Slavic Cultures and Languages

BERLIN! This Christmas Eve, all roads lead to Break free Events! Secure your spot for BOLLY BELLS, the city's most exclusive Desi Christmas Eve celebration. We are uniting to bring you a magical night at Surprise Club! Linuep: DJ SA-ONE, DJ Veeny, DJ MLN & Dhol by Sagar Get ready for a non-stop festive soundtrack: 🎅 The Hottest Bollywood Tracks 🔥 Floor-Shaking Punjabi Anthems ✨ High-Energy South Indian Grooves 🎉 Global Hits & Festive Bangers Two legendary brands, one massive Christmas party. This is the vibe you won't find anywhere else. Tickets are strictly limited for this special Christmas Eve event. Don't get left out in the cold! Grab your pass NOW and let’s make it a Christmas Eve to remember. Please note entry is only with Tickets: Buy Tickets- [Click here](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bolly-bells-berlin-tickets-1975957321540?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=1) 👉 Join our WhatsApp group: [Click here](https://chat.whatsapp.com/ENtHcDljcynBLLi80A3WxV?mode=ems_copy_t) 👉 Instagram- [Click here](https://www.instagram.com/breakfreeevents_?igsh=dXpkZmZpZmxwYTBo&utm_source=qr)

**Join Us for Christmas Candlelight at the American Church in Berlin** **English-language worship with traditional liturgy** Celebrate Christmas Eve with us at our Candlelight Service! Join us in person for a beautiful service filled with candlelight, timeless readings, and your favorite Christmas hymns. It’s a peaceful and joyful way to welcome Christmas—whether you come with family, friends, or on your own. Before and after the service, you are invited to enjoy fellowship along with traditional Christmas treats. This service will be a bit more brief at one hour long. Don’t miss this heartwarming tradition. We look forward to celebrating with you! [ACB Website](www.americanchurchberlin.de)

***Journey to the far reaches of beautiful Finland in Winter to witness one of the most spellbinding phenomena in the natural world by night.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** **For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽:** [https://Finland-xmas-nl2025.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup](https://Finland-xmas-nl2025.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup) **If you have WhatsApp, please do join this WhatsApp group below to further discuss about this trip:** [https://go.unt.global/Aurora_Europe_Trips](https://go.unt.global/Aurora_Europe_Trips) **Note: Flights inclusive price can be provided on request from any European city, so you can either join the Whatsapp group to further discuss this or post a comment here in order to get more details on it.** **WHY GO?** **Celebrate Christmas in Finnish Lapland** 🎄✨ Step into a real-life winter wonderland this December as Finnish Lapland transforms into a snowy fairytale. Imagine gliding through frozen forests on a husky sled, racing across sparkling trails on a snowmobile, and gazing up at the sky as the Northern Lights paint their magical colors above you. With long polar nights, December offers some of the best chances to witness this breathtaking natural spectacle. The **Aurora Borealis**, or Northern Lights, has inspired wonder for thousands of years—appearing in ancient cave paintings and living on in legends across cultures. Here in Lapland, you’ll have the chance to experience it in one of the world’s most enchanting settings. Christmas in Lapland is also about traditions and warmth. Discover Sami culture at reindeer farms, explore local handicrafts, and embrace the spirit of the Arctic people. And of course, no Christmas trip is complete without a visit to **Rovaniemi—the official hometown of Santa Claus**. From festive markets to the Santa Claus Village, the holiday charm here is unforgettable. Please do join our Whatsapp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [Whatsapp Channel](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

