On Maundy Thursday, we did not gather at our regular “Stammtisch” for obvious reasons, but I promised Janet Frese – the latest new comer in our team stateside – last month that I would explain what “Stammtisch” is all about. It is literally a table reserved for regular guests in local restaurants or meeting places. Germans have the widespread custom that they meet on a regular schedule for all sorts of stuff – like playing cards (Skat) or board games. Many societies or fraternities do this. Even here in Wittenberg. The hunters meet at the “Grauer Wolf” and friends of Ukraine meet in their clubhouse down the road from the “Paul Gerhardt-Stift”.

After the demise of the Soviet Union and the fall of the iron curtain local tour guides in Wittenberg were eager to improve their English. That´s why they started regular meetings with tourists and advertised it as an “English-Stammtisch”. Mother tongue speakers were especially welcome. They met in various locations until “Haus des Handwerks” opposite the “Luther-House” became the favorite destination for the patrons of this “English-Stammtisch.

This is where Kristin Straeuli ne Lange introduced me to this illustrious gathering nearly a decade ago. Several of the founder members are still regulars today – like the local tour guides: Thomas Schmidt, Thomas Glaubig, Margot Rensch, Monika Kaiser etc. and local historian and publisher Mario Dittrich. Then we have English mother-tongue-speakers. We meet them in sporadic tourist groups like those dropping in for a day or two with “Viking Tours”. Every year “Wittenberg University ” (Springfield, Ohio) facilitates a student and teacher exchange in this Luther city. They stay for three months or so and frequent our “English Stammtisch” in this period. Fulbright exchange students frequent the local school system. Some of them become “Stammgäste” (regulars) at the “English Stammtisch” whilst they are here. A third group are Lutherans from all over the world, who come to visit their heritage sites. This is balanced by catholic regulars, who belong to the RCC St.Marys down the road. So, we are a mixed bunch of beans meeting on most Thursdays for “English-Stammtisch”.

After Covid the venue “Haus des Handwerks” went bust. Since then, we´ve hosted “English-Stammtisch” in the Old Latin School. In winter it’s in our foyer, but in summer it´s outside (if it doesn´t rain!). Rob Bourassa, James Krikava and Matthew Harrison have kicked up a storm with their band drawing crowds on church square. Guests enjoy some beverage, smoke their smokes and talk about whatever comes to mind or as we put it “über Gott und die Welt”.  It is a perfect venue and opportune for meeting various fans of Wittenberg. You are most welcome to come and see for yourself.

Click here to read more about “Stammtisch” and Luther´s idea of “Table talk”.