Q:  What is German Day? 

A:  It is a fun filled day of German Competitions in Language, Music and Visual Arts put on by the German Department of the University of Michigan for high school and middle school students.   U of M has been hosting German Day for over 30 years.  Each year there is a different theme highlighting a famous person or time in German history or culture.  Last years theme was the 20 year anniversary of the Fall of the Berlin Wall.

Q:  When is German Day?

A:  German Day is usually held the third week in March. In 2010 it will take place on Friday, March 19th from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Q:  Who should go?

A:  Frau Iden expects all of her current German students to attend and enter at least one speaking event.  Students may enter more than one if there is a desire to also participate in a musical or visual arts event.  The presentations are developed and practiced in class and therefore a grade for participating is also assigned.

Q:  What are the events exactly?

A:  The events for each level 1-4 usually include: 

1)  Poetry Recitation (preselected)

2)  Impromptu Conversation (topics by level)

3)  Reading (pronunciation, fluency, inflexion, etc.)

4)  Skits - Original

5)  Skits - based on existing German Literature

6)  Commercials (1 to 2 minutes advertisements)

7)  Vocal Performances (Solo or Group)

8)  Instrumental Music (German Composers)

9)  Visual Arts

10)  Web Site Design - Original

11)  Video/DVD Submissions - Original based on theme

12)  Spelling Bee (New Event as of 2006!)

13) Community Project (New Event as of 2008!)

Q:  Why go?

A:  Frau Iden feels that the German students need an opportunity to use what they are learning.  The University of Ann Arbor is a world class institution.  Schools, both public and private from all over southern Michigan attend.  The students can connect to what other students in other schools are accomplishing.  In these situations, students can be creative, humorous, or serious, depending on the event that they choose.  For some students, their participation means taking a controlled risk outside their comfort zone.  Going before a judge is a personal challenge but one where everyone is very friendly and supportive.  It is a very welcoming and enthusiastic environment.

Q:  Are there awards or prizes?

A:  Yes!  Though prizes are small, there is an enormous sense of pride gained from placing in these events after competing against other well respected schools.  Check out the web-site with winners from previous years. German Day Video

Q:  Who are past winners from Hartland?

A: There are many over the years but the past two are as follows:

2008 Results

Art:  1st place - Lauren Schwartz

Commercials:  Level I - 2nd place - Aaron Braun, Zak Malott, James Walker, __________________

Skit:  Level II - 2nd place - Sydney Hines, Ryan Walker, Steve Rollins, Kelsey Taylor, _____________

Speaking:  Level I - 1st place - Jimmy Leonard, 3rd place - Kelly-Anne Zayan

Websites: Level I -2nd place - Jon Falconer

2009 Results

Art:  1st place - Lauren Schwartz

Commercials:  Level I - 1st place - Ian Green, Daniella Buffa, Erich Leazer, Greg Velliky, Alex Lichtenburg

Commercials:  Level III - 2nd place - Steve Rollins, Kelly Schiess, Zak Malott, Claire Winn

Poetry:  Level I - 2nd place - Cade Colley

Speaking:  Level I - 2nd place - Cooper Kubitz

Skits:  Level I - 3rd Place (Most of 1st hour class)

Videos:  Level I - Ryan Watson, Jon Falconer, Chelsea Whitcomb, Jake Pryzwara