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From A for Amy Macdonald and Adèle to Z for Zarah Leander or Zaz – the interactive record exhibition offers an exciting and varied overview and interesting insights into the history of music since the founding of the BRF 80 years ago.
Contact person: Sylke Tegtmeier
German fashion designer Kristina Szász, who lives in Antwerp, will talk about her work in the fashion industry. All interested parties are welcome!
Contact: birgitta.meex@kuleuven.be
German lessons rely on the use of literature, films and other media. But which works are suitable for which context and for what purpose? Where can I find information on the literary canon and access films and various media? And what practical difficulties are there in selecting and using German-language works and media in Belgium? The ‘Week for German 2025’ is an ideal opportunity to discuss these questions – and to gain new ideas and knowledge.
In the first part of this online workshop, you will gain an overview of the current discussions on the necessary expansion of the literary and media canon. The focus will be on questions of its appeal to a changing student body and the competition from digital and social media.
In the second part, we will engage in a discussion: Which literary works, films and other media have you had good experiences with so far? Which works and media have proven difficult to access? What would a platform that makes canon and media knowledge available to German teachers in Belgium need to offer?
The workshop is primarily aimed at German teachers from Belgium, but is of course open to anyone interested in the use of the literary canon, films and other German-language media in Belgium.
If you would like to participate in this workshop, please register by Wednesday, 8 October 2025, 12:45 p.m., via the Deutschcafé website. On the day of the event, you will receive an email at 1 p.m. with the access data for Zoom online.
Registration via: Literary canon, films and other media in Belgian German lessons | Deutschcafé | University
Schedule: 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The gritty, kinetic, and visionary film style of Roland Klick is ready to be rediscovered. After working with international stars such as Mario Adorf and Dennis Hopper, Klick achieved international success and became a cult figure. Yet, after directing only six feature films, he mysteriously vanished from the scene. The story of an uncompromising filmmaker.
Little Emil has his bicycle stolen by a traveler wearing a bowler hat. Together with a gang of friends, he sets out to chase the crook, who turns out to be a dangerous bandit. Based on a screenplay by Billy Wilder, this is the most beautiful adaptation of this classic of German children’s literature.
Gerhard Lamprecht, Germany 1931, Rolf Wenkhaus, Käthe Haack, Fritz Rasp ⁄ b/w ⁄ 72′ ⁄ with French and Dutch subtitles
Contact person : CINEMATEK – Cinémathèque royale de Belgique
Roland Klick’s first feature film is a critique of bourgeois postwar German society, offering a subtle approach to political criticism through feelings and emotions. It is free of the influences of the moderate or radical left that shaped the work of other young German filmmakers of the time, who approached political critique in the form of message-driven films or explicitly subversive and radical works. An essential film in articulating another idea of political critique in cinema.
Restored version (DCP).
Roland Klick, FRG 1968, Alexander Kekulé, Sieghardt Rupp, Edith Volkmann ⁄ color ⁄ 86′ ⁄ subtitles: English
Weihnacht
The magic of Christmas seen through the eyes of a child (Weihnacht).
A neorealistic miniature about a young man whose bicycle is stolen (Ludwig).
The intersecting lives of an office worker and an older striptease dancer who briefly touch. Loneliness and the transience of human encounters.
Roland Klick, FRG 1963 ⁄ b/w ⁄ 10′ ⁄ without subtitles
Ludwig
Roland Klick, FRG 1964 ⁄ b/w ⁄ 16′ ⁄ subtitles: English
Zwei
A dockworker in search of love and meaning. A poetic, raw film blending nouvelle vague with existentialism. A modern Orpheus in a city full of shadows and desire (Jimmy Orpheus).
Restored versions (DCP).
Roland Klick, FRG 1965 ⁄ b/w ⁄ 26′ ⁄ subtitles: English
Jimmy Orpheus
Roland Klick, FRG 1966, Klaus Schichan, Ortrud Beginnen ⁄ b/w ⁄ 52′ ⁄ subtitles: English
The edgy, kinetic, and visionary cinema of Roland Klick is ready to be rediscovered. After working with international stars such as Mario Adorf and Dennis Hopper, Klick achieved international success and gained cult status. Yet, after directing only six feature films, he mysteriously disappeared from the scene. The story of an uncompromising filmmaker.
