Democratic Forum of Germans in Pitești
DFDR Pitești represents the interests of the German minority and friends of the German language and culture in Argeș County. The Forum organises regular gatherings, cultural exhibitions and traditional celebrations to strengthen the sense of community and actively contribute to intercultural exchange in Pitești.
The local forum is part of the Old Romania & Bukovina Regional Forum and connects its members through community, cultural, and social work in the local area. The DFD Pitești is a local branch of the DFDR without its own legal personality and is organizationally integrated into its structure
The Forum Board
The board coordinates the activities of the local forum and represents the interests of the German community on site
- Helga-Helene Iana-Ebenhöh – Chair
- Walter Rynthie – Secretary
- Six-member board
History of the Forum
31 members enrolled in the forum at the founding meeting. The German Forum in Pitești was founded in 1995 on the initiative of Mr. Petre Ionescu, who, together with Messrs. Rynthie, Dewald, and Ebenhöh, identified other ethnic Germans from our city and from Argeș County by searching the telephone directory and the archives of the Roman Catholic and Evangelical churches. These gentlemen are the founding members of the German Forum Pitești
Since its founding in 1995, the Forum has operated from three different locations due to financial reasons and unsuitable conditions
In 2006, the Roman Catholic parish provided the forum with a room free of charge, as well as access to a larger room for events. The forum was led by Helga-Helene Iana-Ebenhöh and a six-member board; Walter Rynthie served as secretary
Activities and priorities
Activities & regular gatherings
Some loyal members meet on the first Saturday of every month, except during the summer and winter months. At a typical meeting, people speak German, drink tea or coffee, read the German newspaper (ADZ), and borrow books from the forum library. Special meetings are held at Easter and Christmas. We bring traditional German dishes, listen to traditional music, and sing Christmas carols. These meetings last several hours, and people enjoy themselves. Until three years ago, we also organised German courses, but then the German teacher could no longer attend due to lack of time
Achievements & festive culture
Among the special events organised by the Pitești Forum, we can mention the special gathering on German Unity Day, October 3rd. We began this tradition two years ago. Perhaps the most important project we are involved in is the “Interethnic Festival,” which has been organised in our city since 2007. All ethnic groups in our region participate: Roma, Hungarians, Italians, and Greeks. In 2007, we participated with an exhibition of postcards from German-speaking countries, as well as an exhibition of German and Austrian traditional costumes
Continuation of Meetings and German Courses
Unfortunately, the small number of active members, most of whom are very old and ill, as well as our financial difficulties, prevent us from planning specific projects. However, we intend to continue organising meetings and small celebrations. And of course, we want to resume the German courses for children
Other
Like other small towns, we too face the problem of an aging membership. Year after year, our numbers dwindle. Some pass away, others become immobile. And young people are always busy and preoccupied with everyday worries. It is very difficult for them to attend our meetings, and unfortunately, our biggest problem is their knowledge of the German language
Events of DFD Pitești
Coming up
No upcoming event has been announced yet.
Recently held
There are no dated events in the central archive yet.
Contact & Forum Location
Democratic Forum of Germans in Pitești
Chair
Helga-Helene Iana-Ebenhöh
Address
Str. Făgăraș, Bl. D3, Sc. A, Ap. 11
110079 Pitești
110079 Pitești
Telephone
Website
Location of DFD Pitești
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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.