Halle's debate star: Katharina Starzmann conquers runner-up championship!

Halle's debate star: Katharina Starzmann conquers runner-up championship!

in Halle there was reason to be happy: 17-year-old Katharina Starzmann achieved the impressive second place in the “Jugend debated” competition. With her eloquent appearance, she not only convinced the jury, but also the approximately 550 spectators who are set up the exciting debate about the question "Should a federal authority be defended for defense against disinformation?" looked at. Katharina represented the Contra page and impressively demonstrated that she really mastered a debattant's tools. The competition, which offers an important platform for young people, promotes a democratic culture of dispute and rhetoric among the participants

Katharina, student of the eleventh grade at the Georg-Cantor-Gymnasium, attended performance courses in biology and math and developed a passion for debate culture early on. The “Jugend debates” competition is not only active in Germany, but is also very popular in almost 40 countries worldwide, as ghst.de. The international character of the program offers the participants the opportunity to expand their language skills in German and at the same time learn skills competencies, including a change of perspective and respectful handling of different opinions.

competitive structure and conditions of participation

The competition is divided into several levels: school, regional, state and finally the federal level. Schools must be registered as “partner schools” in order to be able to participate in the competition. Around 200,000 young people take part annually who compete in heated debates. What many do not know: The participants only find out shortly before the debate whether they have to argue for or against the question, which increases the challenge for each of them.

The quality of the debate is in the foreground when evaluating, not the opinion represented. Katharina emphasizes how important it is to practice the change of perspective and also understand other opinions, especially in an increasingly polarized society. "Respectful discussions are essential," said the young runner -up.

A look into the future

Although she now takes her place on the podium, Katharina will not take part in the next round of "Jugend debated" because she is planning to study medicine after graduation. However, it has made a firm commitment to use the learned skills and the importance of a respectful, democratic discussion culture in its future life.

by programs such as "Jugend debates" not only promoted the democratic dialogue, but also the ability of young people to use their own word. At a time when disagreements are often carried out loud and rude, Katharina shows that a respectful culture of dispute is not only possible, but also necessary.

Further information on "Jugend Debatted" can also be found on Jugend Debattiert-hamburg.de.