Chicago, IL — April 11, 2023 — The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is celebrating after being named Chicago’s Best in Language Instruction in the Chicago Reader.

Each year the Chicago Reader puts out an issue listing the best that Chicago has to offer. From bars and restaurants to artists and events, the Reader looks for the best in many categories. This year, the DANK Haus was in the running for Best Language Instruction. Readers of the Chicago newspaper voted and placed the DANK Haus in first place. "We are honored to be recognized by the Chicago Reader as the best language instruction. This acknowledgment is a testament to our commitment to providing effective and enjoyable language learning and our passion for promoting cultural understanding,” said Monica Jirak, DANK Haus Executive Director. Alliance Française de Chicago came in second, followed by Na Gaeil Chicago. 

The DANK Haus offers German language classes for all ages, from as young as 6 months through adulthood. High school students have the opportunity to prepare for and take the Deutsches Sprachdiplom (DSD), which is accepted as proof of language proficiency at all German universities. Adult language learners are invited to take classes at any level or even pursue special interest courses, such as German Book Club, the Science of German Food, and more. While many classes are in-person, the language program has also expanded its online footprint over the last few years, reaching learners across the country. Additionally, learners will soon be able to take the ÖSD exam to officially prove their language proficiencies - this exam is accepted internationally as part of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. 

Currently the DANK Haus is enrolling Kinderages 3 - 14 for the 2023-2024 Weekday Kinderschule program offering Pre-K and Kindergarten, Summer Camp, and Tennis Camp, while registration for Adult Summer Language classes also recently opened. German learners also have the opportunity to practice their German in real situations at many public programs hosted by the DANK Haus throughout the year, from bilingual Yoga to Stammtisch.

The DANK Haus language program was established in 1964. For nearly 60 years, the DANK Haus has been fostering a love of the German language which clearly shows, as the vote for best language instruction has shown. "This recognition by the community reflects the großartige work, and dedication our language school team puts into every lesson, and the enthusiasm our teachers bring to class every day," said Dr. Carina Staudte, Language Program Director for the DANK Haus. The DANK Haus is excited to celebrate this outcome and is looking forward to the next 60 years of German language learning.

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is located at 4740 N. Western Avenue in the heart of the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. The cultural center is a cornerstone for German American culture and the community at large.

About the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting German and German American culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a language school, museum, library, art gallery, and through educational and social programming. It is located in Chicago's historically German neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Core programming includes a German Language School for children and adults, rotating Fine Arts and Museum exhibits, monthly Open Haus, Kulturküche Cooking Classes, Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen, Public Event Viewing Parties, Oktoberfest and more. The DANK Haus is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance – a consortium of ethnic museums, cultural centers and historical societies whose mission is to effect social change through cultural diversity.

More information: 

www.dankhaus.com

www.dankhaus.com/Education

Chicago, IL — November 16, 2022 —  This month the FIFA World Cup, an international soccer competition, will kick off in Qatar. Germany has a storied World Cup tale and is one of the most successful nations in the contest’s history. After a disappointing showing in 2018, the German team eyes 2022 as its redemption year. Will they succeed? Fans can follow Germany’s journey to the World Cup at the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, which will host viewing parties in its iconic Brauhaus Room. As long as Germany progresses, the DANK Haus will party on.

There is no better place in Chicago to watch the World Cup games than at the DANK Haus. This German American Cultural Center, located in the heart of Chicago’s traditional German neighborhood Lincoln Square, has multiple big screen viewing options, authentic German food and drinks available for purchase, and a ton of fan spirit. For the World Cup in 2014, the DANK Haus hosted over 800 fans, with a waiting line stretching all the way to Lawrence Avenue. This winter, soccer enthusiasts will once again be guaranteed a good time.

The DANK Haus will show all the Germany games and invites everyone to come to their public viewing parties. Amongst their fellow fans, friends of German soccer will enjoy cheering on their favorite team, sporting everything from scarves to tricots to facepaint. If names like Schweinsteiger, Özil, or Götze make your heart beat faster, DANK Haus is the place to be this winter! In addition to the Germany games, the DANK Haus will show only one US game, as the US team faces England on Friday, November 25th. For all the games, there will be a $5 suggested donation asked at the door. This event is made possible by the generosity of Veltins, our World Cup sponsor.

In 2012, the format of the tournament was changed to accommodate 24 teams instead of 16. Germany is in Group E with Japan, Spain, and Costa Rica. The top two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.

