GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc.

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GACC Midwest - German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest, Inc. The German American Chamber of Commerce of the Midwest (GACC Midwest) is the official representative of German business in the US.

GACC Midwest supports apprenticeship programs and transatlantic trade and offers services to its 610+ member companies. The German American Chamber of Commerce® of the Midwest (GACC Midwest), headquartered in Chicago with a branch office in Detroit, was founded in 1963. GACC Midwest is an integral part of the German Chamber Network (AHKs) with 130 offices in 90 countries around the globe. Our continuing mission is to further, promote, and assist in the expansion of bilateral trade and investment between Germany and the United States, especially the Midwest. Our organization combines elements of a trade commission, a membership association, and a professional consultancy - quite a unique concept in international trade promotion. GACC Midwest’s territory covers 14 U.S. states: the 13 states of the Midwest (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin) and Colorado, comprising together approximately one quarter of the nation’s geographical area, its population, and its GDP. GACC Midwest’s headquarters, which we share with Germany Trade and Invest (GTaI) and FrankfurtRhineMain Corp., is located in the heart of downtown Chicago. Our Michigan office, located in Detroit, is shared with the Detroit Regional Chamber (DRC).

German Phrase of the Week: (Keinen) Bock habenSome of the most useful German expressions are the ones you'll hear in eve...
09/26/2026

German Phrase of the Week: (Keinen) Bock haben

Some of the most useful German expressions are the ones you'll hear in everyday conversations. „(Keinen) Bock haben“ literally means “to (not) have buck” but is used to say that you do or don't feel like doing something.

Informal and widely used, it's the kind of phrase you might hear among friends, colleagues, or anyone being honest about their motivation. Sometimes you're excited to take on a new challenge. Other times, you simply hast keinen Bock.

What’s something you always have Bock on doing? 😄

🏖️ German Word of the Week: UrlaubsreifWe've all had those weeks when a getaway sounds especially appealing. The German ...
09/05/2026

🏖️ German Word of the Week: Urlaubsreif

We've all had those weeks when a getaway sounds especially appealing. The German word „urlaubsreif“ literally means “vacation ripe” and describes the feeling of being ready for, or in need of, a vacation.

After weeks of deadlines, meetings, and packed calendars, even the most dedicated professionals start dreaming of their next getaway. That's exactly the feeling urlaubsreif describes: the point when a vacation shifts from a nice idea to a real necessity.

Are you feeling urlaubsreif yet? ✈️

👁️ German Word of the Week: AugenblickSome German words pack a surprising amount of meaning into just a few syllables. „...
08/22/2026

👁️ German Word of the Week: Augenblick

Some German words pack a surprising amount of meaning into just a few syllables. „Augenblick“ literally translates to “glance of an eye” and refers to a brief moment in time. Depending on the context, it can mean “just a second” or “a moment.”

Whether you're waiting for an answer, asking someone to hold on for a moment, or simply referring to a brief point in time, Augenblick is a versatile word you'll hear in both everyday and professional conversations.

German Phrase of the Week: Jemandem die Stirn bietenSome challenges call for courage. The German phrase „jemandem die St...
08/08/2026

German Phrase of the Week: Jemandem die Stirn bieten

Some challenges call for courage. The German phrase „jemandem die Stirn bieten“ literally means “to offer someone your forehead” and is used when standing your ground, confronting opposition, or refusing to back down in the face of pressure.

Whether it's defending an idea, overcoming obstacles, or speaking up for what's right, this phrase captures the spirit of facing challenges head-on with confidence and determination.

When was the last time you had to jemandem die Stirn bieten?

💡 German Phrase of the Week: Mir geht ein Licht aufWe've all experienced that moment when confusion suddenly gives way t...
07/25/2026

💡 German Phrase of the Week: Mir geht ein Licht auf

We've all experienced that moment when confusion suddenly gives way to clarity. The German phrase „Mir geht ein Licht auf“ captures the feeling of finally understanding something, making a connection, or discovering the solution to a problem. It's the perfect expression for those satisfying aha! moments when everything suddenly clicks.

When was the last time dir ein Licht aufgegangen ist?

🌸 German Phrase of the Week: Durch die BlumeSometimes the message is clear, even when it isn't stated directly. The Germ...
07/11/2026

🌸 German Phrase of the Week: Durch die Blume
Sometimes the message is clear, even when it isn't stated directly. The German phrase „durch die Blume“ literally means “through the flower” and is used when someone expresses criticism, a suggestion, or an uncomfortable truth in a polite or indirect way.

Rather than saying something outright, the speaker hints at it—hoping the message will be understood without causing offense.

Have you ever received feedback durch die Blume?

🦌 German Word of the Week: PlatzhirschSome words paint a picture instantly. The German term „Platzhirsch“ literally mean...
06/27/2026

🦌 German Word of the Week: Platzhirsch

Some words paint a picture instantly. The German term „Platzhirsch“ literally means “place deer” and refers to the dominant animal in a territory. In everyday and professional language, it’s used to describe a company or individual that leads the field — the one setting the pace and standing out from the competition.

Whether in business, technology, or industry, every sector has its Platzhirsch.

Who would you consider the Platzhirsch in your field?

⚙️ German Word of the Week: AutomatisierungstechnikAs innovation continues to shape modern industry, automation plays a ...
06/13/2026

⚙️ German Word of the Week: Automatisierungstechnik

As innovation continues to shape modern industry, automation plays a key role in driving efficiency, precision, and growth. The German word „Automatisierungstechnik“ refers to the technology and systems that enable processes to run automatically — from manufacturing lines to smart production environments.

What role does Automatisierungstechnik play in your field?

🌳 German Phrase of the Week: Man sieht den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nichtSometimes when we’re deeply focused on details, i...
05/30/2026

🌳 German Phrase of the Week: Man sieht den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht

Sometimes when we’re deeply focused on details, it’s easy to lose sight of the bigger picture. The German phrase „man sieht den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht“ literally means “not seeing the forest because of all the trees.”

In everyday English, it’s best captured as “getting lost in the weeds” — when focusing too much on details makes it hard to see the bigger picture.

Have you ever felt like you couldn’t see the forest for the trees?

🍏 German Phrase of the Week: In den sauren Apfel beißenNot every task is enjoyable — but sometimes it’s necessary to mov...
05/16/2026

🍏 German Phrase of the Week: In den sauren Apfel beißen

Not every task is enjoyable — but sometimes it’s necessary to move forward. The German phrase „in den sauren Apfel beißen“ literally means “to bite into the sour apple” and is used when facing an unpleasant situation head‑on because it’s unavoidable.

Whether it’s a tough decision, a difficult conversation, or an extra challenge at work, this phrase captures that moment when you accept reality and get it done anyway.

Have you had to in den sauren Apfel beißen recently?

Address

150 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL
60601

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13126442662

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