Wishing you a bright and beautiful year 2004!
-Welcome to TREFFPUNKT German News
  From Alexandra von Rohr, Director of the language institute TREFFPUNKT in Germany
  www.learn-german.com and www.businessgerman.com
 January 1, 2004

IN THIS ISSUE

FASCINATING LANGUAGE HOLIDAYS IN BAMBERG & BERLIN

New course start in January 19, 2004
In 2004 our group courses will start every other week. January 19,
February 2 + 16 , March 1+15+29, April 5+19, May 3+17+24 ...
In winter and spring you can expect an average number of only 5 students
in class, this means more sattention for you from the teacher.
>>> programm overview: www.learn-german.com/welcome/german_course_description.htm
>>> latest news: www.learn-german.com/welcome/aktuell_en.htm

Combine language learning in Bamberg with 'Berlin experience'
Experience two highlights of Germany and combine your language course in Bamberg
with a trip to Berlin.
In Bamberg you will experience an old imperial and cultural centre with many lively romantic
sites as well as an extraordinary Bavarian beer culture.
In Berlin you will delve into the vitality of an exciting metropolis in the heart of Europe,
on the border between East and West.
We have prepared two programmes for you, of either two-and-a-half or three -and-a-half days.
more >>> www.learn-german.com/freizeit-ausfluege/learning-german-in-berlin.htm

TREFFPUNKT on video
Impressions of our German courses and activities
The short sequences are taken in class, in the breaks, during a walk, at our sport activities or in
another typical situation. We hope that this will help you to imagine what to expect of your
language training at TREFFPUNKT.more >>> www.learn-german.com/video/video_en.htm

TIPS FOR YOUR STUDY ABROAD

Regardless of whether you would just like to hone your business German language
skills for a week, or participate in a two- month intensive group course: Here are some tips
for the time before, during and after your stay in Germany help to ensure that you have a
successful and entertaining language experience.

Before the course
- Target your language course: Decide what you want to learn and what you will need to
   practise during your stay in Germany.
- If possible, try to avoid the peak summer season from June to August, when 70%
   of all language travellers come.
- If you are a complete beginner (course level A1), plan an intensive language course
   of at least 3 weeks. Experience has shown that 4 weeks is optimal, as the time you spend
   totally immersed in everyday life and the language is a very important factor of success.
Check out all the other tips for preparing your language course more>>>
www.learn-german-online.net/learning-german-resouces/tips-prepare-language-course.htm

During the course
- Make an effort to speak German as much as possible and try to discuss more complex
   matters whenever the opportunity arises. Try to make friends with the locals and
   students from other countries.
- Always ask for help if you need it or something is not completly clear. Whatever the
   problem is: lessons, your study programme in general, or other matters relating to your
   stay (such as accommodation), the school can only help you if it knows what you what.
- Join in the TREFFPUNKT social programme. The extra leisure activities will give you the
   chance to get to know local Germans and their culture, allowing you to relax and practise
   your German at the same time.
Check out all the other tips for the time during your language course more>>>
www.learn-german-online.net/learning-german-resouces/tips-during-language-course.htm

After the course
- Make sure all your notes are well organised for future use.
- Try to read German books and magazines and remain in close contact with the language.
- Spend some time every day / week watching German films or videos.
To secure and expand your newly acquired language knowledge, check out the other
tips for after your language course abroad more>>>
www.learn-german-online.net/learning-german-resouces/tips-post-language-course.htm

ON THE WAY TO GERMANY

Upcoming festival days in the new year
January is one of the months with the fewest festivities. But many have to recover from
the New Year's Eve parties and so they celebrate the profound festivity of the
"Heilige Drei Könige" on 6th January. On the other hand: The "crazy days" of carnival
are not far away more>>>
www.learn-german-online.net/learning-german-resouces/public-festivals-in-germany.htm#january

New book release: Mind your manners - tips for business
professionals visiting Germany
Most of us know just how important social behaviors are when doing business in our
own cultures, and this holds true when working abroad as well.
Recently we published a bilingual book (German / English) explaining what to do for being
successful in the business world in Germany. The tips are divided into three sections:
- The first section contains ten basic behavior tips,
- the second section will provide you with a few guidelines on applying for a job
   or an internship in Germany, and
- the last few chapters contain tips on the more baffling aspects of German business
   culture such as carrying out negotiations, networking, and dealing with conflict.
Find more details on more>>> www.german-business-etiquette.com

OTHER INTERESTING ISSUES

Business German: 10 essential links to the German economy
If you wish to set up a business in Germany and search for potential clients and partners,
the following links will provide you with important sources for establishing business contacts.
more>>> www.businessgerman.com/link_german_economy/

Deluxe German-English Dictionary: Franklin DBD - 1450
This powerful German-English dictionary provides you with instant access to 1.9 million
entries in German and English! German synonyms are also included to expand your vocabulary. more>>> www.learn-german-online.net/partner/franklin-bookman.html

We at TREFFPUNKT have an international reputation for providing top quality German language
courses for individual participants, companies and educational establishments. It is highly likely
that you have heard of TREFFPUNKT through a friend or colleague who has attended the institute.

WHY DID YOU GET THIS E-MAIL?
You received this e-mail because you are either a former TREFFPUNKT student or you have participated in our
free German online test.