until 18 February 2018) visitors have the chance to ‘meet’ some of those young men, investigate their models and listen to their personal narratives.

And what can be the impact of images?

The exhibition Made Images (until 28 January 2018) displays selected engravings 48 | Issue 58 | January 2018

and early photographs of ‘dervishes’, thus proposing a reflection on the production processes as well as on the far-reaching influence of images.

With its regularly changing exhibitions, the Zurich Ethnographic Museum invites its visitors to explore the material knowledge and technical skills of humans on all continents, currently in particular in Asia, Africa and the Americas, as well as their social organisation and world view embodied in the objects they create. And it offers, next to the exhibitions, a rich accompanying programme, including lecture sessions on current world topics, as well as an extraordinary monthly ethnographic film beyond the mainstream. A small but exquisite shop offers books and carefully selected articles.

A substantial book collection is kept in the museum’s library, open to the public and equipped with a comfortable reading room with a splendid view into the garden.

As a public museum with a history dating back more than 125 years, and at the same time a teaching and research institution of the University of Zurich, the Ethnographic Museum strives for dialogues between science and the public in an open and comprehensible way. Entrance to all exhibitions and most of the programme activities is free, and media guides as well as most exhibition catalogues are available in German and English. www.musethno.uzh.ch ADDRESS Ethnographic Museum at the University of Zurich Pelikanstr. 40, 8001 Zurich Link to the electronic newsletter: www.musethno.uzh.ch/museum/ newsletter.html

Exhibition Made Images. The Dervish as Object of Fascination and Cipher for the Orient.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018

Photo: © TART Zurich

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | PHOTOS: SPYROS PALOUKIS

TART Zurich

TART Zürich

An ‘inbetween space’ of art

Ein ‚inbetween space’ der Kunst

Since 2014 TART has welcomed a wonderfully diverse range of art lovers in Zurich. As a commercial art gallery merged with the exciting concept of an off-space, TART can be defined as an ‘inbetween space’. It breaks free from the common gallery setting and showcases an open, diverse, hybrid and multi-layered art programme.

Seit 2014 heißt TART ein vielseitiges Spektrum von Kunstinteressierten in Zürich willkommen. Als kommerzieller Kunstort, sowie spannender Off-Space, ist TART ein sogenannter ‚inbetween space’ und bricht durch ein offenes, wandelbares und hybrides Programm aus dem normalen Galeriesetting aus.

Primarily TART is dedicated to contemporary art from Switzerland but also exhibits international works. “It is a place for encounters, where art happens. Different forms of exhibitions such as the 24h project contribute to this notion,” explains curator Catrina Sonderegger. “In this format art is either created during 24 hours, or there is a performance, or the exhibition is only open for 24 hours. It usually is a platform for experimental and interdisciplinary action art.” Catrina Sonderegger and her assistant curator Valentina De Pasquale run the art space.

Primär widmet sich TART der zeitgenössischen Kunst aus der Schweiz, stellt aber auch internationalen KünstlerInnen aus. „Es ist ein Ort der Begegnung, wo Kunst passiert und verschiedene Ausstellungsformate, wie beispielsweise das 24hrs-project, tragen dazu bei,“ erklärt TART Kuratorin Catrina Sonderegger. „In diesem Format, entsteht entweder während 24 Stunden Kunst, oder es wird performt, oder aber die Ausstellung ist nur für 24 Stunden geöffnet. Meist ist es aber eine Plattform für experimentelle und interdisziplinäre Aktionskunst.“ Der Kunstort wird betrieben von Catrina Sonderegger und ihrer Assistenzkuratorin Valentina De Pasquale.

The upcoming highlights at TART include the Swiss artist Christian Calabrò, who creates unusual collages and assemblages. His focus lies on urban life and often follows a comicaesthetics. Contemporary painter Brett Weir will also exhibit new works, and young Swiss artist Ona Sadowsky who is at home in the street and urban art scene will be the artist in residence during the summer break. The year closes with NY hyperrealism artist Clio Newton’s large-sized charcoal drawings.

Highlight in den kommenden Monaten ist unter anderem Schweizer Künstler Christian Calabrò, der außergewöhnliche Collagen und Assemblagen fertigt. Thema seiner Arbeiten ist das urbane Leben, nicht selten in einer Art Comic-Ästhetik. Brett Weir ein zeitgenössischer Maler, wird seine neuesten Werke zeigen und Ona Sadowsky, eine junge Schweizer Künstlerin, die in der Street-Art und Urban-Art-Szene zuhause ist, wird im Sommer Arbeiten vor Ort entwickeln. Ende des Jahres wird die New Yorker Künstlerin Clio Newton, die sich dem Hyperrealismus verschrieben hat, mit großformatigen Kohlezeichnungen aufwarten. www.tartart.ch Issue 58 | January 2018 | 49

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018

Camerata Zürich.

Visionary dialogues In 1957, Swiss conductor Räto Tschupp and his wife Els Tschupp-van Gastel fostered a mutual dream: They wanted to put contemporary Swiss music into concert halls. With this idea the Camerata Zürich was born, a chamber orchestra which still today follows up on the initial dream by highlighting Swiss contemporary music as well as chamber music rarities.

Camerata Zürich will celebrate its 60th anniversary all through 2018, with a programme that mirrors the founding vision in all its complexity. As managing director Raluca Matei reveals, each concert of the colourful programme will put a different art form in dialogue with chamber music: Literature as well as dance, jazz as well as media art.

“What makes the Camerata`s profile so unique is the ability to bridge the gap between tradition and the present: Masterpieces of the repertoire are set alongside rarities and contemporary works creating an enlightening contrast,” Matei explains. Räto Tschupp was known to sit in libraries for hours on end, digging up unknown baroque composers. The Camerata thus became one of the first 50 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Swiss orchestras to interpret historical music as well as contemporary composers such as Martin Derungs and Hermann Haller, while keeping a watchful eye on music education.

Youth programmes with Camerata Zürich are well established today, with three branches reaching out as educational programmes. There is the Camerata Club (ages 3-12) with a workshop programme linked to matinee concerts. Then the composition competition is a unique offer for young composers between 9 and 19 years to write a piece for the orchestra which will have its official premiere at a public Camerata concert. Thirdly, there is the primary school project Camerata@School which also plays a vital part in this year’s jubilee programme. As a year-long, inter-

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: FLORIAN KALOTAY

active workshop it encompasses the whole school and concludes with a musical theatre show.

Renowned musician and cello professor Thomas Demenga is the current artistic director of Camerata Zürich. Together with concertmaster Igor Karsko, he follows up on the original vision of a dialogue between the old and the new and between the various art forms. The 60 years anniversary programme comprises specially commissioned pieces by contemporary composers, featuring e.g. a tap dancer (Max Pollak), references to jazz by Alfred Zimmerlin, a literature encounter with a commissioned work by French author Maïa Brami, and a sound art project at Festspiele Zürich.

World premieres, commissioned works, education programmes, as well as supporting emerging soloists (Anne Sophie Mutter for example had her debut with the orchestra) will stay part of the vivid agenda of Camerata Zürich – following closely on the revolutionary vision of its founder.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Zurich’s Top Cultural Programme in 2018

Visionärer Dialog Es war 1957 als der Schweizer Dirigent Räto Tschupp die Idee hatte, zeitgenössische Musik der Schweiz auf die Bühne zu bringen. Zusammen mit seiner Frau Els Tschupp-van Gastel machte er sich an die gemeinsame Verwirklichung seines Traums und die Camerata Zürich war geboren. Bis heute verfolgt das Orchester die initiale Idee ihres Gründers, indem es neue Komponisten und Raritäten des klassischen Repertoires gleichermaßen zur Aufführung bringt.

Die Camerata Zürich wird ihren 60. Geburtstag durch das ganze Jahr 2018 hindurch mit einem Programm feiern, welches die Gründungsvision in all ihrer Komplexität widerspiegelt. Wie Geschäftsführerin Raluca Matei erläutert, wird jedes Konzert den Dialog mit einer anderen Kunstsparte eröffnen, von Literatur bis Tanz, von Jazz bis zur Medienkunst. „Was das Profil der Camerata so einzigartig macht, ist die Fähigkeit, sinnstiftende Bezüge zwischen Tradition und Gegenwart herzustellen: Meisterwerke aus früheren Jahrhunderte werden in einen aufschlussreichen Kontrast zu Raritäten und zeitgenössischen Werken gesetzt,“ erklärt Matei. Räto Tschupp war dafür bekannt, durch lange Forschungstage in Bibliotheken unbekannte Werke barocker Komponisten ans Licht zu bringen. Die Camerata wurde

auf diese Weise zu einem der ersten Schweizer Orchester, welches sowohl Alte Musik als auch zeitgenössische Komponisten wie Martin Derungs und Hermann Haller interpretierte, dabei immer mit einem wachen Auge auf die musikalische Bildung der Jugend.

Die Jugendprogramme der Camerata Zürich sind heute in drei Arme gegliedert: Da ist der Camerata Club für das Alter von 3 bis 12, der sich in Workshops mit den Matinee-Konzerten befasst. Der Kompositionswettbewerb für Kinder und Jugendliche (Altersklasse 9 – 19) ermutigt zu einer Komposition für das Orchester, die dann bei einem öffentlichen CamerataKonzert zur Aufführung gebracht wird.

Und nicht zuletzt gibt es das umfangreiche Camerata@School – Projekt für Primarschulen, welches auch Teil des Jubiläumsprogrammes

ist. Als Saison-umfassender, interaktiver Workshop wird die ganze Schule eingespannt und am Ende steht die Aufführung eines Musiktheater-Stücks.

Der bekannte Cellist und Pädagoge Thomas Demenga ist künstlerischer Leiter der Camerata Zürich. Zusammen mit Konzertmeister Igor Karsko verfolgt er den von Tschupp initiierten Dialog zwischen Alt und Neu und den verschiedenen Kunstformen weiter. Das Jubiläumsprogramm wird Uraufführungen von speziell für den Anlass komponierten Stücken bieten, unter anderem in Verbindung mit Stepptanz-Einlagen (Max Pollak), JazzReferenzen durch den Komponisten Alfred Zimmerlin, der Medienkunst (Cyrill Lim) und der Literatur (Maïa Brami.)

Uraufführungen, Auftragsarbeiten, Jugendprogramme und aufstrebende Solisten (Anne Sophie Mutter hat an der Camerata debütiert) werden auch weiterhin Teil der lebendigen Agenda der Camerata Zürich sein, in enger Anlehnung an die revolutionäre Vision ihres Gründers. www.cameratazuerich.ch

Camerata Zürich.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 51

52 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Discover Germany | Star Interview | Aglaia Szyszkowitz

Aglaia Szyszkowitz

‘If not now, then never’ Best known for her diverse theatre roles in the likes of Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Austrian actress Aglaia Szyszkowitz will starr in Die Wunderübung, a movie that will come to cinemas on 2 February. Furthermore, she has been a staple of Tatort and Polizeiruf 110 for a while and has had appearances in Das Sams and Klimt. She speaks to Discover Germany about her latest project, her love for the theatre and much more.

TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTO: CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH/ATELIER JUNGWIRTH

Acting wasn’t your first career choice as you initially started studying medicine. Why did you change your mind in the end?

A. Szyszkowitz: At 19 I told myself ‘if not now, then never!’. Of course, at first everyone told me not to become an actress. Many said it’s unprofitable and my uncle who was a director and dramaturg said: “Actors are all stupid and unhappy!”

But I really wanted to know if I have talent and at least wanted to give it a try.

You were born in Graz and now live in Munich. What means ‘home’ to you?

A. Szyszkowitz: Home means security and comfort. During some nights I roll from one side to the other and can’t get a grip on my fears. Fears of loss, illness, parting.

When I’m able to sleep next to my husband and in close proximity to my sons, I don’t have these fears that often. Even at work, I kind of get a ‘sense of home’. In the morning, I’m pleased to see our caravans, our make-up and catering vans. When I shoot or play theatre, I feel comfortable and am occupied with this project so that I can’t ponder so much.

You were seen in movies like Der Kotzbrocken and Das Sams and were part of Vienna’s Tatort. Furthermore,

you were seen on many theatre stages.

Do you have a favourite genre?

A. Szyszkowitz: Yes, I love comedy. There’s nothing better than an intelligent comedy for me and when the director’s taste meets mine, it’s like fireworks for me. In the past three months alone, I had three wonderful directors with Michael Kreihsl, Ingo Rasper and Jan Ruzizka with whom I was able to work on three great comedies. When the timing is right, one is able to have great dialogues and when one has a good partner like Devid Striesow who knows exactly what they’re doing, then that’s better than winning the lottery or having a Christmas and birthday in one.

This month, Daniel Glattauer’s Wunderübung will come to cinemas and you will play the lead role. Since 2015, you have also played this role at Vienna’s Kammerspiele. What makes this play so special in your opinion?

A. Szyszkowitz: Well, the play is about relationships. And love. And that’s what motivates us most, right? What’s the problem in our relationship and how can it be solved? How can I bring something of the initial love back to an old marriage? Daniel Glattauer really put all of this into a funny play that speaks to everyone in long-term relationships. He was able to wonderful-

ly capture the stereotypes of the woman who wants to talk about everything, of the man who wants to be left alone and of the therapist who simply cannot deal with her hysterical chatter and his grumpy inhibition any longer.

Glattauer’s Wunderübung is about couple therapy. You have been married for over 25 years yourself. What’s important in a relationship to avoid couple therapy in your opinion?

A. Szyszkowitz: I think it’s important to create ‘love islands’ on which the couple can regularly spend time with each other: travelling without children, regularly planning something with each other that both can enjoy, talk a lot, go on walks and so on. But this is easier said than done, right?

Last but not least: what more can we look forward to from you in 2018?

A. Szyszkowitz: I will play theatre in Berlin which I’m really looking forward too. Furthermore, I just filmed two wonderful movies for ARD. In Zimmer mit Stall, I play a woman who buys an old farm and moves to the countryside with her 15-year-old daughter against the will of her husband.