For more information: info@cinematek.be
German-language Premiere: “Only Flowers” – AGORA Theater
“Only Flowers” is filled with questions about play and joy, about death and transience, about universes that exist or those that do not yet exist. Young people from East Belgium are the ones asking these questions. Questions that often remain unanswered.
This children’s theatre piece is a playful and dance-like performance around the boundless questions of young people. Two performers set out with energy to search for answers beyond languages, asking themselves: Do we need to know everything? Understand everything?
A hopeful and humorous performance that also dares to approach taboos.
Tickets: €11 / €9 / €6
Registration: ticket@agora-theater.net
“Only Flowers” is full of questions about play and fun, about death and transience, about universes that exist or those that do not yet exist. Young people from East Belgium are the ones asking these questions. Questions that often remain unanswered.
This children’s theatre piece is a playful and dance-like performance revolving around the boundless questions of young people. Two performers energetically search for answers beyond languages and ask themselves: Do we need to know everything? Understand everything?
A hopeful and humorous performance that also dares to approach taboos.
Tickets: €11 / €9 / €6
Registration: ticket@agora-theater.net
A speechless late-night host, an annoyed interpreter, a lightning-fast live illustrator – and you in the audience. The star of the evening: the German language. But it keeps everyone waiting. So the show team and the audience must figure out together what kind of personality German really has. Between games, interviews and hidden-picture action, a turbulent evening unfolds – full of misunderstandings, monstrous words and surprising insights.
A show that breaks down language barriers – funny, interactive, international. A show with (linguistic) class.
5:30 p.m.: doors open, welcome drink.
Registration : Anmeldung zur Veranstaltung am 7. Oktober / “Kennen Sie Deutsch?” / Brachland-Ensemble
info@bgdv.be
A week for German event, organised by the BGDV in cooperation with the German Embassy in Brussels, the Goethe-Institut Belgium and many other partners, from 06 to 12 October 2025 across Belgium.
Make connections, exchange languages, and raise a glass together – sounds like a cultural cocktail you don’t want to miss!
At our speeddating event, we bring together German native speakers and Dutch-speaking learners of German.
The goal of the evening: relaxed conversations in a friendly atmosphere – at the Madmum Coffee Bar in the House of Language and Literature.
Are you a native German speaker and would like to meet people learning your language – and maybe practice a bit of Dutch too?
Or are you learning German and curious to chat with native speakers?
Then join us for our speeddating night!
Contact:
Stef Van Aken (stef.vanaken@kuleuven.be) – Faculteit Letteren, KU Leuven
Leonie Van Lierop (leonie.vanlierop@kuleuven.be) – Instituut voor Levende Talen (ILT, KU Leuven)
The German Department of the Université de Namur invites you to the second edition of its city rally on the theme “German Language and Culture in Namur.” After the success of the first edition in 2024, we have prepared a brand-new set of riddles and tricky questions for you this year!
Embark on a journey of discovery through the streets of Namur and solve exciting questions about German culture. Our city rally will guide you to different places where you will find clues that bring you step by step closer to victory. At the end of the rally, you can look forward to great prizes and a cozy reception.
The event is bilingual (German/French) and therefore open to everyone without prior knowledge of German required.
Participation is free, but registration is required. If you are interested, please send us an email: emma.joveneau@unamur.be
We are looking forward to discovering Namur with you – and perhaps uncovering one or two secrets along the way…
When?
16:00: Start of the rally (Meeting point: Rue Grafé 1, 5000 Namur)
from 18:00: Award ceremony & reception
Together with Les Grignoux, we are presenting Christian Petzold’s new film Miroirs No. 3, which had its world premiere this year in the “Quinzaine des Cinéastes” section at the Cannes Film Festival, where it was met with great enthusiasm.
Christian Petzold is regarded as one of the most prominent auteur filmmakers of our time and is considered a co-founder of the so-called Berlin School. His work consistently explores themes such as identity, loss, memory, love, and death, and is characterized by a realistic yet strikingly stylized cinematic language.
Following his acclaimed reinterpretation of the myth of Undine (Undine, 2020) and the multiple award-winning relationship drama Afire (Roter Himmel, 2023), Petzold returns in Miroirs No. 3 to the theme of the loss of a child—a subject he has already explored with unsettling precision in Wolfsburg (2003) and Ghosts (Gespenster, 2005).
