German is well known for producing quirky words, like “Rindfleischetikettierungsüberwachungsaufgabenübertragungsgesetz” (which was an actual law, abbreviated as RkReÜAÜG), but often it also produces pretty neat ones, like “Kindergarten“, “Wanderlust” (arte.tv), “Wegbier” (arte.tv), “Ohrwurm” (arte.tv), “Späti” (arte.tv), “Feierabend” (arte.tv), too. One of the words we hold dear is “Stammtisch“, or as we call it “shdammtish”, with the plural being both “shdammtishs” or “shdammtishes”.
“Shdamtish” obviously mocks the German word “Stammtisch”, so let’s explain: “Stammtisch” usually describes a non-formal, but regular meeting in a public location (often a restaurant), that offers a decent level of “gemütlichkeit”. If you come from a a country where there is a tradition of pubs, think: “Expats in the pub”, but it can also be a café, a social club or a bakery and there needn’t be alcohol involved and you kann simply drop in. Traditionally Stammtisch used to be the place where the local village elites, e.g. the doctor, the teacher, the priest, the farmer and shopkeeper, would meet, but it also was open for other to join in. At a Stammtisch there would be joking and discussing going on with little taboos. There you can talk about all thinks politics, religion or of otherwise sensitive nature, but on the condition, that, while you may argue over topics, you will always leave on friendly terms and without hard feelings. So at a Stammtisch arguments may sometimes fly, but in the end.
While we put little emphasis on the societal background, at our “shdamtish” you have a change to become part of a lively expat community! And you can meet other expats in your area, make new friends and establish valuable contacts. Exchange experiences and learn from each other’s stories and advice – whether it’s about how to navigate bureaucracy, cultural differences or the millions of everyday challenges that you encounter as an expat.
So our regulars’ tables offer you practical tips and information on important topics such as consumer rights, the healthcare system and integration. Together we provide support and advice to make life in your new environment easier and more pleasant.
Don’t be afraid of any language barrier, it will work out!
We organzine our “Stammtische” on “Meetup”
