To ensure an overall pleasant German Day, teachers are reminded
that any coaching from the sidelines will disqualify their students.
Please refrain from interfering in judges’ decisions.
All judges’ decisions are final!
Please ignore judges' names for now.
Judges will be determined
at the spring meeting.
Individual Events
1. Spelling Bee
Rules:
The words to be used have been selected from the current editions of Deutsch aktuell 1 and 2 and Komm mit! 1 and 2, and are listed in the pdf file below. The words have been divided into three levels of difficulty. Any words in the vocabulary lists of these textbooks may be used.
Download the list of words here (pdf; same as 2006).
Format:
- Spelling Bee is played over three rounds, corresponding to the three levels of difficulty. The first (and easiest) round will be written. All participants will write down words read out by the judges. Judges will alternate, so students hear different speakers.
- All students having fewer than five mistakes will be allowed to continue to the second round. The judge will draw a word from a "round 2 hat" and pronounce it in German two times. The contestant will repeat the word, and spell it using GERMAN spelling and pronunciation (this is a change from the past), and say the word again. The difference between a spoken "e" and " ä" may be signified visually with the fingers. Students should say "ess-zett" to signify " ß." Once a word has been spelled and repeated, no corrections may be made. Any mistakes, including pronunciation mistakes, eliminate the candidate. Once a word has been missed, it will be passed to the next candidate. If it is missed three times in a row, the word will be relegated to the "round 3 hat." Students need not signify upper or lower case spelling for nouns and other words.
- Once all students have had a chance to do a "round 2 word," the remaining students will proceed to round 3. During this last round a word will be passed on until spelled correctly. (Only after no one gets it right will a new word be drawn). When the number of students is reduced to two, the elimination procedure changes. At that point, when Student A misses a word, Student B will be given an opportunity to spell the same word. If Student B spells that word correctly, plus the next word from the hat, then Student B will be declared the champion. If Student A misses a word and Student B, after correcting the error, misses the new word, then the missed new word shall be referred to Student A. If Student A then succeeds in correcting the error and gets the next verb right, then Student A will be declared the champion. If both students miss the same verb, both shall continue in the competition, and the one who first missed the word shall be given a new one. This procedure continues until one of the students is able to correct the other student and spell the next word correctly. That student will be declared the champion.
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2. Verb Bee
Rules:
The verbs to be used have been selected from the current editions of Deutsch aktuell and Komm mit! and are listed in the pdf file below. The verbs have been divided into three levels of difficulty. Each level includes regular (weak) verbs, irregular (strong) verbs, and irregular weak verbs.
Download the list of verbs here (pdf; same as 2006).
Format:
- Verb Bee is played over three rounds, corresponding to the three levels of difficulty. The first (and easiest) round will be written. All participants will fill in the remaining forms on a chart with the headings of English infinitive, German infinitive, third person singular for present, simple past, and present perfect tense. An abbreviated example might look like this.
English Infinitive |
German Infinitive |
3rd P. Sg. Present Tense |
3rd P. Sg. Simple Past |
3rd P. Sg. Present Perfect (with auxiliary) |
|
to eat
|
kaufen |
weiß |
kannte |
ist gelaufen |
- All students having fewer than five mistakes will be allowed to continue to the second round. The judge will draw a verb from a "round 2 hat" and pronounce it in German one time. The contestant will repeat the word, give the three principal parts in the third person singular (present, simple past, present perfect) followed by the infinitive in English. Once a verb form has been spoken, no corrections may be made. Any mistakes, incl. pronunciation mistakes (e.g., a missing Umlaut), eliminate the candidate. Once a verb has been missed, it will be passed to the next candidate. If it is missed three times in a row, the verb will be relegated to the "round 3 hat."
- Once all students have had a chance to do a "round 2 verb," the remaining students will proceed to round 3. During this last round a verb will be passed on until conjugated correctly. (Only after no one gets it right will a new verb be drawn). When the number of students is reduced to two, the elimination procedure changes (see Spelling Bee). At that point, when Student A misses a verb, Student B will be given an opportunity to conjugate the same verb. If Student B does that verb correctly, plus the next verb from the hat, then Student B will be declared the champion. If Student A misses a verb and Student B, after correcting the error, misses the new verb, then the missed new verb shall be referred to Student A. If Student A then succeeds in correcting the error and gets the next verb right, then Student A will be declared the champion. If both students miss the same verb, both shall continue in the competition, and the one who first missed the verb shall be given a new one. This procedure continues until one of the students is able to correct the other student and conjugate the next verb correctly. That student will be declared the champion.
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3. Poetry Recitation
- Levels I, II, III, and H (separate section for heritage learners).
- Up to 8 students (2 in each level) per school.
- NB: Students compete on the level of German they are signed up for in school,
no matter for how long they have actually been instructed on that level. Sorry,
no extra consideration for those on block schedule can be made!
