Coronavirus Reopening + Updates

Reopening Guidelines:

The German Society now fully open in accordance with the City of Philadelphia's COVID-19 guidelines. As Pennsylvania enters further phases of reopening, we at the German Society want to inform you all of the precautions we are taking to make our building a safe place for visitors.

First, our building is being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected on a regular basis. We have placed hand sanitizing stations at every entrance – you will not be required to sanitize your hands upon entry, but we encourage you to make use of the stations if you feel so inclined.

In addition, visitors are required to sign in when they enter the building and sign out when they leave. Visitors will be notified in case of coronavirus exposure at the German Society building.

Until the City of Philadelphia's mask mandate is lifted, all visitors will be required to wear a mask inside the building – no exceptions. We also ask that visitors practice social distancing by keeping at least 6 feet of distance from others.

The library is open and visitors are welcome to stop in for a tour. If you would like to do research, please contact the librarian prior to your visit so that we may best serve you. The library will be closed August 3-August 19 for summer vacation. If you would like to visit between July 20-29, an appointment is required as the German Society offices will be closed.

The health and safety of our members and guests is of paramount importance to us. We will continue to update you as guidance from health authorities changes. We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we navigate reopening together.

Event Updates:

German classes will continue online via video conference until it is safe to resume classes in person.

The following events have been cancelled with plans to reschedule at a later date:

  • Youth Chamber Music Showcase (Reschedule)
  • Spring Bus Trip (Reschedule)
  • German Script Workshop (Reschedule)
  • Phillip Stetzel Lecture (Reschedule)
  • Annual Meeting and Board Elections (Rescheduled for September 13, 2020 at 3:00pm)

In accordance with these instructions, the German Society is cancelling the following events:

  • Friday Film Fest: Der Vorname (March 20)
  • Library Transcription Group (March 17 and 24)
  • Hamburger Abend (April 4)
  • Wister & More: Duo Parisienne (April 19)
  • Friday Film Fest: Trautmann (April 17)
  • Spring Luncheon (May 2)
  • Wister & More: Academy of Vocal Arts (May 10)
  • Friday Film Fest: Steig. Nicht. Aus! (May 15)
  • Frankfurt in May (May 16)
  • Dogadelphia (September 12)
  • 256th Stiftungsfest (November 7)

All tickets that have already been purchased for the Hamburger Abend, German Script Workshop and Spring Bus Trip will be refunded.

Vouchers will be issued to ticketholders of the Duo Parisienne concert and the Academy of Vocal Arts concert.

The decision to cancel other events will be made when more information becomes available.

The health and safety of our members and guests is our top priority. As of right now, language classes will continue online. We are keeping a close eye on the information provided by the CDC, the WHO, and state and local governments, and we are prepared to make changes to upcoming events if needed. Determination about cancellations will be made on a case-by-case basis. Our building is currently closed to the public.

We encourage everyone to take seriously the recommendations issued by global health authorities in order to minimize the spread of the virus. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, practice social distancing and stay home if you can.