Category Archives: German

Life’s Unexpected Pleasures

Posted on April 24, 2020 by maryannniemczura

Noticing that we had a new mail carrier, I opened the garage door for the large package she carried. We chatted. Then I offered her some small snacks. She had not had lunch and was most appreciative. A hug followed. … Continue reading →

Posted in buddy bench, children, German, hugs, mail carrier, painted rocks, wearing masks | Tagged , , , , , , | 42 Comments

Until Next Time: Auf Wiedersehen!

Posted on June 1, 2018 by maryannniemczura

When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. Acceptance and coming to terms with your lot in life is key to moving forward while remaining positive. My glass continues to be half full. The German expression auf Wiedersehen (until next time) … Continue reading →

Posted in auf Wiedersehen, German, handshakes, retirement, teaching German | Tagged , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Music Colors My Life!

Posted on September 8, 2017 by maryannniemczura

Musical notes, beats, rests, keys, sharps, flats, major, minor, staff, treble clef, bass clef, rhythms, voices, moods, time signatures, adagio, allegro, forte, chant, chamber, carols, classical, dynamics, fermata, leitmotifs, sonata, staff, concerto, tones, voices – all this and more characterize … Continue reading →

Posted in award ceremonies, food for the soul, German, international language, music teachers, musical forms, role models, video conferences | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Parents as Teachers

Posted on August 25, 2017 by maryannniemczura

As a German language educator of more than forty years of experience, I knew the intrinsic value of beginning language learning at an early age. Since most US schools do not begin foreign languages with children as early as two … Continue reading →

Posted in American and German children, Fulbright to Germany, German, German and English share ssame linguistic DNA, German language, German songs, Germany, language teachers, parenting, schools in Germany, teachers, teaching German, video conferences between US & German schools | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 27 Comments

Better Late Than Never!

Posted on January 13, 2017 by maryannniemczura

Mildly amused but not surprised, I read the translation of my English to German sentence for wearing braces on my teeth. Google  translate offered me a funny example for  “She wore braces on her teeth.”  It seemed pretty straight-forward to me, … Continue reading →

Posted in dental braces, German, Germany, orthodontist | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments

Wir Lieben Deutsch!

Posted on June 13, 2015 by maryannniemczura

Blessed with the best profession in the world as a German teacher, I bid my students goodbye as they embark on life’s adventures. It is my custom with the seniors to offer them a handshake or a hug as they … Continue reading →

Posted in bidding goodbye, German, memories, rewarding profession, students, Teaching | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Auf Wiedersehen, Until Next Time

Posted on May 30, 2015 by maryannniemczura

The German expression auf Wiedersehen seems less final than goodbye in English which implies forever or farewell. The German appears hopeful and means until we see one another again. At the conclusion of both Fulbright experiences in Germany, the Director … Continue reading →

Posted in auf Wiedersehen, education, educator, faith, German, life lessons, saying goodbyes, students, study abroad | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments