DFDR Suceava

A local meeting place for the German community.

Forum premises and encounters

A place for dialogue, cultural work and community initiatives.

Experience community

Gatherings, celebrations and cultural programmes connect the generations.

Passing on culture

The German language, customs and traditions are cultivated together.

Suceava through the years

Historical traces recall German life in the town and the region.

Democratic Forum of Germans in Suceava

DFDR Suceava represents the interests of the German minority and its friends in Suceava, the historic metropolis of Bukovina, and the surrounding communities. As an important pillar of the Regional Forum of Old Romania & Bukovina, the organisation works to preserve Bukovina-German identity, language and historical traditions and to promote peaceful coexistence in multi-ethnic Bukovina.

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

Corina Derla – Chair
Gabriel-Norbert Cornea – Board member
Ștefana Cornea – Board member
Aurelian Tyron – Board member
Narcisa-Amedeia Vițega – Board member

Corina Derla, Chair of the Local Forum in Suceava — The board of the Suceava Forum: Corina Derla – Chairwoman (centre), Aurelian Tyron and Norbert Cornea (standing), and Ami Vitega and Stefana Cornea (seated)

Meaning of the Coat of Arms of the Suceava Forum

History of the Forum

The history of the Bukovina Germans in the Suceava region is closely linked to the development of the Duchy of Bukovina since the late 18th century. After the region's incorporation into the Habsburg Monarchy, craftsmen, civil servants, teachers, miners, and farmers from various German-speaking regions settled there and made significant contributions to the modernization of Suceava's infrastructure, education system, and economy

The resettlement of 1940 marked a profound turning point for the German community in the Suceava region

After the 1989 revolution, the Democratic Forum of Germans in Suceava was re-established in the spring of 1990. It revived the tradition of the Bukovina German associations and became a point of contact for the Germans who remained in the region, as well as for those interested in German culture and language

Activities and priorities

Youth Support & Bukovina Initiatives

The Forum pays particular attention to promoting German language instruction in local schools and youth projects within the framework of the Old Romania & Bukovina Regional Forum, in order to keep awareness of the shared cultural heritage alive among younger generations

Cultural group

Veilchen Folk Dance Group

The Veilchen folk dance group, founded by Ștefana Cornea, introduces young people to traditional dances and represents DFD Suceava at cultural gatherings in Bukovina and beyond.

The Veilchen folk dance group at a cultural gathering in Bukovina.

Young people cultivate Bukovina’s traditional dances.

Folk dance as vibrant youth and community work in Suceava.

Events of DFD Suceava

Coming up

Reformation Day in Suceava County – DFDR Suceava

UpcomingHistoryReligionCommunity

November 2026 – exact date to follow

Reformation Day in Suceava County

Organiser: DFDR Suceava

Location: Suceava

DFDR Suceava is planning the event “Reformation Day in Suceava County” for November 2026.

Event page

UpcomingTraditionsCommunityReligion

December 2026 – exact date to follow

Advent celebration

Organiser: DFDR Suceava

Location: Suceava

DFDR Suceava is planning the event “Advent celebration” for December 2026.

Event page

Recently held

PastTraditionsCommunityMusic

27. September 2026

Oktoberfest in Suceava

Organiser: DFDR Suceava

Location: Suceava

DFDR Suceava is holding “Oktoberfest in Suceava” on 27 September 2026 from 12:30 p.m.

Event page

PastCultureEducation

May 2026 – exact date to follow

Lectora Festival

Organiser: DFDR Suceava

Location: Suceava

DFDR Suceava held the event “Lectora Festival” in May 2026.

Event page

PastTraditionsCommunityReligion

April 2026 – exact date to follow

Easter celebration

Organiser: DFDR Suceava

Location: Suceava

DFDR Suceava held the event “Easter celebration” in April 2026.

Event page

All events

Regular Activities & Traditions

Throughout the year, the Suceava German Forum organises numerous cultural and social events, including the traditional annual celebrations of Easter, the May Festival, the harvest festival, St Martin’s Day, St Nicholas’ Day and Christmas. The Forum’s premises also host regular members’ meetings, talks on the history of the Germans in Bukovina, book presentations and cultural afternoons that foster linguistic and interpersonal exchange.

As part of the Bukovina region’s diverse ethnic mosaic, the Suceava Forum works closely with local authorities, the Bukovina Museum (Muzeul Bucovinei), schools and other minority organisations, including Polish, Ukrainian and Armenian organisations. Joint exhibitions, symposia and musical events are a regular part of the annual programme.

Contact & Forum Location