The Verein’s origins in 1994 were strongly tied to a desire to preserve, in the present and for posterity, the Low German, specifically the East Pomeranian Low German (Ost Pommersch Plattdüütsch) language that many residents of northcentral Wisconsin lived with in their homes and communities.  For example, playing the card game Sheepshead (Schaupskopp or Schafskopf) in Low German seemed natural to many of the Verein’s original members.

Today, the number of native Low German speakers in the Verein has dwindled to less than twenty.  However, the awareness of our linguistic roots has been preserved by monthly Platt Tied (Low German Time) gatherings at which the Plattdüütsch language, history and cultural background are featured.  All are welcome to attend Platt Tied gatherings.  Check the Events Calendar on our website or in our newsletter, Dat Pommersche Blatt, or take note of the following:
 

Pine Ridge Family Restaurant, 1302 N. Center Avenue, Merrill, WI, 9:00 a.m.
First Wednesday of odd-numbered months from September through May

At 9:00 a.m. everyone orders breakfast, and a program ensues as the meal is finishing. Join in the fun of hearing, sharing, and learning conversation and vocabulary in Plattdüütsch (Low German) the language that many northcentral Wisconsin families used in their homes, communities and casual conversations!  Your need not be able to speak or understand Low German.  We do promise, you a pleasant hour of laughter and Gemütlichkeit.

Todd & Peggy’s Whiskey River Bar & Grill, 5512 Stewart Ave., Wausau, WI, 3:00 p.m.
First Monday of even-numbered months from October to June

This is a late afternoon session featuring beer/soda and a buffet.  Attendees can enjoy a beverage during the program, then enjoy a meal following.  These sessions are open to anyone with an interest in the Low German language (Plattdüütsch) spoken by many of our northcentral Wisconsin ancestors.  While Plattdüütsch is the theme, sessions are not intended to teach the language, but rather are about the language and culture surrounding it.  Therefore, one does not need to be fluent in Low German to participate in the sessions, though Platt speakers are especially welcome.  We invite Verein members as well as interested newcomers. “Dit iss nu tied tum Platt snacken, komm doch.”

One Platt Activity—Bingo!

Platt Tied sessions often focus on expanding vocabulary and common phrases in Plattdüütsch (Low German).  One way to do this is by using vocabulary and phrases in a a Platt Bingo game. Many attend both sessions.  Come and join us for some fun and interesting exercises!

The Caller calls out the item in English, the group reaches consensus on the Low German equivalent, and then participants check whether their card contains that Low German word. From there it's like any other bingo game.  The participant puts the token on that word and on to the next one until someone has on their card 5 across, vertically or diagonally, or a marker in each of the 4 corners. Prizes are awarded to winners.  It's both fun and educational!