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

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 cont

inuing 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: 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?

🔄 German Phrase of the Week: Den Spieß umdrehenSome situations call for a shift in perspective — or even a complete chan...
05/02/2026

🔄 German Phrase of the Week: Den Spieß umdrehen

Some situations call for a shift in perspective — or even a complete change of roles. The German phrase „den Spieß umdrehen“ literally means to turn the skewer around, but figuratively it’s used when someone actively turns a situation to their advantage — much like saying “the tables have turned,” with an intentional twist.

It’s often used in conversations about leadership, negotiations, or moments when initiative makes all the difference. Have you ever had the chance den Spieß umzudrehen?

✈️ German word of the week: Das Fernweh ✨Some words capture feelings you didn’t even realize had a name. Fernweh describ...
04/04/2026

✈️ German word of the week: Das Fernweh ✨

Some words capture feelings you didn’t even realize had a name. Fernweh describes that deep longing to be somewhere else — to explore, to travel, to see what’s beyond the familiar. Often called the opposite of homesickness, it’s the quiet (or not so quiet) urge for new places and perspectives.

Where is your Fernweh taking you right now?

German Phrase of the Week: „die Weichen stellen“In business, success rarely happens by accident — it starts with thought...
03/21/2026

German Phrase of the Week: „die Weichen stellen“

In business, success rarely happens by accident — it starts with thoughtful planning and intentional choices. The German phrase „die Weichen stellen“ captures this perfectly. Just like switching tracks on a railway, it means laying the groundwork and setting a clear direction for what’s ahead.

Whether it’s new initiatives, strategic partnerships, or upcoming opportunities, now is the perfect moment to die Weichen für ein erfolgreiches Jahr zu stellen.

What are you setting the course for this season?

📬 German Phrase of the Week: „Auf dem Laufenden bleiben“In today’s fast‑moving work environment, information changes qui...
03/07/2026

📬 German Phrase of the Week: „Auf dem Laufenden bleiben“

In today’s fast‑moving work environment, information changes quickly — and staying connected makes all the difference. The German phrase „auf dem Laufenden bleiben“ captures exactly that: keeping yourself in the loop, staying informed, and making sure you’re always one step ahead.

Whether it’s new projects, upcoming events, or transatlantic developments, staying auf dem Laufenden keeps teams aligned and ideas moving forward.

What helps you stay updated during busy weeks?

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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