Democratic Forum of Germans in Iași
DFDR Iași is a vibrant meeting place for the German community in Iași and everyone who values the German language, culture and traditions. Members and friends of German culture gather here to preserve and experience the customs of the Germans in Moldavia.
The Local Forum is part of the Regional Forum of Old Romania & Bukovina and brings its members together through local community, cultural and social activities.
The Forum Board
The board coordinates the activities of the local forum and represents the interests of the German community on site
- Dr. Astrid Agache - Vorsitzende
- Dr. Brigitte Scutaru
- Alice Simion
- Metta Amarandei
- Constantin Got
History of the Forum
Germans have been documented in Moldavia since the Middle Ages. The Prussian and Austrian consulates established in Iași in 1782 were also significant for the local German community
The Protestant church, built in the early 19th century, was consecrated in 1813. This also created the opportunity to establish a German primary school, which continued with only a few interruptions until 1940
The historical events of 1940 led to most Germans leaving the city, either resettling in Germany—like those from Bukovina and Bessarabia—or retreating to Transylvania
During the communist period after 1948, it was not possible to revive the German community.
The political changes after December 1989 enabled the founding of the Democratic Forum of Germans in Iași in May 1990. Founding members included Astrid Agache, Metta Amarandei, Alice Simion, Valeriu Colman, and Michael Buriș
Location: In its early years, the Forum did not have its own headquarters, so its events took place in various locations, primarily at the university and schools. In 1994, it acquired its current headquarters at Strada 14 Decembrie 1989 No. 2B, which consists of two rooms: an office with a library and an event space. The headquarters, rented from the city, is located in the city centre, in a two-story historic building that also houses other organisations and institutions
Activities and priorities
Cultural events and member meetings
Activities: The forum's ongoing activities include various cultural events and regular smaller meetings of its members. Six larger cultural events are usually held annually, funded by the government, primarily coinciding with major holidays (Carnival, Easter, Advent, and Christmas). In addition, there are smaller events (such as film screenings, lectures, and musical evenings) financed through the forum's own resources
Advent gatherings and remembrance projects
Leistungen: Zu den gelungensten Veranstaltungen zählen die jährlichen Adventstreffen, die zur Tradition geworden sind und die immer wieder eine große Anzahl von Leuten anziehen. Ein sehr gutes Echo hatten auch die Projekte: „Der Krieg ist nicht an einem Tag vorbei“ (wo in zwei Teilen ein Stück von Forumsmitgliedern erzählter Zeitgeschichte bekannt wurde), „Begegnungen mit Autoren“ (Schriftstellerlesungen von Eginald Schlattner, Michael Astner, Mariana Codruţ u.a.), „100 Jahre Iașier Germanistik“ (2007 wurde in Zusammenarbeit mit dem Germanistiklehrstuhl der „Al. I. Cuza“-Universität das Jubiläum gefeiert) und „Zurück in die Vergangenheit“ (Bericht von drei Forumsmitgliedern, die gemeinsam im letzten Herbst ihre Geburtsstätten aufgesucht haben). Sehr gelungen waren immer die Begegnungen mit ausländischen Touristen, die an der Geschichte unserer Stadt und der deutschen Gemeinde interessiert waren. Erwähnenswert ist auch die gute Zusammenarbeit mit den verschiedensten Institutionen und Einrichtungen, wie: die Universität „Al. I. Cuza“, das Kunstlyzeum „Octav Băncilă“, die Evangelische Gemeinde, die Griechische Gemeinde aus Iași, der Volksbund Deutsche Kriegsgräberfürsorge, der Kulturpalast, das DFD Piatra Neamţ u.a.
Oral History Project ‘Journey into the Past’
Projects: In the coming years, we would like to continue the projects that give a voice to eyewitnesses. In this spirit, under the title "Journey into the Past," forum members will share new accounts of their childhood and youth. We also intend to establish a children's club where children can engage in creative play and crafts under professional supervision and—where possible—also practice speaking German
Cultural group
Enzian Dance Group
The Enzian dance group enriches community life at DFD Iași with spirited performances and cultivates German dance and traditional dress in Moldavia.
Events of DFD Iași
Coming up
UpcomingYouthEducationCommunity
Crafts with the little ones
Organiser: DFD Iași
Location: Iași
DFD Iași is planning the event “Crafts with the little ones” for November 2026.
UpcomingTraditionsCommunityReligion
Advent celebration
Organiser: DFD Iași
Location: Iași
DFD Iași is planning the event “Advent celebration” for December 2026.
Recently held
PastHistoryEducationCommunity
Journey into the past
Organiser: DFD Iași
Location: Iași
DFD Iași is planning the event “Journey into the past” for September 2026.
PastCommunityCulture
Mother’s Day celebration
Organiser: DFD Iași
Location: Iași
DFD Iași held the event “Mother’s Day celebration” in May 2026.
DFD Iași held the event “Mother’s Day celebration” in May 2026. Members and guests came together in a pleasant atmosphere. The programme provided opportunities to meet and exchange ideas and strengthened local community and cultural life.
PastTraditionsCommunityReligion
Easter celebration
Organiser: DFD Iași
Location: Iași
DFD Iași held the event “Easter celebration” in April 2026.
DFD Iași held the event “Easter celebration” in April 2026. Members and guests came together in a pleasant atmosphere. The programme provided opportunities to meet and exchange ideas and strengthened local community and cultural life.
Contact & Forum Location
Democratic Forum of Germans in Iași
Chair
Prof. Dr. Astrid Agache
Address
Str. 14 Decembrie 1989 Nr. 2 bis
700123 Iași
700123 Iași
Telephone
Website
Location of DFD Iași
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About us
Learn more about the history, responsibilities and leadership of the Regional Forum.
German heritage
Discover the history, culture and traditions of the region.
Youth
Discover projects and activities of the younger generation.