APPLICATION FOR 2024-2025 Residence
German Residential Learning Community
deutschsprachige Wohngemeinschaft (WG)
Selection Priorities:
- Quality of application:
- demonstrates commitment to building inclusive community and promoting German language and cultural learning;
- thoroughness and thoughtfulness of responses, ideas for compelling activities, transferrable skills/experiences;
- German course level / speaking ability at GERM 112+
- alternatively: enrollment in GERM 111&112 during year of German RLC residence;
- Commitment to taking further German courses;
- German majors and German Studies concentrators;
- Returning from study abroad or planning to study abroad in a German-speaking country.
The German Department is dedicated to building a community of diverse identities. BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and differently-abled students are encouraged to apply.
German RLC Statement of Commitment:
German RLC residents are committed to:
- fostering belonging for all students and engaging in critical discussion of German Studies;
- actively working to integrate German language and culture into community life by speaking German in the residence, at the weekly German conversation table (Stammtisch), and at monthly events organized and hosted by the residents;
- working equitably with fellow residents to plan, advertise, and host monthly events at or sponsored by the German RLC;
- meeting weekly to share ideas and discuss any concerns pertinent to the German RLC;
- electing a German RLC president who regularly briefs the German faculty on RLC activities and a treasurer in charge of keeping track of the RLC budget.
Follow the St. Olaf deutschsprachige Wohngemeinschaft on instagram (@olaf_germanhaus)
Updated November 2023
Gesellschaft
German learners love to gather at German House for grill parties, movie nights, soccer matches, holiday celebrations, and other events.
Fasching
German House warms the winter season with a Fasching celebration, Christmas caroling with the Classics Department, and boardgames and conversation by the fireplace.
Grillen
Before the snow falls and after it melts, German House residents host several outdoor gatherings. Grillen muss sein!
Raclette
Having a full kitchen and dining area in the German House means plenty of opportunity for shared meals.
Weihnachten
Decorating Butterplätzchen together is among the favorite German House Christmastime traditions.
Swiss Bliss
The German House often collaborates with other language honor houses for joint events, such as the “Swiss Bliss” touring fondue party with the Maison Française.
Mitbewohner
German House residents live in an intimate community immersed in German language and culture. A exchange student from the University of Konstanz is always one of the housemates, and sometimes Martin Luther comes by for events.
Oktoberfest
What German House would be complete without an Oktoberfest celebration? But German House events are hardly restricted to one German cultural area. House residents regularly plan events that explore diverse German dialects, regional festivals, and everyday life in different parts of the German-speaking world.