- Contact: Margaritha Harmaty, margaritha.harmaty@cms.k12.nc.us, or Brigitte Woloszyn, woloszyna@earthlink.net
Guidelines:
- All contestants in Levels I, II, and III have to recite the poem chosen for their level.
- Level I is for beginning students, Level II for intermediate students, and Level III for advanced students. Level H is for heritage speakers (see below).
- The poem has to be delivered entirely from memory without use of script or prompter.
- The performance is being judged in three areas: pronunciation, fluency, and interpretation. No special visuals are allowed to enhance the poem except for gestures and clothing (optional).
- Five minutes are allotted for each individual presentation and its judging. There are at least two judges for each event. Their decisions are final.
Level H: Heritage Speakers
- "Heritage learners" are native speakers, students who speak German at home, or students who have been to full-time German school, in Europe or a Deutsche Schule elsewhere.
- All contestants write a poem inspired by this year’s topic "Rund um den Ball."
- The poem should be between 8 and 20 lines (stanzas optional).
- The contestants provide their work in written form to the judges and also present it orally, memorized, as above.
- The entries are judged according to the effectiveness of the delivery, the interesting content, correct grammar, good pronunciation, and fluency.
Print the poems as a pdf file.

Level I: Großzügig (Josefa Metz)
Du, Mutti, wenn ich Konditor bin
Und du kommst mal zu meinem Laden hin,
Dann sag ich: “Sie dürfen von jedem Kuchen
Sich die allergrößten Stücke aussuchen!”
Und dann freu’ ich mich, wenn du ordentlich isst.
Aber wenn du dann fragst, was du schuldig bist,
Dann sag ich: ”Sie haben’s ja nicht bestellt!
Überhaupt - von Ihnen nehm ich kein Geld!
Das behalten Sie alles nur ruhig da.
Sie waren ja früher mal meine Mama!”
Level II: Auf dem Festplatz (Annemarie Mann)
Seht doch nur, was für ein Trubel,
welch Gedudel und Geschrei!
Schau- und Schieß- und Spielzeugbuden,
Kasperle ist auch dabei!
Reit- und Rutsch- und Autobahnen,
Zirkus, Glücksrad, Karussell,
Waffel- , Eis - und Zuckerstände,
alles, alles ist zur Stell’.
Hier gibt es belegte Brötchen,
drüben ist ein Bratwurststand -
ist das denn nicht wirklich beihnah’
wie einst im Schlaraffenland?
Level III: Süß (Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, 1797-1848)
Auf den Gassen der Gärtner rief:
“Kauft Trauben, kaufet die Trauben!”
Aber im Herzen die Furcht ihm wohnt,
Es möchte sie keiner begehren;
Sauer waren und trocken sie,
Sie hatte Mehltau getötet.
Naht ihm Hassan: “Mein Gärtner, sprich,
Was willst du für deine Trauben?”
“Nimm, o Herr und koste sie,
Und habe meiner Erbarmen!”
“O wie köstlich, mein Gärtner, nimm
Und möge Allah dich segnen!”
Abend naht und der andere Tag:
“Weh mir, wie bin ich betrogen!
Hat mir gestern Zuleimas Kuss
denn also versüßet die Lippen?”
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4. Extemporaneous Speaking Contest
- Levels I, II, and H (separate section for heritage learners).
- Up to 6 students (2 in each level) per school.
- Contact: Alice Harrill, a.harrill@cms.k12.nc.us.
Guidelines:
Level I is for students in German 1 and 2; Level II is for students in German 3 or higher; Level H is for heritage learners. Heritage learners are native speakers, students who speak German at home, or students who have been to full-time German school, in Europe or a Deutsche Schule elsewhere.
Level I. Students will receive a picture and will have two minutes to think about a description of the picture. No dictionary or outside help is permitted. Students may make and use brief notes, if desired. Then they will speak for two minutes in front of the judges. Topics will include Familie, Schulleben, Freunde und Freizeit, Essen, and Kleidung kaufen.
Level II. Students will receive a picture series and will be given two minutes to plan their description of the story. No dictionary or outside help is permitted. Students may make and use brief notes, if desired. Then they will speak for two minutes in front of the judges.
Level H. Students will receive a picture series or a written description of a situation. They will be given two minutes to plan their speech. No dictionary or outside help is permitted. Students may make and use brief notes, if desired. Then they will speak for two minutes in front of the judges.
Criteria for Judging
- Fluency
- Grammatical Accuracy
- Range of Vocabulary and Idiom
- Creativity
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Design Events
1. Poster Contest
Guidelines:
Classes design posters on the theme "Rund um den Ball!" Students should bring their poster submissions to German Day, where they will be on display in a designated area. All participating teachers and judges cast 3 votes: 3 points for first place, 2 points for second, 1 point for third. First, second, and third place winners will be announced at the awards ceremony.
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2. Art Contests
- Up to 10 entries (5 in each category) per school.
- Contact: Jennifer Martin, jmartin1@wcpss.net.
