Students learning a new language know the importance of speaking and being able to have a conversation. The German Club at Washburn has a bimonthly event that centers on that idea for students speaking in German.

The “Stammtisch,” or German Conversational Table, had its first meeting on Sept. 7 in the Rice room from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The purpose of the event was to encourage students not only to learn a language but also learn to be able to use the language in a conversational setting.

“[It’s an opportunity for the] Students and the Washburn Community have the opportunity to converse in German,” said Gabi Lunte assistant professor in the modern language department.

While Lunte might not exactly remember when the conversation table was started she knows it has been held on a regular basis since about 2005. Students don’t have to be able to speak perfectly in order to come to the event.

“Beginners are welcome, if they don’t feel comfortable speaking in German they can just have a cup of coffee and listen,” said Lunte.

For coffee, students can also meet at World Cup on September 21 for a “Kaffeeaband” or café evening at 7 p.m.

Apart from the Stammtisch and Kaffeeaband, the modern language department also has a movie night planned for Sept 28, 2010. The movie Im Juli will be shown at 6:30 p.m. in Morgan Hall room 376

“[The movie is] open to the public but geared for German students; however everyone is welcome,” said Lunte.

With all of the efforts to make opportunities to speak and hear a foreign language accessible the German Club has brought learning German to a whole new level.