(English below) "Kann ein Walfisch ein Wellensittich sein?" \~> Natürlich nicht! "Kann ein Fenster ein Getränk sein?" \~> Jeder weis, das ist unmöglich. "Kann eine Demokratie eine Republik sein?" "Kann eine Vermutung eine Meinung sein?" "Ist etwas zu begreifen das Selbe wie etwas zu verstehen?" \~> Tja, jetzt wird's schwierig! Und es wird spannend... Nichts regt dermaßen zum nachdenken an wie dieses neue Gesellschaftsspiel. Die Spielregeln: 1. Jeder schreibt einen Begriff auf einen Zettel. 2. Die Zettel werden paarweise gezogen. 3. Per Beamer werfen wir die Bedeutung der zwei Wörter an die Wand. 4. jeder kann per Laptop oder Smartphone die Bedeutung ergänzen / editieren, muss dafür ggf. Beispiele angeben warum etwas gleich sein können soll, oder nie gleich sein kann. 5. nach einer Zeit fällt niemandem mehr etwas ein. Unterschiede und Gemeinsamkeiten zwischen den beiden Wörtern sind deutlich herausgearbeitet. Dann wird der Punktestand gezählt: (+1) Jeder verbliebene neue Beitrag in der Bedeutung ergibt einen Pluspunkt (-2) aber jeder wieder gelöschte neue Beitrag gibt zwei Minuspunkte. (+5) jede Verbesserung der bisherigen Bedeutung in Reclue ergibt plus 5 Pluspunkte Die Auffassungen aller Mitspieler werden viel klarer, erst recht wenn man häufig mitspielt. Und die Gewinner mit der höchsten Punktezahl erhalten den Preis des Tages. Das Spiel funktioniert auch mehrsprachig. Der Ort wird in kürze bekannt gegeben. \*\*\* english version \*\*\* "Can a whale be a parakeet?" \~> Of course not! "Can a window be a drink?" \~> Everyone knows that's impossible. "Can a democracy be a republic?" "Can a conjecture be an opinion?" "Is grasping something the same as understanding something?" \~> Well, now it gets tricky! And it gets exciting... Nothing stimulates thought quite like this new party game. The rules: 1. Everyone writes a term on a slip of paper. 2. The slips of paper are drawn in pairs. 3. We project the meaning of the two words onto the wall using a projector. 4. Everyone can add to/edit the meaning using a laptop or smartphone, and must provide examples of why something could be the same, or could never be the same. 5. After a while, no one can think of anything else. The differences and similarities between the two words are clearly highlighted. Then the score is tallied: (+1) Each new entry adding meaning earns one point. (-2) However, each deleted entry deducts two points. (+5) Each improvement on the existing meaning in Reclue earns five points. The understanding of all players becomes much clearer, especially with frequent play. And the winners with the highest score receive the prize of the day. The game also works in multiple languages. The location will be published soon.

The Minority Report is a weekly stand-up comedy show about identity, culture, and the expat experience. Are you a minority in Europe? Did something weird, awkward, or low-key offensive happen to you this week? This is the space to vent your feelings about it. Every week, comedians Bryan Lee and Moe Singleton take the stage to unpack life as outsiders, offering their unique commentary on topics like race, masculinity, relationships, and life between cultures. Add weekly special guest comedians and “question time” with the audience, and you’ve got Berlin’s most unhinged comedy experience. 🎟️ Want to warm up before the show? Check out our comedy workshop – a beginner-friendly stand-up class with Bryan and Moe, hosted just before the show.

Come along, grab a coffee, shut up, and write! We will do at least two sessions of each 45 minutes of writing and two breaks. We will start the first writing session at 10:15. For space reasons, we are limited to a certain number of attendees, so please update your RSVP if you can't come. We are typically by the large windows facing the U-Bahn entrance. If you are new, come and say hello, as we know that suddenly going quiet for 45 minutes and staring at that blank page can be intimidating when it's your first time. We have a lot of long-term regulars who will be happy to help you feel welcome. In between sessions, we have a Telegram chat: https://t.me/joinchat/ERW3pxD5kfELGeWs9SUhjw For more information, visit [https://shutupwrite.com](https://shutupwrite.com/).

Welcome to the board game night in Zehlendorf. No matter if you like Carcassonne or Spirit Island, we have all sorts of modern board games in our collection and can give you a quick run through, so that you don't have to read through the rulebooks. But, of course, feel free to bring your favorite game too. It's a 1.5€ fee that goes to the Mittelhof e.V. association. Bring your drinks and snacks.

