Mach Mit! Day of the German language also in Utrecht

Germany has become hip. We go on holiday, to ski, to visit cities or to eat tasty Bratwurst and to taste beer. But what about our knowledge of the German language? Unfortunately, there are not enough German-speaking people in the Netherlands, nor in Utrecht. Nationally there are more than five thousand vacancies for which German is required. This is a major problem for the Dutch economy. Enough reasons for two Utrecht organizations to promote the Day of the German language on March 26, 2019 and to arouse interest in the German language and culture.

Unemployment in Germany has not been this low since German reunification, ie for 30 years. This makes it less attractive for Germans to go abroad. Moreover, fewer and fewer Dutch people speak enough German to make a difference in a business environment. In short, there is a shortage of German-speaking employees.

Countless promotions pick this up. For example, the Actiegroep Duits — a unique partnership of economy, culture, education and politics — organizes the Day of the German Language every year. The DeutschKlasse and Meet the Germans from Utrecht are happy to participate in a number of activities for both children and adults.

For example, in the Museum Speelklok on Sunday 24 March, a treasure hunt for children of the DeutschKlasse takes place. On the Day of the German language itself, both organizations offer free teaching packages for primary schools, and in the evening, a special walking tour along Trajectum Lumen takes place in English, Dutch and German, including a quiz where small prizes can be won. Everyone can participate. Meet on March 26 at 8 pm in front of the Apollo Hotel Utrecht City Center (Vredenburg 14).

The DeutschKlasse has set itself the goal of providing a platform for the German-speaking parent community in Utrecht and the Netherlands, as well as their children to nurture their own language, culture and tradition. Meet the Germans is a network platform for everyone and, in addition to information about life in the Netherlands, also regularly offers network activities and a job exchange.

More information about Meet the Germans and the DeutschKlasse Utrecht, upcoming events and activities can be found on www.meetthegermans.info and www.deutschklasse.nl. Mach Mit! offers a large overview of all activities throughout the country on www.machmit.nl.

Originally published by DeutschKlasse on Utrecht, March 22, 2019