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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

Virtual get-together 12 October 2023

12/10/2023 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Join us for a casual monthly get-together. The idea is to get to know other Southern Africans, support each other and share our ideas and tips on life in Germany. For our October meeting we are going to do something different We would like you to share your holiday snaps and stories with us. Each […]

Kahn & Ross in concert

27/10/2023 @ 7:00 pm – 11:00 pm – Two of South Africa’s superstars will be sharing the stage (for one night only) in Amsterdam. Ross Learmonth from Prime Circle, and Kahn Morbee from The Parlotones will be performing on 27 October 2023 at Dominion center Amsterdam-Duivendrecht. They will perform songs from their extensive catalogues and share stories about their Rock-‘n’-roll adventures. Kahn and […]

Juanita du Plessis “live in Amsterdam”

27/01/2024 @ 7:00 pm – Juanita du Plessis live in Amsterdam Tickets available at Ticketkantoor.nl Disclaimer: This event is not organised by the admin of this website, we only share it for information purposes

Heritage & Braai Day – South African Embassy in Berlin

23/09/2023 @ 4:00 pm – 11:45 pm – You’re invited to an exciting celebration of South African Heritage Day 2023, hosted by the South African Embassy in Berlin in collaboration with Biltongfritze. Join us for a day filled with cultural richness and an electrifying Rugby match between the Springboks and Ireland. **Date** Saturday, 23 September 2023 **Time** 16:00 (Event Start) **Live Rugby** From […]

Virtual get-together 14 September 2023

14/09/2023 @ 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm – Join us for a casual monthly get-together. The idea is to get to know other Southern Africans, support each other and share our ideas and tips on life in Germany. Follow the Skype link: Skype Meeting  – You do not need a Skype account to participate Planned for 2023: 12 October 9 November 7 December

Karen Zoid Amsterdam 14 October 2023

14/10/2023 @ 12:00 am – Karen Zoid live in Amsterdam This event is shared for information purposes only, we are not the organisers of the event For tickets visit the Eventbrite site  

Weinverkostung von Weinen des Weingutes Thelema

21/10/2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Weinverkostung von Weinen des Weingutes Thelema Die Südafrikanerin Crescenda vom Weingut selbst wird vor Ort sein und die Weine präsentieren! For more information see the Capewineland Events page. Reservation needed

Wein + Kultur

23/09/2023 @ 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm – Herr Prof. Dr. Hans-Günter Lindner liest aus seinem neuen Buch „Neurosensitivität – Die Reise ins Ich“ mit anschließender Diskussion. Begleitet wird dies durch den Genuss von südafrikanischen Weinen For more information see the Capewineland Events page- Reservation needed

Thabilé

17/06/2023 – 25/11/2023 @ 12:00 am – In her new album „Read My Lips“, Thabilé’s musical range encompasses genres such as jazz, soul, Afro, gospel, pop and R’n’B. The musical arrangements of the highly talented producer Steve Bimamisa are immensely captivating due to their instrumental clarity, without being obtrusive. Her vocal presence is varied, perfect, embracing and warm. Songs such as „Read […]

Alice Phoebe Lou – Berlin

05/11/2023 @ 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm – This is an external event and is not organised by the admins of this website. It is purely for information purposes. Alice Phoebe Lou is a Berlin-based South African singer-songwriter. She has released three EPs and four studio albums. In December 2017 her song “She” from the film Bombshell: The Hedy Lamarr Story was included […]

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

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Cycling

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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