The 18 October 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the German Maltese Circle. Fifty years since Chev. Elias Zammit, then Consul General to the Federal Republic of Germany, together with a dedicated group of colleagues, with scarce resources, established this Institution. The primary motivation of this group was the belief that Germany would, in the framework of the Treaty of Rome, play a decisive role in the political and economic development of Europe. Today, one may say without any shadow of a doubt, that the founding group had had good foresight of the events that would occur in Europe over the decades that were to follow, and their consequent influence on our Nation.

In 1970, Prof. Ralf Dahrendorf then Under Secretary of the Federal Republic of Germany, recognised the potential of this young association and managed to secure financial support from the Federal Government towards the propagation of the German language and culture here in Malta.

The purchase by the German-Maltese Circle of Messina Palace, thanks to the financial support of the German Government, was another decisive milestone in the Circle’s history. This event consolidated the operating base of this Institution. Recognised as the local centre point for German language and culture, the German-Maltese Circle offers, in collaboration with the Goethe Institute, a complete range of high level courses ranging from beginners up to the Großes Deutsches Sprachdiplom, as well as a wide range of events aimed at enhancing better knowledge and understanding of the vast German cultural heritage.

This intense involvement by the German-Maltese Circle in the promotion of the German language and culture in Malta assumes a new dimension in the knowledge that Germany is Malta’s largest trading partner. German investments in Malta have increased considerably, contributing significantly to the Maltese economy. The German-Maltese Circle always had an important role to play in this scenario, and today seeks to provide its contribution to further develop relations, particularly in specialised sectors. The bridging and the achievement of a deeper understanding and appreciation of the different business cultures will further ameliorate existing relationships and bring about economic benefits for all.

Events being organised to mark this Anniversary

The following events are open to the general public:

Wednesday, 10 October.

Lecture (in English) "Mother Tongue, Father Land" (The concept of Kulturnation in German past & present) by Dr Arndt Kremer, Lecturer at the Department of German at the University of Malta. Venue: Messina Palace, Triq San Kristofru,Valletta. Time: 7.00pm.

Thursday, 18 October.

Dance Performance "Open Waters." Choreographer: Irina Pauls. Venue: St. George's Square, Valletta. Time: 6.00pm. Repeat performances: Friday, 19th at 5.00pm and Saturday, 20th October at 11.00am / 1.00pm / 3.00pm.

Friday, 19 October.

Ecumenical Service with the participation of the Catholic Sankt Barbara Gemeinde and the Evangelic Andreas Gemeinde. Venue: Messina Palace, Triq San Kristofru,Valletta. Time: 6.30pm.

Wednesday, 24 October.

Illustrated Lecture (in English) "The Adventures, pranks & tribulations of a young German Prince in Malta (1598 – 1599)" (Duke Ludwig I of Anhalt-Köthen's account of his seven week stay in Malta) by Dr. Albert Friggieri, Honorary President of the German-Maltese Circle. Venue: Messina Palace, Triq San Kristofru,Valletta. Time: 7.00pm.

Saturday, 27 October.

50th Anniversary Concert by the Kölner Mandolinorchester "Harmonie" directed by Sergei Kurdiaschow. Venue: Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta, Tal-Qroqq. Time: 7.30pm.