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noun, Ge
and congeniality. Can one word sum up an evening
of relaxed conversation in a warm atmosphere of
acceptance that creates a cheerful feeling? Dieter and
Wilma Brueckner would say yes, and the word is
"Gemuetlichkeit."
of Germans at Murphy's Law Pub and Brauhaus in
downtown Bryan on the third Friday of every month.
"There is no word in English that means the same,"
explains Wilma, who grew up in Berlin. Compared to
the English language, German has many more specific
words for various items and situations. The opportunity
to talk freely in their language brings Germans, living
in Bryan and College Station, together to enjoy one
another's company as well as the food and drinks served
at the Bavarian Brauhaus.
whatever we want to, as long as it is in German," describes
Wilma. "Everyone has stories to tell. We celebrate
birthdays together, and when parents are visiting from
Germany, this is a good place to bring them."
monthly gatherings in
Bryan Brauhaus
friends, cooking traditional foods,
listening to favorite music, and taking trips back to visit
Germany helped her stay connected to her heritage. Now
the Brauhaus provides a place to regularly assemble.
Brauhaus are women, and their American husbands and
children join in the fun. "Little kids are always welcome,"
Dieter emphasizes. "The musicians like to invite the
children to come up and dance while they play."
music," adds Wilma, noting that the music reflects the
regional differences in her homeland. Berlin is in the
north, while her husband's hometown, Nuremberg, is
in the south. Both lost a spouse, when mutual friends in
Houston introduced them, and they have been married
for four years.
think of German music as oompah bands and yodeling,
but those are traditions from southern Germany," he
added. Wilma agrees, "They don't yodel in Berlin!"
to enjoy the bands, singing, and folk dancing. They
attend the Tomball German Heritage Festival, Maifest
in Brenham, and German Fest in Deanville at St. John's
Lutheran Church. Locally, they have provided food for
the World Fest German booth at Wolf Pen Creek.