Learn more at dankhaus.com/World-Cup

CHICAGO, May 27, 2022 — For centuries, certain regions in Germany have marked the coming of spring and warmer weather with a Maibaum, or a Maypole, decorated with handmade trinkets and wrapped in ribbons. With the large waves of German immigrants to the Midwest, the tradition caught fire in Chicago. In fact, there is a multi-story tall Maypole just outside the Western Brown Line station donated by our sister city, Hamburg Germany.

The cancellation of Maifest in the last two years had a significant financial impact. For this reason, the DANK Haus is overjoyed to be back at the fest, taking place from June 2nd through the 5th, and hopes to raise $30,000. To do this, DANK Haus will have to draw people to them, as they will only receive funds from sales made at their bar. They will be selling drinks, pretzels, and landjäger at their bar and will have information, fun activities, and special freebies at their info table in the tent located at 4715 N. Western Avenue. Visitors can even commemorate their Maifest experience with a memorable photo opp at the wooden Dirndl and Lederhosen cutouts designed by local artist Karl Raack. Guests should be sure to stop by the DANK Haus tent to beat the lines at the busier bars, take a special photo, have some fun with the activities, claim a special DANK Haus giveaway item, and support their local community cultural center since 1959!

Funds raised by the DANK Haus at Maifest Chicago support important services and initiatives at the Haus, including long-awaited accessibility improvements to their 95 year old building. These funds also make it possible for the DANK Haus to provide important community services such as summer camp for children ages 3-9, enriching art exhibitions by international artists, special events that promote cultural understanding, and more.

“Participating in the annual Maifest is not only a fundraising opportunity for the DANK Haus but also a community building event for the celebration of spring and our uniquely German American traditions,” said Monica Jirak, Executive Director of the DANK Haus. The fest offers an important opportunity to be a pillar member of the Lincoln Square community and reach new audiences. At the DANK Haus info booth, visitors can expect to find information about all the DANK Haus’ services including educational opportunities for ages 6 months through adulthood, art and history exhibitions, cultural and community events, and event space for local families and non-profits. 

The DANK Haus bar and info booth will be located near the Auxiliary tent, which will feature live music on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Friday’s band in the auxiliary tent, The Tuesdays, is especially near and dear to the DANK Haus as Carol Himmel, longtime DANK friend and partner, is a band member! The DANK Haus extends its thanks to the Maifest Committee for the opportunity to participate. We look forward to coming together with fellow German clubs Rheinischer Verein Chicago, St. Hubertus Jagd Club, the Heimat und Trachtenverein Edelweiss, and the D’Holzhacker Baum to bring this taste of Germany to Chicago.

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is located at 4740 N. Western Avenue in the heart of the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. The cultural center is a cornerstone for German American culture and the community at large.

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EVENT DETAILS

Maifest Chicago

Date & Time: June 2-5th

Location: Lincoln Square

Website: http://www.mayfestchicago.com/index.html 

Details: https://fb.me/e/2dZTK3FZt  

About the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center - The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting German and German American culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a language school, museum, library, art gallery, and through educational and social programming. It is located in Chicago's historically German neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Core programming includes a German Language School for children and adults, rotating Fine Arts and Museum exhibits, monthly Open Haus, Kulturküche Cooking Classes, Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen, Public Event Viewing Parties, Oktoberfest and more. The DANK Haus is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance – a consortium of ethnic museums, cultural centers and historical societies whose mission is to effect social change through cultural diversity. For more information, visit www.dankhaus.com.

Out of an abundance of caution, we have decided to postpone this week's Elternabend due to inclement weather. We will now have it on Thursday, March 31st from 6-8pm. All ticketing and pricing will remain the same, however this new date will be after Karneval season has ended, so it will not be a Karneval theme. 

Chicago, IL — February 8, 2022 —  The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is taking inspiration from the history of their home in Lincoln Square for their annual fundraising gala. The gala will be held on Saturday, March 19th and will have a 1920s theme, hearkening back to when their building was first constructed in 1927 by German architect Paul Gerhardt.

Known as the “Roaring 20s” in the US and the “Golden 20s” in Germany, the 1920s was a time of brief prosperity and social change that lasted until the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Among the bold fashions, jazz music, cabaret dancing, and prohibition in the US, a new building arose in Lincoln Square. This building, originally built for the Three Links Association, now houses the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center. It is this glittering past, and the building’s 95th anniversary, that the DANK Haus will return to for their annual gala. 

