Max Kade German House
Über das Haus
Our goal is to promote the cultures of the German-speaking countries and to immerse the students in the German language. Two native speakers of German reside in the House every year: the Faculty-in-residence and the Teaching Assistant.
Facts about the German House:
located on south campus on South Professor Street
houses 37 residents (including first-year students through graduating seniors):
15 singles
8 divided doubles
2 super singles
1 quad
cozy library with over 1,000 volumes and satellite television with German channel
spacious new kitchen
comfortable lounge with fireplace, piano, large-screen television, multi-system VCR/DVD player
24 hour access to computer room and study areas
Residents should:
Demonstrate an interest in German House matters
Participate in the program by contributing ideas and time
Serve actively as members of German House committees (Special Events, Food, Blauer Salon)
Be willing to speak German
Be part of the community and accept responsibility for its well-being and growth
Enroll in a beginning German class during the year of residence, if they have not already begun to study German
The Max Kade German House regularly sponsors fun, German related activities for students. Residents are encouraged to speak German, and they can practice with each other and the native German speakers of the house. Because German House is small enough to easily organize many activities, there are many informal gatherings each week as well as scheduled events.
Cultural Festival
Stammtisch
Stammtisch is a great time to meet with other German speakers to get some practice conversing in German. Held at a local restaurant, students can have fun with faculty and friends while enjoying free food.
Teestube
Residents of German house can take a break every week, have some tea and snacks, and hang out with the in-house faculty. During this time, students may receive help with their German homework, discuss current issues in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, or just find out how to speak like a local!
German Table
Students and members of the German faculty meet during the week for lunch and dinner at Stevenson Dining Hall. Students have the opportunity to ask questions and practice their German.
Grillparty
When the weather gets nice, German House hosts a semi-annual barbecue and we grill all day!
Oktoberfest
The German House shares some German culture and fun with the rest of Oberlin every year with a huge, campus wide party with food, drinks, and live bands.
Brunch
Occasionally German House makes the weekend better by putting on a nice brunch with a touch of German flavor and culture.
Baking Christmas Cookies
Baking and cooking are two common activities in the modern, well-equipped German House kitchen. Making Christmas cookies every year is a favorite tradition of German House residents.
Christmas Dinner
German House members gather before Christmas to spend time together as a community and try out wonderful German cuisine.
Fasching (Carnival)
Another famous holiday is celebrated in German House with a big party and lots dancing and fun.
Märchenabend am Kaminfeuer
German department faculty and friends read their favorite German fairy tales while German House members gather around the huge, cozy fireplace in German House lounge.
Der Blaue Salon
Students and friends of the German department pride themselves on their ability to excel not only at language, but music, theater, and the arts. Because of this, the German department hosts a talent show, Der Blaue Salon, twice a year to showcase our many talents.
