The University of Michigan Department of Germanic Languages and Literatures' photo contest was open to all students affiliated with the department through research, study, or an internship abroad completed between May 1-August 31, 2017. We received over 40 submissions and photos were judged on subject matter, composition, technical quality, creativity, and originality by a select panel of U-M staff and faculty members. Award winners received monetary prizes and bragging rights. The winners are:

First Place

The Top, taken in Obertsdorf, Bayern, Germany, by Robert Fenton, Mechanical Engineering BSE, German Studies Minor (2019), a Summer 2017 recipient of a Sturm Scholarship for Goethe-Institut Study. 

“Right as I reached the top of a mountain after a hike, there happened to be people paragliding off the top. It was a spectacular convergence of man and nature.”

Robert received a $100 award for this great photo. Congratulations, Robert!

Second Place

Kinderfest at St. Michael's Church, taken in Schwäbisch Hall, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, by Anne-Elizabeth Jones, German BA (2020), Summer 2017 recipient of a Sturm Scholarship for Goethe-Institut Study.

“The children of Schwäbisch Hall release balloons on the steps of St. Michael's Church during Kinderfest.”

Anne-Elizabeth received a $75 award for her picture. Congratulations, Anne-Elizabeth!

Third Place

Heiliggeistkirche, München, Bayern, Germany, by Kiera Soraghan, Chemical Engineering BSE, German Studies Minor (2018).

“Heiliggeistkirche located in München, Bayern. There was a special art exhibit on display, of white paper doves descending on the altar.”

Kiera received a $50 award for this great photo. Congratulations, Kira!

Many great photos were submitted which did not receive prizes. Some of these images can be found on the department's Facebook page, facebook.com/umichGerman, and in the department's marketing materials.