We are pleased to offer live conversations with German politicians to schools in the USA to promote transatlantic exchange and increase interest in a current image of Germany.
The German Political System
Learn more about the German political system through videos produced by the Transatlantic Outreach Program and the Bertelsmann Foundation.
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Evolution of Germany's Political Spectrum
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Bertelsmann Foundation, Transatlantic Outreach Program
Past Live Talks
Goethe-Institut
“What impact will President Trump's re-election have on relations between Germany and the USA?”
The third conversation in this series took place on January 23 and enabled the PASCH school Cony Middle and High School in Maine, which is supported by the Goethe-Institut, to talk to Mr. Thomas Silberhorn, member of the German Bundestag.
The students had thought about some interesting questions in advance. They were particularly interested in the personal motivations for entering politics and the challenges of governing. They asked questions such as “What motivated you to enter politics?” and “What factors do you take into account when you cast your vote in an election? Is it more your personal feelings, the wishes of your party or the will of the people?”.
Another topic was the role of religion in politics. “Does religion play a role in your decisions when it comes to voting?”. Equally controversial topics such as the vote against same-sex marriage in 2017 were also addressed: “Why did you vote against marriage for all? And did you receive criticism for it?”.
Thomas Silberhorn answered all the questions and gave interesting insights into the work of a member of the Bundestag. He expressed his interest in further cooperation with the USA and also voiced his concerns about the current political situation in Germany. He explained to the students that a comparison between Germany and the USA is not easy, as the political systems differ in many respects - if only in terms of the number and size of the parties.
The students were also interested in current political developments. Questions were raised on various topics, such as “What impact will President Trump's re-election have on relations between Germany and the USA?”. The future of transatlantic cooperation in this context was also discussed.
Thomas Silberhorn gave interesting answers that were thought-provoking. The teachers wrote immediately after the talk that they found the discussion very interesting. Mr. Silberhorn answered the questions in such a way that there was a further exchange between the students after the interview. The entire class will be following the upcoming elections in Germany with great interest.
German teacher Deb Backman and politics teacher BL Lippert from Cony Middle and High School thank Mr. Silberhorn for his time. The conversation gave the students valuable insight into the work of a member of the Bundestag. It also highlighted the importance of transatlantic cooperation.
Goethe-Institut
“What can we do for transatlantic relations, Mr. Whittaker?”
The second conversation in this series took place on October 24 and allowed the Goethe-Institut's PASCH school, Contoocook Valley Regional High School (ConVal High School), New Hampshire to engage in conversation with Mr. Kai Whittaker, Member of the German Bundestag.
The students were particularly interested in the life of a member of the Bundestag and the challenges of the system of government and governance in Germany. From domestic politics to foreign policy and always with a focus on transatlantic relations, the conversation highlighted the importance of such an exchange to help understand different positions.
In his response, Mr. Whittaker highlighted the similarities between the two countries. The commitment to the transatlantic alliance is also a commitment to a life in democracy, security and freedom. He encouraged the students to continue to take an interest in political issues and to play an active role in shaping transatlantic relations.
Mr. Whittaker was very positive after the transatlantic discussion and emphasized the importance of such dialogues for the future of transatlantic relations. He praised the students' commitment and emphasized the relevance of their questions for the political discussion.
The students from ConVal High School were also convinced of the importance of this meeting. “It was inspiring to engage directly with a German politician and discuss important issues that affect both of our countries,” said one of the students. “Such conversations open up new perspectives and help to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the USA and Germany.”
Elizabeth (Liz) Concannon, PASCH teacher at ConVal High School, thanked Mr. Whittaker for his commitment to bringing the experience of a member of the Bundestag to the students. This virtual meeting provided an insight into the practice of democratic governance and illustrated the importance of cooperation and collaboration in shaping the future.
Goethe-Institut
“What can we do for transatlantic relations, Mr. Fricke?”
The first conversation between German politicians and US-students took place in early May 2024 and was a remarkable success. Under the direction of the Goethe-Institut Washington, around 50 students from Stuyvesant High School in New York had the unique opportunity to speak directly with a member of the German Bundestag, Mr. Otto Fricke. Through a live Zoom call, they asked a variety of questions ranging from personal questions about their political careers to current political challenges.
One question was particularly interesting, focusing on future cooperation between the USA and Germany: “How can young people help strengthen the transatlantic dialog and usher in a new era of cooperation between our countries?”
In his response, Mr. Fricke emphasized that the active participation of young people is crucial to keeping the transatlantic dialog alive and bringing in new perspectives. He encouraged the students to remain interested in political issues and to actively participate in shaping transatlantic relations.
Mr. Fricke was very positive after the transatlantic discussion and emphasized the importance of such dialogs for the future of transatlantic relations. He praised the students' commitment and emphasized the relevance of their questions for the political discussion.
A student from Stuyvesant High School agreed with the significance of this encounter and emphasized the importance of such transatlantic dialogues for his generation. “It was inspiring to engage directly with a German politician and discuss important issues that affect both our countries,” he said. “Such conversations open up new perspectives and help to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the USA and Germany.”
Rebecca Lindemulder, PASCH teacher at Stuyvesant High School, reported, “It was an intense experience, but also extremely rewarding,” Ms. Lindemulder said. “The students showed exceptional interest in the discussions and asked smart questions that enriched the conversation.”
