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