German - Activities
Significant Activities conducted by the Department
1. Thursday, 1st August 2024: Swiss National Day Celebration.
The Department of German celebrated Swiss National Day on 1st August 2025 with great enthusiasm. As one of the German-speaking countries, Switzerland holds significant relevance for students learning the German language, offering them a broader understanding of its usage, diversity, and cultural context beyond Germany. To mark the occasion, a series of engaging and educational activities were organized for the students. The event commenced with an informative session highlighting fascinating facts about Switzerland. This was followed by a PowerPoint presentation prepared and presented by the TYBA German Special students, offering insights into Swiss culture, traditions, and its unique multilingual identity. An exciting feature of the event was an introductory session on Schwyzerdütsch—the Swiss German dialect. This session provided students with an understanding of how the dialect differs from Standard German in terms of pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. It was conducted by faculty members Ms. Aishwarya Karikar and Ms. Sneha Mahajan, Head of the German Department. The event proved highly beneficial for the students as it not only deepened their knowledge of Swiss culture and linguistic diversity but also helped them appreciate the real-world application of the German language beyond Germany. By exploring the dialect, students developed a broader perspective of the German-speaking world, enhancing both their linguistic competence and cultural awareness.
2. Wednesday, 28th August 2024: Visit from the Bavarian Elite Academy, Germany.
On 28th August 2024, 12 students from the Bayerische Elite Akademie (BEA), Germany visited the college. The Department of German hosted them for the first half of the day, organizing an interactive session with German language students. The exchange featured cultural sharing and conversations in German, enriching the learning experience for all. The day also marked the celebration of Goethe’s birth anniversary, featuring a poetry recital and a Bharatnatyam performance based on one of his poems by students of the Department. The event highlighted a beautiful blend of German literature and Indian culture.
3. Monday, 23rd September 2024: German Meet / Welcome function for students of first year.
The German Department warmly welcomed the new batch of F.Y.B.A students on Monday, 23rd September 2024, with a vibrant and joyful welcome function. The event was thoughtfully organized by the T.Y.B.A students, setting the tone for an exciting academic journey ahead. The program began with a warm introduction and welcome address by the Head of the Department, Ms. Sneha Mahajan, who spoke about the department’s vision and the opportunities that awaited the new students. The celebration featured energetic dance performances, soulful music, and fun-filled games that helped break the ice and brought everyone together in a lively atmosphere. A special “meet and greet” session allowed the freshers to interact with their seniors, leading to a meaningful exchange of thoughts, ideas, and experiences. The event was a perfect start to the academic year, fostering a sense of belonging, enthusiasm, and camaraderie within the German Department.
4. Tuesday, 10th December 2024: Guest Lecture on Changing culinary trends in Germany.
The Department of German at Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Pune, organized a guest lecture on 10th December 2024 at 9:00 AM. Guest speakers Ms. Janika Schröder and Ms. Laura Drobner delivered an engaging session on German Food and Drink: Stereotypes and Changes in German Cuisine. The lecture provided students with insights into traditional German culinary culture, evolving food habits, and common stereotypes. The session was interactive, featuring lively discussions on the influence of globalization on German cuisine. The event broadened students’ cultural understanding, enriched their German vocabulary, and enhanced their intercultural sensitivity. Interaction with native speakers also strengthened their listening and communication skills in German.
5. Tuesday, 24th December 2025: Nikolaustag Celebration – Culture Through Festivity.
The Nikolaustag celebration at the department was a joyful event that brought together students from FY, SY, and TY to experience an important German tradition. Held in December, the celebration introduced students to the customs associated with St. Nicholas Day in Germany. Students exchanged small gifts, took part in fun games, and participated in a quiz focused on the cultural aspects of the festival. The event was designed to be both educational and entertaining, helping students understand the significance of Nikolaus in German-speaking countries. The cheerful atmosphere, and interactive elements made the day truly special. It gave students a chance to celebrate as a community while immersing themselves in German culture in a fun and memorable way.
6. December 2024: Departmental Competitions.
Kochtag – A Taste of German Speaking Countries: One of the most anticipated and enjoyable events of the academic year was the Kochtag, where students got a chance to explore German culture through its cuisine. The event invited students to cook and present authentic German dishes, allowing them to go beyond textbooks and experience Germany through taste. From traditional potato salads to hearty pretzels and sweet delights like Apfelstrudel, the variety of dishes reflected the students’ dedication and creativity. The event was a great success, not only in terms of participation but also in fostering teamwork and intercultural learning. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, the aroma of freshly prepared food, and lively conversations in German. It was a fun and delicious way to connect with the culture, and it certainly left everyone wanting more!
