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South Africans in Germany

Ah, September is such a beautiful time of year in Germany! As the leaves begin to change colour and the air starts to feel crisp and refreshing, it’s a gentle reminder that the summer season is winding down and making way for autumn. The start of autumn brings with it a whole new host of activities for people to enjoy – from apple picking to pumpkin carving to cozy evenings spent with family and friends. And, let’s not forget about the delicious seasonal foods that become available during this time of year, like warm soups, hearty stews, and comforting baked goods.
The mornings now have a hint of chilliness in the air, signaling the changing temperature trends. However, the beautiful fall weather is still warm and inviting enough to enjoy the outdoors during the daytime. In fact, it’s the perfect season for indulging in a wide variety of physical activities ranging from hiking to biking, camping to picnicking.
If is also the perfect time to visit any of the stunning Mediterranean countries. The weather, while still hot and balmy, is a pleasant change from the scorching heat of summer. Plus, the crowds of tourists have headed back to their homes and schools, meaning you’ll have more of the beach and other attractions to yourself.

SeasonAutumn
TimeCentral European Time (CET), Summertime – the same time as South Africa until the last Sunday of October, when Wintertime starts (29 October 2023).
Weather

The temperatures average between 9.6°C and 18.3 °C. It could be warmer or colder, depending on the location. The average daily sunshine is 5.2 hours.

Plan your month

everything you need to know

Festivals

The most famous festival in Germany, the Oktoberfest in Munich, starts on 16 September. Another great beer fest to visit is the Cannstatter Volksfest in Stuttgart from 22 September. Similar festivals will be celebrated all over Germany and you can search for Oktoberfest and your town to find one close to you.
Autumn is also a time for  wine festivals.
If you love Pumpkins, head out to Ludwigsburg for the biggest Pumpkin festival in the world. It will run from 25 August until 3 December 2023.
Farmers across the region will start harvesting. This is celebrated with traditional harvest festivals or “Erntedankfest”, which is celebrated with church services and processions on the last Sunday of September or the first Sunday of October.

Events listed on our website

12/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – From 22 July to 25 August, international award-winning Cape Town-based comedian, award-nominated radio sports broadcaster and podcaster Dalin Oliver will be performing his one-man show “90 Day Comedian” in Europe. Dalin Oliver is heading to The Wall Comedy Club, Grünberger Straße 84, 10245 Berlin, to make his BERLIN debut on 12 August 2024. Tickets on […]

SA in Germany – 2 pot retirement presentation

25/07/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Chad Jouber will do a presentation about the new 2 pot retirement rules in South Africa You will then have time to ask him questions If you have any questions you would like to send so long, please send them to admin@southafricansingermany.de It will be a TEAMS meeting, you do not need Teams to participate […]

SAiF Summer Braai happening on Saturday, 20 July at 15:00

20/07/2024 @ 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm – ONS GAAN NOU BRAAI !!! Bring your own meat, sides, desserts, and everything you need for the braai (including serving spoons). To use Ganter’s cutlery and crockery, simply pay €2 per set on-site. Please refrain from bringing your own drinks; Ganter has the beverages covered. Anyone who wants to arrange boerewors beforehand can contact Sandra […]

SH*T HOT FEST AMSTERDAM 24 – 21.07

21/07/2024 @ 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm – We hope to create a lekker gathering of South Africans living abroad. Food, music, hot sauce, chilli eating competition, drinks, sunshine, good vibes only. Are you joining us? Tickets just went on sale. Early Bird Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.com/…/sht-hot-fest-amsterdam… All EB tickets include a 10% voucher that can be used on Runder.nl plus an iconic welcome drink […]

Bok van Blerk & Riaan Benade 17.10

17/10/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Welcome, music lovers, to an evening dedicated to the unforgettable sounds of Riaan Benade and Bok van Blerk. From the vast plains of South Africa, these two extraordinary artists come together to enchant us with their unique voices and enchanting melodies. These artists enjoy world fame in their home country, so prepare yourself for an […]

Fokofpolisiekar / Die Heuwels Fantasties 12.07

12/07/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 11:45 pm – After a sold-out show in 2023, Fokofpolisiekar is back. This time they bring their friends from Cape Town, Die Heuwels Fantasties, as support. There is no better live combo showcasing the best of African rock and African alternative music than these two acts. It will be energetic, melodic and full of nostalgia as these two […]

Trevor Noah Tour – Berlin 01.08

01/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Trevor Noah Tour – Stuttgart

03/08/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 11:45 pm – Trevor Noah Off the Record Tour. The actual time is not published yet, estimated it will be in the evening We are not the organisers of this event it is shared for information purposes only Tickets via the Trevor Noah website – this will take you to the Eventim Website  

