Postkarte von...

This marks the introduction of a new section - known as "Postkarte von..." - which exhibits some of the excellent travel photography and impressions from UTS students who are undertaking their In-Country Study (ICS) in Germany and/or the German-speaking part of Switzerland*.

We're also hoping to show the other side of the equation, that is, members of deUTSch and our Stammtisch from a German-speaking country and would like to allow us insight into their impression of Australien. If you'd like to submit a photo or a tale, please contact one of the execs of deUTSch or leave a message on the blog.

Here we have Steffi Dietz's very fine photo of green Ampelmännle (or Ampelmännchen to the non-Swabian types). The photo was taken outside a café in Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin at the end of winter - note the traces of snow under the cars. Isn't it herzzereißend schön? Steffi is currently undertaking her ICS at another wonderful place, albeit at the other end of the country, namely Konstanz.

* Yes, some of the Swiss do speak Hochtüütsch, allerdings mit nem Aktzenli.

The times, they are a-changin'

Es weht ein neuer Wind and things are changing in Germany: the Ruhrgebiet is presenting itself as the European cultural capital of 2010, Gladbach has put an end to Eintracht Frankfurt's winning streak, and Til Schweiger didn't cast all his children in his latest film.

The changes come hand in hand with a more comforting development, namely the enthusiastic new executive team for deUTSch. Please make welcome:

Lebenskünstlerin: Flora Suen

Back from Konstanz, Flora will endeavour to find decent German bread in this city and present the local cultural scene for those who are adept at rumflanieren.

Stammtischler: Daniel Miller

Back from Regensburg and with the perfect initials for the job (Deutschmark & a German drugstore chain!), DM will organise our weekly Stammtisch.

Geselliger Schmetterling: Sophie Hohnen

Back from Tübingen, Sophie is our resident expert on the Black Forest Bollenhut and will keep the ground close to her ear for German cultural events in Sydney.

Außenministerin: Asja Šimunović

Back from Tübingen, Asja will network with the German societies from the University of Sydney and UNSW for joint social events.

Navigationsoffizier: Nigel Moore

Back from Göttingen, Nigel will organise bushwalks in the incomparable natural surrounds of Sydney.