There, she meets an old grumpy man, played by Friedrich von Thun, who doesn’t want her to move to the farm. It is a wonderfully humorous, warm story, directed

by Ingo Raspers. The second film is called Billy Kuckuck in which I play a bailiff who needs to deal with her ex-husband (Gregor Bloeb), her daughter and her teenage lover and with all her clients and their sometimes rather weird strokes of fate - also a really fun story that I just finished filming in Cologne, under the direction of Jan Ruzizka.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 53

Discover Germany | Travel Feature | Old School Hockey in the Swiss Alps

Davos Klosters. Photo: © swiss-image.ch/Destination Davos Klosters

Old school hockey in the Swiss Alps Berne, Zurich, Basel, Geneva – the big cities of Switzerland are well-known beyond Europe’s borders and when you think of Swiss sports teams you would probably come up with ‘Grasshoppers’, ‘FC Basel’ or ‘Young Boys Bern’. In the far east of the country though lies the beautiful ‘Kanton’ (German for the member states of the Swiss Confederation) of ‘Graubünden’ (english ‘Grisons’). Not too many people will know that it is actually the biggest Swiss canton with stunning landscapes far from the big city life. In fact, only just under 200,000 people live in Grisons and you have to travel far up the Swiss Alps to experience some great traditional ice hockey.

TEXT: DANIEL BARTHOLD

The ‘Rhätische Bahn’ (German for ‘Rhaetian Railway’) or ‘Viafier Retica’ in Romansh language – which is still used in the canton of Grisons – will take you all the way from the town of Chur up to beautiful Davos deep in the Alps.

The journey itself with the picturesque ‘Glacier Express’, a train predominantly made for tourists, is already worth the trip 54 | Issue 58 | January 2018

with stunning views from train coaches.

Davos itself offers lovely nature with its lakes, mountains and meadows and simply a great quality of life.

Located right in the centre of Davos is the hockey arena. Opened in 1979, the arena is known for its beautiful wooden roof which takes you back to the good

old ice hockey in the days where the kids were just chasing the puck on frozen lakes rather than sitting at home playing hockey on the Playstation. The interior of the so-called ‘Vaillant-Arena’ does not disappoint either. It has been refurbished but it never loses its traditional vibe which makes it a very iconic ice hockey arena in Europe. With a capacity of 7,000 it is a compact venue and every seat is very close to the action which is sometimes lost a bit in those big modern arenas in the United States. It simply makes a difference when an arena is located right in the mountains rather than those soulless hockey venues of NHL franchises in California or Florida – settings that are far away from the good old hockey game played in winter countries such as Switzerland, Sweden or Canada. Although the attendance at Davos has dropped a bit of late, the club

Discover Germany | Travel Feature | Old School Hockey in the Swiss Alps

still plays in front of an average 5,000 supporters crowd which is not bad for a 7,000-seater venue. The Swiss National League usually starts in September and finishes around April with the playoff finals. During that time, Davos have plenty of home games and it is possible to enjoy a hockey game either in late summer, spring or more traditionally, in winter time.

Ice hockey in Switzerland has a long tradition and the local hockey team, HC Davos, won the Swiss championship 31 times.

‘HCD’, how the locals call their team, regularly challenges the bigger hockey cities in Switzerland such as the Zurich Lions or SC Berne in the Swiss National League.

On top of that, the ‘Spengler-Cup’ is an invitational tournament that has been held in Davos since 1923 with giants like ‘Team Canada’ participating on a regular basis.

The winter vibes in this town with the option to watch some old school ice hockey is a great incentive to pay this beautiful place a visit. And obligatory for sports fans and travellers, Davos offers a wide range of culinary highlights such as the classic cheese fondue, local breweries and international cuisine from France and Italy which makes Davos a relaxed Swiss location but its international vibes are undoubted. The town is known for the World Economic Forum which even brought world leaders up the Swiss Alps to visit and tackle global issues.

The ice arena Davos: HCD Bambini.

Photo: © swiss-image.ch/Andy Mettler

With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2018 – albeit taking place in South Korea – visiting a hockey match in Davos would be the ideal preparation to get in the mood for winter sports. And to get in even more of a holiday mood, you can spend hours pre and post-match in one of those cosy Swiss cottages around the arena to enjoy local food, tasty beers or just a hot beverage to warm up. And for some education, it might be fun to pick up some Swiss German which is a pretty difficult dialect to learn - even for Germans. Hockey Club Davos might not be on everyone’s radar but it would be an unforgettable experience – not only for sports fans.

Davos sports centre. Photo: © Wikipedia

The ice arena Davos. Photo: © swissimage.ch/Andy Mettler

Davos. Photo: © Destination Davos, swiss-image.ch/Stefan Schlumpf

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 55

Hotel Quelle Nature Spa.

Natural spa and medical treatment combined The South Tyrolean Alps are the perfect backdrop for restorative holidays and medical recovery – now guests can combine the two, benefiting from first class medical treatment and a professional, wellness-oriented aftercare in beautiful natural surroundings.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI | PHOTOS: © HQNS

The combination of cosmetic medicine with one of the best five-star hotels in Italy is what makes the collaboration between the Hotel Quelle Nature Spa and the Brixsana Private Clinic in Brixen unique. For clients of the clinic, the hotel presents the perfect place for pre and post-operative care. Only 60 minutes away, the combination allows for a treatment spectrum presented by the best medical experts in the country, followed up by a first-class aftercare within beautiful surroundings and a first class ambiance. As Prof. Dr. Gardetto Alexander, hand surgeon and specialist in plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery puts it: “Now you can combine your medical 56 | Issue 58 | January 2018

treatment with a holiday. It’s a win-win situation for the guests.“ Set in the heart of the Dolomite Alps, the Hotel Quelle Nature Spa entices with seven indoor and outdoor pools, ten themed saunas, an outdoor infinity pool, a salt water grotto and a natural bathing pond. Sophisticated interiors and Wellness professionals add to the comfort, as well as healthy, organic cuisine presenting the best of Alpine and Mediterranean delicacies. All rooms and suites have balconies with mountain views, and as soon as recovery allows, the outdoors beckon with Alpine hikes, e-bikes and Nordic Walking, as well as cross-country ski-

ing. Accommodation is full board and includes an extensive breakfast buffet, a daily traditional South Tyrolean or Italian lunch and an à-la-carte dinner menu offering five to seven courses, while healthy buffet choices are also available.

The competent Wellness team pampers guests with effective beauty treatments and massages from all over the world.

Besides the all-encompassing medicinal and therapeutic services in collaboration with the Brixsana Private Clinic, guests also enjoy the possibility of actively shaping their leisure time and taking part in one of the numerous sports classes.

The Med Spa: treatment & swift recovery The new Med Spa is an excellent option for a swift and comfortable recovery. All medical services of the clinic can now be connected with a luxurious vacation in the Dolomites. The Brixsana Private Clinic offers plastic and aesthetic surgery, including

Discover Germany | Travel | Destination of the Month, South Tyrol

breast surgery and tumor therapy. Furthermore, restorative neuro and hand-surgery, beauty surgery, as well as laser treatments and migraine therapy, are part of the extensive list of treatments available. The clinic also houses single practices, covering nine special medical fields from internal medicine to neurology, from disc surgery to endoscopic procedures, through to radiology. The clinic fosters a holistic perspective by offering long term expertise in holistic medicine and therapy, honoring the medicinal value of harmony between the human being and nature.

The quality treatment and private atmosphere of the clinic and the professional pre and postoperative care at the hotel draws patients and guests from all over the world. “We offer the latest in both treatment range and state-of-the-art equipment and the best practitioners na-

tionwide. Thus, the clients/patients benefit from the best quality at the best price,” explains Prof. Dr. Alexander Gardetto.

The surgeon knows all about the merits of first class treatment and aftercare: the former ski professional suffered two major skiing accidents himself, leading to extensive surgery and recovery periods. The drastic, life-changing experiences account for his chosen special fields of hand, aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. His competency in hand surgery allows for a guaranteed competent and professional treatment. He knows about the major importance of the hand as a “tool of our mind” from his own personal history, its opening and closing gestures being “as vital and natural as the smile on our face”. In many professions, the hand needs to function reliably and his work aims at recover-

Aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. Photo: © Gardetto

Prof. Dr. Alexander Gardetto.

Photo: © Gardetto

Hotel Quelle Nature Spa, in- and outdoor pools.

Friendly service.

ing full, one hundred per cent mobility.

As one of the leading specialists in aesthetic breast surgery (breast augmentation and breast reduction) and facial surgery (blepharoplasty, otoplasty, face lifting and rhinoplastiy) as well as cosmetic medicine (Botox, Filler and Peeling), Prof. Gardetto’s credo is as simple as the treatment can be complex: “Only if you know how a body can be restored you can also enhance its beauty. It is my goal to refine beauty while preserving its naturalness.”

For Prof. Dr. Gardetto, it is a given that inner beauty comes to light by confidence. It is exactly that confidence which he aims to provide. www.brixsana.it www.hotel-quelle.com www.gardetto.it

Snow theme sauna.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 57

Discover Germany | Travel | Valaisian Alpine Thermal Pools and Spa Leukerbad

‘Valaisian’ sauna village – spa with tradition.

Thermal Hotels and Walliser Alpentherme Leukerbad.

Pool with a view.

Healing Measures The Walliser Alpentherme (Valaisian Alpine Thermal Pools) offers a comprehensive range of wellness treatments at the renowned spa town of Leukerbad, with an emphasis on Valaisian healing traditions.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: WALLISER ALPENTHERME

The unique quality of the Leukerbad resort lies within both its location and the universal range of treatments available at its spa hotels. The thermal water at Walliser Alpentherme includes calcium, magnesia and strontium, as well as more than 20 additional cations and anions.

Combining traditional Swiss rituals and classic Ayurveda-based treatments, the hotel is a space where guests can feel both comfortable and inspired. With a choice of either outdoor activities or peace and relaxation, the Walliser Alpentherme has it all and strives to make guests of all ages feel right at home.

Wellness with tradition The spa first opened its doors in 1993 with the aim of creating a truly modern wellness experience. 24 years later, the Walliser Alpentherme still stands by its 58 | Issue 58 | January 2018

original goal. On an area covering 11,000 square metres, everything is designed towards the guests’ well-being, so that they can indulge in relaxation and recreational treatments to their utmost comfort.

The newly elongated version of the name, Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad, mirrors the hotel’s combined offer of thermal water pools and wellness treatments.

Speaking of names: the ‘Wallis’ or Valaisian Alps region, known for such majestic peaks as the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, is not only an enticing backdrop for a spa holiday but also provides its own world of traditional treatments. The mountain spring treatments at Walliser Alpentherme, based on regional rituals, include for example a grape seed peeling, an Alpine herbal treatment, a goat cheese full body mask, or the Valaisian apricot ritual during which the fruit enzymes boost both skin

texture and micro circulation, accompanied by lovely scents. A walk through the sauna landscape which is based on a traditional Valaisian mountain village allows for further discoveries linked to Valaisian tradition.

People to whom well-being, health and recreation form priorities in life, frequently return to Walliser Alpentherme & Spa Leukerbad. They know about the healing powers of the 36-degree-warm thermal water which, by the way, also provides the perfect relaxation after an energizing day of skiing.

Enjoy a stroll through the Valaisian sauna village, moonlight thermal bathing, or the Roman-Irish baths, and indulge in Swissthemed natural cosmetic treatments – all at the heart of the Valaisian Alps. www.alpentherme.ch Walliser Alpentherme & Spa is part of Thermal Hotels Leukerbad, connected through an underground tunnel. Thermal Hotels was the first Hotel of Leukerbad, founded in 1645. www.thermalhotels.ch

EXCLUSIVE BUSINESS PROFILES

The DACH region’s innovators On the following pages, find out what the countries of the DACH region can offer on the business front this month.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 59

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | DRACOON GmbH

DRACOON file sharing solution.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: DRACOON

Cloud-Guardian DRACOON stands for a business world without data misuse. This vision drives the company forward every day.

Recent years have been marked by growing concerns about privacy rights and the treatment of sensitive data, a highly relevant issue that is already anchored in our most fundamental rights. DRACOON presents a complete, flexible, and professional solution for companies of all sizes looking for and willing to provide secure ground in a world of constant digital transformation.

CEO Dieter Steiner explains the DRACOON mission: “We believe that freedom can be expressed through data sovereignty. This is the reason why we see our task in making the world ‘better’ in this very area, so that every company - or more precisely, every human being - can decide for themselves which data they want to provide in which form, to whom, and for how long. And all of this with the wonderful side effect that we’re having great fun with our team during this challenge!”

60 | Issue 58 | January 2018

DRACOON (formerly Secure Data Space by SSP Europe) was founded in Regensburg, Bavaria in 2008 and has quickly become a strong leader in the enterprise file sharing sector. The highly secure, platform-independent data exchange solution is certified to the highest compliance standards and has already been awarded as Leader several times.

The main strong point of the solution is its proprietary TripleCrypt technology with end-to-end encryption, a fully open API (programming interface), and a sophisticated enterprise-grade authorization system. The solution can be run as a cloud, hybrid, and on-premises version.

Customers using DRACOON are mostly entrepreneurs with a great interest in data protection. This is because people in responsible positions often have to pro-

tect the data of others, such as that of their employees or of their customers.

The commotion surrounding the EU General Data Protection Regulation, which must be implemented by all companies as of May 2018, is currently high.

With DRACOON there is a solution that fulfills all requirements. More than 400,000 users of well-known companies such as Rossmann, Helios Kliniken, Rödl & Partner and partners such as Bechtle, Deutsche Telekom and British Telecom can already look to the future with confidence.

In 2018, DRACOON will continue to expand its market position and continue to conquer the international market, with a target of 500,000 business users. Other strategic partnerships are planned as well, such as with NetApp and Palo Alto Networks. Both companies are already successfully using and marketing the DRACOON enterprise file sharing solution.

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | DRACOON GmbH

Cloud-Wächter DRACOON steht für eine Geschäftswelt ohne Datenmissbrauch. Diese Vision treibt das Unternehmen jeden Tag von neuem an.

Die letzten Jahre waren von einer wachsenden Sorge um Persönlichkeitsrechte und die Behandlung sensibler Daten geprägt, einem hoch aktuellen Thema, welches bereits in unseren Grundrechten verankert ist. DRACOON präsentiert eine umfassende, flexible und professionelle Lösung für Unternehmen jeder Größe, die in einer Welt der ständigen digitalen Transformation sicheren Boden unter den Füssen suchen – und bieten wollen.

CEO Dr. Dieter Steiner erklärt die DRACOON Mission: „Wir sehen unsere Aufgabe darin, die Welt in genau diesem Bereich ,besser’ zu machen, damit jedes Unternehmen – oder genauer gesagt jeder Mensch - selbst entscheiden kann, welche Daten er in welcher Form, wem und wie lange zur Verfügung stellt.

Und das alles mit dem wunderbaren Nebeneffekt, dass wir mit unserem Team großen Spaß bei dieser Herausforderung haben!“ DRACOON (ehemals Secure Data Space by SSP Europe) wurde im bayerischen Regens-

burg 2008 gegründet und ist schnell zum starken Marktführer im Enterprise File Sharing-Sektor aufgestiegen. Die hochsichere, plattformunabhängige Datenaustauschlösung ist nach höchsten Compliance-Richtlinien zertifiziert und ist bereits mehrfach als Leader ausgezeichnet worden.

Das wichtigste Plus der Lösung ist die eigens entwickelte TripleCrypt-Technology mit durchgängiger Ende-zu-Ende-Verschlüsselung, eine vollständig offene API (Programmierschnittstelle) sowie ein ausgefeiltes und auf Unternehmen zugeschnittenes Berechtigungssystem. Die Lösung kann als Cloud-, Hybrid- und On-Premises-Version betrieben werden.

Kunden, die DRACOON einsetzen, sind meist Unternehmer mit einem intensiven Interesse an Datenschutz. Denn Menschen in verantwortungsvollen Positionen müssen oft auch die Daten anderer schützen, etwa die ihrer Mitarbeiter oder auch die ihrer Kunden.

Die Aufregung um die EU-Datenschutzgrundverordnung, die ab Mai 2018 von allen Unternehmen umgesetzt werden muss, ist aktuell groß. Mit DRACOON gibt es eine Lösung, die allen Anforderungen standhält.

Mehr als 400.000 User namhafter Unternehmen wie z.B. Rossmann, Helios Kliniken, Rödl & Partner und Partner wie Bechtle, Deutsche Telekom und British Telecom können bereits jetzt unbesorgt in die Zukunft blicken.

2018 wird DRACOON seine Marktposition weiter ausbauen und damit fortfahren den internationalen Markt zu erobern, mit einem anvisierten Zuwachs auf 500.000 Business User. Auch sind weitere strategische Partnerschaften geplant wie beispielsweise mit NetApp und Palo Alto Networks. Beide Unternehmen verwenden und vermarkten die DRACOON Enterprise File Sharing Lösung bereits mit Erfolg. www.dracoon.com Links: Datenschutz für Unternehmen.

Rechts: Dr. Dieter Steiner, CEO.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 61

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | Syndicate Design AG

For many years - packaging design for Rocher from Ferrero.

Worldwide and holistic - The new corporate design for SKODA. Photo: © Tom Wheatley

Three design generations packaging design for Capri-Sun.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE | PHOTOS: SYNDICATE DESIGN AG

Think smart, create iconic!

Similar to a company’s corporate design, unique packaging can be critical for the success of a product. Both designs are the result of in-depth research, knowledge, passion and creativity - skills which Syndicate Design AG/Hamburg combines to perfection.

When Sven Alt, Lukas Eichenberg and Heiko Hinrichs, students of design and marketing respectively, met in 1992 they had no idea of the successful journey they were going to embark on. “Entirely disappointed by the, in our eyes, boring and standardised design of consumer goods’ packaging, the three of us decided to take matters in our own hands. We became what you may call a ‘kitchen start up’ – a term which is to be understood literally as we indeed used to work from the kitchen in our Hamburg flat,” recounts Sven Alt, one of the founding members of Syndicate Design AG/Hamburg, the company’s beginnings 25 years ago.

While Syndicate Design AG/Hamburg initially focused on the design of packaging the three owners quickly conceived that their knowledge and inspiration was also needed on a much wider scale. “In 62 | Issue 58 | January 2018

the discussions with our clients we realised that they often lacked an iconic design idea that would holistically represent their products or services. This is why we gradually expanded our services to shop as well as corporate designs,” explains Alt the company’s development.

In a world of growing complexity, Syndicate´s team of 65 designers, architects, strategists and consultants aims at simplicity and a strategic approach. An attitude which has convinced big players like Gebr. Heinemann, Ferrero, Conoco/ Philips, Sennheiser und Skoda, but also smaller companies like Louis Widmer to engage Syndicate’s services.

“With our broad scale of services that encompass the design and realisation of packaging and shops but also corporate design, Syndicate Design AG is extreme-

ly well positioned. Another advantage remains a very close and long term relationship with our clients. Just recently, for example, we introduced our creative workshop ‘Cookery’. We converted an entire office floor into a kitchen and now hold joint cooking sessions with our customers. These sessions are a great inspirational force which allow us to enter into a productive brainstorming process from which we jointly develop ideas and strategies for their respective business issues,” Alt illustrates the recipe for Syndicate’s inspirational ideation process.

A new brand design for Jet petrol stations.

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | Syndicate Design AG

Think smart, create iconic!

Corporate Design oder das Design einer Verpackung sind nicht zu unterschätzende Faktoren für den Erfolg eines Unternehmens. Erfolgreiches Design ist das Ergebnis von gründlicher Recherche, Wissen, Leidenschaft und Kreativität -Fähigkeiten und Eigenschaften, die die Syndicate Design AG/ Hamburg perfekt in sich vereint.

Als die Design- bzw. Marketingstudenten Sven Alt, Lukas Eichenberg und Heiko Hinrichs sich 1992 trafen, wußten sie noch nicht, wie erfolgreich ihre zukünftige Zusammenarbeit einmal werden würde. “Wir empfanden die am Markt befindlichen Produktverpackungen eintönig und langweilig. So beschlossen wir, selbst tätig zu werden und unser eigenes ‘Küchen Start-up zu gründen - wobei man den Begriff ‘Küche’ durchaus wörtlich nehmen darf, da wir tatsächlich anfangs am Küchentisch unserer Hamburger Wohnung arbeiteten,” erinnert sich Sven Alt, Gründungsmitglied der Syndicate Design AG/Hamburg an die Anfänge der Agentur vor 25 Jahren.

Zunächst konzentrierte sich die Syndicate Design AG/Hamburg auf Verpackungsdesign, jedoch merkten die drei Gründer schnell, dass ihr Wissen und ihre Ideen auch auf einem viel weiteren Gebiet benötigt wurden. “In den Gesprächen mit unseren Kunden merkten wir,

dass diese oftmals gar keine ganzheitlichen, aussagekräftigen Designideen für ihre Produkte oder Dienstleistungen hatten. Daher erweiterten wir nach und nach unser Angebot und boten neben dem Verpackungsdesign auch Retail-Konzepte bzw. Corporate Design an,” beschreibt Alt die Entwicklung des Unternehmens.

In einer Welt zunehmender Komplexität, setzt Syndicates Team aus 65 Designern, Architekten, Strategen und Beratern auf Reduktion und strategisches Design. Ein Ansatz, der größere Unternehmen wie Gebr. Heinemann, Ferrero, Conoco/Philips, Sennheiser und Skoda, aber auch kleinere Firmen wie Louis Widmer zu schätzen wissen.

“Mit unserem breiten Angebotsspektrum, das vom Design und der Realisierung der Verpackung bis hin zum Shop und Corporate Design reicht und sich von der Ideenent-

wicklung bis zur Realisation erstreckt, ist Syndicate außergewöhnlich gut aufgestellt.

Ein weiterer Faktor, der für uns spricht ist die sehr enge und langfristige Beziehung zu unseren Kunden. Erst kürzlich beispielsweise haben wir unser neues Workshop-Format ‘Cookery’ ins Leben gerufen. Hierfür haben wir eine ganze Büroetage in eine Küche umgebaut, in der wir nun zusammen mit unseren Kunden kochen. So initiieren wir einen produktiven Prozess, in dessen Verlauf wir gemeinsam Ideen und Strategien für die Lösung des jeweiligen Business Problems erarbeiten können,” erklärt Alt das Erfolgsrezept für Syndicates inspirierenden Ideenprozess. www.syndicate.de/en

Erfolgreich in der Nische - das neue Verpackungsdesign für Louis Widmer.

Heinemann, eine Marke mit starker Persönlichkeit im internationalen Airport-Shoppingmarkt. Photo: © Hendrik Kossmann

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 63

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | Beekeeper

Main image: Beekeeper’s founders (left to right): Flavio Pfaffhauser (CTO), Andreas Slotosch (Head of Growth), Daniel Sztutwojner (Head of Business Development) und Cristian Grossmann (CEO).

Left: An efficient means to keep the non-desk workforce connected: Beekeeper.

Middle: A look behind the scenes: Beekeeper’s Zurich office.

Top right: Beekeeper: an effective and easy-to-handle tool for the preparation of surveys.

TEXT: SILKE HENKELE I PHOTOS: BEEKEEPER AG

A hub for communication Kommunikations- und and collaboration Kollaborationshub With its employee app Beekeeper successfully digitises the non-desk workforce.

Mit seiner Mitarbeiter-App digitalisiert das Startup Beekeeper den Arbeitsplatz gewerblicher Mitarbeiter

Beekeeper, an app for employees, counts among the most frequently used tools for internal business communication. It functions as a communication and collaboration hub for enterprises and fulfils the vision of an app that digitises the workplaces of all non-desk workers.

Die Mitarbeiter-App von Beekeeper zählt zu einem der am häufigsten genutzten Tools für die interne Kommunikation und fungiert bei Unternehmen als Kommunikations- und Kollaborationshub. Das Startup verfolgt hierbei die Vision, den Arbeitsplatz sämtlicher gewerblicher Mitarbeiter zu digitalisieren.

“Beekeper links each employee to a company’s network - even those who don’t work on a PC or don’t have their own company email address. It routes internal communication via news channels and chats; its design is flexibly adaptable to a particular corporate design. Beekeeper’s handling is intuitive and its dashboard allows measuring internal communications efficiently. Furthermore, all our efforts adhere to the strict data safety guidelines issued by the EU,” summarises Cristian Grossmann, co-founder and CEO of Beekeeper, the app’s advantages.

„Beekeeper bindet jeden einzelnen Mitarbeiter in das Kommunikationsnetzwerk eines Unternehmens ein, auch jene, die nicht am PC arbeiten oder über keine eigene Unternehmens-E-Mailadresse verfügen. Die interne Kommunikation läuft über News Channels und Chats. Beekeepers Benutzeroberfläche kann dem Unternehmensdesign angepasst werden, die Handhabung ist intuitiv und das Dashboard misst die Effektivität der Kommunikation. Unsere Tätigkeit richten wir stets an den Datenschutzrichtlinien der EU aus,“ fasst Christian Grossmann, Mitgründer und Geschäftsführer von Beekeeper die Vorteile der App zusammen.

Beekeeper’s functionalities are constantly being extended: “We have recently launched our own marketplace, which enables our users to seamlessly link their existing systems like payroll accounting or holiday planning to Beekeeper, and our plans for 2018 are definitely aimed at the advancement of efficient and fully-fledged digital workplaces,” promises Grossmann.

Die Funktionalitäten der App werden laufend ausgebaut: „Vor kurzem haben wir einen eigenen Marketplace lanciert, mit dessen Hilfe die Firmen ihre bereits bestehenden Systeme, beispielsweise für Lohnabrechnungen oder Urlaubsplanung, nahtlos mit Beekeeper integrieren können. Auch 2018 liegt unser Fokus auf der Weiterentwicklung eines effizienten, vollwertigen digitalen Arbeitsplatzes für gewerbliche Mitarbeiter,“ verspricht Grossmann. www.beekeeper.io

64 | Issue 58 | January 2018

ACHIEVE MORE MORE TOGETHER Ihre Mitarbeiter einfach und direkt erreichen.

Reach and engage your entire Jederzeit und überall. workforce.

Erfahren Sieatmehr auf beekeeper.de Learn more www.beekeeper.io

Issue 107 |

December 2017

|

67

Discover Germany | Exclusive Business Profiles | Fritz Stephan GmbH

Respirator EVEIN.

Fritz Stephan GmbH.

Specialist medical equipment for new-borns:

Helping premature babies to breathe easily The German company Fritz Stephan GmbH is a market leader and innovator when it comes to respirators for premature babies and new-borns in intensive care. It is a delicate task, because their physiology is very different compared to that of adults: The lungs are not fully developed and therefore very stiff, so the airflow has to be regulated carefully to avoid damaging the lungs.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: FRITZ STEPHAN GMBH

Oxygen is vital for every living being and providing patients who have breathing problems with the right amount of oxygen is already difficult under normal circumstances, but more so when it comes to tiny babies. Not enough oxygen in the blood is of course dangerous, but so is giving too much oxygen as it could, for example, lead to retinopathy of prematurity, the scarring or detachment of the retina. Together with the children’s hospital of the university Ulm, Fritz Stephan GmbH has developed the SPOC-SpO2 Controller for its SOPHIE respirator, which stabilises the oxygen saturation automatically. Conventionally the oxygen saturation of the blood is measured through pulse oximetry and a nurse has to adjust the oxygen level now and then, which takes time and is stressful for staff and the baby’s parents. SPOC measures the 66 | Issue 58 | January 2018

oxygen saturation to adjust it automatically – for example adding more oxygen when the baby starts moving around.

Managing director Tanja Stephan puts the company’s main focus on the needs and well-being of the hospital’s smallest patients: The company invests a lot into developing new and innovative technologies.“Tanja Stephan leaves our technicians and developers much space and freedom,” says head of marketing Bernd Höhne.“We are allowed to be creative which sometimes leads to thinking into the wrong direction.” That of course causes additional costs, but is a freedom that is necessary when looking for new, creative ideas. In 1998 Tanja Stephan took over the company from her father and company founder Fritz Stephan.