Schalk Bezuidenhout keeping up – Berlin 25.09

25/09/2024 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – Newly married, Schalk feels older, wiser and much more mature (possibly), but all he wants is to stay “hip with the youth”. Can he do it? Can he Keep Up? As seen on Netflix and Comedy Central and fresh from supporting Trevor Noah on his arena tour. This is an external event,  we are not […]

Kearsney College Choir

29/06/2024 – 06/07/2024 @ 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm – The renowned Kearsney College Choir and Rainbow Agency, KwaZulu Natal, have the honour to inform you that former Federal President Professor Dr Horst Köhler is the patron of the choir’s concert tour to Germany from 28 June to 6 July 2024. Professor Dr Köhler will attend a concert of his choice. Kearsney College Choir has […]

SA Connections: Monthly Virtual Meetup for South Africans in Germany

11/07/2024 @ 7:00 pm – 10:00 pm – We invite you to join us for our monthly get-together in the virtual space. Our objective is simple yet meaningful – to foster camaraderie and companionship among the vibrant and diverse community of South Africans. Connect with fellow South Africans, share your experiences, seek advice and offer support. With a bustling network of individuals, we […]

Market Monday – South Africans in Germany page

09/12/2024 @ All Day – To keep things fair and add benefits to our members, here are the current rules: By placing an advertisement on our Facebook page, you agree to the following Terms and Conditions: You will post only once a month on the Monday specified by the Admin team. Notice hereto will be given in advance. For the […]

Some foods and drinks to try

Berries

Make your own Rote Grütze and serve it with Ice cream, Milchreis or pudding. Rote Grütze is a traditional German dessert that is both delicious and easy to make. Originating from northern Germany, this dish has become a favorite in homes throughout the country and beyond. To prepare your own Rote Grütze, simply gather a mixture of red fruits such as cherries, raspberries, and currants, and cook them together with sugar and a bit of cornstarch to create a thick, fruity sauce.

Take a look at this selection of delicious recipe ideas with berries
We can also recommend this delicious Milchreis recipe 

Hearty Food

When the weather outside is chilly and cold, there's nothing more comforting than a warm and hearty meal! Why not try some German classics like Rouladen, Linseneintopf or Kartoffelsuppe? Rouladen is a delicious beef dish that is stuffed with bacon, onions and pickles, while Linseneintopf is a hearty lentil soup that is both filling and nutritious. And if you're in the mood for something more potato-based, you can't go wrong with a steaming bowl of Kartoffelsuppe.

Pumpkins

During the autumn season, the markets and farms are vibrant with an abundant variety of squashes and pumpkins waiting to be discovered and savored. Don't miss out on the chance to explore the many shapes and sizes of these delicious vegetables. Some of the popular types of squashes and pumpkins include butternut, acorn, spaghetti, kabocha, and sugar pumpkins.

More information about the varieties of squashes and pumpkins.
Try a hearty pumpkin soup with pumpkin seed oil or Stuffed Hokkaido Pumpkin.

Zwetschgen

The Damask Plum, also known by its German name, Zwetschgen, is among the delicious and flavorful fruits that are enjoyed during particular seasons. It is important to know that these plums are not to be confused with the more common plums, known as Pflaumen, which are more widely available in many grocery stores. The Damask Plum is unique in its taste and texture, with a slightly tart yet sweet flavor which makes it perfect for use in a variety of dishes.

Here is a recipe for Zwetschgendatschi. Eat it with a big dollop of cream or ice cream.
You can substitute the Zwetschgen for Mirabellen

Beer

The breweries in Munich prepares a special Festbier for the Oktoberfest. Up until 1970 it used to be a Märzen bier but was replaced by a much lighter lager.

The difference between Festbier and Märzen. More information about Marzën bier

Fruit and Veggies in Season

Vocabulary

Autumnder Herbst
Autumn leavesdie Herbstblätter
Damask plums

die Zwetschgen

Plumsdie Pflaume
Pumpkinder Kürbis
Pumpink seed oilDas Kürbiskernöl
Blueberriesdie Blaubeeren
Raspberiesdie Himbeeren
Elderberriesdie Holunderbeeren
Mirabelles or yellow plumbsdie Mirabellen  (Marillen is Apricots)

Sources

Related content

Pumpkins

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Cycling

The entire cycling scene in Germany took some getting used to when I arrived here. In South Africa its sort of all kitted out serious health fanatics on bikes, and few other people ever use a bike after you’ve left school. However, the scene in Germany is significantly different. A

Outdoors

Most South Africans love being outside the house. This can sometimes feel like a challenge in Germany, but I have learned very quickly that you need to embrace all kinds of weather conditions.Most Germans will tell you that there is no bad weather, just bad clothes. The best outdoor activity

Weather in Germany

German Climate Germany’s climate is temperate and marine, with cold, cloudy winters and warm summers and in the south occasional warm föhn wind. The greater part of Germany lies in the cool/temperate climatic zone in which humid westerly winds predominate. In the northwest and the north, the climate is oceanic