Quiz on DACHL Countries (German Speaking Countries): This year, the department hosted a dynamic Quiz Competition focusing on the DACHL countries – Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Liechtenstein. Students from all years participated in large numbers, showing immense enthusiasm and a strong grasp of German culture, geography, language, and history. The quiz was not only a test of knowledge but also an engaging learning experience for all. With rounds that included image-based questions, and rapid-fire sections, the competition kept both participants and audience members on their toes. The event successfully promoted cultural awareness and encouraged students to expand their horizons beyond just language learning. It was a proud moment for the department to see the students actively applying their classroom learning in such an energetic and fun format.
Poster Competition – Creativity Meets Culture: The Poster Competition held during the academic year brought out the artistic talents of students while deepening their understanding of German-speaking countries. With themes related to German culture, festivals, famous personalities, and historical landmarks, the competition invited students to research and present their ideas visually. The posters were creative, informative, and beautifully crafted, each telling a unique story. The students’ effort and passion were clearly visible in their work. Judges appreciated the originality and relevance of the entries, and students gained not only recognition but also deeper insights into the topics they worked on. This event proved to be a great combination of language, research, and artistic expression.
7. Thursday, 16th January 2025: Vaachan Sankalp Maharashtracha
As part of the ‘Vaachan Sankalp Maharashtracha’ initiative by Savitribai Phule Pune University, Modern College organized a series of programs to promote reading across languages. Under the coordination of Ms. Sneha Mahajan, Head of the Department of German, two engaging competitions – Book Review and Storytelling – were held on 16th January 2025. The events welcomed participation in multiple languages including English, Hindi, Marathi, and German, encouraging students to explore literature and express themselves creatively. The initiative successfully fostered a love for reading and multilingual expression among students. The Prize distribution of these competitions was held on the Republic Day on 26th January 2025 at the hands of honourable Principal Dr. Rajendra Zunjarrao Sir.
8. Monday, 27th January 2025: Workshop on ‘Liebeslyrik’ – Romance Poetry
The Department of German at the Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Shivajinagar, Pune-05, organized a workshop titled Liebeslyrik – Romance Poetry on Monday, 27th January 2025. The session began at 9:00 AM and was held at the Department of German. The workshop was conducted by Dr. Renuprasad Patki, Assistant Professor, VIT-AP University, Andhra Pradesh who guided the participants through the nuances of German love poetry. The session aimed to provide insights into the thematic and stylistic elements of romantic poetry in the German literary tradition. The event was well-received by students and faculty alike and fostered a deeper appreciation for literary expression in German. All participants found the session enriching and creatively inspiring.
9. Wednesday, 19th March 2025: Farewell for students of T.Y.B.A
On Wednesday, 19th March 2025, the F.Y.B.A and S.Y.B.A students of the German Department organized a warm and memorable farewell for the outgoing T.Y.B.A batch. The event was a joyful mix of fun, music, memories, and heartfelt moments. Interactive games and a playful fish pond kept the mood lively and engaging. A touching video collage featuring memorable photos of the T.Y.B.A students was presented, capturing their journey through the years. A special musical rendition dedicated to the seniors added an emotional note to the celebration. The gathering was made even more enjoyable with delicious food and drinks, shared amid laughter and cheerful conversations. TYBA students shared their feedback, reflecting on their experiences, expressing gratitude, and recalling fond memories from their time in the department. It was a beautiful morning that celebrated the spirit of togetherness, marking a fitting farewell as the T.Y.B.A students step into a new chapter.
10. Friday, 4th April 2025: Movie Screening – Der Untergang and Historical Reflection
To complement the TY History syllabus, the department organized a special screening of the German film ‘Der Untergang’ (The Downfall). The movie, based on Hitler’s last days, offered a powerful and emotional portrayal of one of the most significant periods in European history. TY students found the film both educational and insightful, as it brought to life the historical events they had studied in class. Watching the film in German also gave them a chance to practice their language skills in a real-world context. The post-screening discussion allowed students to reflect on the historical, social, and emotional dimensions of the movie, making it a deeply enriching academic experience. It was an excellent way to combine film and education, sparking curiosity and critical thinking among the students.
11. Friday, 11th April 2025: Online Orientation Session: “Unlock Your Future Opportunities with German”
The Department of German at Progressive Education Society’s Modern College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Shivajinagar, Pune–05, organized an online orientation session titled “Unlock Your Future Opportunities with German” on Friday, 11th April 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The session focused on three key topics: German as a career path, the B.A. in German program, and attractive future job opportunities linked to German language proficiency. The orientation was conducted by Ms. Sneha Mahajan, Head of the Department of German. The session was highly informative and beneficial for students aspiring to pursue German studies. It provided them with valuable insights into various academic and career opportunities available after learning German, helping them make informed decisions about their futures.