The researchers and developers at Fritz Stephan GmbH work closely together with hospitals, doctors and nurses to determine which developments are necessary. “We have to listen very closely if we want to develop the right device at the right time. Next to the physiological and medical background we also have to know the normal routines on a ward,”says Bernd Höhne. The team at Fritz Stephan GmbH additionally works together with universities, for example Bachelor and Master students who write their thesis while undertaking an internship here. www.stephan-gmbh.com Respirator EVE Neo.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

S P E C I A L T H E M E : A U S T R I A’ S L E A D I N G B U S I N E S S W O M E N

Meet the mountain country’s female leaders For this special theme, we have handpicked some of Austria’s leading businesswomen. We showcase their innovative ideas, question them about what influences them and much, much more. Get inspired!

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 67

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

Sabine Hoffmann Singularity Executive Program mit Ray Kurzweil. Foto: © ambuzzador

Sabine Hoffmann.

Sabine Hoffmann im ambuzzador Headquarter. Foto: © Lukas Ilgner

Sabine Hoffmann bei der 12-Jahresfeier von ambuzzador.

Das neue Digitale Zeitalter gestalten Wir befinden uns gerade in einer sehr spannenden Phase. Das Digitale Zeitalter bringt allerdings nicht nur neue Möglichkeiten, sondern stellt Firmen auch vor spezielle Herausforderungen. Sabine Hoffmann, Gründerin von ambuzzadorABC, erklärt uns worauf es besonders ankommt: nämlich um die Beweglichkeit im Unternehmen, um Kunden-Erlebnissen in Echtzeit kreieren zu können.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE | FOTOS: JUERGEN HAMMERSCHMID

ambuzzadorABC steht für ‚ambuzzador Agile Buisness Coaches‘ und ist eine neue Erweiterung von Sabine Hoffmanns Firma ambuzzador, die bereits 2004 gegründet wurde. Bei ambuzzador fing ursprünglich alles mit dem sogenannten Buzz Marketing (Mundpropaganda) an bevor die Agentur sich dann immer stärker im Social-Media-Bereich etablierte.

Durch diese jahrelange, intensive Arbeit mit den Kunden ihrer Kunden gewann Sabine Hoffmann tiefe Einblicke in die verschiedenen Problemstellungen im Digitalen Zeitalter und ihr wurde schnell klar, dass die meisten Unternehmen nicht aufgrund eines Mangels an kreativen Ideen scheitern, sondern an ihrer Organisation. „Die Komplexität der Aufgaben, vor denen Führungskräfte im Zeitalter der digitalen Transformation stehen, beginnt mit alten Organisationskulturen und -strukturen, die für effiziente Produktion von Produkten optimiert sind – samt aller dazugehörigen Prozesse,“ sagt Sabine Hoffmann.

68 | Issue 58 | January 2018

„Dabei geht es jetzt im Digitalen Zeitalter um die Kreation von (Kunden-)Erlebnissen in Echtzeit.“ Die Coaches von ambuzzadorABC helfen Firmen dabei, diese OrganisationsHürde zu meistern und das Digitale Zeitalter für sich zu nutzen. Dabei wird das Unternehmen konsequent aus dem Blickwinkel der Kunden analysiert und iterativ zum Selbst-Lernen gebracht.

Dazu hat Hoffmann zusammen mit Agilen Coach Angel Diaz Maroto den Agile Learning Loop (kurz ALL) entwickelt. In vier Phasen wird ein Problem aus Kundensicht betrachtet, neue Herangehensweisen erarbeitet und auch gleich in einem Experiment ausprobiert. Vom Problem bis zu ersten Lösung innerhalb von vier Wochen.

Schneller Lerneffekt also garantiert! „In zwei bis drei Tagen ist klar was wert ist weiterverfolgt zu werden und was nicht,” erklärt Sabine Hoffmann. “Ent-

wicklungszeiten werden damit wesentlich verkürzt und vor allem wenig riskant. Eine Grundvoraussetzung für den Aufbau der gewünschten Agilität.“ Die letzte Phase ist der ‚Reality Check’. Gezieltes Conversation Design in Social Media begleitet, beschleunigt und vertieft das Ganze und endet manchmal auch schon im nächsten Agile Learning Loop.

Das Ergebnis ist eindeutig sagt Hoffmann: „Hand in Hand mit den Anforderungen der Konsumenten entwickelt sich die Organisation in einem lernenden Modus und wird dabei maximal entscheidungsfähig, um unerschrocken die Fragen nach der Zukunft anzupacken und Schritt für Schritt zu lösen. Jeden Tag. Mit jedem Handgriff.“ Von innovativen Großunternehmen bis hin zu finanzstarken Start-ups – die Kundengruppe von ambuzzadorABC ist sehr vielschichtig, genau wie ihre Arbeit.

Neue Wege gehen und die Möglichkeiten des Digitalen Zeitalters voll ausschöpfen, darum geht es bei Sabine Hoffmann und ihrem kreativen Team. Als starker Partner bietet ambuzzadorABC die optimale Hilfestellung alte Firmenstrukturen aufzubrechen und zielsicher im Digitalen Zeitalter anzukommen. www.ambuzzador.com/abc

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

Managementsysteme zielsicher optimieren und integrieren Österreichische Unternehmensberaterin und Wirtschaftscoach Brigitte Lenk ist Expertin für Qualitätsmanagement, Arbeitsschutz und Umweltmanagement. Lenk findet Schwachstellen bei firmeninternen Prozessen und bietet Lösungen, um das Potential einer Firma zu hundert Prozent auszuschöpfen.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: ANDREA REISCHER

2016 hat Brigitte Lenk, MSc, den großen Schritt in die Selbstständigkeit gewagt und er hat sich als goldrichtig entpuppt. „Der Gedanke mich selbstständig zu machen hat mich über viele Jahre gereizt,“ sagt Lenk. „Ich wollte meine eigenen Prioritäten setzen, meine Wertvorstellungen leben und mein Können optimal einsetzen.“ Sie fährt fort: „Der schönste Aspekt ist für mich das Arbeiten mit den Menschen und den Strukturen. Managementsysteme sind eigentlich etwas sehr trockenes und von vielen unverstanden. Der beste Prozess ist nichts wert, wenn er nicht akzeptiert und gelebt wird. Die Menschen dazu zu holen, um diese Prozesse zu verbinden, ist einer der schönsten Bereiche meiner Arbeit. Besonders der Moment, wenn ich merke, dass die Botschaft angenommen wird.“

wird in diesem Sektor oft auch von Privatpersonen zu Hilfe gerufen. „Wenn es um Zertifizierungen geht, sind Firmen oft überfordert und brauchen jemanden von außen,“ erzählt Lenk. „Die Gesetze werden immer schärfer. Das ist gerade beim Arbeits- und Umweltschutz ein großes Thema. Dort unterstütze ich einige Firmen. Der Klassiker ist allerdings nach wie vor, dass ein Kunde seine Firma optimieren möchte. Ich werde geholt, um

Kostensenkungen herbei zu führen und Qualität zu steigern.“ Lenk ist besonders aktiv im Bereich der Arbeitssicherheit. Gemeinsam mit der bei ihr beschäftigten Sicherheitsfachkraft und anderen Experten arbeitet sie gerade an der Ausarbeitung eines Programmes für Arbeitssicherheit, um Arbeitsunfälle zu vermeiden. „Das ist mein großes Projekt für 2018,“ verrät Lenk. „Ich war viele Jahre für solche Bereiche zuständig und habe gesehen, was alles passieren kann und welche menschlichen Tragödien dahinter stecken. Jetzt, wo ich die Möglichkeit habe, möchte ich für diesen Bereich etwas Eigenes entwickeln.“ www.brigitte-lenk.at

Brigitte Lenk.

Qualitätsmanagement, Umweltmanagement und Arbeitsschutz. Das sind die Themen, die Lenk seit vielen Jahren begleitet: „Unternehmern, die verschiedenste Managementsysteme einführen oder sie auch weiterentwickeln wollen, wenden sich vertrauensvoll an mich. Ich werde ebenfalls oft geholt, wenn es um Zertifizierungen oder Audits in Firmen geht. Dort finde ich dann Schwachstellen oder zeige Verbesserungspotentiale auf.“ Kleine Mittelstandunternehmen gehören genauso zu Lenk’s Kundenstamm, wie größere Konzerne. Dank ihrer vielschichtigen Erfahrung auf internationaler Konzernebene, ist Lenk genauso im Bereich Maschinen- und Anlagebau zuhause, wie in kleineren Gewerbebetrieben. Lenk arbeitet ebenfalls als Wirtschaftscoach und Issue 58 | January 2018 | 69

Ready for radical change: New success for businesses

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: JÜRGEN KNOTH

The modern business world is shaped by radical changes, recently, for example, the digital transformation, technological revolutions and global interconnections that touch all areas. The Austrian business consultancy AnneBreitner GmbH makes companies ready to adapt.

“Drastic changes make it necessary to think radically as well,” says company founder and consultant Anneliese Breitner, PhD, who supports companies, for instance, when it comes to strategic orientation. How can companies interlink their core business’ products and services across sectors, or how can they better adjust to developments in society? It needs a lot of courage and creative drive within companies to implement the relevant processes of change.

Social and corporative change not always go in the same direction: Digitalisation increasingly dominates the business world and people’s private lives, at the same time a contrary trend has emerged: deliberately taking a break by switching off digital 70 | Issue 58 | January 2018

devices. The speed of modern communication often creates a maelstrom from which people cannot escape: They think that they need to be constantly available and informed, have to reply fast and so on. Indeed the need for being online has negative effects on the psyche. “Being offline therefore is like a digital holiday that allows to not be active all the time.” During coaching sessions Anneliese Breitner discovered that people are struggling to balance their mental wellbeing – because they do not have holidays from the digital world.

“Basically, this becomes problematic where people lose their balance, because they do not recognise their own behavioural pattern,” says Anneliese

Breitner. Daily dealings in the virtual world are often poor substitutes for true social relationships; the fleetingness of a ‘like’ is no replacement for true sympathy. The advancing digitalisation in daily life challenges companies more than ever to work on their corporate culture to provide the necessary social connections. “In the end we engage because we are socially motivated. This is a good reason to think about employees’ social networks and provide a good working atmosphere.”

Consultant Anneliese Breitner has supported companies in strategic and cultural processes for about 15 years now. As sparring partner she challenges clients to find a strategic focus and strengthen the social fabric through organisational development within a company. Through coaching she brings together both working digitally and relaxing at the same time, which allows finding the key to inner balance.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

Bereit für radikale Veränderungen:

Neuer Erfolg als Unternehmen Die moderne Geschäftswelt ist geprägt von radikalen Veränderungen, in letzter Zeit beispielsweise die voranschreitende Digitalisierung, technischen Umwälzungen und globale Vernetzung in allen Bereichen. Die österreichische Unternehmensberatung AnneBreitner GmbH hilft Unternehmen dabei sich auf genau diese Veränderungen vorzubereiten. „Radikale Veränderungen fordern uns auf, radikal zu denken,“ sagt Firmengründerin und Unternehmensberaterin Dr. Anneliese Breitner, die Unternehmen unter anderem bei der strategischen Ausrichtung unterstützt. Wie gelingt es die Produkte und Dienstleistungen des eigenen Kerngeschäftes branchenübergreifend zu vernetzen oder sich mehr auf gesellschaftliche Entwicklungen auszurichten? Das erfordert viel Mut und Gestaltungswillen im eigenen Unternehmen, um die entsprechenden Veränderungsprozesse umzusetzen.

Nicht immer laufen gesellschaftliche und unternehmerische Entwicklungen in die gleiche Richtung: Digitalisierung beherrscht zunehmend die Geschäftswelt ebenso wie das Privatleben, zeitgleich gibt es den entgegengesetzten Trend des ‚beingoffline‘, also der bewussten digitalen Auszeit. Die Geschwin-

digkeit der modernen Kommunikation erzeugt eine Sogwirkung: Man hat das Gefühl, man müsse ständig erreichbar beziehungsweise informiert sein, man müsse schnell antworten usw. Dabei wirkt sich das Bedürfnis diesen kommunikativen Erwartungen gerecht zu werden, negativ auf unser psychisches Konto aus. „Beingoffline ist wie ein digitaler Urlaub mit der Erlaubnis nicht aktiv werden zu müssen“. Im Coaching hat Dr. Anneliese Breitner festgestellt, dass Menschen sich immer schwerer tun proaktiv ihr psychisches Konto auszugleichen – eben weil sie keinen digitalen Urlaub machen. „Grundsätzlich wird es immer da kritisch, wo der Einzelne seine Balance nicht mehr findet, weil er seine eigenen Muster nicht erkennt,“ sagt Anneliese Breitner. Der virtuelle Alltag im Netz ist arm an echten sozialen Beziehun-

gen, die Flüchtigkeit eines Likes ersetzt keine echte Anteilnahme. Die voranschreitende Digitalisierung im beruflichen Alltag fordert Unternehmen daher mehr denn je dazu auf, an der Unternehmenskultur zu arbeiten, um den nötigen sozialen Kitt am Arbeitsplatz sicherzustellen. „Denn letztlich engagieren wir uns aus unserer emotionalen Motivation heraus. Das ist ein guter Grund, um sich über das soziale Konto der Mitarbeiter und Mitarbeiterinnen Gedanken zu machen und für gute Gefühle am Arbeitsplatz zu sorgen.“ Anneliese Breitner begleitet Unternehmen seit nunmehr 15 Jahren bei strategischen und kulturellen Veränderungsprozessen. Als Sparringpartner fordert sie dazu auf, den strategischen Fokus zu finden und das soziale Gefüge im Unternehmen durch entsprechende Organisationsentwicklung zu stärken. Sie unterstützt im Coaching dabei beides zusammenzubringen – digitales Arbeiten und rechtzeitig abzuschalten, um so den Schlüssel für die innere Balance zu finden. www.annebreitner.com

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 71

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen Dr. Elisabeth Lackner, GBA Pharma Division managing director.

Pharmaceutical Services – Clinical Trial Supply Services.

Pharmaceutical Services – Labelling and Packaging.

