In this article I thank Jutta Szwed for her many years of service as a German tutor and describe how some of the German classes at U3AM have evolved. I also give an example of a class conducted under our new system.

An exceptional German tutor

For 15 years Jutta Szwed has been a highly respected, dedicated and caring tutor of German classes at U3AM. During this time, she taught 3 German classes each Monday, all at different levels. She also organised regular lunch gatherings for students and their partners, and casual German conversation sessions (Kaffeeklatsch) at a cafe in The Pines Shopping Centre. Over time, strong friendships and a sense of community have developed.

A new model

In 2024, Jutta decided to scale back her tutoring to travel more and to follow other pursuits. When no qualified replacement could be found, she encouraged class members to step up. Last year a new model emerged, which will continue this year.

With the new model:

• Jutta tutors a fortnightly German Advanced Level 3, 4 & Beyond class and continues to organise the monthly Kaffeeklatsch sessions (click here for 2026 dates).
• The other 2 Monday classes (German Intermediate and German Advanced Level 1 – Self Help) are led by students.
• In the Advanced Level 1 group, 3 students take turns to run the sessions, with Jutta also taking a turn now and then.

As a long-term member of Jutta’s classes, I was one of the students who stepped up. Like many in the classes I have German heritage and attend classes to maintain and improve my German language skills.

A special Christmas class

For our final class of 2025, I shared some of my family’s traditional Christmas decorations and an accompanying German article. Although Christmas is a fading memory, other U3A members may be interested in this story.

Saxony and its Christmas traditions

My father was born in Saxony, in a region called the Ore Mountains (Erzgebirge). Saxony has a long history of bright candlelit Christmases. However, the region was often called ‘dark Germany’ because underground mining for silver and uranium meant miners rarely saw the sun, especially in winter. Before street lighting, total darkness was common, and candlelight was like a beacon for the people.

Mining required large amounts of timber to support the walls and ceilings of the shafts, so the mining and timber industries were interdependent. When mining declined, new uses had to be found for wood. Initially, musical instruments and toys were produced. Then followed nutcrackers, candle stands and depictions of people in traditional occupations and crafts. Only later were characters in the Christmas story created.

A tradition shared beyond Germany

Saxony became part of East Germany in 1949. During the tough communist years, people in the West, including my family in Australia, sent parcels of clothes, coffee, non-perishable food and cleaning products to their relatives. In return, the only unique items that the grateful recipients could send back were their handmade wooden figurines. Over time, these carvings became cherished Christmas traditions, spreading across Germany and beyond, including into my childhood home.

In summary

Thanks to Jutta’s excellent training, we have been able to share the tutoring workload, while continuing to learn and enjoy the strong friendships that we have formed.

Ruth Seidler
Member, Advanced German classes