Guidelines:
All entries must address this year's theme, "Rund um den Ball!"
- 2-D Art
Any media can be used: painting, drawing, pen and ink, pencil, pastel, etc.
Maximum dimensions are 30 inches x 30 inches.
The piece must have a title.
A card with the title, artist's name, school, and teacher must be attached to the front of the entry.
- Phototography
Two divisions: black and white, color.
The photograph must be mounted on heavy stock or board.
Maximum size of the photograph is 30 inches x 30 inches.
The photograph must have a title.
A card with the title, photographer's name, school, and teacher must be attached to the front of the entry.
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3. T-Shirt Contest
Guidelines:
Submit designs that illustrate the theme "Deutsch macht das Leben süß." Do not forget to include the name of the student, the school, and the German teacher.
Students design a black-on-white line-drawing image for the front of the t-shirt. The back of the shirt will have the words "North Carolina German Day 2007," so the design need not include those words. The design for the front must in some form reflect the motto "Deutsch macht das Leben süß."
Please remind your students that they should use only black in their drawings and that intricate details usually cannot be reproduced. You will be able to preview the winning logo on the NCAATG Web site. T-shirts bearing the chosen logo must be pre-ordered and pre-paid ($9; see the registration form) and will be distributed only at German Day on March 22.
Deadline for submission is February 17, 2007. Mail your entries to arrive before Feb 15 to Norgard Klages, Salem College, 601 S. Church Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101-5318 (klages@salem.edu) or bring them to the spring meeting at Lenoir-Rhyne College on Feb 17. There the NCAATG board will vote on the winning t-shirt design.
The artist of the winning logo will be recognized at the awards ceremony. See winning designs of previous German Days here: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.
-------2007 Winner: Stephanie Liu (8th grade, Ligon Middle School)-------
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Team Events
1. Skit Contest
Guidelines:
- Level I is for beginners, Level II is for intermediate and advanced students.
- Language of skit is German.
- Each skit may feature up to 8 participants.
- Time: 1-5 minutes.
- Motto: Rund um den Ball! This exact phrase must occur at least once in each skit.
- Judging criteria include: pronunciation and diction; memory; expressiveness (verbal and non-verbal clues); originality and creativity of scene; plot and story.
Students may bring "portable" props (no electronics, no music, no p.a. system), set up time will be 3 minutes, no exceptions. Heritage learners are welcome, preferably as a group, but they need to be identified or risk disqualification for reasons of fairness.
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2. Singing Contest
- Levels I and II
- Up to 4 performances per school, 2 in each level.
- Contact: Brigitte Woloszyn, woloszyna@earthlink.net.
Guidelines:
- Levels: Level I is "Beginner" (German 1 and 2). Level II is "Intermediate/ Advanced" (German 3 and above).
- Presentation: An individual German song or a medley done a cappella.
- No props, no instruments, no accompaniment, no sound systems! (Costumes, appropriate clothing ok).
- Time: One to four minutes.
- Group Size: 2 - 15 participants (no solos).
- Judging criteria include:
- Sound Quality
- Musicality
- Clarity (Diction)
- Memory and Smoothness
- Expressiveness
- Dramatic Interpretation.
- Actual judging criteria grid: 1 point (inadequate, poor), 2 points (average, acceptable), 3 points (good), 4 points (excellent).
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3. Kultur-Pokal
Guidelines:
-
Level I is for German 1 and 2 students, Level II for advanced German students, including heritage speakers.
-
Each school may enter three teams per level, each consisting of three students.
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All questions for Level I will be given in English and should be answered in English. All questions for Level II will be given in German and should be answered in German.
-
Each competition begins with a written qualifying round that includes all teams for that level. Fifteen questions will be given to each team on paper. The moderator will also read the questions orally and all teams will have 5 minutes to write down their answers. Illegible answers will be scored as incorrect. All sheets will be collected and scored. The moderator will supply the audience with the correct answers and results will be announced.
-
The top five teams in each level move on to a second, written round.
-
In the second round, ten questions are supplied on paper, two of which are marked as challenge questions. The answer to a challenge question is worth two points, but an incorrect answer results in the loss of one point. A team may therefore elect not to try to answer a challenge question.
-
The two top teams in each category then play a final round. (If three teams are very close, three teams may take place in the final, third round. Judges' decisions on this point are final.). In the final round, the two (or three) teams answer orally, one after the other. The first team will be given a question, if the team supplies a correct answer, they receive one point; however, if they supply an incorrect answer, the second team is asked that same question. If the second team also supplies an incorrect answer, the first team receives a new question. If three teams are choosen for the final round, it is possible that the third team is asked the same question the first two teams answered incorrectly. The first team to the highest score after ten questions have been asked is the champion! If the score is tied, three more questions will be asked to determine the winner.
- Questions for Level I will come from the Deutsch aktuell and Komm mit! level 1 and 2 textbooks. Level II questions will come from these same texts as well as levels 3 and beyond, plus Kaleidoskop.
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