On intrinsic powers and team spirit Dr. Elisabeth Lackner is the General Manager of GBA Pharma, of the German GBA Laboratory Group, and describes herself as “a child of the pharmacy industry”.

the sites of GBA Pharma Group including Pharmacelsus, ABF, as well as the GBA Pharma laboratories.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I PHOTOS: E. LACKNER

Having worked in different fields of clinical research for CROs (Clinical Research Organizations), pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies for more than 15 years in senior management and marketing roles, she brings the perfect perspective to the pharmaceutical supply chain and uses her wealth of experience and know-how to motivate and foster young teams towards success.

Initially supported by her parents, Elisabeth Lackner’s interest in pharmacology and biotechnology began early in life.

She graduated in pharmacy and holds a PhD in tumour biology. Both her studies and work life took place on the international stage until she moved back to Austria, where she joined ABF Pharmaceutical Services as counsellor in 2005. Under her 72 | Issue 58 | January 2018

subsequent tutelage as managing director and co-owner from 2010 to 2016, the Austrian pharmaceutical service provider grew to six times its size over a span of six years and is now part of the GBA Group, the biggest laboratory services provider in Europe.

“For a leading position with one of the biggest players on the European market you need an extreme amount of knowhow,” she states. “The industry is bound to strict regulations, which means that developing a product for the pharmaceutical market can take between ten to 15 years.” This fact is the reason why aspects of drug development processes are being outsourced – which is where a service giant like GBA steps in. In her recently acquired role as CEO, Dr. Lackner manages

Asked about what motivates her most, Dr. Lackner reveals that, apart from a successful career path, she highly enjoys nourishing emerging talent: “Building and supporting teams has worked beautifully over the past few years and in the end is the major aspect leading to growth, for any enterprise.”

But how exactly does a breathtakingly successful career like hers come to pass, while she is in parallel raising two kids? “The power is intrinsic,” she says. “Obviously, there is some support through the family, but in the end, the necessary strength has to come from within. And it is possible, as a woman in Austria, to do this. That is the message I’d like to get across.” www.gba-group.de www.abf-pharma.com/management

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

Mut zu mehr Kreativität Die österreichische Werbe- und Designagentur SilberAcht bringt innovative Designlösungen auf den Punkt. Mit einer klaren Kommunikation schafft SilberAcht die Visionen seiner Kunden bis ins kleinste Detail auszuarbeiten. Dies bildet die Grundlage für die extravaganten Designlösungen.

SilberAcht-Gründerin Stefanie Buchacher hat immer schon über den Tellerrand hinaus geschaut. Der Weg in die Selbstständigkeit war nach zehn Jahren in der Werbebranche der nächste logische Schritt und goldrichtig.

Oder in diesem Fall ‚silberrichtig’. „Der Name SilberAcht steht für extravagante Designlösungen, stilvolle Webseiten und einzigartige Illustrationen,“ erklärt Buchacher. „Silber - steht für die Extravaganz, die Leuchtkraft welche jeder Unternehmer in seine Firma oder sein Produkt stecken sollte. Acht - steht für die Achtsamkeit hinter dem Kunden und den Designlösungen die ich erarbeite. Weiters steckt auch die unendliche Acht darin, dass Kreativität uns immer begleitet und nie enden sollte.“

SilberAcht steht ihren Kunden mit einem weiten aber dennoch präzisen Leistungsangebot zur Seite. Von Markenpositionierung über die Entwicklung von Corporate Identity und Printprodukten wie Firmenzeitschriften, Inseraten oder Geschäftspapieren, bis hin zur Konzeption und Umsetzung von responsiven Webseiten, sind Kunden bei SilberAcht in besten Händen. „Mir ist es wichtig den Menschen hinter jedem Unternehmen oder Produkt zu kennen,“ so Buchacher. „Wofür das Unternehmen steht, was dem Gründer wichtig ist und welche Aussagekraft das Design widerspiegeln soll.“ Mit Leidenschaft und Enthusiasmus gelingt es SilberAcht den Funken jeder Marke

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

zu kommunizieren und überspringen zu lassen. Die aussagekräftigen Illustrationen, die man auf der Instagram-Seite von SilberAcht bestaunen kann, sind ein klares Zeichen für das hohe Maß an Kreativität und Leidenschaft für die Designmaterie. www.silberacht.at

Links: Foto: © Stefanie Buchacher Rechts: Stefanie Buchacher.

Foto: © Simone Attisani, Bildbearbeitung: SilberAcht

Outstanding coffee quality since 2002

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN PHOTOS: CULTCAFFÈ

The Austrian coffee roasting house CultCaffè combines traditional craftsmanship with modern roasting methods. The founders, Walter Schweifer and Silvia Lasselsberger, both passionate entrepreneurs since their youth, have specialised in the production of distinctive roast coffees since 2002. CultCaffè only processes green coffee of the highest quality.

CultCaffè combines Italian and Austrian coffee culture. The company’s main focus lies on supplying hotels, gastronomy, cafés and bakeries as well as organic and delicatessen shops. Four main varieties, four special sorts and additionally organic and fair trade coffees can be found in the assortment – Cult Caffè provides the right coffee for every taste and every preparation method. Coffee machines and grinders for gastronomy and hotels complement the product range.

Beyond that, CultCaffè addresses the sophisticated and private coffee gourmet: Unique aromas and exceptional blends create the highest delights. “For all coffee connoisseurs, who appreciate a multifaceted palette of aromas and excellent taste,” says Silvia Lasselsberger. Product

quality, ambitious service and personality are significant factors for the company and distinguish it from mass producers on the market. This begins with the selection of green beans and continues with the partnership CultCaffè has with its customers.

The company builds upon competent and individual consultation.

CultCaffè also delivers its roast coffees internationally to Germany, Eastern Europe and the United Arab Emirates.

“Distributors for the Asian market are very welcome,” says Walter Schweifer about future plans. But the main focus still lies on the overall quality. They are small enough to satisfy individual desires, big enough to also supply larger hotel chains.

The founders Walter Schweifer and Silvia Lasselsberger.

CultCaffè combines Italian and Austrian coffee traditions.

www.cultcaffe.at Issue 58 | January 2018 | 73

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Austria’s Leading Businesswomen

Homemade fruit puree: Low in sugar but high in taste

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I PHOTOS: CHRISTIAN JUNGWIRTH

Fruits harvested directly from fields and gardens, shock frosted and then turned into fruit puree, freshly made when ordered: SUSA S MUS fruit purees are made of 95 per cent fruit and only five per cent sugar, making the puree suitable even for people with diabetes type II.

ghurt, eaten with hearty meat dishes like game, or even added to champagne.

SUSA S MUS founder Susanne Suppan, a former lawyer, had the idea to create unique, low-sugar fruit purees, because she could not find anything like that on the market. Suppan only uses fruits from trusted sources: Most of them are from her neighbours’ gardens, others from fruit farmers in the Styria region. “People often phone me when their fruits are ripe so I can come and collect them,” says Susanne Suppan. “Every fruit I use has been in my hands at least once.” Since nearly no additional sugar is used, the taste of each fruit influences the overall flavour, so only the best go into the glass.

Susanne Suppan uses a complex process: The fresh fruits are selected and shock frosted, and Suppan only makes new small

Blackberry, raspberry and quince puree.

WONDER. FULL. NOW.

batches of puree when ordered. The fruits are slowly warmed up to 80 degrees maximum so that nearly no vitamins are lost. All purees can be ordered online.

After delivery the fruit puree lasts about six months unopened. It is not only great as fruit spread, but can also be added to yo-

www.susasmus.at

Susanne Suppan selects fruit by hand and taste.

Founder Susanne Suppan.

LONGER AND THICKER LASHES IN ONLY 6 WEEKS

89%

OF THE TESTERS* RECOMMEND THE EYEL ASH ACTIVA TING SERUM!

EYELASH ACTIVATING SERUM

S P E C I A L T H E M E : S U C C E S S F U L S TA R T- U P S

Germany’s creative minds Start-ups are a hot topic right now. Thus, we wanted to find out more about Germany’s young companies and handpicked some of the best ones for the following special theme. Read about their innovative ideas, their motivation and much more.

PHOTOS: PIXABAY

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 75

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Die VoltStorage Gründer: Jakob Bitner, Michael Peither und Felix Kiefl (von links nach rechts).

Mehr Energie-Unabhängigkeit dank VoltStorage Mehr Unabhängigkeit vom Energiemarkt – das ist der Wunsch, der Hausbesitzer antreibt auf eine eigene Solaranlage zu setzen. Doch der Strombedarf ist oftmals dann am größten, wenn Solaranlagen wenig bis gar keinen Strom produzieren: in den Morgen- und Abendstunden. Der Stromspeicher des Münchner Start-ups VoltStorage macht es jedoch möglich, ungenutzte Solarenergie zu speichern und rund um die Uhr zu nutzen – und das auf Basis der sichersten und langlebigsten Speichertechnologie.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: VOLTSTORAGE

Solarenergie rund um die Uhr nutzen – das war das große Ziel der VoltStorage Gründer Jakob Bitner, Michael Peither und Felix Kiefl. 2014 begannen sie mit der Entwicklung des VoltStorage Stromspeichers, mit dem Privathaushalte selbstproduzierten Solarstrom speichern und für den späteren Eigenverbrauch abrufen können. VoltStorage setzt dabei auf eine leistungsstarke Technologie-Alternative zu herkömmlichen Lithium-Speichern: die Vanadium-Redox-Flow Speichertechnologie (VRF).

Die VRF-Technologie wird bereits seit Jahren sehr erfolgreich als Speichertechnik für Wind- und Sonnenenergie in Großspeichern eingesetzt, da sie deutlich sicherer und langlebiger ist als andere 76 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Technologien. VoltStorage ist es als erstes Unternehmen weltweit gelungen, diese Speichertechnologie für Privathaushalte verfügbar zu machen. „Wir haben den Produktionsprozess der Batteriezellen erstmalig automatisiert, um auch Hausbesitzern die sicherste und langlebigste Speichertechnologie zu ermöglichen,“ erklärt VoltStorage CEO Jakob Bitner.

Auf Basis dieser Speicher-Neuheit ist es Haushalten möglich ihren Solarstrom effizienter zu nutzen. Haushalte ohne Stromspeicher können in der Regel lediglich bis zu 30 Prozent ihres Strombedarfs durch selbst-produzierte Solarenergie abdecken. Mit Hilfe des Stromspeichers von VoltStorage kann der Strombedarf hingegen bis zu 85 Prozent durch eigenen

Solarstrom gedeckt werden. Dadurch lassen sich Stromkosten deutlich reduzieren.

Als ‚All-in-One’-Gerät enthält das innovative Speichersystem alle notwendigen Komponenten und ist mit jedem Hausanschluss und jeder Solaranlage kompatibel. Mit der VoltStorage App können Speicherbesitzer zudem jederzeit alle relevanten Speicherdaten abrufen – und sich darüber informieren, wie viel CO2-Emissionen dank ihres Stromspeicher bereits reduziert werden konnten. Denn Stromspeicher leisten einen wichtigen Beitrag zum Klimaschutz. So ermöglichen sie eine größere Unabhängigkeit vom herkömmlichen Strommarkt, der seinen Strom zu 50 Prozent aus klimaschädlichen Gas-, Kohle- und Ölkraftwerken bezieht.

Nicht umsonst betont VoltStorage CEO Jakob Bitner: „Mit VoltStorage möchten wir einen signifikanten Beitrag zur Energieversorgung aus 100 Prozent erneuerbaren Energien leisten.“ Mit der erfolgreichen Markteinführung hat das Münchner Start-up einen ersten wichtigen Schritt in diese Richtung getan. www.voltstorage.com

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Gemeinsam mit dem Designbüro ‚New Tendency‘ hat muun ein Bett entwickelt.

Die Matratze von muun lässt sich an den individuellen Schlaftyp anpassen.

Ob einfacher Rahmen oder Boxspring – das Bett von muun wird allen Wünschen gerecht.

Komfort von Konformität befreien Eine Matratze, die sich dem Schläfer anpasst und nicht anders herum, oder eine Doppelmatratze, bei der jede Seite individuell einstellbar ist – das und noch viel mehr bietet muun. Vor einigen Monaten erst wurde die Produktpalette um ein Bett erweitert.

TEXT: INA FRANK | FOTOS: MUUN

„Komfort entspricht keinen Regeln oder Standards. Es ist die Freiheit, eigene Entscheidungen zu treffen“ - das ist das Motto, nach dem muun arbeitet. Herzstück der Marke ist die Matratze, von der bereits mehrere tausend Stück verkauft wurden. Sie ist erhältlich in vier unterschiedlichen Härtegraden, sowohl die Komfortauflage als auch der Kaltschaumkern sind wendbar. Ab einer Breite von 1,40 Meter lassen sich sogar beide Seiten der Matratze unterschiedlich einstellen.

Doch auch Kissen, Decken, Schlafdüfte, ein Morgenmantel und eine Pyjama-Kol-

lektion haben die kreativen Köpfe von muun bereits entwickelt.

Gemeinsam mit dem Berliner Designbüro ‚New Tendency‘ entstand nun ein besonderes Bett. „Das Bett war die logische Erweiterung unseres Schlafsystems. Das Ziel war, ein modulares Produkt zu schaffen, das sich ähnlich wie unsere Matratze an unterschiedliche Bedürfnisse anpassen lässt,“ berichtet Jessica-Joyce Sidon, Leiterin der Öffentlichkeitsarbeit bei muun.

Der Bettrahmen besteht aus leichtem, pulverbeschichtetem Aluminium, erhältlich

in den Farben weiß, rosé und anthrazit.

Die Beine des Betts lassen sich umdrehen, um verschiedene Einlasstiefen für unterschiedliche Matratzen zu gewährleisten.

Außerdem sind weitere Individualisierungen möglich, wie ein Boxspring-Modul.

Wer nun Fan von muun geworden ist, kann sich auf noch mehr freuen, wie Sidon verrät: „Wir planen limitierte Auflagen des Betts, in denen wir mit neuen Materialien wie Samt oder Leder arbeiten möchten. Ansonsten planen wir eine Bettwäsche-Kollektion, die im Frühling präsentiert werden soll.“ www.muun.co DISCOUNT CODE Geben Sie den Code ‚DISCOVERMUUN‘ auf der Homepage ein und freuen sich auf 10 Prozent Discount auf das komplette Sortiment.