Les Grignoux and the press write about it:
„Le réalisateur allemand Christian Petzold (Barbara, Le Ciel rouge) propose un conte sur le deuil et la renaissance dont la grande subtilité formelle installe une ambiance énigmatique qui fascine et séduit fortement. Lors d’un week-end à la campagne, Laura, étudiante à Berlin, survit miraculeusement à un accident de voiture. Physiquement épargnée mais profondément secouée, elle est recueillie chez Betty, qui a été témoin de l’accident et s’occupe d’elle avec affection. Peu à peu, le mari et le fils de Betty surmontent leur réticence, et une quiétude quasi familiale s’installe. Mais bientôt, ils ne peuvent plus ignorer leur passé, et Laura doit affronter sa propre vie.“
Les Grignoux, Journal n°321, du 3 septembre au 14 octobre 2025
„Un sommet de mise en scène“, Mathieu Macheret, Le Monde, Miroirs No. 3: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rOmEcYcQeEo&t=56s (Trailer)
This film is presented with the kind support of the German Embassy in Brussels.
Introduction in French and German
Jeremy Hamers, Service de Cinéma documentaire et littératie médiatique
Claus Telge, Service de langue et littérature allemandes
Centre d’ Études Allemandes, Université de Liège
The film will be shown in German with French subtitles (Ger. OV, Fr. subs).
Registration is open until October 9. Admission is free, but registration is required at: claus.telge@uliege.be.
Have you always wanted to chat with an ambassador? Now is your chance! At our diplomatic speed dating event, you can meet representatives from Germany, Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, Liechtenstein and Switzerland – in person, face to face. Come along, ask your questions and discover the German-speaking world at first hand!
Our diplomats look forward to open discussions with you. Whether it’s about politics, culture or career: it’s the exchange that counts.
They will be waiting for you:
– H.E. Martin Kotthaus, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany
– H.E. Pascal Schafhauser, Ambassador of the Principality of Liechtenstein
– H.E. Jean-Louis Thill, Ambassador of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
– H.E. Jürgen Meindl, Ambassador of the Republic of Austria
– Mr. Leonard Graf, Counselor and Deputy Head of Mission of the Swiss Embassy (tbc)
– Ms. Liesa Scholzen, Senator, Member of the Parliament of the German-speaking Community of Belgium
Admission is free.
Please register, stating the title of the activity and your first name and surname, at the following address: fp-wochefuerdeutsch@brue.auswaertiges-amt.de
Contact person: Sarah Diffels: ku-101-di@brue.auswaertiges-amt.de
As part of the Week of German, the Friedrich Naumann Foundation presents the film Die Ermittlung, based on the play of the same name by Peter Weiss. The feature film sheds light on the Frankfurt Auschwitz Trials (1963–1965) and powerfully brings to life witness testimonies and historical facts. Like the stage play, the film highlights two central issues in how the crimes of the National Socialists in Auschwitz and other concentration and extermination camps were addressed at the time.
This year, we are especially delighted that actor Tristan Seith will be joining us as our guest. To ensure enough time for the subsequent discussion with him, we will not screen the complete version of the film, but instead present a selection of approximately two hours. After the screening, Tristan Seith will engage with us in a conversation about his artistic approach to the play and share valuable insights. This gives the event an additional dimension, opening space for dialogue and reflection.
The release of the film was supported by the Friedrich Naumann Foundation as part of its thematic focus on “Liberal Democracy and Open Society.”
Refreshments will be provided – a selection of snacks will be available.
Registration link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/film-screening-die-ermittlung-tickets-1586137492939?aff=oddtdtcreator
Contact person: Jana Moritz, Friedrich Naumann Stiftung
The duo “Adrenaline & Placebo” pairs upbeat feel-good music with subtle linguistic humor in sparkling cabaret numbers to help unwind tension. At the Goethe-Institut Brussels, the passionate musician and the singer-songwriter present a show featuring two voices, accordion, and guitar/banjo. For one evening, they take the audience on a train journey with “Deutsche Wahn AG.”
In their toolkit are witty pieces like “I Can’t Do Small Talk,” “Language Junkie,” and “Winged Wordsmith.” More quirky characters push their way into the limelight: a favorite neighbor with “Helper Star Syndrome,” the “Homo Sapiens First Class,” a lady in “Handbag Frenzy,” and tourists fruitlessly searching for the last true locals. The satire culminates in the scandal-tainted “Black Cherry Cream Cake” bearing an official seal.
