German Consulate General in Chicago

Sister City of the Week 🇩🇪🤝🇺🇸

Shawnee, Kansas and Erfurt, Thuringia established their sister city partnership in 1990, fostering a lasting connection through cultural exchange, student programs, and community engagement that continues to strengthen international friendships between both cities.

Erfurt is known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture, historic cathedral, and role as the capital of the German state of Thuringia, while Shawnee is recognized for its strong community spirit, parks and trails, and growing cultural and economic development within the Kansas City metropolitan area.

Have you been to either city?

Two stars of the German Women’s National Soccer Team and bronze medalists from the Olympic Games in Paris came together last week following the match between the Chicago Stars and Gotham FC.

Ann-Katrin Berger, who plays for the New York team Gotham FC and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and Kathrin Hendrich, a standout defender for the Chicago Stars FC with 90 international appearances for Germany, were joined by the Head of Consular Section at the Consulate, Steffen Rose for a special post-match moment in Chicago.

The following day, Hendrich visited the German Consulate to meet with Consul General Ahrens.