Issue 58 | January 2018 | 77

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Ideenerstellung.

Referenzgarten, Sommer.

Arbeitsweise.

Den neuen Garten ganz einfach über das Internet planen Das Dresdner Start-up GARDOMAT liefert eine innovative Lösung: professionelle, unkomplizierte, kostengünstige, kreative und individuelle Gartenplanung über das Internet. Das Team aus erfahrenen Gartengestaltern bietet diesen Online Service seit 2011 all jenen an, die ihre individuellen Gartenideen zum Leben erwecken wollen.

TEXT: JESSICA HOLZHAUSEN I FOTOS: GARDOMAT

Die beiden GARDOMAT Gründer Claudia und Peter-Paul Petzold bemerkten während des Studiums, dass es bislang keine unkomplizierte Möglichkeit gab, private Gärten zu planen. „Viele glauben noch immer, dass Landschaftsarchitekten Gärten viel zu teuer und auf eine falsche Art planen,“ sagt Claudia Petzold.

GARDOMAT, der ‚Gartenautomat‘, verbindet deshalb klassische Landschaftsarchitektur mit einem praxisorientierten und bezahlbaren Ansatz. Ein kreatives und erfahrenes Team von acht Landschaftsarchitekten entwickelt onlinebasiert ganzheitliche Gartenkonzepte für private Kunden, die die Umsetzung lieber selbst übernehmen möchten. „Wir berücksichtigen die individuellen Kundenwünsche ebenso wie die Bedingungen im entsprechenden Garten,“ sagt Peter-Paul Petzold.

Wie aber funktioniert dies genau? Als erstes können Kunden zwischen verschie78 | Issue 58 | January 2018

denen Planungspaketen wählen, die alle faire Fixpreise haben. Ob nun ein Kunde lediglich nach einer Idee für den neuen Garten sucht (gardoIDEE), nach einer Idee mit passendem Konzept (gardoIDEE+KONZEPT) oder nach einem Gartendesign, das bis in das kleinste Detail geplant ist (gardoKOMPLETT) – GARDOMAT bietet alles. Neben den festen Paketen gibt es ergänzende Optionen, die separat dazu gebucht werden können: gardoBEETPLANUNG, gardoBELEUCHTUNG, gardoBEWÄSSERUNG und gardoBEMASSUNG sind das Richtige für Kunden, die nicht auf ein komplettes Re-Design ihres Gartens aus sind, sondern beispielsweise nach innovativen Bewässerungssystemen, Lichtkonzepten oder detaillierten Plänen für das Blumenbeet suchen.

Wenn Kunden das für sie passende Paket gefunden haben, können sie eigene Fotos und Grundrisse auf das Online-Planungs-

portal hochladen. Per Telefongespräch analysieren die Gartenplaner dann die bereitgestellten Informationen und individuellen Vorstellungen und erstellen danach zwei handgezeichnete Ideenpläne. Die können sich Kunden in Ruhe anschauen und die Experten von GARDOMAT beraten dann in einem zweiten Telefongespräch über die konkrete Umsetzung des gewählten Plans.

Erst im Anschluss daran erstellt das GARDOMAT Team individuelle Planungsdokumente. „GARDOMAT hebt sich durch genau diese unkomplizierte Umsetzung über das Internet von anderen Planungsbüros ab,“ sagt Claudia Petzold. In Zukunft wird das Unternehmen auch eine 3D-Planung anbieten, die es erlauben soll die Ideenpläne als 3D-Modell zu erleben.

Bislang haben die Gartenplaner über 700 verschiedene Gärten in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz kreiert. Mit der persönlichen und kostengünstigen Lösung für die Gartenplanung rückt der Traum von einem modernen, japanischen oder mediterranen Garten in greifbare Nähe. www.gardomat.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Immobilie erfolgreich verkaufen Der Immobilienmarkt boomt. Mit der stark gewachsenen Nachfrage nach Häusern und Eigentumswohnungen ist in den vergangenen Jahren auch die Zahl der Makler in die Höhe geschnellt, allein in Deutschland auf rund 130,000 Anbieter.

Aber auf welchen Immobilienfachmann ist wirklich Verlass, wer kann bei einem geplanten Verkauf das halten, was vorher versprochen wurde?

Der Laie ist angesichts der Vielzahl an Maklern allein kaum in der Lage, sich einen umfassenden Überblick zu verschaffen.

Und genau an diesem Punkt setzt das 2014 in Hamburg gegründete Start-up HAUSGOLD an.

HAUSGOLD hilft Eigentümern in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz beim Immobilienverkauf und begleitet sie über den gesamten Verkaufsprozess hinweg. Dabei umfasst der Service die Beratung zum Verkauf sowie die Auswahl Sie wollen Ihre Immobilie erfolgreich verkaufen?

Fotografieren Sie diesen Artikel, senden Sie das Foto mit Ihren Kontaktdaten per E-Mail an HAUSGOLD (immobilienbewertung@ hausgold.de) und Sie erhalten eine kostenlose Immobilienbewertung.

eines professionellen Maklers vor Ort. Die unabhängige Maklerempfehlung erfolgt auf Basis einer umfassenden Datenbank.

Bei der individuellen Analyse filtert der HAUSGOLD-Algorithmus® aus Erfah-

TEXT: MICHAELA KOMATOWSKY FOTO: HAUSGOLD | © KB3 / Fotolia

rungswerten, Kundenfeedbacks und Leistungskennzahlen den geeigneten Makler.

So finden Verkäufer unkompliziert und kostenfrei zu erfahrenen Immobilienmaklern, die regionale Besonderheiten kennen und die aktuelle Marktsituation vor Ort professionell einschätzen können. www.hausgold.de www.hausgold.at www.hausgold.ch

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Foto: © Shutterstock, michaeljungy

Foto: © iStock, anyaberkut

EUclaim Team. Foto: © EUclaim

Der Erfolg gibt EUclaim Recht Legal Tech-Start-up setzt Entschädigung für Flugpassagiere durch.

TEXT: EUCLAIM

Jeden Tag ärgern sich tausende Passagiere über Probleme mit ihren Flügen. Sehr oft steht ihnen wenigstens eine finanzielle Entschädigung zu: Laut EU-Recht zwischen 250 und 600 Euro, wenn der Flug mehr als drei Stunden zu spät am Zielort landet, gestrichen wurde oder der Passagier den Anschlussflug verpasst hat. Besonders hart treffen Verspätungen und Flugausfälle Manager, Projektleiter und Co. auf Geschäftsreise. Sie bedeuten nicht nur Stress, sondern kosten Arbeitnehmer und Unternehmen auch bares Geld, wenn Meetings verschoben werden und Projekte platzen.

Doch viele Airlines weigern sich, berechtigte Entschädigungen ohne Weiteres auszuzahlen. Hier kommt EUclaim ins Spiel: Der Fluggasthelfer mit Niederlassungen in Arnheim und Duisburg verhilft Reisenden zu ihrem Recht.

Spezialist für Entschädigungen nach Reisestress Über einen kostenlosen Schnell-Check auf www.euclaim.de erfahren Passagiere in wenigen Augenblicken, ob sie einen Anspruch auf eine Entschädigung haben 80 | Issue 58 | January 2018

und wenn ja, wie hoch diese ausfallen kann. EUclaim kümmert sich dann nach Beauftragung um die Durchsetzung der Ansprüche, bis zu drei Jahre rückwirkend – nur im Erfolgsfall wird eine Prämie von 22,5 Prozent (zzgl. MwSt.) der Entschädigungssumme berechnet, ohne versteckte Zusatzkosten. Das gilt übrigens auch für Geschäftsreisende, unabhängig davon, wer den Flug bezahlt hat. Der Erfolg gibt EUclaim Recht: In über 97 Prozent der Fälle muss die Airline die Fluggäste entschädigen. Seit Gründung konnte das Unternehmen so bereits rund 74 Millionen Euro an über 352,000 Passagiere auszahlen.

Größte Flugdatenbank der Welt Grundlage dieses Erfolgs ist eine eigens für EUclaim entwickelte umfangreiche Datenbank. EUclaim hat die gleichen Informationen und Daten wie ein Flugkapitän an Bord, überwacht in Echtzeit den europäischen Luftraum und analysiert täglich rund 13 Millionen relevante Flug- und Wetterdaten. „Airlines verweisen gerne auf außergewöhnliche Umstände, wie schlechte Wetterbedingungen. Oft ist dies nur eine

Ausrede, um Ansprüche abwehren zu können,“ sagt Stefanie Winiarz, Vice President EUclaim Deutschland. „Mit Hilfe unserer Datenbank ermitteln wir schnell den tatsächlichen Grund für die Verzögerung und schätzen so binnen Sekunden die Erfolgsaussichten für einen Entschädigungsanspruch ein.“ Legal Tech: Software unterstützt juristische Arbeitsprozesse EUclaim ist damit ein sogenanntes Legal Tech-Start-up – ein Unternehmen, in dem Recht und Technologie verschmelzen. Der Bereich der Fluggastrechte ist in seiner Rechtsprechung überschaubar, Ansprüche lassen sich standardisieren, mittels eines Algorithmus’ präzise online eine Falleinschätzung vornehmen. „Europaweit gehören wir zu den ersten und innovativsten Dienstleistern dieser Art“, sagt Hendrik Noorderhaven, Gründer und Geschäftsführer von EUclaim. Wer jetzt denkt, Rechtsprechung passiere nun per Mausklick, der irrt: Ein Team hochspezialisierter Juristen leistet die Arbeit vor Ort. „Und sollte sich eine Airline weigern, zu zahlen, ziehen wir für unsere Kunden notfalls bis vor Gericht,“ so Winiarz. www.euclaim.de

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

String Art ist back!

FADENFELD holt Nagel und Faden vom Dachboden der Siebziger und macht aus dem poppigen DIY Kult der Discozeit, cooles Vintagedesign von heute. Das Hamburger Start-up bietet handgefertigte String-Art Bilder für Kunstinteressierte oder solche, die es werden wollen. Ob für das eigene Wohnzimmer oder als Geschenk, diese originelle Kunstform zieht jeden in den Bann.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: FADENFELD

Eigentlich war es eher Zufall, wie Gründer Justus Basler zu seinem kreativen Start-up FADENFELD kam. Er studiert General Engineering Science an der Technischen Universität Hamburg und stolperte online zufällig über ein String-Art Video.

Baslers Ehrgeiz war geweckt. Er konnte und wollte sein technisches Wissen mit dieser speziellen Kunstform kombinieren und entwickelte ein spezielles Fadentracking-Programm, das FADENFELD heute kunstvoll zum Einsatz bringt.

Das Gute am Studium ist, dass man auf Kommilitonen trifft, die ähnlich ticken.

Leute, denen es auch in den Fingern kribbelt, wenn sie das Wort ‚Start-up‘ hören.

So formierte sich auf dem Campus um Basler ein starkes Team, das den Anspruch

hatte die ‚String Art‘ aus der Nische zu holen, um sie einem kunstinteressierten Publikum zugänglich zu machen.

Die individuellen Portraits, welche authentisch nach der Vorlage eines Fotos hergestellt werden, sind absolut einzigartig und verlocken dazu genauer hinzuschauen.

Basler erklärt: „Damit ein Motiv entsteht, werden viele hundert Meter Faden, um mehrere tausend Nägel gewickelt. Unser Trackingprogramm gibt dabei die Richtung vor, präzise und immer fadendicht am Original. Man schickt uns einfach ein individuelles Bild und wir verwandeln dieses dann ich ein echtes String-Art Porträt.“ Was einfach klingt, ist allerdings sehr zeitaufwendig und verlangt echtes Fin-

gerspitzengefühl. Basler erklärt wie es weiter geht: „Damit aus den Lieblingsfotos unserer Kunden beeindruckende String Art-Kunstwerke von FADENFELD werden, bohren wir buchstäblich dicke Bretter, genauer gesagt hochwertige Multiplexplatten aus heimischem Buchenholz. Die mattweiße Melaminharzbeschichtung der Platte sorgt für einen angenehmen Kontrast zum String Art-Motiv, das anschließend unter Museumsglas und in einem handgefertigten Rahmen geschützt wird.“ Das Ergebnis ist verblüffend! Kein Wunder, dass FADENFELD auf Erfolgskurs ist. Baslers String Art ist nicht nur ein einzigartiges Geschenk, sondern auch ein sehr persönliches, ideal für besondere Anlässe, wie zum Beispiel runde Geburtstage oder Hochzeiten. Auch Basler selbst war ursprünglich auf der Suche nach einem besonderen Geburtstagsgeschenk für seinen Vater. Der Rest ist Geschichte.

FADENFELD.com Issue 58 | January 2018 | 81

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Eigenstrom-Photovoltaikanlage.

Foto: © Polarstern

Mieterstromprojekt in München.

Foto: © NEST Ecoarchitektur

Haus von BAUFRITZ.

Mit Polarstern die eigene Energiezukunft gestalten Mit Energie die Welt verändern, diese Vision treibt den Energieversorger Polarstern seit 2011 an. Gegründet als Social Business setzt das Unternehmen mit neuen Produkten und Lösungen immer wieder Impulse im Markt. Im Mittelpunkt steht die dezentrale Energieversorgung sowohl von Mehrfamilienhäusern und Quartieren, als auch von Eigenheimen. Sie ist für die Geschäftsführer Florian Henle und Simon Stadler die Chance, die Energiewende erneuerbar, effizient und fair zu gestalten.