Since April 2025, Belgian-based musician and Germanist Constanze Schwarzer and translator-teacher-author BanJoe Combüchen have been touring with their refreshing cabaret show Made in Belgium. The German cabaret artists have irrevocably devoted themselves to their multilingual host country Belgium.
Contact : bildungskooperation-bruessel@goethe.de
Attention fairy tale fans: As part of the ‘Week for German’ at the library Het Predikheren in Mechelen on Friday, October 10, 2025 from 4.00 to 5.00 p.m., you will be offered a merry fairy tale hour. To mark the 50th anniversary of the “Märchenstrasse”, the German Embassy of Brussels and the German National Tourist Board DZT are inviting all fairy tale fans aged 4 and over, together with their parents, to discover the wonderful and mysterious places along the German Fairy Tale Route from Hanau to Bremen. One hour of fairy-tale time in the library, where we will listen to some fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, give the grown-ups great travel tips for magical family experiences along the 600 km fairy tale route and make fairy tale crafts with the children. The library has a treasure trove of fairy tale books just waiting to be borrowed and read. Participation is free, you can register via the library’s website : https://hetpredikheren.mechelen.be/50-jaar-duitse-sprookjesroute
The Boy Is Gone: East Belgium in the 1940s
A little boy dreams of soaring through the skies as a pilot. He joins a gliding club where he spends his free time, while all around him in Europe, a war rages whose full scope he can hardly comprehend.
As a child, director Christoph Bohn finds a photo of his father in uniform in a cardboard box.
As an adult, he sets out to uncover the dark story behind that image; he creates an original film weaving archival footage, animation, and eyewitness testimonies into an extraordinary documentary.
Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with director Christoph Bohn.
Spoken in German
Duration: 68 minutes
A film by Christoph Bohn
An Off World Production
Contact person: Fatma Girretz – fatma.girretz@dgov.be
The Week for German will be officially opened on Monday, 6 October 2025, under the sign of humour by the German piano cabaret artist Anne Folger. Songs on the piano, stories, music, no tap dancing. Anne Folger performs piano cabaret with a clear backdrop, profound, eloquent humour and great, deep music. Her motto: No matter the stage where life takes place, it wants to be played. Her joie de vivre starts where bad mood feels most comfortable and she consistently separates herself from it. Whether it’s about an idiot test, frustration on a dating site or a hotel room fiasco: there’s always a punchline hidden somewhere and she always saves it! Anyone who has ever seen the award-winning entertainer with her keen powers of observation live on stage knows that her evenings are always a varied mix of cabaret, stories, her own songs, stand-up comedy and great compositions. Lightning clever, charming, cheeky and profound. With her having art in the heart, music fire in the belly, a real teaser’s mischievous and sharp tongue, this evening will be one thing for sure: playfully promising! Please register by 26 September by e-mail to ku-101-di@brue.auswaertiges-amt.de As the number of places is limited, the principle of ‘first come first served’ applies.
Contactperson: Sarah Diffels: ku-101-di@brue.auswaertiges-amt.de
The maximum number of participants has been reached for this event. If you would like to participate, we will gladly put you on the waiting list.
The Department of Language and Literature of the Faculty of Philology at KU Leuven Campus Kortrijk (Kulak) organizes film nights for its students every year. Throughout the academic year, five selected films are shown, one in each language taught. On October 8, 2025, the German-language film “Jenseits der blauen Grenze” (Sarah Neumann, 2024) will be screened. The film will be introduced in German and shown with German subtitles.
Event room: A214 (A-building)
On 9 October 2025, the German Embassy in Brussels and the German National Tourist Board (GNTB*) invite you to an entertaining and informative evening about Germany as a travel destination. Lisa Berendsen, head of the German National Tourist Board’s mission abroad in Brussels, will provide exciting insights into Germany as a travel destination: from nature and culture to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sustainable travel routes and exciting city breaks. With over 3 million overnight stays in 2024, Germany is a popular destination for Belgian guests. Would you like to know more about Germany as a travel destination? Then we would like to welcome you on 9 October! The presentation will be held in 4 languages (German, French, Dutch and English).
*The GNTB promotes incoming tourism and develops strategies and marketing campaigns to enhance the positive image of German travel destinations abroad.
Register at wochefuerdeutsch@brue.auswaertiges-amt.de
Admission is from 6.30 pm.
After some information on the development and product range of Belgian Radio, we will visit the radio studios, the television studio and the TV control room. Prior registration is required.
Contact: Sylke Tegtmeier, s.tegtmeier@brf.be