**How good is your German? Take our free [German Placement test online!](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/5474.german-placement-test.html)** At [Sprachenatelier](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en) you can test your level for free before you start your language course! The test takes only 15-20 minutes and you should take it at least 2 weeks before your course starts. Sign up for it here on our website: [www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de](https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/en/topic/5474.german-placement-test.html) **We look forward to seeing you!**

Liebe Studentinnen und Studenten der englischen und deutschen Sprachen, am Sonntag 28. Dezember besuchen wir Zeiss-Großplanetarium für die Sternstunde um 16:30. [https://www.planetarium.berlin/veranstaltungen/sternstunde](https://www.planetarium.berlin/veranstaltungen/sternstunde) Man braucht eine Eintrittskarte... [https://planetarium-berlintop3.ticketfritz.de/Event/Detail?Event=9064](https://planetarium-berlintop3.ticketfritz.de/Event/Detail?Event=9064) Diese Sternstunde ist auf Deutsch! Von Erfahrung weiß ich, dass man ziemlich gutes Deutsch haben muss, um eine Sternstunde zu verstehen. Setzt euch immer wo ihr wollt und wo ihr Plätze finden könnt. Persönlich habe ich den Sitz 22, Reihe 10, Block Nord. Wenn ihr Glück habt und ihr Plätze neben mir findet ist es umso besser. Wir begrüßen uns um 15:30 Uhr bei MATANGA - Cafe & Co., Dunkerstraße, in der Nähe von S Greifswalder Straße, und 16 Uhr laufen wir nach dem Planetarium. Wir können beides über die Signalgruppe und Meetup Chat kommunizieren. Ein Link zur Signalgruppe wird im Kommentar gegeben. Mir wurde die Frage gestellt „Hat die Sternstunde etwas mit Poetry zu tun? Da steht nichts von Poetry...“ Naja, Dichter nehmen oft Bezug auf die Sterne, glaube ich. Das ist eine Verweisung in die Wissenschaft, halt einen Vorschlag, dass man den Kopf hochhalten und aufrechterhalten solle. Zum Beispiel, der Dichter Philip Larkin im Gedicht ‚The North Ship‘, im ersten Gedicht, erzählt „Under a fire-spilling star,“. Für Poetry gibt es den Zusammenhang von den Sternen, und wenn man keine Kenntnis von diesem Zusammenhang hat, kann man die Gedichte nicht ganz gut lesen. Denn wir uns für das Lesen von Gedichten interessieren, sind Sternstunden gut. Kenntnis von den Sternen sind auch gut wenn man unterwegs ist, und wir möchten oft unterwegs sein. Auf die Sternstunde, das Gespräch, und die Gesellschaft freuen wir uns!!

Bienvenue :) Rejoignez-nous si vous parlez français couramment et aimez rencontrer des gens francophones pour bavarder. A bientôt!

**Wie gut ist dein Deutsch? Mach unseren kostenlosen Deutsch-Einstufungstest!** Im Sprachenatelier kannst du kostenlos dein Niveau testen, bevor du deinen Sprackurs beginnst! Der Test dauert nur 15-20 Minuten und du solltest ihn spätestens 2 Wochen vor deinem Kursebeginn machen. Melde dich hier auf unserer Webseite dafür an: **https://www.sprachenatelier-berlin.de/de/topic/5472.einstufungstest-deutsch.html** Wir freuen uns auf euch!

Let's go get something to eat and drink. The Wrangelkiez neighborhood has plenty of options. Who's in?

German Study & Discussion Group – Art | Sound | Philosophy Looking for people interested in learning and practising German through what we love: texts, sounds, and ideas in the fields of art, music, sound, and philosophy. No strict grammar drills, but collective study, reading, listening, and conversation. We learn together, with curiosity and care. 📖 We will read short German texts (poems, essays, reviews). 🎶 We will listen and describe sound/music pieces. 💭 We will discuss in German (and help each other along the way). Open to all levels – from beginner to advanced. Based in Berlin, meetings will be weekly or biweekly (depending on group). Come as you are 📩 DM or email vestigium.impro@gmail.com if you’re interested.

