German-speaking City/Region

Before you post to the discussion, read about the German-speaking cities and regions in Europe in this week’s Learning Material (Lesson) and view the following videos:

Rick Steves´ Europe: Berlin  

Rick Steves´ Europe: Vienna  
Rick Steves´ Europe: Switzerland   

Note: Because Rick Steves is an American, he pronounces the cities with an American accent. Just note that how he says them is not the German pronunciation. Example: Bern – Click on the play sound icons to listen.

Directions:
For this forum, consider the places in the world where German is spoken today, including the ones discussed in our Lessons. Choose one place that interests you. Pick a city or region in Germany, Austria, or Liechtenstein, or locate a German-speaking area or city in Switzerland, Belgium, or Luxembourg, and elsewhere such as Gdansk (Danzig) Poland. (Remember, your research is not on the country of Switzerland, Belgium, or Luxembourg but rather on the German-speaking population in one of those countries so if Dutch, Flemish, or another language is spoken that is not German.) Discuss at least three important elements of that city or region. Do a little research on the place of interest. 

Consider the following questions:
– What was your initial impression or stereotype of this culture before our Lesson?
– What other languages are spoken there?
– What sort of government exists?
– For what are they famous? What kind of art, architecture, and literature do they produce?
– What else new did you learn about this place?

Include some images (insert NOT attach), maps, sounds, and videos to illustrate and enliven your post.
Cite and fully reference all your sources, including images, with the Author, Title & Date, include links, and put quotes around direct information that you borrow. Images also require copyright permission if they are not Creative Commons licensed or Public Domain. For all your German and other foreign language references and citations, you should be using the MLA Style format.

Read your peers´ posts to enrich your understanding of the German-speaking world. Respond to your peers in order to engage in a discussion of these places, cultures, and peoples.