TEXT & FOTOS: POLARSTERN

Polarstern ist der erste Energieversorger der Gemeinwohl-Ökonomie. Für Vertreter dieses Wirtschaftsmodells sind die ökonomische, die ökologische und die soziale Rendite gleichwertig. Das prägt auch ihr Angebot zum Ausbau der dezentralen Energieversorgung als Schlüssel einer nachhaltigen Energieversorgung von der alle profitieren. „Nur wer selbst vor Ort Energie produziert und nutzt, kann ein Gespür für die Bedeutung und den Wert bekommen, den Energie für unser Leben hat,“ ist Florian Henle überzeugt. „Die Energiewende muss direkt bei den Menschen ankommen.“ Gleichzeitig eröffnet die dezentrale Stromversorgung neue Chancen. Die Rede ist von Sharing-Ansätzen, um Strom direkt mit anderen Haushalten zu teilen, von komfortablen Services eines Smart Homes und vom Ausbau der E-Mobilitätsangebote.

te realisiert. Die lokale Stromerzeugung und -versorgung hat Vorteile für Immobilienbesitzer und Mieter, genauso wie für die Umwelt. In einer Münchener Passivhaussiedlung etwa haben Polarstern und das Architekturbüro NEST Ecoarchitektur ein zukunftsweisendes Energiekonzept realisiert. Der Heizwärmebedarf ist verglichen mit einem typischen Neubau um 75 Prozent niedriger und mit einer Photovoltaikanlage und einem Stromspeicher decken die Mieter rund 40 Prozent ihres Gesamtstrombedarfs. Am Ende bedeutet das niedrige Energiekosten, reduzierte CO2-Emissionen, mehr Unabhängigkeit von der Strompreisentwicklung und der öffentlichen Versorgung und damit eine hohe Attraktivität der Immobilie. Es ist ein Paradebeispiel für bezahlbaren und ökologischen Mietwohnbau.

In Mehrparteienhäusern und Quartieren werden immer öfter Mieterstromprojek-

Sich selbst mit Strom zu versorgen, das können Einfamilienhausbesitzer schon

82 | Issue 58 | January 2018

länger. Mit neuen Komplettangeboten gewinnt der Markt nun an Dynamik.

Polarstern bietet mit Wirklich Eigenstrom ein Rundum-Sorglos-Paket für den Eintritt in die eigene Stromversorgung. „Haushalte sollen es so einfach, komfortabel und nachhaltig wie möglich haben, Strom selbst zu erzeugen und zu nutzen. Dann ist die Energiewende zum Greifen nah,“ sagt Florian Henle. Wirklich Eigenstrom beinhaltet eine Solaranlage, einen Stromspeicher und eine Strom-Community. So werden Kunden stets zu attraktiven Preisen mit 100 Prozent Ökostrom aus Deutschland versorgt.

Die Vision, mit Energie die Welt zu verändern, lässt Polarstern auch weltweit in die dezentrale Energieversorgung investieren. In Kambodscha unterstützt das Unternehmen Familien, eigene MikroBiogasanlagen zu bauen. Es ist ihr Weg zu mehr Wohlstand, bessere Gesundheit und mehr Selbstbestimmtheit. www.polarstern-energie.de Gründer Simon Stadler (links) und Florian Henle.

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Alles in bester Ordnung: Digitales Checklisten-System.

Digitale Checkliste: Einfach und fehlerresistent.

Checklisten-App: Einwandfrei.

Daniel Vollmer, Gabriel Schlatter und Parshin Mortazi.

Check! flowtify oder die Kunst der Vereinfachung Eine App revolutioniert den Gastronomie-Sektor: Mit flowtify wird das Hygiene- & Qualitäts-Management zum Kinderspiel.

TEXT: CORNELIA BRELOWSKI I FOTOS: FLOWTIFY-GMBH

„flowtify entspringt der Leidenschaft der drei Gründer dem Produkt gegenüber!“ erklärt Co-Gründer Daniel Vollmer. „Wir wollen mit flowtify bestehende Prozesse digitalisieren, Mitarbeiter aber dabei nicht durch Technik verängstigen.“ Er spricht damit die Eigenschaften eines Gewerbes an, welches mit Mitarbeitern aus verschiedenen Altersklassen und von Quereinsteigern mit Migrationshintergrund bis zu Hotelfachprofis und Sterneköchen eine bunte Mischung an Individuen beschäftigt. Die Palette an Betrieben, die von der flowtify-App profitieren, reicht von der Betriebsgastronomie über Bäckereien, Hotelrestaurants bis zum LEH. All diese Aspekte wollen in der Umsetzung einer digitalen QualitätsmanagementLösung berücksichtigt sein.

Daniel Vollmer weiß, wovon er spricht, wenn es um die lückenlose und fehlerfreie Bearbeitung von Checklisten geht.

Nach zehn Jahren als Besitzer eines Cafés und einem Mitarbeiterstab von 22 wurden ihm die Fallstricke und die Fehleranfälligkeit von Papier-Checklisten selbst oft zum Hindernis. Er plagte sich täglich mit vermeintlich sinnlosen und doch essentiellen Problemen wie: Warum ist das Gerät nicht ordnungsgemäß gereinigt? Warum finden Mitarbeiter bei einer Kontrolle die Hygiene-Berichte nicht? Und warum bin ich nicht informiert worden, dass die Sahnemaschine mal wieder defekt ist? „Bei 12 Mitarbeitern begann ich, die Kontrolle zu verlieren,“ erinnert sich der Gastronom. „Bei 20 habe ich es nicht mehr ausgehalten. . .“ Doch jedes Problem birgt bekanntlich eine Lösung, und so machte sich Vollmer zusammen mit Co-Gründern Gabriel Schlatter und Parshin Mortazi an die Arbeit. Die zündende Idee kam ihm durch das Benutzen des Tablet-basierten orderbird Kassensystems. Herausgekommen ist

eine App, die eine digitale Lösung für Systemgastronomie, den LEH, Betriebskantinen sowie inhabergeführten Restaurants & Hotels bietet. orderbird selbst postet begeistert über flowtify: „Mit der App können Mitarbeiter die HACCP-Checklisten zur Hygienekontrolle einfach und schnell von Aufgabe zu Aufgabe abarbeiten. So wird Qualitätsmanagement im Gastgewerbe für Mitarbeiter zum Genuss!“ Bundesweit im Bereich Dokumentation von Eigenkontrollen durch die ,Länderarbeitsgemeinschaft Verbraucherschutz' anerkannt, zählt flowtify bereits im dritten Geschäftsjahr große Namen der Branche zu seinen Kunden, darunter Europa-Park Rust, Marché Int., EDEKA, und Mövenpick Hotel. Auch an Auszeichnungen mangelt es nicht für das junge Start-up: So kann flowtify bereits stolz auf den Hamburg Food Award, Lebensmittel Praxis, Land der Ideen und den Intergastra Innovationspreis verweisen. Letzterer wird übrigens am 3. Februar direkt auf der Intergastra Fachmesse für Gastronomie und Hotellerie in Stuttgart bekanntgegeben! www.flowtify.de Issue 58 | January 2018 | 83

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

The Freeletics success story:

A Munich start-up transforming the global fitness industry It all started with a YouTube video, a newsletter and a PDF. Three young athletes from Munich, Germany, created a product that, within four years, has turned Freeletics into a global market leader in the digital fitness industry.

TEXT & PHOTOS: FREELETICS GMBH

Driven by the vision of helping everyone to become the best version of themselves, both physically and mentally, Freeletics offers four health and fitness apps. Since its inception, the flagship Freeletics Bodyweight app has revolutionised the fitness industry once dominated by stationary gyms. It allows you to train anytime, anywhere, with a personal trainer in your pocket and no equipment or gym required.

The app’s coach is one of the world’s most advanced digital fitness trainers, tailored to your individual needs, goals and fitness level. Using artificial intelligence, it analyses performance, tracks progress and adapts training plans accordingly to continually challenge and motivate for optimal results.

What makes Freeletics so popular? It delivers quick and sustainable results with 84 | Issue 58 | January 2018

extremely effective HIIT (high intensity interval training) workouts, which can be done anywhere and take on average ten to 30 minutes to complete. Combined with a motivating community of millions, nothing stands between you and your goals anymore.

If bodyweight training is not your thing, there is also Freeletics Running, which maximises your running performance, speed and distance through interval running workouts, Freeletics Gym, which helps you get the most from your gym membership with barbell workouts, and Freeletics Nutrition, a goal-oriented nutrition coach which offers personalised meal plans, advice and recipes every week - no counting calories, just healthy, easy and nutritious food.

Today, Freeletics has more than 21 million registered users. People all over the world train with the apps on sports grounds, in the park, at home, or in a gym. They are part of the biggest fitness community in the world. Being connected digitally and offline, they motivate each other and work towards their personal goals together. Freeletics is more than a fitness app, it is an emerging lifestyle brand embraced all over the world.

It does not matter who you are or what your lifestyle is. With Freeletics, you will find the right tool for you to unleash your potential and get into the shape of your life. On your terms.

For more information on Freeletics, visit the following website. The Freeletics Bodyweight, Running, Gym and Nutrition apps can be downloaded for free in the App Store and Google Play Store.

Scan the QR code to download the app or visit www.freeletics.com

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Tesla Roadster.

CEO Tim Ruhoff.

Mobility Plattform fleetster Mobilitäts-Apps sind heutzutage nicht mehr aus unserer Gesellschaft wegzudenken. Das Münchner Start-up fleetster designt innovative MobilitätsSoftware und personalisierte Apps für Corporate Carsharing, Flottenmanagement, Public Carsharing und vieles mehr.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: FLEETSTER

Nachdem Tim Ruhoff als StrategieBerater im Bereich Elektroautos und Energiesysteme sehr aktiv war, überzeugte er 2009 seinen ehemaligen Chef davon, dass es an der Zeit war in Elektromobilität zu investieren.

Sein Chef, Karim Barkawi, wurde tatsächlich zum Investor und kaufte einen der ersten Tesla Roadster in Europa, um zusammen mit Ruhoff im Bereich Elektromobilität früh aktiv zu werden. Das Geschäftsmodell war klar definiert: Firmen-Events mit Elektroautos als Highlight. fleetster‘s CEO Tim Ruhoff erinnert sich: „Ab 2012 haben wir begonnen Software für die Integration von Elektrofahrzeugen in Flotten zu entwickeln. Daraus entstand die Software fleetster. Wir waren aber zu früh am Markt, weil es 2012 fast keine Elektroautos gab. Daher haben wir das Produkt immer mehr erweitert, bis es die Mobilitätsplattform war, die wir jetzt haben. Heute sind wir 20 Mitarbeiter, wobei

der Großteil Software-Entwickler, -Designer und -Tester sind.“ Spannend ist fleetster für alle Unternehmen, die ihren Fuhrpark digitalisieren möchten, oder solche die das Thema Elektromobilität ernsthaft angehen wollen. Unternehmen, die Software und Technologie rund um Fahrzeuge in ihrem eigenen Design anbieten wollen, sind bei fleetster ebenfalls in besten Händen.

Außerdem ist das Münchner Start-up auch für Gründer oder Unternehmen höchst relevant, welche ein öffentliches CarSharing, Fahrzeugvermietung (auch Roller und Fahrräder) oder ähnliche Mobilitätsangebote planen und einen Technologiepartner suchen. „Insgesamt sind wir ein Software- und Technologie-Unternehmen, das alle Prozesse rund um das Auto digitalisiert und die Mobilität optimiert. Das machen wir nicht nur unter der Marke fleetster sondern auch für deutsche Premium Fahr-

zeughersteller und Leasingunternehmen in deren Design und Namen,“ sagt Ruhoff. „Unsere meist-verkaufte Softwarelösung ist heute das Corporate CarSharing Modul, bei dem ein Unternehmen die eigenen Poolfahrzeuge den Mitarbeitern für Dienst- und Privatfahrten gegen Bezahlung zur Verfügung stellt, und somit die Mobilität optimiert und ein attraktives Angebot schafft.“ Sogenannte White Label Partner, wie zum Beispiel Automobilhersteller und Leasingunternehmen nutzen fleetster schon heute mit vielen 1,000 Fahrzeugen im eigenen Design. Viele Endkunden nutzen also heute eine Lösung von fleetster ohne es zu wissen. Fahrzeuge können per App geöffnet werden, aber auch neuen Anwendungsfälle werde erschlossen, dazu gehören Kofferraumbelieferung von Amazon Paketen oder Steuerung von LogistikFlotten und deren Fahrern. „Ich glaube, dass Besitzer eines Dienstwagens fleetster bald so Nutzen werden, wie iPhone-Besitzer iTunes, denn wir bauen im nächsten Jahr unser Produktportfolio massiv aus,“ fügt Ruhoff hinzu.

Wir sind gespannt. www.fleetster.de Issue 58 | January 2018 | 85

Discover Germany | Special Theme | Successful Start-ups

Alexander Bertermann, CEO von HeavenHR.

Mit HeavenHR

Personalverwaltung komplett online Ob Personalakte, Vertragserstellung, Urlaubs- und Abwesenheitsmanagement oder Lohnabrechnungen, durch die innovative Personalverwaltungssoftware HeavenHR werden alle HR Prozesse digitalisiert und somit spürbar effizienter.

Datensicherheit spielt bei HeavenHR natürlich eine große Rolle und die TÜVzertifizierte Softwarefirma stellt sicher, dass die vertraulichen Daten nicht in falsche Hände gelangen.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE I FOTOS: HEAVENHR

HeavenHR ist eine komplette Personalverwaltungssoftware, auf die viele Firmen sicher lange gewartet haben. Prozesse werden nicht nur vereinfacht und effizienter, sondern auch transparenter. Je nach Anforderung des jeweiligen Unternehmens lässt sich das Programm zum Beispiel problemlos um Schichtplanung oder Zeiterfassung erweitern. Auch der Recruitingprozess kann über HeavenHR gesteuert werden. All diese Funktionen ermöglichen es, mehr Zeit in strategisch wichtigere Themen zu investieren.

Alexander Bertermann, CEO von HeavenHR, sagt: „Das Besondere ist, dass all diese verschiedenen Module ‚zusammenarbeiten’. Stunden aus der Zeiterfassung werden beispielsweise direkt in das Lohnabrechnungsmodul übertragen.

Daten aus ‚Urlaub und Abwesenheiten’ werden auch im Schichtplanungsmodul angezeigt. Es gibt automatische Warnmeldungen, wenn man einen Mitarbeiter 86 | Issue 58 | January 2018

zuordnen will, der für diesen Tag Urlaub beantragt hat. All diese Funktionen verringern die Fehlerquote und lassen das HR Team effizienter arbeiten.“ Die Digitalisierung dieser vertraulichen Daten bedeutet auch, dass Sicherheit an erster Stelle kommt. HeavenHR ist TÜV-zertifiziert und sichert die Daten mit den besten Verschlüsselungsalgorithmen, die es aktuell gibt. Bei jeder ServerInteraktion wird eine 256-bit SSL Verschlüsselung verwendet, wie sie auch im Onlinebanking üblich ist, um sicherzustellen, dass die übertragenen Daten privat bleiben. Die Kundendaten sind in HeavenHRs deutschem Rechenzentrum gespeichert, welches nach höchsten Industrienormen zertifiziert ist.

