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Sprache. Kultur. Deutschland.

Communicating with the world.  
For diversity, understanding and trust.  

Students at the Goethe-Institut in Schwäbisch Hall in 1975

© Goethe-Institut/Michael Friedel © Goethe-Institut/Michael Friedel

154

branches of the Goethe-Institut are active in 100 countries around the world. 

12

of the institutes are in Germany.

1952

the first Goethe-Institut opened in Athens.

4,394

employees are at work worldwide.

Learn German

Learn German with success in more than 90 countries on-site at your Goethe-Institut or online.

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75 Years of the Goethe-Institut

The Goethe-Institut in Its Anniversary Year

For 75 years, the Goethe-Institut has stood worldwide for encounter, dialogue, and cultural collaboration. The anniversary year 2026 invites us to look back on this history. Discover our anniversary website!

Dancers on a stage © Ethel Deirdre/Jun Yap Won

History of the Goethe-Institut

Explore the history of the Goethe-Institut and discover surprising, curious, and fascinating moments from more than 75 years of international cultural and language work.

A dancer on stage © Goethe-Institut/Caroline Lessire

Our Anniversary Programme

Our Anniversary programme highlights how culture, language, and exchange connect people and shape the future. Here you can find an overview of all events.

Dancer reflected in the wall beside him © Massimiliano Corteselli

German Language

Quick access

in the background, a brick building and a bicycle, which leans against a railing, are blurred; in the foreground two men whose faces are shown with dark hair and beards, to the right in front of the men a woman with blonde dutt, whose face you can not see, she wears a blue sports jacket and black handle bag, where green water bottle looks out © Goethe-Institut/ Sonja Tobias

Learn German with Boto – monstrously strong!

The Boto Crew makes education tangible and excites children about knowledge, personal development, and international cultural diversity. With the Boto Crew, learning German becomes an adventure: Our child-friendly materials and concepts are designed for educators, teachers, and parents of children aged 3–11.

Boto Crew © Goethe-Institut

Managing immigration

German language skills and good preparation for life and work in Germany are essential for successful and sustainable integration of immigrants. With a wide range of learning and information resources, the Goethe-Institut supports people in all relevant countries of skilled labor migration on their way to Germany.

Managing immigration © Goethe-Institut

15.5M

people learn German worldwide. 9.4 million of them in Europe.

1.1M

German exams were taken at the Goethe-Institut exam centres in 2024.

8,600

teachers of German as a foreign language took part in our certification programmes within one year.

Culture

Quick access

Exterior view of Villa Kamogawa in Kyoto. © Noriko Sawai/Goethe-Institut

Ecological Futures

Ecological Futures deals with the ecological and social challenges posed by climate change and social developments. It brings together actors from urban practice, art and culture and neighborhood residents to tackle concrete problems and concrete opportunities in their neighborhoods.

Canemorto, Combo with Ema Jons © Gian Andrea Montanino

Culture Moves Europe

With Culture Moves Europe, the Goethe-Institut implements the European Union’s largest programme for cultural mobility. A wide range of fields is supported – from architecture, cultural heritage, design and fashion design to literature, as well as music, performing arts and visual arts.

Logo Culture Moves Europe Goethe-Institut / European Union 2025

25,000

cultural events delighted 6,6 million people worldwide within one year.

130

artists took part in the residency programmes worldwide in 2024

278

book translations into 36 languages were funded in 2024.

Network

The Goethe-Institut is represented by 154 institutes in 100 countries around the world. In 1952 the first Goethe-Institut opened in Athens.

World Map with locations of Goethe-Institut

Career

We will show you what we stand for as an employer and as a globally active cultural institute and what we offer you. Get to know us! We are the Goethe-Institut.

Karriere © Goethe-Institut © Goethe-Institut

  • Press

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