After an exceptionally hard two years due to the ongoing pandemic, the DANK Haus has been fortunate to turn challenges into opportunities. Last year’s gala was themed around the annual Maifest celebration that typically takes place in Lincoln Square but was canceled due to the pandemic. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the DANK Haus was fortunate to raise over $40,000 at that event. While the pandemic is still with us, so is the determination of organizations like the DANK Haus to not only survive, but to thrive despite the challenges these years have presented. By returning to the 1920s, the DANK Haus hopes to draw on its exceptional history to continue the enthusiasm for its future. 

At the “Gin & Jazz in Berlin” Gala, you can expect to be transported back in time as you sit in our beautiful, historic ballroom listening to live jazz and sipping on a specially crafted cocktail. “This event is really a great opportunity to celebrate our history while we raise funds to secure our future,” says Executive Director Monica Jirak. All proceeds will benefit educational and cultural programs at the DANK Haus, your community cultural center since 1959!

We are so excited to share that this event will feature a delicious seated dinner by Food Network’s Hearty Boys, German beer provided by Dovetail Brewery, wine, and a signature gin cocktail with gin provided by Letherbee Distillers. The event will also feature live musical entertainment by a collection of all-star jazz musicians, a silent auction, and many more activities. Guests are encouraged to get into the 1920s spirit by dressing in the era’s memorable fashion! We are so happy to partner with Fantasy Costumes to provide discounted costume rental to our guests! If you're joining us for our gala be sure to stop through our selfie booth from DigiBooths!

This event is made possible by our generous sponsors including 53 Bank, Corkhill Insurance, The Gene and Rosemary Schulter Foundation, Cafe Selmarie, Dovetail Brewery, Binny’s Beverage Depot and Letherbee Distillers. We are still looking for additional sponsors to help offset the costs of this event. We are looking for both monetary and in-kind sponsorship and donations. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating for the event, please contact rosa@dankhaus.com.

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is located at 4740 N. Western Avenue in the heart of the Lincoln Square neighborhood of Chicago. The cultural center is a cornerstone for German American culture and the community at large.

EVENT DETAILS

Gin & Jazz in Berlin Spring Gala

Date & Time: Saturday, March 19, 6:00-11:00pm 

Locations: DANK Haus 5th Floor, Marunde Ballroom

Website:https://dankhaus.com/Gala

Details:http://events.handbid.com/auctions/gin-jazz-in-berlin-fundraiser-2022 

About the DANK Haus German American Cultural Center

The DANK Haus German American Cultural Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization committed to preserving and promoting German and German American culture, heritage, and language through maintaining a language school, museum, library, art gallery, and through educational and social programming. It is located in Chicago's historically German neighborhood, Lincoln Square. Core programming includes a German Language School for children and adults, rotating Fine Arts and Museum exhibits, monthly Open Haus, Kulturküche Cooking Classes, Kino, Kaffee und Kuchen, Public Event Viewing Parties, Oktoberfest and more. The DANK Haus is a core member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance – a consortium of ethnic museums, cultural centers and historical societies whose mission is to effect social change through cultural diversity

More information:www.dankhaus.com

It is with the health and safety of our community in mind that we have decided to postpone the return of our Kino program to February. Please email samantha@dankhaus.com or call us at 773-561-9181 with any questions!

On December 21, 2021 the City of Chicago announced Public Health Order No. 2021-2. Effective January 3rd, 2022 any individual 5 years of age or older to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to dine indoors, visit gyms, or entertainment venues where food or drink are being served. 

Read the Full Order

We are excited to announce that Verena Hagen is joining the DANK Haus Staff as the Language Program Assistant! 

Meet Verena!

"I was born in Ibbenbüren, a small mining town in the Münsterland. I studied Linguistics in Dortmund, met my American husband during a study abroad semester in Ireland, and with a little covid-delay am finally here and excited to get started at the DANK! I previously worked in writing website content and translation."

Willkommen, Verena! We are so happy to have you here! Be sure to say a hearty "Willkommen" to Verena if you see her around!

We are pleased and excited to announce that Carina Staudte has been appointed as our new Language Program Director!

Carina grew up in the northern part of Germany, near the town of Flensburg. After receiving her Abitur (high school diploma), she explored California as an Au Pair before she started pursuing her Magistra Atrium at the Martin-Luther Universität in Halle (a.d. Saale). There, she studied Anglo-American studies, political science and psychology, and deepened her fascination with languages by venturing to South Korea for a semester. 

Splitting her time between the US and Germany, she then received her PhD from the Europa-Universität Flensburg in American Literature and settled down in Chicago with her family. 

She started to work at the DANK as a teacher, then became the assistant to the director of the language school and now is thrilled to lead, grow and innovate the language school with the help of her team!