Meet up and join us this Saturday! Whether you're a long-time resident or just travelling through, come and meet new people to have fun, make new friends and enjoy your Saturday evening in a safe and welcoming environment at one of Berlins fantastic bars (and then there's always people who want to go to a club afterwards). This week we're heading for the first time to the fantabulous **Tabula Rasa** (see link to location). We always have several organisers there (male and female), so come say hello to us! We care to make sure that everyones enjoys themselves and we have **no tolerance for bad behaviour or creepiness.** **Follow us on Insta:** @siphappens.berlin **Join us on Telegram:** t.me/siphappens_berlin **👉 Other important notes:** \- 🍸 The locations we visit are bars and clubs\, they are businesses and we are able to keep these events free ONLY if people buy drinks\. Please respect the locations and the event by making purchases \- 🦹‍♂️ Remember to keep an eye on your belongings and prioritize your own well\-being\. We are not responsible for any lost items or personal issues\. \- 📷 By attending our events\, you consent to being photographed or filmed\. Photos and videos taken during the events may be shared on our social media\. If you do not wish to appear in the photos or if you appear in a photo that we post that you would like removed\, please send us a private message as soon as possible on Instagram \(@siphappens\.berlin\)

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."

The aim of this group is to get together and practice our German. Doesn’t matter if are a beginner or a native speaker. The goal is to speak and improve our German. Everyone is welcome! If the weather is good, look for us in the Biergarten. Pro Tip: Get there before 6:00 for happy hour pricing.

Come and join our lively Japanese language meetup, where Japanese language learners and native speakers come together to learn, play, and connect. We’ll practice through fun games and interactive conversation in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Whether you’re just starting out, more advanced, or a native speaker who enjoys helping others, everyone is encouraged to join and participate. After the library we'll take a leisurely walk together to get food/drinks. There are many options around including North Market Bridge Park. It's a perfect opportunity to continue our conversations and enjoy each other's company over a meal.

Monday December 29th at 6PM we'll be meeting up dinner at the Pies & Pints at Easton. Feel free to bring guests. Sandwiches run about $15 and large pizzas run $20-30.

While some are still meeting online, this is an in person event. Please note that we have attendees of all levels of speaking, including some native speakers. All are welcome! Also, as we meet at the same time and place each week, many don’t RSVP on the app, so we will likely have more attendees than noted here. Note: if you are asked to pay and upgrade the Meetup app, this is not necessary. You can ignore this and still attend our meetings.

**New Dojo Location!** **Draft Day Columbus** 1130 Dublin Road Columbus, OH 43215 We're going to try a new dojo location for a few weeks and see how it works Dojos are informal Python group study sessions where everyone interested in Python gathers to learn about Python, help others with Python, or just hang out. Everyone is welcome from Python beginners to experts. Bringing a laptop is encouraged (we'll have extension cords and power strips). If there's something you want to learn leave a comment on this invite so we can plan ahead. We're looking for topic suggestions and people interested in presenting at our monthly meetings. To this end we've set up a survey form at [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/15eBKF1nQQ2XS5gzD4rvhVRHMBEj7lJtHuA9wXupS3Uc)

Join us as we celebrate **National Spaghetti Day** with this hearty dish! Though the origins of spaghetti are disputed—whether it was Marco Polo bringing back culinary invention from the East or a home-grown Sicilian treat dating back to the 12th Century—we can all agree that a cold day with a big bowl of noodle-y, saucy goodness is balm for the soul. # Carfagnas Spaghetti and Sauce *Everybody's favorite!* Our handmade egg spaghetti topped with our homemade marinara and served with two of our famous meatballs. There are other classic spaghetti dishes on the menu, too. **Where:** We'll have tables in their beautiful upscale bar at Carfagna's Ristorante; and you need to check out everything Italian this place has to offer under one roof!! (shopping, pastry) ***Reservation for 12 under Michele Z starts at 2pm***. *Members Only. Space is limited so no guests, please.* I hope you'll join me at Carfagna's AMAZING complex on Gemini/Polaris. -Michele