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SCMP Reporter

TWO months after Gorda Schraudolph moved to Hong Kong from Germany, the Berlin Wall between East and West Germany came down.

  Although far from home, Ms Schraudolph was able to celebrate the momentous occasion three years ago with her compatriots - at the German Speaking Ladies' Group of Hong Kong.

   For German speakers newly arrived in Hong Kong, the German Speaking Ladies' Group provides a familiar ear in what can be an alien-sounding land.

  The group began nine years ago with the intention of assisting German speakers adjust to Hong Kong, and now boasts about 200 members.

  It offers a variety of attractions for newcomers - the main one being the network of German speakers the group can provide.

  ''At the beginning, it helped me a lot,'' said Ms Schraudolph, who is now chairwoman of the group.

  ''You can phone someone if you have a question. There's an information letter every month. ''   But an information letter is not the only publication it produces. The group also provides a book known as Leitfaden.

  The popular Leitfaden is written in German and includes all the essential information needed in Hong Kong.

  It includes advice on where to shop, eat, seek advice, as well as other useful tips.

  The $100 book has become so popular that it is also sold in an English form.

  ''People appreciate [the book] very much,'' she said.

  However, producing publications is not the only service. The group also arranges venues at which German-speaking people can meet.

  On the third Tuesday of each month, for example, it holds meetings at which carefully selected speakers address group members. The speech is followed by a meal.

  In addition, a dinner is held on the fourth Thursday of each month at a restaurant and spouses are encouraged to attend.

  Throughout the year, the group plans excursions. These are trips which some members might not be inclined to organise alone. Bicycle trips and visits to Macau are among the recent events.

  However, they are not held for just social reasons. Activities are also sponsored by the group to raise money for charity.

  Charitable causes to benefit from recent donations include a school for the blind. Packages of clothes and shoes have also been sent to Vietnamese camps.

  Ms Schraudolph said membership was not intended for Germans alone. Australians, Swiss, and even German-speaking Japanese have joined the ranks.

  ''[Members from] seven to eight foreign countries are included.''   It is this ''togetherness'' in Hong Kong - albeit linked by a foreign language - which she believes to be important.

  It is a feeling she saw in the group when first moving to Hong Kong and which, during reunification, she felt extended beyond the confines of the group.

  ''During reunification, I think everyone was glad,'' she said.



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