German National Anthem, Song

This month for my second song I listened to the German National Anthem, listen to it here.

German Motto

While studying the German coat of arms and flag I found that the german motto is "Einikeit und Recht und Freiheit" which in English is "Unity and Justice and Freedom" and I realized it is very close to the meanings of the colors on the German coat of arms and flag.

German Coat of Arms

The German coat of arms has a black eagle on a yellow background with red beak and talons. The colors, you may notice directly relate to the German flag. The eagle symbolizes imperial power, this is because it was once the symbol of the Holy Roman Empire.

German Flag

The three colors on the German flag, black, red, and gold, symbolize German unity and freedom as well as the freedom of the people.

Nur in meinem Kopf Song

Today I listened to a new German song, listen to it here.

Romanesque Era

The Romanesque Era in Germany took place roughly from the 12^th century to the 15^th century. A trademark of this era is a semi circle arch (right bottom), which would eventually evolve into the Gothic era as well. A very important building from this era is the Speyer Cathedral (left), which was built around 1030 and was at one point the largest building in Europe and a symbol of power for four German kings. Many churches were designed in this era so it is commonly associated with the Christian church. Some castles were built between the Romanesque and Gothic eras so have influences from both, an example of this is Maulbronn Abbey (right top).

Numbers

Zero-Null

One-Eins

Two-Zwei

Three-Drei

Four-Vier

Five-Fünf

Six-Sechs

Seven-Sieben

Eight-Acht

Nine-Neun

Ten-Zehn

Introductions

Hello my name is Laurel-Hallo mein Name ist Laurel

What is your name?-Wie heißt du?

How are you?-Wie geht es dir?

I am well-Mir geht es gut

Nice to meet you-Schön dich kennenzulernen

Good bye-Auf Wiedersehen

Plan for November

Learn how to introduce yourself and the numbers. Learn about Romanesque era. Listen to two songs. Learn about German flag and coat of arms.

German Song

Me and Michelle listened to some German songs, listen to one here.

Simple Phrases

Hi-Hallo

Bye-Tschüss

Yes-Ja

No-Nein

Thank You-Danke

Please-Bitte, apparently not a term of endearment...

Bless You-Gesundheit

My name is Laurel-Mein Name ist Laurel

I speak only a little German-Ich spreche nur ein bischen Deutsch

I'm from America. Ich komme aus Amerika

Colors

White-Weiß

Pink-Rosa

Red-Rot

Orange-Orange

Yellow-Gelb

Green-Grün

Blue-Blau

Purple-Violet

Brown-Braun

Black-Schwartz

Staples in German

Basics for cooking in German!

Flour-Mehl

Butter-Butter

Sugar-Zucker

Water-Wasser

Egg-Ei

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest is a 17 day long beer party that originated from the royal wedding in 1810 where the people were invited to celebrate by watching a horse race. Special food and beer are often made for the occasion, some of these foods are sausages, potato dumplings, red cabbage and many more. There have been years were Oktoberfest was not celebrated, for example during World War 1.