Von Recruiting und Onboarding über die Verwaltung der Mitarbeiterdaten und den Abwesenheitsanträgen bis hin zur vorbereitenden Lohnabrechnung, HeavenHR

macht es möglich Prozesse digital zu verbinden und bei Nutzung aller Module die Lohnabrechnung vollautomatisch mit nur einem Klick abzuschließen. „Mit unserer Cloud-basierten Technologie bleiben alle Daten immer aktuell. Mitarbeiter haben ihren eigenen Zugang und können so nicht nur ihre persönlichen Daten aktuell halten, sondern auch ihre Entgeltabrechnungen und Dienstpläne jederzeit abrufen. Beispielsweise können Angestellte im Urlaub über das Smartphone ihre Gehaltszettel überprüfen,“ so Bertermann. Ein ausgefeiltes RechteManagement-System innerhalb der Software ermöglicht es jedem Mitarbeiter nur Zugang zu exakt den Mitarbeiterdaten zu gewähren, die er benötigt, um effizient zu arbeiten. So halten Arbeitgeber auch die Daten ihrer Angestellten privat. „Im Gegensatz zu traditionellen Anbietern arbeiten wir stetig an der Verbesserung unserer Module und schalten jede Woche neue Funktionen für unsere Nutzer frei,“ verrät Bertermann. „Dabei orientieren wir uns ausschließlich an Kundenwünschen.”

Neugierig geworden? Weitere Informationen gibt es online. www.heavenhr.com

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Discover Germany | Business | Solicitor Column

Chain Reaction TEXT & PHOTO: GREGOR KLEINKNECHT

Apparently I am redundant. Well, professionally at least, even though I had not noticed yet and the piles of files on my desk may have you think otherwise.

But according to people who know about blockchain technology, lawyers are going to be surplus to requirements in the very near future, as are many other professionals going to be, from estate agents and bankers to music producers, because everybody will be transacting with their counterpart direct and without the need for intermediaries, whether you wish to buy or sell a house or stream music, all paid for P2P (peer-to-peer) by crypto currency (known as bitcoins to you and me). Now, as somebody who is so firmly encrusted in the analogue age that I still use a paper Filofax (anybody else remember these?), I decided to find out whether it was time to give up my profession and join a baking, dancing or cockroach eating contest on television instead (wait: wasn’t that going to be redundant as well?!).

Now, in basic terms, a blockchain is a distributed database, where blocks of information are encrypted and stored simultaneously across a vast network of computers in lots of different locations.

When two users enter into a transaction, 88 | Issue 58 | January 2018

a ‘smart contract’ is created. The validated transaction is recorded with a unique date stamp, linked to a previous block of information and added to the blockchain, where it gives rise to a permanent record which can no longer be altered. The advantage of this arrangement is that the network automatically verifies the user’s credentials and validates the transaction, the contract becomes self-executing, and storing transactions in public transparent share databases will protect them from deletion, tampering and revision. At least in theory, this will also make transactions cheaper because of the standardised and trusted processes. Some of this is apparently already happening, albeit more often than not on a trial basis and in the more basic format of DLT (digital ledger technology).

I can quite see that this sort of thing will work for routine transactions, such as downloading a piece of music or paying a direct debit on your bank account. I can also see that it may change the way in which contracts are executed and stored. But my experience as a lawyer is that - lucky enough - life largely defies standardisation. At the same time, the increased demands for data protection

and regulatory oversight associated with blockchain technology will simply shift where the emphasis for legal and compliance advice need lies.

However, given the proliferation of data security breaches and the almost daily news diet of large scale hacks of personal and government data and everything in between, this technology may well have some time to go yet before it becomes mature enough to form a trusted part of our everyday life. Until then, my Filofax may well be the safest place to store the data I cannot do without and I better get on with doing some legal drafting work now.

Gregor Kleinknecht LM MCIArb is a German Rechtsanwalt and English solicitor, and a partner at Hunters Solicitors, a leading law firm in Central London.

Hunters Solicitors, 9 New Square, Lincoln’s Inn, London WC2A 3QN, E-mail: gjk@hunters-solicitors.co.uk www.hunters-solicitors.co.uk

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Discover Germany | Culture | Language Column

A tongue twister

– the delights of the German vocabulary

In this column, author Adam Jacot de Boinod explores the weird and wonderful world of German vocabulary and finds some rather interesting terms. Let us take a look at what he has found.

TEXT: ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD | PHOTO: DREAMSTIME

One German tongue twister that offers a lot of practice in the pronunciation of ‘sch’ portrays a rather dangerous situation: zwei schwarze schleimige Schlangen sitzen zwischen zwei spitzen Steinen und zischen. (“Two black slimy snakes sit between two pointed stones and hiss”) Work ethic The Germans have long had a reputation for working hard. Inevitably, though, alongside the ‘Urlaubsmuffel’, or person who is against taking vacations, there is also the ‘Trittbrettfahrer’ to take advantage of someone else’s efforts without contributing anything (literally, the person who rides on the stepping board of a bus or train without buying a ticket). And along with the studious ‘Technonomade’ (some90 | Issue 58 | January 2018

one who conducts most of their business on the road, using laptops and mobiles), you will find ‘Warmduscher’ someone who is easy on themself (literally, a warm showerer) and even the less scrupulous preferring ‘schwarzarbeiten’ (to do work not reported for taxes).

The colour green The idioms of the world are full of colour and have a strong symbolic force. The colour green in German has an impressive range of connotations: ‘Grün vor Stolz’: very proud (literally, green with pride) ‘Grün vor Neid’: very envious (literally, green with envy) ‘Die grüne Fee’: absinth (literally, the green fairy)

‘Er ist mir nicht ganz grün’: he seems strange, is unfamiliar to me (literally, he is not green to me) ‘Noch grün hinter den Ohren sein’: to be inexperienced (literally, to still be green behind the ears) ‘Das Gleiche in grün’: the same thing with a different appearance (literally, the same in green) ‘Er wird nie auf einen grünen Zweig kommen’: he will never get anywhere (literally, he will never get onto a green twig) ‘Ins Grüne fahren’: to take a ride into the countryside (literally, to ride into the green) ‘Ach du grüne Neune!’: Oh my God! (denoting surprise, fear or wonder) (literally, Oh, you green nine!)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Adam Jacot de Boinod worked on the first series of the BBC panel game QI for Stephen Fry. He is a British author having written three books about unusual words with Penguin Press.

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Days of Dance, Berlin. Photo: © foteinichristofilopoulou

Culture Calendar January can be a tricky month after all the celebrations of December. But to kick off the year 2018 in style, there are plenty of exciting events lined up throughout this wintery month. From sports to culture and food, there is the right thing to keep everyone in high spirits and kiss the post-Christmas blues goodbye.

TEXT: MARILENA STRACKE

New Year’s Concert, Vienna (1 January) This is the absolute highlight by the famous Wiener Philharmoniker. Works by Strauß will be the focus of this musical gem. Not only

is the New Year’s concert one of the most popular ones in Austria and beyond, it is also broadcasted live in 90 different countries. www.wienerphilharmoniker.at

Touch the Mountains, Interlaken (1 January) For some, the party might be over on 1 January. But in Switzerland’s Interlaken, it has only begun. This free open-air event features top bands and the legendary ‘Pyromusical’, which creates a perfect symbiosis of fireworks and music. Plenty of after-show parties across the town ensure that the celebrations continue up until the wee hours of the morning. www.touchthemountains.ch Issue 58 | January 2018 | 91

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Four Hills Tournament, Bischofshofen (5 – 6 January) Around 25,000 ski-loving viewers come to Bischofshofen every year to cheer on the world champions at this final of the legendary Four Hills Tournament. Wrap up warm and prepare for a world-class sporty spectacle, which will happen for the 66th time this year. www.vierschanzentournee.com/en

Husky Camp and Race, Pillersee Tal (6 – 21 January) Huskies from all over the world are shown at this very special event. Visitors get to know how to care for these stunning dogs and can also pet them. A highlight is to see them run across the beautiful Austrian landscape filled with glistening snow as far as the eye can see. www.kitzbueheler-alpen.com/de/pillerseetal/ winter/schlittenhunde-camp-rennen.html

TrendSet Munich (6 – 8 January) Spread over nine halls with 2,500 collections from around 45 different countries, this fair is dedicated to lifestyle. Twice a year buyers and top decision-makers mingle and discover the trends of the next season. Open to anyone, this is a great way to explore the new products of 2018. www.trendset.de/en

Days of Dance, Berlin (4 – 14 January) Days of Dance, or Tanztage in German, is a contemporary dance festival focusing on the discovery and support of emerging Berlin-based choreographers and dancers.

The performances include a great variation of different genres and styles and are held at Sophiensael in Berlin-Mitte. Tickets for this fabulous event can be booked online. www.sophiensaele.com/festival

New Art18 Kunstmesse, Dresden (5 – 7 January) This event showcases paintings and graphics, sculptures, photos, designs and installations, and much more, and brings the process of making art closer to the visitor. This is an exciting event for professionals and art enthusiasts. www.neue-art-dresden.de 92 | Issue 58 | January 2018

TrendSet Munich. Photo: © TrendSet Munich

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Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Four Hill Tournament. Photo: © Ingo Jensen, OK Vierschanzentournee

Berlin Fashion Week (16 – 19 January) The legendary Fashion week, held twice a year in the vibrant German capital, returns this January with all its glamour. The platform where renowned designers showcase their newest creations is a solid favourite amongst fashion buyers, retailers, celebrities and journalists. This is where trends are born. www.fashion-week-berlin.com/en

International Dolomitenlauf, Lienz (18 – 21 January) Now in its 44th edition, the Dolomitenlauf is Austria’s largest and most important cross-country skiing event, which is based on a unique concept as it is open to amateurs and professionals alike. With an impressive total of seven different races of different levels in distance and difficulties, this four-day skiing extravaganza across the Dolomites is one of Austria’s absolute winter sports highlights.. www.dolomitensport.at/en/dolomitenlauf 94 | Issue 58 | January 2018

Husky race in Angerberg. Photo: © Hannes Dabernig

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

Berlin Fashion Week. Photo: © visitBerlin, Tanja Koch

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Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar International Green Week, Berlin (19 – 28 January) This special consumer fair is considered the world’s biggest one for the food, agricultural, and horticultural industries. The fair was first established in 1926 and continues to introduce new products as well as known brands testing the market. The various presentations are grouped thematically to make it easier to choose. www.gruenewoche.de/en

Antique Fair of La Gruyère, Bulle (26 – 28 January) On 8,000 square-metres, the famous traditional fair with its flea-market style offers some truly unique items by over 240 exhibitors. Over

Days of Dance, Berlin.

Photo: © Katerina Andreou

Mercedes Benz CSI: show jumping.

Photo: © Billy Twomey, Duke Ardcolum

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the past years, this market has quickly turned into the largest indoor event of its kind in the French part of Switzerland and is loved by locals and travellers alike. www.la-gruyere.ch/en/P7034/antique-fair-ofla-gruyere

Mercedes-Benz CSI – Horse Show Jumping Competition, Zurich (26 – 28 January) The 30th edition will also be its last but this show jumping competition has aimed to close its doors with a big celebration. It is the competition with the highest monetary prizes and attracts international professionals and horse enthusiast from all over the world. www.mercedes-csi.ch/de

Touch the Mountains, Interlaken.

Photo: © Interlaken Tourismus

Discover Germany | Culture | Culture Calendar

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Discover Germany | Culture | Barbara Geier Column

Take a step back, breathe in and out TEXT & PHOTO: BARBARA GEIER

So, should we get a bit philosophical at the end of one year and the start of a new one? Well, let’s. Now is the time to take a step back, breathe in and out, deeply, and ponder for a moment. About what matters and what doesn’t, about life in general and this mad world. Soon enough, we’ll be back to normal and, in no time, say things such as “God, is it March already? It feels as if 2018 has just started.”

sticks in my mind, for its ease and laughter and general all round good vibes. I realised afterwards that I had known eight out of the ten people I spent this day with for at least 20 years and some of them for more than 30. Early childhood, school, uni. Yes, we go way back. And we all came together from near and in some cases a bit further away in this wineloving bit of Germany that I have known for all my life.

I recently had such a moment of thinking or actually simply realising something. It was triggered by a weekend trip back home to Germany in autumn and spending a Saturday on a gentle walking tour with friends in my – attention, important German word – Heimat. I’m from a small town not far from the wonderful German Wine Route in the federal state of Rhineland-Palatinate in the very west of the country and on this particular day, we went for a walk through vineyards and a bit of forest, up to an old castle ruin and back to one of the quaint villages lining the German Wine Route for some not so quaint but fairly hearty and very good local food.

Talking about having known someone for 20 or 30 years makes you feel quite old on the one hand. But also quite safe and at home on the other. No explanations needed, no small talk or answering superficial questions. Just very comfortable conversations, lots of banter and insider gags. In a way, it also made me a bit proud that I had accumulated such a bunch of great people over the years and, moreover, managed to hold on to them from afar, as it is. There’s no acclimatisation needed in such relationships, no matter how long you haven’t seen each other. The conversation is being picked up as it had been left off yesterday. For me, one of the ultimate signs of good friendship and really getting on with someone is in the end, just about feeling at home. And on this note, I’ll end my philosophical musings, no need to get soppy on you now! Just hoping that

There was nothing special happening on this autumn day which started off very rainy but turned out to produce some magically lit skies later on. And yet, it 98 | Issue 58 | January 2018

you’ll find enough time in 2018 to stop and take a deep breath from time to time. And maybe even to pop over to the German Wine Route. Let a local tell you, it’s worthwhile!

Barbara Geier is a London-based freelance writer, translator and communications consultant. She is also the face behind www.germanyiswunderbar.com, a German travel and tourism guide and blog that was set up together with UK travel writer Andrew Eames in 2010.

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